Dissipation…such an interesting word to be used here. It’s disgust and self-loathing, not to mention the hang-over from too much alcohol consumption. When our lives revolve around partying …it starts to take a toll on us physically and emotionally. We think we’re having fun…but are we? None us know the day we will die, and thinking that we’ll get right with God when we’re older and have sown our wild oats may never happen.
Tag: theology
I Corinthians 1:10 ” I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
There is nothing sadder than a Church that is divided and then splits…it’s a no win situation for everyone. Family and friends are forced to take sides they don’t want to…words are taken out of context…feelings get hurt. The very first thing we must do when Church gossip and problems are getting out of hand is to recognize it as a ploy of the enemy. A divided Church is a weakened Church, is a dying Church. We need to agree in a Spirit of unity to work through conflicts and attitudes in an open, respectful fashion. The Church Body can become healthy again when it is united in mind and sentiment.
Daniel 6: 19-20 ” At the first light of dawn, the King got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God , whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?’ “
King Darius had spent a sleepless night after being tricked by his administrators and satraps into throwing Daniel into the lions’ den. The King had tried to rescue Daniel, but his decree stood and couldn’t be repealed. So here he was at first light, yelling for a response from Daniel. Did the King really imagine that Daniel had survived the night…was he hoping beyond hope…or had Daniel’s trust in God been so very evident that King Darius actually believed it was possible?
Revelation 19:6 ” Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like peals of thunder, shouting: ‘Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.’ “
If you’ve ever been to a huge stadium cheering your team on you can recall the deafening roar of the crowd. Now imagine multiplying that noise by thousands upon thousands. That’s what it sounds like in Heaven. A tremendous throng of saints, all singing Hallelujah and praising God together…and all on the winning team!
Romans 1:17 ” For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’ “
Our Christianity hinges on one little word…faith. We believe what we can not see. We put our trust in someone we’ve never physically met. We have confidence that when we die we’ll have eternal life. Our spiritual walk from beginning to end is entirely based on assurances we’ve read in an ancient book. Yes, Christians are a curious lot…a group of people who stand on faith alone and live by it daily.
I Corinthians 1:5 ” For in Him you have been enriched in every way – in all your speaking and in all your knowledge.”
Take a moment to remember yourself as a brand new Christian…now look at yourself today. From the beginning, the Lord has been pouring into you divine revelation and understanding. He’s been improving, refining, and endowing you in all aspects in order that you might fight the good fight. And today you stand, having been built up in Christ…strong, and full of Godly wisdom.
Job 12:13 ” To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His.”
Elsewhere in Job it says, “His wisdom is profound, His power is vast.” (Job 9:4) God is the very personification of wisdom…He is the source of all understanding and ability. In Him is all power, might and strength. Who is greater than our God?
Romans 15:1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”
As we grow in our Christian faith, things that tempted us early on no longer entice us… for we have grown in wisdom and godliness. So when you see a new Christian struggling, remember where you were as a baby Christian, and as I Thess. 5:14 says, “Help the weak, be patient with everyone.” God brought them to you to encourage not to condemn.
II Corinthians 10: 17-18 ” But, let him who boasts boast in the Lord. For, it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”
The longevity of a ministry has little to do with administrative guidance, good funding, or broad appeal. If you look at the world-wide ministries that have endured for decades, you see humble men and women that don’t call attention to themselves, but rather continually point the way to the Cross as sinners saved by grace.
Proverbs 25:24 ” Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
When I was growing up, husbands had their garages to escape to…now they have their fancy “Man Caves.” Either way, what are they getting away from? Has the family unit disintegrated into constant dissension and strife… with no one winning just everyone losing?
Safetypinlove 