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Category Archives: God

Having a Heart for God!

Having a heart for God is something we often pray for, hear sermons on, think about, long for, and read about in the Psalms (27:4; 42:1-2; 84:1-4). But what does this look like? What does a “heart for God” look like practically?  Allow me to submit five (5) practical items that indicate a heart for God (main points excerpted from Paul Tripp’s book “Age of Opportunity”).

1) Personal Worship & Devotion – When we have a genuine heart for God there will be a fervent desire to spend personal time with God. This type of fellowship happens primarily through studying His Word and in prayer. A Christian who is submitted to God will independently make time for personal worship and devotion. James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”  

2) Desire for Corporate Worship & Instruction – When the weekend approaches what is usually our first thought or reaction about going to church? When we are genuinely pursuing God we will crave, first, for corporate worship, because that is where we can express love and thanksgiving to God for His person and work with people who share the same desire. Psalm 96:7-9, “Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.”  

Secondly, we will long for church on Sunday because of the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. Christians who have a heart for God are hungry and thirsty for solid Biblical instruction and joyfully embrace it rather than looking for ways to avoid it. On a side note, doctrine (biblical instruction) determines how we live our daily life (practical application). For example, you won’t live by faith unless you know God is faithful and trustworthy. 1 Timothy 3:15, “…the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

3) Pursuit for Christian Fellowship – When we have heart for God we will want to spend quality time with others who share the same faith. Christian fellowship is where we can receive help, counsel, friendships, accountability, and encouragement. Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

4) Willing to Discuss Spiritual Matters – Many Christians are closed, defensive, insecure, embarrassed, and unwilling to discuss spiritual needs or things because they don’t see the importance of following God’s will, parental guidance, or spending time in prayer about life matters. When we have a heart for God we will be humble, open, transparent, and willing to discuss spiritual matters with God, our parents, our pastor, or spiritual mentor. Proverbs 11:14, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”     

5) Approaches Decision-making from a Biblical Perspective – Everyday we are faced with many small decisions that eventually add up to big results! When we have a heart for God we will approach decision making from a biblical perspective rather than an impulsive, emotional, and self-pleasing point of view. Every decision we make ought to point to God’s glory somehow. Establishing this mind-set is tough, but by God’s sufficient grace is obtainable. 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

We have many dreams, hopes, wishes, plans, ideas, goals, or visions for our life or for someone else’s life. Many times we get so focused on pursuing so many different things or trying to please various people we fail to develop a heart for God. Is your highest mission in life to develop a heart for God? A heart for God is the root that produces long term fruit of godliness!

Note to Parents: Do you see these items present in the life of your teenager/child? If not, then perhaps a lot of their spirituality is false and they are waiting till the pressures of being religious are removed to show their true colors. Most likely they have learned this “form of Christianity” from you (Deut. 6:1-9).

Reconciliation 101

Reconciliation is an awesome topic to delve into when studying the elements of salvation. Many times we can overlook the awesomeness of this subject. Unfortunately, there is little in-depth preaching delivered on this wonderful theological subject. Sadly, the only time we hear this term is in the context of divorce (i.e. “irreconcilable differences”). I would like to take this post and summarize the elements of reconciliation using 2 Corinthians 5:17-20.

What is reconciliation? The basic everyday definition is “peace between two parties.” In the biblical context, it is where a holy God and a sinful man are brought back together in sweet harmony and fellowship. Ok, now to those elements…

Reconciliation Transforms (v.17) – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” In order for you to be reconciled to God you had to be changed into a new creature. In other words, you somehow have to be declared righteous. Why? Because you were born totally 100% sinful (Colossians 1:21) and incapable of doing anything to earn favor with God (Romans 3:23). Nothing in you motivated Jesus Christ to die for you (Romans 5:8-10). Through salvation you are thoroughly changed!

Reconciliation is through Christ Alone (v.18a, 19a) – “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ…” and in v.19, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them…” There is only one means that this reconciliation can take place, and that is through the person and work of Jesus Christ! The cross is the only occasion that can bring a holy God and a sinful man back into a peaceful fellowship. 1 Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Thank God for demonstrating His love toward you (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)!

Reconciliation is for Everyone (v.19) – “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them…” This reconciliation is for all, no one is left out, excluded, ignored, or overlooked! God loves and desires to be reconciled with everyone (2 Peter 3:9). If you have never repented from your sins and trusted Christ alone for salvation this invitation of mercy and forgiveness is still available today, please contact me I would love to talk with you about it.

Reconciliation Satisfies God’s Wrath (v.21) – “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” In order for God to be reconciled to you He had to appease (satisfy) His wrath against sin. The only way that could be possible was through the violent and sacrificial death of His sinless Son, Jesus Christ.

Reconciliation is our Ministry (v.18b, 19b, 20a) – “…hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation,” “…hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation,” “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ…” If you have been reconciled (saved) it is now your responsibility to reach out to others and tell them the good news of Jesus Christ! You are now God’s ambassador to a lost world. This is ought to be your mission in life.

Praise God for this all-inclusive reconciliation provided through Christ alone that transforms sinful men, satisfies the wrath of God, and is now our ministry!

*Photo taken by: Soulbring

America’s True Hope and Change!

Elections are coming up soon in November and it is always a healthy exercise to review our biblical responsibilities as Christian in the world of politics. How can a Christian make a difference in politics? What is a Christian’s role when it comes to government? I would like to submit 5 responsibilities that every Christian must practice.

1. Obey Them – “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is not power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation” -Romans 13:1-2

We must submit ourselves to all authorities that God places in our lives, even the government. God always blesses obedience to authority. We must be careful to obey every speed limit, not text and drive (if that law applies in your state), and pay our taxes! When we resist obeying our civil authority we actually directly disobey God and place ourselves in a dangerous position that God will not prosper.

2. Pay Them – “For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” – Romans 13:6-7 As hard and unfair as this may seem sometimes we must pay the government not only our money, but our honor and praise. Why do we pay the government?

First, so they can punish evil doers, Romans 13:3a “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?”

Second, so they can praise those who are good, Romans 13:3b “…do that which is good, and thou shall have praise of the same.” We pay the government so they can honor those who do right. For example, in Washington D.C. there are many WW2 monuments and memorials honoring soldiers of their worthy and sacrificial service to our country that were erected with our tax money. That’s biblical!

Third, so they can protect those who do good, Romans 13:4 “For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” A government that is punishing evil doers and honoring good doers will diligently protect the good doers.

3. Pray for Them – “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-4

We as born-again believers must be faithfully praying for our governmental (local, state, and national) officials. In those prayers we must thank God for them. We must pray for their salvation. We must pray for their decision making. Why? Because this is good and acceptable in God’s eyes! A Christian who is faithfully praying for his or her governmental officials will not have time to criticize them.

4. Honor Them – “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.” – Romans 13:5

We can go through our life and outwardly obey our civil authorities, but how much do we actually inwardly honor them? Do we value them and appreciate what they do for us? Do we genuinely respect them? Those are hard questions to honestly answer, but demand answers! Think about it, we ought to be thankful for the government we do have, because that is better than having not government at all. Otherwise, there would be chaos and everyone would be doing what is right in their own eyes. Let’s resolve to honor our authorities! God blesses that!

5. Sway Them – No doubt there are some remaining questions that deal with honoring and obeying a government that is progressively wicked and deceitful. What must a Christian do? Sway them! “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:13-16

Instead of doing what most Christians do and resent them, disobey them, and disrespect them let’s spend our time persuading them to do right! Let’s sway them by sending letters and emails, making phone calls, and faithfully voting according to biblical standards. This will take time, but if every Christian does his or her part God will bless our efforts.

One thing I remind myself and others is that true hope and change is not in political reform, but in the gospel! Let’s implement these five biblical responsibilities and watch God work in great and might ways!

*Photo above taken by: Clarinex

A God Directed Life!

There is no doubt you want God to direct your life. I’m sure at some point in your life you have echoed what the psalmist said, “Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths” (Psalm 25:4).  There are countless people and organizations that are gladly willing to offer you advice and guidance for your life. I want to submit to you that a God directed life never falters and I will biblically prove it to you in Proverbs 3:5-6. In order for God to direct your life you must follow these three commands.

You must trust in the Lord with all your heart (3:5a) – The key word here is trust. It means confidence, to cling to, to confide in. You will never follow someone who you do not trust. You will not place your entire trust in a person whose character you have no knowledge of. A good leader will be trustworthy among his or her followers. The reason many Christians struggle with allowing God to direct their life is due to the fact that they do not know their God very well. Ashamedly, many Christians have a surface and academic knowledge of God, but when it comes to making life altering decisions they struggle in trusting Him with all their heart. If you want to live a life that is directed by God you must take some time to establish a biblical view of God. Your trust will be in proportion to your love for God and your love is in proportion by your knowledge of God.   

You must not lean into your own understanding (3:5b) – The key word here is lean. It means to support one’s self, to rely, to prop up. A good illustration of this key word is observing someone on crutches. When you choose to not trust in the Lord with all your heart your natural default is to trust in your own knowledge and wisdom (understanding). Wow! It’s scary to think that if you fail to trust God you will naturally depend in your own ability and judgment to make decisions! God says you are fool! Proverbs 12:15 states, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes…” To lean into your own understanding is an act of self-confidence that communicates there is no God! Remember, a God directed life never falters. You must depend and lean into God’s wisdom and understanding that is found through Scripture and in prayer.

You must acknowledge Him in all your ways (3:6a) – The key word here is ways. It means road, course of life, journey. It covers every area that life brings your way. God cares and loves you so much that He wants you to recognize (acknowledge) Him in every area. This keeps you on the right path, functions as accountability, and serves to keep you focused. When you are acknowledging God in all your ways that results in a God directed life!

Now, here is the best part. If you obey these three commands that are stated in Scripture, there is a promise that follows. God will direct your paths (3:6b)! This means God will make your paths straight. In other words, you have the blessings of God directing your life! God is your guide! A God directed life never falters! Amen!

The Believer’s Payday!

Workforce 101: The basic elements of the workforce are employer, employee, and paycheck. Simply put, the employer hires a person (aka employee) and as the employee carries out his or her job description to the satisfaction of the employer he or she receives a paycheck on payday! That is workforce 101!

Think about this. As a Christian God is your employer and you are the employee and if you satisfactorily carry out the job description (aka God’s Word) you will be greatly rewarded for your faithful service on payday! 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, weather it be good or bad.” Immediately after the rapture every church age Christian will stand before Christ to give an account on how they lived here on earth. This judgment has nothing to do with salvation. Your sin was paid in full when Christ died on the cross. This is known as the believer’s payday!

This judgment seat is commonly called the “bema” seat. ”Bema” is the Greek word Paul used to describe the judgement seat of Christ. A “bema” was a seat or raised platform where a judge sat and made his decision regarding a case (Examples in Scripture- Matt. 27:19; John 19:13). Also during the Olympic games the “bema” seat was the place where the winning athletes would receive their rewards. The “bema” seat is where God will evaluate your life and then reward you based on that, but the question that is often asked is, “How will I be judged?”

1) You will be judged by your obedience to the Bible – God will use His Word as the standard (measuring stick) to evaluate your life here on earth. God will NOT use a school’s handbook, an ethics manual, or the world’s standard of living. He will use the inspired Word of God. Furthermore, He will not evaluate you based on your experiences, traditions, or status. Paul Benware states, “The studying and application of God’s Word is a key to our rewarding.” How serious are you about hearing and doing God’s Word? See James 1:22; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

2) You will be judged by your stewardship with the things God has entrusted to you – Matthew 25:14-30 is a great parable to read in order to grasped this concept. God has given you spiritual gifts, natural abilities, material resources, and opportunities to serve. How are you using them to magnify God? You will be held accountable for what God has given to you for your earthly life. Consider yourself a manager that is responsible for advancing God’s kingdom purposes with earthly resources. Don’t waste your life! 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover it is required in stewards (that’s you!), that a man be found faithful.” 

3) You will be judged by your motives - Read 1 Corinthians 4:5. Notice the phrase, “…counsels of the hearts…”, in other words, God is not only interested in WHAT you do but WHY you do it (or don’t do it). You can do all the right and godly things and still lose your reward in heaven because you did it for the wrong reasons or motives (self-promotion, greed, fame, money, get your own way, get out of trouble, etc). If you serve God with the motive to please Him you will receive a great reward!   

In conclusion, it is God’s desire to reward you at the Judgment Seat of Christ! Think about this…God cannot wait to reward you for your work here on earth!!! Why? Because that brings honor and magnification to His name! You serve a God who wants to honor you only if you biblically honor Him!

The Believer’s Payday is coming, are you ready?