Own It

Me:  Howdy Prodigal, are you trying to make a statement?

Prodigal:  Yes, I am!

Me:  If you’re big enough to say it, you’re big enough to own it.

Prodigal:  Well I am going to own it then.

 

This is from the book Overcoming Spiritual Blindness by James P. Gills, M.D.

 

If we choose to take the path of humility, we can expect others to misunderstand and think less of us.  For example, I know a man who holds world records in sailing and ballooning.  Yet, choosing to live in genuine humility, he appears to others as an ordinary fellow.  Predictably, in social “shell-game,”  people typically treat him condescendingly.  Not knowing of his great ability and achievements, the negative is always assumed.

 

Just yesterday someone made a mistake of thinking the worse and was very condescending to you.  You just did not want to appear prideful.  You have had a enough of pride in your life.  You try hard not to let pride get out of control.  They are a Christian feeding on spiritual milk and you just have to love them and shake off the condescending treatment.  You once were on spiritual milk yourself so grace should be given in abundance.

 

Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

 

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

 

Living It Out

 

Me:  Who are y’all talking about?

Prodigal:  Them gals were gnawin’ her name like starvin’ dogs on a bone.

Me:  You know we should try not to gossip and slander others.

Prodigal:  I guess you are right.

 

This is from the book Beyond Opinion by Ravi Zacharias

The greatest obstacle to the impact of the gospel has not been its inability to provide answers, but the failure on our part to live it out.  If teens do not see us exhibiting godly moral character in our daily lives, the apologetic arguments we provide them are invalidated, no matter how compelling our words are.

 

It is tough to watch our mouths sometimes and it is so easy to fall into the trap of talking about others.  I pray that my words will be a blessing and not painful to others.  So God how me how to live out this part of the gospel message today.

 

Daniel 2:20

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:  for wisdom and might are his:

 

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Community

 

Me:  Howdy Prodigal!

Prodigal:  I was just talking with my friend about the church.  He doesn’t think he should go.

Me:  How did you answer him?

Prodigal:  I told him that I hear your cluckin’ but I can’t find your nest.

Me:  Well that is a good answer but let me give a list that might be helpful.

 

This is from the book You Can Change by Tim Chester

 

Here are some ways in which the church is a means of grace:

We remind one another of the truth.

We are taught the Bible by people whom God has gifted for this purpose.

We pray together for God’s help.

We model Christian change and holiness for one another.

We see God at work in the lives of others.

We remind one another of God’s greatness and goodness as we worship him together.

We are given opportunities for service.

We provide accountability for one another.

 

I have been hurt by the church too.  I can say this though.  Every institution has hurt people.  The positive thing about the church though is I have learned more and more about Christ.  I have seen miracles, and blessings happen among God’s people.  I have become friends with others who I would never would have met and are a blessing in my life.  Maybe if you want to see change, then God can use you to be that change in the church.

 

Psalm 119:23

Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

 

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Lead Today

 

Prodigal:  It should not be too much longer.

Me:  It seems we have been waiting for this speaker for awhile.

Prodigal:  I wonder what is taking so long?

Me:  He could be as nervous as a fly in a glue pot.

Prodigal:  That would explain the delay, and we do have time for you to share then.

 

This is from the book Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders

 

If the world is to hear the church’s voice today, leaders are needed who are authoritative, spiritual, and sacrificial.  Authoritative, because people desire leaders who know were they are going and are confident of getting there.  Spiritual, because without a strong relationship to God, even the most attractive and competent person cannot lead people to God.  Sacrificial, because this follows the model of Jesus, who gave himself for the whole world and who calls us to follow in His steps.

 

To lead today you need to get back to God.  Clear your morning and just spend time in prayer with God.  You need God and God needs to show you something.  You can’t lead without God.  That is getting back to basics.

 

Romans 6:22-23

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.