The Christian Questionnaire Test

Can we pass the "Being a Christian" test.  Christianity is a lifestyle, but too often we act like we are doing God a favor.  How will we answer the following questions:

1. During one week's time (a 7 day period) when we watch television what do we watch the most?
Soap Operas ___, Sports___, Comedy___, Movies____, God based programs____
If we are watching any of the other programs more than we are watching God based programs that means we love those programs, and know them better than God.

And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exodus 20:1-2)

2. How often do we attend church services?
Never___, Once a week___, Every Other Sunday___, Twice a week___, More___
God never takes a day off when it comes to us, but we are selfish with our time when it comes to Him.  Taking time to fellowship with like-minded people, and getting to hear the Word of God preached is beneficial to us.  The more we get the better off we are.  And, Sunday mornings are different from the week night Bible study.  And Sunday School is different from church service. One can't take the place of the other.  How can we grow into Christian maturity, and be effective Christians for Christ if we are stingy and lackadaisical with our time, attendance and energy.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42)

2a. When we stay home from church service do we seek God at all.
No time with God___, 15 minutes___, 30 minutes___, 1 hour___, More___
Much prayer much power, little prayer little power, no prayer no power.  In this world today we need as much of God as we can get.  We need to pray, fast, read the Bible, attend church services, have devotions (praise and worship), listen to gospel music, and seek God's face and voice as often as possible.  All of these Godly things will keep us on the right track (the straight and narrow). Seeking God is not a burden, it is a privilege. 

We might, sometimes take a break from church services for a very good reason, but we should never take a break from God.  We need Him 24/7.

Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11)

With my whole heart I seek You; let me not wander from Your commandments! (Psalm 119:10)

3. How many times do we talk about JESUS and tell what He has done for us?
Never___, Once a year___, once a month___, once a week___, once a day___, more___

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9) 

So, how did we do on the test.  Are we just calling ourselves Christians (followers of Christ) or are we practicing what we preach. No__, Yes__

All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (Matthew 5:37)

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. (Mark 16:15)

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16)

To GOD Be The Glory!

FOCUS!

What are our minds focused on?

Where are our eyes looking, and what are they looking at?

How much attention are we giving to the world verses how much attention we are giving to God?  Our minds should be stayed (always) on Him.

When we wake up in the morning we should say: "Thank you Lord for allowing me to see one more day, because no time is promised to anyone; and in these last and evil days the previous statement is more true than ever before.  When God wakes us up in the morning that is a blessing right there to be thankful for, because somebody didn't wake up.  Next, we need to thank Him for being able to get up, because somebody woke up, but they couldn't get up.  Next, we need to thank Him for getting us through the day (home, job, transportation, etc.).  Next, we need to thank God Almighty for a peaceful night sleep, because we know that He is watching over us 24/7 and He never sleeps nor slumbers; it says so in His Word.

Why would we waste our time looking at more secular television than Christian.  Secular TV is entertaining, but that's all it is.  Christian television is entertaining, encouraging, strengthening, mind transforming, informative, righteous, and we don't have to be afraid of what we might be exposed to by mistake.  Temptation comes in many shapes, forms, and fashions, and if we mistakenly see something it might just trigger us back into a bad habit that Jesus delivered us from.

How can we practice (intentionally) sin on a regular basis when we know God is watching?  How are we going to ask Holy Spirit to fill our temples (bodies) if they are polluted with the filth we just finished thinking, watching, or doing?!  How can we ask God to help us when we won't help ourselves?  God will always do His part, but He is not going to do for us what we can do for ourselves.  He is not going to bless us when we go against His commandments.  And, God forbid, that we've been living this Christian lifestyle for years, but blow it all in a fleshy moment; because we could die in the midst of sinning!  And many will know that we died from an overdose; from a heart attack while committing adultery; while scoring some drugs; or some other sin.

We need to keep our focus on GOD, JESUS, HOLY SPIRIT by reading HIS Word daily; fasting; praying; and sowing (strangers, orphans and widows/time, love, money).  When we keep our focus on God we stay out of trouble because we stay connected to Him and can clearly hear His voice. This is very important in order for Him to direct our paths day-in and day-out.  We also receive His holy power to keep us strong through trials, tribulations and temptations.  This way we will be real Christians - walk'in it like we're talk'in it!  The title shouldn't make us; we should make the title.  It is a privilege and an honor to be called a Christian because it means we are followers of Jesus Christ.  Dear God: may we do this privilege and honor justice in Jesus Name, amen.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2/ESV)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8/ESV)

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3/ESV)

It's Safe and Warm in God's Loving Arms !

*Note: On the previous blog ( An Open Love Letter) written by my beautiful wife of 31 years on my birthday; I love and adore you and give thanks to God for blessing me with whom He had created for me!

When one thinks of Dallas Texas, it is not usually a thought of a cold and frigid city, but this week it has been extremely cold with the Arctic blast that came in.  High temps of 26 with a real feel between 11- 17 degrees F and icy roads has stopped a lot of movement -  from the schools to the local and county governments, people have gotten extra days off.  Sorry to a lot of us that still have to slowly make it to work by scraping our cars or using DART, the public transportation system.  A loss of power has or had a quarter million people without electricity in their homes, and I would be one of those people.  But it is winter time, and I'm sure there are many people from other parts of the country [where this type of weather is the norm] that are not feeling too sorry for us.  This may be a bit of a natural inconvenience, but there is a spiritual place where there is an abundance of warmth.  A safe and comfortable place where even the weary and tired can relax and know that the cares of the world will be taken care of.  I've been talking about the weather, but this world can be cold and cruel because we can be cold and cruel to one another.  Unfortunately, we spend many moments of our life in the coldness of grief, pain, loss, anxiety, and anger.  However, God is the opposite of the coldness of this world.  God is the warmth of the universe. God is the goodness of the universe.  God is the core unity of the universe.  When you live in God and you turn toward God you can feel His warmth come against the cold cruel nature of life.  In the cold and bitter nature of grief we find a warmth and comfort from God helping us deal with grief.  In the cold and bitter nature of pain, we find a warmth and comfort from God taking the edge off of the pain…often taking the pain away.  In our times of fear and anxiety, we find in God's warmth a help to find the courage to defeat our fears.  We find the courage to defeat our anxiety.  We find in God the warmth to come against the cold nature of the world so we can work for His glory in spite of every adversity.  In our anger and frustration, God comes into our heart to give us His warmth, caring, and love so we can let go of the anger, and let go of the frustration.  Then, as we let go, we find the warmth and warm glow of His freedom full of His grace and love.

Psalm 91:14 "Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. (NIV)

An Open BIRTHDAY Love Letter to My Husband

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to the love of my life from your loving wife.

God has blessed you to see, and be here 54 years on this earth.  He has blessed me with being able to spend 31 plus years of that time with you.  In the beginning of our relationship you told me to pack my bags because you were taking me on a trip.  And you've made good on that statement both figuratively and literally.  Figuratively, darling, you and I together are truly a trip!  Literally we have flown and mostly driven to 36 plus states, some three or four times.

Our marriage has gone through so many changes over the years, but through it all (the good, the bad and the ugly) it all has been one big love fest.  Love always sees us through.

You, Robert Paul Miller, are not just my husband, you are my best friend.  I knew you in your youth and now I know you in your advanced years.  I thank God for you and the years we've been blessed to spend together.  And, knowing you, and our Father [God] the best is yet to come.  After all, I've also seen you go from sinner to saint.  Oh the talents, the gifts, the skills, the testimonies that you have inside of you.

God bless you my darling husband.  Happy Birthday and may God bless you with as many more as you desire to have.


But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. [1 Corinthians 2:9/KJV]

I'm Living When I'm Giving

Boy! the devil must have really hated for me to write this blog, because I've been trying to write it for at least two weeks, but it seems like every time I tried, something would come up and delay the process - uh-oh the phone is ringing!!!  It is 5:30AM in the morning, but I have to answer it because it's the hubby, and, after-all, it is Thanksgiving Day, and I am truly thankful for him.

I come to life when I can give my time, money, talent, skills and gifts in ministry.  I am a people person and love being able to add to peoples lives by helping and/or encouraging all those that I come in contact with.  I can be doing something as simple as talking with a stranger at the bus stop or something more important like praying with and for incarcerated youth.  It all makes me feel alive. When I'm not doing anything for a long period of time, I feel like I'm not being productive.  I begin to feel dead inside, because my spirit thrives off of being a blessing to others.

To me Thanksgiving Day is a reminder to be thankful all year round.  And, I don't interpret it as being thankful for what I can get, but [literally] for what I can give.  It is called THANKSGIVING not thanksgetting!

I am so thankful that I can give Godly advice to others; share wisdom with my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren; give my love to friends; take food to the homeless; be involved in ministries that reflect the Word of God; put decent used clothes in the recycle containers for others; love on my neighbors with kind words, a smile or an unexpected gift; share this life with my husband; and, most of all, give God the glory.  What a blessing that I have all these things that I can give, because I'm living when I'm giving.

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. [Philippians 1:3/NLT]

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.  Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. [1 Timothy 2:1/NLT]

Delay Can Determine a Better Decision

Based on the title I instantly think about the times my husband and I were traveling and wanted to get into the hotel early.  On two occasions the hotels couldn't let us in until 3PM which is the standard time, but we wanted to get in right away.  Turned down by our first choice, each time, we found a better deal just across the road.  The most important time that delay determined a better decision was when we missed being part of a major car pile up on the highway.  You see, when we traveled we would often make quick over night stops to get some sleep, and we would be up and out first thing in the morning, but, thank God, not this particular morning.  We decided to take it slow and spend some quality time with each other.  We actually drove up on the wreckage, in Durham, North Carolina, just after it had happened.  God was truly looking out for us that day!

How many times are we impatient - waiting in traffic; waiting at the doctors office; waiting for someone slower than we are [children, someone physically challenged]; waiting on God?  How many times after the fact were we glad that someone or something forced us to wait, especially when it comes to God making us wait.  God knows what is best for us at all times. He will allow one door to close so that another one, a better one can open.

How about the 9/11 terrorist tragedy that took place in New York City.  Who can ever forget the horrors of that terrible time, but remember the many stories of the people who were saved by never getting to work because something delayed their arrival.  Sometimes delay can determine a better decision that can lead to life or death.

Delay teaches us to have patience, and that quick, fast and in a hurry isn't always the answer.

Our blessings may be delayed, but they are not denied.  We make plans, but we have to give God time because, after all, He makes the final decisions.

Psalm 37:7-9

Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret, it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.

Weary, Weak, Wounded & Worn

Weary: tired, exhausted

Weak: lacking strength, feeble, fragile, defenseless, easily influenced, faint

Wounded: injury, hurt from cut, stab, etc.

Worn: valueless or useless, exhausted

Life does all of the above to us.  And, once life finishes wearing us out, the devil comes along to take advantage of the situation.

When we are weary because of being tired and totally exhausted we can hardly think right, and Satan loves to manipulate our minds.  That is where he starts - in the mind.  He plants a thought.  This is so easy for him to do because we're exhausted from our jobs, children, spouses, cares and woes and/or just striving to be a real Christian.  Being a Christian is a blessing, but it ain't always easy.  It's rough taking stuff from the world (all the time) and running out of cheeks, but GOD.  Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.  [ESV]

We're weak because we have given all we have to give and then some, but everybody just keeps on taking.  Our defenses are down and we become easy prey because we didn't pray to be restored or we prayed, but we didn't have faith.  Our faith has waned because patience has pushed our endurance to the test (no test, no testimony).  Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

There is nothing more deceitful than someone smiling in your face and all the while stabbing you in the back. You know the song: "They smile in your face; all the time they want to take your place the back stabbers." Everybody that's with you ain't for you.  When we are wounded in the heart because (not the world) but another brother or sister-in-Christ, (not a stranger) but a close loved one has, without compassion or consideration, stepped all over it; we can't go to a doctor to get it fixed, but we can turn to the Great Physician.  Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and mad whole. [Amplified]

Wow, so worn down by life until we feel useless and of no value.  The most depressing, self degrading thoughts come from thinking we have no more value in this life.  Nobody cares about me; I don't really count in the scheme of things; they don't take me serious, heck, they don't even see me - I'm invisible; they don't see my tears; they don't feel my pain; they don't hear me screaming; yet, I'm doing all of this right in front of them, but it's like we are in two different worlds - worlds apart.  I'm begging, out loud, for help, but my cries are falling on deaf ears.  I'm baring my soul and all they can do is console me with the same old, typical stuff. LORD, help us in our understanding!   Psalm 139:13-16 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.


1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

We're going to be alright because God's in charge and He has it all under control.  "It's Already Alright!"