Purposeful Living

My main motivation in life has is a relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s it. That’s what this thing is all about for me. I want a secure relationship with Him. I want to be Christ-like. Sure, I make mistakes, but at the end of the day, my goal remains the same – maturing in Him.

I’ve recently had a series of experiences that showed me my inadequacy in this area. I don’t profess to be some “super saint.” I’ve checked and there is no big “S” on my chest. I’m humbled to the point now that I recognize that I am the least of these. But, before I put myself down too far, I take hope in the knowledge that I am trying.

Some days are harder than others. Some times the enemy really knows how to dig underneath my skin and send just that right person to challenge me. But, no matter the attack, I am to show love, be kind and mature in Christ.

Growing in Him has benefited me greatly. The stuff that used to bother me, no longer does so. The folks that used to make me wanna holler, doesn’t affect me any more! You see, there’s benefit in knowing the Lord.

So, on today, I once again set out to make a difference for Christ. I don’t want to be the only one that has found the secret to purposeful living…

Tell the Devil to Take His Bags Too!

Someone sent this to me so I thought I'd share it with YOU!

YOU PUT THE DEVIL OUT, BUT DID YOU LET HIM LEAVE HIS BAGS?
This is powerful!

You got out of a bad relationship because it was bad,but you are still resentful and angry.(
You let the devil leave his bags)

You got out of financial debt, but you still can'tcontrol the desire to spend on frivolous things.(You let the devil leave his bags)

You got out of a bad habit or addiction, but you still long to try itjust one more time.
(You let the devil leave his bags)

You said, I forgive you, but you can't seem to forget and have peacewith that person.
(You let the devil leave his bags)

You told your unequally yoked mate that it was over,but you still continue to call.
(You let the devil leave his bags)

You got out of that horribly oppressive job, but you are stilltrying to sabotage the company after you've left.
(You let the devil leave his bags)

You cut off the affair with that married man/woman, but youstill lust after him/her.
(You let the devil leave his bags)

You broke off your relationship with that hurtful, abusive person, butyou are suspicious and distrusting of every new person you meet .
(You let the devil leave his bags)

You decided to let go of the past hurts from growing up in anunstable environment, yet you believe you are unworthy of love fromothers and you refuse to get attached to anyone.
(You let the devil leave his bags)

When you put the devil out, please make sure he takes his bags!

HAPPINESS KEEPS YOU SWEET
TRIALS KEEP YOU STRONG
SORROWS KEEP YOU HUMAN
FAILURES KEEP YOU HUMBLE
SUCCESS KEEPS YOU GLOWING
BUT ONLY GOD KEEPS YOU GOING!

In The Remainder of 2008,
Let the devil take his bags with him!
Be Blessed, Healthy and Happy

Be Kind - Show Christ


Tomorrow, I am going to preach a message on being kind to each other. I know that seems a strange topic for professing Christians. But, nevertheless, I am going to bring the message that God has given me.

This week has been particularly challenging for me. I’ve dealt with folks that prefer sharp tongues and demeaning tones to gentleness and meekness. I’ve felt the sting of their barbs. But, through it all, I’ve tried to maintain a posture of submission with the hope that the light of Christ in me would so shine!

That’s the way it has to be today. We cannot go around returning barbs for barbs. The world is accustomed to that. What they need to see is someone living a Christ-like life in and out of church. That will make your witness more effective if they see you practicing what you teach.

It’s not easy. Many times this week, I’ve wanted to really speak my mind in such a manner that they would know exactly what I felt. But instead, I told my Jesus all about it and He found a way to soothe my heart as well as my circumstances. I cannot imagine why He loves me so but I am soooo glad that He does. And, because of this love that He demonstrates toward us, we who are Christ-like, need to demonstrate it back to a sick, sin-infested and dying world. Afterall, we live here for now, let’s make it a good place to call home.

I would that you would pray for and with me as I make these final preparations to preach. I pray that God will use this servant to be a blessing to those that will gather.