Category Archives: Christian Growth

Christian Growth, Devotionals

Superstition Systematic

Superstition is systematic, based in fallacy and gullibility. One day, I may set aside time to research perceived sources of ludicrous superstitions. Today, I focus on one I have pondered lately, the jinxed number thirteen. To my surprise, in my curiosity I found both examples of believed good and bad fortune through the number thirteen.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13_%28number%29

As the year 2012 rushes to a close, I anticipate a great new year ahead. 2013 holds adventure and surprises. I want to prove naysayers wrong and foolish. Time and calculation is in the hand of the creator. He who numbers the hairs on my head sustains me, and is able to bless me as richly in the thirteen year as he did the twelfth. “So you should say, ‘If the Lord wants, we will live and do this or that (James 4:15 ERV).” I defy superstition; I trust sovereign God.

 

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Con Man

In our futile attempts to be accepted, and ward off rejection, we conform to the ways of the world. Satan, the greatest con man of all time, persuades us to avoid separation and sanctification.  In moments of weakness, we conform to godless society as the Lord urges us to submit to Him and His transformation!

“I urge you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2 NAS).” Submit!

 

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Mighty to Save

I am small in frame and no one would ever consider me a physical threat to his or her safety. Why would I be foolish and fancy myself mighty in managing my life? The issue is not my “might” but my “faith.” The LORD will guide my steps.

“I know, LORD, that a man’s way of life is not his own; no one who walks determines his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23 HCS).” He who guides is mighty to save! (Isaiah 63:1) “Not by might, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts (Zechariah 4:6b HCS).”  

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

A Quick Glance

Do you frequently skim articles in newspapers and magazines? I’m a skimmer from way back; I’m not sure how much I do it out of disinterest or impatience. I take a quick glance, often gaining only bits and pieces of information. It has gotten me into trouble. Once when speedily reading an email, the writer did not say what I thought she did. Oops! Believers in Christ should refrain from skimming the scriptures. Those who examine God’s word, prayerfully, receive bountiful blessings and have wisdom to discern false teachings.

“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed (Acts 17:11-12a RSV).” They did not have the New Testament writings; yet, they could substantiate the messages by searching Old Testament scriptures. It was an “open book” test. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21) True servants of God are delighted when we measure their messages aside scriptures, or ask honest questions following their sermons.  No skimming, please!

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Bible Studies, Christian Growth

Ananias’ Assignment

Ananias, available and alert, he arose and acted. God could have used any means to minister to Saul, following his Damascus Road blinding encounter. He might have appointed an angel. Barnabas would seem a good candidate. Soon, Saul would become Paul, and Barnabas would be his co-laborer in carrying the gospel. God would bring that to pass. First, He would entrust the care of Saul into the hands of Ananias.

The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision. He knew that he was available for service, always at His beckoned call. He was present and accounted for. “Now in Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias (Acts 9:10a HCS)!” Just as a student, answering roll call, “Here I am, Lord!’ he said (Acts 9:10b HCS). Ananias, available and alert!

The Lord had his attention and gave him detailed, specific instructions, telling him where to go, what to ask, who to see, and what to do. (Verses 11-12) He was to go to Saul, lay hands on him in order that he would regain his sight. Ananias undoubtedly trusted the LORD’s guidance; yet, he also trusted him enough to share his doubts. (Verses 13-14) Saul had persecuted the church. He came to arrest those who called on Christ’s name. Ananias heard an affirmation from the Almighty.

“But the Lord said to him, ‘Go! For this man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before Gentiles, kings, and the sons of Israel. I will certainly show him how much he must suffer for my sake (Acts 9:15-16 HCS)!” Ananias, available and alert, arose and acted. “So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17 HCS).” Saul met the Savior. Ananias acted on God’s word.  

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Persistence Pays

“I’ll say this much for him; he’s persistent!” At times, all of us are simply not suited for a task. Yet, with persistence, we not only finish what we start, but we do it well. I’m more likely to give in to discouragement, give way to feelings of inadequacy, and give Satan the accuser, the upper hand. He knows discouragement is detrimental to my spiritual health. I have no valid reason for lack of persistence in resistance. The devil is persistent in his spiritual attacks; I must resist him!

“So give yourselves humbly to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7 Living Bible).”  Persist and resist! “Be careful-watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks (2 Peter 5:8-9a Living Bible).” Resist and keep resisting! “So use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is over, you will still be standing up (Ephesians 6:13 Living Bible).” Don’t give up; don’t give in! Persistence pays high dividends!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Manifest Life and Mercy

Who, me? Used by God, us? Reveal his power? Through what?

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 KJV).”

It is a matter of life and death! We share a message of Christ death, burial and resurrection. We die to sin, to walk in newness of life through Jesus. The Potter has a work for us to do. Will we manifest life and mercy for the Master?

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Defend the Truth

It is admirable to stand up for what you believe. Those who are gullible, fall for anything, and easily fall into heresy. Yet, even those who are living a life firmly founded on faith need to keep an open mind. Defend the truth, allow the Holy Spirit to reveal error. Take a lesson from the Jews of Berea.

“The Jews there were better disposed than those in Thessalonica, for they welcomed the message with all eagerness and carried on a daily study of the Scriptures to see if Paul’s message was true. Many of them came to believe, and not a few distinguished Greek women and men (Acts 17:11-12 Williams New Testament).” Search the scriptures and believe!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Short Term Memory

Short-term memory is no laughing matter. I blame it on my senior moments; yet, to some it is a warning sign of dementia or Alzheimer Disease. It is annoying to forget where I left my keys; to forget the name of my husband would be heartbreaking. It seems God’s people, have a tendency to forget, in their bloodline.

“He saved them from the hand of the adversary; He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. Water covered their foes, not one of them remained. Then they believed His promises and sang His praise. They soon forgot His works and would not wait for His counsel (Psalm 106:10-13 HCS).” Ponder His past deliverance and praise Him forever more!

 

 

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Snowball Effect

Born and raised, outside of Syracuse, I know the effects of snow. It truly is amazing, minute flakes, snowmen make. Children and the young-at-heart anticipate the first big snowfall. As soon as a measurable snow blankets the ground, they are outside bound. The top three activities enjoyed by young and old: making snowballs to pellet their friends, creating snow angels, and building snowmen.

Each snowman begins with a small snowball. When rolled in the snow, it gathers more snow, expanding in size at a rapid pace. The snowball effect is desirable when building stupendous snowmen. In contrast, the snowball effect, in relation to problems makes me run for cover! Troubles easily build from one to two, then triple and multiply unmercifully. I serve a merciful God, who turns a multitude of trials, into character building opportunities.

“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then, be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete (James 1:2-4 Living Bible).”  We can experience the snowball effect, seeing patience grow into a wall of strength!

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