Pressing On

   Have you ever seen the 6 foot 3 muscle head in the weight room working on his last set of weight for the day? He gets up on the bench or whatever excersize that he is doing, and he goes to lift it, but he struggles. His spotter sees this and goes to assist.
   The next thing you see is the weight almost at the top, but the lifter again struggles. He puts the weight down and tries again, needing the exact same assistance as last time. He gets the weight almost to the top, and struggles again.
   However, the third time, he finds and clings to something greater than himself, and he lifts that weight out of no where like it was nothing. How? Strength comes through pressing on, or perseverance. The trials may seem overbearing now but Joy cometh in the morning, for our help comes from the Lord, who is much greater than ourselves! Be encouraged! Press on!

No Doubt

   There is an old Gospel song that goes like this, "Lord Im running, trying to make a hundred, for ninety nine and a half wont do". When it comes to our Faith in Christ, you are either in 100% confidence with the Word of God, or you are in 0% confidence with the Word of God, there is no in between. Out of this when can correctly derive that you are either 100% Christian or 0% Christian, there is no in between.
   What do I mean by confidence in the Word of God? It means that one must believe EVERYTHING that the Word of God says is Truth or is not. Not half way. Everything from the way the World was formed to the Cross the Jesus was crucified on.
   In turn, if one does not believe everything that the Word of God says or commands, then there is a serious problem with their Faith! Therefore, I urge you, all who read this, to fully believe, without any doubt, in every  Word that has come from the Almighty God! For in every word, is life, and life eternal!

Will Laid Aside

   Have you ever seen the child that only wants to do for himself? For example, before letting you come through the main entrance of a store, they will walk in first and not even hold the door even though you were right behind them? Or they will intentionally cut you off in traffic just because they wanted to be in that lane at that moment?
   You may think of those examples and many more like them, and may simply leave it to those peoples are selfish or something of that sort. However, another aspect is the fact that their will in that moment was the will of their own. For example, a parent's will may be for a child to have what is best for them in the long run, while the child's will is to have what is best for them now.
   Our will's are to be laid aside for the cause of Christ however as Christians! What does this mean, it means that all we do is for the glory of the father, period. Our will controls our way and our ways should be what God wants them to be. Take inventory of the little things that you do daily and ask yourself, "is my will laid aside for the cause of Christ?"

Be Blessed

   I wanted to take today's post and just encourage and remind you of why we live the lives we live. That is to say, why we live like Christ. 2012 years ago, a sinless perfect man, the Son of God in fact, died on a bloody, wooden cross. With nails in his feet and hands and his side being pierced as He hung their, wounded for our sins.
   He was beaten and bruised and bloodied beyond description. After His death, He was buried in a tomb with an incredibly large stone in front. However, three days later, He was risen from that extremely cold tomb by the God the Father, defeating death through death. Now He sits at the right hand of the Father and offers forgiveness of sin for those who come to Him.
   This is not only our Hope, but our Joy! Be encouraged that you are one that is considered saved. If you are not, then seek Jesus because a time is coming where every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord! Have a fantastic weekend!

No Free Pass

   Two nights ago, the importance of a relationship being in priority in Christianity, as Jesus came to fulfill the Law, was discussed. We discussed how some have the impression that Christianity is just full of Laws that Christians are supposed to try and live out perfectly everyday, but in reality, a relationship with Christ Jesus is of priority, a mutual relationship with the One who Saved us from sure condemnation.
   However, there is one misinterpretation that I must address. THIS IS NOT AN EXCUSE to just live life in whatever kind of manner we want to. Jesus was in absolute perfect relation with the Father. Completely blameless in fact. However, He did not just go around do whatever He wanted to. He lived a perfect life pleasing to the Father BECAUSE of His relationship with Him.
   The relationship is what inspires practicality in living the life that Christ wants for you. Not the other way around. Our relationship makes us not want to sin, it does not give us a free pass to. Build you relationship with Him, for if you seek Him first, all other things will be added unto you.

Break

   For tonight, we will take another trip to the gym. This time, we are going to shadow a bodybuilder who is training for the World's Strongest Man Competition. We see them lift what is seemingly a thousand pounds a thousand times until they cannot anymore, and then they go to another excersize. However, there is one part of the workout that is just as important, if not more, than the weight lifted.
   One thing that is often overlooked is the time taken to take a break in between sets and go get water. They put down the weights momentarily and go hydrate, thinking of their next set. They give their muscles time to relax and get ready for their next test.
   As Christians, we are called to rest at times as well. This does not mean taking time away from following Christ! This does mean not to drive yourself into the ground. God never gives you more than you can bear, however you can! Growth occurs in rest, and is prepared during tests. So stay growth ready and prepared by taking some time to rest, both physically and spiritually!

Relationship

   I have heard of the stories of those who think Christianity is a bunch of laws of how to live life. A law of exactly what to do and exactly when to do it. Laws to tell how and what to pray, when to take a break from eating, basically when to do anything. However, Christianity is more about a relationship.
   Let us take the example of a foreign diplomat on US soil. After he steps on US soil, he is basically exempt from US law. If he decided to drive down the street in reverse, no police officer would probably bat an eye. Why is this? Because the United States has prioritized and good relationship over the laws of the country.
   Yes, there are guidelines that we go by as Christians, but they are because of the relationship that we share with Christ, not the other way around. I also encourage all Christians to desire and prioritize having your relationship with Christ in order, as that is most important, rather than trying to fulfill all laws, for your works will never suffice. Live you life for Christ, but have a relationship most of all!