Going before the King

Just recent this question was asked, “What has happened to the church?” My reply was what are you referring to? The conversation went from one thing to another.  The final outcome was, the lady is upset with the way her church is going. Why do we go to church dressed like we going to the park? The elderly lady gave me a lot to think about. Regardless of what some people want to do, we should never forget our home training.  Jesus Christ has never changed, so why are the church trying to look like the world?

One question to you… Are we going before the King? Then why we don’t present ourselves like we’re going before the True and Living God? If you go to a club you’re going to dress up, yet you want to go before God looking like a tramp. Where do we draw the line? Apostle Paul tells us, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor 14:40 NKJV). It isn’t decent when we’re out of order with our behavior. We should be glorifying God in all things if we are a Christian.

You probably wonder what I say to the elderly lady.  Well I’m praying for her to find another church. It’s so important for her spirit not to be grieved when she goes to church. Just a comment for you to think about when you go to church.

Personal Responsibility

We as Christians are to make living sacrifices to God. One asked the question, how we do that? Well my friend the Word of God say, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”(Romans 12:1-2NKJV).

These two Scriptures tell us that God has good, acceptable and perfect plans for His children.  He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds, living holy and obedient to Him. See God wants only what’s best for us, and because He gave His Son to make a new life possible for us. We should joyfully give ourselves as living sacrifices for his service and not animals.  God wants that from us.  We must daily lay aside our own desires to follow Him. We must trust Him to lead and guide us.

Christians, we have been called not to be conformed to this world. Also, we should not have the same behavior and customs as the world. Many Christians have wisely decided to follow Jesus all the way. But, we still have a few that haven’t decided to follow Jesus all the way. It’s only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our minds will they be truly transformed (see 8:5). It’s possible to follow Jesus if you make up your mind to do so. No one have to tell you what to do when you submit your will and your way to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Enjoy the blessings of the Lord. Email: areskridge@sbcglobal.net.

Practicing Greatness by Reggie McNeal

Practicing Greatness is a hard-hitting leadership book, not just a collection of inspirational thoughts. The depth and breadth of wisdom in this book is just short of unbelievable.  Good leaders aspiring to be great leaders will do well to read this book and allow it to probe and shape your life.

Somone once taught me a powerful lesson:"if you are without discipline,you are without power." Author McNeal has tapped into a power source for all leaders. In this book he covers  disciplines in seven areas: 1) self awareness, (2) self-management(3) self-development (4) mission (5) decision making (6) belonging and (7) aloneness. These areas are needed for great spiritual leader in the world today.We know, we owe all of our greatness to God but McNeal challenges us to some practical how to in a compelling new book. I highly recommend this book for all who aspire to become great leaders.  Grab hold of this book and begin a newly charged life today. You can order the book online of through your local Christian bookstore.  Annie Dennis Eskridge, author of Sin Abides.  email :areskridge@sbcglobal.net.

Separate yourself

Today we've heard many Scriptures quoted. We ask ourselves if the interpretation given was correct or not. For instance,"therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you"(2 Corinthians 6:17NKJV). Apostle Paul wasn't encouraging isolation from unbelievers but discouraging compromise with their sinful values and practices.  He urges the Christians to maintain their integrity in the world just as Christ did.

We shouldn't separate ourselves from the world, but don't engage in what they are doing. That would be the perfect time to let your light shine.  Paul admonish the Christian that you are the light of the world. So just let the world see God's light shinning through you. The Great Commission is about soul's being saved, people being delivered and set free. Enjoy your blessing ! Annie Dennis Eskridge, author of Sin Abides. website:www.ruthplace.com.