A NEW LANGUAGE. NEW CHRISTIAN?

I have been studying Spanish for some time and recently began studying Arabic.  I have discovered, as with any language, especially Arabic, you must deeply examine the language within its historical heritage and cultural context.  You must dummy up in order to start from the beginning.  There is no direct correlation between English (my 1st language) and Arabic.  It requires learning a completely new manner of alphabet, verbs, phrases, culture and more.  It even requires studying abroad in an atmosphere in which the language is spoken.  

Although learning a new language is a process which takes place on an intellectual level, something about it paints a picture of the process which began on a spiritual level when I gave my life to Jesus.  I began to deeply examine God's word through the historical heritage and the context of scripture.  I had to humble down and admit that I was a sinner in need of a savior.  In a sense, I had to dummy up and start from the beginning. There is no correlation between sin (the darkness of my past) and the righteousness (the light of my future).  It required me to begin from the inside out, learning a completely new manner of understanding, attitudes, confession and total way of life.  Just as with a new language requires the change of atmosphere, so does growing in the things of God.  Find yourself a church where God's word is proclaimed.   Surround yourself with others of like understanding, attitudes, who are confessing these truths and living their lives for God!

A difference between the process of learning a new language and growing in the power of an everyday life in Christ is that the Holy Spirit is right here, inside of me, enabling me to increase in the learning, understanding and living of God's word!  He is my interpreter!  Yes, I was granted salvation, love and a  relationship with Christ at the time of confession and belief that He is my Lord.  However, in order to thrive in my relationship with Him, I must remain ever-learning, growing, speaking and living in this new way; else I lose that first love which I gained. 

As with learning a language, my salvation must also be spoken and practiced daily, even until the day of Christ!

I want to exhort you to continue on in word and in deed.  Give your salvation the highest of priority!  Study the things of God, in light of scripture outside your previous understanding and don't quit!  This is not always an easy process and it requires dedication and determination, but you have a helper, translator, (the Holy Spirit) who will lead you and guide you into all truths!  He will never leave you, nor forsake you!!

Be blessed!

God's Vision & Your Words

I got this from what my Pastor, Russell Hylton preached on this evening at Bethel Family Worship Center!  

Don't allow anyone's doubts, thoughts, or opinions to box you in, keeping you from your God given destiny.  The vision God has planted in your heart is not born through man's interpretation of that vision.  The vision is brought to fruition through the combination of timing, obedience & the Rhema (God BREATHED) Word of God!!  A Child of God has the same ability that Jesus had, by which He called Lazarus forth out of the grave!  You can continue to speak the Rhema Word which God has already breathed into your spirit man! 

Line yourself up with the timing of God & the Word of God through your obedience to God. Continue to speak against the confining defining words of man, by speaking the truth of God over your life & God's plans/vision for you WILL come to pass!

Get Involved!

Many fail to recognize the value of serving in the local church.  Not only can you gain intrinsic benefits or "eternal rewards" (laying up treasures in heaven), but you will also gain practical, real life experience necessary to thrive in the workplace, home, and in all aspects of life.  Serving in the church is not about giving so you can get, as many unconsciously interpret it, as they begin yearning to be seen & praised. 

However, when you do selflessly and lovingly lay down your time & talent to be used of God, in any capacity, you become one who has not just been called, but chosen!  You become a wise steward, who sows & reaps.  You will not only begin to reap the benefits from what you have sown, but you gain access to a spoils which you had no hand in! God will cause even your enemies to begin to bless you! 

I want you to know that out of my personal experience of serving God through my church, I have gained experience and skill sets, knowledge, wisdom & understanding, courage, relentlessness, faithfulness.  I have learned and grown in the areas of how to discern situations, operate in culturally diverse settings, plan, organize and execute events, building maintenance, the list could go on.  Most importantly I've gained a "whatever it takes" attitude, which has been imparted to me through "priceless" mentoring relationships.  I say this not to boast, but to share with you, how great of an opportunity it is to even volunteer in the church.  I had never fully understood how much I've gained over the past few years of volunteering, until asked for experience on a job resume.  If you are a young person, especially.  Get involved with your local church and start volunteering.  Before you know it, you will have broadened your experience and beefed up your resume becoming someone who today's employers will seek out.  God is good!!