Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!

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

Thursday, October 27, 2016

The Sufficient Grace Of God

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
(2 Corinthians 12:9a) 

There are many people who find "weakness" a very revolting condition. We would rather see ourselves as strong, virle,vigorous, etc.

But there are times, when no matter how hard we try, we cannot be these things. Does that mean that we are failures in life? The Apostle Paul didn't think so. He was a strong Christian man. But he knew where his strength came from. We are not sure what the "thorn in the flesh" (2 Cor.12:1) was, that afflicted him.

In the beginning, he had problems accepting it. He asked the Lord to remove it three times. But after the third time, he accepted the Lord's answer to Him. "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
(2 Cor.12:9a)

How wonderful to know, that in our condition of weakness, the Lord can work in us, and through us, to help us to make an impact on this world for Him.

The whole purpose of our Christian experience is to glorify the Creator of the universe, to magnify our Heavenly Father. We can do that the best,when we totally depend upon Him, for the wisdom, and strength we need.

We depend on so many things, to survive in this life. The power we need is just an outlet away. Well the power we need, to live a peaceful, and purposeful life, is a good read, every day, from the Bible, and a prayer of total submission to the Lord. Let's plug into the power! GP

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Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Come Clean

"When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. (Psalm 32:3-5) 

This Psalm grew out of David's experiences with the Lord, after he had committed adultery, and had tried to hide his sins (2 Samuel 11-12)

How guilt takes it's toll, not only on our spirit, but on our physical bodies.
We can identify with David, and the misery he shares in our text. It may have been a wonderful experience, during the time of the sinful activity. But then when he realized that he had totally disobeyed God, and had hurt other people, how did that make him feel? He thought that he could get away with it, but his sins found him out.

The best remedy is to confess our sins to God. To come clean, and let Him know, sincerely, that we are sorry for our sinful thoughts, desires, and activity.

If we are sincere, the Lord promised that as He forgave David, He will forgive us as well. Don't dwell in misery, come clean, and allow the Lord Jesus Christ, to restore you. You will be happy when you do! GP

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Monday, October 24, 2016

The Acceptance Admonition

"Wherefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God."
(Romans 15:7)

 The early church here in Rome was making adjustments to their new found faith and practise. Both Jew and Gentile Christians, were struggling in the changes of their new position in Christ, and they were having a hard time accepting one another in the Christian fellowship.

Not so different from our churches today. In our own Christian walk, it is a struggle to give up what we once loved, and lived for, to totally live and serve our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, we profess to be Christians, but yet we struggle with the desires for the worldly things.

And the reason that there is a decline in church attendance, and the closing of so many churches, is the failure to accept each other in the partnership of the Gospel, and the selfish ambitions, we try to impose upon the fellowship.
When those, individually, or as a group, do not get their way, they leave, and pursue another place, where they can impose their selfish interests and ambitions.

We are to accept each other, as Christ accepted us. We are all sinners, standing in the grace of God; and we are all to be partners in reaching the lost for Christ. Why is that so hard to understand? and most of all, to maintain?

When the petty things overshadow the priority matters, that's when our fellowship in Christ, is in trouble! GP

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Friday, October 21, 2016

An Ambassador's Aim

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us, we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20)
My online dictionary defines an "ambassador" as being: "an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country."a person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity."

As a Christian, where ever I go, whatever I say, whatever I do, I represent Christ. I am to do as Jesus said in Matthew 5: 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." That is a tall order.

I am not a perfect witness all the time. And there are times I would be ashamed, because I don't always do what the Lord expects of me. Have you been there?

But it is something that we should never give up on. The Lord certainly doesn't want us to give up, and say to Him, as well as to ourselves: "I am just not worthy to be a sold witness for you!" I believe that the Bible tells us to let our light shine, by loving others, and ministering to their needs.

We may not be perfect, but the love of Christ is. Even though we are broken vessels, what we have inside is so precious, and necessary, for people to have. And that is a relationship with Jesus Christ.

We can say to those who are lost in this world. "Come and meet a person who is helping me to overcome my sins and weaknesses." What He is doing in and through me, He can do the same for you.

Yes, in spite of our weaknesses, we can still be an ambassador for Christ, and encourage people to be reconciled to God, through Christ! GP

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Thursday, October 20, 2016

The Help Of Humility

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time." (1 Peter 5:6)

Why is there erasers on the end of our pencils? Just in case we make a mistake, we have something to help us correct it. Even though many people would acknowledge the fact that they make mistakes, there are people who act like they have never made mistakes, and carry with them, an arrogant attitude.

We are not all right, and we are not all wrong. We are human beings, exhibiting both the positive and the negative. No one is better, or more important than, anyone else.

The Bible is clear, as the Apostle Paul said in Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." The whole human race has sinned and fallen short of God's glory. So how can we act so arrogant, and self-centered, when we fall short before a righteous God?

We care a great deal about what the world thinks, instead of what God thinks. If we would do what our text tells us, we would be able to have a proper view of ourselves. If we would humble ourselves, and concentrate on being a blessing to others, God in His time, would show us our place, and our purpose, in this life.

If we allow the Lord Jesus Christ to make us right before His Father, we would be able to place ourselves in the Heavenly Father's care, now, and for eternity.

Having humility, does not take away the fact that we are special, and have an important contribution in this world. But it does open the door for us to have a right relationship with God, and with others.

It opens the door for us to accomplish more, than our selfish arrogant self, could ever accomplish. GP
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Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Our Spiritual Mind Set

"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:2-3) 

There are things of this life, and of this world, that I have a craving for. It is hard to have the self-control to give them up. And yet they are things that in time will corrupt my body, mind, and soul.
Is this a challenge for you as well?

Why is it hard for Christians to set their minds on the things of God, and maintain a spiritual mind set that can not be shaken?

The apostle Paul tells of the challenge that he dealt with, in his life:
"For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil,that I do not wish." (Romans 7:19)

When the desires of the flesh kick in, they take us well away from the will of God, for our lives. And after we have yielded to temptation, and given ourselves to sinful thoughts and actions, we feel guilty about it.

In spite of knowing the right that we should do, we give in to the desires that are so strong, and the temporary thrill that is such a delight at the time. But then the thought of disappointing God, and placing ourselves at odds with Him, is very disheartening.

The question is: What is the key to setting our minds on the things of God? What is it that will keep us on a constant steadfast place with God, instead of with the world?

The key is our constant abiding in the true Vine (Jesus Christ) John 15.
No one else can keep us from slipping into sin. Not only does He save us, but He sustains us.  As Christians, the old "life is dead, and is hidden with Christ in God."  With our cooperation with our Lord Jesus Christ, He will help the old life, to stay dead! GP

 Photo ID 2723155 © Michael Pettigrew | Dreamstime.com

Monday, October 17, 2016

Walking Through

"Yea, Though I walk through..."(Psalm 23:4a)
There are some mountain roads that are high up in elevation, and have no protection to keep you from going over the side. I have not had the pleasure of traveling those roads, and I hope I never do.
I am afraid of heights, and this would be a very difficult experience for me.

The Psalmist David, had rough roads in his life.
He was as I would call him, a warrior King, and one who at one time, was a fugitive from King Saul. Rough roads indeed.

The apostle Paul, described our Christian journey as "a walk." In Ephesians 4:1: "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the callings with which you have been called." There were times in Paul's life that he had to walk the walk of a "prisoner of the Lord." He was arrested and placed in prison for preaching the Gospel. He knew that there would be opposition to his evangelistic endeavor.

I don't believe that Paul was surprised at his imprisonment, but he didn't try to run away and hide, he faced his situation head on. No matter what comes in our Christian walk, we are encouraged by the example of Paul, to keep walking through the storms of life.

The Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples, that He would be with them even unto the end of the age. Every step that we take, the Lord Jesus takes one beside ours. He is with us everyday, and every moment of our lives.

Some of the situations we have faced, have felt like driving on those mountain roads. But the co-pilot we have next to us, knows, what is around every turn, and will get us safely to where He wants us to be.

With that promise, let's keep walking through....GP

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Thursday, October 13, 2016

What To Do With Our Faith?

There was a man who got lost in the desert. After wandering around for a long time, his throat became very dry, and about that time, he saw a little shack in the distance. He made his way over to the shack, and found a water pump with a small jug of water and a note. The note read: "Pour all the water into the top of the pump to prime it. If you do this, you will get all the water you need." Now the man had a choice to make. If he trusted the note, and poured the water in and it worked he would have all the water he needed. If it didn't work, he would still be thirsty and he might die. Or he could choose to drink the water in the jug and get immediate satisfaction, but it might not be enough and he still might die. After thinking about it, the man decided to risk it. He poured the entire jug into the pump and began to work the handle. At first nothing happened, and he got a little scared. But he kept going, and water started coming out. So much water came out, that he drank all he wanted, took a shower, and filled all the containers he could find. Because he was willing to give up momentary satisfaction, he got all the water he needed. Now the note also said: "After you have finished, please refill the jug for the next traveler." The man refilled the jug, and added to the note: "Please prime the pump, believe me it works!"

Like that little jug of water, our faith is the most valuable possession we have.
What are we to do with our faith? Three things:
1. Realize The Value Of Faith (1 Peter 1:6-7)
2. Recognize The Vision Of Faith (Hebrews 12:1-2)
3. Rejoice In The Victory Of Faith (1 John 5:4-5)

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word,
Just to rest upon His promise
Just to know "Thus saith the Lord." ___Stead

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Tuesday, October 11, 2016

A Work In Progress

 "Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 3:12-14) 

Where do you place yourself in regards to your maturity, and personal growth?

There are some, who feel that they have arrived, and that there is not much more they have to learn, or to accomplish, in achieving maturity and personal growth. And there are those who are working on it on a daily basis, and feel that they are gaining every day. And then there are those, who because of life's mistakes, failures, or disappointments, have given up on gaining any amount of maturity, or personal growth.

When we talk about personal growth, the question that we need to look at is: Are we wiser, and stronger, than we were five, or ten years ago?

In our text, the Apostle Paul, expressed his desire of reaching forward to obtain all that the Lord Jesus Christ had for him to be, and to do. His maturity was not based on the ways of the world, but on the knowledge of the person: Jesus Christ. He wanted to grow up in Christ in every way. Forgetting the past things, and pressing on to a future maturity and to the blessings that are found in Jesus Christ.

 I would be bold to say, that all of us, are a work in progress. And if we have not started our journey with the Lord Jesus Christ, we need to begin today.
It is far greater, to be found mature in Christ, than in the world.

But it is a choice, and one that needs to be made before our opportunities run out? GP 

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Friday, October 7, 2016

What Kind Of People Ought We To Be?

Do you know when the Lord Jesus is coming back? Many will ask this question: "Do you really believe He is coming back?" Peter's answer in his second letter, in essence was an emphatic "Yes!"

 "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,.."(2 Peter 3:10-11)

That is a good question. In light of all that will happen when Jesus returns, what kind of people will He find us to be? Will He find us to be holy (set apart to be God's people, committed to worshiping and following Him, instead of the world? And along with holiness, godliness, (which is bearing the virtues of God's character in our lives).

As He is a righteous God, we are to be a righteous people. Will He find us to be so? I pray that He will. But time is of the essence, because we don't know when Jesus will return. It could be at any time. And this life is our time to prepare for His coming.

 Of all the bad things that could happen to someone, the worst is to leave this world without establishing a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. And if we are here when He returns, for Him to find us involved so much with the world, would be severely unfortunate for us.

Peter's question is a vital question. One that must be responded to today, before it is too late. (GP) 

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Thursday, October 6, 2016

A Friendly Community

"And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
(Acts 2:44-47)

Are all communities friendly? From a social perspective, communities are like people; they are not all the same. They (like people) have different personalities. Some are very friendly, welcoming, inclusive, showing humility (what I call "down home people") While others are arrogant, rude, and stand-offish.

When you live in a community for awhile, and you have not connected socially, with the people, something is wrong. And that "something" is a mind set, that didn't happen over night, but has been developed over many years.

 It would have been great to be in the early Christian community. If you were a stranger, and came into their fellowship, you would not have been a stranger very long. And if they knew that you had any needs, they would have made sure that those needs, were taken care of. You would have felt so welcome, and made to feel apart of their fellowship,

You definitely would have joined them in praising God, and having favor with all the people. It is no wonder that the Lord added to their number day by day, those who were being saved. They showed, and shared the "good news" of Jesus Christ.

It is not easy to be in an unfriendly community. But even if we are, we should "let our light shine" with the joy we have in the Lord. Who knows, maybe, with the Lord's help, you may be the one to break that mind set, and establish a new attitude in your community. GP

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Wednesday, October 5, 2016

God Gives Hope

"God will help you overflow with hope in Him through the Holy Spirit's power within you." (Romans 15:13 TLB) 

 I want to share a devotion from Max Lucado's devotional book "Grace For The Moment" Volume II entitled: "God Gives Hope"

 "Heaven's hope does for your world what the sunlight did for my grandmother's cellar. I ow my love of peach preserves to her. She canned her own and stored them in an underground cellar near her West Texas house. It was a deep hole with wooden steps, plywood walls, and a musty smell. As a youngster I used to climb in, close the door, and see how long I could last in the darkness...I would sit silently, listening to my breath and heartbeats, until I couldn't take it anymore and then would race yo the stairs and throw open the door. Light would avalanche into the cellar. What a change! Moments before I couldn't see anything--all of a sudden I could see everything. Just as light poured into the cellar, God's hope pours into your world. Upon the sick, He shines the ray of healing. To the bereaved, He gives the promise of reunion.
To the confused, He offers the light of Scripture."

 GP Today if you feel like you are in a cellar of distress and despair, realize today, that in the Lord Jesus Christ, you have hope. In no other one can we find, and keep the hope that He provides...today, and forever! GP

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Monday, October 3, 2016

In A Spirit Of Gentleness

"Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, let you too be tempted." 
(Galatians 6:1) 

It is important that we as Christians look for those opportunities to restore those who have been caught by sin. I don't believe that the apostle Paul is just talking about restoring someone who is in the church, but bringing someone who we know, who is not a Christian, to a point of correction, and hopefully, a point of repentance, and to salvation.
Whether it is someone of the world, or someone who is of the body of Christ, there is the need for rescue, and restoration from sin. And Paul tells us to do it in a spirit of gentleness, not in a spirit of severe criticism, and judgment.

Again we must look at the example of Jesus, and see the attitude and approach He took. In John 8:1-11, the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and put her right in front of Him. of course they did this to trap Him.

They said, she was caught in the very act, and the law of Moses says, that the punishment should be to stone her to death, what do you say? (v.5) In a spirit of gentleness, but directness, Jesus writes something on the ground, and then makes this statement: "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (v.7) What Jesus wrote that made them one by one leave, and not condemn this woman, we are not sure.

And to the woman in a spirit of gentleness, He asks her: "Where are those who condemn you?" She says" "no one, Lord," (v.11) and in a gentle voice, Jesus said: "Neither do I condemn you, go your way, and from now on, sin no more."  (v.11) 

This is the attitude and the action we are to show, in reaching out to people who are in the grip of sin and destruction. I am glad that we are not in the position of judging others, but we are given opportunities to make a difference in people's lives, for the sake of Christ. What a privilege it is, to do that! GP

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