Monday, November 7, 2011

Tired of reading my thoughts?

Challenge for today: Don't read what I have to say. Pick up your Bible and read on your own. Gather your own thoughts on some Scripture and write them down. Pray and ask God for guidance; see where he will bring you. God will interact with your heart and if you are seeking him, he will reveal something pretty cool to you. 
Good Luck 

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Time to Check your Reasons



“For I have told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. (Philippians 2:18)

            Today, I want to challenge you to look at yourself. I want to put your intentions and motivations under the microscope. Why are you a Christian or why do you hold fast to any particular belief. For the Christian, what is your reason for carrying that identity? Some might say that they are a Christian because Jesus changed them. Others might reply that they have purpose or meaning. My challenge to you is a tough one to comprehend. Do you follow Jesus to serve him or do you follow Jesus in order to please the Almighty God of your Stomach? Is your faith in Christ about getting what pleases you or is it about giving it all for Jesus? Is it about getting peace and happiness for your life or is it about pleasing God and giving him the glory? In layman terms, are you a Christian for your own selfish desires?
            This is a tough question to contemplate.  This applies to all religions and faiths. Sometimes we are so enraptured and entangled in religious jargon (teachings and traditions) that we don’t see the real reason we believe. For many people are caught in the same trap as the Pharisees found themselves in. They were religious not for the glory of God but for the glory of themselves.  It is a trap that many do not even realize they are in. I became a Christian in order to save myself  from hell and destruction. Almost every aspect of my salvation stemmed from a selfishness; however, almost immediately after, I realized that it was not about me. My purpose became God. I just want to love him and others. I want to better the world and change it.
            So I ask again, are you a believer for your own betterment or is there something more? What is your motivation? Check yourself today and see what is revealed.