People who fight fire with fire usually end up with ashes.
How often, in talking with people, do we feel.... we are right; our idea, our position, our interpretation is correct, and we're ready to fight for it. Forget the fact that we may not be correct, or that there might be something we're completely ignorant of. The truth is, that sometimes we know better, and sometimes we don't. But the scripture teaches us, and I've learned from experience (most of the time), that arguing, forcefulness, and violence in my own voice are almost guaranteed to start a futile and ugly war of words. People are naturally defensive, and often, naturally offensive.
But we can be the ones to break the pattern…with a gentle answer. If our heart attitude is “Come, let us reason together, hear each other out, respect each other, speak softly, and trust the Lord for the outcome", and our tone of voice carries that spirit, we can actually help the other person to calm down and prevent a war. The fruit of the spirit is…..self control. What a blessing!
The Truth
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Continue In Prayer
Pastor Chuck Update: Yesterday Sunday, April 29, 2012 Pastor Chuck announced to the Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa congregation that the doctors had decided that a surgery would be too risky. They will pursue other options to remove the remaining cancer in his lung. Please keep praying for him and the church in Costa Mesa.
Please continue praying for Pastor Chuck Smith, CC Costa Mesa, as he will be finishing his radiation treatments. In two weeks an MRI of his right lung is scheduled. If the cancer is still there, the doctors plan surgery to remove the lobe where the cancer is located. According to doctors, Pastor Chuck is not a good candidate for surgery due to his age and the stroke he had in December of 2009. Of course, we know that the Great Physician is in charge—so we continue to pray for a miraculous report that defies all expectations. Pastor Chuck continues his normal schedule of work; teaching and radio ministry in spite of the fatigue that is normal at this point of radiation treatments.
The Truth
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16
Please continue praying for Pastor Chuck Smith, CC Costa Mesa, as he will be finishing his radiation treatments. In two weeks an MRI of his right lung is scheduled. If the cancer is still there, the doctors plan surgery to remove the lobe where the cancer is located. According to doctors, Pastor Chuck is not a good candidate for surgery due to his age and the stroke he had in December of 2009. Of course, we know that the Great Physician is in charge—so we continue to pray for a miraculous report that defies all expectations. Pastor Chuck continues his normal schedule of work; teaching and radio ministry in spite of the fatigue that is normal at this point of radiation treatments.
The Truth
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16
Monday, February 13, 2012
Love
I spent time today reading and thinking about love and what the Bible has to say on the subject. True love, as described below from 1 Corinthians, is not based on the outward/physical appearance - but on unconditional selflessness. Think about each statement below and take stock on how you currently measure up.
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Cor.13:4-13)
As Christian husbands we are truly blessed to have someone who loves us in this way. To share in our struggles, our failures as well as our victories. Our job, is to simply love our wives just as Christ also loved His church and gave Himself for it.
Spend some time in 1 Corinthians 13 and renew your love and devotion to your wife today. Love conquers all.
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Cor.13:4-13)
As Christian husbands we are truly blessed to have someone who loves us in this way. To share in our struggles, our failures as well as our victories. Our job, is to simply love our wives just as Christ also loved His church and gave Himself for it.
Spend some time in 1 Corinthians 13 and renew your love and devotion to your wife today. Love conquers all.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
So Others May Live
I recently saw the movie, The Guardian, with Kevin Costner. It was about the Coast Guard's Rescue Swimmer program. Their moto, "So Others May Live," describes the reason behind why they put their own lives in danger on every rescue. It is a selfless, sacraficial life these men have chosen, "So Others May Live."
Jesus Christ, our Guardian, chose to freely lay His life down on the cross so, "All might live." This selfless, sacraficial act defined the reason for His life as well, "To die for our sins, that we might not perrish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
The Truth
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
Jesus Christ, our Guardian, chose to freely lay His life down on the cross so, "All might live." This selfless, sacraficial act defined the reason for His life as well, "To die for our sins, that we might not perrish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
The Truth
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Betrayed By A Kiss
Judas, a disciple of Jesus, a friend, someone who walked and talked with our Lord and witnessed His ministry and miracles, chose to betray Him with a kiss. (Matt.26:48,49)
I’m sure we could all look back on our lives and point to some situation where we have felt betrayed. If we only knew beforehand, we could have taken steps to ensure our protection from that breach of trust.
Jesus knew of His betrayal. He mentioned it frequently (Matt.17:22, John 13:21) and even identified his betrayer and did nothing to protect Himself, even though it would lead to His death.(John 13:26) Why? Because He came into this world for one purpose, to die for our sins. (John 12:27) The “betrayal by a kiss”, was only the beginning of what He would endure for us.
The Truth
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)
I’m sure we could all look back on our lives and point to some situation where we have felt betrayed. If we only knew beforehand, we could have taken steps to ensure our protection from that breach of trust.
Jesus knew of His betrayal. He mentioned it frequently (Matt.17:22, John 13:21) and even identified his betrayer and did nothing to protect Himself, even though it would lead to His death.(John 13:26) Why? Because He came into this world for one purpose, to die for our sins. (John 12:27) The “betrayal by a kiss”, was only the beginning of what He would endure for us.
The Truth
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Two Thieves
In Luke’s Gospel account of the crucifixion of Jesus, he records some of the conversation between the "two thieves" who were crucified along with Jesus. One blasphemes and mocks Jesus (Luke 23:39) while the other comes to believe in Him. (Luke 23:40)
Two thieves, aware of their crimes and their guilt and just as aware of His innocence’s. (Luke 23:41) - Two thieves, in the same proximity of Jesus - at the same time - hearing and observing the same things - arrived at two different conclusions.
One thief verbally rejects Jesus for what He would not do, give into Satan and save himself and them; the other thief comes to a belief in Jesus for what He did do, die willingly a sacrificial death for all who would believe. (Luke 23:42)
Luke goes on to record the salvation of the thief who believed at death’s door. “Lord remember me when you come into Your kingdom. And Jesus said, Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in “Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)
End your fear of death today and be ready to move on with peace in your heart. How?
The Truth
"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
Two thieves, aware of their crimes and their guilt and just as aware of His innocence’s. (Luke 23:41) - Two thieves, in the same proximity of Jesus - at the same time - hearing and observing the same things - arrived at two different conclusions.
One thief verbally rejects Jesus for what He would not do, give into Satan and save himself and them; the other thief comes to a belief in Jesus for what He did do, die willingly a sacrificial death for all who would believe. (Luke 23:42)
Luke goes on to record the salvation of the thief who believed at death’s door. “Lord remember me when you come into Your kingdom. And Jesus said, Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in “Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)
End your fear of death today and be ready to move on with peace in your heart. How?
The Truth
"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
Saturday, December 17, 2011
God's Gift
Jesus came to this earth, by Gods' plan and design.
The place of His birth, marked by a heavenly sign.
A new star above, showed the place where He lay.
The Fathers' gift, sound asleep on the hay.
So innocent and pure, this gift to man.
Would soon receive, Roman nails in His hand.
He was born to die, His life He gave.
So all might live, and their souls be saved.
One day all will answer, for what they have done.
With Gods' gift to the world, His only son.
So accept His gift, and your soul you will save.
From the wages of sin, and the death of the grave.
Chris Kinder 10'
What you do with Gods' gift will determine your eternal future. By accepting it, you will find eternal life - by rejecting it, eternal darkness.
The Truth
"For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is a "gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)
The place of His birth, marked by a heavenly sign.
A new star above, showed the place where He lay.
The Fathers' gift, sound asleep on the hay.
So innocent and pure, this gift to man.
Would soon receive, Roman nails in His hand.
He was born to die, His life He gave.
So all might live, and their souls be saved.
One day all will answer, for what they have done.
With Gods' gift to the world, His only son.
So accept His gift, and your soul you will save.
From the wages of sin, and the death of the grave.
Chris Kinder 10'
What you do with Gods' gift will determine your eternal future. By accepting it, you will find eternal life - by rejecting it, eternal darkness.
The Truth
"For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is a "gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)
Friday, December 9, 2011
A Greater Purpose
When I was growing up as a child and got into trouble while my dad was at work, my mother would sometimes tell me, "go into your room and wait there until your father gets home." Boy that was a long agonizing wait. I usually found my self running different versions of the crime through my mind to determine how I might get off with a lesser punishment. One time I even stuck magazines in my britches. There was no question I was going to get it, it was just a mater of, how bad was it going to be.
When dad got home I could always hear him and mom talking before he came in to deal with me - and he always gave me a chance to tell my side of the event. But it usually ended with those famous words, "I have to punish you now son and this is going to hurt me more than it is going to hurt you." I never understood that until I became a dad. Inflecting pain on your own child for a greater purpose never feels right when your doing it.
Can you imagine how God must have felt? Our heavenly Father sending His Son to be punished for the sins of all mankind. Jesus suffered and died the death of the cross, the most painful, agonizing death imaginable. Why? Why allow it? For a greater purpose - the redemption of all mankind.
The Truth
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
When dad got home I could always hear him and mom talking before he came in to deal with me - and he always gave me a chance to tell my side of the event. But it usually ended with those famous words, "I have to punish you now son and this is going to hurt me more than it is going to hurt you." I never understood that until I became a dad. Inflecting pain on your own child for a greater purpose never feels right when your doing it.
Can you imagine how God must have felt? Our heavenly Father sending His Son to be punished for the sins of all mankind. Jesus suffered and died the death of the cross, the most painful, agonizing death imaginable. Why? Why allow it? For a greater purpose - the redemption of all mankind.
The Truth
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
