Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!

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

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

God's Answer

"May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice." (Psalm 20:1-3)

Do you feel that God is on your side? There have been times, when I wondered where God was, in my time of trouble. When my prayers when up for comfort and deliverance, it seemed that God was not present.

I read something that made me think about God's presence in time of trouble. "In the giving of a test, the teacher is always quiet." How well do I take tests? Not very well. But from my experience with God, I have learned to hold on through His process of comfort and deliverance.

He works through His Word, through my thoughts and prayers, through people and situations. Through His ways, and through His people, He brings us through our trouble. I have seen things happen in this process of deliverance, that could only have been, by the hand of God.

We should never question the love and care, of our awesome God.
He is always on our side, and He will give His answer to us, in His time, and in His way.

Let's rest in His care, today, and everyday! GP

 Photo ID 7395962 © Yuriykulik | Dreamstime.com

Monday, August 29, 2016

Spiritually Sick

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases" (Psalm 103:2-3) 

This last week I endured a week of sickness due to the pollen, ragweed, and whatever else is out there in the air. I am thankful for the the doctor's care, and for the medicine that helped me to get better.

It is one thing to be sick physically, but another to be spiritually sick. Is your soul sick today? Are you living your life in the devastatinging disappointment of the world? What the world promises, the world cannot deliver. The world only delivers dissatisfaction and disappointment, that leaves us sick and ruined.

I have seen people in the trap of the world, illustrated by a kitten playing with a ball of yarn. There is the fascination but there is also the entanglement.
No matter how disappointed we get, we head back to the world for more, hoping that this time, it will be different.

David reminds us in his Psalm, to not forget all the Lord's benefits. In Him we find forgiveness for our iniquities, and there is healing for our diseases.
The world affects us with all kinds of junk thrills and frills. Our heart takes a ride on an emotional roller-coaster, when we follow it's destructive path.

Instead of peace, there is frustration, anxiety, and despair. But the Lord wants to provide for us His blessings, so that we can live a complete, wholesome, peaceful, life.

Read Psalm 23, and see if you wouldn't like to have what the Good Shepherd has to offer you.
For a sin sick soul, help is there! GP

 Photo ID 33257222 © Alexander Raths | Dreamstime.com

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Connections

"From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:16) 

One of the instructions that is given, when a computer is not working correctly, is for one to check the connections. Not only is good connections important in the world of technology, but it is important in the community of Christianity.

First and foremost we are to connect to our heavenly Father, through His Son Jesus. Allowing His Son to be Savior & Lord of our lives. From this connection, we connect to one another, in the body of Christ. What we receive from Christ, is to flow from each of us, to all of us in God's wonderful family.

One of the worst things that can happen in a relationship, or in a family, is to have a disconnection. When one decides (because there are problems) to stop all communication with that certain someone, or certain someones.

I know that there will be those who will disagree with me on this. But I truly believe that if we (together) will take our problems, to our heavenly Father, and keep praying (together), we will work through those problems, and maintain the unity the Lord wants us to have. (John 17)

I believe we disconnect too quickly, because of selfish reasons. The key is keeping our connection with the Lord, strong and constant. In so doing, we will have the resources, to keep our relationships strong and constant as well! GP

 Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 05 December 2012 Stock photo - Image ID: 100124474 www.freedigitalphotos.net

Monday, August 22, 2016

The Plight Of Apathy

"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." (Romans 12:11)

 Without a doubt the Christian life, is a life of discipline. It is going against the grain, of the attitudes, and actions of the world.

It is easy to become apathetic to the spiritual activities of the Christian life. To be involved in personal Bible study, as well as group Bible study, prayer, worship, witnessing, encouragement, and fellowship with other Christians, takes discipline.

It 's easy for us to say, we will get to those things, when we have time, and say yes to the television set, or to a fun event with family and friends. Yes in our Christian walk, we can become sloppy, and we can become lazy, and down right apathetic, concerning the things of God.

One of the things I have been concerned about, is our focus on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) When it comes to being unconcerned about the purpose we have as Christians, we have sunk to a serious low, in our service for the Lord. Churches have closed, because the focus became inward, instead of outward.

What does it take to reach the unsaved. To reach out to those who are hurting, and let them know what Jesus Christ can do for their lives. Many petty things can cloud our thinking, and cause us to not care about the most important work of the Church.

So many people want challenges, to keep their life from being boring, and dissatisfying. I can't think of a greater challenge, than being witnesses for Christ. Not only is it challenging, but it is exciting, and yes, very fulfilling.

As Christians, let's never display an attitude that says: "I don't care!"  GP

 Photo ID 39707556 © Atholpady | Dreamstime.com

Friday, August 19, 2016

Change

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) 

I was saddened to hear that one of the Christian colleges I attended, is not offering classes this year, and is going through a transitional period. I am not sure I understand concerning all the changes that are taking place, but one thing is certain, at times, change is a hard pill to swallow.

 It was a big change for Joshua, after the death of Moses, to step into his shoes, and become the leader that Israel needed, to enter the Promised land. God assured Joshua, that as He was with Moses, He would be with him, and help him to be a success.

There are times, when we have to face the reality of change. If things continue in a certain negative direction, we may face serious consequences.
There comes that moment in all of our lives, when we face a fork in the road.
And the way that the Lord is leading us, may not be easy, but in the long run, will lead to positive change, and productivity. It is always a journey of faith, and hope, in the Lord's direction.

To this college where I learned a great deal, I want to say thank you for the experience, and I pray that however the Lord leads you, that it will be for your good, and for God's glory.

"Change is hard in the roads we tread, but God will always be steps ahead."___GP

 Photo - geralt/12042 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use -No attribution required - www.pixabay.com

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Know It All?

"Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil." (Proverbs 3:7)

There are two directions one can go, in gaining knowledge, and understanding, of the Bible. There is the direction of arrogance, and conceit, and then there is the direction of humility, and fear of the Lord.

To study the Scriptures in order to show a spirit of arrogance, and superiority, is certainly a selfish, and evil approach. To be "wise in our own eyes, is to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. It is placing ourselves as being more authoritative, and more important. "Just look at what I know, just look at what I have obtained, as far as spiritual wisdom. Don't you wish that you could arrive as I have? Don't you wish that you could be comfortable with yourself as I am?"

 The second direction is that of humility, and a fear of the Lord. To say that, 
"I am learning something everyday, and that I am not wiser than anyone else," is the right approach. This is the approach that pleases God.
It is the approach that has the open heart.

The soil of the receptive heart is waiting, and fertile for productivity, and maturity. It leaves an open door, to be able to share the insight from the Word of God, with others. People will be more receptive to someone who is humble, and fears the Word, and will of God; than someone who is arrogant, and is only consumed with themselves.

There is no way that we can know it all, and always be a success at practicing what God calls us to do. So why do we act like it?

GP Photo - gerait/12038 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Not A Writer, An Encourager

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)

 I'm going to come right out and say it: "I am not a writer, I am an encourager." 

You may have noticed a lot of errors in my writing. I am not a professional writer, but I have been a pastor for 47 years. During that time, I have tried to present sermons on Sunday, that were encouraging. I have tried, in my pastoral visitation, and counseling, to be an encouragement.

The whole purpose of The Christian Journeyman is to "encourage" my fellow Christians, to maintain a strong relationship, with the Lord Jesus Christ, and to encourage them in their continued labor as "workers" in His kingdom.

I try to address issues, and challenges, that we as Christians all face.
And I apply the Word of God to those issues and challenges.

I do charge a $25.00 membership to support the work of The Christian Journeyman. We want our members to be strongly encouraged, for their Christian walk, and service.

So if you are looking for excellence in my writing, I am sorry to disappoint you. But if you are looking for "encouragement" in living, and serving our Lord Jesus Christ, you've come to the right place! GP

Photo: Gary Patterson

Monday, August 15, 2016

To Each One

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)

Our spiritual gifts are gifts from God, along with the faith to use them. No one should think more highly than they ought to, because all that is given to us, is from God.

It's not of us, it is of God. It is vitally important that humility be shown, in both the receiving, and the using of our spiritual gifts. We should be grateful that God gives us the abilities, to be a blessing to others. Yes, selfishness has no place in Christian service.

But there is one thing we need to get a hold of: When we minister to others, we need to do as God does: He knows us so well, that He knows what to give us, so we will be effective in blessing others, for His glory.

We need to first get to know people, and understand what their needs are.
We need to realize that it is not "One size fits all." We all have different personalities, as well as different needs. There are cultures to be understood, backgrounds to be understood, circumstances to be understood.

From there we can use the various abilities, and faith, that God has given to us, to meet the needs of people all around us! Yes, to each one! GP

 Photo ID 25466151 © Andres Rodriguez | Dreamstime.com

Friday, August 12, 2016

My Life, Or God's

"My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways." (Proverbs 23:26) 

As a Christian, is the life that I live, my life, or does it belong to God?

I think about the story of the little boy you built a little sail boat, and took it down to the lake to float it in the water. Everything was find until the little boat got away from the little boy, and he had to watch his little boat disappear from site. Then one day he was passing a store, and he saw his little boat in the storefront window. Right away, he went in, and purchased his little boat. As he walked home with his little boat, in his hands, he said: "Little boat, you are twice mine, first I made you, and then I bought you."

We are like that little boat; created by God, and then lost because of sin.
But then through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, we were purchased with His precious blood. We are not our own. We belong to God. We are His children, we are apart of His wonderful family.

In the time that we have, it is not the time to be selfish with our lives.
We must always ask the questions: What does God want my life to be? What does God want me to do with my life? When God reveals the specific things concerning His will, He expects us to follow through! GP

 Photo ID 2782469 © Barbara Helgason | Dreamstime.com

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Correcting Our Character

"For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. (Romans 7:15-17) 

Is the way that people see us, the way the Lord wants us to be seen? In other words, are we showing the character of God when we interact with people everyday?

Just because we have become Christians, does not mean that we have arrived at displaying, a life that is totally Christ like. In our text, the Apostle Paul said that there were things that he did, he knew was wrong, but yet he did them anyway.

What is it that causes us to do those things, that we know are not right, and is offensive to God, as well as to others. How can we as Christians act this way? 
It is a constant inner struggle, that all of us as Christians have. That is why it is important that we have patience with one another.

In v.24 Paul asks, "Who will set me free from the body of this death?" He gives thanks, to Jesus Christ (v.25) who is the only one who could help him, and who can help us, with this battle. Jesus, in His time, will help us to show the right character, constantly. We need to cooperate with Him, and that means, that we must humble ourselves, and submit to His workings in our lives. GP

 Photo by Master isolated images. Published on 04 August 2014 Stock photo - Image ID: 100279442 www.freedigitalphotos.com

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

From The Inside Out

"Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders." (Matthew 15:17-19) 

I remember hearing statements like: "You are what you eat!" (or) "What goes in, must come out!"

When the apostle John wrote about loving the world, instead of loving God, he spoke of "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." 
(1 John 2:16) These things of the world that we focus on, motivate our thinking, and our actions. And the very downside of all of this, is that in time, we become enslaved to these things.

How can we break the mold? How can we shake the addicting thoughts and actions? We can't do it by ourselves. But here is where this famous verse of Scripture really applies: "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." 
(1 John 4:4) 

More than overcoming the false teaching of today, God will help us to overcome all that the world tries to defile, and destroy us with. If we want to live as true Christians, God will help us to do so. The question is:
Do we want to? GP

 Photo ID 6393262 © Eti Swinford | Dreamstime.com

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Basic Christian Activity

"They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." (Acts 2:42)

What are the basic helps for the
Christian life?

In our text, Luke shares what the early Christians were involved in, to maintain their Christian walk, and fellowship.

They continually (and I like this next word) "devoted" themselves to 1) The Apostles'Teaching: Hearing the testimony of the apostles as they shared the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. 2) Fellowship: Not only is it important to hear the Word of God, but it is equally important to spend time together as fellow Christians, for spiritual encouragement and support. 3) The Breaking of Bread: To me this is a reference to partaking of the Lord's Supper. Remembering what Jesus did for them on the cross of Calvary. Partaking of the emblems that symbolize the broken body (bread) and the shedding of blood (grape Juice) of Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice for their sins. 4) Prayer: Constant fellowship with the heavenly Father is vital in our spiritual development and productivity. Talking to the Lord, as we would, to the best friend we have!

These are the basic developmental activities for the Christian. We must be steadfast in these activities in order to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and to develop a strong faith in Him! GP

 Photo ID 28201852 © George Muresan | Dreamstime.com

Friday, August 5, 2016

How A Christian Grows

How does one grow and survive as a Christian? Just as in the physical life, we must breathe, eat, and exercise, in order to function normally and productively.

 WE GROW BY EATING
The food that we eat is that of God's Word. "The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." (John 6:63) "When your words came, I ate them: they were my joy and my heart's delight." (Jeremiah 15:16)
If we didn't have a proper diet of food and water, we would die. If we do not have a constant intake of God's Word, the same thing will happen to us spiritually.

 WE GROW BY BREATHING
 Prayer is the breath of the Soul. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to
"Pray without ceasing" In Romans 2:12 he says to be "faithful in prayer" and in Philippians 4: 6 we are "not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6) Prayer is constant communication with our God. Sharing with Him what is on our heart. Talking with our divine parent will help us to have, the wisdom, insight, and strength to grow our lives in faith, hope, and love.

 WE GROW BY EXERCISING
"For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." 
(1 Timothy 4:8) As it is important to eat, drink water, exercise is important as well. It the same in the Christian life. We must work on godliness.
We must work on applying the truths of God's Word to our everyday lives. God's Word works, when we put it to work, in our day to day lives.

 If we want to grow as Christians, these are the tools to do it!
Let's put them into practise, and see the difference they make! GP

 How Do I Live and Grow Stronger as a Christian? Outline & Scriptures (Bibleinfo.com)

 Photo ID 30348465 © Kevin Carden | Dreamstime.com

Thursday, August 4, 2016

INTRODUCING A NEW CHRISTIAN RESOURCE: LIFE WAY

I am introducing a new resource to The Christian Journeyman (c) It is entitled LIFE WAY. The link to this new resource will be listed with the other Christian resource links on the right hand side of (TCJ) Blog-site. We hope that this new resource will be an encouragement to you!

www.lifeway.com

Life Way Christian Resources is one of the world's largest providers of Christian resources, including:

Services
Bibles
Bible Studies
Research
Events
Church Music & Supplies
Digital Services

The company owns and operates more than 180 Life Way Christian Stores across the nation, as well as the Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina. Life Way also publishes books and the widely-respected HCSB® Bible translation under the B&H Publishing Group imprint.

Life Way is a nonprofit organization that reinvests income above operating expenses in mission work and other ministries around the world.

For more information, read our vision, values and mission.

Give Me Another Mountain!

"Now then, give me this hill country about which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day that Anakim were there, with great fortified cities; perhaps the Lord will be with me, and I will drive them out as the Lord has spoken.” (Joshua 14:12)

 This passage of Scripture is an encouragement to us who are older adults, who feel that we have no more to offer the Lord, and the world.

Caleb didn't feel that way. Patiently, Caleb endured the trials of the wilderness, and waited for his opportunity to secure his inheritance, that rebellions Israel turned their back on forty years before.

*"Age did not hinder him, and giants did not frighten him. At a time in life when others were looking for security and ease, Caleb was saying. "Give me this mountain." (v.12)

My father used to tell me, when looking back on my life:"Just think of all the experience you'll have." We can take that experience, and make a difference for the Lord, in impacting our world for Him.

It is in the wisdom, and strength of the Lord, that we are able to take on new mountains of challenge. And like Caleb, we can have victory, and fulfillment in our lives.

Let's not do, as a line from the movie  "Hoosiers" (1986 ) suggests: "Now, boys, don't get caught watchin' the paint dry!" GP

* Warren Wiersbe "With The Word" A Devotional Commentary - Joshua 14

 Photo - danfador/38 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Doubting God

 "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."  
(James 1:6)

 Is it a doubting heart, when you ask God to do something, and then turn around and say to yourself, "I don't think God is going to make it happen?" I would say so. I have done this many times.

When we ask God for something in faith, we need to have an open mind, until He gives His final answer. There is no reason for us to try and guess, or assume what God is, or isn't going to do,

Faith with an open mind, is saying to ourselves, that no matter what God decides, He will always have our best interest at heart. If He says no, it is because, that which we asked for, is not in His will for our lives.
Maybe it will be down the road, but not now.

So when we ask for God to provide something, or come through for us concerning a problem, or trial, lets make our request, and leave it there with God. Let's not have a doubting heart, which leads us to be like the one described in our text, as one being like "the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

We may not know what God is going to do in our behalf, but we do know that He will always provide that which is good for us. He will never leave us, or forsake us. And that we can count on! GP

 Photo ID 31857337 © Olivier Le Moal | Dreamstime.com

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Heartily

 "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." (Colossians 3:23-24) 

Can we as Christians get sloppy? Can we get lazy? Can we get apathetic? Yes, we can, and do.

To both live the Christian life, and be involved in Christian service, takes a lot of determination and work. The Lord Jesus wants us to put forth out best effort, and avoid being sloppy, lazy, and apathetic.

I wonder at times if we don't have this idea that when we become Christians, the Lord is like a magician, and waves a magic wand over us, and immediately we are 100% changed, and there is nothing more that needs to be done; and we just go through the motions of our new and perfect life.

But the apostle Paul was honest with the Philippian Christians, when he told them: " For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

The Lord forgives us of our past sins, and works to bring about new change in our lives, if we will cooperate with Him. Change is not instantanious. It takes work on our part, to apply God's Word to our lives, to weed out the "sinful stuff" that is hanging on to our lives.

From the time we begin our walk with the Lord, to the time we go home to be with Him, for eternity, we are to work heartily to become what He wants us to be. It is about inward change, and kingdom work. Are we up to the challenge? GP

 Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 07 March 2015 Stock photo - Image ID: 100313981 www.freedigitalphotos.net