A Powerful Testimony

Posted on April 30, 2012 by qphillips | Permalink 0

“One of the most wonderful things about being a Christian is that I don’t ever get up in the morning and wonder if what I do matters. I live every day to the fullest because I can live it through Christ and I know no matter what I do today, I’m going to do something to advance the Kingdom of God.”  —Chuck Colson, 1931—2012

Wow! What a powerful statement! Shouldn’t this be the declaration of all Christians? Reading this quote enlightened me, and inspired me to share my perspective.

Being a Christian presents us with some amazing opportunities to end our search for significance— because I was recreated in Christ to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). I can be confident that what I do matters. I am making a difference in my sphere of influence. Getting up morning after morning wondering if what I’m doing matters can cause discouragement, especially when I don’t see the desired outcomes immediately.

Moreover, since my search for significance has ended and I live my life through Christ, my daily reality is filled with potential and purpose.  Therefore, I am intentional about the decisions I make every day. Thirdly, I’m certain about my call—be a witness of Christ in whatever I do. I resolve that I am going to do something to bring others into this magnificent Kingdom that I am a part of.  I want someone else to experience relationship with the King.

Mr. Colson’s life is a testimony to God’s power to forgive, redeem, and transform lives.

His transformation reminds us that we should never give up on people, the fulfillment of God’s plan and purpose for their life. God’s desire is to see lives changed…souls converted and reconciled to Himself through faith in Jesus Christ.  Mr. Colson’s life was also a perfect example of Romans 8:28 being manifested in the life of born-again believer of Jesus Christ.  God will take the unpleasantness and even use the bad decisions that we often make, and cause them to work together, and bring about the good that He’s invested in all of His creation.

It is my sincere prayer that the legacy and work Mr. Chuck Colson started will continue.  As a volunteer with Prison Fellowship, I know the impact this ministry has made in my personal life and that of inmates I’ve had the opportunity to minister to.

ref. Chuck Colson Center, www.chuckcolson.org

Read more tributes at http://chuckcolson.org/tributes/

 

 

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Power in Perspective

Posted on January 28, 2012 by qphillips | Permalink 0

How important is power to me? How am I keeping it in perspective? These are questions to ask yourself as you are promoted to positions of power and authority.  Not only is it wise to ask yourself, but don’t be afraid to ask others for feedback.  I should warn you!  Be prepared for the unexpected, and the possibility of hearing what you don’t want to hear. Staying grounded is critical to your influence as a trusted leader in a position of power and authority.

Power can go to your head, especially if you’ve never been in an official position of power.  I say, “official” position because all of us have personal power—influence—over others in our circle of friends or acquaintances.  As I was saying…

Power can go to your head. For example, the fishermen and farmers that Jesus called to be His disciples as well as those He sent out on assignment were overcome with excitement to discover their power and spiritual authority. They returned from their assignment full of joy as they told Jesus how demons were subject to them in His name (Luke 10:17).  However, Jesus admonished them to keep their power and authority in proper perspective. In essence, it’s not about the power and authority you’ve been delegated.  It’s about the purpose for the power, and how you use it.  Power and authority should always be used to help not hurt; to emancipate not enslave; to preserve the good not promote the evil. How you use it is determined by your level of understanding what’s more important than self-exaltation and self-gratification.  Just as Jesus told the disciples what mattered most was their salvation, we too must assess  what matters most to us. He said their names being written in heaven was more important than their power (Luke 10:18-20). Wow! That response must have let the air out…  Like I said, be prepared for unexpected feedback.

Unfortunately, many civil and religious leaders in positions of power and authority are ignorant to this truth—all power and authority belongs to God alone.  Too many leaders  abuse their power; thus they defy God’s authority and purpose for power.  God has the power and ultimate authority to control human events. He gives rulers their power and takes it away, (Daniel 2:21). (This explains the downfall and “stripping away” of power from abusive and power-hungry leaders in America and foreign countries. I know many are deceived into believing it is solely the democratic process, and political astuteness and ingenuity of man.    It is this narcissistic attitude and ignorance of God having all power and authority that made Pilate say to Jesus, “Don’t you know that I have the power to let you go free or to nail you to a cross?”  (John 19:10).  Pilate was ignorant of whom Jesus was; neither did he understand that all power and authority belongs to God, and that God had allowed him to play a “small” role in His redemptive plan. Therefore, Jesus had to let him, and us, know the truth about power and authority. Jesus said, “You would not have any power or authority whatsoever over Me if it were not given you from above (John 19:11-12).

Job helps to remind us of this truth also.  Although Job didn’t understand why he was enduring such suffering as an upright man, the one thing he understood is recorded in Job 12:13, “To God belongs wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.”  It is from this perspective, that Christians can stand the test of time, knowing that God has a plan and purpose for everything. And regardless of how bad things are He is sovereign.  God in His sovereign rule has bestowed upon mankind the graces of partial counseling and understanding, but man’s wisdom and power, counsel and understanding will never be in comparison to the ALL KNOWING, ALL WISE GOD.

How important is power to me? It’s not more important than my name being written in heaven—my salvation, and my relationship with Jesus Christ.  How am I keeping it in perspective? I’m keeping it in perspective by acknowledging Him as the only One to whom wisdom and power, counsel and understanding belongs. I’m keeping it in perspective by expressing my gratitude for being chosen to share a portion of His wisdom, power, counsel and understanding.  But more important, I understand that nothing or no one can ever take His place as the One with all power and authority of heaven and earth.

 

© 2012 Queen E. F. Phillips

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Just do it!

Posted on January 14, 2012 by qphillips | Permalink 0

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. —James 1:22

Attending Sunday morning worship services weekly and going to Bible study religiously can easily become habitual, with no life-changing results.  Attendance is a good thing, but the ultimate purpose should be to experience change—spiritual growth. This is what James wrote about.  We are not just hearers of the word , but doers.

When James, the brother of Jesus, wrote this letter the believers from Jerusalem had been scattered throughout Judea, Samaria, Phoenicia, and to Antioch in Syria and Cyprus. This scattering was due to persecution under Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:1-5), which began with the stoning death of Stephen.  James’ letter addresses practical issues for Christians to demonstrate a lifestyle that exemplifies their Christian faith.  James instructs and motivates Christians to develop a mature and consistent faith and to show how Christians can have a loyal friendship with God and with each other.

In essence, James is not writing about how to become a Christian, but instead how to act like a Christian; in other words ”practice” what you preach.  Having all the correct beliefs about Jesus Christ is not enough.  Even demons believe.  Real, life-changing faith should produce action.  James is specific in his description of the spiritual actions expected of Christians.  The primary concern expressed in James’ letter is that readers mature in the Christian walk of faith.  And the way to DO that is to apply biblical principles, and obey His command. Conclusively, just do it! James’ words are just as easy to understand today; but the question of the day is: Are we doing what he says?  What kind of behavior characterizes our spiritual lives?

Too often Christians choose to compare their works and spiritual growth to the actions of others who profess to be Christians. Apostle Paul addresses this misconception in Galatians 6:4-5 (CJB), So let each of you scrutinize his own actions. Then if you do find something to boast about, at least the boasting will be based on what you have actually done and not merely on a judgment that you are better than someone else; for each person will carry his own load.”

Be sure to keep attending Sunday morning worship services and scheduled Bible study religiously, just make sure your habitual attendance is producing habitual change in character and conduct. Then you’ll be well on the path to “powerful living” by doing (obeying) the word, not merely listening to it and deceiving yourselves.

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Posted on December 16, 2011 by qphillips | Permalink 0

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“This is mine”

Posted on December 1, 2011 by qphillips | Permalink 0

The Bible proclaims this: God did it. God made the earth and made the first man Adam. We are not here by accident, nor are we here merely to please ourselves.  We owe our very existence to God.  Every helium atom, every spiral galaxy, every living creature exists because God wants it to.  Genesis 1—3 is the artist’s signature on the painting, saying, “This is mine.” 1

Reading this commentary started me thinking…again.

I’m thinking just how much we are in the image and likeness of our heavenly Father.  We too like to stake our claim on things, people, and places. We are quick to say, “This is mine.”  Unfortunately, we have no rights to stake a claim on anything.

As a parent, I know all about the “mine whine.”  The word mine is rated high in the vocabulary of toddlers as they’re learning to talk.  It seems they make their arrival into their new world understanding selfishness. And nothing changes unless there’s a life-changing spiritual awareness.  

The major difference between our “mine whine” and God’s “this is mine” is our selfish nature.  On the other hand, our Creator is not selfish.  Although everything belongs to Him, and He alone has the right to put His signature on all He created saying, “This is mine” He chose to share with us.

What’s even more amazing is that we also belong to Him; and He delights to call us His own.  After all, Jesus paid a high price for us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Yet, many do not desire being identified as His possession.

Psalm 24:1-2 helps keep me grounded.  

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.”

It reminds me that I really don’t own anything. It’s the graciousness of an unselfish Father Who delights in sharing His possessions with me.  Knowing this, I’m eternally grateful that I have the privilege of enjoying the pleasures of Kingdom living.

That’s powerful living!

 

1 NIV Student Bible Journal, p. 74

http://www.printfriendly.com/

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Powerful God Can’t Be Stopped!

Posted on November 11, 2011 by qphillips | Permalink 0

God can’t be stopped! In order for the Church of Jesus Christ to make an enormous impact globally in advancing the Kingdom of God, the Holy Spirit must be a the helm in every major decision, program initiative, and activity. Without His guidance and direction the potential for failure is much greater, in terms of spiritual growth and effective evangelism.

 In the book of Acts, it is evident that the power of God through His Holy Spirit was at the helm of every major decision. The young church made decision under the Spirit’s guidance (Acts 13:2). As the church grew, the disciples gradually began to understand what Jesus had meant when he said, “It is for your good that I am going away.  Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7).  Although Jesus himself departed, God became present in each one of them, making his activity in the world more widespread than ever before.

A prime example for leaders today—the power of God, through the work of the Holy Spirit assures us that whatever God ordains and instructs His leaders to do it will be successful.  Why? God’s plans and purposes can’t be stopped. Too often, leaders are more concerned about how people will perceive, receive or accept the plans or initiatives they set forth under the leading of the Holy Spirit. There will always be opposition in Kingdom work.  However, leaders must remain devoted to God, and committed to completing their assignment. Leaders cannot afford to be fearful of the obstacles and threatening tactics of those in positions of authority.  In the words of Peter, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).  When we are determined to obey God, we can be confident that He will do whatever is necessary so that His plan and purposes prevail.

“And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” (Acts 5:38-39)

The above passage helps us to stay focus in Kingdom building and advancement.  It reminds us that what God purposes cannot be stopped.  God will always “turn” the heart of men, even those in opposition, to speak up in favor of what He has ordained.  No one can stand against God’s purpose! If they persist in their attempt to thwart God’s purpose they will be fighting against God.  Guess what?  It is no way they can win in a fight with God!

Knowing that God can’t be stopped gives us the assurance of “powerful living.”

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Plugged in

Posted on October 25, 2011 by qphillips | Permalink 0

There is no greater power than being connected with an ALL POWERFUL God Who created the Universe and everything in it.

 Unfortunately, we live in a crazed society driven by a need to have power.  Government officials, politicians, religious leaders, financial gurus, and even “low-life” criminals are searching for significance and security, which they think means having authority and power to control.  Unfortunately, they are seeking to obtain power in all the wrong places and for all the wrong reasons. Connecting with persons in positions of authority who has misplaced priorities and ungodly motives is sure to result in the abuse of power.  Ultimately, the end result is disappointment and destruction, sooner or later (Proverbs 2:22, Psalm 37, Psalm 101:8). Abuse of power is inevitable when leaders aren’t accountable to anyone. There is only ONE that is not accountable to another. 

Throughout the Old Testament, God cites the liberation of Israelites from Egyptian bondage as evidence of His power. (Egypt was the most powerful nation at the time). God says it over and over again, “I am the God who brought you out of the land of Egypt…” (Ref. Leviticus 22:32-33, Deut. 4:37, Micah 6:4).  In addition, the New Testament substantiates an even greater proof: God’s ability to give life to the dead! That same life-giving power is available to the individual believer today.  Paul proclaims it in Ephesians 1:18-20: “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”

Paul’s prayer for the believers in Ephesus is still relevant today.  Like the world, so many Christians are looking for positions, titles and prestige, which they think entitles them to have power and authority.  They are blind to what they have inherited as believers.  In other words, ignorance will hold you captive while making you think you’re free. Instead you are really weak, defenseless, and powerless. You are spiritually dead and buried in tombs of turmoil. You live life going through the motions, but angry and bitter because of the vicissitudes of life.

Truth is you need to experience the resurrection power of God.  It can only be experienced by being connected to the Creator who has all power over heaven and earth—Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18). Can you imagine?  No don’t imagine it. Embrace it in faith. Start living by plugging into the right power source. We have available to us and within us that same supernatural power that raised Christ from dead and seated Him at the Father’s right hand in the heavenly realms. There is NO GREATER POWER available!

Many are searching for significance and a sense of security by holding powerful positions, offices in corporations, government and religious organizations. The greater need is to plug into the real SOURCE of power and experience “powerful living” through Christ.

 

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