Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!

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

Friday, January 29, 2016

The Precious Choice

He was a little white shih Tzu dog.
Who knew how old he was, or how many places he had been. It was evident from the number tattooed in his ear. that he had been in a puppy mill, and had almost starved to death. Because of malnutrition, his front legs were weak, and his right paw was deformed. He ended up in a place where they were trying to find homes for dogs. Then a family came, who was looking for a dog, They saw him being walked on, and walked over, by the other dogs. Who would want him, with all his problems, and handicaps. But this family chose him, and was determined to have him. He ended up being with this family, for four wonderful years. And he blessed their lives with his presence, and his charm.

  "Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.." 
(Ephesians 1:4)

As Christians, it feels very good to be chosen, and to know that God was determined to love us, rescue us, and keep us with Him for eternity. If you have not embraced this love that God has for you, you can do it today, and truly feel special all the rest of your life. GP
Photo By Gary Patterson

Thursday, January 28, 2016

When Trouble Comes

" I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

 In the middle of winter, in the middle of the night, our furnace decided to quit running. Not only are you dealing with the challenge of the cold, but also the challenge of getting the furnace repaired.

Trouble comes when we least expect it, and when it does, it can bring about a great amount of anxiety. Jesus said that we would have "tribulation." 
This world is never trouble free. Just when you're going along smoothly, everything is going great, and then it hits, out of nowhere. And you are left frustrated, wondering what you're going to do.

Even though we will have trouble, we have a Savior who not only has saved us from our sins, but promises to sustain us in our everyday lives. We can have peace in the midst of trials, because as Jesus said.."But take heart; I have over come the world."(v.33b). 

There is nothing that we and the Lord cannot figure out, and overcome. So when trouble comes, let's not lose faith, but trust in the one, who with just His voice, calmed the storm and the raging sea. GP 

Photo by David Castillo Dominici. Published on 08 January 2013 Stock photo - Image ID: 100131427 www.freedigitalphotos.com

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

The Marks Of Christian Behavior

"For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you." 
(2 Corinthians 1:12) 

What should mark our behavior as Christians in this world? First of all, Simplicity. Without a doubt people should be able to see what we are all about.
We should not complicate our lives with selfish desires, and selfish pursuits. First and foremost we want people to see the character of Jesus Christ in us, and nothing else.

Secondly there is Sincerity. Let's live what we profess. If we say we are Christians, then let's act like it. The church is criticized for having hypocrites in the fellowship. We can make it hard for our critics to make that claim, when we are sincere about our Christian behavior.

And last but not least, The grace of God. We as Christians have been blessed to experience the grace of God in our lives. We should extend that grace to others, to really show what the love of God is all about.
So many have never experienced it. It is a mark of our behavior that will draw people to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and bless them now, and for eternity.

 As a Christian, how am I to be? May people see these three, in me! GP

Photo ID 54625187 © Ekarin | Dreamstime.com

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

The Unity Of The Spirit

"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift." 
(Ephesians 4:4-7)

"These "seven ones" constitute "the unity of the Spirit" that as Christians we must be so diligent to keep "in the bond of peace". Not one of these is "non-essential"! E.g., just as crucial as maintaining who the "One Lord" is, so we must be steadfast in holding to the "One Baptism"! (Mark Copeland - Ephesians 4:1-16 executableoutlines.com)

 As a pastor of the Christian churches/Churches of Christ/Restoration Movement for 40 years, I have held on to our interpretation of these "seven ones" that constitute "the unity of the Spirit".

 I have served in communities where other faith groups have held to different interpretations of this doctrine, mentioned in our text.
It is through the love of Christ that unity is achieved.

Like a fisherman that holds on to his fishing rod, he/she should welcome the fellowship of other fishermen, who have different fishing rods, but are striving to accomplish the same goal in Christian evangelism, and that is to be "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19) 

We should never compromise what we believe, but we should always have compassion towards those who have different views, and especially those who are practicing their ideas outside the walls of the Word of God. Our goal is to reach them in love, for the Lord, and to bring them to unity with Him, and with us. GP

 Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 09 October 2013 Stock photo - Image ID: 100206957

Monday, January 25, 2016

Sounding Forth

"For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything." 
 (1 Thessalonians 1:8) 

What do people hear from you, concerning the Lord Jesus Christ?  As Christians we are to be like the Christians at Thessalonica. The word of the Lord had been made known by them in Macedonia and Achaia, and the surrounding area. It was very evident how important the Lord was to them. Wherever they went they told people how important He was.

I have heard it said that if you want to get the word out about something that "by word of mouth is the best way." It is a great witness for the Lord, when we can personally tell people how the Lord has saved us, and how He is sustaining us each and every day. How in the midst of trials, He has been our strength, and our guide through those tough times.

And in regards to right living, we can say that we are living according to the principles of God's Word, that will keep us pure, and away from the course of evil destruction.

Yes, its time for us to "sound forth" and let our voice be heard, concerning our faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.
People need to hear it, and respond to it, before it's too late. GP

 Photo by stockimages. Published on 19 November 2015 Stock photo - Image ID: 100378571
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Making Right Decisions

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

 Have you ever made a bad decision? All of us at one time or another have made bad decisions.
How can we know what is the right thing to do?

 The Scripture verses in our text tells us not to lean on our own understanding. I have failed to do that more times than I want to think about. But it is true, to lean on our own limited understanding is asking for trouble.

But if we trust the Lord with all of our heart, and acknowledge that He is the one who has the answers, our paths will be straight, and we will be at peace.

It is important before we make any decision to pray, and place it in God's hands. It is good, to get a second opinion. God may be able to use someone to give you the right perspective on the issue.

When we make a bad decision, it is not good to dwell in self-pity, and fall into deep despair. When you fall off a horse, its better to get back on, learn from your mistakes, and move on.

It is never a good thing to jump to conclusion, or jump into making decisions. We need to take time to pray and ask God to direct us.
And He will faithfully do this, if only we will give Him a chance! GP

 Photo by Ambro. Published on 25 June 2011 Stock photo - Image ID: 10046971
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Monday, January 18, 2016

Let God Build The House

"For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God." 
(Hebrews 3:4)

 How foolish it would be to live in a house with four sides, but no roof. The roof is the main part of the shelter that is needed.
So this brings to mind the question:
How foolish is it, to live our lives without God?

As our text tells us, every house has a builder, but where does the builder get the materials to build a house? All things are created by God. All that we need comes from God. Too many today are self-sufficient. They feel that they don't need God, or anything He has to offer.

But is the trouble and trials of our society revealing to us, that we need God more than ever?
If God was placed as a top priority in our society, what would change? There would be love instead of hate. Humility instead of selfish pride. Peace instead of war. Unity instead of division.
If we were putting into practice the principles of God's Word, this is what the changes would be.

But we want to be the roof on the house of our lives. We want to be the creator, the builder, the maintainer of our lives. In our own wisdom, and strength is it possible? No, because we are limited, and it's time we realize it.

But with God's guidance and strength for our lives, we can be, and do, more than we ever imagined. Yes, let's build, but let's let God be the main architect! GP

 Photo by ddpavumba. Published on 26 November 2012 Stock photo - Image ID: 100120470
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Friday, January 15, 2016

What Does Our Love Look Like?

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails..." 
(1 Corinthians 13:4-8) 

If every relationship we have was built on these principles of love, what would our relationships look like? Many relationships that are based on selfish attitudes, leads to sinking sand. They don't have a chance.
It comes to a state of stagnation. A stand-off if you will, and no one is willing to budge.

If we say we love, what does our love look like? Our love should be:"Long suffering, kind, not envious, not arrogant, or rude, not selfish, not provoked, not evil, doesn't rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, failing never." What will our relationships look like compared to the absence of these positive attitudes and actions? There would be a stunning difference.

The absence of pure love, is not a pretty picture. So we have a choice. Do we want our relationships to be a good as they can be? Or do we want them to be like marbles in a fish bowl, not going anywhere, and the water is getting old and stagnant. Even the fish don't want to stare at it any longer. Our choice! GP

 Photo ID 39800620 © Dave Bredeson | Dreamstime.com

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Desiring To Be Disciplined

"But I discipline my body and bring it to subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:27) 

The word "discipline" is a frightening word to some. It is a word that defines the long time and hard work it takes to keep our bodies in subjection to good health, and accomplishing the will of God.

The Bible illustrates the Christian life as being like a race. Christians are like athletes who are on a long cross country race. There are obstacles that get in the way. The ups and downs of life, cause us to get weary, and test our faith and fortitude.

 I have been a diabetic for awhile now, and I know that it's hard to walk the balance beam of proper diet and exercise. It is also hard to walk the walk of living according to the principles of God's Word. 
Our bodies are rebels, with passions and pursuits that try to dominate our will.

The apostle Paul shares with us the intensity of his efforts to keep his body in subjection with the will of God. In some translations he uses the word "beat" instead of "discipline" in keeping his body under control.

For us, who want strong physical and spiritual health, it will take great effort and time. But it is worth it, when we know that the Lord is watching us, and seeing that we are trying to be the best we can be for Him, for others, and for the Kingdom of God. GP

 Photo ID 2354820 © Tamas | Dreamstime.com

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Holding On To Our Humility

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." 
(James 4:10) 

Is humility just something we say, or something we do? I would say that it is both. Both our words and actions should display this wonderful attribute, that Jesus shown, in all of His life and ministry.

Since the devil is king of pride, arrogance, and selfishness, it isn't any wonder that these ugly worldly attitudes show themselves in our society, and even in the church.

I like what James writes in his letter. He says that as we live, we are in the Lord's sight. He is constantly looking at us, and seeing how we act, and what our attitudes are. So since we are in view of the Lord's constant evaluation, let's make sure that we humble ourselves.

Let's not think more highly of ourselves that we ought to. Let's not make other people feel small compared to us. Let's not demand that we get our way all the time. Let's not be selfish, manipulative, and deceitful. But lets humble ourselves, and receive the blessing of the Lord lifting us up.

If we humble ourselves concerning ourselves, He will bring us to new heights of victory and peace. To be at peace with God, with others, and ourselves is a feeling of freedom.

A feeling that will cause us to soar like an eagle, rising above the pride and selfishness, that can totally bring us down to destruction. GP

Photo ID 4373458 © Feverpitched | Dreamstime.com

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Finding What You're Looking For

"For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." (Matthew 7:8) 

Does it seem like in your life, that you are  just drifting along, unsettled, constantly searching for that one place, where you can finally be content and satisfied?

Having friends is nice. Having a place to work and play, is purposeful, and pleasurable. But what about the "inner Person?" In the midst of all of this, we can still feel empty, and dissatisfied.

Jesus tells us in our text that connecting to the Heavenly Father with our deepest needs, will lead to fulfillment. If we ask, we will receive, if we seek, we will find, if we knock, the door will be opened. Sounds easy right? It sounds like God is a genie with three wishes to grant.

Our awesome God is not a genie, but a loving Father, who will only give good gifts to His children.(Matthew 7:11) The greatest gift was the gift of salvation through His son Jesus Christ.(John 3:16)

God wants us to ask for those things that we really need, such as peace, joy, hope, purpose, satisfaction & contentment. And then it is in faith that we trust Him, to provide these needs in His own time, and in His own way.

We need to always remember, that in our searching, and asking, God will always have our best interest at heart! GP

Photo ID 57988753 © Denisismagilov | Dreamstime.com

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Coming Home

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2) 

I have heard it said: "The word "Home" 
is the sweetest word in the English language." Many who were traveling this holiday season, were looking forward to coming back home, and enjoying the fellowship with the family. The old familiar scenes, smells, and securities of home.
There is no feeling like it.

The question I have for us today is: "Are we at home with God?" 
Do we long to dwell in the shelter of the Most High, and walk in His shadow? It is truly a lonely road, and one that is full of despair, when we try to live our lives apart from the presence, and protection of the Heavenly Father.

I don't know where you are in your relationship with God; but if you feel far away from Him, it's time to come home. The way home to God is through His Son, Jesus Christ. (John 14:6)

When we travel a long distance, and we finally arrive at our home's door, and receive the wonderful blessings awaiting us, is there any better feeling than this? God wants us to feel that way with Him.         And we can, if only we will stop being strangers, and say in our hearts: "God, I'm coming home!" GP

Photo ID 45358532 © Muhammad Almuhammady | Dreamstime.com

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Who Is Important?

"My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory." (James 2:1) 

Are there people in your life that is more important than others? Members of our family would fall into this category. This is typical in many cultures and societies all over the world. And in many families partiality is shown. There is favoritism that is shown in the parent-child relationship, as well as the siblings relationship.

In our text, James tells us that in the family of God, there is to be no partiality shown. No favoring some over others. God does not show any partiality, and neither should we.

 Partiality is easy to develop when one is treated negatively in the family, or in an organization. You will likely choose to be with the ones who will love you, and accept you, and avoid those who treat you badly, or unfairly.

To God, everyone is important. For those who were his enemies, He sent His son to die, so that they could have salvation. (Romans 5:6-11)

The natural tendency is to show partiality. The supernatural tendency is to show love to everyone, no matter their faults, or the negative treatment we have received from them.

May God help me to love as Christ loved us. A great New Year's resolution indeed! GP

 Photo ID 28222584 © Andrey Popov | Dreamstime.com