"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" - Philippians 1:27
I bet I can guess a few of the thoughts that came into your head when you read the title.
"I'm a Christian too, a lot of people are"
"How does that make you different?"
"Obviously you're a Christian! You have a blog with words that say Jesus every once in a while"
Nowadays, it's so hard to tell who is actually a follower of Christ and who just says they are a Christian so they can have some sort of religious background or because mom and dad said so. It's so easy to say you're a Christian, so incredibly easy. What is not easy is to show you are a Christian instead of just saying it. I don't even like using the word "Christian" anymore because our generation has killed that word. It means nothing anymore. It has no value and it proves no difference between people who believe in Jesus Christ and follow His way and people don't believe in Jesus Christ. 76% of Americans consider themselves Christian. Going to church Sunday mornings won't save you. Mumbling a half asleep prayer while in bed at night won't be heard. Going on youth group trips to Six Flags every summer won't clear your conscience.
In today's day and time, I don't want to be a Christian. I don't want to pray prayers that won't be heard. I don't want to go to church services that mean nothing to me. I don't want to spend 5 minutes a day reading the Word of God. I WANT TO BE A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST! Don't you? Don't you want to pray with all your heart and soul? Don't you want to love because Christ loved first? Don't you want to spend more time in the Word because that is where ALL the answers are? Don't you want to be a fishermen of men and bring people to Christ so Christ can bring them salvation?
Let our behavior and activities be worthy of the gospel! Let us show love to the world even when we don't want to. Let us coat ourselves with Christ's attitude and let our heart beat and be consumed by his fire.
Let's not just be Christians, let us be Followers of Christ.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Christ's Attitude in Us
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" - Colossians 3:12
Every morning when I wake up the first thing I pray is that today is not a day for Alin to live but a day for God to live through Alin. I pray that my attitude will die and Christ's attitude will live through me everyday. I see this as so crucial and as a topic that is not talked about as much as it should be. We should be constantly reminded of our attitudes and how it not only affects us but it affects those around us just as much. Usually when we are surrounded with people that are showing positive Christly attitudes, that will bring out the bright positive attitude out of you!
How else do we obtain this attitude? The best 100% guaranteed way that your attitude will change is by reading the Scripture. The more you dive into God's word the more your attitude will become like God's.
Everyone of us has those negative nancy's in our lives that just never seem to be happy, never seemed to be pleased with life. This could be your co-worker, boss, somebody at church or maybe even a family member. This negative attitude comes from an absence of God's perfect attitude in your life. Go into the Word!!! Study the Scriptures, find out what Christ is like and your new attitude will begin to form. Stop trying to control your life or someone else's life. Stop complaining about not having as many materialistic blessings in this world. Stop blaming others for what you're not seeing clearly.
"The things of this world will perish, but you remain; They will all wear out like a garment" - Hebrews 1:11
It's time we realize that it is not about us anymore. It's not about what we can buy in the world, what we drive, who we can boss around, what don't we have, where can we vacation. It's not about us. When we look to Christ, we look to the positive, the spiritual amazing blessings that we have that will satisfy a thirst that will no longer need quenching. Look to Christ in all things and your attitude will go from negative to loving, caring, kindness and positivity.
Christ called us to be united, with Christ's attitude only can we do this.
Every morning when I wake up the first thing I pray is that today is not a day for Alin to live but a day for God to live through Alin. I pray that my attitude will die and Christ's attitude will live through me everyday. I see this as so crucial and as a topic that is not talked about as much as it should be. We should be constantly reminded of our attitudes and how it not only affects us but it affects those around us just as much. Usually when we are surrounded with people that are showing positive Christly attitudes, that will bring out the bright positive attitude out of you!
How else do we obtain this attitude? The best 100% guaranteed way that your attitude will change is by reading the Scripture. The more you dive into God's word the more your attitude will become like God's.
Everyone of us has those negative nancy's in our lives that just never seem to be happy, never seemed to be pleased with life. This could be your co-worker, boss, somebody at church or maybe even a family member. This negative attitude comes from an absence of God's perfect attitude in your life. Go into the Word!!! Study the Scriptures, find out what Christ is like and your new attitude will begin to form. Stop trying to control your life or someone else's life. Stop complaining about not having as many materialistic blessings in this world. Stop blaming others for what you're not seeing clearly.
"The things of this world will perish, but you remain; They will all wear out like a garment" - Hebrews 1:11
It's time we realize that it is not about us anymore. It's not about what we can buy in the world, what we drive, who we can boss around, what don't we have, where can we vacation. It's not about us. When we look to Christ, we look to the positive, the spiritual amazing blessings that we have that will satisfy a thirst that will no longer need quenching. Look to Christ in all things and your attitude will go from negative to loving, caring, kindness and positivity.
Christ called us to be united, with Christ's attitude only can we do this.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Abiding in God's Word
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
-Romans 15:4(ESV)
I have read Romans multiple times but never really noticed this verse. Today this verse popped out at me. It was telling me something. It wanted me to know that whatever is going on in my life I'm suppose to look to the Scriptures for ALL the answers. I cannot fathom the number of ways we will try to do things our way instead of going to the scriptures first. Instead of going to the Scriptures first, open up the laptop and get to Google. Instead of praying God's Word will speak to you, text everyone you know asking them what they think. Instead of obeying his command to abide in his Word, just wing it and whatever happens happens.
We are NOT meant to handle this world alone! The Scriptures will help us. Encourage us. Get us through anything we need. It contains all the answers. It is your guide to life. It provides faith. It molds character. It gives strength.
When you don't any better, go to the Scriptures.
When you think you know better, go to the Sciptures.
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
-Romans 15:4(ESV)
I have read Romans multiple times but never really noticed this verse. Today this verse popped out at me. It was telling me something. It wanted me to know that whatever is going on in my life I'm suppose to look to the Scriptures for ALL the answers. I cannot fathom the number of ways we will try to do things our way instead of going to the scriptures first. Instead of going to the Scriptures first, open up the laptop and get to Google. Instead of praying God's Word will speak to you, text everyone you know asking them what they think. Instead of obeying his command to abide in his Word, just wing it and whatever happens happens.
We are NOT meant to handle this world alone! The Scriptures will help us. Encourage us. Get us through anything we need. It contains all the answers. It is your guide to life. It provides faith. It molds character. It gives strength.
When you don't any better, go to the Scriptures.
When you think you know better, go to the Sciptures.
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Making Prayer a Habit
When you think of everything that goes on in just one day I bet you feel like you could write a whole entire list of activities you go through. Brush your teeth, put on clothes, shower, eat breakfast, drive to work/school. That's just the morning! As your day goes on you have so much to think about and work on that you forget the most essential part of your day.. prayer! I'm not talking about a 5 second mumble of a prayer before you eat and a "thank you God" while lying half asleep in bed. I'm talking about staying in constant communication with the Lord throughout your whole day!
You will never believe how much better, more blessed and easier your day is when you have the Lord Jesus Christ by your side at all times. When you're not in constant prayer with the Lord, you're in constant worry with yourself. God did not design the world in a way that you're about to handle it by yourself. He designed it specifically so that the only way you can make it in this world is with Him and Him only. How are you going to do that? Pray for strength, courage, boldness, love, humility and humbleness. These characteristics will coat you when you stay in constant contact with the one who has proved all these qualities to the greatest extent.
I've realized in the last 8 months that the more time you spend with somebody the more you become like them. I have countless hours and days with my girlfriend, Adri, everyday it seems like we are becoming more and more like each other! We begin to talk like each other, eat like each other and even think the same! Just like with God, the more time you spend with Him in prayer and in His word the more you will become like Him!
Take time to dedicate yourself in constant prayer with the Lord. I guarantee your days will be easier and happier =]
You will never believe how much better, more blessed and easier your day is when you have the Lord Jesus Christ by your side at all times. When you're not in constant prayer with the Lord, you're in constant worry with yourself. God did not design the world in a way that you're about to handle it by yourself. He designed it specifically so that the only way you can make it in this world is with Him and Him only. How are you going to do that? Pray for strength, courage, boldness, love, humility and humbleness. These characteristics will coat you when you stay in constant contact with the one who has proved all these qualities to the greatest extent.
I've realized in the last 8 months that the more time you spend with somebody the more you become like them. I have countless hours and days with my girlfriend, Adri, everyday it seems like we are becoming more and more like each other! We begin to talk like each other, eat like each other and even think the same! Just like with God, the more time you spend with Him in prayer and in His word the more you will become like Him!
Take time to dedicate yourself in constant prayer with the Lord. I guarantee your days will be easier and happier =]
Sunday, March 20, 2011
God's Incredible Forgiveness
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9
Forgiveness of sins is a subject that is impossible to comprehend, just like God's other amazing qualities. Why? Because it's too amazing for our puny little brains to understand how incredibly lucky we are! There will never go by one day where you don't sin. There will never be any person that is absolutely perfect, except Jesus. But there will always be the forgiveness of your sins.
No one wants to walk around this world without God's amazing forgiveness. I can definitely name quite a few times that if it wasn't for His forgiveness I would be in much more troubled situations than I am now. But to truly receive His forgiveness you have to REPENT! This means Jesus isn't exactly giving you a Get Out of Jail Free Card by forgiving all your sins without you even trying to repent or have a change of heart. To receive the amazing forgiveness of Christ, which is amazing if I haven't already said that, you must have a genuine heart of repentance and want of change.
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," -Acts 3:19
We all have struggles, intense struggles that drive us to sin constantly. You may sin the same sin everyday. You may completely hate that you sin so much but can't help it. We are human and it's understandable. We are definitely not perfect, obviously, and the only way you are going to get past that sin is Christ! You may be struggling with drugs, alcohol, pornography, sex, lying, cheating etc. whatever it may be don't you think that you should turn to the only person who was actually tempted with everything and yet fell into no sin? That man is Jesus Christ. I don't care if you're the biggest alcoholic you've ever known. I don't care if you've slept with multiple partners. I don't care if you've lied to everyone in your life. It's time for change. God loves you just as much as He loves everyone else! If you think this is you and you want God's forgiveness, repent! Ask God to change your heart and PRAY! Pray as much as you can and I guarantee Christ will change your life and give you a fresh start, every single day.
Forgiveness of sins is a subject that is impossible to comprehend, just like God's other amazing qualities. Why? Because it's too amazing for our puny little brains to understand how incredibly lucky we are! There will never go by one day where you don't sin. There will never be any person that is absolutely perfect, except Jesus. But there will always be the forgiveness of your sins.
No one wants to walk around this world without God's amazing forgiveness. I can definitely name quite a few times that if it wasn't for His forgiveness I would be in much more troubled situations than I am now. But to truly receive His forgiveness you have to REPENT! This means Jesus isn't exactly giving you a Get Out of Jail Free Card by forgiving all your sins without you even trying to repent or have a change of heart. To receive the amazing forgiveness of Christ, which is amazing if I haven't already said that, you must have a genuine heart of repentance and want of change.
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," -Acts 3:19
We all have struggles, intense struggles that drive us to sin constantly. You may sin the same sin everyday. You may completely hate that you sin so much but can't help it. We are human and it's understandable. We are definitely not perfect, obviously, and the only way you are going to get past that sin is Christ! You may be struggling with drugs, alcohol, pornography, sex, lying, cheating etc. whatever it may be don't you think that you should turn to the only person who was actually tempted with everything and yet fell into no sin? That man is Jesus Christ. I don't care if you're the biggest alcoholic you've ever known. I don't care if you've slept with multiple partners. I don't care if you've lied to everyone in your life. It's time for change. God loves you just as much as He loves everyone else! If you think this is you and you want God's forgiveness, repent! Ask God to change your heart and PRAY! Pray as much as you can and I guarantee Christ will change your life and give you a fresh start, every single day.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Morals
Growing up in a Southern Baptist Church you could imagine the emphasis they put on having morals. It seems as though growing up with strict morals and good thoughts and ways to live by is a great thing but sometimes I think we got it all wrong. I'm in no way saying that morals are bad or we shouldn't have morals but I am saying we should take a new perspective on morals. You always hear not to drink or smoke, to go to clubs or to say bad words. I'm not encouraging any of this but at the same time I am also not saying that God will love you less for doing or having done of such things. The way our community portrays morals makes it seem as though God will dislike you for messing up or you have no part and deserve no part of the church if you caught doing immoral things. Yet, those who have better morals and have done a good job keeping them somehow deserve to be a part of the church and are known as better Christians.
Christians, therefore, cannot expect to be sinlessly perfect, for there is none righteous, no not one (Romans 3:10)
By making morals seem like a list of wrong and rights were missing the whole point. Christianity isn't a check list of what to do and what not to do. It is a relationship with Christ that instills His LOVE in you as you grow with Him! It takes time to grow in a relationship with Christ just like it takes time to grow in a relationship with each other. Even if you have messed up in your life and continue to mess up, which everyone does, you are not less loved by Christ. As your relationships blooms, you will start to be a better person and start to act like Christ because His love and mercy changed you, not because your parents told you what you're doing is wrong and you need to change. Only CHRIST can change you! Sure, others may have influence on you, but true change only comes from the Lord. Take it to heart and realize that a relationship with Christ is what it's about it. It's not about wrongs and rights. It's about Christ.
1 At one time you were like a dead person because of the things you did wrong and your offenses against God. 2 You used to act like most people in our world do. You followed the rule of a destructive spiritual power. This is the spirit of disobedience to God’s will that is now at work in persons whose lives are characterized by disobedience. 3 At one time you were like those persons. All of you used to do whatever felt good and whatever you thought you wanted so that you were children headed for punishment just like everyone else.
4-5 However, God is rich in mercy. He brought us to life with Christ while we were dead as a result of those things that we did wrong. He did this because of the great love that he has for us. You are saved by God’s grace! 6 And God raised us up and seated us in the heavens with Christ Jesus. 7 God did this to show future generations the greatness of his grace by the goodness that God has shown us in Christ Jesus.
-Ephesians 2:1-5
Christians, therefore, cannot expect to be sinlessly perfect, for there is none righteous, no not one (Romans 3:10)
By making morals seem like a list of wrong and rights were missing the whole point. Christianity isn't a check list of what to do and what not to do. It is a relationship with Christ that instills His LOVE in you as you grow with Him! It takes time to grow in a relationship with Christ just like it takes time to grow in a relationship with each other. Even if you have messed up in your life and continue to mess up, which everyone does, you are not less loved by Christ. As your relationships blooms, you will start to be a better person and start to act like Christ because His love and mercy changed you, not because your parents told you what you're doing is wrong and you need to change. Only CHRIST can change you! Sure, others may have influence on you, but true change only comes from the Lord. Take it to heart and realize that a relationship with Christ is what it's about it. It's not about wrongs and rights. It's about Christ.
1 At one time you were like a dead person because of the things you did wrong and your offenses against God. 2 You used to act like most people in our world do. You followed the rule of a destructive spiritual power. This is the spirit of disobedience to God’s will that is now at work in persons whose lives are characterized by disobedience. 3 At one time you were like those persons. All of you used to do whatever felt good and whatever you thought you wanted so that you were children headed for punishment just like everyone else.
4-5 However, God is rich in mercy. He brought us to life with Christ while we were dead as a result of those things that we did wrong. He did this because of the great love that he has for us. You are saved by God’s grace! 6 And God raised us up and seated us in the heavens with Christ Jesus. 7 God did this to show future generations the greatness of his grace by the goodness that God has shown us in Christ Jesus.
-Ephesians 2:1-5
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Be BOLD
When I first started teaching Tae Kwon Do I worked with two Masters from Korea, Master Lee and Master Kim. As of today, I still work with Master Lee. Master Kim was always the crazy upbeat one that no one could handle. One particular day in class one of the younger students had pointed out that the formation that they were instructed to stand in was in the shape of a cross. This was not intentional but it just so happened that that's what it looked like. Master Kim being him crazy self had gotten hyped up about what the child had pointed out and asked if anyone in the class is a Christian. Talk about an awkward moment, haha Master Kim was just curious yet as soon as he asked that, EVERY single parent was eyes out focused on the class to see if he really just asked that.
Why was that moment so awkward? Why did everybody's head jump up when the term "Christian" was used? Why did it seem wrong to ask that question?
Acts 4:29 says "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness". Now I don't know about you but how are we suppose to speak The Word with great boldness if were unable to say the word Christian in public without feeling awkward!?I can't tell you how many opportunities I've had to share the gospel or talk to somebody about Jesus or give some encouragement but that I let slip away because I didn't want somebody to think I was weird or trying to shove gospel down their throat. I didn't want to be labeled as one of "those Christians" but what am I worried about?
I believe that when we go to Heaven and were standing at the gates and we come up to Jesus, He's not going to ask us "Did you live a good life?" or "How much money did give away?" BUT "Who did you bring with you?"
Think about it. Ponder it. Next time you have an opportunity to share the Word, the beautiful word of Jesus Christ, make sure you share it with BOLDness! Do not be ashamed or scared for Gospel means "Good News!", everybody wants to know the good news =]
Why was that moment so awkward? Why did everybody's head jump up when the term "Christian" was used? Why did it seem wrong to ask that question?
Acts 4:29 says "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness". Now I don't know about you but how are we suppose to speak The Word with great boldness if were unable to say the word Christian in public without feeling awkward!?I can't tell you how many opportunities I've had to share the gospel or talk to somebody about Jesus or give some encouragement but that I let slip away because I didn't want somebody to think I was weird or trying to shove gospel down their throat. I didn't want to be labeled as one of "those Christians" but what am I worried about?
I believe that when we go to Heaven and were standing at the gates and we come up to Jesus, He's not going to ask us "Did you live a good life?" or "How much money did give away?" BUT "Who did you bring with you?"
Think about it. Ponder it. Next time you have an opportunity to share the Word, the beautiful word of Jesus Christ, make sure you share it with BOLDness! Do not be ashamed or scared for Gospel means "Good News!", everybody wants to know the good news =]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)