Search Results for: blog being a christian is not for wimps

Living The Christian Life In The Public Eye.

Living the Christian life in today’s world is never easy. It is even harder for celebrities or sportsmen and sportswomen in the public eye. I’m sure this is true for Christian athletes training and preparing for the Olympic Games. One such person is Allyson Felix. Allyson is the daughter of an ordained minister. Being the child of a minister often puts extra pressures of their offspring as friends of ours can testify. People sometimes seem to judge those whose parents are in ministry more harshly. The pressure to decide it’s all too hard living the Christian life and competing must … Continue reading →

Being A Christian Is Not for Wimps

Yesterday we looked at what being a Christian is. A families.com member contacted me admitting he found it hard to always love other believers. I agree it is hard. A lot of things Christians are called to do are hard – like loving others even when sometimes they are unlovable and rub us up the wrong way. It’s hard too at times not to let the cares of this world and the emphasis on material possessions that constantly surround us on the TV and in magazines not take over and shift our focus. Jesus was aware this was a problem … Continue reading →

What is Life to You?

What does life mean to you? Life for Paul meant living for Jesus, taking the opportunities presented to Him to tell others the gospel message. That’s what he meant be fruitful labor, seeing others brought into the kingdom. He is well aware of the need around him. Our world is in great need. Men and women need to hear the truth of the gospel. How are you and I going about fulfilling that need? Paul urges believers to ‘conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,’ verse 27. We need to look at the manner in which … Continue reading →

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? Part 2

Yesterday we saw how we need to make the most of the freedom we have to further the cause of the gospel, by taking the opportunities we have. As Paul underwent his imprisonment not only the guards came to hear the gospel message but other Christians were encouraged and trusted in God because of the faith they saw in Paul. What’s more, rather than them cowering in fear afraid to speak out, they actually grew in ‘courage to speak the word of God without fear’ Philippians 1:14. Plus, the numbers of believers trusting God was growing. That’s often the way … Continue reading →

Gospel Consequences and Tough Love

We have the gospel of life, the world needs to to hear it. It won’t unless we persist in prayer and in sharing the truth with family, friends and neighbors. One of the consequences of living a godly life is persecution. Jesus warned his followers they would face persecution but to be of good cheer because He had overcome the world,John 16:33. Mention of persecution was not a one off. You will find this idea repeated in Matthew 5:10-12, Matthew 10:23, Matthew 24:9, Mark 10:30, and John 15:20 In the current economic crisis people are struggling for something or someone … Continue reading →

Jay Bakker: A Different Kind of Ministry

The other day I was writing about infamous hotel rooms and I mentioned the one in which Jim Bakker, head of the PTL Ministries, went to with his then secretary Jessica Hahn. You know I love scandals, so I was intrigued when I saw Sundance was going to air a six-episode documentary called “One Punk Under God” featuring Jim and Tammy Faye’s son Jay. I find it interesting that Jay himself became a pastor, but in a different way than most sons following their father’s footsteps. The divorce of his mom and dad happened when Jay was still a teen … Continue reading →

Why Am I Here? – Part 2

In my last blog we looked at one of the reasons, why we are in a certain place. We are in the place where we are because it is where God has brought us to. That can also mean God takes us into difficult places or situations. While I believe it is important to pray for others living in the place where we are, there is another reason God has us in that place. ‘God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him,’ Acts 17:27. So sometimes God puts us in … Continue reading →

What Can I Do? – Part 2

Yesterday we looked at the importance of prayer in helping the spread of the gospel message throughout the world and in certain areas in particular. What else can we do to help? If your church has a link missionary it supports, get their newsletter and prayer points. As well as praying for their needs write them a letter or email letting them know you are praying for them and finding out more of their ministry. It is easier to pray and support people when they are more than just a name. So get to know the people involved in the … Continue reading →

10 Ways To Change Your Attitude

Yesterday we looked at changing our attitude which sounds easier to do than it is. So here are 10 practical suggestions for changing our attitude towards life and circumstances. 1. Focus on God and who He is, rather than ourselves and the circumstances. This is what Stephen did when he was being stoned for preaching about Jesus, Acts 7. 2. Remember who you are: ‘children of God,’ I John 3:2, ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood…a people for God’s own possession,’ 1 Peter 2:9. 3. Remember Christ lives in you, Galatians 2:20, so you don’t have to try and cope … Continue reading →