Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!

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

Friday, April 29, 2016

Take Heed To Yourselves

"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20: 28) 

This verse is apart of the Apostle Paul's final words to the elders at Ephesus. In his talk with them, he gives them instruction and encouragement.

Spiritual leaders (such as elders, deacons, teachers, pastors, counselors etc.) must always take heed to themselves, because they are setting an example for the church to follow.

In 1 Timothy 3:1-16, the Apostle Paul lays out the qualifications of for an elder, a deacon, and their wives. These spiritual leaders have a responsibility to desire the work they are called to, and to be faithful in being. and doing, what God expects of them.. As the saying goes: "You cannot lead someone to a place you have never been." Leaders must lead in the path to, and in, Jesus Christ. They must be examples of Christ-like character, and lifestyle.

Children imitate their parents. In the Church, these people who are in spiritual leadership, are our spiritual parents, in Christ. We are to look up to them, and imitate their example in Christ.  Spiritual leadership is not to be a place, of prominence, prestige, or power. It is a place of service. They are to take heed to themselves, because they are overseers of the souls, of those who are apart of the family of God, who Jesus gave His life for. GP

 Photo -CilkerfreeVectorimages/29621 images CCO Public Domain Free for commercial use. No attribution required www. Pixabay.com




Thursday, April 28, 2016

A Father's Mistake

"And fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, 
but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) 

As I mentioned in the last post, we as parents are not perfect. I myself, have made many mistakes as a parent.

In writing to the Christians at Ephesus, Paul mentions a mistake that I as a father have made, and many others have made as well. That is "provoking our children to anger."

Approaching areas of correction, should not always be with anger.
To our children, it may seem that we are getting upset about everything. Always coming to blows with our children, is not a good way of communicating with them, or correcting them.

Solomon was right when he said: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) Yes, there may be times when anger is necessary, but not for all the confrontations with our children.
And to have them angry with us, only brings distance in our relationship with them.

Solomon also said that: "Behold, Children are a gift from the Lord." (Psalm 127:3) We need to treat them like they are a gift from the Lord. We need to show respect to them, in hopes that in return they will respect us, as being loving, and caring parents. GP

 Photo by David Castillo Dominici. Published on 30 November 2012 Stock photo - Image ID: 100122417 www.freedigitalphotos.net

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Love Them While You Can

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you." (Exodus 20:12)

 I remember hearing a song recorded by Don Todd entitled: "Love Them While You Can"
 It makes me sad when I think about my father, and how much I miss him now. He has gone home to be with the Lord.
We spent a lot of time working together on the old farm. We had our ups and downs, as in any parent-child relationship. Looking back, I wish that in the later days, that we had spent more time together.

We don't have our parents with us for very long. We need to make the most of the time that we have with them. Second to our relationship with the Lord, is our relationship with out parents. I talk to my mother occasionally, but I know that I should do better than that. Being too busy, or too occupied with other things, is not a good excuse. And we will regret it later in life, that we didn't take advantage of precious time with them.

If you have a strained relationship with your parents, strive to work things out. They are not perfect, and neither are we. God will bless our time together, now and for all eternity.

Yes, we need to.... Love them, while we can! GP

Photo of my family- Patrick & Joy Patterson ©

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Honoring God's Plan

"Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence." (1 Timothy 2:11-12) 

The roles of men and women in the church today, are very controversial. But I believe that men have placed women in a tough spot, in the church. I believe wholeheartedly that man is to be the spiritual leader in the home, as well as the church. Woman is to be man's helpmate, as stated in (Genesis 2:18)

But men are not stepping up to the plate in regard to their leadership responsibilities. When the pursuits of the world, take men away from their responsibilities, both in the home and in the church, someone must rise to the occasion. How many women have had to assume the role of spiritual leadership, when in Scripture their role is to be the helper God intended.

It seems that what the Apostle Paul says here in our text is course, and chauvinistic. He may have been addressing a specific problem that was going on there in Ephesus. But Paul knew the important work and influence that women have in the faith. He reminded Timothy of who influenced him concerning his faith (2 Timothy 1:5)

God has a plan for men and women in the home and in ministry. When men and women work together to align themselves with God's will, that is when God's purposes will be accomplished for us, and for the world.
Photo by stockimages. Published on 13 October 2013 Stock photo - Image ID: 100209432 www.freedigitalphotos.net

Monday, April 25, 2016

Where Is The Love?

"If someone says, "I love God" and hates his brother, he is a liar, for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?" 
 (1 John 4:20)

 How can there be hate in the church? If we as Christians are to be like Christ, how can hate be apart of our Christian character? And yet it does.

When someone disagrees with us, or does not do the things we expect, we exhibit attitudes of hatred towards that person. We choose to not talk to them, to give them the cold shoulder, to not have anything to do with them.
Is this what we are taught By Christ in the Scriptures?

In our text, John asks a very good question, concerning our profession of love. How can we say we love God, when we have hateful, spiteful feelings, toward our brothers and sisters in Christ? If there is no love in us, how can we love God?

 Instead of really working on our relationships, and having them be the best that they can be, we find ourselves working very hurriedly to send subtle signals, that we don't want anything to do with those, who have disappointed us, in some way. It is in the disagreements, and the disappointments, where love is tested most of all. It's easy to love, when things are going smooth. When people really get under our skin, that's when it is hard to love, but yet very necessary.

So if Jesus were to ask you: "Where is the love?" What would your answer be?

Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 04 November 2013 Stock photo - Image ID: 100215123 www.freedigitalphotos.net

Friday, April 22, 2016

Talking About Jesus

"For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20)

 When Peter and John were told by the authorities to not speak, or teach in the name of Jesus, they gave them their response in our text.

 If we were to give the same answer today, what would we say concerning the things that we have seen and heard, concerning Jesus Christ? We were not with the apostles when they were with Jesus. We did not witness the miracles He performed as they did.
We were not there when He gave His teachings.

 But could we say, that we have read the Gospels, which are for our information, and testimony today? Could we say that we have seen the way that Jesus has worked in our lives, and the lives of others? We are not going to keep quiet about Jesus, because He lives today, and shows Himself to us, each and every day.

 I have shared these words a lot in the time that I have been in the ministry. "You cannot lead someone to a place that you have never been." No we were not there with the apostles, when they were with Jesus. But we can spend time with the Lord everyday. Being in His Word, and fellowshipping with Him in prayer, and watching Him work in our lives, as we minister on His behalf.

The apostles were very excited to talk about Jesus. Shouldn't we be excited as well? GP

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Thursday, April 21, 2016

Stepping Around The Veil

"But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

When I read these verses I ask myself this question: Can the Gospel be veiled at church? Has Satan caused preachers, and spiritual leaders, to stray away, from preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

As I have mentioned before, it has really bothered me that churches have closed, leaving such an urgent opportunity, to preach the Gospel, to their communities that desperately need our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Satan's biggest disguise is self. When a church becomes so self-absorbed that they lose sight of their responsibility to share the good news of Jesus Christ, wouldn't you say, that the god of this age has brought about a spiritual blindness, to that church?

And the next question I have: If they lost sight of the importance of the Gospel, did they really believe in it, and receive Christ as Savior of their souls?
Are they, along with the world, (that does not believe) perishing too?

These are questions the church today needs to answer.
It's time to step around the veil, that Satan has placed in the minds of people today. It's time to let the light of the Gospel shine on us, and time to reflect it to the world, so the world can be saved! GP

Photo by Suriya Kankliang. Published on 12 December 2015 Stock photo - Image ID: 100383418
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Sin Chasers

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15)

 Today "storm chasing" has become a hobby for some, and for others, a profitable business. The objective is to get as close to a tonado without being hurt. But for me, (and I would boldly say, for the majority) we would rather climb into a cellar, or go to a basement, or any place that would provide shelter, before a tonado comes our way.

When John wrote in his letter about "the world" he was talking about
*"all that belongs to this life that is opposed to Christ. It is Satan's system, society opposed to God, and taking the place of God"

Everyday there is a choice which we must make, because we are faced with it everyday. Are we going to determine to live our lives according to the teachings of the Bible, and practice a pure clean life before God; or are we going to indulge in the thinking, practices, and pleasures of the world?

We become "sin chasers." Chasing after the things that are in disobedience to the will of God for our lives. Jesus said: "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one, and despise the other. 
You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24)

What is your choice today? GP

* Warren Wiersbe's Expository Outlines Of The New Testament
(1 John 2:15-17)

 Photo - Solomon_Barroa   www.pixabay.com

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

The Workmanship Of God

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10) 

What does God want to do with our lives?

 First and foremost, He wants us to be saved, and to have all the eternal blessings He has to offer. Secondly, He wants to use us to build His kingdom. He wants us to be involved in good works, that He prepared beforehand for us to do.

 What are those good works? They are acts of ministry to others. Matthew 25:34-40 tells us what kinds of acts of ministry we can be involved in. And it doesn't stop there. Wherever there is a need, we are to be there on behalf of Christ, to meet that need. "...Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did unto Me." (v.40b)

For those of us, who are busy pursuing our own selfish pursuits, preoccupied with the frills and thrills of the world; it's time to wake up to the real purpose for our lives. We spend all out time, digging for the treasures of the world, when God has much more blessings, and much more of a purpose for our lives.

We were not made for this world, but we were made to head towards our heavenly home, and to take as many with us as we can. God has big plans for our lives. Let's not just place ourselves in a small frame of mind. But let's be open to all that God wants to do, in us, and through us.

He will help us to make a difference, For Him, for others, and indeed, for ourselves. GP

Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 05 June 2014 Stock photo - Image ID: 100264906
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Friday, April 15, 2016

Calling Us To Be Calm

"...and say to him: "Take heed, and be quiet; do not fear or be fainthearted for these two stubs of smoking firebrands for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria and the son of Remaliah." (Isaiah 7:4) 

This was a message to King Ahaz who was facing a plot against his kingdom of Judah, by King Rezin of Aram, and Pekah, king of Israel.

 King Ahaz refused the sign God would give Him that He would be faithful to rescue him and Judah from these invading forces. Ahaz refused the sign, but God gave it anyway: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." (v.14) 

We should never be like King Ahaz, and refuse a promise of encouragement and help. When we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place, calm is what we should be. Submissive to the Word of God is what we should be. Instead we become like king Ahaz, self-centered, and self-sufficient.

But in the midst of great trials, where do we find our peace, our feeling of security. If we think we will find it within us, we are only fooling ourselves. God is the only one who can provide peace for us, in the midst of trial.

The sign that Ahaz was to receive, should have been a great comfort to Him.
It should be the greatest comfort to us. In all the darkness and despair, there is light, there is hope, because we have a Savior, Jesus Christ. Now we can be calm, and embrace that hope. GP

Photo by Vitolef. Published on 27 January 2016 Stock photo - Image ID: 100392162
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Thursday, April 14, 2016

I Love The Way God Loves Me

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

 I remember laying on a table, as a camera took a picture of every inch of my body. It was a bone scan, to see if the cancer of my prostate gland, had settled into my bones.

While I was lying there, praying that there would be no sight of cancer, I began counting my many, many blessings. I was thankful for my family who was supporting me through this difficult time, for my home, my job, food to eat, for the many memories of being with family and friends. On and on, I was just thanking God for His many blessings.

There was no doubt that God loved me. He had been with me through several trials, and I knew that He would be with me through this as well. "I love the way God loves me!" 

And best of all, I have salvation, and the promise of eternal life. It was Jesus, God's Son who, went to Calvary in my place, to pay my sin debt. He brought me a hope I did not deserve, and could not achieve by myself.

No one loves us more than God does. No one loves us like He does.
So today, I hope that you will respond to God's love. Let Him be to you, all that He promises to be. You will be blessed in ways, you never thought possible. GP

Photo by Andy Woolridge. Published on 15 February 2014 Stock photo - Image ID: 100236656
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Friday, April 8, 2016

Is There Joy In Serving Jesus?


 "Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing." (Psalm 100:2)

 Is it always a joyful experience to serve the Lord?

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth, in his second letter: "For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia; that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life." (2 Corinthians 1:8)

We don't know just what happened to Paul at Ephesus, but it was bad enough, that these hardships were life-threatening (v.9) How can we have joy in serving Jesus, when we have to go through experiences such as this? It is worth it, to go through such hard times in the service of our Lord?

Jesus was honest with His followers in Matthew 16:24. He said that to follow Him, was to deny oneself, take up one's cross, and follow Him. What joy is there in that?

Why did the Apostles after being beaten, and commanded to stop speaking in the name of Jesus (Acts 5:40) depart from the presence of the council, rejoicing, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame of His name." (v.40)

 The clear answer is that they loved Jesus. They loved what He had done for them on the cross. He gave His life, and so they were willing to give theirs. There was joy in that! Is there joy in that for us as well? GP

 Photo by graur razvan ionut. Published on 27 February 2010 Stock photo - Image Photo ID:
10013071
www.freedigitalphotos.net




Thursday, April 7, 2016

Lesson Points

 "And Moses called all Israel, and said to them: “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your hearing today, that you may learn them and be careful to observe them." (Deuteronomy 5:1) 

"Now pay attention class, here are the lesson points I want you to know, and remember, for the test." Do these words sound familiar? All of us, in the time we were students, heard those words more times than maybe we wanted to.

 A Bible lesson is broken down into main points that properly, and specifically bring out the interpretation, and application of a Bible passage. Stemming from the lesson aim, they target the main thoughts of what the Bible passage, or story, is all about.

In life we have, as Israel had, lesson points to learn, and to practice. Statues and judgments to learn and to observe. From both the Old Testament and the New Testament, the Bible has instruction, and lessons for us to learn, and to obey.

The lesson points from Bible teaching, will help us to obtain specific insight, and practical application for our lives. When we study them, individually, or in a class, let's not take them lightly. We need to sincerely meditate on them, and apply them, to everyday practice.

Spiritual growth will be the result, and a true blessing, when we do! GP

 Photo by stockimages. Published on 04 March 2015 Stock photo - Image ID: 100313290
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Seeking The Lord

"I sought the Lord, and He heard me. and delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4) 

Do you look to the Lord everyday, or once in awhile, or hardly ever?

 Having the Lord be a big part of our lives, will bring to us big blessings. I am not talking about material blessings, but I am talking about blessings, such as the one, David mentions in our text.

When he sought the Lord, the Lord heard his prayer, and delivered him from all his fears. That is a big blessing for us, because we have fears about what is going to happen to us in the future. Uncertainty can be a heavy burden, especially when we are going through a serious trial.

Many people (including myself) have insecurities that are difficult to deal with. The big questions in times of trial are, "What am I going to do now?" "How am I going to deal with this?"  If we have been seeking the Lord, on a regular basis, we will know for certain, what the answers are to those questions.

In our time together with the Lord, we learn that we can trust Him, that we can rest in His care, and that step by step, we are going to watch God bring things together, to meet our need.

So let's not hesitate, and let's not procrastinate. Let's seek the Lord on a regular basis, and place ourselves in His wisdom, strength, and care. GP

Photo by photostock. Published on 12 July 2011 Stock photo - Image ID: 10049597
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Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Until Jesus Returns

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11-14)

No one knows when Jesus will return except for our Heavenly Father (Mt 24:36) As Christians, we have begun our preparation for Jesus' return, by accepting Him, as Savior and Lord of our lives.

That being said, we must go forward and lead lives avoiding ungodliness and worldly lusts. We are to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present time.
In essence, we are to be like a bride waiting for her bridegroom, standing in purity, sincerity, and anticipation.

Jesus Christ is to be the focus of our lives. We are to work at being ready when He returns, and at the same time, watching in great expectation and joy, for His coming. We are to be patient and productive.

 When Jesus returns will He find the three things, that are the three greatest things in the world? Faith, Hope, and love? Will He find us loving Him, and not the world? GP

 Photo by stockimages. Published on 04 December 2014 Stock photo - Image ID: 100300339

Monday, April 4, 2016

How Long?

"How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?" (Psalm 13:1-2) 

Four times David asked God, "How long?" Where was God, in David's troubled times?

We can definitely relate to this. At one time or another, we have gone through the same thing. We have felt abandoned by God. When we have gone through a difficult trial, how many of us have asked God, "How long?" When will you bring me the answer I need, in resolving this problem. or better yet, when will you deliver me completely, from this trial I am going through?

Yes, sometimes prayer means wrestling. In prayer, it is a process of working through various things involved in our trials. Over and over again we are reminded that we must "wait on the Lord" (such as Psalm 27:14) In His way, and in His time, He will answer our prayers, and He will respond in the way that is best.

Faith is not an easy endeavor. But the joy of it, is to know that we can bring our problems to the Lord, and abide in the shelter of His presence. Alone with God, we can struggle together. It a very miserable experience to suffer alone, but to have someone by our side, is priceless.
Our fellowship with God, makes our times of "How long" much easier! GP

Photo by nenetus. Published on 30 September 2015 Stock photo - Image ID: 100365525
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Friday, April 1, 2016

The Great Cloud Of Witnesses

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," (Hebrews 12:1) 

The large group of witnesses that are mentioned in Hebrews eleven, are great people of faith. It is not that they are watching us, as people in a stadium watching a sport's event. The English word "Martyr" comes from the Greek word "witness."

The lives of these saints who have gone on before, are a testimony to us, of how important it is to have faith in God, and in having this faith, we can get through anything challenging, that comes our way.

 From the beginning it was, and is, the plan of God, that we accept His plan for our lives on faith. Both our salvation, and our daily provision, is provided on the basis of God's grace, and our faith.

Will we be like these people of faith, the Hebrew writer tells us about,
or will we trust in ourselves, as we take on the testings and trials of our lives? There is a race, or a course, that is set before us. Let's keep our eyes on Jesus, who awaits to reward us, for both our faith, and our faithfulness, when this life is through! GP

Photo by jscreationzs. Published on 10 April 2011 Stock photo - Image ID: 10037281
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