Got Fruit?

During our trips to visit family in South Florida, I always enjoy getting to see the orange trees on the side of the highway. During a recent drive I couldn’t help but notice some of the trees were overflowing with sweet, juicy oranges while other trees were unproductive and empty. I started to think about how we are called as Christians to use our spiritual talents to glorify God. I’m reminded of John 15:5 when Jesus said “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

Now just about everyone has heard the saying “Got Milk?” but what about “Got Fruit?” I’m not talking about how much fruit you have in your kitchen or even how many serving of fruit you eat each day. What I am asking is if you have professed Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, are you actively pursuing being fruitful for the Kingdom of God? Is Jesus the vine in your life and are your branches being productive for His glory and honor? Look at what it says in John 15:8 “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” The whole basis of bearing fruit in our lives through actively pursuing our spiritual gifts is to bring the Father glory. It is how we actively live out our faith in Christ and offer everything to God as a big thank you for the sacrifice of sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins.

Notice what Jesus said in John 15:5 “for without Me you can do nothing.” That is something some people just do not like to hear but it is the truth. When someone is living their life apart from God, think about all that is being lost. Most importantly, their soul is not saved if they do not receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Secondly, think about the incredible opportunity that is being passed up to glorify God through the way they live their life. Our victories become His victories and when the going gets tough we have someone strong to lean on that will always be their for us.

When we bear fruit through Christ, we are becoming His disciples by putting feet and hands to our faith. We move forward with direction, intent and purpose to fulfill the very reason we were put on this earth. I have always been inspired, encouraged and motivated by Philippians 4:13 that says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I wonder if you believe that today. Are people in your inner circle saying there are things in your life that are not possible? I encourage you to ask yourself if you are truly seeking God and His righteousness first in your life. If you are, the fruit should be evident and your branches should be full.

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 www.playingforjesusministries.com.

What Do You Call Your Best Friend?

I love getting the opportunity to hear individuals share their personal testimonies or offer words of encouragement to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. There are always golden nuggets of information that can be extracted and utilized as we journey forward in this lifelong adventure of growing closer to Christ. This past Friday I got the opportunity to hear a gifted speaker share an incredible story about his thoughts on the judgment we will all face when this life comes to an end. Although there were many golden nuggets extracted from what he shared that day, this is what I feel compelled to share with you.

There was a specific point in the story where the arrival of Jesus was being announced and the heavenly angels started the introduction of all introductions. After all, He is the very Son of God! They proclaimed with all encompassing, heavenly resounding voices, “He is the First and the Last, The Beginning and the End, The Way, The Truth and The Light, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, Yahweh, Savior, Messiah, Comforter, Friend, Great Shepherd, Mighty Counselor, Great Jehovah, Mighty Lord (Can you imagine the anticipation of His arrival?), Author of our Salvation, King of Israel, Bread of Life, Creator, Deliverer (Would your Spirit be overcome with joy or would you be fearful of His arrival?), Faithful and True, Chief Cornerstone, Faithful Witness, Morning Star, Our Holiness, True Vine, Only Begotten Son of God, Living Stone, Lamb of God, He is Jesus Christ!”

It is hard for me to even fathom the applause and rejoicing over His arrival after what would be without a doubt an incredible and magnificent introduction. Although there are many more names to describe “Almighty God,” how long would that introduction last? How many names would be used that we never even thought of before or even heard? Would our chests be pounding with fear or with exaltation over getting to see the Creator of the Universe for the first time?

I share this with you because it reminded me of the importance of never forgetting my first love and best friend, Jesus Christ. All these names to describe the only person in the world that can transform and save anyone’s life. When we pray to God, do we think of Him as only Jesus or God? What if we really made an effort to think of all the wonderful and fascinating names He has been referred to in the Bible? I think our faith would grow deeper as a result of not only learning His many names but also understanding why He is described in such a way. What do you call your best friend? I hope and pray it is Jesus Christ : )

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 www.playingforjesusministries.com.

Spirit Led Life

Quick! What are the nine fruits of the Spirit? I wonder if I just caught you off guard or if you were able to repeat them without missing a beat. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Why does it matter whether we know the fruits of the Spirit and whether they are applicable to the law? The answers to those questions have the ability to significantly impact the remainder of your life and your effectiveness on Earth as a Christian.

I once heard a story about a person who said they have two dogs living inside of them. Everyone can relate to dogs in one way or another. The first dog is gentle, obedient and a joy to be around. The second dog is ferocious, unpleasant and often unpredictable. This person said these two dogs were at constant battle with each other day after day. The question was posed to him, who usually wins and he simply said, “the one that I feed more.”

Those two dogs represent the constant battle between the flesh and the Spirit. Prior to a person receiving Christ as their Lord and Savior, all they have is the flesh. When a person makes the decision to profess Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they receive the very Spirit of God. From that day onward, the constant battle ensues between the flesh and the Spirit.

I just love the answer that is given to the question of who usually wins. He says, “the one I feed more.” Think about that for a second. Let it really sink it and ask yourself this question, which dog am I feeding more on a daily basis? In other words, if the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit are two separate trails, do your eyes, ears, mouth, hands and feet closely follow the fruit of the Spirit trail? Are we indulging in our “self-centered human appetites” or acknowledging the presence of the Holy Spirit, desiring its leadership and following its lead.

When we are in tune with the fruits of the Spirit and choose a Spirit led life, those fruits can be manifested throughout each day which is against no law. Others will see them and catch a glimpse of Christ because He is literally living through us! You see, we cannot generate these fruits by ourselves. “They grow as the result of Christians letting the Spirit guide how they live.” Galatians 5:25 says, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Everyday we have the opportunity to become more like Christ (process of sanctification). What better way to achieve this than by focusing on consistently practicing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. That is a Spirit led 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 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.com.

Marvelously Average

The word average is something people typically do not like to be called. When we refer to a sports team that is average, it usually means is has won just as many games as it has lost. When applying it to an individual we typically think of someone that is in the middle of the bell curve for whatever area being tested or evaluated. A common definition of average is “The usual or ordinary kind of quality.” That makes me think of eating a forgettable meal or watching a run of the mill movie.

Have you ever taken the time to think of what average looks like through the eyes of God? We are all incredibly amazing when pondering on these facts regarding humans. In “The Purpose Driven Life” Rick Warren says “the average person possesses from 500 to 700 different skills and abilities.” He also states “Your brain can store 100 trillion facts…Your mind can handle 15,000 decisions a second…Your nose can smell up to 10,000 different odors…Your touch can detect an item 1/25,000th of an inch thick…Your tongue can taste one part of quinine in 2 million parts of water.” That certainly sheds a different light on how we define average compared to God.

Let’s take it a step further and discuss His plans for our lives. Romans 12:2 says “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Are we really being conscientious of our time and using it to renew our minds with God’s promises instead of falling for the lies of the world? Let’s never forget He has a remarkable plan for each of our lives. If we could put Romans 12:2 in an equation, I believe it would look something like this:

Good + Acceptable + Perfect Will/Renewal of Mind – Worldly Conformance =
God’s Plan for Your Life

1 Peter 4:10 says “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” As the old saying goes “Use it or lose it.” How different this world would be if we took more time to use our gifts to bless others. I think Paul says it best in 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” When we focus our attention everyday on becoming more Christlike, average in our eyes transforms into how God looks upon us as marvelously average.

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 www.playingforjesusministries.com.

Have You Given Up on Church?

Do you know anyone that has given up on going to church? Perhaps they say it is just not for them or maybe they had a bad experience that has not easily been forgotten. I recently received an email from an individual that said he has given up on organized religion. He stated his views are similar to Thomas Jefferson in that he believed in God but not in the church bureaucracy. Merriam-Webster defines bureaucracy as “a system of administration marked by officialism, red tape, and proliferation.” It would be interesting to know how many people quit attending church because of those three things.

Let’s put all the red tape aside and focus on the real reason we should go to church. Isn’t it really to feel good about ourselves? I hope you said “No” to that statement. The real reason is to worship God. Psalm 122:1 says “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” I can honestly say that when I wake-up on Sunday morning, I’m actually excited to go to church. I’m expecting God to show up as I do my best to honor and glorify His name. I have an intense desire to know Him better and love Him more everyday knowing that He created me for the very purpose of having fellowship with Him.

In addition to worshipping God, there is also a significant amount of fellowship taking place with other Christians. Romans 1:11-12 says “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established – that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” We should be excited to see our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ so we can encourage them in their faith and keep them in our daily prayers. They should also hold us accountable for how we are living our lives and vice versa.

I sincerely believe God created the church for a specific purpose. Romans 12:4-5 says “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” The church is the body of Christ. It is where we discover our spiritual gifts and determine how to best utilize them to have the greatest impact on the kingdom of God. As your spiritual gifts are discovered, a bright light shines on the meaning of your existence on this Earth. When your purpose is clearly defined, the days of chasing empty pursuits fade away.

If you are looking for the perfect church, it is going to be a long, frustrating search. Not one is perfect but the Lord, Jesus Christ. It is important to attend a church where Jesus is honored, the Bible is taught and fully believed, and everyone is welcomed. I encourage you to not lose hope of finding the church God desires more than anything for you to attend. If your attitude is right and your heart is open, you will constantly find new horizons appearing and doors opening as you follow His will and way.

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 www.playingforjesusministries.com.

Is Your Soul Satisfied?

Have you ever asked yourself that question before? As we move forward in this life, it is not uncommon to have to deal with periods of disenchantment. Series of high and lows that can be tied to anything from getting good grades in school to breaking up with your boyfriend or girlfriend. From getting that much needed raise at work to losing your job due to a struggling economy or worse, having failing health. There is no doubt that our feeling and emotions are significantly affected by such events and could even lead ourselves to possibly ask that question, “Is my soul satisfied”?

When I think of that question, I immediately think of Proverbs 27:7 that says “A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a bitter soul every bitter thing is sweet.” What exactly does a satisfied soul look like if we were to paint a mental picture? For me, Isaiah 49:16 describes something that not only puts my soul at ease but makes me feel safe, secure and totally satisfied. It says “See, I have inscribed you on the psalms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.” Imagine being inscribed on the hands of God! Our obstacles are His obstacles. If He is living in us through a personal relationship with Christ, we face our challenges and tribulations with the power of God on our side through the Holy Spirit.

What does a bitter soul look like? Proverb 27:7 says “to a bitter soul every bitter thing is sweet.” If your soul is not satisfied, you are going to look at different ways to fill it up. It is like putting water in a bucket that has a hole in it. It is going to get filled up but before long the water is going to leak out the hole. Do we get excited about buying new clothes or going on vacation? Of course, we do. That is our natural tendency. How excited are we about those new shoes after we have worn them for a year or the vacation after six months have passed from taking it? Probably not quite as excited. I’m obviously using examples that are on the light side but hopefully you get the picture.

When God is on our mind and lives in our heart, the bucket doesn’t get empty. It doesn’t need to be refilled. He has taken up residence within us and we are called His children and He is our Father. One who will never leave us or forsake us. It is comforting to know He is with me wherever I go and there is a place in His house for me. That is what I call an everlasting satisfaction : )

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.com.

Are You More Concerned About Living Biblically Correct or Politically Correct?

As registered voters all over the country submit their votes for the next President of the United States of America, I thought it would be fitting to talk about the difference between living biblically correct compared to politically correct. It has been said that if you want to get along with someone, you should leave topics related to religion or politics out of the conversation. Since I will be talking about both, perhaps we can agree to disagree on some of the differences and points I have outlined below.

When I think of living biblically correct I’m reminded of Psalm 40:8 that says “I delight to do Your will, O my God, and your law is written within my heart.” What exactly does it mean to delight in God’s will? I will be the first to admit I do not have all the answers in life; however, as the Holy Spirit guides these fingers typing and processes the thoughts in my mind regarding this question, I’m inclined to share Deuteronomy 26:17. It says “Today you have proclaimed the Lord to be your God, and that you will walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments, and that you will obey His voice.” As we personalize this Scripture in relation to how we live our lives, are we delighting in walking in His ways and keeping His commandments? Are we more concerned about what God thinks or what our society now considers the norm? What would God think about abortion or same sex marriages? These are questions you do not have to ask because He is clearly against both in the Bible.

As we consider what it means to live politically correct, I picture a country that is more concerned about not offending another person regardless of their moral compass than offending God. Instead of encouraging others to grow closer to Christ, these individuals are left to fend for themselves and continue in their destructive behavior and lifestyle. The word liberal is defined as “showing or characterized by broad-mindedness.” When we are tolerant to change that is against God’s laws and commandments, we find ourselves living politically correct.

As you stand in line to vote this election, I encourage you to vote based on the issues that are aligned with God’s laws. Of course, healthcare & economic growth are important for our society; however, issues like abortion and same sex marriages clearly go against God’s Word. The choice is ultimately yours to make and believe it or not, your vote does count.

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.com.

Amazing You

Have you ever thought how precious you are in the eyes of our Creator? Have you recently taken the time to gaze upon the countless stars that paint the night sky and ponder how God could possibly know you individually when the Universe is so vast and more than six billion people populate the Earth? I often think of Ephesians 2:10 when reflecting on those two questions. It says “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Let’s put aside for the moment the amazing fact that God created us in resemblance of His image to bless others through unselfish deeds. When we truly comprehend that He prepared all of this in advance of you being created, it ultimately reflects the distinct attributes of our sovereign God. He truly is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present and all-loving.

He has chosen not some of us but all of us to function as the body of Christ. The only requirement of us is simply accepting Him as our Lord and Savior. 1 Corinthians 12:12 says, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.” We all have the potential to fulfill a different role in regards to the body of Christ. If we submit to His will and commit to know and love Him more everyday, it will only be a matter of time before our spiritual gifts are revealed.

As we seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, let us utilize all of our spiritual gifts to have a profound impact on the Kingdom of God. Never forget that God’s thoughts towards you personally “cannot be recounted to you in order” and “are more than can be numbered” according to Psalm 40:5. In addition, Psalm 139:17-18 says “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand.” Just imagine walking on a beach and the number of sand particles if you were to attempt to count them. God’s thoughts towards you personally would far surpass that number. I’m personally humbled to know that He thinks of me so much and so often.

A fitting verse to leave you with can be found in 3 John 1:2 that says “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” Let us not neglect the condition of our souls. As we spend time studying, meditating and memorizing His Word, our souls can’t help but to prosper and grow. Let us be a blessing to someone else today and always remember how special we are viewed in the eyes of our Creator : )

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.

The Only Lasting Thrill to Live for in Life

The past two months I have been reading a book called “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis that has been both captivating and enjoyable. Although there are many interesting sections to discuss, there is one specific area related to thrills that I would like to share with you. I have already shared this with the inmates at the Greensboro Jail, our Homebuilder’s Sunday School Class at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church, the Winston-Salem Warthog players at Ernie Shore Field and will even be preaching a sermon on it in early August at the Contemporary Service at FABC. With that said, I pray this is something that will register with the readers of this newsletter.

Let me start by asking you what it is that gets you excited in life? What is considered a thrill that gets your blood pumping? Perhaps it is the idea of flying an airplane or visiting an exotic vacation destination for the first time. The question posed to you is how long will that thrill last? It very well could be for a short or long period of time but not for a lifetime. Eventually you will be chasing another thrill or trying to extend an existing one.

In “Mere Christianity” C.S. Lewis shares this regarding thrills:

“It is simply no good trying to keep any thrill: that is the very worst thing you can do. Let the thrill go – let it die away – go on through that period of death into the quieter interest and happiness that follow – and you will find you are living in a world of new thrills all the time. But if you decide to make thrills your regular diet and try to prolong them artificially, they will all get weaker and weaker, and fewer and fewer, and you will be a bored disillusioned old man for the rest of your life. It is because so few people understand this that you find many middle-aged men and women maundering about their lost youth, at the very age when new horizons ought to be appearing and new doors opening all round them.”

As I move forward in my life at 32 years of age, I want to find myself encountering new horizons and new doors that are opening as I enjoy the different stages of my life. As I reflect on Psalm 40:8 that says “I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is written within my heart,” I want to not only follow God’s will but delight in following it. May everyday be exciting, adventurous and full of God’s spirit as I pursue to fulfill His purpose for my very existence.

In closing, I hope your ultimate thrill is following God’s will for your life. The hardest thing just might be letting go and letting God. Can you imagine a thrill that doesn’t fade away and goes beyond this earthly life? It is here for the taking if we just submit ourselves to God and speak the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane “not as I will but as You will.”

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.

Why Should External Factors Affect an Internal Relationship?

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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"

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

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.

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

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.

How do you meditate on God's Word?

That was the question asked to me recently by a high school student athlete in North Carolina after speaking to a FCA Huddle Group. What a great question for a young man to ask that is looking to grow closer to the Lord. I told him that for myself, meditating on God's Word means taking a verse in the perfect, inspired Word of God (The Holy Bible) like Psalm 118:24 and committing it to memory. After that is complete, I find a quite place to reflect and repeat that verse to myself to find the deeper meaning God wants me to understand.

When I reflect on Psalm 118:24, "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it", I think of how each day is a new day created by the very hands of God. He has decided to allow the sun to rise and for the moon to set. He gently rolls the clouds across the sky and stirs the wind to rustle the trees. It is a fresh start to leave the past behind and move forward toward growing closer to our personal Savior, Jesus Christ. We should rejoice in the fact that God loves us so much that He has given us this very day to live. The question is how will we use this day to glorify Him in all we do and will we tell others about what He has done for 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 www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.