IT COULD BE TOO LATE ALREADY
Before God can take you into something, He must bring you out of something. Before this can happen, there must be a mind change which will change our habits.
For forty years I have been in Christ's church. During these years I have watched and learned. Things happen to all people. Some things are blessings and some are not. But, everyone, Christian or not, go through experiences both good and bad.
As Christians, we are taught to trust God in all things. We don't always do that. We, like the world, some times play the victim role. We look to the flesh and to the spirit. Our faith and trust level goes to zero, and we lose sight of any possible victory in Jesus Christ. Now we are defeated, discouraged, and can be destroyed spiritually.
The world around us plays the victim role too. When individuals refuse to take responsibility for their actions, this is predictable. It's always someone else's fault. We become dysfunctional by choice. The devil continues to win battle after battle because of the weakness of the flesh, that is in the sinful nature of man.
But, we Christians are to be victorious. What is going wrong in the spiritual world? What has happened to the power and authority of Christ's church. Where are the victories and people who live above sin; the people who are role models of a life of Christ here on earth?
The church has become weak because we are trying to win the world, by becoming like the world. The church today is producing cheap grace and people who trust the world, it's programs and techniques, more than God. The church will continue to be weak and fail until we return to the authority and power of God. It's a matter of trust and obedience. We believe in God but don't believe God or fear God.
Churches today are building large buildings and followings on popularity and materialism. Success is the message, instead of the cry of the cross. The Word of God is being watered down so that no one is offended. It doesn't matter what you believe, just believe. American brand of Christianity must be a joke in God's eyes. No w0nder we, as a nation are suffering great destructive events in our country.
Read the Old Testament and see what God did or allowed when His people became worldly and idol worshipers. He would not allow it then and He won't allow it now. Our future as a nation is predictable and it is not pretty. We, like other great nations of the past, have turned our backs on God and will reap a harvest soon.
Before God could bring us into a life of peace and joy, America must come out of her idolatry need for materialism and ungodliness. Revival and repentance will bring us out of the devil's clutches. Nothing short of an all-out revival will do. Remember, the good will perish and suffer with the bad.
Every church in every city must call out to God for revival. No other method has a chance. Liberalism and false teachers have been sowing their seeds of destruction for the last 50 years. A nation without the true God has no hope.
It's time to stand up and be counted. The lost will stay lost and the saved are fading fast. Think on these things.
See ya in church,
Bud
How many people do you know who are reaching their full potential? By this question I mean, are they using every opportunity they have to use their gifts and talents. Is their life productive or are they just taking what life hands them?
So many people I have observed over the years were not living up to their potential. Maybe they had a degree in teaching, but not using that degree.
Maybe they were excellent athletes but refused to discipline themselves to reach their potential. I could go on and on but you get the idea.
The people I have met over the years who have reached great potential are people who have goals and visions. They know where they are going and how to get there. It takes years of planning and discipline. It takes sacrifice and learning to prioritize. Success is never cheap and for it to last there must be a plan. It's a matter of finding the right focus and sticking with it.
Someone told me years ago “that the world will pay you only what you think you are worth.” The Bible has a verse “As a man thinks, so is he.” To reach your full potential you must understand your personal value as a human being. Then you must market your skills to their greatest potential. You must be able to discern, discover and personally develop for the future. Never stop learning because you are always preparing for the future.
Another thing I have learned about people who reach their full potential is that they are never negative or pessimistic. Show me a negative, pessimistic person and I'll show you a true failure.
Negative people contaminate anyone around them. They destroy potential rather than look for it. Negative people are insecure, back biters who gather a following by tearing down others. They have already reached their potential as a negative person.
People who are on their way to reach their full potential are teachable people. They are leaders in the rough. They are good followers who are always learning and appreciate it. They are thankful, grateful people with a good attitude. They quickly go to the top because they have the right stuff and are of up-right character.
We don't all have the same opportunities but we all have opportunities. We don't all have the same gifts and talents, but we all have gifts and talents. Some have to work harder and longer to realize their potential, but that is just life. Remember, we see things as we are, not as they are. Meaning your attitude and passion make the difference.
It is such a waste for people to waste their potential. Fulfillment comes only after the price is paid for your dreams and visions to come true. This is not about age, or where you live, or who you are. It's about each of us using the opportunities that come our way. It's about making a life, not just surviving. If you feel you are not reaching your full potential, ask yourself why not?
Then take action! Take a risk! Step out of your comfort zone and do what you always knew you could. Thousands have and you may be next!
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church At Cogan Station