Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!

Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!
A CHRISTIAN TEACHING AND RESOURCE MINISTRY!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Will All Things Work Out For Our Good?

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Some Christians may have the idea that being a Christian protects us from anything bad happening to us. Trials may find other people, but they won’t find us. How delusional is that thought? It is a known fact that, not only do Christians know trouble and suffering, but we have an enemy that will make sure we that we have a difficult time of it.
This statement by the Apostle Paul to the Christians at Rome, has been a comfort to many throughout the years. But we need to be careful not to lose sight of what our responsibility is in receiving this precious promise. In any relationship there are two elements that must be present in order for that relationship to be strong and thrive.
THE FIRST ELEMENT IS LOVE.
“And we know (Not think) that all things work together for good to those who love God.” To love God is to place Him first in our lives. To love
no one, or anything, more than Him. To abide in His presence and will all of the moments in our lives.
THE SECOND ELEMENT IS PURPOSE.
“And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose.” What is the main purpose of our lives?
It is to love God, and glorify Him. By our lives, we are to lift Him up to the world, so they can see how wonderful and valuable He is.
The promise is that when we do these two things, that God will work things out, no matter how severe the trouble is, for our good. In other words, God will bless us in, and through, every trial that comes our way.
Let’s do our part, and watch God do His! GP

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

How To Make Right Decisions

Are you like the man who had to fill out a job application? One question said, "Do you have trouble making decisions" The man replied, "Well, yes and no." Sunday I preached a sermon entitled: "How To Make Right Decisions." We looked at Daniel, and focused on the fact that in order to make right decisions, you have to have the right heart. Daniel definately had the right heart. From Daniel 1:8, 9-16, 10:12, we find three characteristics of his heart.
First of all it was A PURPOSEFUL HEART (Daniel 1:8)
This decision to not eat the King's food, and eat vegetables and water, for a ten day period, was a decision that marked the way, he would live the rest of his life, in Babylonian culture. No matter what the cost, Daniel, and his three friends Shadrack, Meshach, and Abed-Nego would not defile themselves with the world, but commit themselves to honoring the Lord with their lives.
Secondly it was A PROVING HEART (Daniel 1:9-16)
Daniel and his friends put to test the Word of the Lord, and the ten day period of eating the right foods, proved to be productive. God's Word is workable, if only we will commit to putting it to work in our lives.
And then thirdly, it was A PRESERVING HEART. (Daniel 10:12)
The angel that came to Daniel with a revelation for the future was right about him. He did set his heart to understand, and he was a very humble man. Because Daniel preserved all that God had taught him, in his life, he became a great example of faith, and right living. How do you make right decisions? It begins by having a right heart! (GP)