People everywhere want to know what God’s will is for their life. I may not be able to tell you what God’s will is regarding who you should marry, what college you should attend, what job you should take, or whether or not God wants you to buy a new house, but I can with great confidence tell you that it is God’s will for you to be thankful regardless of who you marry, what college you go to, what job you take, or what house you buy. There is never a circumstance where you cannot be thankful in, and here is why. Continue reading
Category: Gracious Living
Here are ten Biblical principles to apply and help you share your faith with others. Continue reading
The Bible says, “Be angry and do not sin” (Eph. 3:26, HCSB), be “slow to become angry” (James 1:19, HCSB), and says of Jesus that He became “indignant” (a form of anger, Mark 10:14). Statements like these give indication that we can become angry at the right time and for the right reasons. So, when is it right to be angry? Here are four times when it is right to get mad. Continue reading
God’s Word tells us to, “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” (Col. 4:5-6, NLT).
God expects you to speak with your unbelieving neighbors, friends, and co-workers with gracious, warm, and winsome words – all with the purpose of being able to “respond” to the questions or comments they may have about you or your faith in Christ. You must assume that unbelievers will be raising questions about your faith, questions that may be either neutral or controversial. An appropriate Christian response will communicate the content of the gospel, but it will also be done in a manner that will make the gospel attractive. This will take gracious speech. To help us in these conversations Colossians 4:5-6 gives us several characteristics of a gracious conversation. Continue reading
Did you know you were made by God with a purpose in mind? You were created for a unique ministry. You were designed and put together in such a way that you would be the perfect person to minister and bless in that situation, at that time, and in that place. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” You are God’s workmanship. He created you with a unique personality, a giftedness, and a passion to serve Him in special ways that only you can do.
But how can you know what you have been designed and created to do? God’s Word gives you the direction you need. To help you identify your uniqueness in ministry, it is helpful to use the D.E.S.I.G.N. approach in identifying the different ingredients that, when combined, provide you with information regarding God’s purpose for your life and ministry. Continue reading
Offense can be described as “the act of provoking, annoying, irritating, or causing pain or injury.” It is also related to the feeling that an offense can create, such as, indignation, resentment, or anger. When someone offends us we usually want to strike back with a word or look that usually doesn’t honor God or ourselves. God’s Word gives great wisdom on this subject in Proverbs. Continue reading