Work Place

I constantly have to keep my mind focus on the word of God by not taking thought when others around me start discussing activities in their lives. Even during work especially after a weekend or holiday that’s when I realize that the voices seem louder. Everyone talking about their overwhelming weekend activities and is it a coincidence that none of their activities had anything to do with God or their so-called faith in Jesus. I may sound a bit harsh but I am extremely tired of people who say the know Jesus, they love Him and they are Christians when they never have anything to share about what He has done or what they desire to do for His Kingdom. I would be more at ease if none of these people said they were Christians.

As the week progresses then their problems start unfolding: Marriage, kids, job, family members other social relationships, health and so on. No peace, no joy, no fruit of the spirit growing in their lives. What I think is the worst part is that the persons who say that they are faithful to Christ are in the thick of these conversations and at times leading these unfruitful conversations.  Then I remember and read Matt 28:19-20 which tells us/believers to go and make followers of Christ, teaching them the word of God through our conversations/lifestyle and He will be with us.

I think that many Christians are not bold or zealous enough to share the gospel with others. Been saved is not for us just to get to heaven/ (fire insurance) but to encourage others to want to live for Christ. The term keeps been pushed around: “I don’t want to offend anyone”, this is just an excuse and an area we all can work on. Our lifestyle, conduct, conversations should be a reflection of who we serve. All of us are serving something or someone and we have to wear our salvation jerseys, hats, ride on our salvation rims and blast our salvation music. Living for God is not about behaving goofy or super spiritual but more so of renewing our minds, going to a church that teaches the word of God, diligently seek Him and ask Him to open your heart to his truth. Psalm 37:1-9

When I really got serious about living for Christ I had to get ride of the religious things I’ve been taught and get to know God for myself. The amazing thing that was revealed to me is that God created this world for His children to enjoy. Many things have been perverted by satan and we have to be very careful when we entertain certain thing. The bible says that we need to shun all appearance of evil 1 Thessalonians 5:22.  Having a personal relationship with God will reveal what is acceptable and what’s not. So let’s become the ambassador for Christ in the work place and everywhere we go. I am not talking about slapping people with the bible but rather your conduct. Romans 15:5

By: Dean Brown

Shaking..

I overheard a couple ladies having a conversation about couples living together before getting married.

Two of the three ladies were born again, of the two one was living what could be identified as a Christian life while the other is a backslider.

The conversation was quite interesting to listen to and while it is a topic that I have an interest in I decided at that time to observe. My wife and I lived this shaking lifestyle for a few months before we got married which we both regret and which we could have done differently. I found in God’s word that what the enemy meant for bad we as spirit filled believers can use it for good. My wife and I can both identify roadblocks that couples may face and advise them to avoid making these mistakes and do it the RIGHT way, God’s way.

The conversation was supporting couples living together before getting married so you can know who you are getting married to. I was expecting the more matured Christian to outright oppose this topic and in fairness she did not voice her approval either. Her input was for each individual to get family medical history. The backslider had a strong point due to her experience with been rejected by a pastor to marry her and her husband due to the fact that they were living together. Her response to the pastor was who is he to judge them for living in sin and refusing to perform the ceremony. She was at this point a young mother and wanted to marry her boyfriend to make their union legal. Her take is that this will reduce the divorce rate (testing the waters before signing the papers).

This is an area of great concern in this common culture we are currently living in. We are seeing clear signs of the breakdown of the family structure and the fundamental principles of God’s laws and total disregard for the family. Recently the President Obama administration decided not to continue to uphold the marriage constitution with regards of marriage had been between a man and a woman.

If we are sending these signs to the coming generations what are we to expect in the roles and responsibilities of a FAMILY.

I Corinthians 6:12-20 Paul clearly points out the danger of subjecting our bodies to sexual sin. He says “RUN AWAY FROM SEXUAL SINS”

This is where many of us gets tripped up when we know we are doing wrong or have sinned and we say “don’t judge me”, “ You’re acting holier than thou” but fail to understand that grace is abounding. Where there is darkness, God is offering us light (1John 1:5-7). So you are living a shaking lifestyle and God allows someone to bring some light in your direction(talk to you about it) don’t take offense just accept the light do what 1John 1:9 says, repent/confess and He WILL forgive

We all sinned, 1John 1:8,10 (in basketball we know of the Hack-A-Shaq where the player intentionally goes for the player and when a fool is committed unintentionally going after the ball) that is how believers/I, normally sin. As a believer I don’t have to sin. Sinning is no longer my lifestyle and I quickly repent of whenever I sin because satan can easily attempt to use that as a stronghold in my life.

Marriage

The Schwarzenegger-Shriver split added fuel to a firey headline in the June edition of Maxim magazine. Actress Cameron Diaz told the publication, “Marriage is a dying institution.”
“I don’t think we should live our lives in relationships based off old traditions that don’t suit our world any longer,” she said.
Could someone say with me “the devil is a liar; again the devil is a liar”. I hope the church, which is the body of believers don’t accept the world’s thinking and selfish ambitions. Not too many people like to be: loyal, committed, unselfish, responsible, forgiving etc. Apart from salvation/intimate relationship with God, marriage is the next most important relationship. The culture and world we live in today is trying to break down everything that represents God and a Godly living. This has been mentioned in the bible that man will become lovers of themselves so it should come to know surprise when we witness the manifestation of God’s words.
As a married person I have to pray and do the natural things that will maintain my marriage and increase my intimacy with my spouse. It is difficult at times but we made a vow with each other and God that we are not willing to break. The foundation of my marriage is on the word of God and not the counsel of unbelievers, unmarried, or the world’s wisdom. Isn’t it obvious that television, Hollywood, Opra, Dr. Phil and other celebrities does not have the answers for marriage?
I want to congratulate all the married couples who are loving each other and maintaining their marriage the way God instituted. Seek Godly wisdom in times of challenges; make up your mind that you are in covenant marriage relationship with one person; extend forgiveness to each other and enjoy your marriage. 
Marriage is not dead, it’s between one male and one female, God has not changed His mind on what marriage is suppose to be. Don’t allow the devil’s perversion to affect your marriage.
Love, Laugh, Live and Let go of the past.

Dean Brown
5/18/11