April 2013
Everything that is free is not free.
Across the body of Christ, there are many ministry leaders and churches giving away various resources for ‘free.’ A few definitions of free (according to Dictionary.com) are:
- provided without, or not subject to, a charge or payment: free parking; a free sample.
- not subject to special regulations, restrictions, duties, etc.
- not subject to rules, set forms, etc.
- without cost, payment, or charge.
Leaders and churches are giving away these resources (i.e. books, slides, pictures), but not without YOU giving some form of your personal information. In exchange for the free resource, they ask that you subscribe to their newsletter/website/church by providing your name, e-mail address, etc. These resources are used to lure you to support an organization or person that you would not have previously. Then, you are subjected to continuous e-mails about their ‘for-profit’ items seeking to make merchandice of you:
I received a question from a friend on Facebook:
Besides the Word, what makes preaching effective? (paraphrase)
Here was my ‘seven’ cents:
- The Spirit’s power (1 Corinthians 2:4, 4:20).
- Not trying to please people (Galatians 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:3-5; James 4:4)
- Following the Holy Spirit’s direction for the message (especially when it’s not what you studied).
- Knowing that preaching is not about you (and your style of preaching/dress), but the One who called you (1 Corinthians 1:17).
- Being humble.
- Not looking at the number of people coming to the altar as a ‘sign’ of your ‘success.’
- Knowing your ‘success’ comes from being obedient and faithful to the Lord, not in what others say about your preaching (Matthew 25:14-30).
Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/axcvilla
Ephesians 5:15-16 – See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
1. Make the most of every opportunity. There are 1,440 minutes in each day. Everyone receives the same amount. The difference is how each person uses those minutes.
- You can use a minute (or more) to pray.
- Help someone in need.
- Give of your time and talent.
- Spend quality time with your family.
- Mend a bad (or strained) relationship.
Some opportunities come and never return. Don’t waste the moments you have, make every minute count.
John 3:20-21 – For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Many people live with hidden sins. There’s a great sense of fear, terror, and shame drives us to remain silent because we don’t want that part of our lives to be exposed. When we live in this manner however, we allow sin to live and breed in the darkness of our mind, will, and emotions. We allow sin to have its greatest victory over us, where we become its slave (John 8:34; Romans 6:16).
Sometimes we’re so ashamed that we refuse to speak about our sin to the Lord, who knows and sees all (Psalm 44:21, 139:7-12).
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