The Main Thing What is the most essential element of our personal growth and development as a Christian disciple? Jesus seems to address this issue with the first words He spoke in Mark’s gospel account. “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’” (Mark 1:14). As Christ came to proclaim, “The kingdom of God is at hand,” He instructs His followers to, “Repent, and believe in the gospel.” In other words, change the way you think, because the kingdom is here, and faith in the gospel will be required for you to function and fulfill your place in it. The first priority is that of getting our minds renewed in order to think, speak, and act appropriately as citizens of God’s kingdom realm. This is especially important in these very exciting times! We must evaluate our own spiritual lives and ask some very specific questions. Am I continuing to learn and develop in regard to God’s ways and the principles of His kingdom? What am I doing to assure that I am indeed growing and developing in a healthy manner? To be not conformed to the world, but rather transformed, requires progressive “renewing of the mind.” In this post-modern world, it is often easier to follow the world’s mindset instead of taking necessary steps to live a life that is in contrast to those around us. Following are some basic steps that may help in the process: Acknowledge a personal need to get my mind renewed (Romans 12:1-2). Present my bodily members as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13). Approach God and His Word with humility and meekness, allowing His truth to be “grafted” into my heart (James 1:21). Study God’s Word. Never stop learning and growing (2 Timothy 2:15). Experience God’s manifest presence. Allow God’s Spirit to bring revelation, wisdom, and understanding (Ephesians 1:17-18). God gave very clear instructions to Joshua during a time of extreme change and transformation: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8). We must allow the Word to take root in our hearts. It is to be in our mouths and on our lips. In other words, SPEAK the Word! Our mouths will speak what is abundantly in our hearts (Luke 6:45). Furthermore, we must practice the art of meditating on what God says, not what people or situations dictate/communicate. Next, believers are to give attention and evaluate whether or not we are actually DOING what God instructs us to do. This goes beyond thinking we are doing something simply because we believe it is true. It goes beyond mere thoughts and intentions. To DO involves action and behavior. Scripture promises that if we will give heed to these directives we will experience true prosperity and good success. Finally, in this time of extreme change and social upheaval, we must guard our hearts. “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Give no place to fear, confusion, doubt, or any other thing that is contrary to God’s Word. God’s truth is and will be the final authority. There is only one truth. God’s Word is truth. If what I am thinking, feeling, speaking, or doing is contrary to truth, then it must be an “untruth.” Am I building on a foundation of truth or falsehood? More to come, until next time . . . Grace & Peace, pg

A Light in the Darkness

A Light In The Darkness Most everyone has experienced seeing light in a dark room. It is also worth noting: the darker the night, the brighter the light. The world is obviously a very dark place. In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say things are growing darker at an accelerated pace. We have all witnessed the effects that terrorism, corruption, hatred, etc., are having around the globe. It is also fair and accurate to state that the entire earth is on the verge of being shaken in a manner, and to a degree, that we have never witnessed in our lifetime. Mankind is rapidly headed towards a collision as differing forces converge. It is my opinion that terrible darkness is rolling in like great clouds warning of an impending storm. Certainly, believers are NOT to live in fear. Rather, “we must walk by faith,” continually placing our trust in God, the Creator. Remember: “Where sin abounds, grace abounds much more” (Romans 5:20). Furthermore, sin and darkness will grow to such an extent that it would appear you could “cut it with a knife.” That being said, imagine you are in a very dark chamber. The darkness is so dense you cannot see your hand in front of your face. As time passes, the darkness seemingly increases and abounds all around. However, in the midst of this dreadful scene there is a single small light. That one tiny light begins to illuminate the entire atmosphere. The thicker the darkness becomes, the brighter the light shines. Let’s be mindful of this truth. Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). The Lord makes very clear that as long as He was in the world, He was “the light of the world.” If we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness because we have the light of life. He also made another remarkable statement in Matthew chapter 5. This pertains to believers, “the sons of light” (John 12:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:5). “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). God has commissioned believers individually, and the Church corporately, to be light that shines in the midst of severe darkness. We must keep the lamp full of oil in order to steadily shine and bring illumination to those around us. The Holy Spirit is the oil that empowers, equips, and energizes us to fulfill this mandate. This precious oil is God’s anointing and can only be found at the “throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). The blood of Jesus Christ grants us the privilege to enter boldly and remain at His mercy seat. God invites us to come as often as we like and stay as long as we will in the most holy place. Day or night, at work or at home, in church or at the beach, we can experience the very presence of Almighty God! It is in this place that all cares are lifted, guilt removed, and fears are vanquished. We obtain mercy and find grace (not simply unmerited, undeserved favor). Grace involves “divine influence of the heart” and the “reflection in the life.” That “reflection” is precisely what the world needs to see! Be not afraid nor dismayed, my friends. This is the time for our light to shine bright in a sin-sick and evil world. May we surrender all to Him and walk free from “the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things.” Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven! Grace & Peace, pg