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
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
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
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
How can I give God my best?
To even begin to determine how to give God our best, we have to be willing to ask this not so simple question. What are my spiritual gifts and how can I use them to have the greatest impact on the Kingdom of God? That is quite a question to ask and some might even feel like this is a question people spend most of their lives trying to answer. My response to this question is based on my personal experiences with finding God's calling on my life and I believe it can provide direction to those in search of following God's will for their lives.
I like to relate a spiritual gift to what a person is passionate about in life. I'm talking about a Godly passion that the good Lord has put on our hearts that is unique to who we are and how we think. In my life, this passion was found while attending our local church in Greensboro, NC. I can't overemphasize the importance of getting plugged into a good Bible based church. When you are serving the Lord in a local church, you start to find what spiritual gifts God has given you. The way you know it is a spiritual gift is because you'll get excited about getting involved in a specific activity and you can see the fruit of your labor. Romans 12:5 reminds us "so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." We all have a different role in the church and by every member participating, many parts are coming together to create the body of Christ. What an awesome thing to be a part of as you grow closer to God!
So I encourage you to get involved in a local church if you have not been going. Even if you are attending a church but are not serving, I encourage you to take a step of faith and go on a mission trip, feed the homeless at the shelter, sing in the choir, witness to the inmates at the jail ministry, volunteer in the nursery or maybe God is calling you to even teach a Sunday School class. So many ways to help your local church grow and in the process you are ultimately growing closer to the God of the Universe through your personal relationship with His son Jesus Christ. His best is waiting for you, all you have to do is meet Him halfway and answer the call He has put on your heart. Let's take a deep breath together and dare to tackle God's will for our lives and discover the very reason we were created in His image.
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.
I like to relate a spiritual gift to what a person is passionate about in life. I'm talking about a Godly passion that the good Lord has put on our hearts that is unique to who we are and how we think. In my life, this passion was found while attending our local church in Greensboro, NC. I can't overemphasize the importance of getting plugged into a good Bible based church. When you are serving the Lord in a local church, you start to find what spiritual gifts God has given you. The way you know it is a spiritual gift is because you'll get excited about getting involved in a specific activity and you can see the fruit of your labor. Romans 12:5 reminds us "so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." We all have a different role in the church and by every member participating, many parts are coming together to create the body of Christ. What an awesome thing to be a part of as you grow closer to God!
So I encourage you to get involved in a local church if you have not been going. Even if you are attending a church but are not serving, I encourage you to take a step of faith and go on a mission trip, feed the homeless at the shelter, sing in the choir, witness to the inmates at the jail ministry, volunteer in the nursery or maybe God is calling you to even teach a Sunday School class. So many ways to help your local church grow and in the process you are ultimately growing closer to the God of the Universe through your personal relationship with His son Jesus Christ. His best is waiting for you, all you have to do is meet Him halfway and answer the call He has put on your heart. Let's take a deep breath together and dare to tackle God's will for our lives and discover the very reason we were created in His image.
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.
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