Who's Following Who?

"The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night."  --Exodus 13:21

 

I have been exercising.  My  routine has become rising extra early in the morning to get in some time on the treadmill.  But I felt I needed a little variety. So, I went to a kickboxing class.  In the class there is an instructor calling out instructions.  Each time there's a different movement, just before the change, she would yell out the instructions.  Now, I was unfamiliar with the routine so her instructions were vital to me.  I wouldn't dream of joining her and yelling out my own instructions, or breaking off and doing my own routine.  The result would be chaos.  Why come to her class if I'm going to do my own thing?  And so it is with Jesus.  What is the point of following my OWN path if I say I'm a follower of Jesus Christ?  Jesus provided the pillar of cloud by day, and the fire by night for the Israelites as a symbol of His presence, but also as a guide for them to follow.  The Word says, "He guided them".

 

Jesus Christ, the Shepherd is ever present, leading and guiding us, His sheep. But we cannot be led by Him if we run out ahead and follow our own instructions.  If we're going to go off and do our own thing, the question is who's following who?  John 10:27 says, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."

 

In this Christian life we're not playing follow the leader, because in that game, the leader changes constantly.  Instead, we are relinquishing control . . . leadership . . . guidance to the ruler of the universe . . . Jesus Christ, the good Shepherd.  So, I ask you the question, Who's following who?

"What Are You Willing to Give Up?"

What are You Willing to Give Up?

“Some time later God tested Abraham.  He said to him, “Abraham!”  “Here I am,” he replied.  Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love – Issac – and go to the region of Moriah.  Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

-- Genesis 22:1-2

I teach a Bible Study class for ages 3-6.  We were learning the story of Abraham being tested.  Abraham and Sarah had been barren for years.  The Lord had promised them a child, but now they were old in age.  Even though the angel appeared to Abraham confirming the promise, they were still doubtful.  True to His word, the God gave them the child He had promised.  Now, the Lord is asking Abraham to sacrifice the child he had waited for many years.  As an illustration, I asked my students to bring their favorite toy to class.  As we discussed the lesson, I asked them if they would be willing to give up their favorite toy if God asked them to, never being able to play with it again.  Initially, as expected, they were apprehensive.  I could see the wheels turning in their heads as they thought about it.  I kept stressing, ‘you won’t be able to play with it ever again.’  After much discussion and lots of questions, they eventually agreed to give up their favorite toy for God.  That illustration got me thinking, what am I willing to give up for God?  What things am I holding on to that affect my relationship with God?

As we approach a new year, now would be a great time to evaluate some things:

1.     Do I have any habits or activities that are unpleasing to God?

2.     Do my actions and speech line up with the Word of God?

3.     Is the amount of time I spend in meditation and reading God’s Word sufficient?

4.     What am I willing to give up to be closer to God?

Margaret Slaughter

"No Record"

No Record

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” –Psalm 32:1

 Recently, my husband and I decided to make a trip to Scott Air Force Base to shop at the Commissary.  As we approach the security gate, I realize I do not have my photo ID.   We are directed to the Visitor’s Center where I can be issued a pass to get on Base.  We go to the Visitor’s Center where I am asked all my personal information, name, date of birth, address, social security number, etc.  The Officer retreats to the back to look me up in the system.  After about 15 minutes he returns and tells me he was unable to locate me in their system.  I’m puzzled.  I respond, ‘What do you mean?  I work for the Department of Justice.  How are you not able to find me?’  The Officer said, ‘You don’t have a record so you aren’t in our system’.  Ok so now what?  I was told because they could not find me in the system, they were unable to issue a pass to get on the Base.  I thought, how absurd.  But then I remembered it’s kind of the same way with Jesus.  If I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, it doesn’t matter what I’ve done in the past, my record is wiped clean . . . No record!  I am forgiven!  The good news is, by having no record with Jesus, I am not denied access.  Jesus bore the weight of my sins so that my record could be wiped clean.  And I am granted full access to all that my Father has to offer, including eternal life. 

Margaret Slaughter

God's Billboard

God’s Billboard

“You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.  Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

–Matthew 5:14-16 NLT

On any state highway or street, side of a bus, pop up on the internet, and every few minutes on TV, you will see billboards and commercials advertising a variety of things.  Those advertisements represent a product or company.  When you see them, you think about the company it represents.  The same is true of Christ’s followers.  As you go about your daily life, you are a billboard, commercial, or advertisement for Christ. 

In God’s Word, we are called to let our light shine before men.  It should be clear to everyone that sees your billboard that you are a product or representative for Christ.  So ask yourself, ‘What am I advertising?’

Margaret Slaughter

There's a Thin Line Between Demands and Prayers

There’s a Thin Line Between Demands and Prayers

“Lord, teach us to pray.” –Luke 11:1

 

I was watching a sermon by Andy Stanley titled, ‘Our Father’.  In the sermon, Pastor Stanley talks about our approach to prayer.  While watching the sermon, the Lord revealed to me that I’ve been imposing my will during prayer time, and not his His will.  Wow!  That blew me back a few steps.  I’m spending time in His presence, writing in my prayer journal, set up a quiet space like everyone says.  Going through all the right motions, only to find out I’m doing it all wrong.  Now what do I do?  Go back to the drawing board as they say. 

Instead of, ‘Lord, do You see this, and I need You to do this to fix this situation’, try, ‘Lord, You are sovereign.  You know all, and You see all.  Nothing takes You by surprise.  I trust You to fix this situation how You see fit.  Your will, Lord, not my will.”  The purpose of prayer is to surrender our will, not impose it.

When the Lord prayed, He surrendered His will to His Father.  During the most difficult time in His life, when He knew what lie ahead for Him, Jesus surrendered His will.  In Matthew 26:42 as Jesus was praying, He said, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.”  Jesus surrendered His will, even though He knew it meant giving up His life. 

Surrendering your will for God’s will may put you in an uncomfortable place, but what better place to be but in His will.

Margaret Slaughter

Who's In Control?

Who’s In Control?

“In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” –Job 12:10

 

Recently, I visited a new car wash.  You pull into the cashier line, select your car wash from several different options, and pay.  Once I paid, I was instructed to wait in line until the wash is ready.  No rushing, because the automatic arm prevents you from going until it’s my time.  As I pull up to the wash, there’s a person signaling me to pull forward.  Now, I’ve reached the wash and I’m instructed to put my car in neutral and not hit the brakes.  Here’s where it gets uncomfortable.  I am right on the bumper of the car in front of me.  When I actually enter the wash, I cannot see in front, back or side of me because of all the wash strips.  It makes me nervous because I know the car in front of me is just inches away and I’ve been instructed not to brake.  I was tempted to brake a few times.  My car is moving, but I’m not in control.  This made me think, is this symbolic of my relationship with Christ?  The need to be in control?  The desire to brake when things are too close or uncomfortable? 

 

Isaiah 14:24 says, “The Lord of hosts has sworn: ‘As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.”  Even when we don’t know what lies ahead, God does.  But do we really trust that?  I know I’ve been guilty of not trusting God’s plan.  I like knowing details.  What’s coming next.  Well, news flash!  God does not have to report to me.  In God’s Word, He tells us over 365 times, ‘Fear not’.  That’s a daily reminder that God has it all under control!

 

If God’s Word is true, and I do believe that it is, then I should stand on Numbers 23:19 NLT, “God is not a man, so he does not lie.  He is not human, so he does not change his mind.  Has he ever spoken and failed to act?  Has he ever promised and not carried it through?”

 

Will I continue to struggle with the need to control every aspect of my life?  Maybe.  But if I stay in God’s Word and stay prayerful, giving over control to an all knowing, all seeing, all powerful God will become easier.

Margaret Slaughter

Recognizing Jesus

Recognizing Jesus

A couple of years ago I had to get a second opinion mammogram.  As I’m sitting there, half clothed and talking to God, I hear, ‘Margaret!”  I look up and there is a woman that I do not recognize at all.  She starts talking to me, and says she remembers me from elementary school.  Elementary school?  During the conversation I realize she really does know me, but I still did not recognize her.  How many times have you not recognized God?

Remember Samuel?  The boy whom his mother, Hannah had prayed so hard for that Eli the priest thought she was drunk.  Hannah promised the Lord if He would give her a son, she would give him back to Him. (1Samuel, Chapter 1)

Fulfilling the vow to the Lord, Hannah turned Samuel over to Eli the priest so that he could serve the Lord, and assist Eli (1Samuel, Chapter 2).  During this time, “messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon.” But our Lord is not a common kind of Lord!  One night as Eli and Samuel were sleeping, the Lord called Samuel.  Not recognizing the Lord, Samuel ran to Eli and said “here I am, did you call me?” (1Samuel, Chapter 3).  The Lord called Samuel two more times, without Samuel recognizing Him.  On the third time, Eli had to tell Samuel it was the LORD calling him.

How many times has the LORD called you, and you did not recognize Him?  Suppose Samuel had missed the call of the LORD?  All the messages for the people of Israel would  have never been delivered.  How many missions, messages, blessings have been missed because of our failure to recognize the LORD?

In the 10^th Chapter of John, when Jesus identified Himself as the Son of God, the people questioned, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense?  If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”  Jesus’ reply is important for us to remember, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me.  The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name.  But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep.  My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Let’s not miss our assignment. Spend time with the Lord so that you recognize His voice, and follow Him.

Missionary Margaret Slaughter

Among Them, Not of Them

Among Them, Not Of Them

I attended dinner, and the ladies at my table were sharing jokes back and forth.  After awhile one said to me, “you are the kind of friend we would have to leave in the car when we go to do something bad”.  Later that night I started to think, what made her make that statement.  Was it because she knows I’m a Christian? Or was it because I didn’t participate in the joke-telling? Or maybe it’s because she knows that I’m a Missionary?  Either way, I would like to think it’s because although I’m ‘among’ them, I’m not ‘of’ them. 

 Many times throughout Jesus’ ministry, He spent time ‘among’ people that others thought He shouldn’t.  Why is that important?  How will people experience the love of Christ, or see demonstrations of Christ-like behavior if Christians separate themselves?

The 2^nd Chapter of Mark is a perfect example.  Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, and ‘many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples’ (verse 15).  The Jewish tax collectors were regarded as outcasts, and to eat with a person was a sign of friendship.  When the Pharisees saw this, they questioned Jesus’ disciples about the company He was keeping.  Jesus replied, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (verse 17). 

Jesus saw the dinner at Levi’s house as an opportunity to share the Good News with those who needed it most.  He didn’t require them to change before coming to Him.  He met them where they were. The fact that Jesus saw beyond the persons ‘sin’ to their need, certainly inspired them to know Him better.

There is an old quote that says, ‘Be careful how you live.  You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.’  What a true and powerful statement.  What are people ‘reading’ when they see you go about your daily life?  Do they experience the love of Christ, and see the attributes of Christ?

If we are to reach the lost, we must come in contact with them. “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:38).  Are you ready?

Missionary Margaret Slaughter

Agape Love

Agape Love

 

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I love german chocolate cake.  The sweet mixture of coconut, and nuts, and chocolate cake is delicious.  I also love the color red, and reading a good book.  After God, I love my husband and my family.  Love takes on many forms, and it has different meanings depending on the situation or context.

Everyone knows February 14^th is Valentine’s Day, which is synonymous with LOVE.  But I thought we’d explore a different type of love . . . Agape love.

Agape love is defined as: selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love.  Agape describes the kind of love Jesus Christ has for His Father, and for us, His followers.  Agape love is what was displayed when Jesus sacrificed His life for us on the cross.  (“For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 NIV)

Agape love is not a feeling.  It is a love that gives, without expecting anything in return.  It shows itself in action. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV). How selfless is that!  Would you be willing to give your life for someone that is not even giving you a second thought? 

Ephesians 5, verses 1 and 2 says, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” 

If we are to be imitators of Christ, then we are to put forth our best effort in displaying Agape love to others, not expecting anything in return, and not ‘keeping score’.   What if Christ ‘kept score’ of all the grace and mercy he extends to us daily?  We would never be able to repay Him. 

How shall we display our Agape love for others?  Galatians 5:14 sums it up best: “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’”.

In this month of love, and all the year through, let’s display our Agape love, and watch God change things.

Missionary Margaret Slaughter

What If YOUR Tape or Photo Was Leaked?

We live in a time where the leaking of  tapes and photos and conversations, revealing your most intimate, behind-closed-doors life is all too common, and most times shoots the ‘victim’ to notoriety.  Society records and photographs everything, all the time, everywhere, and it can be shared with the world in a matter of seconds via different forms of social media.  Tabloids pay top dollar for photos, videos, and recordings of celebrities.  No place is sacred.  Then there’s damage control. Professionals are hired to put a spin on the events, to shed a more favorable light on their clients’ escapades.

What if satan (your enemy) leaked YOUR tape? Or YOUR photos? Or YOUR conversations. Or YOUR thoughts?  What type of damage control, or spin would the Holy Spirit have to put on your escapades?   Not of your past or your ‘BC days’ (Before Christ), but of your present day, Christian life?  Would you be ashamed of what the world would see?

Although our life lived in front of the world is a testament to our Christianity, we should be more concerned with what our omnipresent (everywhere at the same time), ominiscient (having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, or understanding; perceiving all things) God sees and knows. 

Psalm 139:1-12 (NIV) explains it perfectly: “You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.  You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.  Where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

Wow!  Meditate on that for a moment.  You cannot hide your innermost thoughts and actions from the presence of God, and it is senseless to try, just ask Jonah (Read Jonah, Chapter 1)!

So, as we approach a new year, let’s record a new tape.  One of agape love (selfless, sacrificial, unconditional), service to our brothers and sisters, humbleness, and righteousness (morally good, free of sin).  Let’s not only live as though the world were watching, let’s live as though God is watching . . . because He is!

Missionary Margaret Slaughter

Intercessory Prayer . . . What is it & Why should we do it?

How many times throughout the day does someone share their problems or concerns with you?  Likely all day long.  Those times are great opportunities for intercessory prayer!

What is intercessory prayer? Intercession is defined as: the act of interceding or offering petitionary prayer to God on behalf of others.

Each day, God presents us with opportunities to come to Him on the behalf of others.

Jesus Christ is a perfect example of an intercessor.  “Who then will condemn us? No one – for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading (interceding) for us.” –Romans 8:34 NLT 

Jesus was also an intercessor here on earth.  There are many examples of the people of God interceding on the behalf of others: Abraham interceded on behalf of the people of Sodom (Genesis 18); Moses continually interceded on behalf of the Hebrew people (Exodus 15:25); Paul interceded on behalf of the believers (Philippians 1:9-11)

Why should we intercede?

We are commanded to intercede on the behalf of others, otherwise we sin against the Lord: “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.” --1Samuel 12:23 NIV

If the Holy Spirit can be an intercessor, why shouldn’t we? “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” –Romans 8:26-27

Ideas for intercessory prayer

Family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

Your church, state and federal leaders!  We are presently seeing a level of local unrest we have not seen in a long time.  Pray for your leaders, that they are able to make wise decisions on behalf of their congregation and community.

Always be ready

Keep a pen and notepad, or prayer journal readily available so that you can jot down prayer requests, concerns, or issues as people share them with you.

Be open to God’s prompting regarding prayer needs throughout the day. Let’s become the intercessors God calls us to be.

Missionary Margaret Slaughter

 

Fruitful or Withered?

Over the years I’ve tried my hand at gardening.  I’ve tried everything people have recommended to be successful . . . watering, fertilizing, pruning, talking to the plants, sunshine, shade . . . all to no avail.  Needless to say, I’m not a very good gardener.  But, I know someone who is the perfect gardener . . . Jesus!

In John 15:5-6 Jesus says (red letter), “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”

The vine (Christ) is the source of life for the branches (Christians), and the branches must abide in the vine to live and bear fruit.  It’s simple – apart from Jesus we can do nothing.  A branch that is truly connected to the vine is secure and will never be removed.  But a vine that appears to be connected – a vine that only has a superficial connection – will be removed.

The superficial vines appear to have a real connection – they attend church, quote scriptures, and go through the religious motions, but they do not have a relationship with the vine. 

So, I ask you the question . . . . are you Fruitful (bearing fruit), or are you withered?  Maybe you need a little pruning?

When a gardener sees that a plant is not growing or budding, they begin a pruning process, cutting away the withered leaves and branches. 

Once the withered pieces are removed, the plant can now flourish and bear new leaves and branches. Verse 2 says, ‘he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.”  This is the same process Jesus does in our lives.  When we become stagnant in our ministries, our prayer life, our study of the Bible, etc. the Lord will begin to cut away the excess.

In the pruning process, withered branches are cut off.   The only good purpose for withered branches is a fire (verse 6).  They are good for nothing else.

In order to flourish (bear fruit), we must remain in Christ, and he will remain in us.  Remaining in Christ means being connected to Him. Doing those things which bring Him glory.  Verse 8, “When you produce much fruit, you are my disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”

How do you know if you are fruitful or withered?

Check yourself against the characteristics of Christ.  It is impossible to remain in the vine, and not show His characteristics – love, humility, compassion, obedience, merciful, patient, temperate, kind, gentle, forgiving, and faithful to name a few. 

If you are withering, let Jesus complete the pruning process, you’ll bear much more fruit when He’s done!

 Missionary Margaret Slaughter  

Have You Lost Your Connection?

I was listening to iHeart Radio the other day, and the music suddenly stopped.  When I tried to reconnect, I got an error message that said “Audio Stream is Unavailable – Connection Lost”.  Well, that error message got me thinking . . . Have I also lost my connection with God?

Is our relationship with God like a cell phone connection: sometimes good, sometimes strong, sometimes weak? Is God asking you, “Can you hear me now?”  Oftentimes in the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, our time with God gets crowded out, and as a result, “Audio Stream is Unavailable – Connection Lost”.  We are unable to hear God’s still, small voice.

A cell phone will not recharge without a good connection to the power source.  A television or radio will not play without a good connection to the power source.  You cannot lay the plug NEAR the power source, you must plug INTO the power source.

How do you know if your connection is weak, or you’ve lost your connection altogether? Plug into the power source, God, and check your actions, reactions and thoughts against the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”  If God’s Word is true, and I do believe that it is, all we need to do to re-connect with God is to ‘come near’.

Plugging in to our power source requires spending time in prayer, constant two-way communication.  Spend more time listening rather than talking or requesting during your prayer time.  There’s a reason God gave us two ears and one mouth! 

We also must spend time reading and meditating on God’s Word.  Joshua 1:8, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Spend time worshiping God. Easton’s Bible dictionary defines worship as: homage rendered to God which it is sinful (idolatry) to render to any created being (see Exodus 34:14). Don’t you enjoy when people tell you how wonderful you are, and how much they love you?  Well, imagine how God the Father would feel if you treated him the same.

Here’s a good one . . . surrender.  Every day you wake up, decide who is going to be in control of your life, you or God.  Listening for instructions will definitely keep you connected to your power source!

Let’s get reconnected!

Missionary Margaret Slaughter  

Blessing Generations to Come

I recently had an opportunity to share with my daughters that since they have been born, I have been praying for the husbands God will give them. Sound strange?  Not according to God’s Word.

Mark 11: 24 says, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours”.  Years ago, God pricked my heart to pray for their future spouses.  This is just one example of blessing generations.

Our words have great influence in the lives of those around us, and speaking blessings can bring hope, encouragement, and direction to our families, friends, and others, for generations to come. 

Proverbs 18:21 tells us the tongue has the power of life and death.  Which are you speaking to your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or any other young person you encounter? Blessings or curses?

“You’re going to be just like your daddy / momma!”  Blessing or curse?

“I hope you have children that act just like you!”  Blessing or curse?

 
“You’re never going to change” Blessing or curse?
 
If we want our children, and our children’s children, and so on to know God, and live abundantly according to His Word, we must start to speak those things into existence.  If we want to affect the heart of our world as a whole, we must begin to speak blessings, healing, and love, to our future generations.

The greatest example of how powerful the spoken word is can be found in Genesis, Chapter 1.  In that first Chapter, God said ‘Let’ or ‘Let there be’ 13 times, and it was so. The entire universe, and all its creation was brought into existence by speaking words. Stop and think on that for a moment.  If God’s words can call an entire universe to be, what can your words call into existence?

So, I ask you again, are you speaking blessings or curses? Just as light overcomes darkness, blessings can overcome curses.

Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live”

It’s not too late to change the landscape of our future generations.   Start to use scripture to speak blessings over generations. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” –Isaiah 55:11.

Friend or Foe?

Friend or Foe? Which are you?

Are you walking in obedience to what God says in His Word? 

Are you obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit? 

Are you living out what God has called you to do? 

Are you bringing people to Christ?

A ‘no’ answer to any one of these questions tells you what side of the fence you are on.

The scripture that gives us the clearest definition of ‘friend or foe’ is found in James 4:4, “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”

We let the world know where we stand with every decision we make.  Every day, throughout the day, we have to make choices.  When we make a choice in rebellion to God, we have become His enemy.

Further in the fourth chapter of James, verse 17 tells us, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. (NLT)”

Are you failing to take a stand for God in your personal life? Where you work? Go to school? Among your family and friends? During your recreation time? In your place of worship? Friend or foe?

 
Everyday through various media outlets . . . radio, TV, internet,

magazines, and books, etc. we see how the world bombards us with what they believe is ‘right’ and ‘good’.  How do these outlets line up with the Word of God? Friend or foe?

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you.  Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.  Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” – Romans 12:1-2

It is time we stop straddling the fence, and stand, and act, on what we believe – the Word of God.

Formula 409

Formula 409 was created in 1957 by the Rouff brothers, three scientists from Michigan.  The brothers worked for Gem Products, an industrial cleaning solution manufacturer.  The Formula 409 name is actually a tribute to the tenacity of the brothers who were determined to formulate the greatest grease-cutting, dirt-destroying, bacteria cutting cleaner on the planet.  Creating the ultimate cleaner doesn’t just happen on the first try.  And it didn’t happen on the 101^st or the 301^st.  It wasn’t until batch number 409 that they were finally satisfied.  And so the name stuck.

What if we applied the Formula 409 principle to our prayer life? Never giving up when we’re praying on a situation, or interceding for a family member or a friend.

In 1Thessalonians 5:17 TLB, Paul commands us: “Always keep on praying.”  There are many instances in the Bible, where persistent prayer paid off not only for the person praying, but for entire nations.

Moses prayed for forty days and forty nights, seeking God’s grace for the rebellious Israelites.  “As for me, I stayed on the mountain in the Lord’s presence for forty days and nights, as I had done the first time. And once again the Lord listened to my pleas and agreed not to destroy you.” (Deut. 10:10)

 
In Luke 18, Jesus taught His disciples, through a parable, “that they should always pray and not give up . . . And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly”. (Luke 18:1-8)

Hannah, the wife of Elkanah, was barren.  Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, would taunt Hannah year after year because Hannah had no children.  Each year as they traveled to the Tabernacle, Hannah would be reduced to tears from Peninnah’s taunting. But Hannah kept praying, pouring her heart out to the Lord. So much so, that Eli the priest thought she was drunk. Hannah declared that she was ‘praying out of great anguish and sorrow.’   The scripture tells us that, ‘The Lord remembered her plea, and in due time she gave birth to a son.’ (1Samuel 1:1-20)

Don’t live your life offering the Lord only crisis and emergency prayers.  Be persistent in prayer, and pray believing that you will receive.  “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” Mark 11:24