Monthly Archives: March 2014

1 Peter, Conflict, Integrity, Relationships, Unity

Dealing with Differences

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 Fred Phelps, the leader of a small congregation known for their controversial funeral-picketing activities, died last month. Ironically, the family announced there would be no funeral.

unity-in-the-bodyLet’s be honest, relationships are tough. Whether it’s your family or a friendship, every relationship takes time and effort in order to work. The same is true for the Church. It made up of people of different backgrounds, personalities and experiences. We each bring something unique to the table, and then we are commanded to love each other. How does that work? Won’t our differences cause arguments and division? They can, unless we all start from the same point – Jesus Christ.

In the book of First Peter in the Bible, the church is told to be of ‘one mind’. We are all supposed to lay aside our own thoughts and attitudes for the thoughts and attitudes of Jesus. How do we do this? As we read and study the Bible, our minds are transformed more and more. As we grow, we begin learning how to love, forgive, show compassion and have mercy. When we start with a desire to be like Christ, we end up united with our brothers and sisters who are doing the same. So today, if there is tension in a relationship, look to the Bible and begin loving like Jesus.

 Life Lesson: Unity in church starts with each person submitting to God’s Word.

 A number of the targets of Phelps’ picketing were quick to encourage others to forgive and put the past behind them. Pray that his church members read the same verses.

 
 
 

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1 Peter, Conflict, Love, Relationships, Unity

Two People – One Mind?

Dee’s family openly aired their disagreements. Jerome’s family did their best to avoid conflict. When they got married, you can imagine how that worked out.

 Let’s be honest, relationships are tough. Whether it’s your family or a friendship, every relationship takes time and effort in order to work. The same is true for the church. The body of Christ is made up of people of different backgrounds, personalities and experiences. We each bring something unique to the table and then we are commanded to love each other. How does that work? Won’t our differences cause arguments and division? They can, unless we all start from the same point – Jesus Christ.

In 1 Peter 3, the church is told to be of ‘one mind’. We are all supposed to lay aside our own thoughts and attitudes for the thoughts and attitudes of Jesus. How do we do this? We jump into God’s Word and in the process; our minds are transformed more and more into the mind of Christ. As we grow, we begin learning how to love, forgive, show compassion and have mercy. When we start with a desire to be like Christ, we end up united with our brothers and sisters who are doing the same. So today, if there is tension in a relationship, look to the Bible and begin loving like Jesus.

Life Lesson: Unity in church starts with each person submitting to God’s Word.

You’ll be happy to know that Dee and Jerome just celebrated their 30th year of marriage.

David McGee is the founder of Cross The Bridge Ministries as well as a pastor, teacher and author.  He may be contacted using the form below.

 


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Column #14-0304 (Life Lesson based on 1 Peter 3:8 teaching)
2 Corinthians, Integrity, Lies, Purity

Falsely Accused!

In 2007, Edgar was falsely accused of rape, was convicted and put in prison.

You can’t stop it from happening. You can try your hardest & do everything in your power to keep it from occurring but one day, it’ll happen. One day, someone is going to accuse you of something. Just look at Jesus. He lived a perfect life, healed people, raised the dead and taught about God’s love,  and yet the religious leaders accused Him of all sorts of things. If it happened to Jesus, then it can happen to any of us.

So how do we deal with accusations when we cannot control those who accuse us? We control ourselves and live in such a way that when people accuse us, other people dismiss it as a lie. After all, what use is an accusation when your life speaks of integrity, love and charity? It may not stop accusations, but it will remove some of their power to destroy. Live for Christ and allow Him to defend you.

Life Lesson: Live in such a way that people will not believe any false accusations against you.

Last week, Edgar was exonerated after six years in prison. His family knew he was innocent the whole time.

David McGee is the founder of Cross The Bridge Ministries as well as a pastor, teacher and author.  He may be contacted using the form below.

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Column #14-0303 (Life Lesson based on 2 Corinthians 12:16-17 teaching)
Control, Esther, Greed, Worship

What Controls You?

San Francisco entrepreneur Sam was so controlled by desires to live a millionaire lifestyle that he fraudulently raked in $31 million from investors with promises of incredibly high returns.

 What or who controls you?  Chances are that the person or thing that controls you is also the thing you worship. In our “enlightened” society we may not create idols of gold or silver but we still have 50 inch flat screens that we sit in front of for hours at a time. It may not be an object, it may be a person. Husband, wife, child or even a boyfriend or girlfriend could be elevated to the point of our worship. In short, anything we place above God in importance is an idol we are worshiping.

 In the book of Esther, Mordecai was commanded to worship Haman and yet he refused because he knew it was wrong. He was not going to allow himself to be controlled by an evil official. He knew what was right and therefore refused to worship anyone besides God. Friend, we can learn from Mordecai. If there is anything in your life that you may be worshipping, it’s time to stop. Ask the Lord to reveal to you any idols you may have created and seek God’s forgiveness and grace. He will gladly give it to you and help you to find the joy that comes from worshipping Him alone.

 Life Lesson: We are to worship, or be controlled by, God and God alone.

 Samuel Cohen’s life is now being controlled by officials at the Terminal Island Correctional Facility in Los Angeles, California. He’s scheduled to be released in November of 2029.

David McGee is the founder of Cross The Bridge Ministries as well as a pastor, teacher and author.  He may be contacted using the form below.

 


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Column #14-0302 (Life Lesson based on Esther 3:2 teaching)
2 Corinthians, Proverbs, Relationships, Tempers, Violence

A Gentle Answer


Screenshot 2014-03-05 01.14.14aAn elementary school in Georgia, an AK-47, 500 Rounds of ammo, and shots fired.  Antoinette tells the shooter, “We’re not gonna hate you, baby… It’s going to be alright sweetie… “

 Relationships are difficult. They require work, constant attention and above all, they should be filled with love. Of course, this is easier said than done in many cases. What happens when you dealing with a difficult person? Often, we begin identifying what is wrong with the other person, but what if we looked first at ourselves? What if we first asked, “How should I respond?”

 Proverbs 15:1 says “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” In our human abilities, we don’t feel like returning anger with a gentle answer, but it will put the fire out. A harsh word makes it escalate. It’s amazing how much the Bible mentions about the effect of our words. Watching your words can make your job better, relationships better and give you less regrets later. Do you want to change the people in your life? Start by changing yourself and the perfect place to begin is with your words. Respond in love, and God can do amazing things in all your relationships.

 Life Lesson: You can be changed today. Every relationship you have including your job can be improved today.

 20 year-old Michael surrendered to police without anyone being injured, thanks to the gentle answer and words of love shared by Antoinette– one courageous lady.

David McGee is the founder of Cross The Bridge Ministries as well as a pastor, teacher and author.  He may be contacted using the form below.

 


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Column #14-0301 (Life Lesson based on 2 Corinthians 12:19 teaching)