Category: Strength for Today

James 4:1
“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?”

Conflict is a part of life which everyone will have to endure. Countries have conflicts with each other. Christians have conflicts with each other. Churches will oftentimes have conflict amongst its members. Sadly, marriages and families will often endure conflict. Anytime you have sinful people, you are going to have conflict.

The question is asked in the verse above, “From whence come wars and fightings among you?” God asks a rhetorical question because He knows the answer. God is not asking because He does not know why there is conflict, but He asks because He is about ready to show the source of every conflict. God shows us four reasons why there is conflict.

First, there is conflict because there is a prayer problem. God shows us in verse 2 that we fight because we have not asked Him in prayer. God is showing that a lack of a prayer life is the very root of every conflict. If married couples would pray instead of fighting, they would find their conflicts to be resolved. If families would pray about their problems instead of fighting about their problems, they would find their conflicts between each other would quickly be resolved. The only reason you have a conflict with someone is because your prayer life is lacking. If you will fix your prayer life, you will find that conflicts will lessen. If you would learn to quickly go to prayer instead of fighting, you would find that God will resolve the conflict. Instead of engaging in conflict, go to God in prayer and let Him know about your disagreement with someone.

Second, there is conflict because there is a focus problem. Verse 3 shows us that conflict is a result of having our eyes upon ourselves. Stop making yourself the issue in everything. Most conflict is caused because we feel that we were mistreated or that we should have received something. If you take your eyes off yourself and live for others, then you will find that conflict will not arise because you are not the issue.

Third, there is conflict because there is a submission problem. Verse 7 shows that when a person doesn’t submit to God, then they will have conflict. Your conflict with others is not about what they have done, but it is truly about you not submitting to God. Conflict problems are submission problems. When you won’t submit yourself to God, then it results in having conflict with others.

Fourth, there is conflict because there is a location problem. Verse 8 shows that where you are in relation to God is the source of your conflict. The closer you are to God, the less conflict you will have with others. It is when you are pulling away from God that you have conflict with others.

What is interesting is that the conflict you face in life all comes down to your fellowship with God. If you will draw closer to God, then you will submit to God. If you will submit to God, then you will keep your eyes on God. If you will keep your eyes on God, then you will always pray to Him for He is the One Who is nearest you with whom you want to share your disagreements. Friend, every conflict you have with others is only revealing your lack of fellowship with God. Conflict problems are fellowship problems. If you fix your fellowship with God, then you can resolve every conflict in life.

Hebrews 10:22
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Every Christian should desire that their faith makes an impact on their world. I certainly don’t want to go through the Christian life and at the end have had no impact on those who are around me on a daily basis. Every Christian should desire to have made a great impact on people for Christ if their life were to end at this moment. In the chapter above, I find five things that are necessary to having an impacting faith.

First, you need a confident faith. You will never make an impact on people of you don’t have the assurance that you are saved. There are many Christians who are truly saved, but they doubt their salvation either because they are not reading the Word of God or because they have sin in their lives that is stealing their confidence. A person who is confident in their faith will more easily be able to have an impact on others. People can spot a person who wavers in their faith. You need to be confident that you are saved, but you also need to be confident that your faith is the best faith, and it is.

Second, you need a pure faith. Purity is nothing more than holiness. You cannot make an impact on the world when you are living in the world. A pure faith is a faith that is not tainted with the world’s philosophy and lifestyle. You cannot live in the world and the world not influence you. You must live a separated and holy life if you are going to have a pure faith. The only ones who hate separation and holiness are those who have already set up camp in the world. Pull your roots out of the world and start living the holy and separated life so your faith can be pure.

Third, you need a professed faith. Your faith must not be top secret. You need to have a faith that is professed everywhere you go. In other words, you will never make an impact on your world if you are not consistently telling others about salvation. Friend, the only way anyone will ever hear of the greatness of your faith is if you tell them. Profess your faith regularly everywhere you go and you will find that you will start making an impact on those around you.

Fourth, you need a provoking faith. Your faith should provoke others to love people and serve God. The only way you will have a provoking faith is if you are loving people and doing good works yourself. When the Holy Spirit empowers the believer to do good works, those works will make an impact on others to want to do the same. The only reason someone does not have a provoking faith is because their works are powerless. What motivates others to want what you have is when the Holy Spirit is working through you to do great works for God.

Fifth, you need an exhorting faith. God shows us that the only way to exhort others is to be faithful to church. Every time you go to church, you are encouraging others in their faith; however, an exhorting faith is one that not only attends church, but is also involved in teaching the Word of God. You can exhort others better if you will get involved in teaching a Sunday school class. Friend, don’t just be a spectator in church, but get involved so you can exhort others in the faith.

Without these five things you will never have a faith that impacts your world. If you are lacking in one of these areas, then determine to work on that area so that you can impact others for Christ. This world will never change until every Christian embraces an impacting faith.

Hebrews 4:16
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Several years ago I had the privilege of preaching in England. While I was there, the pastor took me to see several sights that he thought would interest me. Among those sights was the crown jewels. In that building was the crowns of different queens and the jewels of the royal family. I also saw the scepter of the kings and was told that each king had his own scepter made for him.

One of the sights I enjoyed the most was when I was taken to the throne of the ruling family. Standing in the presence of the throne made me realize the privilege it was for many to be able to come to the throne. When the king sat on that throne, not just anybody could come and visit the king, but only those whom he invited.

God says in the verse above, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace…” The throne is the seat of royalty. It is the seat of a supreme ruler. God was saying that He is the Supreme Ruler Who sits on the throne. Hold on! Only those invited can come to the throne of the King. The king must hold out the golden scepter for anyone to be accepted at the throne. Friend, this verse is the golden scepter of God. This verse is the invitation by the King of kings for you to enter the palace of prayer and come directly to His throne with your petitions.

It is interesting that the very first thing God addresses that you should come for is mercy. Every Christian needs the mercy of God. Without God’s mercy we all would be under chastisement. Without God’s mercy, we all would face His wrath. When you come to God’s throne, the very first thing you should do is ask Him for forgiveness for the sins you have committed.

Moreover, God says the second thing you should request is His grace. You need God’s grace for strength, wisdom, advice and help through the trials of life. It is only at the throne of grace that you will find the wherewithal to make it through life. Without spending time daily at the throne of grace, you will fail to get your needs met.

Furthermore, you are commanded to “come boldly.” I love this statement because God wants us to come to Him without reservation. Yes, He is the sovereign God, but He is the One Who tells you to come boldly into His presence to get the mercy and grace you need for each day. The word “boldly” is talking about being bluntly honest. It is being straightforward with God when you come to Him. In other words, don’t hold back when you come into God’s presence; instead, tell Him how you feel. Pour your heart out to Him as honestly as you can. Ask Him for every need you have. Be bold enough to realize there is nothing God will not allow you to talk to Him about at His throne.

I ask you, have you been to God’s throne lately? You have an open invitation by God to come to Him with every need. This is not a right, but a privilege. Don’t waste the privilege of coming to God. There are things you need from God right now. Always remember that the verse above is the golden scepter that God holds out to you. Are you going to accept His invitation to talk to Him? Never let a day go by when you don’t take advantage of the privilege of entering the throne of God.

1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

God never said that money in and of itself is evil. God did say that the “love of money is the root of all evil.” Money is simply a part of life that everyone must have to exist, but when a person gets to the point where they love it, then they will become evil and will get it in any way they possibly can.

The root of corruption is the love of money. Governments become corrupt when political parties will do whatever they have to do just to control the money of that government. The love of money causes politicians to lie, malign other candidates and even falsely accuse them so they will be indicted. The love of money is at the root of every corrupt government.

CEO’s, preachers and people who want to have sole control of the money are people who are corrupt because of their love of money. Their desire to have the sole control of the purse strings will cause them to hurt others just so that they can use the money for their own personal gain. Money is powerful, but we must avoid the trap of loving money. Let me give you some suggestions on how to keep yourself from entering into the root of corruption of loving money.

First, keep money in its proper perspective. Always remember that money is simply a tool we use in life that allows us to pay bills and serve the LORD. Keep the perspective that money is not yours but God’s, and He is simply allowing you to be the steward of what you have.

Second, always have checks and balances when it comes to money. Always remember the no one person should ever control all the money. In the household, both husband and wife should involved in the finances. In churches, the pastor and deacons should be very open about where the money is spent. Nobody is above corruption when they have total control of the money, and that is why everyone must be accountable to others when it comes to finances.

Third, stop thinking about money. One of the causes of corruption is when everything a person does is about money. Don’t get me wrong, you must learn to use your money wisely, but don’t let money control your thinking processes.

Fourth, don’t get involved in money-making schemes. Friend, one of the greatest reasons people get themselves into trouble is because they go to money making seminars over and over again, and all these seminars do is pump your mind with the mentality that you deserve more money. When you acquire that mentality, you won’t care who you hurt on the way to acquiring money, and that is evil.

When you keep the scriptural principle of working to get money, then you will find greediness and covetousness will soon flee away. There is nothing wrong with a person learning to use their money wisely and becoming wealthy, but when money becomes the love of your life, then corruption will set in and you will do evil things to get it.

Money is only a tool. It is a tool we must use to do the LORD’s work. Let God have your pocketbook and ask Him what you should do with your money. When you give your money to God and ask Him how you should earn it or spend it, then you will see that He will keep you honest with your money dealings.

1 Thessalonians 4:7
“For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”

One of the battles we fight in society is the desire for everyone to be the same. This battle has created a passive attitude that has caused many to not care whether or not they exceed in life. It is only the few who try to rise above the average and have no desire to be like everyone else who make the greatest mark on society.

Sadly, many in the Christian world have adopted the passive attitude that has no desire to be different than everyone else. We oftentimes look for God’s will in our lives, and one of the wills of God is that we become distinctly different from the world. The verse above says, “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” Notice that you are called “unto holiness.” In other words, you are called to be distinctly different from the world. There are three thoughts that come to mind as I look at this verse.

First, we were not called to identify with the world. There is an element in Christianity that decries the holiness standards God sets in the Scriptures. They want church services to become more casual, music to have the sound of the world and lifestyles to become more similar to the world. They think that if we can identify with the world that we will better reach the world. Friend, you were not called to identify with the world. You are not to look more like the world so you can reach them. We are not to identify with “uncleanness” just so we can clean them up. You won’t get people clean by jumping in the mud puddle with them. People must come out of the mud puddle to get clean. Stop trying to identify with the world and realize your calling to holiness.

Second, we were not called to be distant from the world. You will notice that the standard of God is holiness. God’s standard of holiness has nothing to do with where the world’s stance is. If distance was God’s standard, then we could scripturally change according to culture and conscience. Holiness never changes and neither should the Christian.

Third, we were called to be distinctly different. When God called the Christian unto holiness, then He was calling them to be distinctly different from the world. The church in Antioch was so distinctly different that they were called Christians. They were not called Christians because they lived the same lifestyle, but they were called Christians because they had a different lifestyle. They understood their calling to be distinctly different, and they lived it which resulted in being called a Christian. The Christian should be distinctly different in attitude, lifestyle, conversation and worship. None of these should be changed just to grab the world’s attention. The thing that will grab the world’s attention is when the Christian lives a distinctly different life.

Let me ask you, are you living such a distinctly different life that the world looks at you and calls you a Christian? I’m not asking you if they are calling you a Christian because you told them you are one, but I’m asking you if you are called a Christian because you are distinctly different. Being distinctly different is not being weird or out of touch, it is living a life of holiness. When you live a distinctly different life, then that is when you will be able to make the greatest impact on the world because you will have a reason to call them out of the world unto Christ.

Colossians 2:4
“And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.”

The Word of God was not only written as a handbook for the Christian to succeed, but also as a warning guide of things that will destroy them. In every walk of life there are pitfalls of which a person must beware lest they fall into them. The sports world has a meeting with all of its rookies before the season starts and warns them of the pitfalls of their profession. Bible college students oftentimes go through an orientation to warn them of the pitfalls they may encounter during their college years. Knowing the pitfalls should keep you from falling if you obey the warning signs.

The Apostle Paul showed the church of Corinth three pitfalls to their faith. He, like many preachers, saw many Christians come and go and he narrowed down their demise into three areas. Like the Apostle Paul, I have watched many good Christians fall into the traps he mentions in this chapter, and I believe it is important that you learn the pitfalls so that you can avoid them.

The first pitfall you must be careful of is enticing words. Paul warned the church of Colosse, “…this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.” Just because a person has a way with words does not make them right. When enticing words directly contradict the Word of God, then the person saying those words must be avoided. I have watched over recent years people who are enamored with someone who uses big words to enamor people with their intellect. Friend, don’t let the enticing words lure you. God doesn’t use elaborate words in the Scriptures to teach us; instead, God used words that everyone understands so that doctrine is plain and simple to understand. Always beware of those who try to impress you with their great vocabulary for they may use it to turn you from your beliefs.

The second pitfall you must be careful of is philosophy. Verse 8 says, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit…” I’m not against a person using philosophy as long as the philosophy comes from the Word of God. The Word of God is the final authority for the Christian, and when someone starts using worldly philosophy and spiritualizes it, that does not make them right. Always remember that we don’t need new philosophy, we just need to keep repeating the same philosophies found in the Scriptures. You can’t get deeper than God’s Word.

The third pitfall you must be careful of is reward. Verse 18 says, “Let no man beguile you of your reward…” I have watched many people get bought because of reward. I’m not against someone giving rewards, but you must be careful that they are not trying to buy you. Friend, when someone gives you a reward when you have had no relationship with them, then you must wonder what they want from you. When people heap rewards upon you, always be careful that they don’t use those rewards to lure you away from God’s Word.

These are three pitfalls to which many have fallen prey. I hope that you would take this short admonition to always be a warning sign when you see them. If you will always keep your eyes solely upon God and His Word, then you will find that these pitfalls will not have much lure to sway you from God’s Word.

Psalm 77:3
“I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.”

Your focus determines your outlook. Whatever you choose to focus your attention upon will ultimately determine how you perceive life. It is always amazing to me when I see someone who is facing great affliction in life who is always on top side, always bragging on the goodness of God and seems as if they have no troubles in life. On the other hand, you see some whose troubles are truly minuscule, but they act as if they are living under the greatest load of trials a person could bear. The difference between the two is their focus.

In Psalm 77, there are two focuses in life that result in two different outlooks. The first focus is found in the verse above when the psalmist focused on himself and his problems and complaining. Is this not interesting that complaining caused him to be troubled when he remembered God? Here is someone who is truly blessed, but because they were focused upon themselves they missed the goodness of God.

Complaining about your problems in life will only cause you to miss the good life. When he complained, he missed the presence of God. When he complained, he missed seeing God’s grace in his life. When he complained, all he could see was the negative. Complaining caused him to see God as angry, far off and even moved him to the point where he wondered if God’s promises failed. Friend, you cannot live a life of complaining and it not cause your outlook of life to look grim. Living a life of complaining only causes you to miss the good life.

The second focus happened in verse 10 when he says, “And I said, this is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.” The perception of the psalmist turned from complaining to accepting life as it was, and that decision turned his whole outlook on life around. That decision led to his remembrance of the works of God. That decision led to his remembrance of the power of God. That decision led to his recognition of God’s works all throughout his life. That decision led to him talking about the goodness of God everywhere he went. The difference of accepting what came his way in life truly allowed him to live the good life. That decision to accept life as it was allowed him to live life to its fullest.

Christian, you can accept what you face in life and you will find that will lead you to see life with a whole new perception. It will help you to see the goodness of God all about you. It will cause you to see the power of God working in your life. It will cause you to see the veracity of the promises of God. It will actually strengthen you to be able to handle your problems.

It all comes down to what you choose to look at. You can either complain about every problem in life and miss the good life, or you can see the goodness of God and live the good life. Life can be good if you will stop complaining. Life can be good when you meditate on God’s goodness. Life can be good when you stop thinking you are the only one who has problems in life.

Let me encourage you to stop complaining. Stop for a moment and look at all you have. Friend, look at where you are sitting right now and think about how good God has been to you. Look in your closet and see the several choices of clothing you can wear and you will realize God has been good. Look in your cupboards and see the food you have to eat. Truly, God has been very good to you. You have no reason to complain. The next time you are tempted to complain, purposely stop yourself and look at what God has done for you and you will find that complaining is baseless. Live the good life and see the goodness of God. It is then that others will learn of God’s goodness through your attitude.

2 Corinthians 1:10
“Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;”

Paul reminded the church of Corinth who was going through tribulation that God is a did, does and will God. He wanted them to know that God delivered them in the past, is there to deliver them in the present and will deliver them in the future. God comforted them in the past when they went through trials, and Paul reminded them that He would comfort them in the present while they endure trials. Paul also wanted to remind them that whatever trial they were enduring, that if it continued on in the future that God would be there for them then as well. The whole reason Paul mentioned this to the church of Corinth was because he wanted to remind them that they served a did, does and will God.

Christian, we still serve a did, does and will God. We still serve a God Who delivered us in the past, is presently with us in the present to deliver us and will deliver us in the future with whatever trials we face. With whatever trial you are facing today, you must remember that you serve a did, does and will God. There are three things of which a did, does and will God reminds me.

First, it reminds me that your trials are not bigger than God. God was with you in the past when you faced trials, and He is with you right now as you face them. If He was with you in the past and is with you in the present, then you have His promise that He will be with you in the future. God will outlast any trial you have. He is bigger than them. Certainly, your trials may seem overwhelming, but they are not bigger than God. Before the trial ever came, God was there. When the trial came, God was there and when the trial is over He will still be there. You can take comfort in knowing that no matter what you face today, God is bigger than your trials. If you keep your eyes on God, you can face today’s hardships.

Second, it reminds me that God is a faithful God Who is always going to be there. Unfortunately for some, their trials will be with them for some time, but God is faithful to be there. He was faithful in the past, He is faithful in the present and He will be faithful in the future. Friend, God did not forsake you in the past when you faced trials, and you can be assured that no matter what pressure your trials apply, God is still with you in the present.

Third, it reminds me that though your future may be uncertain, God is already there. Notice it says, “… in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;” In other words, you may not know what you will face in the future, but God knows because He is already there. By the time you get to your future, it will be past tense to God. He already has the experience to help you through whatever you face.

Christian, there is no reason to worry or fret about the trials you face today or will face tomorrow. God is a did, does and will God. He did deliver you in the past, does deliver you in the present and will deliver you in the future. There is no place you can go in the timeline of your life where God has not been. Though the trials you face may certainly seem greater than what you can bear, you must rest in the promise that God is a did, does and will God.

1 Corinthians 12:1
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”

One of the reasons that every person is important to their church is because God has given them a gift that is unique to them to be a help to their church. Paul addressed the subject of spiritual gifts in the church of Corinth. This church was using their spiritual gifts in the wrong manner. God wanted them to take their spiritual gifts and use them wisely so that they could get the greatest returns from them. There were five obvious things that were addressed about spiritual gifts that will help you to use your spiritual gift wisely.

First, everyone has a gift. Just because you have a gift does not make you better than someone else, and just because someone else has a gift that you do not have does not make them better than you. You must realize that God gives each of us gifts, and it is important that we identify what our gift is so that we can use it to honor and serve God. It is also important to understand that we don’t use our gifts as a competition, for that will only cause division and strife in the church.

Second, your gift is magnified by the Spirit of God. You will notice in this chapter that the gifts were given “by the Spirit.” In other words, if the Holy Spirit gave you a gift, then the only way that gift will be used to its fullest potential is if you are filled with the Spirit. Always remember that you are a tool in the hand of God, and His Spirit gave you the gift so that He could use you for a specific task that no one else could do. You need the Holy Spirit’s power in your life if your gift is going to be magnified.

Third, your gift is to help the church body. God made it very clear that your gift was to help the body. What is the body? The body is the church. God didn’t give you a gift to use for the world, but He gave you your gift to help the church body. Don’t let the Devil enjoy the fruits of a gift that he had no part in giving. Take your gift and use it for the LORD so that your church can profit from it.

Fourth, your gift signifies that you have a weakness. As strong as you are in the area of your gift means that you still have some weaknesses in your Christian life. Don’t become a Christian who is disproportionate. Learn where your weaknesses are and strengthen them. Your spiritual gift will become stronger when you strengthen your weaknesses. This is why it is important for you to be a balanced Christian, because when you’re balanced your gift is not hampered by your weaknesses.

Fifth, your gift is weak without the love of Christ. He says in verse 31, “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.” The “more excellent way” is the next chapter where God talks about having charity. Friend, it is the love of Christ that makes your gift a help to those in need. Your spiritual gift is wasted if you don’t have Christ’s love abiding in your heart. When you let the love of Christ work through you, then your spiritual gift will fulfill the purpose for which it was given to you.

What is your spiritual gift? Let me encourage you to let these five areas help you to use your spiritual gift to fulfill the purpose of why God gave it to you. Your spiritual gift can destroy you, or it can literally be the tool that God uses to help you reach your greatest potential.

1 Corinthians 1:12
“Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.”

One of the greatest weaknesses of Christianity is the battle to keep a proper focus. We are commanded to live by faith, and faith is putting your trust and weight in that which is unseen. Our flesh oftentimes desires something that we can see, something that is flesh and blood. Because the flesh desires to put its trust in something it can see, then it is easy for someone to take their eyes off Christ and place them upon man.

The first step towards demise for a church or a Christian is when they take their eyes off God and place them upon man. The church of Corinth had many problems with which Paul had to deal. The very first thing he dealt with was that they were squabbling over who they followed. He reminded them that all of the men over whom they were fighting were of Christ. He reminded them that the reason they were having problems in their church was because they took their eyes off God and placed them upon man. You will find that there are four areas of your life that placing your eyes on man will affect.

First, it affects Christ’s influence on your life. Verse 17 says, “…lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” When a person or a church takes their eyes off Christ, then He can no longer influence them the way He would like because they are not looking at Him. Friend, if you want Christ to influence every part of your life, then you are going to have to keep your eyes upon him. If you don’t, then you will find you will struggle with Christ influencing you and all that you do for Him.

Second, it affects your ability to bear fruit. 1 Corinthians 3:7 says, “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” Why do Christians struggle with bearing fruit? Because they have taken their eyes off the One Who is responsible for fruit. When you are fighting over man, then you are not doing the works that bear fruit. If you want to live a fruitful Christian life, then you need to keep your eyes on Christ.

Third, it affects your testimony. In 1 Corinthians 4:9, we are reminded that we are a “spectacle unto the world.” When you have your eyes on man, then the world will only see the man’s influence on your life and not Christ’s. Your testimony will always suffer when you place your eyes on man.

Fourth, it affects your ability to fight sin. 1 Corinthians 5 talks about the fornication in the church and their inability to fight it. Why could they not fight the sin? Because their eyes were on man. They didn’t want to hurt man. If their eyes were on Christ, then they would have realized the importance of proclaiming truth. You will always struggle with your fight over sin as long as you place your eyes upon man. If you want victory over sin, then you are going to have to keep your eyes on Christ.

Every church that I have seen struggle is a church that has placed their eyes upon man and not God. Every Christian who struggles can always find that the root of their struggle comes from not having their eyes upon God. If you don’t want to see demise in your church or Christian life, then you must keep your eyes upon Christ.