We are constantly hearing news reports about individuals who have a reputation for lying or cheating.  Many times these reports are of individuals in positions of leadership or in positions of high visibility.  These reports include well known politicians, news anchors, or well known athletes.  Frequently these individuals are seen as role models in our society.

Is  it O.K. to lie?

Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, …. (Proverbs 12:22 ESV)

There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: … a lying tongue, … a false witness who breathes out lies, …. (Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV)

Is it O.K. to cheat?

 “You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measures of length or weight or quantity.  You shall have just balances, just weights, … . (Leviticus 19:35-36 ESV)

A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight. (Proverbs 11:1 ESV)

Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the LORD. (Proverbs 20:10 ESV)

Unequal weights are an abomination to the LORD, and false scales are not good. (Proverbs 20:23 ESV)

The word abomination is used five times in the above verses.

The word abomination could be defined as a description of something that is detestable, disgusting, repulsive, loathsome and absolutely intolerable.  The word abomination describes something that is totally unacceptable to God.

Do you accept and approve behaviors that are an abomination to the Lord?

Do you endorse people whose repeated, unrepentant behaviors include activities that are abominations to the Lord?

Do you or your children elevate individuals with a pattern of unrepentant, abominable behavior as role models and heros?

NO, it is not O.K. to lie.

No, it is not O.K. to cheat.

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+7

Know Your Opponent.

Christians throughout the world are being persecuted because of their belief in Jesus Christ.  Many Christians are being mistreated, tortured, and killed because of their faith in Jesus.

I coached basketball for many years. Most coaches understand that the more you know about your opponent, the more likely you are to experience success.

As Christians, the more we know about the enemy, the less likely it is that we will be defeated by the enemy.

Who is the enemy?  Where will persecution come from?

If you have not read Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 1),  Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 2), or Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 3) you may want to read those posts before proceeding with this current post.

Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 4)

Who is the enemy? The initial answer is obvious.  Our enemy is the devil. Our enemy is Satan.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)

Be careful.  Satan is extremely clever. “…for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. …. (2 Corinthians 11:14-15 ESV)  Satan makes himself look good and he makes his servants look good.  Satan and his demons, disguised as angels of light or servants of righteousness, will try every trick in the book to convince you to submit to Satan’s ways.  Satan cannot take away our relationship with Christ, but he can make us an  ineffective ambassador for our Lord and Savior.

Read the following scripture passages to see who it was that persecuted Christ and the early Christian church.

Individuals or groups who persecuted Jesus:

• The high priest, chief priests, elders, scribes, and the council (The religious leaders)

 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. (Mark 14:53 ESV)

 And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. (Mark 15:1 ESV)

•  Religious leaders in conjunction with supporters of Herod

 The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. (Mark 3:6 ESV)

Individuals or groups who persecuted the early Christian church:

•  The high priest, priests, the captain of the temple and the Sadducees (The religious leaders)

 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (Acts 4:1-2 ESV)

 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. (Acts 5:17-18 ESV)

•  A scholar of the Old Testament

 (Saul) circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;  as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. (Philippians 3:5-6 ESV)

 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. (Acts 8:3 ESV) 

• Saul supported by the High Priest

 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest  and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2 ESV)

• The government

 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. [2] He killed James the brother of John with the sword, [3] and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. …. (Acts 12:1-3 ESV)

Who did the persecution?  The “religious” leaders, the government, and “religious” zealots were responsible for initiating persecution against the early church.

What was their goal?  Suppress or eliminate Christianity.

ARE THINGS ANY DIFFERENT TODAY?

Challenge:

Be strong in the Lord.

Know the truth.

Know the enemy.

Put on the whole armor of God.

Stand firm.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV)

 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)

  Check out www.seekinghiskingdomministries.com for additional posts.

+5

Christians throughout the world are being persecuted because of their belief in Jesus Christ.  Many Christians are being mistreated, tortured, and killed because of their faith in Jesus.

Is it possible, for those of us who have not experienced persecution of any significance, to prepare in advance for persecution in the future?

If you have not read Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 1) or Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 2), you may want to read those posts before proceeding with this current post.

Persecuted For Your Faith (Part 3)

I doubt that anyone can really be fully prepared ahead of time for the unknown.  Scripture does, however, give us words of encouragement as we anticipate the future.  Reflect on the following points:

• Do not be anxious.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:34 ESV)

… do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 ESV)

• Reflect on what God is doing in your life.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

• Know that God will never leave or forsake you.

… he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6 ESV)

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. … Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:1 & 4 ESV)

• Know that God can provide you with the armor that you will need.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV)

• Pray and persevere

 … praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, … (Ephesians 6:18 ESV)

• Know that suffering for Christ is a privilege, not a penalty.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.  If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV)

• Don’t lose heart if you are being persecuted for Christ’s sake.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 ESV)

• Know that those persecuted for Christ’s sake will be rewarded in heaven.

“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. (Luke 6:22-23 ESV)

• Know that, in the end, those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus will spend eternity in heaven.

 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14:1-3 ESV)

 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)

  Check out www.seekinghiskingdomministries.com for additional posts.

+6

Most of us see individuals standing along the road, with handmade signs, asking for money (“Will work for money”).  Many of us also receive numerous mailings or emails from good, legitimate organizations asking for donations.  Our churches often make us aware of needs locally and worldwide.

Should we respond to these requests?  If yes, which requests should we respond to and how much should we give?

The Bible supports the idea of “giving alms to the poor.”  Simply stated, giving alms to the poor means giving money or goods to the poor and needy. The Bible says that when we give to the poor it is like we are giving to God.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.   For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink…. (Matthew 25:34-35 ESV)

My understanding is that giving money or goods to the poor is something that is done in addition to giving our tithes to the church.  This post will only address giving to the poor and needy.  This post is not a discussion of tithes.

What does the Bible say about giving to the poor and needy?

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10 ESV)

• Look for opportunities to do good to others (believers and unbelievers).
• Doing good to “those who are of the household of faith” appears to take priority over doing good to an unbeliever.

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church he is challenging the Corinthian church to help the church in Jerusalem, that is struggling due to a famine in the area, when he says, “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2 ESV)

• Plan ahead. Put something aside for the poor and needy.  Budget the amount you are going to give.

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.    The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:5-7 ESV)  (The Corinthian church giving to the Christians in Jerusalem.)

• Give willingly.
• Give generously.
• Give voluntarily.
• The amount and the recipient of your gifts are decisions that “you have decided in your heart”.
• Do not give reluctantly or under compulsion.
• Give cheerfully.

You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.  By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,  while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. (2 Corinthians 9:11-14 ESV)

• Give for the glory of God.

The church in Antioch also gave to the church in Jerusalem.

So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. (Acts 11:29 ESV)

• Give what you are able to give.

And they did so (gave gifts), sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11:30 ESV)

• When your gifts are handled by other individuals or organizations, be sure to use people or organizations with a good reputation.

… your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. (2 Corinthians 8:14 ESV)

• Allow others to be blessed by giving to you when you are in need.

Summary

• Look for opportunities to do good to others (believers and unbelievers).
• Doing good to “those who are of the household of faith” appears to take priority over doing good to an unbeliever.
• Plan ahead. Put something aside for the poor and needy.  Budget the amount you are going to give.
• Give willingly.
• Give generously.
• Give voluntarily.
• The amount and the recipient of your gifts are decisions that “you have decided in your heart”.
• Do not give reluctantly or under compulsion.
• Give cheerfully.
• Give for the glory of God.
• Give what you are able to give.
• When your gifts are handled by other individuals or organizations, be sure to use people or organizations with a good reputation.
• Allow others to be blessed by giving to you when you are in need.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35 ESV)

  Check out www.seekinghiskingdomministries.com for additional posts.

+4

I am not sure that it would be my choice to be mistreated, tortured, or killed because of my faith in Jesus Christ.  In my mind, persecution, in any form, would not be a pleasant experience. My first response it that persecution is something to avoid.

Most people would agree that persecution is cruel and distressing.  However, persecution frequently is the stimulus for something good to occur.

There is a story in the Bible about a man named Stephen who was martyred for his faith in Jesus.  As bad as the story may seem, much good happened as a result of Stephen’s death.

This story of Stephen begins when he was chosen by fellow believers to serve the church.

… they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, …. (Acts 6: 5 ESV)

Stephen took his responsibilities seriously and became a powerful speaker and a bold witness for the Lord.

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8 ESV)

The religious authorities were so upset at Stephen’s teaching that, “…they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.” (Acts 7:58 ESV)

The impact of Stephen’s ministry did not end with his death.

 And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1 ESV)

As a result of persecution, the church was scattered throughout the region.  When this happened, the believers, who were being scattered, shared their faith wherever they went.

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, …, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. (Acts 11:19-21 ESV)

Persecution of the church in Jerusalem resulted in the Gospel being spread throughout the region.

 … the church in Jerusalem … sent Barnabas to Antioch.  When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,  … And a great many people were added to the Lord. … And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:22-26 ESV)

Persecution, a bad thing, resulted in good. “A great many people were added to the Lord.”

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. …If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:28 & 31 ESV)

 Persecuted For Your Faith will be continued in future posts.

 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)

  Check out www.seekinghiskingdomministries.com for additional posts.

+5

Expect to be persecuted for your faith in Jesus Christ.

(Part 1)

Christians throughout the world are being persecuted because of their belief in Jesus Christ.  Many Christians are being tortured and killed because of their faith in Jesus.  This news is terrible, sad, and unsettling, but it should not be a surprise.

Why should this news not be surprising?

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice …. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed… .(1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV)

Jesus tells us that we (Christians) will be hated by the world (unbelievers).

In the Bible, Jesus says to his disciples “you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. …. (Matthew 10:22 ESV)

We also read, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:18-19 ESV)

A belief in Jesus Christ can cause conflicts within families.

 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:21-22 ESV)

The enemy is real!

The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. …. (John 10:10 ESV)

…  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12 ESV)

Satan is called the ruler of this world.

…, for the ruler of this world is coming. …, (John 14:30 ESV)

… the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. (1 John 5:19 ESV)

Satan blinds the eyes of the unbelievers.

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, …. (2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV)

Satan is at work in the unbeliever.

…, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— (Ephesians 2:2 ESV)

Persecuted For Your Faith will be continued in future posts.

 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)

  Check out www.seekinghiskingdomministries.com for additional posts.

+8

Setting Goals (Part 5)

This post will suggest some goals, that you may want to consider adopting for yourself, that will help you grow intellectually (or help you maintain good mental health).

Before reflecting on these suggested goals you may want to review the four preview posts related to setting goals: Setting Your Personal Goals for 2015, Without Goals You Have Nothing to Shoot For, Getting Started writing Your Goals,   and Choosing Your Social Goals.

As in previous posts, we will use Scripture as the resource for suggested goals. There are many references in Scripture that we could use.  I selected thirteen scripture passages for your consideration.

 **********

Sanctify them in the truth; your word (God’s word) is truth. (John 17:17 ESV)

• Know that God’s word is truth.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5 ESV)

• Know that human understanding (humanism) is flawed.

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; (Proverbs 2:6 ESV)

• Know that God gives wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5 ESV)

• Be quick to ask God for wisdom

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105 ESV)

• Make the Bible your primary resource for intellectual growth.

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (Acts 17:11 ESV)

• Know that it is important to spend time in the Word every day.

 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. (Psalm 119:16 ESV)

• Enjoy reading your Bible.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful 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 ESV)

• Spend time throughout the day contemplating the truths you are learning.
• Apply the truths you are learning to your life.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, (2 Timothy 2:15-16 ESV)

• Take your intellectual growth (mental health) seriously.
• Don’t waste time with foolish discussions about hypothetical situations.

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. (Psalm 119:15 ESV)

• Stay focused in your studies.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (John 16:13 ESV)

• Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.

And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mark 4:9 ESV)
If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mark 4:23 ESV)

• Be a good listener.

 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17 ESV)

• Allow other people to help you grow intellectually.

  **********

Suggested goals to promote intellectual growth (good mental health) in 2015:

• I will look to God’s Word for truth.
• I will remind myself that human understanding is flawed.
• I will remember that God gives wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
• I will be quick to ask God for wisdom.
• I will make the Bible my primary resource for intellectual growth.
• I will attempt to spend time in the Word every day.
• I will enjoy reading my Bible.
• I will spend time throughout the day contemplating the truths I am learning.
• I will attempt to apply the truths I am learning to my life.
• I will take my intellectual growth (mental health) seriously.
• I will try not to waste time with foolish discussions about hypothetical situations.
• I will try to stay focused when I am studying.
• I will look to the Holy Spirit for guidance.
• I will work at being a good listener.
• I will see other people as a valuable resource for stimulating intellectual growth.

Without goals you have nothing to shoot for.

 Check out www.seekinghiskingdomministries.com for additional posts.

+6

Setting Goals (Part 4)

This post will suggest some social goals that you may want to consider adopting for yourself.

Before reflecting on social goals you may want to review the three preview posts related to setting goals: Setting Your Personal Goals for 2015, Without Goals You Have Nothing to Shoot For, and Getting Started writing Your Goals.

In the last post we looked at goals that will help you grow in your relationship with God.  This post will focus on goals that will help you grow in your relationships with others.

As in previous posts, we will use Scripture as the resource for suggested goals. There are many references in Scripture that we could use.  I selected ten scripture passages for your consideration.

 **********

 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12 ESV)

•  Treat others the way you want to be treated. (The Golden Rule)

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2 ESV)

•  Help others get through tough times.

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10 ESV)

• Do good for others in need.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 ESV)

• Be kind, compassionate, thoughtful, reasonable, gentle, and forgiving in your relationships with others.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4 ESV)

• Don’t act selfishly. Be concerned for the interests of others.

 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. (1 Peter 2:1 ESV)

• Recognize and understand the destructive nature of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander and avoid using any form of these behaviors when relating to others.

 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9 ESV)

• Do not retaliate when people insult or offend you; rather respond in a way that will diffuse any anger or hostility that may exist.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 ESV)

• Respond thoughtfully, practicing self-control, with a soft answer when dealing with people who are angry, upset, hurt, or frightened.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, …. (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)

• Say or do things that will encourage and build others up.

…  aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, (1 Thessalonians 4:11 ESV)

• Mind your own business.

 **********

 Suggested social goals for 2015:

• I will try to practice The Golden Rule.

• I will look for opportunities to help others get through tough times.

• I will look for opportunities to do good for others in need.

• My desire is to be kind, compassionate, thoughtful, reasonable, gentle, and forgiving in my relationships with others.

• I will try not to act selfishly, but rather to be concerned for the interests of others.

• I will try to recognize and understand the destructive nature of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander and avoid using any form of these behaviors when relating to others.

• I will try not retaliate when people insult or offend me; rather I will attempt to respond in a way that will diffuse any anger or hostility that may exist.

• I will attempt to respond thoughtfully, practicing self-control, with a soft answer when dealing with people who are angry, upset, hurt, or frightened.

• I will say or do things to encourage and build others up.

• I will mind my own business.

Without goals you have nothing to shoot for.

 Check out www.seekinghiskingdomministries.com for additional posts.

+6

Setting Goals (Part 3)

In my last two posts, Setting Your Personal Goals for 2015 and Without Goals You Have Nothing to Shoot For, I have been encouraging you to think about establishing personal goals for yourself.

The first category of goals I presented for your consideration was “goals that will help you grow in your relationship with God.”

James chapter 4 verses 7-10 gives us ideas for some very practical goals for this category.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. … (James 4:8)

• Desire to grow closer to God.

 “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; (Isaiah 55:6 ESV)

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness… (Matthew 6:33 ESV)

Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! (Psalm 105:4 ESV)

 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7 ESV)

… seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29 ESV)

*****

… Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

• Recognize and detest the works of Satan

… Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. (Romans 12:9 ESV)

… but test everything; hold fast what is good.   Abstain from every form of evil.
(1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 ESV)

*****

… Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. (James 4:8-9)

• Be quick to repent of sin

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! (Psalm 51:2 ESV)

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51:17 ESV)

*****

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. (James 4:10)

• Gain a better understanding of what it means to walk in humility.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility … (Ephesians 4:1-2 ESV)

Suggested goals for 2015:

• In 2015 I desire to grow closer to God.
• In 2015 I want to be able to recognize and detest the works of Satan.
• In 2015 I want to be quick to repent of my sins.
• In 2015 I would like to gain a better understanding of what it means to walk in humility.

Without goals you have nothing to shoot for.

 Check out www.seekinghiskingdomministries.com for additional posts.

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Setting Goals (Part 2)

If you have not read the post Setting Your Personal Goals for 2015, I recommend that you read it now. (Click on the hyperlink)

Setting life goals for yourself is important.  Don’t be quick to discard goals that appear to be difficult to achieve.  Know that some of our life goals will never be completely accomplished here on this earth.  Failing to perfectly complete a goal does not negate its value.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. (1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV)

Loving God with every fiber of our being is a great life goal.  This is a goal that cannot be completed here on this earth.  It’s still a great goal and one we should strive to achieve.

Loving our neighbors as ourselves is another that we will never perfect here on earth.  It’s still a good goal and scripture tells us to pursue this goal.

Goals that are consistent with Biblical principles are extremely important for spiritual growth.  If you have not already set goals for yourself, commit to establish personal goals in the near future.  Pray and ask God to reveal to you the goals that He wants you to pursue.

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.] If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14 ESV)

If you mess up while pursing your goals, ask God to forgive you and get back in the race.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 ESV)

Don’t give up on your goals!

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. ] So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10 ESV)

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
(1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)

 Without goals, you have nothing to shoot for.

 Check out www.seekinghiskingdomministries.com for additional posts.

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