Believers Church Leander

01/10/2024

Patience:

Scriptures:
• James 1:2-4 NKJV My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. [4] But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
• Isaiah 40:28-31 NKJV Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. [29] He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. [30] Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, [31] But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Digging Deeper: To fully understand the value of patience I need to have a full grasp of what it means to be impatient. So, I start with some synonyms that help me form a more complete picture of what impatience looks like. (Can you relate to any of these?) (anger, annoyance, anxiety, edginess, nervousness, restlessness, uneasiness, agitation, irritability) When I think about this list, I realize that impatience poses a real threat against my peace of mind, and could possibly undermine my spiritual walk. I understand that I need to be a patient person; furthermore, I need to realize that there is a purpose behind the happenings of life that seem to test my patience.

James makes it clear: There is a clear “God” purpose behind many of the trials we experience in life. James goes even further, suggesting that we view these trials and tribulations with joy. Why should I express joy in the midst of my disaster? This goes against my natural human response. I'm not too fond of experiences that adversely affect my happiness. I do not like trials that cause me to worry and lose sleep. I do not like the negative effects of hardship! And yet…there is a purpose.

The purpose? The testing of my faith produces patience; and patience perfects the work that God is doing in me. Am I perfect and complete? (Not even close) Would anyone who knows me say, “Ron lacks nothing?” (That would be a big, “NO!”) That means that the refinement process must continue so that God can bring about the necessary changes.

There is an unanswered question: “What should I do, and how should I act when I am going through a crucible of fire?” I think the Prophet Isaiah points us in the right direction. Wait on God. Lean into Jesus. Pray and cast your cares on the One who makes intercession for you. Put your trust in the author and finisher of your faith. I know—it is easier said than done. Please note: Trials are a testing of faith. Do I put my trust in God? Do I believe that He will work all things together for my good? Do I believe that His grace is sufficient? Do I believe that God loves me? These rhetorical questions all answer with, “Yes!” In the face of the storm, I renew my strength, I mount up with wings as an eagle, I run with patience and I am unafraid.

01/09/2024

Reputation:

Scripture Reading:

• Proverbs 22:1 NKJV A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
• Ecclesiastes 7:1 NKJV A good name is better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one's birth.
• 1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
A bad reputation is hard to shake. Building a good reputation will take time; and in some cases, it may prove to be impossible to change another person’s opinion of you. Nevertheless, striving to establish a good reputation with others has great value. As Paul is giving sage advice to Timothy, notice that the focus is more on the example that Timothy will set, and less concerned about how he is received by others. How is Timothy to go about setting people straight concerning who he is? Paul advises him to conduct himself in such a way that no one has anything of substance to say against him.

So, here is a list of pro-activity that Paul challenges Timothy to live out:

• Be an example in what you say. According to James, the tongue (which refers to our ability to communicate) is powerful. It happens to be the most powerful member among our body parts. I can honestly say, the greatest challenges that I have faced in life were the result of speaking without adequate restraint. James 3:2 tells us that the individual who exercises control over what they say is perfect; and I would add, well on their way to establishing a good reputation.
• Be an example in conduct. For the sake of honesty let me say, “I am a hypocrite.” I’m not a hypocrite on purpose, it’s just the double standard by which I judge others and give myself a pass. I need to flip the script. Judge others with a ton of grace; and judge “me” with the measure of my calling to be a follower of Jesus Christ. I want to be like Christ enough that people can follow my example. (I’m not there yet!)
• Be an example in love. The standard of love is set for us as the Apostle Paul describes “Agape” in 1 Corinthians 13. Love (at least how it relates to others) requires me to hope for the best possible outcome in other people’s lives, and it compels me to pray that God makes it so. (Can I pray for my enemies—hoping for God’s best in their lives? That is the challenge)
• Be an example in spirit. In today’s America, I find myself trying not to act too spiritual. Which amounts to putting my light under a bushel. Most of us, including “yours truly,” probably do not have to worry about other people thinking that we’re too spiritual. We are generally too carnal, and “yes,” I’m talking about me, not you!
• Be an example in faith. If you “really” put your faith in God—you should be empowered to live a life without any significant fear. When others are running frantically in circles, convinced that the “sky is falling,” remind yourself that your life is built on THE Rock!
• Be an example in purity. As a career minister, if I want to totally destroy my reputation with friends, family, acquaintances, and everyone else, it only takes one step away from purity. In my lifetime, some very well-known spiritual leaders have fallen into immorality. Not only did it destroy their reputation, but it also forever put a stain on their legacy. (I do not want that to be me. “Lord, do not let that be me!”)

Author’s Note: Every follower of Christ should take Paul’s advice to Timothy and apply it to their lives. The Bible warns us that those who are teachers (spiritual leaders) face a more stringent judgment; therefore, Paul’s instructions must be taken very seriously.

12/25/2023

Wishing you all a "Merry Christmas" and a "Blessed New Year!!!"

11/01/2023

Most Americans celebrated Halloween yesterday; however, for many Christians, October 31 has another more important significance. Many Protestant churches around the world celebrate October 31 as "Reformation Day." Church tradition tells us that on this day in 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany. There are 5 important theological concepts associated with the Reformation. (Known as the 5 Solas of the Protestant Church. "Solas" is a Latin word which means "alone" or "only") 1) Grace alone, 2) Faith alone, 3) Christ alone, 4) Glory of God alone and 5) Scripture alone.

02/05/2023

Introduction to Frontiers.

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. And one out of every four people on earth is a Muslim. While more Muslims are coming to Christ than at any other…

02/05/2023

We are sorry that Believers Church was not able to meet this morning. Jon Hardin was scheduled to speak this morning--so, I recorded him this morning at my home. Jon and Linda Hardin have been serving for many years as Missionaries. Jon is sharing a story that illustrates how God works through missionary work. (This video will shortly be available in HD)

Jon tells a great story that reveals how God works through His people.

09/30/2022

There are two profitable times to praise the Lord. When we feel like it and when we don't!

Scripture Reading: Psalm 34:1-10 NKJV I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be...

09/29/2022

What role do I play in my own spiritual life?

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-7 NKJV Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, [2] To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy,...

09/28/2022

Where and when do you meet with God?

"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you,...

09/27/2022

Where is my safe place?

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Surely He...