Matthew 5:13 - 16 - Jesus teaches us 2 things - 1. Be a salt; 2. Be a light.
What does this mean? Let us look at both the elements: 1. Salt - used for many things, but i want to highlight just a few.
Salt is used to flavour - Life without Christ is flavourless. It does not give us joy to the fullness. There is a limit to how much joy we receive from our relationships, our achievements or our circumstances. But Jesus says, i have come to give you Life and Life to the FULLEST. Jesus says that the peace that i give you is not like the peace that the world gives. It does not depend on your circumstances. So Jesus says, that we should add flavour to those lives around us by adding value in their life. By knowing us have they become free? have they found comfort? have they found someone who truly cares for not just their life here in this world but also for their spiritual walk? have they found the truth? Do their interactions with us help them taste and see that the Lord is good?
Salt preserves - In Malachi 2:7 say that the lips of a priest must preserve knowledge and from his mouth men should seek instruction. Are we preserving the knowledge of who God is by sharing it to others around us?
Salt heals - Isaiah prophecies in Isaiah 61:1 that Christ has been sent to the world to bind up or heal the broken hearted. Christ dealt with compassion and had mercy. Do we?
2. Light - Again light has a lot of characteristics, highlighting a few:
Light dispels the darkness - Do we bring the word of God to people around us that it may dispel the darkness in their life, become the light that shows them the path and reveal the sin in their lives to bring about a repentence that leads to salvation?
Light brings warmth - And now these three will remain - Faith, Hope and Love. And the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13). Do people around us see and experience the Love of Christ through our life. Are we bringing the warmth of the experience closer to them?
Light heralds a new day - Have we been the ones who showed the way for people to have a transformation in their lives? Have we proclaimed the salvation that redeems from eternal death? Have we led them into a new break of day in their lives by leading them away from despair to the hope at the cross? Have we helped a fellow brother or sister understand and feel the Shepherds rod and staff that protects them in the valley of shadow of death and leads them to the mountain of Zion, the Holy city of God?
Be the salt, Be the light. How? By doing what is good. How do i know what is good? Each society has their own opinions on what is good and what is bad! Read the word - Psalms 143:10 - Teach me to do Your will, for you are my God; May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Let us a make a commitment today and ask the Lord for forgiveness for not adding life transforming value in the lives of those who interact with us. Let us move in line with God's voice to prove him strong and faithful through our lives that others might see and glorify God.
SHALOM!
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
The Kingdom of God
What is the Kingdom of God?
The Kingdom of God is the place where God has absolute dominion.
Matthew 6:10 - Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Where is the Kingdom of God?
The Kingdom of God is within our hearts
John 14:23 - Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
Luke 17:21 - Nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you.
1 Corinthians 3:16 - Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?
The Kingdom of God is manifest on the earth
Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
Romans 14:17 - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
1 Corinthians 4:20 - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (manifestation of God’s authority & dominion)
What does the Kingdom of God mean to us?
The Kingdom is advancing from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth
Matthew 11:12 - From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
The Kingdom of God is our Hope
Revelation 21:2 - I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
How does one enter the Kingdom of God?
Righteous Living
Matthew 5:20 - For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
1Corinthians 6:9 – 10 - Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God
Understanding the will of God and doing it
Matthew 7:21- "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Implicit Trust in God and innocence in thought and deed
Matthew 18:3 - And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Be open to new revelation and the move of God
Matthew 21:32 -Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
Be Born Again
John 3:3 - In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.
John 3:5 - Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
Colossians 3:1-4 - Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Be transformed
1 Corinthians 15:50 - I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
1 Peter 1:23 - For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
Romans 12:2 - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Endure the cross that you have to carry
Acts 14:22 - Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.(Paul & Barnabbas)
2 Thessalonians 1:4,5 - Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
Love God
James 2:5 - Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
What are your Responsibilities as part of the Kingdom?
Value the Kingdom
Matthew 13:44 - "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Bear the fruit of the Kingdom
Matthew 21:43 - "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.
The Fruit of the Kingdom
Romans 14:17 - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
The Kingdom calls for separation
Matthew 13:47-50 - Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Proclaim the Kingdom
Luke 9:60 - Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
Be Steadfast in your work for the Kingdom
Luke 9:62 - Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
Be Kingdom Carriers wherever we are positioned
Luke 17:21 - nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you.
What are the rewards of the Kingdom of God?
Various Levels in the Kingdom
Matthew 5:19 - Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Provision by the Kingdom
Matthew 13:31, 32 - He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."
Grace abounds from the Kingdom
Matthew 20 -The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.
The Kingdom of God is the place where God has absolute dominion.
Matthew 6:10 - Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Where is the Kingdom of God?
The Kingdom of God is within our hearts
John 14:23 - Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
Luke 17:21 - Nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you.
1 Corinthians 3:16 - Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?
The Kingdom of God is manifest on the earth
Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
Romans 14:17 - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
1 Corinthians 4:20 - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (manifestation of God’s authority & dominion)
What does the Kingdom of God mean to us?
The Kingdom is advancing from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth
Matthew 11:12 - From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
The Kingdom of God is our Hope
Revelation 21:2 - I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
How does one enter the Kingdom of God?
Righteous Living
Matthew 5:20 - For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
1Corinthians 6:9 – 10 - Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God
Understanding the will of God and doing it
Matthew 7:21- "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Implicit Trust in God and innocence in thought and deed
Matthew 18:3 - And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Be open to new revelation and the move of God
Matthew 21:32 -Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
Be Born Again
John 3:3 - In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.
John 3:5 - Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
Colossians 3:1-4 - Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Be transformed
1 Corinthians 15:50 - I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
1 Peter 1:23 - For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
Romans 12:2 - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Endure the cross that you have to carry
Acts 14:22 - Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.(Paul & Barnabbas)
2 Thessalonians 1:4,5 - Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
Love God
James 2:5 - Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
What are your Responsibilities as part of the Kingdom?
Value the Kingdom
Matthew 13:44 - "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Bear the fruit of the Kingdom
Matthew 21:43 - "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.
The Fruit of the Kingdom
Romans 14:17 - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
The Kingdom calls for separation
Matthew 13:47-50 - Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Proclaim the Kingdom
Luke 9:60 - Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
Be Steadfast in your work for the Kingdom
Luke 9:62 - Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
Be Kingdom Carriers wherever we are positioned
Luke 17:21 - nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you.
What are the rewards of the Kingdom of God?
Various Levels in the Kingdom
Matthew 5:19 - Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Provision by the Kingdom
Matthew 13:31, 32 - He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."
Grace abounds from the Kingdom
Matthew 20 -The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.
SHALOM!
Monday, 13 July 2009
From Father to Son! Let's appreciate our parents today!
Dear son...
The day that you see me old and I am already not, have patience and try to understand me …
If I get dirty when eating… if I can not dress… have patience. Remember the hours I spent teaching it to you.
If, when I speak to you, I repeat the same things thousand and one times… do not interrupt me… listen to me. When you were small, I had to read to you thousand and one times the same story until you get to sleep…
When I do not want to have a shower, neither shame me.
When you see my ignorance on new technologies… give me the necessary time and not look at me with your mocking smile…I taught you how to do so many things… to eat good, to dress well… to confront life…
When at some moment I lose the memory or the thread of our conversation… let me have the necessary time to remember… and if I cannot do it, do not become nervous…as the most important thing is not my conversation but surely to be with you and to have you listening to me…
If ever I do not want to eat, do not force me. I know well when I need to and when not.When my tired legs do not allow me walk...… give me your hand… the same way I did when you gave your first steps.
Try to understand that my age is not lived but survived.Some day you will discover that, despite my mistakes, I always wanted the best thing for you and that I tried to prepare the way for you..
You must not feel sad, angry or impotent for seeing me near you. You must be next to me, try to understand me and to help me as I did it when you started living.Help me to walk… help me to end my way with love and patience. I will pay you by a smile and by the immense love I have had always for you.
I love you son…
Your father
The day that you see me old and I am already not, have patience and try to understand me …
If I get dirty when eating… if I can not dress… have patience. Remember the hours I spent teaching it to you.
If, when I speak to you, I repeat the same things thousand and one times… do not interrupt me… listen to me. When you were small, I had to read to you thousand and one times the same story until you get to sleep…
When I do not want to have a shower, neither shame me.
When you see my ignorance on new technologies… give me the necessary time and not look at me with your mocking smile…I taught you how to do so many things… to eat good, to dress well… to confront life…
When at some moment I lose the memory or the thread of our conversation… let me have the necessary time to remember… and if I cannot do it, do not become nervous…as the most important thing is not my conversation but surely to be with you and to have you listening to me…
If ever I do not want to eat, do not force me. I know well when I need to and when not.When my tired legs do not allow me walk...… give me your hand… the same way I did when you gave your first steps.
Try to understand that my age is not lived but survived.Some day you will discover that, despite my mistakes, I always wanted the best thing for you and that I tried to prepare the way for you..
You must not feel sad, angry or impotent for seeing me near you. You must be next to me, try to understand me and to help me as I did it when you started living.Help me to walk… help me to end my way with love and patience. I will pay you by a smile and by the immense love I have had always for you.
I love you son…
Your father
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Perspective & Priority!
An interesting article from MSN! A lesson for all of us!
Close your eyes and imagine that in the course of your life, you'll go on to make and save lots of money, become famous, and turn smokin' hot. Will it make you happy? Most people probably think so, but new research suggests otherwise. A study to be published this June in the Journal of Research in Personality found that recent college graduates who reported making the most money, obtaining more public recognition, and liking the way they looked were also more anxious, and showed more depressive symptoms, than other postgraduates in the study. "Not only were they not feeling better than they were at the start of the study, they were actually feeling worse," says Edward Deci, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Rochester in New York.
The details: Researchers at the University of Rochester in New York studied 147 alumni during their second year after graduating from college. They used psychological surveys to learn about the young adults' feelings of satisfaction with life, self-esteem, anxiety, physical signs of stress, and their experience of positive and negative emotions. One year after graduation, and again 12 months later, researchers questioned the participants on values, asking them to rate how much they valued deep, enduring relationships and helping others improve their lives, versus being a wealthy person and achieving the look they've been after. The ones who reported making the most money, gaining recognition, and enjoying their images showed the most signs of anxiety and depression. The research was supported in part by a grant from the National Institute of
Mental Health.
What it means: Why don't seemingly desirable goals like wealth and beauty pay off as expected? Perhaps because they distract people from more rewarding pursuits. "When you get too focused on the American dream—goals of being rich, famous, and beautiful—you start ignoring spending time in meaningful relationships, ignoring paying attention to yourself and growing as a human being, ignoring ways in which you could volunteer and give back to the community," explains Deci. Not that it's bad to be ambitious or to work hard to succeed. But this study implies that it's unrealistic to expect that kind of success to make you happy.
Here are some ways to find your own path to happiness:
Keep a perspective on beauty. Don't get too hung up on your appearance, because after all, beauty is pretty superficial, Deci says. And it may not be true that attractive people are more likely to get ahead. A study to be published this month in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that people with the highest intelligence scores earn more money during their lifetime, and report less financial strain, than people with high beauty scores.
Favor meaning over materialism. Trying to keep up with your friends or that cousin who seems to have everything going his way is a setup for disaster. "The important thing is being who you truly are. That you really accept yourself for who you are, and live your life accordingly in a full and meaningful way," says Deci. In his study, researchers found that those who had strong relationships (which requires accepting people for who they are, listening, and being there when they need you—not just when it's convenient) and volunteered in their community were happiest.
Schedule a sit-down with yourself. Know yourself deeply and fully, and explore aspects of yourself you've been afraid to pay attention to in the past. Knowing yourself helps you focus on things that are really important. Some people go to group therapy in their communities to speed up the process, but if you're determined enough, Deci says you can do this solo, too. "You've got to be ruthless. Ask something about yourself and come up with an immediate answer, but don't trust it for a minute. Ask if it's really so," he suggests. Question all your assumptions about what's important to you, and see if you can defend them. You may find that working 80-hour weeks to get a promotion is secondary to spending time with family and friends.
Shalom!
Close your eyes and imagine that in the course of your life, you'll go on to make and save lots of money, become famous, and turn smokin' hot. Will it make you happy? Most people probably think so, but new research suggests otherwise. A study to be published this June in the Journal of Research in Personality found that recent college graduates who reported making the most money, obtaining more public recognition, and liking the way they looked were also more anxious, and showed more depressive symptoms, than other postgraduates in the study. "Not only were they not feeling better than they were at the start of the study, they were actually feeling worse," says Edward Deci, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Rochester in New York.
The details: Researchers at the University of Rochester in New York studied 147 alumni during their second year after graduating from college. They used psychological surveys to learn about the young adults' feelings of satisfaction with life, self-esteem, anxiety, physical signs of stress, and their experience of positive and negative emotions. One year after graduation, and again 12 months later, researchers questioned the participants on values, asking them to rate how much they valued deep, enduring relationships and helping others improve their lives, versus being a wealthy person and achieving the look they've been after. The ones who reported making the most money, gaining recognition, and enjoying their images showed the most signs of anxiety and depression. The research was supported in part by a grant from the National Institute of
Mental Health.
What it means: Why don't seemingly desirable goals like wealth and beauty pay off as expected? Perhaps because they distract people from more rewarding pursuits. "When you get too focused on the American dream—goals of being rich, famous, and beautiful—you start ignoring spending time in meaningful relationships, ignoring paying attention to yourself and growing as a human being, ignoring ways in which you could volunteer and give back to the community," explains Deci. Not that it's bad to be ambitious or to work hard to succeed. But this study implies that it's unrealistic to expect that kind of success to make you happy.
Here are some ways to find your own path to happiness:
Keep a perspective on beauty. Don't get too hung up on your appearance, because after all, beauty is pretty superficial, Deci says. And it may not be true that attractive people are more likely to get ahead. A study to be published this month in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that people with the highest intelligence scores earn more money during their lifetime, and report less financial strain, than people with high beauty scores.
Favor meaning over materialism. Trying to keep up with your friends or that cousin who seems to have everything going his way is a setup for disaster. "The important thing is being who you truly are. That you really accept yourself for who you are, and live your life accordingly in a full and meaningful way," says Deci. In his study, researchers found that those who had strong relationships (which requires accepting people for who they are, listening, and being there when they need you—not just when it's convenient) and volunteered in their community were happiest.
Schedule a sit-down with yourself. Know yourself deeply and fully, and explore aspects of yourself you've been afraid to pay attention to in the past. Knowing yourself helps you focus on things that are really important. Some people go to group therapy in their communities to speed up the process, but if you're determined enough, Deci says you can do this solo, too. "You've got to be ruthless. Ask something about yourself and come up with an immediate answer, but don't trust it for a minute. Ask if it's really so," he suggests. Question all your assumptions about what's important to you, and see if you can defend them. You may find that working 80-hour weeks to get a promotion is secondary to spending time with family and friends.
Shalom!
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Conflict!
Conflict is inevitable in any relationships. Between parents and children, husbands and wives, employees and employers, co workers. Where there is a relationship, there is bound to be a conflict. While relationship is about relating, conflict is about contradiction. Let me give you my definition of each:
Relationship - It is a ship where people who relate to one another come together. They come together after looking for those things that are in common.
Conflict - It is an affliction of contradiction where people cause mental or physical pain / stress by looking at those things that are contradictory.
The irony is that conflicts happen in the midst of a relationship. What comes first is the relation and only after a relation is formed there is a conflict. As long as there is no relation, there is no conflict. In other words, people who found things in common starts looking for things that contradict to afflict one another resulting in emotional, if not physical pain. Somewhere along the way in our relating to one another, we allow the devil to bring to our attention those things that are in contradiction. We allow ourselves to focus on these contradictions that as time passes the contradictions start to appear bigger than the commonalities. Slowly, but surely, we start sinking into an emotional roller coaster that ends up with someone jumping off the ship! Neither the one on the ship, nor the one who jumped is better off than the other because it requires both to come together to survive in the vast ocean of life!
The bible teaches us that the devil is the "accuser of the brethren". It does not only mean about the church and fellowship. The devil will also bring accusation against your parents, your wife, your children and your friends. Like i said, conflicts are bound to happen, but a Christian is one who will pick himself up and run again. As a Christian, we are overcomers. This means that things will come in our life that we will have to overcome. As a Christian, you will face temptation for sure, but you need to overcome. You will face persecution for sure, but you need to overcome. You will face conflicts for sure, but you need to overcome.
So how can we overcome conflicts? Here's the beauty. The Bible keeps focussing on one word when it comes to conflicts and relationships - RECONCILIATION. It's a powerful word! It's an word that demands action. Reconciliation is a proactive action.
Conciliate = To draw or bring together, Unite.
Reconcile = To unite AGAIN
To overcome conflict, we need to proactively look AGAIN for commonalities that will make the contradictions insignificant. The root cause of the conflict happened because we stopped looking for the commonalities and focussed on the contradictions. That is why in Matthew 5:23, Jesus says that when we come to offfer worship to God, first reconcile with your brother, even if it is he who has wronged you. If the relationship is not on the same faith level, you might be the only person making the effort to reconcile, but you need to persevere for God will then call you His sons and daughters, cause you to inherit the Kingdom of God and reward you greatly in heaven (Matthew 5:9-12).
Just to recap:
Relationship - The ship on which those with commonalities sail, in the ocean of life.
Conflict - The afflictions that arise due to allowing the contradictions to overshadow the commonalities among each other.
Reconciliation - The effort to conciliate again based on commonalities than crucify based on contradictions.
Lay the foundation of your life with Jesus, build with the bricks of relationships, remove the impurities of contradictions and cement with your commonalities and finally paint your life with love. Then the world will see and praise God for your beauty!
Shalom!
Relationship - It is a ship where people who relate to one another come together. They come together after looking for those things that are in common.
Conflict - It is an affliction of contradiction where people cause mental or physical pain / stress by looking at those things that are contradictory.
The irony is that conflicts happen in the midst of a relationship. What comes first is the relation and only after a relation is formed there is a conflict. As long as there is no relation, there is no conflict. In other words, people who found things in common starts looking for things that contradict to afflict one another resulting in emotional, if not physical pain. Somewhere along the way in our relating to one another, we allow the devil to bring to our attention those things that are in contradiction. We allow ourselves to focus on these contradictions that as time passes the contradictions start to appear bigger than the commonalities. Slowly, but surely, we start sinking into an emotional roller coaster that ends up with someone jumping off the ship! Neither the one on the ship, nor the one who jumped is better off than the other because it requires both to come together to survive in the vast ocean of life!
The bible teaches us that the devil is the "accuser of the brethren". It does not only mean about the church and fellowship. The devil will also bring accusation against your parents, your wife, your children and your friends. Like i said, conflicts are bound to happen, but a Christian is one who will pick himself up and run again. As a Christian, we are overcomers. This means that things will come in our life that we will have to overcome. As a Christian, you will face temptation for sure, but you need to overcome. You will face persecution for sure, but you need to overcome. You will face conflicts for sure, but you need to overcome.
So how can we overcome conflicts? Here's the beauty. The Bible keeps focussing on one word when it comes to conflicts and relationships - RECONCILIATION. It's a powerful word! It's an word that demands action. Reconciliation is a proactive action.
Conciliate = To draw or bring together, Unite.
Reconcile = To unite AGAIN
To overcome conflict, we need to proactively look AGAIN for commonalities that will make the contradictions insignificant. The root cause of the conflict happened because we stopped looking for the commonalities and focussed on the contradictions. That is why in Matthew 5:23, Jesus says that when we come to offfer worship to God, first reconcile with your brother, even if it is he who has wronged you. If the relationship is not on the same faith level, you might be the only person making the effort to reconcile, but you need to persevere for God will then call you His sons and daughters, cause you to inherit the Kingdom of God and reward you greatly in heaven (Matthew 5:9-12).
Just to recap:
Relationship - The ship on which those with commonalities sail, in the ocean of life.
Conflict - The afflictions that arise due to allowing the contradictions to overshadow the commonalities among each other.
Reconciliation - The effort to conciliate again based on commonalities than crucify based on contradictions.
Lay the foundation of your life with Jesus, build with the bricks of relationships, remove the impurities of contradictions and cement with your commonalities and finally paint your life with love. Then the world will see and praise God for your beauty!
Shalom!
Christian One Liners
Christian One-Liners - Got this as a forward!
Don't let your worries get the best of you;
Remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited
Until you try to sit in their pews.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Many folks want to serve God,But only as advisers.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
It is easier to preach ten sermons
Than it is to live one.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose,
But mosquitoes come close.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
When you get to your wit's end,
You'll find God lives there.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
People are funny;
they want the front of the bus,
Middle of the road,
And back of the church.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Opportunity may knock once,
But temptation bangs on the front door forever.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Quit griping about your church;
If it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
If a church wants a better pastor,
It only needs to pray for the one it has.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
We're called to be witnesses,
not lawyers or judges.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God Himself doesn't propose to judge a man until
he is dead. So why should you?
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Some minds are like concrete
Thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Peace starts with a smile.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
I don't know why some people change churches;
What difference does it make which one you stay home from?
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
A lot of church members singing 'Standing on the Promises'
Are just sitting on the premises.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Be ye fishers of men.
You catch 'em - He'll clean 'em.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Stop, Drop, and Roll won't work in Hell.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Don't put a question mark
where God put a period.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God doesn't call the qualified,
He qualifies the called.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God loves everyone,
But probably prefers 'fruits of the spirit' over 'religious nuts!'
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+ *+*+*
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
He who angers you, controls you!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Prayer:
Don't give God instructions, just report for duty!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The task ahead of us is never asgreat as the Power behind us.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The Will of God never takes you to
where the Grace of God will not protect you.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
We don't change the message,
The message changes us.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
You can tell how big a person is
By what it takes to discourage him.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Shalom!
Robin
Don't let your worries get the best of you;
Remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited
Until you try to sit in their pews.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Many folks want to serve God,But only as advisers.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
It is easier to preach ten sermons
Than it is to live one.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose,
But mosquitoes come close.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
When you get to your wit's end,
You'll find God lives there.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
People are funny;
they want the front of the bus,
Middle of the road,
And back of the church.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Opportunity may knock once,
But temptation bangs on the front door forever.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Quit griping about your church;
If it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
If a church wants a better pastor,
It only needs to pray for the one it has.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
We're called to be witnesses,
not lawyers or judges.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God Himself doesn't propose to judge a man until
he is dead. So why should you?
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Some minds are like concrete
Thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Peace starts with a smile.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
I don't know why some people change churches;
What difference does it make which one you stay home from?
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
A lot of church members singing 'Standing on the Promises'
Are just sitting on the premises.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Be ye fishers of men.
You catch 'em - He'll clean 'em.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Stop, Drop, and Roll won't work in Hell.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Don't put a question mark
where God put a period.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God doesn't call the qualified,
He qualifies the called.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God loves everyone,
But probably prefers 'fruits of the spirit' over 'religious nuts!'
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+ *+*+*
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
He who angers you, controls you!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Prayer:
Don't give God instructions, just report for duty!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The task ahead of us is never asgreat as the Power behind us.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The Will of God never takes you to
where the Grace of God will not protect you.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
We don't change the message,
The message changes us.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
You can tell how big a person is
By what it takes to discourage him.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Shalom!
Robin
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