Surrounded by idyllic portrayals of winter wonderlands and an overweight, jolly bearded man, with a magical sleigh, pulled by reindeer; we are flooded with countless enticements to overspend, as we try and fulfill the gift-giving requirements of this imaginary friend.
So caught up in the “𝗝𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆” madness of the season; many well-meaning parents foist upon their unsuspecting children, the idea that this mythical character is actually real!
To be sure; there is 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬 𝗢𝗡𝗘 who actually knows when you’ve been sleeping, and knows when you are awake; who truly knows if you have been bad or good, and it is 𝗡𝗢𝗧 the chubby guy in the red suit!
Is it any wonder that children have a hard time believing in Jesus, later in life, after having been spoofed, regarding the fat man in the red suit, and his com-padre, the Easter Bunny.
Now, don’t get me wrong; we all have traditions regarding many things; they are not all inherently wrong or evil. There are a host of traditions that we get caught up in; holidays, sports games, hunting and fishing seasons, hobbies, and a host of other things.
When it comes to Christmas, take a moment and tell your kids about the real reason for the celebration; it is 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀.
Do your best to tell them that 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗺𝘆𝘁𝗵, and if you are courageous enough, let them in on the whole Santa and Easter Bunny thing; in the end, you 𝗔𝗡𝗗 them, will be glad!
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
I had met Jesus during the summer of 1990; what an amazing year!
Through the efforts of a local church, my family was drawn to an encounter with God; an encounter that would change the course of our lives forever!
I was employed at the time by a local manufacturing facility. I was a project maintenance technician.
My job was primarily to install new equipment, which also required fabricating the necessary support apparatus required; things like steel decking, catwalks, chutes, ladders and much more.
Overcoming a Cursing Habit
Now, prior to me becoming friends with Jesus, I was quite versed in the ways of the world. What I mean to say is that, among many other things, I had a serious cursing problem . . .
I knew all the curse words and was quite proficient in that particular dialect.
However, when I met Jesus, everything began to change; especially my language.
After about 6 months of walking with my new found Friend Jesus, I really thought I was making great progress.
Tested by a Coworker’s Provocation
One evening at work, a coworker who had a special knack for getting under my skin, was pushing the limits of my new found patience.
He was really getting to me and I couldn’t take it anymore, so I spun around and gave him a real verbal tongue lashing, using some of the more disgusting vocabulary I had accumulated over the years.
Now, to be sure, this was not the first time I had delivered such a tirade to this man; but it was the first time I had done it since I’d became friends with Jesus!
My coworker was equally versed in this crude American dialect, and as always, gave it right back to me. After he uttered his comeback, he stormed away in a huff!
Seeking Forgiveness and Restoration
I stood there feeling awful and quite disgusted with myself for having stooped so low. Since it was the night shift, I headed out back of the building and went outside.
I got on my knees, and looking to the dark sky, I cried out to the Lord.
“Oh Lord, I can’t believe I said that to him.” In the quiet darkness, I thought I heard the Lord say back to me; “I do!”
I apologized to the Lord for the unkind and ugly words I had spoken to my coworker; and I asked God to forgive me.
The Lord, as always in His kind voice, assured me that I was forgiven. I felt relieved, and as I stood up to go back inside, the Lord said to me;
“Now I want you to go in there and apologize him.”
Overcoming Resistance through Obedience
“Wait a minute Lord; you don’t know him like I know him. If tell him I’m sorry, I’ll never hear the end of it! He will only get even angrier with me.”
I could tell that the Lord was serious about this and that He was not going let me get out of it.
So . . . I went and tracked down this guy whom I had excoriated a half hour ago. I pulled him aside and told him how very sorry I was that I had said such unkind words to him.
He looked intently at me; then he proceeded to tell what a blankety-blank=blank jerk I was and then he told me to go and blankety-blank . . . you get the idea!
He did just what I knew he would do . . . and I had it coming.
The thing is; after God pressed me to do the right thing with that guy; the whole cursing thing was over and done with!
I don’t think I have ever used a curse word since and it has been nearly 30 years!
You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms
God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!
As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!
This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.
Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!
Have you ever watched a skilled chef carefully sharpen a knife?
It’s a delicate process that requires precision and intention. The chef takes a coarse stone and methodically hones the blade, transforming a dull instrument into a sharp tool.
This same principle applies to our relationships. Just as a knife needs sharpening to perform its best, so do we.
Beyond Surface-Level Connections
When the Bible talks about “iron sharpening iron” (Proverbs 27:17), it’s not referring to casual acquaintances or social media followers.
It’s about deep, meaningful relationships that challenge us to grow, encourage us to persevere, and hold us accountable.
These are the kinds of friendships that shape us, mold us, and make us better people.
The Sharpening Process
Now, let’s be honest. The sharpening process isn’t always comfortable.
Sometimes it involves difficult conversations, honest feedback, or even constructive criticism.
But it’s through these experiences that we learn, grow, and become stronger.
Finding Your Iron Friends
So, who are your iron friends?
They challenge you: They push you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to reach your full potential.
They support you: They’re there for you through thick and thin, offering a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on.
They speak truth: They’re honest with you, even when it’s hard to hear.
They love you unconditionally: They accept you for who you are and love you despite your flaws.
Your Friendship Check-In
Take a moment to reflect on your friendships.
Who is sharpening you? Are there people in your life who are helping you grow and develop?
Who are you sharpening? Are you investing in the lives of others and helping them become better versions of themselves?
If you’re not sure, it might be time to reevaluate your relationships.
Are you surrounding yourself with people who lift you up or bring you down?
Commit to building and nurturing relationships that sharpen you. Be the kind of friend who encourages, supports, and challenges others.
You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms
God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!
As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!
This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.
Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!
The topic of gender roles within marriage has been debated for centuries. While some people may find this verse controversial, it’s important to understand the biblical context and the intended meaning.
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, and he is the Savior of the body.
The phrase “head of the wife” doesn’t mean that the husband is superior to the wife in every way. Instead, it refers to a specific type of leadership.
Spiritual Leadership: The husband is called to be the spiritual leader of the family. This means providing guidance, direction, and spiritual support to his wife and children.
Loving and Sacrificial Leadership: The husband’s leadership should be characterized by love, sacrifice, and service. He should be willing to put his wife’s needs before his own.
The Wife’s Role
The wife’s role is to respect and submit to her husband’s leadership.
This doesn’t mean that she is inferior to him or that she must always agree with him.
It means that she recognizes his authority and seeks to support him in his role as the spiritual leader of the family.
Model of Christ and the Church
The verse uses the relationship between Christ and the church as a model for the relationship between a husband and wife.
Christ is the head of the church, and He loves and protects it; even laying down His life! In a similar way, a husband should love and protect his wife.
The Importance of Unity
The goal of this biblical teaching is not to create a power dynamic within the marriage but to foster unity and love.
When a husband and wife work together in harmony, their marriage can be a beautiful and fulfilling experience.
The biblical understanding of the husband’s role as the head of the wife is one of love, leadership, and service. When this role is fulfilled in a loving and respectful way, it can contribute to a strong and healthy marriage.
You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms
God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!
As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!
This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.
Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!
In a world filled with love songs, romantic movies, and countless declarations of affection, it can sometimes be difficult to discern what true love really is. The apostle John provides a powerful test for love.
but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
According to John, everyone who is born of God recognizes him, and everyone who loves God recognizes the one who was born of God.
This verse implies that true love is a distinguishing characteristic of those who are born of God.
So, how can we use this verse to test the authenticity of love? Here are a few key points to consider:
Love for God: Those who are born of God have a deep and abiding love for God. This love is not merely an emotion; it is a commitment to following God’s ways and seeking to do His will.
Love for Others: True love extends beyond our own personal desires and interests. It includes a genuine concern for the well-being of others, especially those who are marginalized or in need.
Love that Does Not Sin: The Bible tells us that love does not sin (1 John 3:15). Those who truly love God and others will seek to live a life that is free from sin.
Contrast with Counterfeit Love
In contrast to true love, counterfeit love is characterized by selfishness, jealousy, and a lack of concern for others. It may appear loving on the surface, but it ultimately leads to harm and destruction.
The world is full of counterfeit love, and it can be tempting to be deceived by it. But by applying the test of love found in 1 John 4:3, we can discern between true and false love.
Fruit of the Spirit
Another helpful way to recognize true love is to look for the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
These qualities are all hallmarks of genuine love.
Take a moment to examine your own life; are you exhibiting these qualities? Do you have love for God and love for others? If not; perhaps it is time for you to talk to Jesus about these things; and work it out; after all, lack of these qualities in your life indicates that you may not be the Christian person you thought you were!
You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms
God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!
As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!
This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.
Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!
