Thursday, March 15, 2018

Don't be afraid. You can do this.

Think.  Believe.  Act.  Trust.  Every Wednesday evening at Watterson Trail one of our Bible study session is entitled “Facing the Giants.” Last week we discussed how “FEAR” can be a giant that we all must face and conquer.  We discussed people from the Bible who were often afraid:  Adam and Eve, the animals after the flood, David, Joseph before Jesus was born, the one talent man, and others.  There is a pathway from fear to faith.  God provides the way.               
       1. Be proactive, not reactive
       2. Be prepared
       3. Trust
       4. Act

Think about the weapons that we can wield against fear:

KNOWLEDGE – Isn’t it a fact that every test is easy when you know the answers to the questions?  Knowledge is vital when we face our fears.

FRIENDSHIP – Solomon wrote that “Two are better than one” and then calls to our attention all the reasons why this is true (Ecclesiastes 4:9).  Friends who stand beside us and will fight with us, not against us in the battle bring strength and confidence.

FAITH – I can only face and conquer my fears when I really come to believe that I can.  And just how does one have faith (Romans 10:17). Someone said, “If you believe you can’t, you’re right.  And if you believe you can, you’re right.”

READINESS – We must be prepared to face and conquer our fears.  Get ready.  Every morning we get up and get ready for the day.  What do we do?  We put on our clothes.  Not just any clothes, but the clothes that we’ll need to accomplish our tasks.  In the case that is before us, we’ll need a belt (of truth), a breastplate (of righteousness), shoes (the preparation of the gospel of peace), a helmet (of salvation), and of course the weapons we’ll need to battle our fears and conquer them, a sword (of the spirit) and a shield (of faith), the word of God and faith in the Savior.  This clothing is found “in Christ” (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Don’t fear.  Look up.  Prepare.  Trust.  Act.

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Just living the Christian life - What an amazing adventure!


March 2018 – The Christian life – Are you living it?  It is an everyday thing, not just on Sundays or holidays.  Do your family and friends know that you are a Christian?  Of course, we don’t have to wear a badge that says, “I’m a Christian” for them to know.  They can see it in the way we think, speak, act, and live.  Life is tough sometimes and we often let Jesus down as well let ourselves down.  Don’t be dismayed.  God’s love is unlimited and so are His patience, His kindness, and His grace.  Just begin again today.  Don’t look back.  Look ahead at the fantastic adventure called the Christian life.

Can you “see” the church of Christ where you worship growing…growing so much that we simply have no more room to put people coming to worship God every week?  It is possible only when you and I can “see” it happening!  If we “dream it” and realize that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD all the while trusting, praying, and working toward that vision inviting and reminding our family, friends, and neighbors about the glorious Savior we love and the church that brings us so much happiness, we will day after day “see” God’s blessings abound all around us.

Of course you and I both know that growth takes time.  Think about it.  What does a 16 year old need to do to be 21?  Well, she simply needs to live 5 more years, one day at a time, one week at a time, one month at a time, one year at a time.  Patience is a requirement.  Eventually she’ll make it to 21 and Lord willing beyond.  Of course, after a few more years she’ll probably look back thinking, “What was I thinking?” 

Everyone person we know needs a Savior, the One and Only Savior Jesus Christ and a family of Christians like the one we enjoy in the churches of Christ.  They just don’t realize that they can have and enjoy the salvation and consolation that comes with Christ’s amazing grace.  Let’s tell them.  And keep on keeping on.