Strengthening your Spiritual Core

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A few weeks ago I picked up an exercise video at the thrift store. I might as well confess to you right now that I am really out of shape. In an effort to change that, I popped the video into the DVD player and prepared myself to sweat.

This video was different. It was a Yoga workout. The music was soft and soothing, the movements gentle and I was doing great until I was instructed to lie on the floor and do what they called some core strengthening movements.

I couldn't do them. No matter how much I tried to scrunch my abs, I couldn't do it. I have no stomach muscles to speak of. I tried-I tried hard, but could not lift myself from the floor.  The instructor droned on about how this would strengthen my core until I finally yelled at the TV, "I have no core!"

I finally gave up and turned the stinkin' thing off.

Today I was thinking about that video. Not because I wanted to try it again (I've since taken up walking and find that much easier.), but because I I started thinking about my spiritual core.

You know, that part of you that stands strong in the faith, trusting God, believing His Word, unshakable in the storms of life. At least that's how it is if our spiritual core is strong, but if we've allowed our spiritual core to grow weak, we are an easy target for discouragement, fear, doubt and an attack from the enemy.

How do we strengthen our spiritual core?

• Reading the Word, hiding it in our hearts, speaking it and standing on it
• Staying in communication with God (prayer) and walking in obedience to Him
• Surrounding ourselves with strong believers at church, in our small groups

Does that mean we should cloister ourselves within a tight Christian circle? No, it means that if we practice these things, we will strengthen our spiritual core so that not only are we able to stand strong, but we will have something to offer others, an unshakable faith to share with unbelievers and those who are going through the storms of life.

This is one kind of exercise I can do - one that I love to do...and I'm working on the other kind...strengthening my physical core.

How about you? Are you maintaining a strong spiritual core? What do you think are some things that weaken our spiritual core?

Leave a comment and let us know.

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Help me, Lord, I'm going under!

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

Sometimes life's struggles, trials and temptations feel as if they are dragging us under, as if they will swallow us up. It's hard to see a positive outcome and God seems to have left us to fend for ourselves, but He hasn't!

It's the enemy who whispers...

"You'll never make it out of this one."
"You've messed up too bad this time, God is through with you."
"The thing you fear the most is going to happen."
"You're in this one alone."
Lies, all lies!

The Bible says this about the devil - "there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. " (John 8:44b)

The best way to deal with a liar is to stand firm on the truth. Here's some truth you can stand on...

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Dueteronomy 31:6

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”  Dueteronomy 31:8

"So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'" Hebrews 13:6

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. " Psalm 55:22

"Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth." Revelation 3:10

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

We can stand on these scriptures, assured that though the floods come and the fires rage, we will not be overcome, but will be carried in the arms of God.

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Ouch!

"Sometimes we choose to live with the burden of sin until it causes chronic pain that weighs us down, holds us back, and makes us miserable." ~Tresa Walker

I read that sentence over at Strength Renewed this morning.

My response?

"OUCH!

This is such a true statement that I almost recoiled when I read it. Why? Because it hit a nerve, that's why. Without exposing myself entirely, suffice it to say that I have struggled with a particular sin nearly all my life.

Ok, it's overeating. There, I said it.

With one sentence, God used Tresa (author of Strength Renewed) to put a finger on my issue (issue sounds so much better than sin).  He pointed out that this sin is causing chronic pain that weighs me down (literally) and holds me back. And yes, it makes me miserable.

So, why do I choose to live with that sin? To continue in it day after day? Honestly...I don't know.  I've fought this battle so long and in so many ways that it almost seems destined to win over me, but I'm a stubborn gal. I don't want sin to control me.  I want my life and my behavior to be pleasing to God, so I'll keep fighting and I'll keep trusting God to do in me what I can't do by myself.

I'm so blessed by other Christian bloggers that speak truth into the blogosphere so that God can direct people like me to the words I need to hear.

Thank you, Tresa, for letting God use you this way.

God bless all Christian bloggers!

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

You can put away the duct tape!

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29

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The past few days have been rough. I've been feeling discouraged and out of sorts with several things in my life. How did I handle it?  The wrong way!

I mumbled, I grumbled, I complained and whined. I nursed and rehearsed hurts and problems. I neglected my time with God and made those around me want to run the other way.

The words that were coming out of my mouth were anything but wholesome. While I pride myself on not being a person who swears, I know that negativity can do more harm than a cuss word ever could.  Negativity tears down not only the speaker, but everyone around them. Negativity is contageous and I was a carrier.

It's a wonder my friends and family didn't pull out a roll of duct tape and shut me up!

Fortunately, this evening God got ahold of me and gave me a good talking to. He reminded me that the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart are supposed to be acceptable to Him (Psalm 19:14)... Mine weren't.

He reminded that reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

He reminded me that the tongue has the power of life and death. (Proverbs 18:21)

Positive, faith-filled words bring life, contentment and hope to both the speaker and the hearer.

Negative, discouraging words bring death to the spirit and hopes of both the speaker and the hearer.

If I have to be a carrier of either life and hope or death and hopelessness...I choose life.

This girl is gonna be watchin' her words from not on, so you can put away the duct tape!

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Thanks! (Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Hold your tongue!

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (New King James Version) - James 1:19-20

One of the hardest things to do is remain silent when you really want to put your 2 cents worth into the conversation.

How many times have you sat listening to a friend pour out their woes, just waiting for a break in their words so that you can tell them how you would handle the situation if it were you? You're so busy thinking of what you wanted to say next that you're not really listening to them at all. Maybe, just maybe, they don't want your advice. Maybe all they really need is a sympathetic and attentive ear so that they can talk it out for themselves.

Can you do it? Can you listen patiently and prayerfully so that when God prompts you to speak, you will have the right words?

And what about those times when someone speaks negatively at you or about you. How quickly do less than godly words pop into your head and out of your mouth? When someone is mad at you do you find your own anger quickly escalating into an explosive outburst?

God wants to produce righteousness in His children. One of the ways He does that is by teaching us to hold our tongue. When we're busy speaking, we're not listening. This even applies to prayer. Yes, we are to speak to Him, thank Him, praise Him, but we are also supposed to listen for His voice, His guidance, His promptings.

So, let's set our minds to listen more than we talk, to hold our tongue until we know that we have something helpful to say and to react to people, not in anger, but in a way that brings honor to the name of Christ, so that God might produce His righteousness in us.

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

You can't take it with you.

 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)

We have but one life to live. It's doled out to us in increments.

years
months
days
hours
minutes
seconds.

We spend those increments of our lives in pursuit of many things. Some pursuits are worthwhile and some are worthless, but once those increments are spent, they are gone - forever.

Some choose to spend their time in pursuit of riches, fame and pleasure. Their focus is self. Yet even if they acheive all of these, they leave this world with nothing. They can't take it with them. The riches of this world do not transfer to eternity.

Others spend their time pursuing God, seeking to do His will, to love Him and to love others. They are motivated by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - all fruits of the Spirit, given to us by God.  They enrich the lives of others, rather than seek riches for themselves. They gain pleasure from helping others and they do it without recognition. They make a difference!

We are not guaranteed one more second, but should you be given another second, minute, hour, day, month, year or many more years to come...how will you spend them?


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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

So, what's the plan, God?

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

It's comforting to know that God has a plan for my future. He knows what the next season of my life will hold and His plans are for my good.  I just wish He'd let me in on them!

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I don't wait well. I want to know what the next step is so I can start working on it now, or if I can't work on it, at least I can start getting a little excited about it. Instead, I wake up each day thinking that just around the next corner is something really great for me, something fun and exciting.

The problem is that while I'm focused on the future, I'm not really enjoying the present...and that's just wrong!  Each day should be lived to it's fullest, with thanksgiving for the Father's provision and love. After all, if I can't treasure everything He's given me today, I can't move on to the new thing He wants to do in my life.

Am I the only one who's like this? Do you ever spend so much time looking forward that you miss today?

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If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to share it with your friends using the Facebook, Twitter and other share buttons below. Thanks! (Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Where is God?

I do not have to search for God, for He has made my heart His dwelling place.

I need only to still myself and shut out the noise of the world to hear his sweet voice.

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Ever near,
ever listening,
ever speaking,
guiding,
loving.

Only a quiet breath away is the Lord, God Almighty.


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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Are you "called" to pray?

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (New International Version 1984) - Ephesians 6:18

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I head up the prayer ministry at our church, receiving requests over the internet, the phone and via our communication cards. I then type up the requests and send them out by email to all the members of our prayer team.
Often folks will slip up beside me in church and ask me to add or a loved one to our prayer list.

I assure them that we would love to pray for their needs and sometimes I ask, "Would you like to join our prayer team and pray for the needs of others?"

I would like to say that their answer is "yes" every time, but sometimes I get this...

"Oh, I don't have time to pray for others."

"Um...I'll pray about it and let you know."

"Well...I don't really feel called to that ministry."

What??????

I'm sorry, but God is not going to issue a special "calling" to pray for the needs of our fellow believers. Well, let me take that back...God has all ready issued a specal calling to pray for the needs of fellow believers...and the lost...and those in authority...and for His kingdom to be come and for His will to be done - and His will is that we pray for one another.

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints!

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

The King has extended the scepter!

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (21st Century King James Version) - Hebrews 4:16

History tells us that if someone approached a king's throne without being summoned, one of two things could happen. The king would extend his scepter, thereby inviting the person in or he would not extend the scepter, in which case, the persons very life might be in danger.

We read about just such a case in the book of Esther.

On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.” - Esther 5:1-3

Esther was fortunate, in that she had earned the king's favor and was able to lay her request before the King, but she did not enter boldly with confidence.

We, on the other hand, are more fortunate, because God (our King) has invited us to approach His throne with confidence so that we might find grace and mercy. To realize what a wonderful invitation that is, we need to look at the definitions of grace and mercy.

Grace is when God gives us something we don't deserve (like forgiveness and blessings) and mercy is when He spares us from something we do deserve (like punishment for sin).

So the invitation to come to Him to find mercy and obtain grace is a wonderful invitation indeed!

As children of God, we do not have to work to earn the King's favor. That's already been done for us by Jesus Christ. We can come to God at any time and in any frame of mind. His door is always open and His ear is alway listening.

He is always ready to give us everything we need to live that abundant life He has designed for us, so enter His throne room, my friend. Enter and experience the presence of the King.

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Let's Party!

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. (New International Version 1984) - Psalm 95:1-2

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What a joyful celebration this verse brings to mind! Singing, shouting, music, song - sounds like a party to me.

Sometimes it's easy to get bogged down in the everyday struggles of life. A little knock here and a little knock there and before you know it, your spirit is doing more grumbling and complaining than rejoicing. We get so focused on our problems that we forget the One who has all the answers to them. We forget that He will give us joy in the midsts of life's drudgery.

When this happens, the best antedote for the blues is praise and worship, reminding us of who God is, what He has done, what He has promised to do.

Remember the lyrics to at old song...Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness? Praise is the perfect remedy for depression, so come on, put on your glad rags, slip on yer dancin' shoes, crank up some praise music and let's party.

No one has more reason to celebrate than those who know the Rock of our salvation!

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Pour it On!

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." Joel 2:28-29 (NIV)

Oh, how we need an outpouring of the Spirit today.  I feel it personally, I see it in those around me, in the state of the world today. So, how do we get one?

We pray. We seek God. We ask. We saturate ourselves in Him. We reject temptation and sin. We trust. We have faith.


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Oh, Father, hear our plea
our hungry cries for thee
to fill our hearts
to refresh
renew

Oh, Father, how we need you.
Let your Spirit
stir in us
ignite the fires within
a great outpouring
is what we need
for that, Dear Lord, we plead.


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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Have you told your children?

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (New International Version 1984) - Joel 1:3

I come from a long line of storytellers. As a child, family gatherings were a weekly event. Every Saturday and Sunday our house was filled with aunts, uncles and cousins. Folks flowed through our back door laden with huge casserole dishes, steamy baked breads and tins of homemade pie. We ate...and ate...and ate, and then the guys would break out their guitars and the singing would begin.

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We heard nearly every country western song ever written. Everyone sang along as the beer loosened their inhibitions. Then the stories would start. The older relatives would recall the time when the youngin's blew up the outhouse or the time two of my uncles raced their hot rods down Howard Lane and launched themselves over the big hill at the dead end curve. We heard stories of hen house raids, fist fights and how great-grandpa made hooch in the woods, but we never heard stories about God.

He was not a part of our lives. We never heard how He parted the sea for the children of Israel or about the time He empowered a little boy to kill a giant. We never heard about Noah's Ark or David's dancing. We were never told that God loved us so much that He gave His Son to die on a cross so that we could have a relationship with God the Father. They never told us.

But God, in his loving kindness made sure we heard. He blessed us with one Aunt and Uncle who loved us enough to begin taking us to church with them. There we heard the stories of God from Sunday school teachers, from our Pastor and from our Aunt and Uncle...and we believed. Me and all five of my little brothers.

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How I wish that I had heard these stories from my parents. That I had grown up in a home where God's name was honored, rather than used as a swear word. A home were the stories passed down from generation to generation were about the wonders of God and all the ways He had worked in our families lives. What a wonderful heritage that would have been.

Christian parents, please take the time to tell your children about the wonders of God. About His love and His provision, His grace and His mercy. Tell them how He saves and protects and provides. Tell them of the glorious promise that awaits those who believe. Tell them when He strengthens you to face through life's trials. When He comforts you in sorrow and when He guides you through the storm.

Help them to know Him at an early age, to rely on him through adulthood and to rest in Him in old age. And parents...tell them by example, not just words.

This is the greatest legacy you could ever give your children, for not only does it equip them for life and eternity, it trickles down to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren, until a family line is filled with children who love and serve God.

Love them enough to tell them.

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Thanks! (Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Ah, Peace with God

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. (New International Version) - Romans 5:1,2

Peace with God , can there be anything more wonderful than that? Just to know that everything between you and God is good. No sin separating, no disapproval coming from Heaven, no need to feel guilt or shame. What an awesome existence!

Top that with the fact that we did nothing to earn this blissful relationship with God. We couldn't do enough to earn it and yet, God extended His love and grace to bring us into his family - that's grace! In fact, that's the very definition of grace; unmerited, unearned favor.

Yes, God extends His grace to us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, yet not everyone reaches out to take it - to embrace all that has been done for us so that we might experience peace with God and the assured hope of eternal life spent with Him. Why? Why do those who've heard the story of God's plan of salvation reject it?

To some it seems too simple, surely we must do something to earn it - to pay for all the sin we've committed in our lives. For others, it may be a matter of pride, because in order to receive this salvation by grace we must first admit that we are sinners in need of a Savior. And others trip over the faith aspect of salvation. They won't believe anything they can't see, feel, touch or understand. Their intellect gets in the way of their spirit.

Oh, what peace we forfeit when, in our stubbornness we choose to reject the grace of God.

I implore you, my unseen friend...reach out to God in faith, for He's reaching out to you with grace. Accept the amazing gift of salvation that He's provided through His Son, seek His forgiveness, surrender your life and you will never regret it, because you will experience joy and peace like you've never known before.

His hand is extended to you. Will you reach out and take it?

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Ole' - Aim for the right target!

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (New International Version 1984) - Ephesians 6:12

Photo courtesy Vasco Casquilho,
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I heard a great illustration about this once.

Imagine a bullfight. (stick with me, now)

The bullfighter is Satan.
You are the bull.
The bullfighter's cape represents those people in your live that irritate, infuriate and cause you problems.

(still with me?)

The bull is irritated by the cape being flashed around in front of him. He lowers his head and charges, attacking the cape with all his fury - and he get's nowhere. If he were a smart bull, he would quickly realize that the cape is just a tool used by the bullfighter to anger and distract him. If he were a smart bull, he would attack the bullfighter , not the cape.

The moral of the story is the next time you are struggling with another person, remember...

...our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (New International Version 1984) - Ephesians 6:12

Attack the situation with prayer, not by charging headlong into an argument with another person, not by trying to fix a bad situation. Start with prayer and allow God to open your eyes to the real issues. Let Him determine your course of action and you'll come out victorious.

Ole'

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

No More Whining

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (New International Version 1984) - Luke 6:35

This verse has special meaning to me. You see, several years ago we sold a truck to a friend for much less than we felt we could get elsewhere, because...well, because he was our friend. He needed a vehicle to get back and forth to work, but didn't have much money. We let him take possession of the truck with the agreement that he would make 9 monthly payments. He made one payment. That's all.

While our friend was not my enemy and we never had harsh words over it, as the months passed, it did cause hard feelings in my heart. Feelings that I let fester. Feelings that gradually built a wall between us. This is not acceptable for a child of God.

I whined to God - Lord, we were trying to help him out and look what he did to us. You know we could use the money. Why would you allow him to treat us like that? Whaa-whaa-whaa ...

Pitiful, right?

Well, God has used this verse to remind me that He gives, He loves, He is kind - even to those who are wicked and ungrateful. He reminded me that everything I have was given to me by Him and that I don't need to fuss about what is "owed" to me. Now, when we lend, we truly consider it a gift. If the person decides to pay it back, wonderful, if not, that's okay, too, because God is our provider and because giving freely emulates the Father's gift to us.

No more whining...well, at least not about people who don't pay me back. I'm still workin' on some other stuff.

Aren't we all?     

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Wise Up!

Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. (New International Version 1984) - Hosea 14:9

When I read this verse, I wondered...What is it the wise man realizes? What is it that the discerning man understands?

I found the answer when I went back and read the verses leading up to our Verse of the Day.

Hosea 14:1-2

1 Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God.
Your sins have been your downfall!
2 Take words with you
and return to the Lord.
Say to him:
“Forgive all our sins
and receive us graciously,
that we may offer the fruit of our lips

Hosea 14:4

4 “I will heal their waywardness
and love them freely,
for my anger has turned away from them." (New International Version 1984)

What the wise man realizes and the discerning man understands is that repentance leads to forgiveness and blessings from God. And, yes, the rebellious stumble on this truth because they are unwilling to confess their sin and seek forgiveness, then they wonder why they are not experiencing the blessings of God.

It may surprise you to know that I'm not talking about unbelievers here, but those of us who are Christ followers. Those who have asked Him to be Lord of our lives, but still cling to some areas of rebellion - areas of our behavior, habits or thought lives that we know are not pleasing to God, but we are unwilling to let go of.

It's a simple equation...

Confession + Repentance = A life that God can bless

Refusal to Confess + Refusal to Repent = "Good luck, my friend!"

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Hitting the Wall

"Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame." Isaiah 50:6-8

Long distance runners often talk about hitting the wall. That's the point in a race where your body begins to cry out in pain, your legs feel like concrete, your mental process slows down and the urge to quit is almost overwhelming.

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In order to battle this phenomenon, the athlete develops a strategy ahead of time that will allow him to push past the wall. Perhaps it's a mantra he chants,a change in pace, fluids and snacks he can eat on the run. These strategies deliver renewed energy, both physical and mental, that allow him to push past the wall, to experience the victory of finishing the race and finishing it strong.

Sometimes as Christians, we're running the race of life when suddenly we hit the wall, spiritually. Life is not a sprint, it's a marathon and at some point we all find ourselves worn out, beat down and barely trudging along. Our once strong faith has been stretched to the limit and we may find ourselves wondering if we are running this race solo.

Just like the athlete, we need a predetermined strategy to assure that we are able to fortify ourselves for the next leg of the race.  Here are some of the things that have helped me when I find myself spiritually exhausted.

• Slow the pace - trim excess activities from your schedule until you catch a second wind.

"He says, “Be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10

"But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31

•  Nourish yourself - spend time in the Word of God and prayer

"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,"  1 Peter 2:2

"Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4

•  Talk with the "coach" - spend time in prayer, asking God to renew your strength

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

• Find some cheerleaders - develop friendships with other believers so that you can mutually encourage one another through the race.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

• Beware of sabotage - you have an enemy and he will use whatever he can, be it circumstances or other people to trip you up. Be prepared to avoid any temptation and overcome any obstacle he puts in your way.

 "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you." Galatians 5:7-8

• Keep your eye on the finish line - this life is temporary, but we have a prize at the end of this race that far out weighs the difficulties and challenges we experience here.

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14 

• Remember, you are not running this race alone

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 

• Take time to enjoy the scenery along the way

"put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6:17b 

Photo courtesy Ambroz, rgbstock.com

It's a beautiful world we live in, created by our Heavenly Father. His plan is for us to enjoy our time here, to take in the majestic mountains, lush foliage, brilliantly colored flowers, amazing wildlife, develop loving relationships with others and most of all, to love Him with all our heart, with all our soul and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37)

Enjoy the race and FINISH STRONG!

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Sandpaper People

Photo courtesy John De Boer, rgbstock.com

Sandpaper - paper that's been covered with an abrasive such as sand or glass. Used to smooth or polish the surface of an object by scraping away the rough exterior to reveal the beauty beneath.
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Have you ever refinished an old piece of furniture? The process involves lots of sanding to cut through and remove layers of wax, varnish and paint until you can see the beauty of the raw wood with all its grains in varying shades and even the knots that make it truly a unique piece.  It's a lot of hard work, but the end result is beautiful

When we come to Christ, God begins a sanding process on us to strip away all the rough layers we've built up. Layers that protect or cover up what's really inside.  He knows how He created you-who He made you to be and He will not let up until He sees the real you shining forth.

How does He do it? Sandpaper!

Sometimes He uses difficult circumstances and sometimes He uses difficult people.  I call these Sandpaper People.

They're abrasive, frustrating and annoying. They make your life difficult. They hurt you. And when their life rubs up against yours, it's painful.

They strip away the smooth exterior we try so hard to maintain only to reveal some ugly layers that lie beneath. Anger, impatience, prejudice, unforgiveness...these are just a few of the things that God uses Sandpaper People to reveal. Not so He can point a finger and say how bad you are, but so that we are aware of what's still lingering under the new surface of your relationship with Christ - so that we can offer those things up to Him for forgiveness and healing.

So, the next time you rub up against one of those Sandpaper People, instead of getting mad, take a moment to ask yourself what it is that God is trying to show you about yourself and then let him smooth away that layer to reveal a newer you.

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Prayer:
Father, thank you for loving me just the way I am, but also for loving me too much to leave me this way. I welcome you to change those things in me that need changing so that I might be the person you created me to be. I know it will be painful at times, but I am willing to go through the sanding process so that my life will be a beautiful testimony of your transformational power. Amen
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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Iron Sharpens Iron

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." Proverbs 27:17 NLT

Do you have a friend who keeps you on your spiritual toes? One who listens to what's on your heart, then has a ready word of encouragement, comfort or even admonition when the occasion calls for it?

Photo courtesy,  lusi  rgbstock.com

Do you have a friend who will give you godly advice when you have a decision to make? One who pull you back from the brink of destruction when they see you about to make a huge mistake?

Do you have a friend who will pray for you on a regular basis, love you as you are, but also tell you (in a frank, but loving way) when you are being a jerk?

Have you given anyone in your life the permission to be this kind of friend?

If you answered yes to these questions, you are blessed indeed.

I have a couple of friends like this and they keep me grounded in Christ, while encouraging me to be all God made me to be.

Of course, in order to have relationships like this, one must be willing to open up to another, to share who you really are, flaws and all. Then you must be willing to allow them to speak freely into your life without taking offense.

You hear them out, take what they say into careful consideration, pray, asking God to show you what to hold onto and what to let go of and most of all, you return the favor. You be that kind of friend in return.

We were never meant to do life on our own, but to walk in fellowship with others.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12


Prayer:
Father, thank you for the friends you have put into my life. Help us to develop our relationships to the point that we are willing to allow one another to sharpen us spiritually. Help me to be that kind of friend to those that you placed in my life. Amen

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Jesus said, "Don't follow me."

We have many accounts, in the Bible, of Jesus meeting a person and after just a short interaction with them, he invited them to follow him - to accompany him as he walked the dusty roads carrying the message of love and the Father's redemptive plan.

However, there's at least one incident where he did something quite different.

It was the story of the demon possesed man from whom Jesus had cast out many demons. (You can read the story here.)

This is what happened when it was time for Jesus to move on...

"As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed." Mark 5:18-20 (NIV)

The New Living Translation puts it like this...

"But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been." Mark 5:19 (NLT)

The man begged to go with Jesus, but Jesus sent him back to his people, back to his family to tell his story.

We all have a sphere of influence - certain people with whom we have built a relationship, people who know us; family, co-workers, people in our church, etc.  These people have seen us through the ups and downs of life, but it's the down times - the trials of life that speak most clearly to them.

Why? Because they all go though rough times themselves.  They want to know that when times are hard, you can count on God. They want to know that He will give you the strength to stand strong and make it out on the other side of the trial victoriously.  So, Jesus sent the man who had been touched by God back to his family, his home town and he instructed the man to share with those who knew him best, what the Lord had done for him.

Let's remember this when God does something wonderful for us. Let's share it (in an attitude of love) with those we know. Those who seem open to it and those who don't, because they, too will soon face a challenge and your words will come back to them.

In doing that, we are actually following Jesus more than we even realize.

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Dealing with Perfectionism

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. " Matthew 5:48

Perfect?

Perfect like God?

You've got to be kidding me!

Do you struggle with trying to be perfect? Constantly measuring your behavior or performance against some impossible standard? For someone who has a tendency toward perfectionism, this can be a daunting command, for what more impossible standard to attain could there be than to be perfect just as our heavenly Father is perfect?

Fortunately, for us, there is hope. 

"For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy". Hebrews 10:14

You see, as believers, we have already been made perfect in our hearts by the sacrifice Christ made for us on the cross but, we continue to be "being made holy" (perfect) as we grow in our relationship with Him.

Our hearts are perfect in God's sighs, but our behavior, our character, our attitudes need work. They are "being made holy" - not by us, but by God, Himself.

Philippians 1:6 assures us that God is working on us and that He will continue working on us until the day He takes us home to be with Christ Jesus...

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

That should be a comfort to those of us who judge ourselves so harshly, expecting perfection. 

So, if it's God's job to perfect us...what's our job?

Obedience.  As He points to things in our lives He wants to change, we must cooperate with Him through obedience and when we do, we have come one step closer to being perfect, just as He is perfect.

Just one step at a time.

Now, doesn't that take some of the pressure off?

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Loopholes in the Bible?

W. C. Fields spent his last weeks in a hospital, where a friend stopped by for a visit and caught Fields reading the Bible. When asked why, Fields replied, "I'm checking for loopholes."^[1]


When I heard this on the radio today, it made me laugh, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized how tragic it was.

Fields, was "an avowed atheist [who] regarded all religions with the suspicion of a seasoned con man."^[2]   And yet, at the end of his life, he was drawn to the Word of God, possibly hoping that he might convince himself that God isn't real and that there is no heaven or hell...or at least if there is, that there might be some way for a man, who had denied the existance of God and squandered his life on sinful living to wiggle out of the sure consequences of such choices.

I doubt he found any loopholes. God's Word is very clear. There is a God, a Creator of the Universe, who loves each one of us so much that when we stood condemned by our sin, He sent His Son to pay the penalty for that sin, so that we might have a restored relationship with the Father and receive the promise of eternal life with Him after we leave this world.

That is the truth as found in the Bible. Whether we choose to believe it or to reject it does not change the truth, it only determines where we will spend our eternity.

As for me, I choose to believe it and if at the end of my life someone finds me reading my Bible, it won't be because I'm looking for loopholes. It will be because I am reading about my future!

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Footnotes:
1 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._C._Fields
2 - Jordan, S. C. (2008). Hollywood's original rat pack The bards of Bundy Drive. Lanham, Maryland [u.a.]: Scarecrow Press. p. 151. ISBN 0-8108-6032-5

This Little Light of Mine

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:16



Image courtesy, Chris, rgbstock.com

We all know that Christians are supposed to let our light shine. Why?  So that our Father in heaven may be glorified, but some times we unintentionally get hung up on the middle phrase of that verse...

"that they may see your good deeds"

I know, I know - none of us mean to do "good deeds" in order to garner praise for ourselves, but admit it...a pat on the back feels good, being recognized for what we do is encouraging. It adds to our self-worth...and that's the trap!

We are supposed to be shining the light so that others see God, not us.

The candle shines, not so that all eyes are drawn to it, but so that the room may be lighted for others.

A good way to stay on track is to remember Colossians 3:23...

" Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." (not for the approval or applause of others.)

On the flip-side of that coin, we, as Christians, should keep our eyes focused on God, not the lights (people) that He uses to lead us into a closer walk with Him.

Don't forget what happens to a bug when it is mesmerized by the flame?

So, while we respect and love our spiritual leaders, fixing our eyes on them as our source will only lead to dissappointment, while fixing our eyes on God will lead us into the light of His glorious love.

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)

Do Not Be Weary in Doing Good

 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. " Galatians 6:9

Visitors to Refreshed by the Word in the past month.

I have a confession to make...

Last year when I started this blog, my intention was to write uplifting messages from the Word so that anyone who needed a "faith lift" could come Refreshed by the Word and be encouraged and strengthened in their spiritual walk.

At first I was really excited and posted almost every day. Then life got busy, I got stressed and even a little discouraged. I had been posting for months, but wasn't even sure anyone was reading the blog. I got "weary in doing good."  So, for the past several months I have only written one or two devotionals.

Without going into all the reasons why, this week has been particularly discouraging for me.  I mentioned it to one of our Pastor's yesterday and he immediately began to pray for me. This morning I received an email with a link to a really encouraging article, then this afternoon, I did something I haven't done for about six months...I checked the stats on this blog.

In the past month there have been 450 visits to Refreshed by the Word - and the big surprise is that more than half of them were folks from outside the United States - 193 from Russia alone! I had no idea that God had been using my little blog to encourage people on the other side of the world.

Sometimes when you write a blog and there are very few comments, you begin to believe that no one is reading it and that can be discouraging, but now I know that even if people don't take the time to comment...they are reading and God is blessing them through His Word.

So, for those of you who have been visiting...thank you and please, come back often, because I intend to be faithful in posting new devotionals to encourage and refresh you in the faith.

And for those of you who are in ministry - I hope this encourages you to keep doing what God has called you to do, even when it seems that your efforts are not making a difference. They are, because God says...

"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish,  so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."  Isaiah 55:10-11


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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)