Does Jesus Cut to the Heart or is He Just Over Your Heart?

Acts 2:36-39 - "Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself."

Jesus is a powerful Name! In fact, it is the Name above all names.

Salvation comes through Christ alone (Acts 4:12; John 14:6).

Prior to these verses, Peter preached to a multitude of men that had gathered, telling them about how Jesus had been prophesied about and those things had been fulfilled before their very eyes. And when Peter said it is He that they themselves had crucified, they were "cut to the heart" In other words, they realized what they had done and were remorseful. And then they asked, "What shall we do?"

Great question! Because when you realize how much God loves you, even sending His Son to die for your sins and through Him offers you eternity with Him you too will be cut to the heart and wonder what to do to make things right.

Peter said, "Repent and be baptized..." Repent is simply a turning away from sin and turning to Jesus. Jesus will meet you in the very spot you decide to turn around. The LORD simply asks you to receive His Son.

Some people just wear a cross over their heart, but will you be cut to the heart, knowing that God has called you to His heart with an eternal love?

Restore a kingdom for temporal people or people for an Eternal Kingdom?

Acts 1:6-8 - "So when they had come together, they asked Him, 'Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.'"

This took place after Jesus' resurrection and just before His ascension.

Do you ever find yourself consumed with your current personal life, hoping that God keeps restoring the current kingdom instead of looking to and seeking the benefit of God's Eternal Kingdom?

I'm not saying that you should abandon life and commit to being a monk. God requires us to be good stewards of those things He's entrusted you with. 

The key word is "consumed". A Good way to find out what you are consumed with is to ask yourself, "What occupies my thoughts and time?" 

Is it finances (lack or pursuit of)? Is your career what you "eat, sleep and drink"?  Is your hobby what relaxes you and puts you in a peaceful state of mind?  Are you consumed with exercise? Are you consumed with food? You can even be occupied with "R&R" - Rest and Relaxation (too much).

Jesus' disciples were asking if He was going to restore their present, earthly conditions by ruling, but He wasn't concerned about that...that time will come. For now, Jesus simply commanded them to focus on building and laying up treasures in heaven.

It's no different today. 

How do we focus on building and laying up treasures in heaven?

By leading people to Jesus Christ and teaching them the Bible. Your life for God will be a treasure you send out ahead of you that will be waiting for you in heaven.

Matthew 6:19-21 - "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Be a witness to people for Jesus for an Eternal Kingdom and lay up treasure in heaven.

Money is for Using

"True stewardship requires investing and spending, not just guarding and saving." - Sutton Turner in "Invest Your Gifts for His Mission"

D.L. Moody on Evangelism

Mr. Moody was adept at turning adverse circumstances into favorable witnessing opportunities because he was always on the alert to win souls. Dr. Clinton N. Howard relates the following interesting incident which occurred in Moody's Buffalo, New York, campaign in Howard's boyhood:

As Moody was returning after a night meeting on a crowded Madison streetcar as a strap-hanger, a rider asked who the big man was. Told he was Moody, the revivalist, the scoffer asked him a question, "Hey, Sky Pilot! How far is it from Chicago to heaven?"

Quick as lightning, Moody answered, "One step; will you take it?"

Pushing his way to the door, the man dropped from the rear platform into the street, followed by Moody, who reached the platform, funneled his hands, and shouted to the fleeing sinner, "One step from Chicago to heaven. One step! Will you take it?"

On the following night, Moody related the incident at the close of his sermon, and repeated, "One step-one step-one step, from Chicago to heaven. Who will be the first to take it tonight?" Out from the rear of the house came a man pushing his way to the platform, saying, "I'll take that step tonight!" It was the man who had asked the question of the "Sky Pilot" the night before! 5

D. L. Moody recognized that no two persons were exactly alike and that it was impossible to lay down hard-and-fast rules for dealing with inquirers. But he did practice and teach some general principles for dealing with souls. A few of them are included in the following quotation from Mr. Moody:

Always use your Bible in personal dealing. Do not trust to memory, but make the person read the verse for himself. Do not use printed slips or books. Hence, if convenient, always carry a Bible or New Testament with you.

It is a good thing to get a man on his knees, but don't get him there before he is ready. You may have to talk to him two hours before you can get him that far along...

Sometimes a few minutes in prayer have done more for a man than two hours in talk. When the Spirit of God has led him so far that he is willing to have you pray with him; he is not very far from the Kingdom. Ask him to pray for himself. If he doesn't want to pray, let him use a Bible prayer; get him to repeat, for example, "Lord, help me!" Tell the man, "If the Lord helped that poor woman, He will help you if you make the same prayer. He will give you a new heart if you pray from the heart." Don't send a man home to pray. Of course, he should pray at home, but I would rather get his lips open at once. It is a good thing for a man to hear his own voice in prayer. It is a good thing for him to cry out, "God be merciful to me, a sinner!"

Urge an immediate decision, but never tell a man he is converted. Never tell him he is saved. Let the Holy Spirit reveal that to him...

Always be prepared to do personal work...

Do the work boldly. Don't take those in a position in life above your own, but as a rule, take those on the same footing. Don't deal with a person of the opposite sex if it can be otherwise arranged. Bend all your endeavors to answer for poor, struggling souls that question of such importance to them, "What must I do to be saved?"

Lead Others to Jesus by Word and Deed

Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Is the subtlety of seemingly inconsequential compromises undermining your Christian witness?

In other words, is what you determine to be insignificant in your life making Jesus insignificant to others in their lives?

Keep in mind that most Christians never lead anyone else to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ after they themselves have come to be forgiven and know God's grace through His Son for their own sins.

Today, we use the word "liberty" as if it's a Christian right to exercise "slight" compromise and still maintain our salvation and the assurance of heaven, but the Bible is clear that we are to "be holy, because I am [God is] holy" (1 Peter 1:16)

As Christians we serve as examples of a Christ-follower for others to see and benefit from our lives to God's glory - to lead them to God, not to draw them away.

The Apostle Paul said, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything." (1 Corinthians 6:12)  He also said, "Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble." (1 Corinthians 8:13)

I pray that our focus today is not on ourselves, not on others, but rather our focus is on the "Founder and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" that we may lead others to the very place of God's grace that they also may come to know salvation in Jesus.

I pray that we don't deem inconsequential what God has determined to be sin and undermines our Christian witness that we may see more people led to Jesus Christ Who saw us as His joy and purpose for dying on the cross.

Run the race to win...to win souls to God's glory.

Will You Stand in the Gap?

Ezekiel 22:30 - "And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none."

God described Israel at this time as a nation of disgrace - abomination. Why? Guilty of shed blood (v.4); defiled by idols made (v.4); father and mother are treated with contempt (v.7); those who visit suffer extortion (v.7); they despised God's Word; commit slander (v.9); are lewd (v.9); sexual immorality, rape women etc.

But although God was about to execute judgment on the sin of Israel He would relent if a man would STAND on His behalf, STAND in the GAP torn down, and BUILD to His glory.

There are many movies today with fictional characters who will stand for various reasons and the world stands and applauds. There are few today who in REALITY stand in the gap because they fear no one will notice them...no one will pat them on the back and give them words of encouragement.

The Apostle Paul said, "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10

The Church needs men! Men that will stand in front of their families and in front of their wives and at the front of their churches - Leading, Growing, Sacrificial, and God-fearing.

God desires for Men to Stand Up and Build to Hold what's been gained and Gain what's been destroyed and held by the enemy - to "Stand in the Breach" before God that the enemy will not enter through.

What does your family need? A man who prays, reads the Bible and leads in the home and at church.

What does your Wife need? A man who prays, reads the Bible and leads in the home and at church.

What does your Church need? A man who prays, reads the Bible and leads in the home and at church.

Would God find in you that man that is standing in the gap before Him to His glory? A man who is tearing down or building up?

Know God's grace - Men, let's stand together and build before the Lord!

Unbind Him, and Let Him Go! (John 11:44)

Jesus performed many miracles, but there was one that involved a very dear friend, Lazarus. It was a difficult roller-coaster of emotions for the family during the time Lazarus found himself deathly ill.

You see Mary and Martha of Bethany were Lazarus' sisters and when they had no other alternative but to call on Jesus because Lazarus was dying, they did. They sent for Him because they believed that Jesus could heal him, but even though He loved Lazarus, Jesus delayed His coming to His friend's bedside by two days.

I'm sure this was a disappointment to Mary and Martha as Jesus was their only hope, but Jesus delayed for a reason. Jesus said that it was for His glory, for the sake of the disciples' faith, and also for the faith of those who would be witnesses to Lazarus' resurrection after four days of being in the grave.

Yes, Jesus came, He wept with family and friends; yes, He went to the grave, called out for Lazarus to "come out"! And we know that Lazarus indeed rose from the grave.

But what we often miss is what Jesus didn't do but ordered those gathered around Lazarus to do instead. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, but He commanded everyone else to "unbind him, and let him go".

As Christians gathered around those brought to new life in Christ, we too, may miss the command to "make disciples of all nations" as the Great Commission commands us to do. It's God's work to save them, but He left the leading and teaching up to us to do for these souls that have been raised from the grave unto new life in Jesus Christ.

Discipleship can be a difficult, time-consuming work, but it is also a blessing to see layer after layer come off until you see the new person that was wrapped up under the grave clothes of sin and ignorance.

Jesus gives new life as He saves people from the grave, but you and I are to then "unbind" under the work of discipleship and "let [them] go" in service to God.

I pray you don't miss this very important work and take the time to help those who can't themselves unwrap the grave clothes they may still be wearing because no one else has taken the time.

Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20

Unbind Him, and Let Him Go to God's glory!

Pastor Raul

Marriage: Real Life Can Never Compete with Fantasy by Gregory L. Winfield

Marriage: Real Life Can Never Compete With Fantasy

Marriage: Real Life Can Never Compete With Fantasy

Marriage is something that most girls dream about from childhood. Everyone loves the story of Cinderella to the point where we have coined the terms “A Cinderella Wedding” or “A Fairy Tale Wedding”

Likewise, young men dream of having the ideal wife with an ideal body all the days her life. The dream is of marrying this perfect person and living happily ever after.

It’s very hard to accept anything in real life other than the fairy tale union when such visions of perfection have been ingrained within us for so many years prior to marriage.

When real life slaps us in the face and we wake up next to Mr. or Mrs. imperfect, some people are left feeling a little disappointed.

A fantasy marriage is perfect, a real life marriage isn’t

None of us fantasize about going to the alter with the ugliest guy or girl in town.

We don’t have dreams of growing up and living in government assisted housing for the rest of our lives.

No one has ever imagined having the worst job and the worse car in the neighborhood and set out on a trek to make these dreams come true.

No, quite the contrary. When we dream, we dream about having the best. We imagine ourselves in nice cars, living in nice homes, and having the perfect spouse.

So when reality gives us a less than perfect car, a less than desirable house and a spouse that isn’t necessarily what we envisioned, we can be tempted to look at our lives and feel a little let down.

Marriage is definitely not Fairy Tale

Marriage is never about finding the perfect partner. There is no perfect partner. Marriage isn’t even about finding someone that you’re most compatible with.

Marriage is about finding the partner that is willing to allow God to mold and shape them individually and as a partner in the union that He is sanctioning.

If I could sum up marriage in one word it would be “yielding”. Yielding to one another and yielding to God. Submitting to one another as you both submit to the Lord is key to making a Christian marriage work.

As you yield to God and allow Him to create something beautiful between the two of you, you will look up one day and find that the imperfect person you married is still imperfect, but he or she is perfect for you and vise versa.

Have you ever had a key that would fit into a lock, but yet the key wouldn’t turn the lock to unlock the door? Couples who refuse to yield to one another and/or to God are like a key that fits into a lock, but are incapable of unlocking the door.

It takes God, our great locksmith to reshape and cut the keys of our lives and personalities so that they not only fit into the lock, but are able to turn and unlock the barriers within our marriages.

Unrealistic marriage fantasies kill marriages from the start

Folks, marriage is work. It’s work that doesn’t offer any vacation time. It doesn’t offer sick days, and the shifts run 24 hours per day with no days off.

Marriage is about finding a lump of coal and working together to create a diamond. When you both realize that you will have something precious at the end of the refining process, working together becomes enjoyable.

Get rid of the romance novel version of marriage

Your marriage will go through countless changes over the years. Likewise, your spouse will go through changes spiritually, emotionally and physically during the course of the marriage.

What do you do when changes occur in your marriage that are outside the scope of the fantasy union you had prior to your marriage?

How you respond will determine if you’re still chasing a fantasy or are ready and willing to put forth the effort to make your marriage work in the real world.

Trust God to make something beautiful of your marriage

The institution of marriage was created by God. Ask the Lord to bless your union. Trust Him to work miraculously in your marriage.

Pray for your spouse and come together in agreement that your union will be one that is an example of what God intended when He created the institution of marriage.

My prayer is that God will grant you a marriage that surpasses even your wildest dreams and that a union that began as just another Christian marriage heading for divorce court will be completely renewed and held up as an example of what the power of God can do, in Jesus Name!

The Dew of Hermon by C.H. Mackintosh

"The dew of Hermon"

Psalm 133.

By C. H. Mackintosh.

The expression "the dew of Hermon" has, it seems, long proved "a geographical puzzle" to some. But to one who has the mind of Christ it is no puzzle, but a most striking and beautiful figure. Hermon is the very loftiest peak in all the land of Palestine, and from its snowy cap, when all the surrounding country is parched, the refreshing dew descends upon the mountains of Zion; and this is one of the figures used by the Holy Ghost to illustrate the beauty and pleasantness of brethren dwelling together in unity.

Let us quote the entire psalm.

"Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments. As the dew of Hermon that descended upon the mountains of Zion; [The interpolated words, "and as the dew," spoil the beauty of the figure.] for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore."

Here we have two lovely illustrations of unity among brethren. It is like ointment descending from the head of the high priest to the skirts of his garment; and it is like the dew descending, in refreshing power, from Hermon's snowy top.

How truly delightful! And yet they are but figures used to set forth the divine idea of unity among brethren. But how is the unity to be promoted? By living sufficiently near to our great priestly Head to catch the fragrant ointment as it descends from Him — to be living so near the Man in the glory as that the refreshing dew of His grace may drop upon our souls, thus rendering us fragrant and fruitful to His praise.

This is the way to dwell in unity with our brethren. It is one thing to talk about unity, and another thing altogether to dwell in it. We may profess to hold "the unity of the body," and "the unity of the Spirit" — most precious and glorious truths surely — and all the while be really full of selfish strife, party spirit, and sectarian feeling, all of which are entirely destructive of practical unity. If brethren are to dwell together in unity, they must be receiving the ointment from the Head, the refreshing showers from the true Hermon. They must live in the very presence of Christ, so that all their points and angles may be moulded off, all their selfishness judged and subdued, all their own peculiar notions set aside, all their cues and crotchets flung to the winds. Thus there will be largeness of heart, breadth of mind, and depth of sympathy. Thus we shall learn to bear and forbear. It will not then be loving those who think with us and feel with us as to some pet theory or other. It will be loving and embracing "all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity."

The blessed Head loves all His members, and if we are drinking into His spirit, if we are learning of Him, we shall love all likewise. No doubt, those who keep His commandments enjoy His special love — the love of complacency; and so we cannot but specially love those in whom we trace most of His blessed Spirit. But this is a totally different thing from loving people because they adoptour line of truth, or our peculiar views. It is Christ, and not self; and this is what we want, if we are to "dwell together in unity."

Look at that charming picture presented in Philippians 2. There truly we see, first of all, the divine Head Himself, and from Him the ointment descending to the skirts of His garments. Where did Paul get the grace to enable him to be ready to be poured out as a drink-offering upon the sacrifice of his brethren? What was it that made Timothy care for other people? What led Epaphroditus to put his life in his hand to supply his brethren's lack? What is the one grand answer to all these questions? Simply this: these beloved servants of Christ lived so in their Master's presence, and drank so deeply into His Spirit, they dwelt so near the Man in the glory, that the fragrant ointment, and the refreshing dew, fell upon their souls abundantly, and made them channels of blessing to others.

This, beloved Christian reader, be assured of it, is the grand secret of getting on together. If brethren are to dwell together in unity, they must have the "ointment" and the "dew" dropping continually upon them. They must live close to Christ, and be occupied with Him, so that they may show forth His virtues, and reflect His blessed image.

Then, what joy to be enabled, in any little measure, to refresh the heart of God! He delights to see His children walking in love. It is He who says, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Surely this ought to stir our hearts to seek in every possible way to promote this lovely unity. It should lead us to sink self and all its belongings, to surrender everything that might tend in any measure to alienate our hearts from Christ, or from one another. The Holy Ghost exhorts us to "endeavour" to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Let us remember this. It is the unity of the Spirit, not the unity of the body, we are to keep in the uniting bond of peace. This will cost us something. The word "endeavouring" shows that it cannot be done without sacrifice. But the One who so graciously exhorts us to the service will ever supply the needed grace. The ointment and the dew will flow down from Him in refreshing power, knitting our hearts together in holy love, and enabling us to deny ourselves, and surrender everything which might tend to hinder that true unity which we are imperatively called upon to maintain.

Notes on Abraham

There are four descriptions of the walk of the believer with God in Scripture.

 First, we are to wait before God as children (Gen. 17:1). Also, we should walk with God as friends in fellowship (5:24). Third, we walk behind God as servants in obedience (Deut. 13:4). Finally, we walk in God as members of His body (Col. 2:6).

 

Abraham was here being called to maturity that he might be genuinely and unreservedly committed to God's service. When the Scriptures talk of perfection, they speak of three things. First, one is "perfect" if to the best of his ability he is walking before God with Him. Second, perfection is sometimes viewed as not offending one's conscience. Finally, perfection is being fully conformed to Jesus Christ. When we walk by faith, we must have a perfect heart with God as its object (cf. Heb. 12:2).

re: Gen. 17:2

Twenty-four years earlier, God had called Abram to follow Him and now He is announcing His intention to honor His promise and give His servant the promised seed.

In response to this announcement, Abram fell on his face humbling himself before God. His posture reflected the attitude of his heart.

It is interesting to note the construction of verse 3. When "Abram fell on his face," then "God talked with him." Only when we humble ourselves before God is the communion we once had with God restored completely. This simple act reflects a change in Abram which ended at least thirteen years of dryness in his relationship with God.

Greg Laurie on Sandy Hook Elementary Tragedy

Written by: Greg Laurie...
It's Christmas time.

Parents bundle up their children, another day at school before Christmas vacation starts in the small town of Newtown,Connecticut.
There's shopping to do,errands to run before they pick them up.

...Then the worst imaginable scenario takes place.
A young man walks into a Sandy hook elementary school and begins shooting.
When the...horror finally stops 20 children and 5 adults h
ave been shot and killed.
This is just heartbreaking.

What can be said at a time like this?
The experts will opine on why this happened.
All I can say is this was pure evil.
The heartlessness and wickedness of this man that did the shooting is really unimaginable

I know from personal experience that the pain of losing a child is a fate worse then death for a parent.
At times like this we must reflect on the essential message of Christmas which is Immanuel has come.
Immanuel means God is with us.

I know God is there ready to bring His comfort to those grieving right now in Connecticut.
I know He is here right now to bring comfort to all of us who are heartbroken to hear such news.

At times like this we need perspective.
An eternal perspective.

We need to remember this life on earth is not all there is.
There is an afterlife and there earthy wrongs are righted.
There is a final judgment for this man and others like him that commit these heinous crimes and they will have to face God.

There is also great safety for those beautiful children who I believe are all in Heaven right now resting in the arms of Jesus.
No harm will come to them again.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Mat 19:14 )

And there is comfort available to their parents who are in the deepest valley of pain and grief right now.
Yes,even at time like this there is hope.
The hope is this-
If that parent will put their trust in Jesus Christ as savior and Lord they can have the assurance they will see their dear children again.

As King David said when his child died" I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me."(1 Sam.12:23)

In the busyness of this season I hope we all will take time to count our blessings.
To let our children know that we love them and not take them for granted.
And I hope that we will remember that Jesus is there,Immanuel.
He will bring His comfort to us as we trust in Him.

Why God? Why? - When Tragedy Strikes

http://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2012/07/why-does-god-allow-tragedy-and-suffering/

Performing as a Pastor: Obedience over Personal Performance

The Apostle Paul said, "For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." - 1 Corinthians 1:17

If, as a pastor, you don't feel like you're living up to preaching and teaching like another pastor that is getting public recognition then let this be a word of encouragement to simply be obedient to what you've been called to do. Remember, "for the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18

The power is not in your eloquent speech but God's Spirit that gives understanding.

Zechariah 4:6, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."

May we be obedient to preach the gospel with personality and character by the power of the Spirit and allow God to do His work.

Private Accusations Against Your Pastor is a Sin | Delivered By Grace | Christian Blog | Theology Blog

http://deliveredbygrace.com/?p=574

Do You have a Critical Spirit?

By Dr. Dale A. Robbins

Romans 14:10 "Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.
(12) And so each of us shall give an account of himself - give an answer in reference to judgment - to God.
(13) Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother." (The Amplified Bible)

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines criticism as "an act of criticizing; to judge as a critic; to find fault; to blame or condemn."

As we have read, the scriptures tell us not to tear down our brethren through criticism or judgment, as this can pose a serious stumbling-block and cause irreparable damage to their faith.

Among God's warnings to us in scripture, there are none more somber or serious than His warning to not become a stumbling block to His followers. "...whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matt. 18:6).

There's an old saying that "We tend to judge others by their actions, and we judge ourselves by our intentions." The truth is, we cannot rightly judge anyone else, because we do not know the contents of their heart. We should be content to judge only ourselves and seek to bring our own lives in alignment with God's Word (1 Cor. 11:31).

What Exactly is a Critical Spirit?

A "critical spirit," is an obsessive attitude of criticism and fault-finding, which seeks to tear others down — not the same thing as what is sometimes called "constructive criticism." The only criticism that is ever constructive is that which is expressed in love to "build up," not to tear down — it is always expressed face-to-face, never behind their back. 

The person with a critical spirit usually dwells on the negative, seeks for flaws rather than good. They're a complainer, usually always upset, and generally have a problem or a complaint about something. They often have little control over their tongue, their temper, and have tendencies for gossip and slander, which Paul said were sins "worthy of death" (Rom. 1:29-32).

What Causes a Critical Spirit?

1. Negativeness - A bad attitude and a negative view of life. A person may have unconfessed sin in their life (Rom. 2:1), or may harbor unforgiveness or bitterness toward someone who may have offended them (Heb. 12:15).

2. Insecurity - Criticism is often a subconscious means to "elevate one's own self image." By putting others down, they are inwardly trying to feel more important or that "they know more." Jealousy toward the spiritual victories of others is often the cause of criticism and belittling comments. Popular ministers of the Gospel are often the target of such tactics.

3. Immaturity - Believers must always keep their focus upon Christ and His Word, not man, who will often fail (Heb. 12:2). The young or immature believer who has not progressed very far in their own faith, remain overly dependent upon the faith of those within the body of Christ. Unfortunately, when they begin to notice the flaws in their brethren, subconsciously, this becomes a threat to their own sense of victory. Criticism becomes a reaction of disappointment, because their expectations in others have been crushed.

4. An Unrenewed Mind - Put-downs, making-fun-of, criticism, sarcasm are the world's ways of reacting to the faults of people. However, as Christians we don't behave this way. Our thinking and attitude should be renewed by the Word of God, which teaches us to bear the infirmities of the weak, to love, and show compassion and encouragement (Rom. 12:2).

5. The Devil - As we may realize, the Devil specializes in influencing obsessive behavior. He may use any or all of the above channels, or other techniques, to influence a complaining or critical attitude to stir up turmoil and strife within the body of Christ (Eph. 6:12). We must be on guard that none of us would be used as a tool of the Devil to bring harassment or discouragement upon our brothers or sisters through continual criticism, as the Bible warns us not to "give place" to the Devil (Eph. 4:27). Remember that Satan is specifically called "the accuser of the brethren" (Rev. 12:10). Are you an accuser of the brethren?

The Bible says that the reason that we are to come together as a church is, not to criticize, but to "exhort" (encourage) one another (Hebrews 10:25). "Cursing the darkness" won't change anything, but we must light a candle and "expose the light" of God's Word. By sharing the truth of God's Word, and encouraging people to live in its truth, people will change. Love and encouragement is a "motivational force." 

If we ever hope to bring improvement in others, we need to become people of encouragement. This is the only attitude that will change people, and our actions and words must be devoted to encouraging the spiritual progress of our brethren. 

The Christian's tongue should never be used for anything but good. "Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor unwholesome or worthless talk (ever) come out of your mouth; but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it" (Eph. 4:29 The Amplified Bible). 

Prescription For a Healthy Mind

A number of years ago, Dr. David H. Fink, a psychiatrist for the veterans administration, wrote an article for Coronet Magazine, entitled, "Release from Nervous Tension." In his article, he outlined his research into the causes of mental and emotional disturbances. 

From over 10,000 case studies, he discovered that there was a common trait with all his patients who suffered from severe tension. They were habitual fault-finders, constant critics of people and things around them. Those who were free from tension, were the least critical. His conclusions were that the habit of fault-finding is a prelude or mark of the nervous, or the mentally unbalanced. Those who wish to retain good emotional and mental health, should learn to free themselves from a negative and critical attitude. 

Remember this, the Bible doesn't promise peace to those who dwell on the faults of others! It says that the Lord will keep them in perfect peace, whose minds are stayed on Him! (Isaiah 26:3).

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This article (VL-106) is copyrighted © by Dale A. Robbins, 1990, and is a publication of Victorious Publications, Grass Valley, CA 95949. Unless otherwise stated, all scripture references were taken from The New King James Bible, © Thomas Nelson Inc., 1982. You may download this article for personal use as long as you retain credit to the author. Obtain permission before reproducing copies for any reason, by filling out our simple permission form. This writing is also available as an attractive tri-fold pamphlet, which can be downloaded for reproduction from our Online Catalog. For media reproduction rights, or to obtain quantities of this title in other formats, email us. 

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Israel and Gaza

For Israel, a truce is the worst of all worlds: Tied hands, Hamas unbowed

http://www.debka.com/article/22546/For-Israel-a-truce-is-the-worst-of-all-worlds-Tied-hands-Hamas-unbowed

Great Quotes

"You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilization to pieces, turn the world upside down, and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of literature." - Mahatma Ghandi

"It is impossible to enslave mentally or socially a Bible-reading people. The principles of the Bible are the groundwork of human freedom." - Horace Greeley (1811-1872), American newspaper editor.

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." -  George Washington (1732-1799), the first US President

"The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world." - Charles Dickens

The Preacher's Conclusion to Life

King Solomon was the wisest man that has walked this earth (1 Kings 3:10-14) and after all was said and done this is what he had to say:

"I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after the wind." - Ecclesiastes 1:12-14

Today if I came across the sayings of the wisest man on earth, I may just listen to what he says and take it to heart.  Maybe there are people who think they are smarter than Solomon and are trying to prove him wrong?

In the end it is all void of any eternal value, but in Jesus there is fullness of joy and it only gets better in eternity.

"The end of the matter, all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil." - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Doing it your way?

Isaiah 50:11 - "Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that you have kindled! This you have form My hand: you shall lie down in torment."

Wow! is right. Pretty straight forward.  Do things on your own and you will reap nothing but sorrow - God is not with you because you did not GO with Him where He is.

The Lord calls us to follow Him and not the other way around.

Luke 9:23 - "And He [Jesus Christ] said to all, 'If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.'"

Do life God's way and you won't go wrong; you'll be right with the Lord, and filled with His peace, possess a clear conscience and can have certain hope of God's glory.

Do it the King's way!

Marriage - One Flesh

"Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.' So the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man He made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then man said, 'This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.' Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed." - Genesis 2:18, 21-25

We just finished up a marriage series titled "I DO" at The Refuge - The final message on Sunday was concluded with a renewal of marriage vows and it was a GREAT moment for many people.

Can you imagine what it was like when God joined Adam and Eve together - the first wedding ever???  It must have been pretty awesome!

I wish it would have been that Adam and Eve lived happily ever after, but they didn't...SIN entered the human race and we've been warring against the flesh, the world and the devil since then.

I want to remind you that there is NO perfect marriage, but with God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26).

A God-ordained marriage is one between one man and one woman - two people with very different ways of thinking, but God knew what He was doing when He made each one and joined the two together.

It takes hard WORK to build a relationship with your spouse. There will be mountain top experiences as well as seasons in the valleys, but "till death do us part" is what we promised before God.

I pray that you and your spouse are in the Word of God so that you can do the Work of God to His glory in your marriage and be a testimony of His love, grace and mercy through your relationship.

Husbands, remember to hold fast to your wife and love her.

Wives, remember to hold fast to your husband and respect him.

It's all done "as to the Lord" so as to have a God-glorifying marriage and leave a legacy worth following for your children.

One flesh - Shameless Oneness!