The Power to Impact

Revelation 12:11
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

The Christian life can certainly seem overwhelming at times, and it can seem that we have no power to overcome the forces of this world. The verse above debunks the thought that the Christian is powerless. God shows us that we can overcome Satan and any force he may use. God does not leave the Christian powerless; instead, He gives them the power to overcome Satan and his accusations.

The Significance of Influences

Psalm 144:11
“Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:”

One of the common warnings throughout my ministry is to guard your influences. I have watched many people destroy their reputation and future because of wrong influences. It doesn't matter who you are, you are being influenced by someone. Your influences determine your direction. They influence you to either do the right thing or the wrong thing. The importance of keeping the right influences can't be over emphasized.

Identifying Tendencies of Apostate Teachers

Jude 1:4
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Book of Jude is an exhortation to “contend for the faith.” God knows that the Devil uses any way possible to change the faith. One of those ways is by using teachers, who seem sincere and trustworthy, to turn you away from the faith.

Roles of a Happy Marriage ​​

1 Peter 3:1
“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;”

Marriage is one of those relationships that can be thoroughly enjoyed if both husband and wife will fulfill their roles. The world has tried to redefine the roles of the spouse, but their redefinition has led to many dysfunctional marriages and divorce. The first seven verses of 1 Peter 3 show the roles that both a husband and wife must fulfill to have a happy marriage.

Choices

Hebrews 11:25
“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;”

You make choices every day. You choose every morning whether or not to get up when the alarm goes off. You choose which route you will take to work. You choose whether or not to respond to situations in which you are involved. You choose to obey or not obey the speed limits along the route you travel.

The Confidence of Blameless

Titus 1:7
“For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;”

God said, “…If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” (1 Timothy 3:1) There is no greater desire for anyone than for them to desire to represent Christ through the office of the pastor. However, with great privilege comes great responsibility. It is the responsibility of the one who desires that office and holds it to live a blameless life.

Making Your House a Great House

2 Timothy 2:20
“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.”

Have you ever visited someone’s home as a child, and when you saw something, you went to reach for it only to be told, “Don’t touch it.” Everyone has those one or two things you have on display in your house that you don't want anyone touching because they are considered valuable or irreplaceable.

A Fulfilling Day

1 Thessalonians 4:17
“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

The promise of the LORD’s return is nearing. When Jesus left His disciples and ascended to Heaven, He promised that He would “come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11) The verse above talks about that same day. He promises that we will “be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” When you read about this day, you see that this day will fulfill many things. Let me show you five things about this day and what it will do for you.

Bible Thoughts by Terry Hedderman

Tuesday, 6/28/16  Ps 119:19, I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. Are you more of a stranger to the ways of the world or to the ways of God? Which do you spend more time studying and indulging in?               2 Tim 3:14, But continue thou in the things which thou ast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. What did you used to do for God that you no longer do? Was your initial choice not well thought out and Bible based...or is your current choice that way?