Church Can Be Fun!?

08/31/201608/30/2016Leave a comment

“We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the LORD has done for them.” Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy!” ~Psalm 126:2-3 (NLT)

Where in the Bible does it say church should be fun or even relevant? If we were to ask this question in a different way it might sound like this, “What is the purpose of the church? Is it a time when we all get together in comfortable setting, dump some loot in a basket, do a sing-a-long or two or three, listen to a self-help sermon because “Jesus loves you”, shake some hands, get some lunch afterwards and then get our butts home before the Star Spangled Banner is finished and the coin toss favors the opposing team?

My fellow Freedom Fighter writer, who I’ll call Rob (to protect his identity) and myself have gone back and forth on the notion of church being fun. We’ve taken to Facebook with the question (well actually he started it…I may have to finish it) and there have been some surprising answers. There are people who do find “fun” in their Sunday worship. Now we can find fun at Six Flags but get real here people, you wait in line to get on a ride…BORING!! Well now they are handing you cute little disc’s that vibrate and blink little L.E.D lights when it’s your turn to get on a ride that last maybe 90 seconds so you don’t have to wait in line but where’s the fun in that? Now you gotta go find something to do until the thing activates.

As much as I understand that we essentially should maintain a reverent mindset when it comes to Christ’s Church, I am also a man who believes Jesus wasn’t above having Himself a good laugh every so often. I mean, after all, we humans do some pretty laughable things…like take ourselves seriously on way too many issues. The bottom line is Jesus, although the Passover Lamb, also came to rebuild His Father’s community. And for all you wordsmith’s out there the word “commune” is the central idea here. We forget the idea behind the church is to “commune” with each other as we “commune” with The Father. Why do you think we are called to partake of the elements off The Table?

But what’s a community/church like without a little fun or laughter to it? Well…BORING…it doesn’t make it wrong but it can make it too rigid to handle a storm. Truth be told the only thing in a building that has to be true to solid is the foundation, the rest of the building needs to be able to handle the elements around it. Sometimes that takes a little flexibility to the construction. I once knew a guy (Jan Savercool is his name) that told me I was gonna need to be flexible in my walk. In its

own little way, it’s kinda laughable ‘cos he has been right since 2003. (wish he still among us so I could tell him)

The real thing to grasp here today is that church should be a place of joy. The writer of Hebrews puts it like this, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) Even though I think using the word “fun” in the same sentence that we use “church” has a hint of irreverence to it (making it seem like going to Youth Group) I don’t think we should take things so rigidly when it comes to church.

But I do believe there should be laughter in church. If we can laughter together then we can pray together, serve together, worship together and even mourn together. And if we are coming together, out of the joy we have for our God, and joy is a Fruit of the Spirit dare I say that “fun” is a fruit of that joy and those folks out there who have fun worshipping YHVH aren’t doing anything that deserves them a stonin’ or two? Well maybe that’s still debatable among some but for me I have fun ironing out these kinda issues. But please heed this warning as I end with you today, when you treat the things of the Kingdom as common everyday items, judgement is just around the corner. Amen?

Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) is married (Kathy) with two adult children (Kevin and Karen) and has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 92; Proverbs 31

Daily Quote: “The church is an outpost of God’s empire: a community of people whose passport is stamped [or issued by] “heaven” but who continue to live in a foreign land – earth – with the aim of making that foreign land more like home. We take heaven seriously, and live with different aims and different values from the people around us. We also take our citizenship seriously, so instead of hiding under the bed and waiting for rescue (or the rapture?), we live in the world with the intention of changing it…” —Andrew Wilson

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? ~Romans 8:31-32

The Privilege to Serve

08/30/201608/29/2016Leave a comment

“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)

While watching a television program where an actor, playing the President, was sharing to his Vice President that he was human and he was ok with making some immoral/emotional choices. She rebuked him immediately and mention we voted for you to be different your position doesn’t allow you the privilege to indulge as the commoners.

It was clear what God was communicating to me at that point. I was created for something more. It’s a call that doesn’t give me the privilege to do as the world does. Furthermore, the call on my life doesn’t allow me to do what other Christians do as well. It’s not how about many liberties I gain under the grace of God, rather the call that God has created me for.

God foreknew the work he designed or marked out for you before the foundation of the earth. He has designed plan and purpose for you that are intimately graphed in the way he designed you. We are not just existing and our lives or not our own.

“For you, brothers, were called to freedom. Only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity to gratify your flesh, but through love make it your habit to serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

God is very clear and intentional about the call on your life. He has created you for good works and indulging in pointless sin doesn’t help accomplish His divine will. Yes there are liberties and yes the grace God is flawless, but isn’t it wise to use our God given privilege for its intended purpose? God bless you saints.

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 91; Proverbs 30

Daily Quote: Nothing can bring a real sense of security into the home except true love. ~Billy Graham

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Assuming His Presence

08/26/201608/23/2016Leave a comment

“…supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey…” (Luke 2: 44)

Jesus’ parents had taken Him to Jerusalem for the Passover. They travelled homeward in the company of a large crowd of pilgrims returning to Galilee. Assuming that Jesus was somewhere in the crowd, they went a day’s journey before they discovered His absence. When they failed to find Him among their relatives and friends, they returned to Jerusalem.

Several lessons and applications can be drawn from this incident.

First, there is a danger in assuming that He is walking with us in fellowship. It is true that He has promised His presence to be with us always, but the realization of His presence is conditional – if we walk in the light (1 John 1: 7).

Second, it is possible for Him to be obscured by the crowd. There were instances in His ministry when needy persons could not see Him for the crowd . Zacchaeus, because he was short of stature, was prevented by the crowd from seeing Jesus. He overcame the problem by climbing a tree for a better view. In a different situation, a paralytic in need of the Master Healer was prevented from getting to Jesus because of the crowd in the house. His enterprising friends solved the problem by removing roof tiles and placing the man directly before the Lord. Crowds and popular opinion can deter people from finding Jesus.

Third, Jesus was found in the place where His parents had left Him. When we have turned away from the Lord and assumed that He would follow us on a way that we have chosen, we can only be restored by returning to the place of departure. In this account, it was the place chosen by the Heavenly Father for His business to be carried on (Luke 2: 49). Instead of merely assuming that He is with us, we must learn to practice His presence. Don’t lose Him through the influence of the crowd. Before the day’s journey begins, be sure you’re in the fellowship of His presence.

Written by Rev. William A. Raws (Pastor Bill): Pastor Bill served at America’s Keswick for over 50 years. He is the grandson of our founder, William Raws.

Taken from Real Victory for Real Life Volume 2 (Kindle Locations 3130-3150). Kindle Edition. Keswick, America’s (2012-12-13).

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 87; Proverbs 26

Daily Quote: “Poor souls are apt to think that all those whom they read or hear of to be gone to heaven, went there because they were so good and holy…Yet not one of them, not any one that is now in heaven (Jesus Christ alone excepted), did ever come there any other way but by forgiveness of sins.” ~John Owen

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. ~Romans 8:28-30

Living Beyond Fear

08/25/201608/23/2016Leave a comment

What would you do if you had no fear? What would your life be like if you had no fear? What would you attempt for God if you knew you couldn’t fail? What would you plan to do if you were convinced that God would resource you? What would your approach be to setbacks and challenges if you were empowered by God’s faithfulness? ~Graham Cooke

But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in My eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made.” ~from Isaiah 43

Oh beloved, it is true. There is a place for fear. But it is not in this world. We are getting it dreadfully backwards when we have no dread of the Almighty and are scared to death of the littlest things in this life.

Lest any of you brothers reading this think that i am writing from some place where i do not have an understanding of what is going on in life, may i present a few details? i have been in a near plane crash in Costa Rica, followed by some bad guys in Palestinian Territory (really), stopped and questioned by a radical Muslim on a trash mountain outside of Jakarta, and survived a knife attack in the Philippines. And each time, G_d was there with me in ways that go beyond words.

Yeah, the life of an international worker can be a little exciting.

But, beyond this, i have had truckloads of the opportunity to be afraid of the more daily things. Like…

What people think of me

Where my next paycheck or meal is going to come from

How my health is working out

Being misunderstood by my spouse

Dealing with waves of chronic pain

Loss of relationship with children

Being disliked by coworkers and students

Being misunderstood (sometimes purposely) by those who could not believe what G_d was and is doing in my life.

There’s more… Each of us could come up with a long list of thing about which we could be afraid. And nearly all of them seem reasonable. But, they are not. Can we be honest with ourselves? Fear is nothing other than a lack of faith. Fear is my damnable pride getting in the way of truth. Fear is an excuse to avoid the unavoidable truth of the Gospel.

Read the passage beloved. The cure for fear is not just believing real hard in some self-powered attempt at faith. No, the cure for fear is to rest in the one thing that draws us towards real and abiding strength. Love is the cure.

But, can we see what kind of Love this is? The Love of G_d is not some sort of warm fuzzy feeling (though this fool of a writer is sure that He has those for us too). No, the Love of G_d has traded away influence and interest in nations to get ahold of us. The Love of G_d is a lifesaving, firewalking, river-fording, and all-consuming Love! We a precious to the very One who defines value itself. We are honored by the One who is more honorable than 10,000 princes of the purest royal houses.

Oh my!

Yeah.

Can we see it? Love like this grows something powerful within us. Love like this steels the heart and calms the nerves. Love like this drives out fear. And this is exactly what the only One we should fear intends. For as we look to Him and become dreadfully aware of our fallenness in light of His dreadful perfection – we see the one thing we never thought we would see: Acceptance in His Son, and Love beyond our wildest dreams in His eyes. Forever.

So, is fear dogging you lately? Maybe you could take it from an old guy like me out in the field. Fear is a liar. It was one of the best things i ever let go of. And when it wants to poke its head up in my life, i pray for the grace to look away from the foul thing, and just look into His eyes. When i do, when i look into those eyes – the fear is gone – replaced by the strength of His Love.

Tonight is your night. Time to believe you are Loved.

Written by Makala Doulos: Makala is a child of G_d, a husband to his wife, a father to his children, and a teacher to his students. But mostly, he is a prisoner set free by Jesus. Love has invaded his life, crushed it, and made it new. Now, G_d’s Love is what constrains him to live in full surrender to the freedom The Father and Son and Holy Spirit have bought for us all. Grace and Peace to you all.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 86; Proverbs 25

Daily Quote: “Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence.” ~Karol Józef Wojtyła

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Trauma Care

08/24/201608/23/2016Leave a comment

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

After 9/11, the level of security and fear escalated in America. People understood that we weren’t exempt from the extreme evil of the World. It actually made us think a little different about our comfort zones. It affected us in various practical ways; the way we renew our license, passports, traveling, schools, etc… Americans flocked to churches, government officials, clergy, counselors, therapist, medicine, and the like…it really shook us.

That happened on a universal scale, but how about the trauma in your personal life? Most men, in my dealings, won’t admit or deal properly with the trauma in their own life, moreover stay in denial that it even existed. Wake up, stuff happens! Loss of a spouse or child, divorce, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, substance abuse, even the lack of meaningful love can be detrimental and traumatic. Whether we like or not if we don’t pay attention to these areas, they will manifest themselves in other compartments and behaviors, Ask the people closest to you? Unchecked trauma will only produce drama.

However, we can experience true freedom when we invite God to walk us through those traumatic issues. He reminded His people, in this passage and many others, that everything has purpose, even pain. Don’t waste your experiences! Life will get messy but God is faithful to see you through, and to use it for His glory and your good.

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” (Ephesians 1:11)

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 85; Proverbs 24

Daily Quote: “If we have got the true love of God shed abroad in our hearts, we will show it in our lives. We will not have to go up and down the earth proclaiming it. We will show it in everything we say or do.” ~Dwight L. Moody

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Needless Needling

08/23/201608/22/2016Leave a comment

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.” ~Philippians 4:1 (NLT)

In Chuck Swindoll’s book, “Laugh Again”, he tells a story about some porcupines trying to sleep in the cold. They huddle together to keep warm but their quills keep poking at each other and they eventually have to separate because it just keeps getting irritating to be that close. They need each other to keep warm but they keep needling at each other…kinda like us Christian folks do to each other. Aw, it ain’t intentional, it just happens…yeah right!!

When we read Philippians 4:2 we see two names that come up, Euodia and Syntyche and they musta had a bit of a disagreement because by the middle of the 2nd verse Paul is appealing for them to live in “harmony” in the Lord. Now, even though these two women were living in a Roman colony and enjoyed a level of independence that was uncommon in the Roman Empire, it apparently gives them no excuse for creating disharmony among fellow believers in the church at Philippi. But they just kept…needling at each other. So what are you gonna do? Well you should turn to the 4th chapter of James with me and see what he says of the matter. (for the record, James is one of my go to’s even though he has a bad habit of causing me to say “OUCH”)

So let’s start with these two simple questions… “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you?” and “Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?” Guess we best start with the first one. How many of you think that Christians shouldn’t disagree? If you raised your hand put it back down because you’re wrong!! Yeah you’re wrong. If there were only shiny, happy people in our Biblical past there wouldn’t be much of a Bible. I mean, how do you think doctrine gets hammered out or how iron sharpens iron, we just toss seed, add a little water and sow flowers? When you have claimed Christ as LORD and Savior it doesn’t mean that you get to be all wishy-washy about things. So what gets us needling? Let’s continue to question 2…

In the NLT the words “evil desires” is used. Other versions used the word “pleasures” but none the matter of the term it’s the intention to have desire without restraint, pleasure with no boundaries, passion to get what one wants REGARDLESS of consequences. As James so kindly puts it, “You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”

(As a sidebar here: sometimes just being offended get things going. Because offence stimulates pride and pride stimulates bad stuff like, strong-arm tactics, stubborn deafness and political maneuvering…sound familiar?)

So what’s the solution? Well ya gotta understand that disagreements are to expected and not all of them are wrong. We need to remember that disagreements can be resolved before stubbornness and selfishness set in and occupy rent-free space. And if you wind up being the one needed to assist in the reconciliation process you have a threefold objective to consider: The goal is not to discipline but to restore, you do this with grace and not force and your common ground in it is Jesus Christ, not logic, church policy, tradition or “because you say so”.

This Freedom Fighter writer has had numerous times in his life where he didn’t think of the damage he did to the testimony he received from Christ’s wondrous work in his life and solved issues with the might of his mouth…pride would get in the way of him wrapping the towel around his waist, humbly set down on one knee and consider the other person but every once in awhile, some guy named Bill W. would remind him of this simple saying….”If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18) Somebody give me an “OUCH”!!!

Today brothers (and sisters) go out and laugh again in the Victory that was won for us through the shed blood of Christ Jesus and STAND FIRM IN THE LORD!!…AMEN?!!

Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) is married (Kathy) with two adult children (Kevin and Karen) and has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 84; Proverbs 23

Daily Quote: “Self-trust is the last great obstacle to living the crucified life, which is why we mill around the deep river of God like animals around a waterhole, afraid to go in because the water may be too deep. We never quite get it.” —A.W. Tozer

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Looking Unto Jesus

08/22/201608/21/2016Leave a comment

Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony of the truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. Hebrews 12:1-2b Amplified Bible

With all the coverage of the summer Olympics, my mind went to these familiar verses in Hebrews 12. I decided to read them from the Amplified Bible and wow – that really makes this passage come alive.

Thank you for joining me on this new week of Freedom Fighter blogs. We value your joining us each day.

I read a powerful devotional on the topic of “looking unto Jesus” from a devotional, MEET ME IN THE MEADOWS by Roy Lessin. Think about this:

The lost look to Jesus and see the loving Savior.

The wayward look to Jesus and see the only Way.

The confused look to Jesus and see the perfect Truth.

The empty look to Jesus and see the abundant Life.

The meek look to Jesus and see the suffering Servant.

The humble look to Jesus and see the risen Lord.

The blind look to Jesus and see the glorious Light.

The bound look to Jesus and see the conquering Warrior.

The oppressed look to Jesus and see the triumphant King.

The wounded look to Jesus and see the healing Physician.

The needy look to Jesus and see the caring Shepherd.

The hungry look to Jesus and see the living Bread.

The restless look to Jesus and see the Prince of Peace.

The mistreated look to Jesus and see the Righteous Judge.

The defenseless look to Jesus and see the great High Priest.

The barren look to Jesus and see the fruitful Vine.

The homeless look to Jesus and see their Dwelling Place.

The poor look to Jesus and see their Unsearchable Riches.

The lonely look to Jesus and see the ever-present Friend.

The insufficient look to Jesus and see their All in All.

My guess this morning is that you and fit in one or more of the above categories at some point during your journey. You may be in one of those places now and are looking for answers in all the wrong places.

Well my friend, today would be a good day to LOOK TO JESUS. He longs for us to do that.

Growing up there was an old hymn we sang in our church:

I’ve a message from the Lord, Hallelujah! The message unto you I’ll give; ‘Tis recorded in His word, Hallelujah! It is only that you “look and live.”

Refrain Look and live, O sinner, live, Look to Jesus now and live; ‘Tis recorded in His word, Hallelujah! It is only that you look to live!

Look to Jesus, my brothers. Look and live.

Written by Dr. Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick: He has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years, and has three married kids, one that is engaged, and 10 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 83; Proverbs 22

Daily Quote: “It is easy to bring a man to the river of regret, but you cannot make him drink the water of repentance.” —C.H. Spurgeon

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

HOW DO YOU SUFFER?

08/19/201608/18/2016Leave a comment

We had the opportunity to take a vacation to florida to see my mother. My wife, sister and her husband, our daughter were all together for a week to enjoy time with mom. On the second day of the trip I developed a rash across my back and stomach? SHINGLES! I did not want to burden my 91 year old mother, “If one part suffers, every part suffers: 1Cor. 12:16. I did not mention that I had shingles as I knew she would worry and did not want to spoil the vacation.

How often do we hid our suffering from those that love us the most? Jesus suffered more than anyone could imagine. I had family support, Jesus had no one, his disciples abandoned him, no one come to his defence. “The son of man must suffer many things and be rejected.” Luke 9:22 For many, addictions are the pain that takes over our lives. We feel that we have lost all hope. We have given in to our earthly desires and forgotten the one who suffered the most for us, the one who gave his life for us, the one that has the power to save us from ourselves! “My comfort in my suffering is this, your promise preserves my life” Psalm 119:50. We keep our pain of addiction hidden from the ones we love, but they are the ones that truly suffer the most. Reach out to the one who loved you before you were born. “On the day the Lord gives you relief from suffering and turmoil and cruel bondage” Isaiah 14:3

Written by Robert Breault: Robert is a full time staff member at America’s Keswick and married to his lovely wife Shirley.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 80; Proverbs 19

Daily Quote: “What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.” ~Augustine

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ~Romans 8:18

Righteous vs. Evil

08/18/201608/18/2016Leave a comment

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12)

When I hear a metaphor like, ‘The eyes of the Lord’ or ‘his ears are open’ I used to wonder if God has a physical eyes, ear, or any other characteristics like humans. Moreover, because of my disobedience, I didn’t want that eye or ear to see or hear some of the things, in which I was involved. Can that eye see my heart or what I’m thinking? These are the questions I would ask myself along this bumpy journey.

But as my relationship with God develops and my understandings evolve, this metaphoric language is revealing God’s continual guardianship and care over my life. He is the protector of His children and as a concern parent he wants to be engaged with the wellbeing of His Creation. Good or Evil!

The verse juxtaposes God’s position; providing confront to one group while rejecting another, nevertheless He is still over all. The warning is strong and His wisdom is infinite, and His love endures. For the saints, be Holy as He is Holy, however we should also have a hunger for sharing Jesus, because that sets the two groups apart. Are you going to tell someone about Christ this week?

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 79; Proverbs 18

Daily Quote: “Though we cannot think alike may we not love alike?” ~John Wesley

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ~Romans 8:18

Side Effects May Include…

08/17/201608/17/2016Leave a comment

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, But righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” ~Romans 12:17

I marvel at the seemingly long list of side effects that may proceed after taking most medications. I wonder if it’s worth the risk of treating one ailment and suffering thru all the possible reactions.

I was listening to Christian radio the other day and the announcer said that if this radio station was a prescription drug the directions would read “take as often as you like, side effects may include eternal life, peace, joy, love and a life lived in the righteousness of Christ”. I thought to myself “give me some of that”.

A side effect is something that is secondary to the one intended. In medical terms it is usually adverse. But maybe a side effect of our actions could result in positive reactions. Paul is addressing an issue with food and drink in Romans 14, it seems that there was a dispute that some believed you could be defiled by what you ate or drank. Paul goes on to say in verse 19, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another”. So, the side effect of pursuing peace is edifying one another.

I think the bottom line is that we learn to live by a standard that glorifies God and is sensitive to the Holy Spirit of God, or “walking in the Spirit”. I have three that I try to line up with my conduct.

Consideration – Seeing the problem and rightfully diagnosing the issue and how I can be a help instead of a hindrance. Sometimes it may mean staying out of it or prayerfully speaking truth with love in a situation. This may mean putting my own interests aside and doing what’s best for others.

Conviction – The prescription for the ailment. Live with a purpose that is governed by a sensitivity to the word of God. This usually is comes before an action.

Clear conscience – Is usually the way you feel after taking action. If I have a peace about my decision and am confident that it was pleasing to God.

Does the “side effect” bring glory to God and have lingering eternal value. If so, take as much as you want whenever you want and look forward to the “Side Effects”.

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 78; Proverbs 17

Daily Quote: “Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul.” ~Augustine

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ~Romans 8:18

Freedom Fighters

A Daily Email Encouragement for Men!

Tag: Jesus christ

Church Can Be Fun!?

The Privilege to Serve

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Assuming His Presence

Living Beyond Fear

Trauma Care

Needless Needling

Looking Unto Jesus

HOW DO YOU SUFFER?

Righteous vs. Evil

Side Effects May Include…