Light Shines From the Inside Out...

Here's something to think about the next time you find yourself in a situation or predicament where you are unsure of which way to go or which path to choose. Step back, take a look at the situation, and ask yourself, "Is my desire to do this coming from outside influences or is this something that I, internally, really want to do?".

You see, the answer to this question, all be it somewhat elementary in nature, can help you to establish whether or not the decision you are about to make is of God or not. You see, God works from the inside out where Satan works from the outside in. Now before you dismiss this as being some kind of Christian psycho-babel, give it time to sink in. Think about it for a minute, everything that you do that is sinful in nature is externally motivated. You want to impress another person so you steal what you can not afford. You feel peer pressure so you smoke, drink, do drugs, or abuse your body. You turn on the television or open a magazine (external sensation) and give in to the urge to watch or look at something you know you should not. The list goes on and on...

We read in Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

The devil tempts us, causes us to question God's Word, and even adds his own words from time to time to do just enough to cause us to slip and fall. Once he is able to do this then he goes on full attack. It's like the recovering alcoholic who sincerely wants to change his life. He knows that he MUST stay away from the bar. But, in a moment of weakness, he gives in to the badgering of his old "friends" and goes into the bar just to spend time with them. Once inside, the devil goes to work. He says something like, "You're gonna look stupid if you sit here without a beer, you don't have to drink it, just sit it there so you don't look foolish." Once he get the beer, then the devil says something like, "One sip won't hurt, I mean after all even the people of the Bible drank, see it says right there in 1 Timothy 5:23, Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities., so a little won't hurt." So he drinks the beer and then the devil pours it on! "Well how can you say that you're a changed man when you are here in a bar drinking!?! You might as well go on and have another since you've gone this far!" And so the man who wanted to change his life ends up staggering out of the bar the next morning, a prisoner to the very thing that he desperately wants to be set free from...

His "friends", the bar, the beer, all external influences that he listened to rather than the internal voice that said NO!...Just something to think about.

What Does It Mean to be a Christian?

There was a saying right at the end of a movie called "Bruce Almighty" where Jim Carey says, Be the Miracle." And while I'm sure many people saw this as a fitting way to end a comedy movie based loosely around the miracle working power of God, these words could not have been more true for how we who have had the privilege of knowing and coming into contact with the Lord of all creation should live our lives in this world. We should be the miracle for those around us and they should be able to see God's miracle working power in us because, whether you think it is fair or not, you are all of God that this world is going to ever see and so you have the obligation of carrying the banner of Christ as long as you choose to be His servant.

So how can we "Be the Miracle"? It really is simple. Too often we think of miracles as supernatural or spectacular when in all actuality we oftentimes miss the miracles that we are blessed with in our lives. Doing what is right and just rather than what is easy can be a miracle. A single mother providing for her children or a father raising his kids on his own and having them grow up to be productive members of society can be and is a miracle. Even something as simple as helping a neighbor in need or sharing the gospel with a loved one can be miraculous. After all, think about it this way, is it not a miracle that you have been given the understanding and the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Even the miracle of ownership of the very Word of God which is the Bible is a miracle...How many 4 thousand year old books do you know of still in circulation today? (huh)...

So be the miracle and watch as God does the miraculous through you!

Back to the Basics...

Have you ever felt like you were so far away from God that you couldn't even see of hear Him anymore? Ever felt disconnected or alone? Maybe you've been walking with God for some time now and suddenly you look around and He's not there or you're not where you wanted to be. If so, know this, God didn't move, you did!

The bible tells us in James 4:8, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." So we see that if we will draw closer to God then He will in turn come to us.

So what does it take to get close to God? Well it's a lot like when you play a sport and you have a bad game, your coach may tell you to get back to the basics. Well the basics with God are the simple things like reading your bible, praying, going to church AND BEING A PART OF THE SERVICE, true worship, testifying of His goodness, and surrounding yourself with good people and influences.

So get back to the basics and see what God can and will do through you!!!