Imagine for a moment sitting on the bank of a river with your bare feet in the cool water. The sun is shining brightly as you can feel its warm rays upon your face. The breeze is gently blowing just enough to rustle through the trees planted next to the river. You can hear the birds chirping as they chase each other in the blue filled sky and you can smell the flowers that are blooming around you in the middle of Spring. I wonder if visualizing this is making you feel relaxed? I wonder if this type of environment could provide you with an inner peace if it is only for a mere second.
What do you suppose would happen if a big Brown Bear rumbled down the river towards you? I bet you wouldn’t feel quite as relaxed. Maybe you might experience a little anxiety or perhaps be overcome with fear. This is an example of how an external factor can affect an external relationship with your surrounding environment.
When we take a close look at the internal relationship we have the awesome opportunity to share with Christ, external factors shouldn’t hinder our faith one bit. Psalm 1:2-3 says “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” When we take a step back and look at our own life, what is the main source of our delight? Is it abiding in the law of the Lord and living a life that is respectful of His sacrifice on the cross for our sins?
Imagine the blessings that would follow in our lives if we would delight in His law and meditate on it day and night. Notice it doesn’t say on a particular day of the week but every day both in the morning and the evening. If we would commit ourselves to constantly thinking about the Lord and His instructions for us, the Bible compares us to a “tree planted by the rivers of water.” A tree that will bear fruit in its appointed time, a tree whose leafs will not wither and a tree that will prosper in all it does because it is living in the middle of God’s will for its life.
Should we allow external factors to affect an internal relationship with our Lord and Savior? The answer is absolutely not! Meditating on His Word day and night is an internal thing and the only thing that is capable of stopping us from thinking about the Lord is ourselves. I’m reminded of Proverbs 16:3 that says “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” If we attempt to glorify God in all we do on a daily basis, our thoughts will be directed to our Creator and Savior. Walking with the Lord everyday is the only way to overcome any temptations and tribulations throughout the day.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
What is Discipleship All About and Why Does it Matter?
We often hear stories about new believers coming to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; however, due to a lack of discipleship in their lives, these new believers are a walking example of one of the outcomes of “The Parable of the Sower.” In Matthew chapter 13:5-6, Jesus shares a parable that describes a sower going out to sow where “Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.” Later in Matthew 13:20-21, Jesus explains the parable by saying “But he who received the seed on stony places; this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.”
As I step back for a second and just ponder on this parable while thinking of the word discipleship, I’m reminded that discipleship is a never ending process of transformation to become the servant Jesus calls us to be. For if the Son of God came to serve and not be served, shouldn’t we have the same outlook on our personal lives? There are four particular verses in the Bible that help point me in the right direction regarding discipleship.
The first two verses can be found in Romans 1:11-12; “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be well established – that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” Do we enjoy fellowship with Christians that help us see the spiritual gifts God has equipped us with and do we provide each other with constant encouragement? We should be filling up each others spiritual gas tanks when we are in the presence of other Christians.
The second verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” A new friend recently told me he is going to try to be a blessing to someone everyday this week. That is exactly what we should aim to do in our relationships with family, friends, co-workers and even strangers.
The last verse is Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Are you a walking testimony of what God has done in your life when His Son died for your personal sins? People in your life should not have to look too long or hard to know there is something different about you. The way you walk, the way you talk, your outlook on life and your passion to know God better and love Him more should be a bright, shining light to all of those crossing your path.
In closing, does discipleship really matter? You better believe it does. Christianity is a lifestyle and not just a one-time decision. It changes who you become for the glory of God. We are called to live in the world but not be of it. By focusing on seeking God’s righteousness, we draw closer to Him and deepen a relationship that fulfills the very reason we were created. The opportunity to enjoy personal companionship with the God of the Universe and to do good works for His glory and honor.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ
"Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
As I step back for a second and just ponder on this parable while thinking of the word discipleship, I’m reminded that discipleship is a never ending process of transformation to become the servant Jesus calls us to be. For if the Son of God came to serve and not be served, shouldn’t we have the same outlook on our personal lives? There are four particular verses in the Bible that help point me in the right direction regarding discipleship.
The first two verses can be found in Romans 1:11-12; “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be well established – that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” Do we enjoy fellowship with Christians that help us see the spiritual gifts God has equipped us with and do we provide each other with constant encouragement? We should be filling up each others spiritual gas tanks when we are in the presence of other Christians.
The second verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” A new friend recently told me he is going to try to be a blessing to someone everyday this week. That is exactly what we should aim to do in our relationships with family, friends, co-workers and even strangers.
The last verse is Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Are you a walking testimony of what God has done in your life when His Son died for your personal sins? People in your life should not have to look too long or hard to know there is something different about you. The way you walk, the way you talk, your outlook on life and your passion to know God better and love Him more should be a bright, shining light to all of those crossing your path.
In closing, does discipleship really matter? You better believe it does. Christianity is a lifestyle and not just a one-time decision. It changes who you become for the glory of God. We are called to live in the world but not be of it. By focusing on seeking God’s righteousness, we draw closer to Him and deepen a relationship that fulfills the very reason we were created. The opportunity to enjoy personal companionship with the God of the Universe and to do good works for His glory and honor.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ
"Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Got Worldview? How Do You See the World?
It has been more than six weeks since our Homebuilders Sunday School class has started what I believe is the most fascinating Christian growth study I have everdone. The title of the workbook is "How Now Shall We Live?" and it is written by Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey. For those of you who are not familiar with Charles Colson, he was former presidential aide to Richard Nixon and founded the international ministry Prison Fellowship.
As soon as I opened this workbook, I literally could not put it down. This study discusses how different worldviews have influenced thoughts, ideas and actions around the world. I would like to attempt to cover the basics of what a worldview is and make a comparison between two worldviews. My hope is that after reviewing these two points of discussion, you will start to see our world in a new light.
So what in the world is a worldview? If you had asked me six weeks ago, I can honestly say that I wouldn't know what type of answer you were looking for. Based on the text listed above, a worldview is defined as "simply the sum total of our beliefs about the world, the "big picture" that directs our daily decisions and actions. What we assume or believe becomes the lens through which we then see everything around us."
Now let's take this definition a step further and review three basic questions that are at the root of every worldview known to mankind.
1) Where did we come from and who are we?
2) What has gone wrong with the world?
3) What can we do to fix it?
The big difference between worldviews is how these questions are answered. This brings us to the comparison of two worldviews: Biblical Worldview versus Naturalistic Worldview. Below we can see how a person's worldview can impact the way they see the world.
Biblical Worldview answers to three basic questions:
1) Gensis 1:1 says "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are His workmanshp, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
2) Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This is due to what happened in Genesis chapter 3 with Adam and Eve (The Temptation and Fall of Man).
3) John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." The belief in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior enables us to have our sins forgiven and eternal life in heaven. 1 John 1:9 and Romans 10:9-10 are additional verses to back up this statement.
Naturalistic Worldview answers to these basic questions:
1) Nature is all that exists and life arose from a chance collision of atoms, evolving eventually into human life as we know it today.
2) This answer can be different depending on who you are asking; however, the following is a list of answers you would expect to hear: human beings, Europeans, the wealthy, males, the private ownership of property, sexual repression, ignorance, religion, democracy, or many other proposed evils.
3) This answer also varies but can include the following responses: more learning, growing technical competence, complete government control and many other suggestions based on what humans can do to fix this problem.
I wonder which lens you look through to see the world in which we live. My hopes and prayers are that it is the Biblical Worldview. It is constant, never changing and rests upon the perfect Word of God. I find it interesting how often and frequent the Naturalistic Worldview can change depending upon whom you ask. The other interesting point to make is that the answers to fix the world are based on what we humans can do instead of relying on God and trusting in His Son, Jesus Christ. I hope this has been insightful and relevant to where you are in your spiritual journey.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
As soon as I opened this workbook, I literally could not put it down. This study discusses how different worldviews have influenced thoughts, ideas and actions around the world. I would like to attempt to cover the basics of what a worldview is and make a comparison between two worldviews. My hope is that after reviewing these two points of discussion, you will start to see our world in a new light.
So what in the world is a worldview? If you had asked me six weeks ago, I can honestly say that I wouldn't know what type of answer you were looking for. Based on the text listed above, a worldview is defined as "simply the sum total of our beliefs about the world, the "big picture" that directs our daily decisions and actions. What we assume or believe becomes the lens through which we then see everything around us."
Now let's take this definition a step further and review three basic questions that are at the root of every worldview known to mankind.
1) Where did we come from and who are we?
2) What has gone wrong with the world?
3) What can we do to fix it?
The big difference between worldviews is how these questions are answered. This brings us to the comparison of two worldviews: Biblical Worldview versus Naturalistic Worldview. Below we can see how a person's worldview can impact the way they see the world.
Biblical Worldview answers to three basic questions:
1) Gensis 1:1 says "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are His workmanshp, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
2) Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This is due to what happened in Genesis chapter 3 with Adam and Eve (The Temptation and Fall of Man).
3) John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." The belief in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior enables us to have our sins forgiven and eternal life in heaven. 1 John 1:9 and Romans 10:9-10 are additional verses to back up this statement.
Naturalistic Worldview answers to these basic questions:
1) Nature is all that exists and life arose from a chance collision of atoms, evolving eventually into human life as we know it today.
2) This answer can be different depending on who you are asking; however, the following is a list of answers you would expect to hear: human beings, Europeans, the wealthy, males, the private ownership of property, sexual repression, ignorance, religion, democracy, or many other proposed evils.
3) This answer also varies but can include the following responses: more learning, growing technical competence, complete government control and many other suggestions based on what humans can do to fix this problem.
I wonder which lens you look through to see the world in which we live. My hopes and prayers are that it is the Biblical Worldview. It is constant, never changing and rests upon the perfect Word of God. I find it interesting how often and frequent the Naturalistic Worldview can change depending upon whom you ask. The other interesting point to make is that the answers to fix the world are based on what we humans can do instead of relying on God and trusting in His Son, Jesus Christ. I hope this has been insightful and relevant to where you are in your spiritual journey.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Are We Really a Sum of the Decesions We Make?
Have you ever thought about how the decisions we make on a daily basis define who we really are? What do you give priority to in your life? Who are you trying to impress? What are you trying to accomplish? These series of questions should get us thinking about the types of decisions we are making in our daily lives and how they impact the positive or negative transformations that occur within ourselves.
It has been said there are two types of decisions being made. The most critical are moral decisions that can be defined as decisions related to principles of right or wrong. Some examples of moral decisions in a college environment are whether or not to use profanity, get intoxicated, use drugs, have premarital sex, fight or harass fellow students and cheat in your classes to name a few. As we are faced with these types of decisions, what or who are we basing our morals on in our lives? Is it what other students or friends are doing and what is culturally acceptable or are you basing your moral decisions on the inherent, perfect Word of God?
The second type of decision is a priority decision. An analysis of these decisions will provide clarity to what is really important to each of us. Some examples in a college environment could be choosing to go to church on Sunday versus sleeping in, studying for an upcoming test versus staying out late, spending time with your boyfriend or girlfriend instead of with your friends, reading the Bible at night versus going straight to bed and calling home to talk to Mom and Dad versus playing video games with your friends. I hope you can see from the examples provided how priority decisions define what is really important to us.
Imagine for a moment if you took every decision you are going to be faced with and based your answers on the Bible. How do you think it would impact your life and equip you during your transition from adolescence into adulthood? I would dare to say your decision making skills would be greatly enhanced and you would be blessed for following God’s instruction for your life. We are truly the sum of the decisions we make and it is crucial to understand the consequences of our actions. By keeping God first in all you do, the transition to adulthood will continue to take shape with every Godly decision you make.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's new book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com. To watch a recent television interview on "The Harvest Show" about the book and ministry, visit the archive link listed below: http://www.harvest-tv.com/video/VOD_GetShow.cfm?ShowID=115
It has been said there are two types of decisions being made. The most critical are moral decisions that can be defined as decisions related to principles of right or wrong. Some examples of moral decisions in a college environment are whether or not to use profanity, get intoxicated, use drugs, have premarital sex, fight or harass fellow students and cheat in your classes to name a few. As we are faced with these types of decisions, what or who are we basing our morals on in our lives? Is it what other students or friends are doing and what is culturally acceptable or are you basing your moral decisions on the inherent, perfect Word of God?
The second type of decision is a priority decision. An analysis of these decisions will provide clarity to what is really important to each of us. Some examples in a college environment could be choosing to go to church on Sunday versus sleeping in, studying for an upcoming test versus staying out late, spending time with your boyfriend or girlfriend instead of with your friends, reading the Bible at night versus going straight to bed and calling home to talk to Mom and Dad versus playing video games with your friends. I hope you can see from the examples provided how priority decisions define what is really important to us.
Imagine for a moment if you took every decision you are going to be faced with and based your answers on the Bible. How do you think it would impact your life and equip you during your transition from adolescence into adulthood? I would dare to say your decision making skills would be greatly enhanced and you would be blessed for following God’s instruction for your life. We are truly the sum of the decisions we make and it is crucial to understand the consequences of our actions. By keeping God first in all you do, the transition to adulthood will continue to take shape with every Godly decision you make.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's new book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com. To watch a recent television interview on "The Harvest Show" about the book and ministry, visit the archive link listed below: http://www.harvest-tv.com/video/VOD_GetShow.cfm?ShowID=115
Have You Compromised Your Faith Recently?
Yesterday morning I received an encouraging email from a new friend that said “I know that today you are walking in the favor of God.” If the very thought of walking in God’s favor doesn’t put a smile on your face, I do not know what will. I wonder how often we take the time to recognize that God wants to pour out His favor in our lives. I believe that is one of the many benefits of trying to live in the very center of His will.
So what keeps us from finding His will for our lives and what plays a role in pushing us farther away from Him? Have you ever been faced with an opportunity to make a decision in your life regarding a certain matter that could ultimately compromise your faith? The decision you are torn between making is inevitably linked to potentially keeping you from growing closer to God. Sometimes those decisions can take place in the blink of an eye when you turn on the television to find something to watch or fire up the computer to get on the internet. Other decisions can take longer to make and involve more thought and consideration like spending time with the wrong crowd or not taking care of your body by taking illegal substances.
The first verse in the Bible that comes to my mind has to do with our eyes. I believe our eyes can keep us from finding God’s will for our lives. Psalm 25:12 says “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.” What are we spending our time looking at during the course of the day? Are they things that are glorifying God or are they preventing our bodies from being full of light? It is going to be very difficult to live in the center of His will if we are not portraying light to others around us.
The second verse can be found in Philippians 4:8-9 which says “Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” This verse has to do with our minds and hearts. If we meditate on things that are not righteous, how can we be expect to grow closer to God and experience the all encompassing peace that only He can provide? It is not possible if our mind and heart are not in the right place spiritually.
Next time the temptation arises to compromise our faith, let’s pay close attention to what we are looking at with our eyes and the things we are meditating on. Let’s remember the consequences of compromising our faith. Falling out of the center of God’s will and distancing our relationship with Him are too costly to afford. Are we being faithful with what we have been given in our lives? Does selfishness, bitterness, resentment or hatred have a stronghold on our hearts? If the heart is not free from these negative feelings, how can we expect to grow closer to God? The way to a free, peaceful and loving heart is ultimately through forgiveness. The great equalizer is forgiveness just as He has forgiven us.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's new book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com. To watch a recent television interview on "The Harvest Show" about the book and ministry, visit the archive link listed below:
http://www.harvest-tv.com/video/VOD_GetShow.cfm?ShowID=115
So what keeps us from finding His will for our lives and what plays a role in pushing us farther away from Him? Have you ever been faced with an opportunity to make a decision in your life regarding a certain matter that could ultimately compromise your faith? The decision you are torn between making is inevitably linked to potentially keeping you from growing closer to God. Sometimes those decisions can take place in the blink of an eye when you turn on the television to find something to watch or fire up the computer to get on the internet. Other decisions can take longer to make and involve more thought and consideration like spending time with the wrong crowd or not taking care of your body by taking illegal substances.
The first verse in the Bible that comes to my mind has to do with our eyes. I believe our eyes can keep us from finding God’s will for our lives. Psalm 25:12 says “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.” What are we spending our time looking at during the course of the day? Are they things that are glorifying God or are they preventing our bodies from being full of light? It is going to be very difficult to live in the center of His will if we are not portraying light to others around us.
The second verse can be found in Philippians 4:8-9 which says “Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” This verse has to do with our minds and hearts. If we meditate on things that are not righteous, how can we be expect to grow closer to God and experience the all encompassing peace that only He can provide? It is not possible if our mind and heart are not in the right place spiritually.
Next time the temptation arises to compromise our faith, let’s pay close attention to what we are looking at with our eyes and the things we are meditating on. Let’s remember the consequences of compromising our faith. Falling out of the center of God’s will and distancing our relationship with Him are too costly to afford. Are we being faithful with what we have been given in our lives? Does selfishness, bitterness, resentment or hatred have a stronghold on our hearts? If the heart is not free from these negative feelings, how can we expect to grow closer to God? The way to a free, peaceful and loving heart is ultimately through forgiveness. The great equalizer is forgiveness just as He has forgiven us.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's new book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com. To watch a recent television interview on "The Harvest Show" about the book and ministry, visit the archive link listed below:
http://www.harvest-tv.com/video/VOD_GetShow.cfm?ShowID=115
Friday, May 18, 2007
Where is the Strength in Experiencing Tribulations?
It is awful hard to think about developing your strength while enduring a tribulation or suffering a hardship. I’ll be the first to admit that it is difficult to step back during a time of suffering to see how it is refining my faith. That is when the Lord steps in and helps me understand He is in control of all things and knows what is best for me. Luke 12:7 says, “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” I’m always encouraged by that verse because it reminds me Jesus knows me so well that no other single relationship or friendship I have on this earth can even come close to the level of familiarity He has with me.
Paul in the New Testament has a rock solid understanding of how faith can triumph in trouble. In Romans 5:3-4 he says, “we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulations produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” What a wonderful description of the process we should apply to our lives when confronted with tribulation. In the end it will develop our character and ultimately lead to even a greater hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:5 says, “Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” That is a hope worth living for and living in such a way that will take full advantage of the gift of the Holy Spirit to glorify God.
I would like to leave you with two verses to meditate on as you contemplate how your sufferings can be used to strengthen your faith, develop your character and deepen your hope. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Never forget that God has a plan for you. “If God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31). God’s love is everlasting, all encompassing and nothing can keep it from you if you’ll receive His gift of eternal salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. There is strength in the Word and through Christ there is strength in you to overcome any trial or tribulation in your life.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Paul in the New Testament has a rock solid understanding of how faith can triumph in trouble. In Romans 5:3-4 he says, “we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulations produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” What a wonderful description of the process we should apply to our lives when confronted with tribulation. In the end it will develop our character and ultimately lead to even a greater hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:5 says, “Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” That is a hope worth living for and living in such a way that will take full advantage of the gift of the Holy Spirit to glorify God.
I would like to leave you with two verses to meditate on as you contemplate how your sufferings can be used to strengthen your faith, develop your character and deepen your hope. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Never forget that God has a plan for you. “If God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31). God’s love is everlasting, all encompassing and nothing can keep it from you if you’ll receive His gift of eternal salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. There is strength in the Word and through Christ there is strength in you to overcome any trial or tribulation in your life.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's new book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com. To watch a recent television interview on "The Harvest Show" about the book and ministry, visit the archive link listed below:
Friday, April 20, 2007
What Exactly is Having the Faith of a Mustard Seed?
It was about a month ago that I came across Matthew 17:20 as I was reading the Bible before going to bed. This verse says “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” It goes on to say in Matthew 17:20 “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” When I started to think about these verses, I started contemplating what it means to have the faith of something as small as a mustard seed. What would happen in our lives if we solely relied on our relationship with Jesus Christ when we are being called into action for His glory and honor? Regardless of what others around us might say or think, we should always keep our eyes fixed on Him as we attempt to do what we know is not possible within our own human abilities. There comes a point with this type of faith where God literally bridges the gap in our lives to make something impossible the very opposite.
I’m reminded of when Jesus walked on the sea towards the disciples boat in the midst of a storm. At first the disciples thought they were witnessing a ghost but after Jesus offered them some comforting words, their nerves were calmed. Now as Jesus was approaching the boat, Peter said in Matthew 14:28 “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Sure enough Jesus said “Come” and Peter started walking on the water. As the winds continued to blow and the waves did not subside, Peter became afraid and started to sink. Jesus proceeded to stretch out His hand to save Peter and then told him in Matthew 14:31 “O you of little faith, why did you doubt.” You see, Peter had literally a second of doubt in his mind about what was happening on the sea. It was the thought of doubt and forgetting who Jesus was for a brief moment that caused Him to sink.
How could our faith be transformed if we eliminated the doubt in our lives and assured ourselves with the verse found in Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing will be impossible”? Why are we sinking in the water symbolizing our daily struggles and putting our faith into action? Are we faithfully praying to God about His will for our lives? God wants nothing more than to bless us abundantly; however, the ball is in our court as to whether we will get out of the boat and confidently walk on the water towards Jesus.
I’m reminded of when Jesus walked on the sea towards the disciples boat in the midst of a storm. At first the disciples thought they were witnessing a ghost but after Jesus offered them some comforting words, their nerves were calmed. Now as Jesus was approaching the boat, Peter said in Matthew 14:28 “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Sure enough Jesus said “Come” and Peter started walking on the water. As the winds continued to blow and the waves did not subside, Peter became afraid and started to sink. Jesus proceeded to stretch out His hand to save Peter and then told him in Matthew 14:31 “O you of little faith, why did you doubt.” You see, Peter had literally a second of doubt in his mind about what was happening on the sea. It was the thought of doubt and forgetting who Jesus was for a brief moment that caused Him to sink.
How could our faith be transformed if we eliminated the doubt in our lives and assured ourselves with the verse found in Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing will be impossible”? Why are we sinking in the water symbolizing our daily struggles and putting our faith into action? Are we faithfully praying to God about His will for our lives? God wants nothing more than to bless us abundantly; however, the ball is in our court as to whether we will get out of the boat and confidently walk on the water towards Jesus.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's new book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com. To watch a recent television interview on "The Harvest Show" about the book and ministry, visit the archive link listed below:
http://www.harvest-tv.com/video/VOD_GetShow.cfm?ShowID=115
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