Prayer break!

Instead of taking a break for prayer (this is what I normally do), try arranging your day so you'd have to take a break from prayer! That is, pray every moment possible - as you're driving to work alone, walking to school, riding your bike... let's abide in the Good Father!

Time for an Online Community moment

Looking at the www.ariskaday.org blog site, I see that there are 'followers' of this blog - thanks to those who have taken a special interest in the goal of this blog!

I realize looking through several profiles that ARiskADay is connected to some Godly people who want to see His Kingdom come! Woot!

With that in mind, it'd be nice to get to know the ARiskADay (ARAD) community better! Please comment on this blog post with prayer requests, requests from an organization you are affiliated with that needs help or resources, risks you have for the community or even an encouragement for your fellow A-Risk-a-Dayers. I'll post highlights from the comments in a future blog post!

We are "more than conquerors, yet seeking to win souls" (Proverbs 11:30)

What is faith without works?

"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:20, NIV

While fundraising and trusting God is a necessary function of many Christian non-profits, good stewardship and cheerful giving is a daily function of Christian life.

I just received word that Global Action, the initiator of A Risk A Day, is gathering funds to put to action several of its programs. In North India for example, Global Action sends blankets and teams to help keep people from freezing to death - and to give them the hope of Jesus Christ. I have heard that hundreds of families line up year after year in hopes of getting just one $5 blanket!

I am not fond of emotional pleas, but we have to understand as Americans that we live in a rich nation, and many out there need Jesus - and a warm cup of soup, blanket or a roof over their head. We know that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7), and this often means more than mere money. This means an attitude of giving and serving, not just out of our abundance but sacrificially - giving up conveniences for the sake of other brothers and sisters in Christ around the world - and in our own neighborhood!

Friends, I encourage you to give generously of your time, energy and money, knowing that what we have has come from His hands - and He will repay us for even giving 'a cup of cold water to a little one'! "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4, NIV

If you decide in your heart to give to the ministries of Global Action, or want to find out more about their organization and projects, check out Global Action's website. Better yet, go on a ministry trip with them or some other group to see lives being changed by Jesus! Get on fire! See His miracles in action! Stop accepting a pittance for the Christian life, which was meant to be life abundant, full of tenacity, love and seeing Him work in incredible ways!

Stewardship

If you live with other family members, take an evening this week to discuss how you can be better stewards of your financial and time resources; if you live alone, try getting together with other Christian friends to discuss.

Pastor Michael from Denver Community Church quoted this one Sunday morning, "We are asking 'How much of our resources should we give away?', when in fact the question should be 'How much of God's should we keep?'"

Decision-making 101: Oh, that again?

God is gracious, yet just. He is patient with us - thankfully!

Yet, God may not give us a new direction if He has given us something to do and we have not done it. The Scriptures tell us that God does this to avoid heaping judgment on us for disobeying multiple commands.

Thus, if God is not speaking or is really, really quiet - go back to the last few times you heard Him speak clearly - and ensure that you have been obedient to His commands. God knows we are human, but through the Spirit and the fear of the Lord, we can learn to obey Him whole-heartedly.

Decision-making 101: Wisdom

Ask for wisdom. (We all need more wisdom)

"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do." James 1:5-8, NLT

Wisdom is key in decision-making.

Decision-Making 101: Prayer

Prayer is so key in the decision-making process. Often-times, I do not pray until things get bad or I start being really concerned about things - please, don't follow my example. Pray pro-actively, stay abiding in God by keeping up your relationship with our Friend, the Lord of the universe!

Fasting can help greatly combined with prayer and seeking. Fasting has implications in the spiritual world (the Bible tells us that some demons do not react - such as to leave someone - unless there is fasting). Fasting also helps break our fleshly desire in a very tangible way, allowing us to more clearly communicate with God - and understand better what our flesh sounds like.

Decision-making 101: Heart Preparations

"The preparations of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD." Proverbs 16:1, NKJV

It is the responsibility of a person to prepare their heart. I have found this means at least coming to accept either choice, and seeking His will before our own. We can then rest that the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. He is the Sovereign One.

Decision-making 101: Heart Plans

"A man’s heart plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9, NKJV

Man's heart will plan his way, but the Lord is sovereign to direct the steps of men.

Decision-making 101

This is a week of decision-making risk-a-days! If you have a decision on your heart, take the challenge of following Scripture and seeking God's wisdom!
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"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out." John 6:37, NKJV

Jesus knew that everything God gave to Him would come to Him. The same is true for us - we will not miss anything that God intends to give to us!

Desires aren't always bad

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4, ESV

Many (if not all!) of our deepest desires are from God. Some desires we may not even know! Let the good God who made us in His image give us the desires of our heart - and let's do our part to delight in and stay connected with Him.

Save a Fiver

It's that time again - forgo a certain daily expense (coffee, lunch, a movie...) and give it to a more worthy cause.

Marks of a True Christian - Part 14

Romans 12:19-21 - “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” says the Lord. To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing so you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”.

Have you ever watched a movie that suddenly becomes very suspenseful, and you find yourself dying to see what happens next, but are comforted by the fact that good always wins over evil? You can relax those white knuckles and rest assured that the good guy won’t die, and the bad guy certainly won’t get away with what he’s done.

The same is true in life – we can rest assured that good will always overcome evil, because God is good, and He’s on our side! We don’t need to worry ourselves with what the wicked do, or if they will get away with it – they won’t. In fact, we can use good to overcome evil. We can bless those who curse us. Feed our enemies. Love the very ones who have hurt us, our family, our country…

“If the righteous receive their reward on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!” (Proverbs 11:31).

Marks of a True Christian - Part 13

Romans 12:18 - “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all”.

As mentioned yesterday, we’re all sinners, and are bound to hurt one another. “Live peaceably” doesn’t mean “be perfect” – we are going to mess up. But, we have the chance to smooth matters over with words of love and asking forgiveness. Are you living peaceably as far as it depends on you? Do you owe someone an apology for something you did or said? Don’t let another day pass without making things right again!

Marks of a True Christian - Part 12

Romans 12:17 - “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all”.

In the Old Testament, we were told to give an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth (Deuteronomy 19:21). But here, Paul replaces the old with the new, saying that we are never to repay evil for evil, but to act out of love instead by doing what is good, beautiful, and right. Replace the disdain and anger you have towards those who have hurt you with love, and replace your “get even” attitude with grace. After all, we’re all sinners, and we’re all bound to hurt one another! The best thing we can do in response is to forgive.

Marks of a True Christian - Part 11

Romans 12:16b - “Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight”.

We live in a judgmental world. Who do we consider lowly? The man wearing the same shirt he wore yesterday? The woman with three kids in tow but no wedding band? The dirty, crying child in the supermarket? Or just that person with the annoying laugh, or awkward social skills, or crippled limbs?

We are called to love everyone, not just the loveable ones. The word “partiality” is mentioned 15 times in the Bible – read those fifteen verses, and it will be very clear to you that God hates it. Remember to see what is inside of the person, deep in their heart, and not what’s outside. Find good in everyone, and attempt to love as perfectly as Jesus did. Being “wise in our own sight” relates to being conceited, or haughty, both of which make loving and empathy nearly impossible.

And remember, Jesus loved us so much that He died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). We are no different from one person to the next, thanks to the love of the Father!

Marks of a True Christian - Part 10

Romans 12:16a - “Live in harmony with one another”.

If you’re alive and breathing, get used to conflict! Since we all live with different wants, needs, and goals in life, we’re bound to butt heads with someone along the way. Today, forget about your own interests. Look for specific ways to live in harmony with your co-workers, your children, your spouse, or your neighbors. Give in, or go the extra mile when possible!

Marks of a True Christian - Part 9

Romans 12:15 - “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep”.

One of the best ways to show love is to allow yourself to be moved by one another’s burdens, or one another’s triumphs. Look for someone to “share” with today – whether it be allowing someone to talk your ear off about their new job or their littlest child, or if it’s nodding your head in sympathy and passing the Kleenex box.

Marks of a True Christian - Part 8

Romans 12:14 - “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them”.

Remember the little phrase you heard from other children when you were little? “I am rubber, you are glue, whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you”? While I don’t want to condone that last part, I do want to encourage us all to be rubber, allowing whatever negative comments of situations we’re in simply bounce off of us! Take it a step further, and maintain a positive attitude and words in response to negative words or situations. Be rubber, man!

Marks of a True Christian - Part 7

Romans 12:13 - “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality”.

Both of these commandments take the focus off of ourselves and onto the people around us. Instead of saving or spending every last penny, make room in your monthly budget to tithe to your home church, and set aside some time in the next month to show hospitality. Maybe invite some friends over to dinner at your expense, or better yet, invite some strangers or neighbors that you don’t know well!

“At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality…” (2 Corinthians 8:14).
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it!” (Malachi 3:10)

Marks of a True Christian - Part 6

Romans 12:12 - “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer”.

You’d be lying if you told me you don’t have trials or tribulation in your life right now! “In this world, you will have many tribulations; but take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) What an encouraging fact! We can “rejoice in hope”, knowing that we are on the winning team, no matter what life throws our way. Prayer also gives us that same hope, as well as peace in any circumstance. Be diligent to give situations in your life to the Lord in prayer – constantly!

Marks of a True Christian - Part 5

Romans 12:11b - “Serve the Lord”.

How are you serving the Lord?

"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.” (Matthew 7:21)

Another question - do you go to church to get something out of it, and to leave feeling better than when you came, or do you go to serve? To be a part of the Body of the Bride of Christ? To seek out someone who needs prayer or love or simply someone to sit next to? Seek God on what it means for you, today, to serve Him.

Marks of a True Christian - Part 4

Romans 12:11a - “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit”.

We all know the drill. Our Christian walk is a rollercoaster, filled with high and low spiritual seasons. One day, we can’t keep from dancing, singing, and shouting about the goodness of the Lord! He is SO GOOD! But the next day… we’re dragged down by life… we get tired… we become slothful. We forget about the amazing gift we have in salvation, and can’t even find a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

This wasn’t the way the Christian life was meant to be! We are chosen ones, the children of God, and our inheritance is beautiful! Not only that, but we serve the Almighty God – the one whom even angels praise – and we have full access to Him at all times. We all know that he deserves our highest praise, so live like He does today!
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes!” (Romans 1:16)

Marks of a True Christian - Part 3

Romans 12:10 - “Love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor”.

When I was little, my older sister and I were very competitive. Whether it was grades, sports, or memorizing bible verses, we were always trying to “outdo” one another. I remember very clearly the day when my mother, tired of the way we were acting, pointed this verse out to us (above). In her translation, she said we were supposed to “outdo one another in showing love”. That gave a whole new definition to competition!
Instead of focusing on being the most important, the richest, the best dressed, or at the top of the food chain, aim to be the best at loving. Everyone around us needs it, and we can give it! Think of at least three or four people that you can show love to today – through a small gift, through a sincere hug, through a phone call, through a ride home… you name it! Again, be the best at loving!

Marks of a True Christian - Part 2

Romans 12:9b - “Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good”.

Too often we Christians begin to look just like the rest of the world. We treat food the same, we watch the same movies and sitcoms, we gossip, we hoard, we’re selfish… and the list goes on. While Jesus loves us no matter what we do, we do have bear His name, and therefore should “let [our] manner of life be worthy of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

Ask the Lord to graciously open your eyes to see what things you have approved of in your life that He does not approve of.

Marks of a True Christian - Part 1

Romans 12:9a - “Let love be genuine”.

It’s appropriate that Paul would begin his teaching on being a Christian with a focus on love. Just imagine the changes that the world would see if love guided all of our actions.

So, let others know that you are a True Christian today as you show sincere, genuine, and earnest love to believers and unbelievers alike.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). How has Jesus shown His love for us? He gave His life. He became our servant. Be creative in passing that love on (and share with us how you did!).

For God so loved... wait, let me look that up...

Memorize a Bible verse that you would need to know to give witness to someone of the hope you have. If you're stumped, you might start with John 3:16, Romans 8:28, Romans 5:8, Revelation 3:20.