October 25, 2007 by Administrator.

As Christians we should strive to live godly lives. Nearly all Christians would readily declare their willingness to die for Christ. I find this hard to believe since so many Christians struggle with living one day that honors the Lord. My focus turned to that yesterday: “How can I live just one day, TODAY, in a way that honors the Lord?” I tried to narrow my thoughts to the current moment rather than generalities such as “life”. Our lives as a whole should honor Christ, but are we honoring Him right here and now? If we cannot devote this day to Him, how are we going to give Jesus our lives unto death? Critique your lifestyle right now. Live the Christian life day by day. Take it slow and “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” ~ Philippians 2:12

Posted in Glory to God, Biblical Thoughts, Christian Living | No Comments »

October 18, 2007 by Administrator.

Is self-esteem Scriptural? I have been rolling this question around in my head for the past few weeks. There is a difference in pride and self-esteem, but where is the line? I believe the media would explain these two terms in this manner:

Self-esteem is to be happy with who you are and be self-confident. We are to love ourselves and meet our intra-personal needs. Giving “time out” for yourself, centering your life, and having independence are steps towards self-esteem. However, being prideful is to be arrogant, narcissistic, egotistical, and vain.

Self-esteem seems to be a watered down version of pride. Should not Christians place their confidence in Christ? Should not our independence be lost in our slavery to Jesus? Should we be dependent on ourselves or live a life by faith? I’m not suggesting that we hate ourselves, but rather die daily. I welcome your thoughts on this topic. Is self-esteem Scriptural? If yes, where is the line between it and pride?

…and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance ~ 1 Peter 1:13b-14

Posted in Biblical Thoughts, Today's World | 3 Comments »

October 9, 2007 by Administrator.

The other day I was reading John 21, and the passage where Jesus questions Simon Peter really grabbed me. In verse 15 it says:

So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You ” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.”

John MacArthur says that “these” in verse 15 is most likely referring to the fish. My thoughts began reeling. It is very interesting that Peter in verse 3 had told the other disciples that he was going fishing and they decided to join him. Then Christ asks Him if he loved Him more than the fish (and altogether his trade of fishing). When Peter answers affirmatively, Jesus then commands him to serve Him in the ministry by saying, “tend my lambs”, “shepherd my sheep”, and “tend my sheep”. If Peter really did love Christ, then he had to be willing to give up his livelihood and follow Christ. Am I willing to give up the way I make a living and how I go about my life to follow Christ anywhere? If I love Him as I claim, then I need to be. Jesus very directly tells Peter to “follow Me” in verse 19 and 22. This was not the first time that Peter had been told to “follow” Christ. Perhaps Peter’s heart was not where it should have been.

The second point that really hit deep in my heart was the repeated phrase, “do you love Me?” I believe it is possible for people to be saved, but not in love with Jesus. Peter responded to Christ much like I would have to someone close to me. If your spouse or parent were to ask you, “do you love me”, how would you answer? I would most likely say, “What kind of a question is that? You know I love you. Why would you think otherwise?” If they were to ask again, I would become frustrated. Much like Peter, I believe I would have been grieved if they asked a third time. My thoughts would have been saying, “What have I done lately? Did I say something or did I do something?” I believe Peter wrote off Jesus’ first inquiry. By the third time, it probably grieved him because he knew that Jesus had some serious concern about his love and loyalty. I realize that I am like Peter as well. I have made mistakes. I have gotten into my little fishing boat, doing as I wished all the while claiming to love Jesus. But our call is outside of our what we have created for ourselves. Our call is wherever that “follow Me” leads.

The third area that really convicted me was when I asked myself, “When was the last time I sincerely and reverently told God… I… love… You?” I have very nonchalantly described what He has done for me on the cross many times. It’s easy to say, “I wouldn’t be here without Him” and not think anymore about it. No doubt we appreciate what He has done, but do we love Him dearly? I took some time to evaluate whether or not I was intimately in love with Jesus right now. As of this moment, do you truly love the Lord? Are you willing to leave that fishing boat forever? It was a joyous time for me to contritely tell Jesus… that I loved Him.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You.~ Psalm 51:12-13 NASB

Posted in Biblical Thoughts, Christian Living, Biblical Study, Christian Applications | 3 Comments »