If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;  He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.  1 Timothy 6:3-5  

A teacher entered her classroom on the first day of school and declared to her class of children, "I am an atheist!"  She then asked her class if they are atheist also.  Most of the little children not really knowing what atheism was, but wanting to be like their teacher quickly raised their hands.

There was, however, one exception.  A little girl in the back of the classroom did not raise her hand.  The teacher then asked her, "Why do you want to be different from all your friends?"  The little girl responded, "Because I am not an atheist!"

Then, the teacher asked the girl, "Well, what are you?"  The little girl quickly but politely responded, "I am a Christian and I believe in Jesus Christ."

The teacher who was a little perturbed now, asked, "Why are you a Christian?" "Well, my mom and dad are Christians.  They have taken me to church since I was a baby.  I have learned about Jesus and all He has done for me.  I love Him and I have accepted Him as my Savior!"

The teacher was now very angry.  "That's no reason," she says loudly, "what if your mom and dad were morons.  What would you be a moron also?"

The little girl paused and smiled at her teacher.  "Well, no" she said, "I would be an atheist."

The world is telling Christians to be more tolerant and while we don't want to be mean or fight with non-believers, it is important that we stand true to God's Word.  When someone accuses Christian believers as being unsympathetic, narrow-minded, and intolerant, I find they are lacking understanding themselves.

Such persons seem to have an unhealthy desire to quibble, they argue just to evade the point and they seem to crave controversy that will produce dissension.  This serves only to stir up arguments ending in division, slander and evil suspicions.

As Christians our response should always be loving and kind, but we should never conform to the beliefs of this world simply to please those around us.  We can be gracious and still stand on God's Word -- if we don't we will fall for the lies of Satan!  

God's Word clearly tells us, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."  Romans 12:2

We should never be so well-adjusted to our culture that we fit into it without thinking.  We must fix our attention on to God and recognize what He wants from us and then respond to Him alone.

Never simulate the behaviors and customs of this world, let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is always good, pleasing and perfect! 

Will YOU... STAND for Truth or FALL for Lies!!

And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness  of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the Lord, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink. Exodus 17:1

I realize there are some variables... but basically, humans can go for weeks without food... but only just a few days without water.

When the children of Israel came into Rephidim, there was no water to be found.   It wasn't long before babies cried and families grew faint from thirst.  I can imagine the animals thirsty themselves, were also chomping at the bit. The situation was imperative.  It seems that God had decided to test their faith and build their trust in Him. 

So, here they were in a "place of testing and trials!"  Moses understood the ways of God and he knew the children of Israel were being tested, stretched beyond anything previously known to them.  He went hurriedly throughout the camp, telling the people, "God hasn't forsaken us!! Hold on, trust God!!  He wanted them to know they could depend on God for anything and everything.

God waited for His children to trust Him completely, instead they tempted the Lord saying, "Is the Lord among us or not?" Exodus 17:7  Moses knowing the Israelites lack of faith, called the land, Massah (meaning "test") and Meribah (meaning "trials").

Grievously, the Israelites did not trust God.  So, God told Moses to pick up his rod, go to Horeb and strike a particular rock there.  When Moses hit the rock, water came gushing out to meet the needs of the Israelites.  Once again, God supplied the needs of His people, despite their unbelief.

God could have provided water, at the first signs of the Israelites thirsting, but like any parent His heart longed for His children to come to him and to know they could trust Him!  He wanted them to know that He was faithful and they could depend on him.  Only, He was looking for them to be upright and obedient.

How many times would it take a miracle for the children of Israel to trust God, instead of trusting God to perform a miracle when one was needed?

God delivered them from slavery, He brought them out of Egypt and He opened the Red Sea when there was no way out.  All He wanted was to hear them say, "You have done everything for us!  We love you and we trust you! We are your children!!" 

Are you in the middle of a trial?  Doe it seem like there is no light at the end of the tunnel??  God is saying, "Look unto me!  Trust me!  I know exactly what you need and I am here to provide it!!" 

My friend, God is able to deliver us!!!  Will you put your faith and trust in Him today??  And... will you do it  without hesitation or reservation?? 

Make 2014 a year to completely yield your heart and mind to God... knowing He will take care of you!

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,  forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13,14

The New Year 2014 is here!!  It is a time to reflect upon where you have been and an opportunity to see where you are headed.  A time to ask God, what He has planned for you in the days ahead.  And a time to ponder how you will use your time and talents in 2014!

We live in a world where people are hurting, and while it may seem to be over-whelming, we can make a difference!!

Here's how:

1.  Strive to be Christ-like where ever you are!  Whether you are at home or at work, make a decision to serve others... with joy!  Do you have a neighbor who needs a home cooked meal?  Or is there a co-worker who needs a helping hand?
Perhaps, there is a child or teen who needs a word of encouragement. 

As you go through your daily routines, ask God to show you "who" needs a little extra care or attention.  Ask Him to direct your day and your ways to the needs of others. 

Be an example to those around you!

2. Be Visionary Missionary!  While you may not be able to travel to another country, volunteer where you are!  Read to children at your local library or help
tutor a child after school.  Take time to visit patients in hospitals or the elderly who are in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. 

If you can't go on a mission trip, donate so that others can go or volunteer your time to educate and organize the mission trip.  Use your God-given "time, talent and know-how" to enrich another's life. 

The blessings that come back to you will be immeasurable!

3. Disciple Someone!  Pick a specific person who needs Christ in their life -- then be devoted to helping them find Jesus!  Ask someone to partner with you in prayer once a week!  Take an hour or two and babysit young children for a mother who is overwhelmed with the endless duties of running a household. 

Let others see Jesus in YOU!

4. Pray! Pray! Pray!  There is nothing more important you can do for someone else!  No matter where or what their circumstances are you can reach out in prayer!  Pray for those who are persecuted around the world, just for their belief in Christ Jesus!  Pray for missionaries and pastors at home and abroad!  Pray for those who are searching for truth and seeking to find God! 

The power of prayer is a precious gift we can give to others!

5. Be Thankful and Content!  Learn to recognize, all the things that you do have and let yourself be fully content with everything that God has given you.  We will be more aware of the countless blessings given us, if we take time to be thankful for each of them individually.

Let us use today and everyday in 2014 to "Praise God for His many blessings" through our words, our behaviors and our devotions to Him! 

First and foremost share God's love with everyone you come in contact with!