A Life of Integrity

Abel Mutai, a Kenyan runner competing in a grueling international cross-country race, was mere yards from victory—his lead secure. Confused by the course’s signage and thinking he’d already crossed the finish line, however, Mutai stopped short. The Spanish runner in second place, Ivan Fernandez Anaya, saw Mutai’s mistake. Rather than take advantage and bolt past for the win, however, he caught up to Mutai, put out his arm and guided Mutai forward to a gold-medal win. When reporters asked Anaya why he purposefully lost the race, he insisted that Mutai deserved the win, not him. “What would be the merit of my victory? What would be the honor of that medal? What would my mom think of that?” As one report put it: “Anaya chose honesty over victory.”

Proverbs says that those who desire to live honestly, who want their lives to display faithfulness and authenticity, make choices based on what’s true rather than what’s expedient. “The integrity of the upright guides them” (11:3). This commitment to integrity isn’t only the right way to live, but it also offers a better life. The proverb continues: “But the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity” (v. 3). In the long run, dishonesty never pays.

If we abandon our integrity, short term “wins” actually yield defeat. But when fidelity and truthfulness shape us in God’s power, we slowly become people of deep character who lead genuinely good lives.

By:  Winn Collier

4 Practical Ways to Discern the Voice of God

1. Discern God's Voice Through Bible Study

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

Prayer

We can wrestle with what we are struggling to understand, asking God to answer and reveal things in prayer. Our connection with Him deepens as we dive into His Word. His voice will often pop right off the page with a direct answer to the stirring of our hearts.

Nothing is coincidental with our God. When we are intent on seeking Him, He is faithful to be found. Use the powerful tool of prayer, conversation with the one true God, to ask for wisdom in discerning His voice through Scripture.

Discipline

Jesus awoke early in the morning to be with and talk to God. If He needed quiet time with His Father, we should be wary to walk out into the world unarmed.

There is no way around the discipline of studying God’s Word. In order to hear His voice, we have to know what it sounds like. And to hear it, we have to quiet all other noise.

“For God’s voice to sink into our minds and hearts, His words have to be there frequently, and they have to stay a while,” writes Liz Ditty, highlighting the importance of meditating on God’s Word. “Eastern meditation is characterized by clearing your mind,” she explains, “but Christian meditation is about filling our mind with the words, thoughts and images of Scripture.”

Repetition

“Hearing the voice of God is about so much more than knowing what to do,” Cara Joyner writes. “It’s about relationship.”

Studying God’s Word isn’t just a task we can check off each day; it’s involving Him in our daily lives. When we repeatedly let Him into the cracks of our hearts, He starts to sweep them out and make them new.

Similar truths will start to wave flags of victory in conquered parts of our hearts. We will begin to remember and recall His faithfulness as He answers prayers and speaks to us through different seasons of our lives.

2. Discern God's Voice Through Others

“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26)

Service

Created in the image of the one true God, we are meant to honor Him in everything we do. A huge part of our faith is reflected in the way we treat and serve others.

Jesus said, next to the most important commandment to love God with all of our hearts, that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are placed in each other’s lives to teach, encourage, help, and hold each other accountable. When we are actively living a life of faith, He will connect a passage we read in the morning to a conversation with a friend.

Seeking God isn’t just absorbing scriptural truths; it’s allowing Him to extract what He has put in us and use it in the community He’s placed us in. The Bible tells us not to sit idle for good reason. When we move, our great God grows our faith and His voice becomes more recognizable.

Wise Counsel

Mentors in the faith are important. They can be found formally or organically, and as we seek more of God, we will find those people.

Prayerfully ask God to send spiritual mentors who can help you recognize God's voice and even speak His words into your life. We don’t need to seek out 'Pinterest-worthy' people; their lives will speak for themselves, and their knowledge of the word of God is vital. Their advice will come, not from their own prideful opinions, but from the truth of God’s Word coupled with real life experience.

3. Discern By Looking for the Good

“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)

When we diligently study the Word of God, praying for Him to reveal hidden things and involving Him in our daily lives, we stack bricks on a solid foundation of truth. As we diligently aim to know and live the truth, we are increasingly able to hear His voice.

“As we seek truthful things, we’re forced to confront our own falsehood,” writes Hannah Anderson. “As we pursue justice, we must grapple with our own injustice. And as we search for whatever is lovely, we learn to reject the tawdry and pragmatic for things of eternal worth and beauty.” The more we know God, the more we know how far we all fall short. Remembering who He is reminds us we are all forgiven and never loved less.

4. Discernment Rejects Perfectionism

“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7:24)

Perfection is impossible this side of heaven. One man, Jesus, lived a perfect life without sin. The more we learn to own and learn from our mistakes the wiser we will be.

Discerning, hearing God and understanding what He’s trying to say to us, requires our attention. Nothing gets our attention like pain. Painful circumstances cause us to focus intensely on Him for help. When we run from our mistakes, we are cheating ourselves of hearing Him.

“Discernment requires time and effort,” says Dr. Charles Stanley “You can’t simply move through life, thoughtlessly reacting to situations yet never learning from them. Take time to reflect on your responses and observe the consequences of your actions and choices. If you feel convicted by what you notice, let that motivate you to begin a lifelong pursuit of the Lord and His ways.”

Written by: Meg Bucher at Crosswalk.com

Published on: May 24, 2019

BreakPoint: Yes, Christians Do Hear God’s Voice

A Washington Post writer once said that evangelicals are “poor, ignorant, and easy to command.” Well, at least he didn’t say we were mentally ill.

Until now that is. On a recent segment of “The View,” Joy Behar took aim at Mike Pence’s belief that God speaks to him. Responding to a comment by another host, Behar said, “It’s one thing to talk to Jesus. It’s another when Jesus talks to you. That’s a mental illness if I’m not correct. Hearing voices.”

That’s a sign of how ignorant elites truly are about beliefs and practices common to something like two billion Christians.

I actually find it surprising that Behar, who claims to be Catholic, hasn’t found time in her seventy-five years to learn a little more about prayer.

Behar’s comment outraged Americans from coast to coast. Twenty-five thousand people let ABC know what we thought of a network that allows an employee to sneer at the way other people practice their faith.

The next day, Behar responded to her critics with a sarcastic clarification, saying, “I don’t think Mike Pence is mentally ill even though he says he is hearing voices.”

Wow. That’s some apology.

I’d like to propose a solution. I invite Joy Behar to spend some time looking into what Christians mean when they say they hear God’s voice.

She might start with the writings of J. Warner Wallace, a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center. In a piece posted by FOX News, Wallace notes that when Christians say, “God spoke to me,” they don’t “necessarily mean that God spoke audibly.”  Christians, he explains, “believe the Bible is the ‘word of God,’ and by reading it, [we] gain access to the mind of God.”

He points to 2nd Timothy, which notes that Holy Scripture is “God-breathed,” and Hebrews 4, which says “the word of God is living and active.” Reading these verses, one could see how Christians might legitimately say, “God spoke to me,” Wallace explains.

Second, God can use wise and mature advisors to teach us about God’s will–people who have invested long years reading and meditating over scripture. Wallace writes that a believer who says God spoke to her “may simply mean that one of God’s children provided them with Biblical wisdom.”

Third, God may speak to us through difficult experiences.  As C.S. Lewis writes in The Problem of Pain, “God whispers to us in our pleasures . . . but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

Fourth, God may indeed speak audibly to His followers. Many people have written about hearing God’s voice in a crisis. And in my own case, God spoke to me through an amazing, mind-blowing dream.

Bible-reading Christians know this. Open your Bible, and you’ll find all kinds of examples of each of the ways God speaks to His people—audibly, through prophets, and through the written word.

Finally, it’s worth reminding our media that, if Mike Pence is crazy for believing he hears God’s voice, then so are George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, FDR, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama—all of whom said they listened for the still, small voice of God.

I really do hope Joy Behar will give it a try.

And for more by J. Warner Wallace on Christian apologetics, please visit BreakPoint.org.

Written By: Eric Metaxas on BreakPoint.org

Published: February 27, 2018

6 Ways to Serve God in Day-to-Day Life

Many Christians consider going into full-time ministry at some point. It's almost a rite of passage for young believers. We spend years hearing how God is calling us to spread the Gospel, and honestly, can you imagine anything more exciting than sharing your faith in an exotic, far-flung country? The reality though, is that most of us will never go into missions work. We'll get normal jobs, start families, and maybe find a hobby in-between. How can we serve God in our daily routine? 

While it might not sound as particularly glamorous, an ordinary life still offers numerous opportunities to serve Christ. Here are just a few simple ways Christians can grow their faith in a day-to-day routine and discover the joy of serving God..

Invest in Other People

"The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Galatians 5:14

It's remarkable how often we interact with people but never make the effort to know them. The cashier at your favorite store, the woman who cleans your office, the man you pass on the way to work every morning; each of these individuals is someone God created and gave His Son for. Christians looking to share Christ can begin by forming relationships with the people around them. Ask them about their day, compliment their outfit, or simply take a moment and listen to them. By investing in other people, we open their hearts to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Offer Help Where It's Needed

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" – Matthew 25:40

There's an old saying about how an act of kindness, no matter how small, can never be meaningless. Even minor displays of love can change lives for the better. Do you know a couple who just had a baby? Take them a meal some night. Is someone moving into the house next door? Welcome them to the neighborhood and help carry their belongings.

Is someone you know sick? Perhaps offer to watch their children for a day so they can rest. Don't pass up an opportunity to help where it's needed. These moments may be brief, but they'll be remembered.

Seek Wisdom 

"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!" - Proverbs 16:16

Cars need gas, knives need sharpening, and Christians need to stay educated. It's tempting to leave this in the hands of our pastors, to simply ingest whatever they have to say each Sunday morning, but real wisdom has to be earned by the individual. Every Christian needs to spend time studying the Bible on his or her own, and supplement that knowledge with other readings from godly men and women. You can learn how to apply the truth of God's Word to everyday life. Remember, tests are easiest when you study for them!

Practice Hospitality

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." - Hebrews 13:2

When my grandparents were younger, they never let a Sunday go by without inviting someone new over for lunch. My grandmother would cook up an old-fashioned Sunday meal, complete with a big helping of my grandfather's favorite dish, rutabaga, and they would spend the day getting to know a member of their church.

There's a reason why Jesus frequently chose to share meals with his followers. Hospitality creates trust between strangers and builds bridges over the rough landscape of our lives. If Christians want to share God's love with their neighbors, they simply have to invite them over.

Show Forgiveness

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." - Mark 11:25

Forgiveness, true forgiveness, can be a difficult thing. As much as we like to believe we understand the concept of grace, some of us are still learning what it means to let go of our anger and pain. There are dozens of moments in life where even Christians would rather not show forgiveness: the guy who cut you off in traffic, the coworker who still hasn't sent you that important email, the friend who blows you off at the last minute. God teaches us that forgiveness means letting go of grudges, of the expectation for payback, and choosing love over retribution.

Make Space to Worship God

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." – Galatians 5:24-25

It's easy for Christians to get swept up into our daily schedules. We wake up, go to work, eat dinner, maybe watch some television, and prepare to do it all again tomorrow. In such an environment, we can often forget to worship Christ regularly, but that worship itself refreshes the soul. Before you step out the door each morning, sit down and take a moment to thank the Lord for a new day. If you work in a nice area, spend your lunch hour walking around and praising God for his workmanship. In the evening, make a space where you can be alone with God.

We are called to love God, so let us make time for Him. Start today in experiencing God's goodness and blessings as you seek to serve him daily. 

Written By: Moody Bible Institute Distance Learning on crosswalk.com

Published: September 30, 2015

The Armor of God- What It Is and How to Use It

We may forget at times but one thing is true - this world is a battlefield. Day by day, hour by hour, we face a spiritual war and an enemy who’s real. He wants nothing more than to bring defeat, for his main aim is to steal, kill, and destroy. The forces of darkness don't wait for us to be ready for their attack. They're ruthless, determined, and cunning.  The devil could care less if we "feel" prepared, or prayed up for our day.  In fact, he prefers we're not.

God has given us his Word and Spirit, powerful and true, so we'll have the wisdom and protection to stand against the enemy. As I read these verses this morning, the reality struck me again that Paul wrote them while in chains, in prison. But Truth says - this enemy we face, no matter how cruel and vicious his schemes, can never chain our spirits that have been set free by Christ. Paul was not silenced by the attacks from dark forces. Neither should we be.

What is the Full Armor of God? 

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Eph. 6:10-18

The Belt Of Truth

The Believer's Integrity - A soldier in Paul's day had a leather girdle or belt that he tightened about his waist to protect his loins and carry his weapons of warfare, such as a dagger or sword. The belt also held his tunic together so it wouldn't be snagged. In Christian armor, it is the integrity that holds everything else together. If you do not have integrity in the big and small things of your life, you are going to lose the battle. Would people say that you are a woman or man of integrity? If not, then you cannot win the battle.

The Breastplate Of Righteousness

The Believer's Purity - The breastplate of a soldier was sometimes made of woven chain and used to cover the soldier's vital organs. For the Christian, the breastplate is righteousness.

The enemy wants to attack you not only with lies, but also with impurity. He wants you to read filthy magazines, watch immoral movies, and engage in all temptations of the flesh. The bottom line is that Satan wants to get into your heart and mind. He's looking for a crack in your armor. And don't be fooled. Satan knows where that crack is. Is your heart pure before God? If not, then you cannot win the battle.

The Shoes Of Peace

The Believer's Tranquility - A Roman soldier's would have hobnails on the sole, very much like football cleats because when they were fighting they needed solid footing from which to move.

Unless you have a solid footing of peace, you can never make war. Sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it? When Satan comes against your tranquility, he throws out stones and briars of doubts and discouragement to cause you to stumble. Do you have peace right now? If not, then you cannot win the battle.

The Shield Of Faith

The Believer's Certainty - The Roman soldier's shield measured approximately two by four feet and was made of wood covered with leather. In that day, soldiers dipped arrows in oil, then lit them and shot them at the enemy. These shields were vital to protect the solider from getting burned.

Satan is going to fire flaming arrows of doubt at you. He wants to place subtle doubts in your mind about God and His Truth. He knows a spark can ignite a big fire. You will need to feed your faith and starve your doubts. Are there any seeds of doubt in your mind today? If there are, then you cannot win the battle.

The Helmet Of Salvation

The Believer's Sanity - A soldier used a helmet to protect his head because if his head was wounded, he wouldn't be able to think. Every believer needs to have the mind of Christ under the control of Almighty God.

When a person is saved, for the first time he has his right mind. A person withoof the Spirit ut the Lord Jesus Christ has a form of insanity. They do not operate with the mind that God made them to have. The most important thing for you to have at all times is an assurance of your salvation. Do you know that you are saved? If you aren't, then you cannot win the battle.

Sword of the Spirit

The Word of God  - When we are tempted, the most effective weapon that God has given to us as believers is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Jesus modeled this so beautifully during His temptation in the wilderness. When the devil tried temptation after temptation against Him, Jesus used the sword of the Spirit. Jesus spoke the Word of God to Satan. In Luke 4:1-13, Jesus responded, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord God only. Him only you shall serve.” and again brought the Scripture back into context, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”

The sword of the Spirit works. Memorize Scripture and use the Word of God to defeat Satan's lies and attacks.

God has a plan for our lives. The enemy has a plan for us too. We just have to decide which voice we’re going to listen to, and who we're going to choose to follow each day. And chances are, if we don't make a determined choice to follow God, we may eventually fall into the evil one’s trap. God gives specific instructions in his Word, he gives us all we need to stand strong in this life. Yet all too often we race through busy, full days, ill-equipped, unprepared, or simply not aware of what we’re up against, or who the real enemy even is. 

If you're a believer living like salt and light in this dark world, you won't go for long without encountering obstacles and attacks he'll hurl straight your direction. This battle is real, it’s intense.

Focusing here today, putting on His armor, staying alert, and praying, that God will equip believers everywhere to "stand strong."

Source: Crosswalk.com

Written By: Debbie McDaniel