Strongholds are deeply entrenched patterns of thought, behavior, or spiritual influences standing in opposition to the knowledge and will of God.
As we discuss this subject, I’m aware of many great books on the subject that are worth reading. Equally, there is a bunch of nonsense written by perhaps well-meaning scholars who have gone to extremes. Suffice it to say that strongholds can be personal sins, collective cultural practices, or ideologies that lead individuals and communities away from a life aligned with Scripture and the character of Christ. Wherever we find a stronghold, we find Christ ready to provide a way out. “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him...” (Nahum 1:7 NIV) CHRIST-FOLLOWERS ARE AT WAR Strongholds are mostly ideological and spiritual. They are "arguments" and "pretensions" that oppose the knowledge of God. "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV) We are equipped by Christ with His spiritual weapons, endowed with divine power, to overcome strongholds. It is important to realize that our spiritual warfare is fought in the realm of beliefs, thoughts, and understandings, in the unseen but very real realm of the spiritual world. For me, I don’t think enough about this war, so I am grateful that Christ has led me today to dig into this subject. After I finish capturing what I believe the Lord wants me to say today, I am going to pray over my family, that we be protected from any and all attacks of Satan and his demons. We are at war. Let’s not forget that. SATAN IS CONSTANTLY SENDING DEMONIC ATTACKS AGAINST US I often forget that there is a war going on between Satan and Christ. Total, despicable, hateful, diabolical evil versus total, pure, absolute, perfect good. "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." (Ephesians 6:12 NIV) We must overcome the influences and powers that can act as strongholds in our life or community, actively resisting and overcoming that which tries to deter individuals and communities from this path. I heard a sermon recently where the pastor said that Satan can’t be everywhere, and that is true. However, he does not have to be. He is the CEO of Satan, Inc. His organization is made up of demons. He can be in one place, but be sending out demons in every direction to attack Christ-followers. We can see the results of these attacks as we watch an epidemic of seemingly Godly pastors fall into sins that disqualify them from vocational ministry. It is a bloodbath and it’s getting worse by the day. Or we see Christian marriages blowing up everywhere, with a 50% divorce rate, equal to the non-Christ-following world. Marriages are under attack. Our pastors are being spiritually slaughtered. Don’t tell me that there is not a war going on. The proof is everywhere if we would just look. And the fall of a pastor, like the fall of a marriage, or that of any individual usually begins with a stronghold. IDENTIFYING STRONGHOLDS Tomorrow, I will address the “how” of identifying strongholds in Part 2. And in Part 3, I’ll give you methods to overcome them. Stay tuned. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 28, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Stressors are ubiquitous; they come in all shapes and sizes. They can arise from both positive and negative experiences, from moments of joy to those of sorrow. Every change, no matter how small, can act as a stressor, much like the relentless crashing of ocean waves. For some, even minor stressors can have a significant impact, knocking them off balance.
Change, in particular, serves as a major stressor. Personally, I find myself emotionally fragile, susceptible to being overwhelmed by the waves of change that sweep into my life. While others may navigate through these stressors with ease, I often find myself struggling to stay afloat. Currently, I find myself grappling with the weight of a significant change in my life. A trusted assistant who has been by my side for four years has recently decided to pursue vocational ministry, leading to her resignation. Despite her willingness to assist with the transition, I am feeling the full force of this stressor, causing considerable distress. What I wish to convey is that stressors are an inevitable part of life. They come in various forms, including moments of happiness such as weddings, the birth of a child, or starting a new job. How we handle these changes is what defines stress. Saying, "I feel stressed," essentially means, "There is a stressor that I am struggling to cope with, and it is manifesting as emotional and mental distress." THE BIBLE, STRESSORS, AND STRESS The Bible offers profound wisdom and guidance on navigating life's stressors. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) advises, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." When faced with overwhelming stressors, we are not left alone. Instead, we are encouraged to bring our concerns before God in prayer, with a heart filled with gratitude. Through this, we invite God's peace to reign in our hearts and minds, providing stability amidst life's tumultuous changes. Further guidance is found in Matthew 6:34 (NIV), where Jesus acknowledges the presence of stressors but urges us not to be consumed by worry: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Instead of dwelling on future uncertainties, we are called to focus on the present moment, trusting in God's provision for each day. As believers, we are reminded of the importance of casting our burdens upon the Lord in 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV): "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." We can rest assured of God's care and concern for us, prompting us to entrust our worries and stresses into His loving hands. CONCLUSION While stressors are unavoidable in this imperfect world, we can find solace in the promises and teachings of Scripture. By seeking God in prayer, trusting in His provision, and surrendering our burdens to Him, we can find strength and peace to endure life's challenges, even amidst the most tumultuous storms. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 27, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. We are saved by faith, and saving faith produces good works. Those who lack works prove that they lack saving faith. For Scripture is clear: "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." (James 2:26 NIV)
The vast majority of Christ-followers today have it easy, myself included. Most of us rest in the generous grace Christ has bestowed on us and do not feel the need, let alone the pressure, to perform good works for Christ’s Kingdom. We are saved, and we are glad, and rest in that assurance of salvation. However, I do not see modern-day Christians necessarily motivated to become uncomfortable in order to actively work in fulfilling the Great Commission we have been given by Jesus Christ, our Teacher and Master. I pray that God will help us to become uncomfortable with being too comfortable, and that we become more willing to sacrifice our comfort for the greater good of the realization of Christ’s mission. His rallying cry for each of us is win-build-send. WIN-BUILD-SEND We are all called to actively help win people to Christ (WIN), help build them up in having deep and mature faith in Christ (BUILD), and fully equip and send them out to make disciples and do likewise (SEND). I am not saying that if you are not actively involved in Win-Build-Send then you are not a true believer. But I am saying that the Holy Spirit may not be totally free to do good works through you, and that you may not be fully alive in Christ. Or, I may be wrong, and you are in fact dead as you read this. I don’t know the condition of your soul. That is between you and your Maker, the author and perfecter of your faith. For sure, many who call themselves a Christian are fully dead and have only taken the name, but not the relationship. They are CINOs. Christians-in-name-only. I truly hope that is not you. FULLY ALIVE IN CHRIST What does it mean to be "fully alive in Christ?" Is it not a binary thing? Either you have Christ, or you don’t? Scripture tells us that there is a maturation process that occurs in Christ-followers, and that the more mature we become in Christ, the more we will be involved in partnering with Christ in His plan for us and the world. For me, to be fully alive in Christ is a day-by-day, moment-by-moment experience. It is not at all binary in the least. There are varying degrees of aliveness depending on the degree of me that is involved in the equation. "Less of me, more of Christ" is my rallying cry, and it works when I surrender to Christ and let Him have His way with me. Conversely, when I take control, my works do not honor Christ. Just the opposite, they are honoring me. Are we building idols, trying to be an idol, or worshiping the one true God who is the end all, be all for our existence? If we are honest with ourselves, too often we are giving lip service to our Christian walk, and not taking enough actions. Let us cast down every pretense that gets in the way of our good works for Christ’s greatest glory. CONSISTENT, DAILY ACTIONS I would submit to you that the more consistently we take daily actions to help expand Christ’s kingdom here on earth, the more fully alive we will be in Christ. Corresponding to this "being" will be our "doing." We will naturally do the things of the Spirit, and be less concerned about doing the things of the flesh. Our human desires will be less of a driver, and the Holy Spirit inside of us will be more in control to take us where Christ wants us to go. Where that is only God knows, but it is up to us to try to discern and follow God’s Plan, with a capital "P." We can’t very well do GOOD WORKS if we are not relatively dead to our selfish, self-centered desires and alive to Christ. We are all called to do good works to honor our heavenly Father. Jesus Christ demonstrated this during his three short years of ministry on earth. We constantly see Christ Jesus deferring to God the Father, and so should we. With the time we have left, let us dedicate this short stint on earth to invest in the treasures waiting for us with Christ in eternity. May our works glorify Christ our King! Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 26, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Raised to believe God is a punishing, vengeful, and angry Supreme Being, I was afraid of Him. That fear manifested as great reverence, respect, and awe of this Deity who determined how long I would suffer in Purgatory before I could get to Heaven.
SEEING GOD’S GOODNESS As I came to know Jesus Christ as revealed in the Gospels, a different picture emerged. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV). Finding progressively greater amounts of rest in the goodness of Christ, I now see God’s great goodness. With the tremendous suffering in our world today, it is easy to miss the totality of God’s goodness. We must remember, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations" (Psalm 100:5 NIV). Our generation seems more depraved than any before it, but God remains the safe place we can go for comfort and nurturing as our soul aches from seeing man’s total depravity against others. "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him" (Psalm 34:8 NIV). Yes, this daily quiet time with Christ is my refuge. This is where I experience God’s great goodness the most. THANKING GOD FOR BEING GOOD TO US Having an attitude of gratitude is essential for me to fully understand just how good God is. "The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made" (Psalm 145:9 NIV). I am so grateful that our Father in Heaven is not the God of my youth. I now know that "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love" (Psalm 145:8 NIV). Christ Jesus demonstrated His goodness and that of our Father countless times, so that we would not be able to miss the true goodness of God. "When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick" (Matthew 14:14 NIV). TRUSTING GOD As we reflect on God’s absolute, total, never-ending goodness and love for us, we can rely on Him for everything. In short, we can trust Him in the good times and bad. In our joy and sorrow. In our triumphs and defeats. For “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him" (Nahum 1:7 NIV). Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 23, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Our Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ who go to church every morning and receive communion are in a daily routine attempting to honor and worship God. We can learn a lot from them regarding the discipline and devotion to dedicate time for connecting with God.
Evangelical Christians have our own unique way of having daily communion with Christ. It is affectionately known as a “Quiet Time” where we spend time with God, generally first thing in the morning, or at the end of the day. TITHING OF TIME I look at the first hour of my day as belonging to the Lord. It is not mine. I have surrendered that to Him. There are many other things I could do with that hour that don’t get done as a result of taking this time to sit in communion with Christ. Don’t let the prospect of an hour time-block overwhelm you. I suggest starting with a 15-minute dedicated time and then gradually increasing it to 30 minutes. For some, bookending your day with 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening might work really well. I have been striving for a long time now to spend time with Christ at the end of every day as well. I have been unsuccessful in making this into a habit like I have with my morning tithe of time to Christ. Pray for me that I would have the discipline to avoid reading the news and give that time to Christ instead. We have to be willing to give up certain things to fit in a daily tithe of time to Christ, and I know it is not easy. I struggle like you with this, and I especially have compassion for those with young children. They can demand so much of our time, and the idea of quiet time can seem like a fantasy. However, if we humble ourselves and ask Christ for help and are sincere in receiving this help, God will answer our prayer. But we have to give up something. In your case, it may be sleep. In my case, Internet news channel surfing. A DAILY DISCIPLINE There are some things that have to happen for you to make this a daily discipline. Either your heart has to change, and your thinking will follow, or your mind has to change, and your heart will follow. In either case, it will result in the action of actually having a dedicated, special time of daily communion with Christ. Cognitively (our thinking) can change. We can come to an intellectual reasoning and rationale for dedicating time for Christ every day. You’ve heard the expression: “Where the head goes, the body will follow.” You can lead yourself into this positive behavior by coming to believe that it is the right thing to do. For those who are more thinking-oriented (analytical), this is a great approach. Perhaps you might consider a self-directed Bible study of all the passages in Scripture where we see Christ getting alone and praying. I firmly believe it is safe to assume that He did so on a daily basis. This is not to say you can’t be in communion with Christ throughout your day, as I’m sure Jesus was with Father God. I’m just advocating for a special, dedicated quiet time where you practice the elements of daily communion, which I’ll list in the last section of this article. Emotionally (our heart) can change. We can come to an emotional decision that is based on love and devotion for Christ. Because of how these special times with the Lord make us feel, we can desire more and more communion with God our Father, Christ Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. This tremendous emotional reward we receive from this quiet time can and will change our thinking from “I don’t have time for this” to “My heart has to have this time of being nourished by the one who loves me more than anyone.” You can think your way into feelings, or feel your way into thinking, but the end result will be action. And the action in this case results in powerful communion with our Creator, God Himself. There are a number of elements in this discipline. We’ll end with a list of what I’ve discovered over the years of having this special time of communion. I’m sure there are other elements I am missing in my time, that you may have in yours. Please write me and let me know what they are. For example, I don’t have singing worship songs on my list. Sometimes I do this, but it is not the regular elements that make up my time of communion. Someone else may tell you that it is their primary element. I am not meaning to be didactic here. Follow the Holy Spirit that lives inside of you, and your quiet time will evolve as God leads it to. ELEMENTS OF A DAILY QUIET TIME Following are seven key elements that can be part of a Christ-follower’s daily communion with God:
Try having a daily time of quiet communion with Christ. See what happens. And if this is something you want, don’t give up until it becomes a habit. You’ll be glad you did and find yourself even more blessed than you already are. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 22, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV)
Lord, thank You for Your Holy Presence. I am Yours, and You are mine. I strongly sense that You are doing a brand-new thing inside of me, and for this, I am very grateful. I am excited, encouraged, and enthusiastic about the “new thing” You are doing. Father God, Your timing is always perfect. Often, we desire “our timing,” “our schedule,” and “our way.” However, Your ways are always much better. Yes, child. My ways are not your ways. “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8 NIV) My ways are perfect. You will fully realize that when you are in Heaven with me. Then, we can commune perfectly. HEARING CHRIST This morning, a slight detour occurred, where I believe I received an answer to a question I have had for some time. Perhaps you have also wondered the same thing: “Why doesn’t God speak out loud to us? After all, He is God. He can do this if He wants.” Here is a transcript of this morning’s dialogue I had with Christ on this topic: Lord, why won’t You let me hear Your audible voice now? Child, I want My people, who are called by My name, to seek Me with all their heart. “... if my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV) Seek Me with all your heart. Listen carefully, and you will commune with Me. Lord Jesus, that is the best explanation I have ever heard for why You don’t simply speak out loud to us. It makes a more compelling case than ever for us to have a daily, extended time of prayer, Bible reading, meditating on Your Word, and listening to You. You are Spirit, My child. As Spirit, you are to worship Me in all things. This daily time with Me is a way of worshiping and honoring Me. “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” (John 4:23 NIV) DWELLING ON THE PAST We can learn from the past, but we should not dwell on it. God is doing a new thing every day in each of our lives, and we can praise Him for that. Every day is new and fresh with Christ. Every time we open our eyes, we have a brand-new day to walk in the newness of Christ. As Christ-followers, we firmly believe in the transformative power of God's Word and the ever-renewing grace that flows from His presence. While we honor the lessons and wisdom gleaned from history, our faith calls us to embrace the present moment with hope and anticipation. In the Scriptures, we are reminded that God is constantly at work, ushering in new seasons of growth, redemption, and revelation. Therefore, let us not be bound by the chains of the past, but rather, let us fix our gaze upon the boundless possibilities of the future that God has in store for us. FOCUS ON TODAY AND TOMORROW Each day is an invitation to walk intimately with our Savior, to experience His love afresh, and to partake in the divine adventure of becoming more like Christ. So, let us rejoice and give thanks for the unparalleled gift of each new day, wherein we can witness God's unfailing faithfulness and actively participate in His glorious unfolding plan for our lives. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV) CONCLUSION Let us not dwell on the past. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV) Let us learn from history, but realize that our past does not determine our future. Let's enjoy the gift of this new, fresh moment with Christ, let the past be the past, and fully embrace what Christ has for us today. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 21, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Being insulted can be a tremendous blessing and a great opportunity for spiritual growth for Christ-followers.
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV) RESPONDING TO OFFENSES In the Christian community, sometimes we offend others, and sometimes we are offended. How we respond to these offenses often determines the degree of unity or disunity in the body of Christ. It is easy to see the disunity of the global Church today. Consider how many denominations there are. Christ-followers are far from being unified. Also, consider the internal strife, rifts, and splits within denominations, where there is painful disunity. Finally, within each local church, there are strong disagreements between two well-meaning believers. I’ve heard these characterized recently as “Paul and Barnabas” situations, but my experience is that they are more than that. There are real insults being tossed back and forth, from the macro of denominational turf wars to the micro-example of two ministry leaders in a local church who can’t seem to get along. How we handle perceived or real insults either positively or negatively impacts the unity of believers. This morning, in my quiet time, I was reading in John about the unity that Christ wants us to have. Consider His words: “I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:23 NIV) LETTING GO OF MY RIGHTS For me, practically speaking, this concept of suffering for good is new to me. I’m someone who wants to see justice done. If there is an insult thrown my way, real or imagined, directly addressing it is my instinctive response. However subtle they may be, insults can hurt. Being slighted, no matter how little, can leave a bruise on our heart. It is tempting to return the perceived attack with a slight of our own. But there is a better way that honors Christ and brings us great blessing. God is teaching me to let go of my “rights” and to suffer in silence instead of repaying insult with insult. And, even more, to pray for that person and bless them. This is truly transformational, and if we could all do this consistently, we would have much greater unity in the body of Christ, today’s global Church. CONCLUSION Being wounded in the Christian community is commonplace. We are all sinners. Even the most well-meaning Christ-follower can wound a fellow believer. How we respond to getting our feelings hurt impacts the unity of Christ-followers. Embracing Christ’s teaching of repaying insults with blessings is a game-changer, between individuals, factions within denominations, and between denominations themselves. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 20, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Have you ever desired less? Yesterday’s devotional was about “More.” I find it fitting that today’s is about “Less.”
As I opened God’s Word during prayer, the notion of “less” came to mind. While reading the Old Testament, I was struck by how patient God was with our perpetual rebellion. Everywhere I looked, the same theme resonated: we needed less of our flesh and more of God’s Spirit. It appears that all God requested from us was to praise and worship Him, and Him alone. Yet, we surrounded ourselves with “More.” • More idols • More idol worship • More rebellion Why do we struggle so much with obedience? Why is it challenging to have “Less Flesh”? For those of you who are consistently obedient, why did it take you so long to become pure and holy (said facetiously)? “As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one ...’” (Romans 3:10 NIV) Why don’t we fall on our faces the moment we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, and metaphorically, remain in that position? Upon reflecting on Christ’s majesty, why don’t we immediately prostrate ourselves in total humility before this all-powerful, loving, and comforting Supreme Being who created us? Is not our destiny in His hands? Is Christ not worthy of worship from sunrise to sunset? What holds us back? If you asked me, I would admit to having too much of myself and not enough of Christ in the equation. LESS OF ME; MORE OF CHRIST I feel as though I'm playing a game of Whack-a-mole with selfish, self-centered behavior. By the Holy Spirit, I overcome sin in one area of my life, only for it to resurface in another. Why can’t all these tendencies remain buried with me when I was baptized with Christ? There is still too much of “me” involved in running “my life.” And this very realization provides the answer to my problem - I still perceive this as “my life,” which I offer part of to Christ, rather than Christ's life, which He imparts to me. We need less of ourselves and more of Christ. We can achieve this by flipping the script. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 NIV) BURIED IN CHRIST One crucial passage that elucidates this concept is found in Paul's letter to the Romans: "Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:3-4 NIV) Just as Jesus died and was buried, we Christ-followers are united with Christ in His redemptive work. And we were raised as Christ has been raised, "having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12 NIV) We are united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. This truth is nothing short of amazing and should transform every thought, every action, and completely control how I live my life. But it doesn’t, and that is sin! So why do I keep sinning? DYING DAILY TO SELF The issue is that only part of me is dead to sin. Here is the good news: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20 NIV) But here is the bad news: The old man in me is still alive. I echo the Apostle Paul’s words: “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:19 NIV) Despite my best intentions and my sincere desire to live a life that honors God, I find myself continually grappling with the sinful inclinations of my flesh. Yet, in the midst of this struggle, I cling to the hope found in Christ. Though the old man may still exert its influence, I am reminded that I am no longer enslaved to sin. As Paul declares, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2, NIV) In Christ, I find forgiveness for my past failures, strength for my present struggles, and hope for my future transformation. It is through His indwelling presence and the power of the Holy Spirit that I am enabled to crucify the flesh and walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). Day by day, as I fix my eyes on Jesus and walk in obedience to His Word, I am being conformed more fully to His image. CONCLUSION The never-ending tension between our “old man” and our “new creation” identity may persist, for our flesh is stubborn and does not die easily. However, we take heart in the assurance that God is at work within us, accomplishing His purposes according to His perfect timing. I do have a solution to offer, and that is the daily time of surrender first thing every morning. Many Christian teachers say it does not matter when we have our daily quiet time, so long as we have it. I beg to differ. I don’t think there is a substitute for a time first thing in the morning, as we surrender our day to Christ. Consider the example Jesus Christ gave us: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35 NIV) As I surrender myself afresh to Him each day, I trust that He will continue the good work He has started in me until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). I trust that is true for you as well, my friend. May His grace sustain us and His Spirit empower us as we become less of our “flesh” and more like Him, every day. One day at a time. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 19, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Have you ever desired more? More of something already in your possession? And have you found yourself longing for this "more," even when it's unnecessary? Personally, I often wrestle with the desire for "more."
Even pursuits seemingly virtuous, such as desiring "more time with God," can disturb our peace. Why? As always, the answers to life's challenges lie within God's Holy Word. Let's explore Scripture for insight into this longing for "more" versus contentment with what we have. CONTENTMENT In our quest for "more," we often overlook the abundance surrounding us. The Bible cautions against greed and covetousness, advocating contentment as a vital virtue. In 1 Timothy 6:6-10, the apostle Paul writes, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction." These words impart profound wisdom, reminding us that true fulfillment doesn't come from amassing possessions or chasing worldly desires. Rather, it stems from cultivating deep gratitude for our present blessings and finding joy in life's simple gifts. Even noble aspirations, without a spirit of contentment, can lead to discontentment, robbing Christ-followers of the joy found in being fully content with the daily provisions from God. MORE OF A GOOD THING CAN BE DETRIMENTAL The pursuit of "more" often breeds perpetual dissatisfaction. Regardless of our acquisitions or achievements, we may feel it's "never enough." An insatiable hunger leaves us empty, always craving what seems beyond our grasp. "If only I had just one more... _______." Fill in the blank. Even godly desires, like:
Is there hope for overachievers always yearning for a bit "more"? THERE IS HOPE In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul declares, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." These words serve as a powerful reminder that true contentment isn't reliant on external circumstances but on an inner state rooted in faith. By surrendering our desire for "more" to God and trusting in His provision, we can discover peace and fulfillment while setting and achieving goals. CALL TO ACTION So, when the longing for "more" arises, pause and reflect on the abundance already present. Foster an attitude of gratitude, letting God's peace fill your heart. Remember, true contentment is found in recognizing God's abundant blessings in our lives. For me, a daily practice of gratitude listing what I'm thankful for has proven effective. I've noticed that the more consistent I am with this practice, the greater my contentment becomes. Yet, here I am again, desiring more. PRAYER Lord Jesus, I confess that my longing for "more" can sometimes lead me astray. I repent for wanting beyond what you provide. Help me to be content with your daily provision, led by your Spirit. Guide me to recognize when "enough" is truly enough. Keep me sensitive and connected to your guidance. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 16, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Sometimes, we are tempted to follow the letter of God’s law and ignore the spirit of His intended instruction. Personally, when I do this, the flow of God’s Holy Spirit seems to be affected in a negative way, and I feel less intimately connected to Christ.
FOLLOWING THE LETTER OF GOD’S LAW Following the letter of God's Law refers to adhering strictly to the written commandments without considering the broader context or the underlying principles intended by those laws. This approach often leads to legalism, where the focus is on external compliance rather than internal transformation. Jesus criticized the Pharisees and teachers of the law for such behavior. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." (Matthew 23:23-24 NIV) Here, Jesus highlights the Pharisees' meticulous adherence to the minute details of the law while neglecting its fundamental principles of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Following God’s literal law, without embracing its spirit, ends up missing His point of His law in the first place. I must admit, sometimes it is easier to follow the letter of the law than the spirit of what was intended. FOLLOWING THE SPIRIT OF GOD’S LAW Following the spirit of God's law means understanding and living by the principles and values that underpin the written commandments. This approach focuses on our heart's transformation and the intimate relationship with God, emphasizing love, mercy, and justice over mere rule-following. "He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 3:6 NIV) I notice that following the letter of the law dampens my intimacy with Christ. Paul contrasts the letter and the spirit of the law, asserting that the Spirit brings life. This life-giving spirit is echoed in how Jesus taught and lived, emphasizing the importance of internal attitudes over external observance. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV) The fruits of the Spirit represent the character traits that emerge from a life led by the Spirit, in contrast to a life bound by the letter of the law. These qualities fulfill God’s laws’ true intent by focusing on love and respect for God and others. CONCLUSION The distinction between following the letter versus the spirit of God's law is crucial for understanding the essence of our Christian faith. The letter of the law, while important, cannot bring life or righteousness by itself. It serves as a guide, but without the transforming power of the Spirit, it can lead to legalism and a focus on external behaviors rather than heart transformation. "But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." (Romans 7:6 NIV) God wants us Christ-followers to live by His Holy Spirit, which fulfills the law's requirements through a life of love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit. By focusing on the spirit of the law, we are called to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God that transcends mere adherence to rules, embodying the law's true purpose through a transformed life. May we all have the courage to live like this. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 15, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. I’ve often heard it said, “Spouses that Pray Together, Stay Together.”
Valentine’s Day holds a special significance in our home. It's a day when Patty and I honor each other. While many couples celebrate with romantic gestures, perhaps igniting a flame of love that burns brighter, the challenge lies in keeping that love glowing brightly throughout the next 364 days. Allow me to share what has worked exceptionally well for us: praying together. PRAYING WHILE HOLDING HANDS Patty and I share a prayer ritual that we believe was divinely inspired. Each morning when we first see each other, we hold hands and pray together. We take turns, sometimes offering many sentences, sometimes just a few. Regardless, the essence remains the same – praying together in a connected way, serving as a spiritual glue reminding us of our identity in Christ (as spiritual beings) and our bond to each other (united by Christ in Holy Matrimony). I encourage you to try this with your spouse and see if it enriches your marriage as it has ours. It truly works wonders. SEEKING COUNSEL Before we were married, Patty and I began pre-marital counseling, and we've continued it ever since. Year after year, we meet with a counselor to navigate through difficult decisions. Personally, I find value in having a woman’s perspective on what my wife expresses, so our counselor has always been a woman. With the convenience of Zoom in this age, we easily fit these bi-monthly sessions into our busy lives. We ensure our counselor is highly credentialed and a committed follower of Christ. As a side note, I've noticed many Christian counselors overlook the practice of starting and ending sessions with prayer. I believe this is a missed opportunity. My suggestion: Take charge of your session and incorporate prayer. After all, Christ is truly your counselor, and hopefully, the earthly counselor you choose is aware of their limited role in comparison. LOVE LETTERS When I married Patty, I presented her with a leather-bound journal containing a love letter from me. Since then, on special occasions, I retrieve it from her drawer and pen another love letter inside. In times of doubt or struggle, Patty can turn to her journal and read these love letters. They're all in one place, arranged chronologically. In fact, I'm about to retrieve that journal and write in it now. And yes, I always conclude my letters with a prayer for my spouse. There is tremendous power in the written word. Many settle for signing pre-written greeting cards, but words from the heart hold much greater significance. CONCLUSION Anyone claiming to have marriage figured out is either dishonest or delusional, possibly not listening to their spouse! I don’t profess to have all the answers, only to be a student of marriage. I look to Christ and His teachings on marital conduct, which are substantial. I also learn from Christ-followers with marriages spanning 30, 40, or even 50+ years, for they exemplify endurance. Allow me to leave you with parting words from a well-known Scripture often read at weddings: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:12-13 NIV) Let me correct my conclusion. There is indeed one who has mastered marriage: Christ our Lord, the author of all genuine love. May we love our spouses with His divine love. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 14, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Humility. Many of us need more of it. Scripture helps us become right-sized.
HUMAN DESIRE OR EFFORT IS FUTILE Consider this: “It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” (Romans 9:16 NIV) My human instinct tells me my drive, ambition, energy, and focus will make me more acceptable to God. Reading this passage humbles me. Contrary to how I may think, it is not up to my desire or effort that I have been chosen by God to be His adopted child. God chose to have mercy on me, not because of anything I have done to deserve His mercy. No. He graciously bestowed this mercy on me who does not deserve this unfathomable, immeasurable, and priceless favor. Meditating on this is humbling. DAILY SURRENDER Day after day, God continues to show me that what He wants most from me is my full surrender. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2 NIV) God’s will for us is total and complete surrender. And no matter how many times I think I have fully surrendered to Christ, there always seems to be a little more surrender left in me. Or, to put it another way, there continues to be a little of my flesh still yet to be surrendered. Do you experience this same thing? Why can’t we just once and for all give Christ everything, without reservation? Why do we tend to hold a little of our old self back? GOD’S MERCY LEADS US TO LOVE OTHERS Now that we have been shown mercy, we should show mercy to others. For it is written: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8 NIV) As I fully surrender myself to Christ, I realize that I don’t have the right to withhold God’s love from anyone. I have been shown complete and utterly undeserved mercy. Therefore, I must surrender my perceived right to withhold mercy from others, and freely give the mercy I have received to others who are also undeserving. None of us deserve this tremendous gift of eternal life that God has so graciously bestowed upon us. How can we possibly withhold God’s mercy from others? A critical part of surrender to Christ is that of any perceived “rights” that I have. I no longer have rights. I never had them in the first place. I only thought I did, and every time they creep back into my mind, I must surrender them. This need to give up my rights and surrender leads me to a continual renewing of my mind on an everyday basis. For me, this time will be necessary until the day I go home to Heaven. From my experience, I need a daily renewal, and I find no substitute for an hour of time first thing in the morning. I cherish this time of connecting with God in intimate prayer, meditation, conversation, and reflection. Jesus gave us this model: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35 NIV) CONCLUSION Attempting to fully grasp God’s mercy for us is a humbling experience and leads us to surrender to Christ. This surrender to Christ’s mercy and love leads us to love others and bestow on them the mercy and love we have received from Christ Jesus our Lord. What a glorious life we have in Christ. Praise be to God who has had mercy on us. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 13, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. It is right and just that we should enjoy our work.
"So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?" (Ecclesiastes 3:22 NIV) Work is one way for us to honor God. Through our labor, we not only provide for ourselves and our families but also contribute to the common good, reflecting God’s creative work in the world. RESTING FROM WORK In the very beginning, God set an example of work and rest, establishing a pattern for us to follow. "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day, he rested from all his work." (Genesis 2:2 NIV) Taking time to rest, and do other things besides work is equally important. Otherwise, work can become an idol that we worship, and we can define ourselves by the work that we do, instead of who we are in Christ – children of God. Work is a thing we do. It is not who we are. Resting from work helps us to remember that. OUR WORK IS WORSHIP As Christ-followers, we have a choice. We can glorify our flesh and work in our strength and for our glory, or we can glorify the Holy Spirit and work in Christ’s strength and for God’s glory. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV). This perspective transforms our work from a daily grind to an act of worship. When we dedicate our work to God, we find deeper satisfaction and purpose in what we do, regardless of our occupation. The Apostle Paul encourages us to adopt this mindset in all areas of life, reminding us that our ultimate reward comes from the Lord. WORK EMPOWERED BY CHRIST Recognizing that our work serves a greater purpose helps us to navigate work challenges and persevere through difficult times at work. The Scriptures offer comfort and encouragement, reminding us that God is with us in our labor. We can work in our strength or work with the strength of Christ. It’s infinitely better if our work is empowered by Christ! “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NIV). By surrendering to Christ in our work, we allow God to do the work through us and guide us in all things related to our work. Therefore, it becomes easy to give Christ the credit, glory, and honor for the good things He does through us. ALL MUST WORK Everyone is called to do some form of work. Those who try to avoid work will suffer negative consequences. The wisdom of Proverbs highlights the value of diligent work and its rewards, contrasting it with the pitfalls of laziness. “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” (Proverbs 10:4 NIV) There is a balance all Christ-followers must attain, which we can call a “Healthy Work Ethic.” Keep work in balance with the rest of life. Don’t use work to build an idol, but rather use it as an act of worship. Don’t let it consume you, and engage in periods of rest as God has modeled this behavior. And avoid being lazy because those who don’t embrace work as a spiritual endeavor miss a great opportunity to bring praise and glory to Christ Jesus our Lord. CONCLUSION Our work is much more than a means to an end; it is an opportunity to worship God, serve others, and participate in God’s creative order. By embracing our work as a form of worship, we align ourselves with God’s purposes, finding joy and satisfaction in our labor. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3 NIV) Let us, therefore, approach our work with a heart of worship, seeking to glorify God in all that we do. For in doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the unfolding of God's kingdom on earth. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 12, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. What an ugly word.
There will always be those who speak maliciously against us. Slanderous attacks from non-Christians are more understandable. Those from fellow Christ-followers are much more painful. As Christ-followers, we are taught to respond to these attacks, no matter the source, with gentleness and respect. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” - 1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV OUR NATURAL NATURE I grew up close to midtown Manhattan. New York City can be a tough place, and when someone disrespects you there, a gentle, respectful response is highly unlikely. When I moved to Texas, I found a very different culture, and for years, I did not fit in because that tough New York mentality was firmly rooted in my flesh. Our natural nature leads us to respond poorly. Conversely, the Holy Spirit living inside of us urges us to turn the other cheek when we are slandered. We are also wired a certain way behaviorally. Our behavioral preferences can get in the way of Christ’s message of love, peace, and joy to those who know Him. If we are to “carry water” for the King of Kings and be faithful messengers of our Master’s teachings, gentleness and respect must be the guardrails in which we operate. WHEN WE FAIL When we fail to live up to this mandate to treat everyone with gentleness and respect, we must make amends. Doing this means much more than apologizing and saying, "I'm sorry." It goes beyond asking the person for forgiveness, although that is part of the amends-making process. Making amends starts with “I was wrong.” I must acknowledge that I failed to treat the offender with gentleness and respect. This is particularly hard to do when a sister or brother in Christ has spoken maliciously about us. Our tendency is to explain to them all that they did to wrong us, which is an attempt at justifying our lack of gentleness and respect. I am not instructed by this Scripture to respond in kind, and to equally mistreat the person who is harming me. Quite the contrary, I am told to keep a clear conscience by behaving in such a Christ-like way that the slanderer will be ashamed of their behavior. This is near impossible for me to do in my flesh. Every fiber of my being wants to point out the offense and how unwarranted that person’s behavior was against me. However, instead, I keep focused on my part, acknowledge where I was wrong, and allow the Holy Spirit to deal with the offender. Then, I turn and love my sister or brother, with Christ’s love. If I am doing this, it will be gentle and respectful, for love is like that. Here is what Christ says: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” - 1 Peter 4:8 NIV CONCLUSION Gentleness and respect are two qualities that are highly desirable and necessary for Christ-followers to be effective in carrying God’s message to the world. The love Christ has for us must be extended to all, regardless of how we are treated. There will always be people who slander us. The more we surrender to the mission Christ has given us, the more we will come under attack from non-believers and believers alike. Satan loves dividing and conquering. It is his demonic plan to cause strife, especially between fellow Christ-followers. Our job is to resist the enemy and treat everyone with gentleness and respect, no matter how we are treated. And when we fail, our job is to quickly admit our failure, seek forgiveness, and turn away from sinful behavior, doubling efforts to extend gentleness and respect to everyone, despite their behavior toward us. Here is a closing scripture: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” - 1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 09, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Father God, thank you for the ACTS acrostic that helps us in our quiet times and other times of prayer to connect better with you. Also, thank you for Conversational Prayer and the fact that we can have a dialogue with you. It is a tremendous privilege.
Friends, what follows is an intensely personal time with me and Christ. I share this with you to inspire you to have your own time of A.C.T.S. and conversational prayer. Blessings! ADORATION Blessed Trinity, God almighty, I adore you, for you are:
Lord Jesus, I confess I fall short of the standards you have set for me, and I repent of:
Christ Jesus, I am very thankful for:
Father God, Christ Jesus, Holy Spirit, the triune Godhead, I come before you to ask for certain things this morning:
Lord Jesus, thank you for this intimate time with you. Please help me wrap up this journaling time with a passage from your Holy Word. Dear child, this is one of our favorite verses: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV). Yes, Lord, I love this verse. Thank you. My child, I am with you to the end of your time on earth, and then you will see me face-to-face, and I will be more real than anything you have ever experienced. Christ Jesus, I look forward to that day. Thank you for this incredible gift of eternal life in you. It is nothing that I deserve and way better than I could have ever hoped or dreamed. Thank you for my relationship with you. Dear child, I am always with you. You can access me like this anytime throughout your day. Check in with me more often, and you will have greater peace. I’ll do that, Lord. Thank you for that advice. Your aspiring servant, Daniel February 08, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Our Lord Christ Jesus cares so deeply about us. He rejoices in our joy and mourns with us in our sadness. He allows us to endure trials on this earth to refine us and draw us closer to Him.
When was the last time you went through a severe trial? Perhaps you are experiencing one now. How we respond in times of difficulty is a truer measure of our character than our behavior in good times. For better or worse, our Christ-like character is revealed in moments of extreme challenge. HAVE EMPATHY FOR THOSE IN THE FIRE Our Lord Christ Jesus cares for us more deeply than we can comprehend. His profound empathy is beautifully encapsulated in the command: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn." (Romans 12:15 NIV) Christ-followers are called to embody this same empathy and understanding toward one another. Though we often fall short, this is the standard set for all of us. TOUGH TIMES REVEAL OUR CHARACTER The trials we face on earth, however daunting and painful, serve a clear purpose. "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV) Our faith is incredibly precious to Christ. It is like a mountain of pure gold, refined and purified by fire. Our trials, though challenging, demonstrate the genuineness of our faith, leading to praise, glory, and honor for Jesus Christ. OUR CALL TO ACTION "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4 NIV) Our trials are part of a refining process designed to strengthen our faith and bring us to a place of spiritual maturity and completeness in Christ. This transformation occurs when we surrender to God’s refining fire. WE ARE REFINED Isaiah 48:10 declares, "See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." We are refined and purified by God’s holy fire. It is not punishment but preparation, equipping us to be stronger, more faithful, and effective disciple-makers. CONCLUSION Indeed, tough times reveal our character, but more importantly, they are used by God to refine and strengthen our character, drawing us closer to Him. As we navigate through God’s holy refiner's fire, let us hold fast to the promise that our trials are shaping us into the image of Christ, preparing us to shine as pure gold in the kingdom of our Heavenly Father, Christ Jesus His Son, and the Holy Spirit—the blessed triune Godhead. We are refined. We are being refined. We shall continue to be refined. Your aspiring servant for this refining journey, Daniel M. February 07, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Slow.
I’ve never been accused of going slowly. Yet, “slow” is often a godly trait, as in the case of becoming angry. In James 1:19, being “slow to become angry” is a mark of spiritual maturity. However, some of us have a mistaken view of anger, which can manifest in many different forms. MANY SHADES OF ANGER There are many types of anger. Here are ten, on a continuum, from the slight anger of being "annoyed" to all-out "livid" rage:
Do I speak aloud when I am angry? Do I keep quiet but sin in my heart against someone? Even if I am just annoyed, it is what I do with that annoyance that has the biggest impact on my spiritual condition. SHADES OF ANNOYANCE Here are some shades of slight anger that I normally don’t think of as “anger.” They include: Ruffled, disturbed, disgruntled, discontented, agitated, upset, provoked, offended, chafed, bothered, peeved, vexed, exasperated, irked, perturbed, and displeased. THE GOOD NEWS The good news is that anger is not necessarily sin. It is what we do with our anger that matters. Here is a scripture that is comforting for those who get easily annoyed: “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ... “ (Ephesians 4:26 NIV) So, if you are easily annoyed, irritated, or aggravated, it is not necessarily a sin. “What are we doing with that anger?” is the question to answer. THE SOLUTION There is a solution for an angry feeling. The short answer for me is to “give it to God.” When I have feelings of anger, I can try to deal with them on my own in my flesh, or I can give them to God and trust Him with the outcome. I can safely express my feelings to God, who always understands how I feel and will always calm me down and comfort me if I let Him. My flesh does not handle anger well. However, the Holy Spirit inside of me does. I just need to yield to the pull of God and resist the pull of my sinful nature. And, when I do sin, I must confess it quickly to God and then make amends with the person who experienced my anger. Thank God for this wonderful solution that Christ has given to us who follow Him. Be “slow” to become angry by staying connected to Christ. And I’ll remind myself and you that “The more I pray, the better my day!” It’s a saying worth remembering and practicing daily. For me, my daily quiet time is irreplaceable as a spiritual growth tool and means to connect with Christ. Every day, I spend an hour in a quiet time of prayer, meditation on His Word, and journaling. This helps me to start my day in the right way. This is not a panacea for anger issues, but it certainly helps a lot. CONCLUSION This “quick, slow, slow” dance instruction from the Lord applies in every situation. “Quick, Slow, Slow; “Quick, Slow, Slow.” Christ Jesus is teaching me how to dance through life. He wants us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. May it be so. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 06, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. In Part 2 of this three-part series, the Lord has me working on the first of two admonitions to go “slow.”
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry..." (James 1:19 NIV) SLOW TO SPEAK I’ve never been accused of being slow to speak. I only wish that would happen. I love jumping into the conversation, and it is only lately, over these past few years, that you could say I’m beginning to be more reserved when it comes to speaking what is on my mind. What I’ve found is what you probably already know about being slow to speak. If you're anything like most leaders, what to say comes naturally to you. It is easy to speak our mind, for God wired most of us with the gift of speaking our thoughts out loud. After all, that is the only way I know that we can lead others. We can’t expect them to read our minds, now can we? However, there are several skills that we must master to be the most effective leaders we can be, for Christ’s ultimate glory and honor. Some of them that come to mind for me to improve are:
Ouch. That hits home. While I don’t consider myself religious, and nor do I want to be, this passage clearly speaks to me. For me, religion is a set of “dos” and “don’ts” that can cause me to become spiritually prideful. I can develop a long list of great things I am doing, and tout those things for you, to say: “Look at me. Do you see what a great Christ-follower I am.” Yet, God intends me to have a governor on my tongue, and not do that, or any variation on the theme of being loose-lipped about anything that may puff me up, or put someone down. Where I feel complete freedom is encouraging Christ-followers and non-believers alike to deepen their relationship with God. For those leaders in the Christian faith, to continue growing into more obedient followers of the Way shown to us by Jesus Christ. To those people who have not yet put their faith in Christ, I am free to encourage them, but with these words of wisdom: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV) Gentleness and respect are excellent guardrails to keep me interfacing with others in a manner that honors Christ Jesus. CONCLUSION If I am slow to speak, then Christ-followers will be edified, as will those who have not accepted Jesus Christ. My witness honors God when I keep tight control over the words that come out of my mouth. And, of course, that implies that I am also controlling my thoughts, for out of my heart and mind spring forth my words. May they be a blessing to all who hear them. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 05, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. As I read James 1:19 this morning, it made me think of a ballroom dance instructor calling out dance moves. How awkwardly my feet move at times to this perfect rhythm of quick, slow, slow.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry ...” (James 1:19 NIV) Many times, I am Slow, Quick, Quick. Perfectly opposite the directive we find here; it does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to become angry is a perfect description of me in my earlier days as a Christ-follower. Then, I became a bi-vocational ministry leader and started taking this Christian walk more seriously. We are admonished: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 NIV) While this dance lesson is good for all Christ-followers, it is especially important for any Christian vocational or marketplace leader. Just like in a dance, there is a right order of operations for a smooth, graceful flowing of the Holy Spirit through us and unto others. QUICK TO LISTEN It is so easy for intelligent leaders to finish other people’s sentences for them. Either out loud or silently, we all have done it. “I know where this is headed” is our corresponding thought, as our mind wanders off to formulate a response to what we are hearing. “Not so fast,” Scripture instructs us. Listen, and carefully hear what is being said. We need to hear not only the words but the meaning below the words. This demands our full attention. Recently, a friend told me he wanted to have a party at his home. He began to describe his vision for the gathering: “I’d like to have some friends over, as a real casual thing.” I completely missed the words “some” and “casual”, and my brain went right to a solution. “I’ll send out an invite to my network,” I offered. Ted said “yes” without realizing exactly what that meant, for he really did not understand, and nor did I explain, the sizable network I was planning to access. My “instant idea” was to introduce my new friend to many other friends and acquaintances. After all, wouldn’t that be a good thing? My promotion of the party went well and produced a result that I thought was fantastic: 50 people confirmed for the party tomorrow at Ted’s house. However, yesterday I asked him if he was pleased with the guest list. It was then that he shared with me how unhappy his wife was with such a large crowd coming to his home to eat. His vision was a small, intimate gathering of friends, and not a big party. Ouch! I was slow to listen and completely missed the mark. ACTIONS TO TAKE How often does that happen to you? Are you doing your own dance moves like I sometimes still do, or are you dancing in step with the Holy Spirit? If you need to be “quicker to listen” like me, what actions can you take to do so? If you already have the “quick to listen” part down, how can you help us “Ready, Fire, Aim” kind of leaders to slow down and better hear what you are saying? We all can improve in this area, can’t we? CONCLUSION Being quick to listen is the mark of a mature Christ-follower. Especially for those in leadership, we need to model this behavior of “Quick, Slow, Slow” to others. For those already accomplished at the “Quick to Listen” part, you can help others by speaking up when you are not being fully understood. The technique that works well in both cases is called “Active Listening.” Grossly over-simplified, here is what you can do to practice this. Repeat back to the speaker what you are hearing, paraphrasing what is being said, to ensure you are hearing correctly. And, when someone does that for you, be vocal about correcting the paraphrased statement if that is not what you are saying. Often, the differences are very nuanced, and we have to listen carefully and with our full attention to pick up on subtle cues that can mean big differences in outcomes. Tomorrow, I’ll take on the second of these three powerful instructions: “Slow to Speak.” Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 02, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Our drive to perform is often self-serving. Conversely, Christ teaches us to be other-serving. Leading in a Biblical way invariably involves servant leadership, best exemplified by Jesus Christ.
In Mark's Gospel, Jesus teaches, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:43-45 NIV). This servant-leader approach contrasts sharply with worldly views of success and highlights the importance of humility and service in leadership. I should re-title this article “Driven to Serve.” May God help those of us who are driven to perform, to channel some of our energy into serving others like Christ demonstrated countless times throughout his brief, three-year earthly ministry. Biblical leadership and success are far more about the quality of our character, our relationship with God, and our impact on others than about our achievements or productivity. Scriptures like Micah 6:8, Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 16:26, and Mark 10:43-45 guide us to a deeper understanding of success - one that values justice, mercy, humility, spiritual fruits, eternal perspective, and servant leadership. As leaders in any field, aligning our definition of success with Biblical principles leads to a more fulfilling and God-honoring journey. The drive to perform and get results is common to most leaders. This human quality, if channeled correctly through the filter of servant-leadership, helps us to better serve Christ and our fellow Christ-followers. The key is to surrender our drive to Christ, acknowledge that He is the decider of all results, and God alone gets the glory for anything good that the Holy Spirit produces through us. “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17 NIV) Soli Deo Gloria. (To God alone be the glory) Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. February 01, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Success is a major driving force for pastors, ministry leaders, marketplace leaders, and everyone else, for that matter.
TWO VIEWS OF SUCCESS As Christ-followers, we have two views of success: • Our own paradigm, formed by our upbringing, culture, training, profession, station in life, and more. A myriad of factors form our view of success from a worldly perspective, and no matter how much we don’t want to admit it, even the most obedient, surrendered Christ-followers are still influenced by this worldly paradigm. • God’s paradigm, taught to us in the Scriptures. It tells us what true success is and is not. We are all driven to perform. The question is, “How much of our drive aligns with God’s paradigm of success, and how much is it our worldly view?” TRUE SUCCESS In the realm of leadership, the Bible offers profound guidance on what constitutes true success. One of the key scriptures that sheds light on this is found in the book of Micah. The prophet Micah succinctly defines what the Lord requires of us: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8 NIV). This scripture suggests that success in leadership is deeply intertwined with our character - justice, mercy, and humility before God. Additionally, the Apostle Paul's writings offer valuable insights into the concept of success from a Biblical standpoint. In his letter to the Galatians, he talks about the fruits of the Spirit, which are a true measure of spiritual success. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV). These qualities are crucial for leaders who wish to align their success with God's standards. Furthermore, Jesus Himself provides a fundamental understanding of success in the Kingdom of God. In the Gospel of Matthew, He reminds us: "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" (Matthew 16:26 NIV). This powerful verse encourages leaders to evaluate their achievements not just by worldly standards, but by the eternal value they hold. CONCLUSION Let us continue our journey to ever-increasingly define success according to Biblical standards and ever-decreasingly rely on the world’s standards to measure our performance. At the end of the day, the only thing that truly matters is the Lord Christ Jesus’ voice, welcoming us into Heaven, saying: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. January 31, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. |
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