Friday, September 7, 2012

CAPTIVE OR FREE?


"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principle of this world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:8

As I listened to the speech makers and commentators at both conventions, this passage continued to come into view. How easily we can be influenced by the words of a good speech and the hype of the crowd. God
 became a central figure and a vote was taken whether he would be included or not in one party's agenda.



It is definitely time for us to focus on this passage to determine what is hollow and deceptive, depending on human tradition and the basic principles of this world. How do we know which is which? We must depend on Christ and his Holy Spirit to reveal truth to us. We must also remember than Christ gave us freedom. 





Listen carefully to the words. Watch the body language. What does it mean? Is it true, is it fair, is it reasonable? So many questions to be answered. Do we take the word of people we know and trust or people who are set up as authorities? 





We live in a complex world. It is sometimes very hard to determine what is right and what is wrong, who speaks the truth and who is influencing us in the wrong way. We often judge by the effect it will have on our finances, our homes, our health. Is it right for others as well as for us? Is it Christian?





Anything that takes freedom away is not of Christ. He transcends time and space, commentators and political parties. Don't be taken captive. Pray and listen.






Wednesday, September 5, 2012

A Praise Worthy Woman


"She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come." Pr 31:25

Can you laugh at the days to come? 

"She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Pr 31:26

Hmmm. Where does she get this wisdom and faithful instruction that she speaks?

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Pr 31:30

Can we mortal wo
men ever live up to this woman Proverbs speaks so highly of.

 We are surrounded by temptations and a world that teaches us everything that would oppose desiring to be like this woman.

 What about you? Are you asking God to help you be the woman he considers worthy of praise or are you more desirous of worldly praise? 

Read Proverbs 31:10-31 to find the answer. It's much easier today that it was in her day.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Joy...The Path to Life


JOY..The Path to Life

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." PS 16:11

Have you ever met the "gloom and doom" Christians? The ones who live behind sour faces and begin their complaints immediately when you meet them? Believe me, I've been turned off by many of these. 

Is "gloom and doom" the attitude Christ has planned for Christians? Indeed not! He has promised to make known to me the path of life and fill me with joy and eternal pleasures. My mind and my heart must stay focused on him, not what surrounds me. If all I see is pain, suffering and sadness with no hope, then I will never escape "gloom and doom." 

But, there is hope and joy in the Lord. When sadness comes, and it will, he is the one who can bring joy into our heart and our life. I know. He did it for me and he will do it for you. Ask him to turn your life around.

"Be joyful in hope; patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Rom 12:12
"You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy." Jn 16:20 b