I have been blogging about how to make right decisions in life! Life would be so much better if we just made right decisions on a daily basis. (Look at the consequences of one man's decision at Fort Hood Army Base.) 13 people killed and many others wounded, and countless families and friends lives that have been changed forever because of the decisions of one man.
How do we make right decisions:
1. Spiritual Considerations - How will this decision affect my relationship with God!
2. Internal Considerations - How will this decision affect who I am and what I am becoming?
3. Today I want to look at the RELATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS - How will this decision affect my relationship with family, friends and other people?
First - Would I want this done to me? If I make this decision how will it affect the people in my life? Would I want someone else to do this to me?
Romans 13: 8-10 - "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself...Love works no ill to his neighbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
Secondly, If I make this decision could it look as it is wrong even when it is really OK? Will it look wrong?
1 Thessalonians 5:22 - "Abstain from all appearances of evil."
Thirdly, Will this cause someone else to struggle spiritually?
Romans 14: 13, 21 - "Let us not therefore judge one another any more; but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way...It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak."
My prayer is that I will make the right decisions today and every day in my life, based upon the Word of God!
Let's get started by making the right decisions today!
Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
DECISIONS-2
Making the right decisions in life is probably one of the most important things we need to do. I know that at my AGE, I want to make the right choices in life. I want to make sure that my decisions are His decisions. The best place to be is in the center of God's will for your life and my life.
Yesterday I blogged about the Spiritual Considerations of making a right decision.
How will this decision affect my relationship with God.
Today - I want to look at the INTERNAL CONSIDERATIONS OF MAKING RIGHT DECISIONS. This answers the question - How will this decision affect who I am and what I am becoming?
1. WILL THIS BRING MY UNDER THE CONTROL OR POWER OF ANYTHING THAT MIGHT ENSLAVE ME?
1 Corinthians 6:12 - "Everything is permissible for me - but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me - but I will not be mastered by anything. (controlled by anything)
There are a lot of things in this world that are not sinful, but I must make the decision that I am not going to be controlled by anything but the Holy Spirit.
How many things in our lives control us? Today how many people are controlled by the internet? We can spend hours on line and not even realize that we are being mastered by it. How many other things control our lives - hobbies, sports, entertainment, even the church?
2. CAN I MAKE THIS DECISION AND DO IT WITH CONFIDENCE THAT IT IS RIGHT?
Romans 14: 21-23 - "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin."
3. IF I MAKE THIS CHOICE IS IT BREAKING ANY PREVIOUS COMMITMENTS THAT I HAVE MADE?
James 5:12 - "Above all, my brothers, do not swear - not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your Yes be yes, and your No, no, or you will be condemned."
To make the right decisions I need to realize that every decision I make will have a consequence is my own life.
Matthew 6:33 - "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."
Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron
Yesterday I blogged about the Spiritual Considerations of making a right decision.
How will this decision affect my relationship with God.
Today - I want to look at the INTERNAL CONSIDERATIONS OF MAKING RIGHT DECISIONS. This answers the question - How will this decision affect who I am and what I am becoming?
1. WILL THIS BRING MY UNDER THE CONTROL OR POWER OF ANYTHING THAT MIGHT ENSLAVE ME?
1 Corinthians 6:12 - "Everything is permissible for me - but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me - but I will not be mastered by anything. (controlled by anything)
There are a lot of things in this world that are not sinful, but I must make the decision that I am not going to be controlled by anything but the Holy Spirit.
How many things in our lives control us? Today how many people are controlled by the internet? We can spend hours on line and not even realize that we are being mastered by it. How many other things control our lives - hobbies, sports, entertainment, even the church?
2. CAN I MAKE THIS DECISION AND DO IT WITH CONFIDENCE THAT IT IS RIGHT?
Romans 14: 21-23 - "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin."
3. IF I MAKE THIS CHOICE IS IT BREAKING ANY PREVIOUS COMMITMENTS THAT I HAVE MADE?
James 5:12 - "Above all, my brothers, do not swear - not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your Yes be yes, and your No, no, or you will be condemned."
To make the right decisions I need to realize that every decision I make will have a consequence is my own life.
Matthew 6:33 - "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."
Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
DECISIONS
Every day we must make so many decisions. How do we know if we are making the right decisions and if they line up to God's Will for my life. One of the first verses I memorized as a child was Proverbs 3: 5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not to your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." Those are words that I still hold onto today even as an older man.
How do we make right decisions?
Spiritual Considerations - How will this decision affect my relationship with God?
1. Will this decision bring glory to God?
1 Corinthians 10:31 - "Whether therefore you eat or drink, whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
2. Is this a decision that Jesus would make?
1 Peter 2:21 - "To this, you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps."
3. Will I be proud of this decision at the judgment Seat of Christ?
Romans 14:10 - "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat."
In making decisions - begin here asking: How will this decision affect my relationship with God.
Next time I will give some other considerations in making decision!
Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron
How do we make right decisions?
Spiritual Considerations - How will this decision affect my relationship with God?
1. Will this decision bring glory to God?
1 Corinthians 10:31 - "Whether therefore you eat or drink, whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
2. Is this a decision that Jesus would make?
1 Peter 2:21 - "To this, you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps."
3. Will I be proud of this decision at the judgment Seat of Christ?
Romans 14:10 - "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat."
In making decisions - begin here asking: How will this decision affect my relationship with God.
Next time I will give some other considerations in making decision!
Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
THINK NO EVIL
I hope that you are enjoying this beautiful fall morning. We need to enjoy the sunshine, because it gets dark so early now. Let us learn to be thankful for the many small blessings that God gives to us each day!
I was given a book that I am in the middle of reading right now, and the title of the book is "Think No Evil." This is a book that talks about the need for genuine forgiveness in our lives. The author Jonas Beiler, writes about the school shooting that took place in the one room school house in Silver Mines, PA. Jonas who grew up in an Amish home talks about their beliefs and lifestyle. This is a good read for people of all ages.
I would recommend it to you and to your young people!
Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron
I was given a book that I am in the middle of reading right now, and the title of the book is "Think No Evil." This is a book that talks about the need for genuine forgiveness in our lives. The author Jonas Beiler, writes about the school shooting that took place in the one room school house in Silver Mines, PA. Jonas who grew up in an Amish home talks about their beliefs and lifestyle. This is a good read for people of all ages.
I would recommend it to you and to your young people!
Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron
Monday, November 2, 2009
TEACH US TO PRAY!
When I read that the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, that speaks to me today! The disciples did not ask Jesus to teach them to preach, teach, sing, run committees or how to do miracles. They asked Jesus to teach them to pray!
I want to be a man of prayer in my daily life. I realize that unless I have His touch and presence in my life, nothing of eternal value will ever be accomplished.
Why Should We Pray? (Love to pray)
1. Prayer is the communion of my soul with God!
2. Any accomplishments spiritually is dependent upon prayer!
3. God has chosen to limit His activity to those who chose to pray!
4. Our influence on earth will be in direction relation to our intercession in heaven.
5. If we learn to wrestle with God in secret, we will never have to lower ourselves to wrestle with men in public.
6. That only thing that lies outside the power of prayer, is that which lies outside the will of God.
7. Prayer is the only road to tranquility and peace in my inner man.
8. Prayer is the breath of the soul; when I breathe I live, when I cease to breathe I will die. Prayer is my spiritual breath!
I want to encourage you to ask the Lord to teach you to pray, as if your life depends on it! Because it really does!!
Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron
I want to be a man of prayer in my daily life. I realize that unless I have His touch and presence in my life, nothing of eternal value will ever be accomplished.
Why Should We Pray? (Love to pray)
1. Prayer is the communion of my soul with God!
2. Any accomplishments spiritually is dependent upon prayer!
3. God has chosen to limit His activity to those who chose to pray!
4. Our influence on earth will be in direction relation to our intercession in heaven.
5. If we learn to wrestle with God in secret, we will never have to lower ourselves to wrestle with men in public.
6. That only thing that lies outside the power of prayer, is that which lies outside the will of God.
7. Prayer is the only road to tranquility and peace in my inner man.
8. Prayer is the breath of the soul; when I breathe I live, when I cease to breathe I will die. Prayer is my spiritual breath!
I want to encourage you to ask the Lord to teach you to pray, as if your life depends on it! Because it really does!!
Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron
Saturday, October 31, 2009
GETTING THROUGH THE FIRE - 4
This will be the last part of this blog of Getting Through the Fire.
Isaiah 43:2 - "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you." Living through the pressures of life can be like walking through the fire, and for many today it is a fire storm. Remember God did not promise that you would not feel the heat, just that you would not be burned!!
To get through the fires let me add a few more principles today:
- HAVE AS MUCH FUN AS YOU CAN! I think we take ourselves way too serious, and not God serious enough. We need to learn to laugh again! Have fun! Enjoy the small blessings of God even when the fire is burning around you! Solomon said - "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Take you medicine of laughter today!
- DETERMINE WHAT IS OUT OF YOUR CONTROL, AND WHAT YOU HAVE CONTROL OVER! The reality is we cannot control what happens to you, but we can control how we respond and what happens inside of us. We need to control our reactions, responses and our attitudes! Help me to respond the way that Jesus would respond!
- BE ENTHUSIASTIC - Enthusiasm literally means: GOD IN US. If God is really in us, let Him shine through our lives. Let us fuel a passion for God and His will in our lives! Find out God's purpose for your life and live for Him with passion.
And remember:
- God will finish what He starts in you! (Phil. 1:6)
- God will supply all your needs! (Phil. 4:19)
- God will sustain you by His grace! (2 Cor. 12:9)
- God will not make any mistakes along the way. (Psalm 18:30)
- God will defend what is worth defending. (Exodus 14:14)
- God will lead you one step at a time. (Psalm 37:23)
- God will make all things beautiful in His time. (Eccl. 3:11)
Hope to see you tomorrow!
Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron
Isaiah 43:2 - "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you." Living through the pressures of life can be like walking through the fire, and for many today it is a fire storm. Remember God did not promise that you would not feel the heat, just that you would not be burned!!
To get through the fires let me add a few more principles today:
- HAVE AS MUCH FUN AS YOU CAN! I think we take ourselves way too serious, and not God serious enough. We need to learn to laugh again! Have fun! Enjoy the small blessings of God even when the fire is burning around you! Solomon said - "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Take you medicine of laughter today!
- DETERMINE WHAT IS OUT OF YOUR CONTROL, AND WHAT YOU HAVE CONTROL OVER! The reality is we cannot control what happens to you, but we can control how we respond and what happens inside of us. We need to control our reactions, responses and our attitudes! Help me to respond the way that Jesus would respond!
- BE ENTHUSIASTIC - Enthusiasm literally means: GOD IN US. If God is really in us, let Him shine through our lives. Let us fuel a passion for God and His will in our lives! Find out God's purpose for your life and live for Him with passion.
And remember:
- God will finish what He starts in you! (Phil. 1:6)
- God will supply all your needs! (Phil. 4:19)
- God will sustain you by His grace! (2 Cor. 12:9)
- God will not make any mistakes along the way. (Psalm 18:30)
- God will defend what is worth defending. (Exodus 14:14)
- God will lead you one step at a time. (Psalm 37:23)
- God will make all things beautiful in His time. (Eccl. 3:11)
Hope to see you tomorrow!
Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron
Thursday, October 29, 2009
GETTING THROUGH THE FIRE - 3
It is so cold, that a little fire right now would be so nice to take the chill out of my old bones. The last couple of days, I have been blogging about how to get through the fires of life.
Isaiah 43:2 - "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you."
Review from the last couple of days: To get through the fires of life.
1. Keep on Walking - through the fire. Do not get weary and stop in the middle of the problem, fire. Walk through it!
2. The fire will pass. Every problem has a beginning and an ending. We need to be patient and trust in the Lord.
3. Make difficult times work for you. Have courage to believe that He that began a good work in you will bring it to the day of completion.
4. Take What Is and make the most out of it. Do not waste your time on complaining and learn to be content. Because the Lord is in control.
Today
5. Clean up your own Trash! We need to accept responsibility for our own actions. I cannot control what happens to me, but I can control what happens in me. I do not have to allow the trash of this world, to live inside of me. Read Philippians 4: 4-9.
6. Be Gladder than Madder! How will you respond to the fire storms of life. You can get angry, mad at God, people and even your self. Or you can be gladder, have a spirit of thanksgiving." Paul said - "Give thanks in all situations for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you!"
Remember: God never promised that you would not feel the heat, just that you would not be burned by the fire."
I will continue this idea next time. Eccl. 3:11 - "He makes all things (you and me) beautiful in His time."
Isaiah 43:2 - "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you."
Review from the last couple of days: To get through the fires of life.
1. Keep on Walking - through the fire. Do not get weary and stop in the middle of the problem, fire. Walk through it!
2. The fire will pass. Every problem has a beginning and an ending. We need to be patient and trust in the Lord.
3. Make difficult times work for you. Have courage to believe that He that began a good work in you will bring it to the day of completion.
4. Take What Is and make the most out of it. Do not waste your time on complaining and learn to be content. Because the Lord is in control.
Today
5. Clean up your own Trash! We need to accept responsibility for our own actions. I cannot control what happens to me, but I can control what happens in me. I do not have to allow the trash of this world, to live inside of me. Read Philippians 4: 4-9.
6. Be Gladder than Madder! How will you respond to the fire storms of life. You can get angry, mad at God, people and even your self. Or you can be gladder, have a spirit of thanksgiving." Paul said - "Give thanks in all situations for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you!"
Remember: God never promised that you would not feel the heat, just that you would not be burned by the fire."
I will continue this idea next time. Eccl. 3:11 - "He makes all things (you and me) beautiful in His time."
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