tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18106201794509172302012-02-20T04:15:10.565-08:00JESUS IS ALIVE! "I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" Currently serving as a missionary to South KoreaDoc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.comBlogger2281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-53017819954105827572012-02-20T04:15:00.000-08:002012-02-20T04:15:10.609-08:00<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.e4.com/howtobefamous/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zutkAtguMdg/T0I4roxmRwI/AAAAAAAAAus/qCdPlrt74Qs/s320/famous.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What's <em>your </em>claim to fame? What is your trademark? <br /><ul><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">An exclusive address and club membership? </li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The degrees after your name? And the institutions of learning attended? </li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">A reputation as a tough, street-wise winner in a competitive field? </li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Being in high demand on the speaking circuit? </li></ul>For people that want to BE famous, but need some practice, there is even <a href="http://www.e4.com/howtobefamous/" target="_blank">a board game for you to develop your 'fame' skills</a>! <br /><br />I once heard a man say, "Lord, it's tough to be humble when you are so good!" Or, "If you got it, flaunt it!"<br /><br />Let's admit it… It's kind of nice to be:<br /><ul><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Stroked </li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Admired </li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Put in a <em>special </em>category </li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Thought of as one who is just a cut above the rest </li></ul>Except it is not God's way for us. Paul writes:<br /><br />"<em>God forbid that I should boast about anything or anybody except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ</em>…<em> The world is a dead thing to me and I am a dead man to the world.</em>"<em> </em>(<a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Gal+6%3A14">Galatians 6:14</a> – Phillips Translation)<br /><br />"<em>I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.</em>"<em> </em>( <a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=1Co+2%3A2">1&nbsp;Corinthians 2:2</a>)<br /><br />As "<em>strangers and pilgrims</em>" on this earth, our only "<em>claim to fame</em>" can be that we belong to Jesus Christ.<br /><br />Anything more is evidence of a life insidiously infected with pride.<br /><br />— special thanks to &nbsp;Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <br /><div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <br /><div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <br /><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5301781995410582757?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-24282381215979289702012-01-30T14:15:00.000-08:002012-01-30T14:15:35.483-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIurXo5n6so/TycWd7r7yQI/AAAAAAAAAuY/JP_ywoZ1KYI/s1600/alone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIurXo5n6so/TycWd7r7yQI/AAAAAAAAAuY/JP_ywoZ1KYI/s1600/alone.jpg" /></a></div>A tough but achievable assignment.<br /><ul><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Noah, like you, lived in a wicked society. </li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Victoriously! </li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">And so can you! </li></ul>God's assessment of Noah's life?<br /><br /><div style="font-size: 1em; margin-left: 1.2em;">"<em>You alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this generation.</em>"<em> </em>(<a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ge+7%3A1">Genesis 7:1</a>)</div><br />The Lord was painfully aware of societies' blatant sins as SEX and VIOLENCE dotted the landscape as it does ours.<br /><br />"<em>Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil</em>… <em>continually</em>… <em>[God] was grieved in his heart</em>… <em>that He had made man</em>…<em> </em>"<em> </em>(<a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ge+6%3A5-6">Genesis 6:5, 6</a>)<br /><br />Living amidst this decadence, Noah stood up and was counted:<br /><br /><div style="font-size: 1em; margin-left: 1.2em;">"<em>Noah found favor in the eyes of God</em>"<em> </em>– That is, he was <em>pleasing </em>to God! (<a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ge+6%3A8">Genesis 6:8</a>)</div><br /><div style="font-size: 1em; margin-left: 1.2em;">"<em>Noah was a righteous man</em>"<em> </em>– That is, he was <em>lawful and just </em>before God! (<a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ge+6%3A9">Genesis 6:9</a>)</div><br /><div style="font-size: 1em; margin-left: 1.2em;">"<em>Noah was blameless in his time</em>"<em> </em>– That is, he lived a <em>life of integrity </em>before his fellow man. (<a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ge+6%3A9">Genesis 6:9</a>)</div><br /><div style="font-size: 1em; margin-left: 1.2em;">"<em>Noah walked with God</em>"<em> </em>– That is, he and God were <em>conversant. </em>They had a relationship. (<a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ge+6%3A9">Genesis 6:9</a>)</div><br />STANDING ALONE FOR GOD is a tough but achievable assignment which God expects us to accomplish!<br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter.<br /><br /><br />If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <br /><div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <br /><div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <br /><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-2428238121597928970?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-22419575485680985022012-01-29T13:43:00.000-08:002012-01-29T13:43:44.831-08:00<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qrdI5VlL1Jc/TyW9hA3httI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/n_7SRlUia78/s1600/biz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qrdI5VlL1Jc/TyW9hA3httI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/n_7SRlUia78/s1600/biz.jpg" /></a></div>O<span style="font-size: 0.75em;">UR MODUS OPERANDI IN BUSINESS</span>, <span style="font-size: 0.75em;">AND THE <em>WAY </em>THE </span>H<span style="font-size: 0.75em;">OLY</span> S<span style="font-size: 0.75em;">PIRIT DESIRES TO WORK IN AND THROUGH US ARE OFTEN THE <em>EXACT OPPOSITE </em>FROM EACH OTHER</span>.<br /><br />In business it is <em>our </em>wit, <em>our </em>persuasive abilities, <em>our </em>genius in manipulating and controlling circumstances, and <em>our </em>cleverness in creating certain impressions that spell "success". Or so it <em>seems.</em><br /><br />When we try however to apply these same forces in the <em>spiritual </em>realm, <span style="font-size: 0.75em;">NOTHING OF ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE HAPPENS</span>.<br /><br />Because we are by nature <span style="font-size: 0.75em;">CONTROLLERS</span>, we find the freedom of the Spirit's working difficult to relate to. The Holy Spirit simply will not be controlled or manipulated:<br /><br />"<em>The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.</em>"<em> </em>(<a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Jn+3%3A8">John 3:8</a>)<br /><br />In similar fashion, <a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ps+37">Psalm 37</a> calls us to <em>release </em>our control and rest in Him:<br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1.9in;" valign="top" width="182"><div align="center" style="font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ps+37">Psalm 37</a>:</div></td><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1.9in;" valign="top" width="182"><div style="font-size: 1em;">Our Natural Inclination:</div><div style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1.9in;" valign="top" width="182"><div style="font-size: 1em;"><a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ps+37%3A3">Verse 3</a> – "<i>Trust in the Lord</i>…<i> </i>"</div><div style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></div></td><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1.9in;" valign="top" width="182"><div style="font-size: 1em;">Rely upon our cleverness</div><div style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1.9in;" valign="top" width="182"><div style="font-size: 1em;"><a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ps+37%3A4">Verse 4</a> – "<i>Delight in the Lord</i>…<i> </i>"</div><div style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></div></td><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1.9in;" valign="top" width="182"><div style="font-size: 1em;">Fret over circumstances</div><div style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1.9in;" valign="top" width="182"><div style="font-size: 1em;"><a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ps+37%3A5">Verse 5</a> – "<i>Commit your way to the Lord</i>… "</div><div style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></div></td><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1.9in;" valign="top" width="182"><div style="font-size: 1em;">Engineer the next step</div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1.9in;" valign="top" width="182"><div style="font-size: 1em;"><a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ps+37%3A7">Verse 7</a> – "<i>Rest in the Lord</i>…<i> </i>"</div></td><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1.9in;" valign="top" width="182"><div style="font-size: 1em;">Grind our teeth over eventualities</div><div style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1.9in;" valign="top" width="182"><div style="font-size: 1em;"><a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ps+37%3A34">Verse 34</a> – "<i>Wait for the Lord</i>…<i> </i>"</div></td><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 1.9in;" valign="top" width="182"><div style="font-size: 1em;">Rush ahead to clinch the deal</div><div style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br />If we were truly depending upon God rather than ourselves, would we not also be applying the same elements of patience, waiting and resting… <span style="font-size: 0.75em;">YES</span> the freedom of the Spirit's leading, to our business as we should be to the "ministry?"<br /><br />In fact, the distinction between our mind set and our methods in business and ministry would probably be indistinguishable.<br /><br />After all, isn't everything we do supposed to be a work of the Spirit of God?<br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <br /><div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <br /><div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <br /><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-2241957548568098502?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-36373600940559514092011-12-21T12:01:00.000-08:002011-12-21T12:01:59.229-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_GyrZPCwWds/TvI69cMAoLI/AAAAAAAAAtk/E_5mWezmwH0/s1600/compromise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_GyrZPCwWds/TvI69cMAoLI/AAAAAAAAAtk/E_5mWezmwH0/s1600/compromise.jpg" /></a></div>To compromise is to make concessions or accommodations for someone who does not agree with a prevalent set of standards or rules. The Bible makes it clear that God does not condone compromising His standards: “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His paths. You have charged us to keep Your commandments carefully” (Psalm 119:1-4 NLT). The word “joyful” or “blessed” describes people of righteousness, those who are totally subservient to His will and wholeheartedly devoted in their relationship to Him. We do not compromise or deviate from His standards but “walk only in His path.” We hear only God’s voice (1 Kings 18:21; John 8:47; John 10:27), and we do not yield to or permit any deviation from His Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; Psalm 119:128; Revelation 22:18-19). Not compromising requires our unswerving submission to Him and to Him only, regardless of the world’s concession to godlessness (Joshua 24:15; Psalm 119:10; Psalm 119:15).<br /><br />As believers, we must “see to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8; Hebrews 3:12). We are also commanded to be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you …” (1 Peter 3:15). In other words, we are commanded not only to remain faithful to the Word but defend it and correct those who are in opposition to it (2 Timothy 2:24-25). God is serious about our not compromising His Word with the values of the world—the reason being that those outside of Christ may then “come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil …” (2 Timothy 2:26).<br /><br />Then there are those who profess to being Christians, yet live lives not in keeping with the precepts of the Scripture, i.e., compromising their biblical beliefs by living like world. For them, the things of the world and its sensual allurements take precedence over the Word of God (Acts 20:30; 1 John 2:16-19). Jesus referred to these people as “those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful” (Mark 4:18-19). These are the ones who, though professing to follow Christ, compromise their faith by proudly craving worldly success and accolades from their fellow man. Jesus chastised such people who rationalized their questionable behavior: “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:41-44). In other words, to compromise in one’s total allegiance and devotion to God is to allow the allurements of this world, with its accompanying worries, to take precedence over Christ (Matthew 6:24).<br /><br />How do we compromise the Word of God?<br /><br />• When we fail to accept the Word: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).<br /><br />• When we place our desires, and that of others, ahead of the Word of God: “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5:4).<br /><br />As true believers in Christ, we must accept God’s Word as absolute, inerrant truth (2 Timothy 3:16). We must be fully obedient to His Word (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6). And we must recognize that His Word is not to be compromised for any reason or for any one (Deuteronomy 17:11; Proverbs 24:7; Revelation 3:15).<br /><br />From www.gotquestions.org <a href="http://gotquestions.org/Bible-compromise.html">http://gotquestions.org/Bible-compromise.html</a><br /><br />Keith Green's album "No Compromise" is available <a href="http://www.lastdaysministries.org/Shop/Sections/Items/Item.aspx?item_id=1000010626" target="_blank">JUST CLICK HERE</a><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <br /><div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <br /><div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <br /><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-3637360094055951409?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-33983379606129890072011-12-20T13:35:00.000-08:002011-12-20T13:42:33.674-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOZ0SMoeAmg/TvEBQTbI9wI/AAAAAAAAAtc/0Kl5fy2acTA/s1600/fault.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOZ0SMoeAmg/TvEBQTbI9wI/AAAAAAAAAtc/0Kl5fy2acTA/s200/fault.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688329183949289218" /></a><br />It is so easy to justify our unrighteous actions, as if to somehow minimize the bluntness of sin.<br /><br />We persuade ourselves that others are doing it. <br /><br />That may be true, but we will still give an account to God: "Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment… For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (Ecclesiastes 11:9; 12:14; 2 Corinthians 5:9, 10) (See Psalm 50:4; Romans 2:5-11; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Revelation 20:12-15)<br /><br />We tell ourselves that no one will know. <br /><br />Really? "For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths… The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good… My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from me, nor is their sin concealed from my eyes. Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?… Do not I fill heaven and earth?… Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Proverbs 5:21; 15:3; Jeremiah 16:17; 23:24; Hebrews 4:13) (See Job 31:3; Psalm 11:4; Jeremiah 17:10)<br /><br />We convince ourselves that no one cares. <br /><br />God does: "The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time… The Lord was grieved… " (Genesis 6:5, 6a) (See Ephesians 4:30)<br />We rationalize our compromise, treating it as a lesser offense than it really is: "Hey, cutting a few corners here and there is not that serious." <br />Guess again: "A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will not go free… No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence." (Proverbs. 19:5; Psalm 101:7) (See Psalm 52:3; 101:7; Proverbs 19:5; Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:15)<br /><br />We talk ourselves into believing we deserve favored treatment that allows us to bend the rules: <br /><br />"Hey, I was shafted..." "They didn't uphold their end of the bargain." "Because I did all the work on the project, I am the one who should get compensated – not them!"<br />Jesus sees it differently: "Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously… " (Matthew 5:39b-42 – Message) (See Luke 6:27-36; 9:23, 24)<br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-3398337960612989007?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-64593851434536550572011-12-19T14:13:00.000-08:002011-12-19T14:13:58.529-08:00<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QTth_76skGQ?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br />Nothing gets you in the Christmas mood better than Bing! Here is the classic Crosby rendition of "Silent Night, Holy Night"<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-6459385143453655057?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-91236379047391316312011-12-18T13:07:00.000-08:002011-12-18T13:07:32.437-08:00<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NC-b4mYFT1A?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />It's Christmas Week! Let's celebrate with a great Christmas song, "Mary, Did You Know?"<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-9123637904739131631?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-68816223709000878652011-12-17T15:05:00.000-08:002011-12-17T15:10:16.419-08:00<iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-926yhq_UGA?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />The countdown is on! It's Christmas Week! Hallelujah, Christ is born to redeem mankind!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-6881622370900087865?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-10001535601505986422011-12-14T12:47:00.000-08:002011-12-14T12:54:39.719-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLvv0b1fAik/TukM0gdQGjI/AAAAAAAAAtM/miVFLaZoaXE/s1600/prayeranswer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLvv0b1fAik/TukM0gdQGjI/AAAAAAAAAtM/miVFLaZoaXE/s200/prayeranswer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686090100737317426" /></a><br />God ALWAYS answers our prayers...its just that sometimes we don't recognize the response. Here are four possible answers to those times we call out to Him:<br /><br />1. "No – Your request is not in God's will."<br /> <br />"After Nathan had gone home, the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill… David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground… He answered, 'While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live… But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.'" (1 Samuel 2:15, 16, 22, 23)<br /> <br />2. "Slow down – Your request is not in God's will at this time."<br /> <br />"So the sisters sent word to Jesus, 'Lord, the one you love is sick.'… Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days… So then he told them plainly, 'Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.'… On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days… When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, 'Take off the grave clothes and let him go.'" (John 11:3, 6, 14, 15, 17, 43, 44)<br /> <br />3. "Grow up – Your motives are wrong."<br /> <br />"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." (James 4:3)<br /> <br />4. "Go now – Your request, timing, and spiritual condition are okay… Yes!"<br /> <br />"Elijah… prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." (James 5:17b-19)<br /> <br />And from Romans 8:26-29 we know four truths about prayer:<br /> <br />1. The Holy Spirit helps us to know what and how to pray (verse 26)<br /> <br />2. The Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf (verse 26)<br /> <br />3. God hears our hearts more than the words in prayer (verse 27)<br /> <br />4. Prayer is always answered (verses 28-29), though not always according to our agenda.<br /> <br />"The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."<br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-1000153560150598642?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-14301679494850365402011-12-12T14:15:00.000-08:002011-12-12T14:20:52.347-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHVaHAUNuaE/TuZ-G3pSAJI/AAAAAAAAAtA/Cc7yCl5Rtq0/s1600/will.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHVaHAUNuaE/TuZ-G3pSAJI/AAAAAAAAAtA/Cc7yCl5Rtq0/s200/will.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685370236083241106" /></a><br />Following the will of God can, at times, be a bit of a challenge. Solomon, expressing his frustration, proclaimed, "A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?" (Proverbs 20:24) (See Proverbs 16:9)<br /> <br />1. BE SURE YOU ARE OBEYING THE KNOWN WILL OF GOD<br />For example: "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality… Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:18) (Also consider 1 Peter 3:17; 4:19; 5:2, and Matthew 22:37-39)<br /> <br />2. SURRENDER TO THE POINT OF BEING WILLING TO DO ANYTHING HE SAYS<br />"Going a little farther, [Christ] fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'" "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus… " (Matthew 26:39; Philippians 2:5) (See Luke 9:23, 24; 14:26-33; John 12:25, 26)<br /> <br />3. SEEK GOD'S WILL BASED ON PRINCIPLES FOUND IN HIS WORD<br />His guidance will never be contrary to His Word. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path… Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me." (Psalm 119:105, 133)<br /> <br />4. WATCH FOR PROVIDENTIAL CIRCUMSTANCES<br />If they align with his Word, give them careful consideration. "God gave you a lot of leading, when He gave you a head." (Dawson Trautman)<br /> <br />5. ASK GOD TO REVEAL HIS WILL<br />"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all… and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts… should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:5-8 – excerpts )<br /> <br />6. INNER PEACE<br />"Through prayer, the study of the Word and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgement according to the best of my ability and knowledge. If my mind is at peace and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly. I have found this method always effective in trivial or important decisions." (George Mueller)<br /> <br />"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… " (Colossians 3:15a) (See Psalm 29:11; Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27; 16:33; Romans 15:13)<br /> <br />7. GODLY COUNSEL<br />"Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance… Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked… " (Proverbs 20:18; Psalm 1:1b) (See Proverbs 11:14; 15:22)<br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-1430167949485036540?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-87799602166393096662011-12-12T00:55:00.000-08:002011-12-12T00:55:57.430-08:00<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lxR-naJTu6U?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />This is the movie that my son Shaun Burkhart produced!! Please enjoy!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-8779960216639309666?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-50527072226138566532011-12-11T13:43:00.000-08:002011-12-11T13:48:28.841-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aki5COUFVqU/TuUkywKbV7I/AAAAAAAAAs0/lfrJc0uVIPg/s1600/danger.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aki5COUFVqU/TuUkywKbV7I/AAAAAAAAAs0/lfrJc0uVIPg/s200/danger.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684990558965815218" /></a><br />The Scripture reveals some common side effects in human nature that result from the blessing of God. Here are some warning signs that things between you and God have become "common":<br /><br />1. A LACKADAISICAL APPROACH TO OBEYING GOD'S WORD<br /> <br />Many of us surrendered ourselves to God in our youthful years – a time when we were "running scared." Scared because we were unsure of our capabilities, and untested in the crucible of life. I suspect that few of us had any idea at that time as to the implications — or demands — of that commitment. However, as we gained the confidence that often accompanies "success," we found our dependence upon God and His Word slowly (almost imperceptibly) waning.<br /> <br />Moses addressed a similar issue with the Israelites: "Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers… He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." (Deuteronomy 8:1, 3) (See Deuteronomy 4:1; 5:32; 6:1-3; 32:46, 47; Psalm 119:4-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 12)<br /> <br />2. FORGETFUL INGRATITUDE FOR GOD'S BLESSING<br /> <br />"Success" we discovered, tended to dull our memory of God's blessings. Thus, it was not uncommon for us to lapse into benign ingratitude: "Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands… Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day… But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today." (Deuteronomy 8:2, 11, 18) (See Deuteronomy 7:18; 32:18; Psalm 77:11; 106:7; 2 Peter 1:12; 3:1, 2)<br /> <br />3. TAKING CREDIT UNTO OURSELVES FOR GOD'S PROVISION:<br /> <br />Few among us, it seems, survive the dizzying effects of "success" and still retain childlike humility. (Matthew 18:2-4) "When you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery… You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.'" (Deuteronomy 8:12-14, 17) (See Deuteronomy 9:4; Isaiah 10:12-14; Daniel 4:28-33; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Galatians 6:14)<br /> <br />PRAYER: "O Lord, if I have wandered in my passion for you and your word, would you purify me, and rekindle the hunger I once held so dear. I ask for your forgiveness where I have failed to express my gratitude for your blessings. I ask your cleansing for taking personal credit for your bounty. In Jesus' Name. Amen."<br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5052707222613856653?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-16563062890367713252011-12-10T15:00:00.000-08:002011-12-10T15:03:43.767-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9vShPwO84s/TuPlFbW7u-I/AAAAAAAAAsc/sC0rXnwcshw/s1600/time.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 168px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9vShPwO84s/TuPlFbW7u-I/AAAAAAAAAsc/sC0rXnwcshw/s200/time.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684639036077751266" /></a><br />Intimate fellowship with Christ was the purpose of both creation and the cross: "God… has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord… " (1 Corinthians 1:9b) Here are a few suggestions on how to cultivate that intimacy:<br /> <br />1. Make the time regular — preferably in the morning:<br />Set a goal of 5 days a week, minimum. Solitude and silence should grace the time. If you are new at it, start with 10 minutes. The time will pass surprisingly quickly and soon you will find yourself expanding it to more.<br /> <br />2. Have a specific place where you can be alone:<br />The patio<br />The car<br />The bathroom<br />A closet<br /> <br />3. Include in your time:<br />Worship<br />Thanksgiving<br />Confession of sin<br />Petition (asking God for answers)<br />Intercession (prayers for others) – Make a list of people<br /> <br />4. Read and meditate over Scripture:<br />Set up an ordered sequence. I find I get more when I take a slow, measured, and in depth approach, rather than race through a specified number of chapters a day. Begin by meditating from a Psalm and a portion of a Proverb. As your appetite (and allotted time) expands, you may also want to add a segment from the New Testament. Once this pattern is well established, you may then want to add a portion from the Old Testament.<br /> <br />5. Journal:<br />Write down what you are gleaning from the Scriptures. I find using different colored pens to circle and underline principles and key words or ideas is helpful.<br />With appropriate passages ask, "What does this text teach me about Jesus?" Write it down.<br /><br />Write out a prayer that relates to the passage. Also, jot down specific answers to prayer.<br /><br />Record applications you are making from your time of prayer and meditation on the Scriptures.<br /> <br />QUESTION: If you are not consistent in your time alone with God, are you willing to begin now by taking the necessary time and effort to develop constancy in this critical area of your life?<br /><br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-1656306289036771325?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-19862979111322002522011-12-09T14:48:00.000-08:002011-12-09T14:52:01.838-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ3HzalmBT4/TuKQ35gdMqI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/UCINv8yWmD0/s1600/thief.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 177px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ3HzalmBT4/TuKQ35gdMqI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/UCINv8yWmD0/s200/thief.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684264969699144354" /></a><br />Anger and fear are two emotions that paralyze our spiritual development and rob us of joy in our walk with Christ.<br /> <br />Anger usually focuses on our disappointment over occurrences of the past: The violation of our "rights," frustration over how things have turned out, or lack of fulfillment over not having achieved our goals. We either doubt God's ability to manage our lives, or we resent His sovereign intrusion into them:<br /> <br />"They spoke against God, saying, 'Can God spread a table in the desert?'" (Psalm 78:19)<br /> <br />"But his subjects hated him [Christ] and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'" (Luke 19:14)<br /> <br />Fear usually focuses on our anxious anticipation of the future: Do we have what it takes to realize our hopes and aspirations, or will our lives crash in upon us? In the future, will some uninvited calamity make its intrusion? Similar concerns faced the Israelites when they came back from exploring the Promised Land. Tragically, because they refused to take God at His Word, they were diminished and immobilized by fear: "The Lord said to Moses, 'Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites… '<br /> <br />"They came back… [and] reported… 'We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit… But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large… But the men who had gone up with him said, 'We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are,' and 'The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size… We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.'" (Numbers 13 – Selected)<br /> <br />The opposite of anger is gratitude, and the opposite of fear is rest. If we are thankful and at ease over the fact that God is overseeing the affairs of our lives, we will experience an inner calm and joy. And joy is the necessary "oil" that lubricates the "machinery" of life. Unresolved anger or fear on the other hand, become the "sand" in the machinery, that will in time cause our lives to grind to a halt.<br /> <br />"The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing." (Proverbs 10:28)<br /> <br />QUESTION: Would those closest to you say your life is driven by anger and fear, or characterized by gratitude and rest? If the answer is anger and fear, what changes do you need to make at this time?<br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-1986297911132200252?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-69078844834724835042011-12-08T13:55:00.000-08:002011-12-08T14:01:00.296-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avtqlt8vAqE/TuEzVq1s4ZI/AAAAAAAAAsE/yqYcqwSko_k/s1600/run.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avtqlt8vAqE/TuEzVq1s4ZI/AAAAAAAAAsE/yqYcqwSko_k/s200/run.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683880652088074642" /></a><br />How am I doing in running the race God has assigned for me, as outlined in Hebrews 12:1-3?<br /> <br />Verse 1 — "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."<br /> <br />Is anything hindering me from running the "race" God has assigned me?<br />(Matthew 10:37, 38; Luke 8:14)<br /> <br />What is the good in my life that has the potential of becoming the enemy of the best? (Philippians 3:12-14)<br /> <br />Is there any sin in my life that is entangling me?<br />(Psalm 106:34-40; 1 Corinthians 9:25, 26; 2 Timothy 2:4; 4:10)<br /> <br />Am I choosing to run with perseverance the race God has "marked out" for me? (Romans 2:7)<br /> <br />Am I in rebellion against God's plan for me?<br />(1 Samuel 12:14, 15; 15:23; 2 Samuel 15:1-18:33; Proverbs 17:11)<br /> <br />Verse 2 — "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."<br /> <br />Are my eyes on Jesus, or on someone/something else?<br />(Isaiah 31:1; 45:22; Philippians 3:20; 2 Timothy 4:8)<br /> <br />Is my faith being perfected (matured)? Or am I stagnating?<br />(Psalm 92:12; Colossians 1:10; 2 Peter 3:18)<br /> <br />If I am stagnating, what are the contributing factors?<br />(Proverbs 1:32; Zephaniah 1:12; Revelation 2:1-4; 3:15-20)<br /> <br />Verse 3 — "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."<br /> <br />Is Christ the primary consideration in my life? Or have I pushed Him to the periphery? (Colossians 3:4)<br /> <br />If Christ is at the periphery, what changes do I need to make to place Him at the center? (2 Peter 2:15)<br /> <br />When I encounter opposition for my faith, am I choosing to endure? If not, why not? (Revelation 12:11)<br /> <br />Have I grown weary and lost heart?<br />(Luke 18:1; 2 Corinthians 4:1, 16; Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13; Revelation 2:3)<br /> <br />What would I need to do to regain my strength and hope?<br />(Isaiah 55:1-3; Hosea 6:1-3; Matthew 11:28-30)<br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-6907884483472483504?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-90350434914192209572011-12-06T13:53:00.000-08:002011-12-06T14:00:59.879-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6CEHYjFh2U/Tt6QYW_CqKI/AAAAAAAAArs/7GOjqLxmUiU/s1600/biz.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6CEHYjFh2U/Tt6QYW_CqKI/AAAAAAAAArs/7GOjqLxmUiU/s200/biz.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683138527949400226" /></a><br />Many Christians in the world of business see little correlation between living for Jesus and dealing with the harsh realities in the marketplace. Thus, they have concluded that commerce is a nasty affair, but someone has to do it. <a href="http://www.inc.com/inc5000/profile/computer-management-and-development-services">Computer Management and Development Services</a> (CMDS), (Harrisonburg, Virginia) is demonstrating a healthy merge between Christian values and the business realm. Their four corporate goals are:<br /> <br />TO HONOR GOD<br />"We believe that our Christianity is something that is a part of all we do. Therefore, we commit ourselves to operate CMDS within our understanding of Christian ethical and moral beliefs. We believe Christ should be honored by all that we do and say."<br />"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." (Col. 3:23)<br /> <br />TO DEVELOP PEOPLE<br />"We believe that people employed by CMDS are our most important asset. We commit ourselves to pay fairly, treat one another honestly, and promote development of the individual. We believe that people we work for are also important and commit ourselves to training them in the operations of the system, treating them honestly, and assisting in the development of the individual in any way we can."<br />"We do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake." (2 Corinthians 4:5b) (See Matthew 22:39; Luke 6:31; James 2:8-16)<br /> <br />TO PURSUE EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE<br />"Service is our most important product. We recognize the importance of service to our customers and commit ourselves to responding promptly to requests and/or problems. We will continue to refine and improve our products. Only by providing an important service to our customers will we continue to exist as a company. We commit ourselves to excellence."<br />"Then God looked over all that he had made, and it was excellent in every way… " (Genesis 1:31 – Living)<br /> <br />TO MAKE A PROFIT<br />"We recognize the need to make a profit in order to operate a viable business. We are nonetheless committed to meet goals one, two, and three and will sacrifice a larger profit in order to meet these goals."<br />"A man called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money… The man… went at once and put his money to work and gained five more… 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.' His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things...'" (Matthew 25:14-21 – selected)<br /> <br />QUESTION: Have you determined to personally incorporate Biblical values into your marketplace practices?<br /><br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-9035043491419220957?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-70589009084424585222011-12-05T13:56:00.000-08:002011-12-05T14:04:14.347-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-aPuqAuWIA/Tt0_wCMAK9I/AAAAAAAAArU/cwTySzX-JhI/s1600/suffer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-aPuqAuWIA/Tt0_wCMAK9I/AAAAAAAAArU/cwTySzX-JhI/s200/suffer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682768399264918482" /></a><br />We don't like to talk about suffering, unfortunately, many people deal with the concept on a daily basis. The suffering of people in this life has long been the debate of philosophers, ethicists, and theologians. Why do people suffer?<br /><br />Often when suffering, we wonder if God has made a mistake. Or we may well feel He does not care, that He is not there, or that He is not fair. We may be tempted to ask, "In all my suffering, where is God?" The answer of course is, "The same place He was when His Son suffered." We know from 1 Peter that God uses suffering to mature us in our faith,<br /> <br />"...Now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed...Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 1:6, 7; 4:12, 13)<br /> <br />If you are in the midst of a painful experience, may I suggest seven things you can do:<br /> <br />1. List and define your trouble.<br /> <br />2. Give thanks for your blessings and look for what didn't happen.<br /> <br />3. Amidst your problem, ask this question, "Have I contributed to the cause?"<br /> <br />4. Explore the possible and potential benefits that can come from the pain.<br /> <br />5. In your suffering or tragedy, recognize that it may not be as bad as it appears.<br /> <br />6. During your time of trouble, recall the character of God and His promises.<br /> <br />7. Pray with surrender that God will work out the problem, and that He will work into your life the character or lesson(s) that can be learned from the experience.<br /><br />—Special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-7058900908442458522?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-50882489294279007312011-12-03T14:52:00.000-08:002011-12-03T15:07:13.156-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vjXCq3UzT3U/TtqrC5qHTtI/AAAAAAAAAq8/9sr65rPI8SY/s1600/mediocrity.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 197px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vjXCq3UzT3U/TtqrC5qHTtI/AAAAAAAAAq8/9sr65rPI8SY/s200/mediocrity.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682041946206850770" /></a><br />Often we are faced with the proposition of giving less than our best effort. After all, no one else does, right?<br /><br />Giving it 110% – A rare commodity today in our national slide into mediocrity.<br /> <br />The Scriptures allow us no such option. Consider Paul's admonition to young Timothy:<br /><br /><br /> 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.<br />1 Tim 4:14-16 (KJV)<br /><br />Some things to consider:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you"</span><br /> <br />Literally:<br />-Don't be careless with it <br />-Don't disregard it <br />-Don't make light of it. <br />-Remember Jesus' admonition regarding the talents: Use it and I will multiply it; hide it and I will take it away from you. (Matthew 25:15-30)<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"Take pains with these things"</span><br /> <br />Literally:<br />-Meditate upon them <br />-Revolve them in your mind <br />-Ponder these truths with the intention of applying them to your life. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"Give Thyself wholly to them"</span><br /> <br />Literally:<br />-Agree with them <br />-That is, don't dance around the periphery. Jump into the water! Get committed!<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"Take heed"</span><br /> <br />Literally:<br />-Pay attention <br />-Retain <br />-Non-commitment and compromise are the operative values in the corridors of today's business, political and educational sophistry.<br /> <br />No so, the disciple of Jesus. The cost of Calvary demands nothing less than "my soul, my life, my all."<br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5088248929427900731?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-63164766959409380772011-12-03T04:43:00.001-08:002011-12-03T04:45:55.857-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxggoGCAwGw/TtoZ2TkgPJI/AAAAAAAAAqk/zZbuvUPRXIE/s1600/moses.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 125px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxggoGCAwGw/TtoZ2TkgPJI/AAAAAAAAAqk/zZbuvUPRXIE/s200/moses.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681882300638313618" /></a><br />The Bible is a progressive revelation. If you skip the first half of any good book and try to finish it; you will have a hard time understanding the characters, the plot, and the ending. In the same way, the New Testament is only completely understood when it is seen as being built upon the foundation of the events, characters, laws, sacrificial system, covenants, and promises of the Old Testament. If we only had the New Testament, we would come to the gospels and not know why the Jews were looking for a Messiah (a Savior King). Without the Old Testament, we would not understand why this Messiah was coming (see Isaiah 53); we would not have been able to identify Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah through the many detailed prophecies that were given concerning Him (e.g., His birth place (Micah 5:2); His manner of death (Psalm 22, especially vv. 1,7-8, 14-18; Psalm 69:21, etc.), His resurrection (Psalm 16:10), and many more details of His ministry (Isaiah 52:13.; 9:2, etc.).<br /><br />Without the Old Testament, we would not understand the Jewish customs that are mentioned in passing in the New Testament. We would not understand the perversions the Pharisees had made to God's law as they added their traditions to it. We would not understand why Jesus was so upset as He cleansed the temple courtyard. We would not understand that we can make use of the same wisdom that Christ used in His many replies to His adversaries (both human and demonic).<br /><br />Without the Old Testament we would miss out on numerous detailed prophecies that could only have come true if the Bible is God's word, not man's (see the major and minor prophets) (e.g., Daniel 7 and following chapters). These prophecies give specific details about the rise and fall of nations, how they will fall, if they will rise again, which powers would be next to emerge, who the major players would be (Cyrus, Alexander the Great, etc.), and what would happen to their kingdoms when those players died. These detailed prophecies are so accurate that skeptics charge they had to have been written after the fact.<br /><br />The Old Testament also contains numerous lessons for us through the lives of its many fallible characters. By observing their lives we can be encouraged to trust God no matter what (Daniel 3), and to not compromise in the little things (Daniel 1) so that we will be faithful later in the big things (Daniel 6). We can learn that it is best to confess sin early and sincerely instead of blame-shifting (1 Samuel 15). We can learn not to play with sin, because it will find us out and its bite is deadly (See Judges 13-16). We can learn that we need to trust (and obey) God if we expect to experience His promised-land living in this life and His paradise in the next (Numbers 13). We learn that if we contemplate sin, we are only setting ourselves up for committing it (Genesis 3; Joshua 6-7). We learn that our sin has consequences not only for ourselves but for our loved ones around us and conversely that our good behavior has rewards not only for us but for those who are around us as well (Genesis 3; Exodus 20:5-6).<br /><br />The Old Testament also contains vast quantities of wisdom that the New Testament does not share. Many of these are contained in the Psalms and Proverbs. These bits of wisdom reveal how I can be wiser than my teachers, what various sins will lead to (it helps us to see the hook that the bait is hiding), and what accomplishments in this world hold for us (nothing!). How can I recognize whether I am a fool (moral fool, that is)? How can I inadvertently turn people off without trying? How can I open doors to lasting success? How can I find meaning in life? Again, there is so much there that is just waiting to be found by one who truly wants to learn.<br /><br />Without the Old Testament, we would not have a basis for standing against the error of the politically correct perversions of our society in which evolution is seen to be the creator of all of the species over millions of years (instead of them being the result of special creation by God in a literal six days). We would buy the lie that marriages and the family unit are an evolving structure that should continue to change as society changes, instead of being seen as a design by God for the purpose of raising up godly children and for the protection of those who would otherwise be used and abused (most often women and children).<br /><br />Without the Old Testament, we would not understand the promises God will yet fulfill to the Jewish nation. As a result, we would not properly see that the Tribulation period is a seven-year period in which He will specifically be working with the Jewish nation who rejected His first coming but who will receive Him at His second coming. We would not understand how Christ's future 1,000-year reign fits in with His promises to the Jews, nor how the Gentiles will fit in. Nor would we see how the end of the Bible ties up the loose ends that were unraveled in the beginning of the Bible, how God will restore the paradise He originally created this world to be, and how we will enjoy close companionship with Him on a personal basis as in the Garden of Eden.<br /><br />In summary, the Old Testament is a mirror that allows us to see ourselves in the lives of Old Testament characters and helps us learn vicariously from their lives. It sheds so much light on who God is and the wonders He has made and the salvation He has wrought. It shares so much comfort to those in persecution or trouble (see Psalms especially). It reveals through repeatedly fulfilled prophecy why the Bible is unique among holy books—it alone is able to demonstrate that it is what it claims to be: the inspired Word of God. It reveals volumes about Christ in page after page of its writings. It contains so much wisdom that goes beyond what is alluded to or quoted in the New Testament. In short, if you have not yet ventured in depth into its pages, you are missing much that God has available for you. As you read it, there will be much you do not understand right away, but there will be much you will understand and learn from. And as you continue to study it, asking God to teach you further, your mining will pay off in brighter treasures still.<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-6316476695940938077?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-67322238810780486012011-12-02T15:26:00.000-08:002011-12-02T15:31:13.169-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvWBd5m04sE/Ttlfjmj_LEI/AAAAAAAAAqM/u37KOfk3bV8/s1600/baby_success.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvWBd5m04sE/Ttlfjmj_LEI/AAAAAAAAAqM/u37KOfk3bV8/s200/baby_success.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681677470156139586" /></a><br />We sometimes think that the goal is more important than the process of reaching the goal. We have the view that 'the end justifies the means'. Here are some false beliefs about success:<br /><br />1. A belief that, to meet a specific deadline or a performance goal, some corners must be cut;<br /> <br />2. A lack of resources (human or otherwise) or time needed to accomplish a particular task, thereby necessitating some drastic or improper action;<br /> <br />3. Peer pressure;<br /> <br />4. Pressures from higher up the chain of command to produce and to get the job done no matter what;<br /> <br />5. A belief that the decision or act is not really illegal or unethical;<br /> <br />6. A belief that the decision or act is in the individual's or the organization's best interest and thus would be condoned by others;<br /> <br />7. A belief that the decision or act will never be discovered; and<br /> <br />8. Fear of authority.<br /> <br />Keep in mind that God, in His sovereignty has placed you in your situation to demonstrate His character to people in desperate need of a model. Job's intense announcement of his determination to maintain his integrity should serve as an encouragement:<br /> <br />"As long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit...till I die I will not deny my integrity. I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it." (Job 27:3-6)<br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-6732223881078048601?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-31681710167350468222011-11-30T14:10:00.000-08:002011-11-30T14:15:22.925-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4g5X2za_qU/Ttaq8fEXdcI/AAAAAAAAApo/gR-JCDxhjjo/s1600/bg.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4g5X2za_qU/Ttaq8fEXdcI/AAAAAAAAApo/gR-JCDxhjjo/s200/bg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680915936083146178" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.billygraham.org/">Billy Graham</a>, in his absorbing autobiography, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Just-As-Am-Autobiography-Graham/dp/0060633875">Just as I Am</a>," written at age 78, commented on his surprise at turning "old" so soon.<br /> <br /><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/rayortlund/">Ray Ortlund</a> puts the brevity of life in perspective: <br /> <br />"Strip down. Get tough on yourself… Soft Christianity is the laughingstock of hell! Redeem your time. Buy up every opportunity for living your life right!<br /> <br />You say you have 70 years to get it all done. No, you really don't.<br /> <br />What did you know about life up to age five? Not much. That leaves 65 years.<br /> <br />But you sleep 25 years or so; so you have only 40 years.<br /> <br />Some years are spent in rest and recreation; some years may be wasted in wickedness or just laziness… <br /> <br />How much is left? Not much!<br /> <br />And how much total time will you have for your life, anyway? Keats died at 26. Shelly at 30. Schubert at 31. Alexander the Great at 33. Mozart at 35.<br /> <br />On the other hand, it's never too late to start really living! Michelangelo began building St. Peter's Cathedral at 76. Verdi was nearly 70 when he composed his "Te Deum." Grandma Moses started painting when she was 78. Tennyson was writing his greatest lines at 83… "<br /> <br />The Scriptures also remind us of life's brevity,<br /> <br />"My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away without a glimpse of joy. They skim past… like eagles swooping down on their prey." (Job 9:25, 26b)<br /> <br />"The span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath… like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall." (1 Peter 1:24b; Psalm 39:5b) (See Job 14:1, 2; Psalm 89:47; 90:5; 102:3; James 1:10; 4:14)<br /> <br />QUESTION: Have you gotten going yet in life? If not, why not now?<br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-3168171016735046822?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-45612551174602196282011-11-29T14:27:00.000-08:002011-11-29T14:31:13.431-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z_227z4cZs/TtVc8NcTGGI/AAAAAAAAApc/zd6RZYM5WEI/s1600/lost.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z_227z4cZs/TtVc8NcTGGI/AAAAAAAAApc/zd6RZYM5WEI/s200/lost.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680548694468008034" /></a><br />"Proclaim the message,<br /> <br />Press it home on all occasions,<br /> <br />Convenient or inconvenient;<br /> <br />Use:<br /> <br />Argument<br /> <br />Reproof, and<br /> <br />Appeal<br /> <br />With all the patience that the work of teaching requires." (2 Timothy 4:2-3)<br /> <br />So wrote Paul to Timothy.<br /> <br />The ideal conditions for sharing the faith or plucking the fruit will rarely be there:<br /> <br />"Whoever watches the clouds will not plant; Whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." (Ecclesiastes 11:4)<br /> <br />So:<br /> <br />"JUST DO IT!"<br /> <br />"Sow your seed in the morning and at evening let not your hands be idle,<br /> <br />For you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that,<br /> <br />Or whether both will do equally well." (Ecclesiastes 11:6)<br /> <br />God has sovereignly placed you in the midst of lost people who desperately need to hear the message of Christ's love.<br /> <br />From you. <br /><br /><br />Today.<br /><br /><br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!.<br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-4561255117460219628?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-21914512315428869602011-11-28T13:58:00.000-08:002011-11-28T14:06:31.814-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6kI5vkFX5c/TtQF3KJqO1I/AAAAAAAAApQ/E4oo6bMPS6g/s1600/jesus.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6kI5vkFX5c/TtQF3KJqO1I/AAAAAAAAApQ/E4oo6bMPS6g/s200/jesus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680171475196853074" /></a><br />Why do people complicate things? How do simple concepts become convoluted, and weighted down with unnecessary drama?<br /><br />When we talk about sharing Jesus with others, we do not need seminars, training, workshops or 20 week classes. Not that any of those things are bad....it just seems that we often substitute the TRAINING for evangelism with the actual work of sharing Jesus with others.<br /><br />Sharing Jesus is a way of life, or at least, it should be. When we look at 2 Timothy chapter 2, we gain a few practical pointers to begin living the Jesus lifestyle today.<br /><br />*Be willing to suffer for the Gospel, Paul stated, "This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal." (2 Timothy 2:8b, 9a) (See Acts 9:16; 1 Peter 3:16) <br /><br />*Be sure that you are a clean vessel whom God can use, "If a man cleanses himself… he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." (2 Timothy 2:21a,c) (See Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 2:20-22; Titus 3:14) <br /><br />*Openly acknowledge Him before others, "If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself." (2 Timothy 2:12b, 13) (See Matthew 10:33; Revelation 3:8) <br /><br />*Make a diligent effort to accurately communicate the truth of God's Word, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth… able to teach… " (2 Timothy 2:15, 24b) (See 2 Corinthians 4:2) <br /><br />*Avoid getting unnecessarily embroiled in foolish argumentation, "Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel… " (2 Timothy 2:23, 24a) (See 2 Timothy 2:14, 16, 25; Titus 3:9) <br /><br />*Recognize God's sovereign role in bringing a person to Himself, "Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 2:25) (See Acts 8:22; 1 Timothy 2:3, 4) <br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-2191451231542886960?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-76910386776323034042011-11-27T14:15:00.000-08:002011-11-27T14:21:30.677-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S10oHQe-IiQ/TtK3VWMhkWI/AAAAAAAAApE/-t87cuvofKQ/s1600/album.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 161px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S10oHQe-IiQ/TtK3VWMhkWI/AAAAAAAAApE/-t87cuvofKQ/s200/album.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679803657430864226" /></a><br />I've been shot down, talked about<br />Some people scandalize my name,<br />But here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus just the same.<br /><br />I've been knocked down, kicked around<br />But like a moth drawn to the flame,<br />Here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus just the same.<br /><br />I've been rebuked for the things I've said,<br />For the (word)s I've written and the life I've led.<br />They say they don't understand me, well I'm not surprised,<br />Because you can't see nothing when you close your eyes.<br /><br />They say I'm sinful, backslidden,<br />That I have left to follow fame.<br />But here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus just the same.<br /><br />You wanna talk about my life, hey listen to me,<br />You got your facts all backwards, one two three<br />Spreading rumors and gossip is a real bad game<br />The only name to spread is Jesus' name,<br /><br />I've been knocked down, kicked around<br />But like a moth drawn to the flame,<br />Here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus brother,<br />Here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus sister,<br />Here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus just the same<br /><br /><br />Doc ~ For some reason, this song seemed appropriate today. Here is the video on YouTube:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kzb-53AwMCo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kzb-53AwMCo</a><br /><br />http://www.lyricsmania.com/shot_down_lyrics_larry_norman.html<br /><br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-7691038677632303404?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-59905195818364762122011-11-25T23:56:00.000-08:002011-11-26T00:04:23.491-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3l221rd5Tvc/TtCde_aPteI/AAAAAAAAAo4/3dvTfP-Nzrs/s1600/problem.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3l221rd5Tvc/TtCde_aPteI/AAAAAAAAAo4/3dvTfP-Nzrs/s200/problem.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679212285857347042" /></a><br />Alone? Disconnected? Cast aside? Isolated? Take heart, because God is "a father to the fatherless..." and "sets the lonely in families." (Psalm 68:5a, 6a) (See Psalm 10:4; 107:14)<br /> <br />Have you ever been crushed by circumstances? Overwhelmed by life? Whiplashed by a situation that seems out of your control? Take courage, because your loving Sovereign is concerned for the most defenseless among us: "A defender of widows." (Psalm 68:5a) (See Psalm 72:2, 4)<br /> <br />Ever feel like a prisoner to your surroundings? Or to your sins? Or to life itself ? The good news is that "God leads forth the prisoners with singing." (Psalm 68:6) (See Psalm 107:10, 14; 147:6; Isaiah 61:1)<br /> <br />Perhaps you feel exhausted. Dried out. Stale. Look up because your Father promises to give you "abundant showers… " as He "refreshes His weary inheritance." (Psalm 68:9) (See Hosea 6:3)<br /> <br />You may be worried about meeting your financial obligations. Be at rest. "From your bounty, O God you [provide] for the poor." (Psalm 68:10) (See Psalm 37:25; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 13:5)<br /> <br />In case you are wondering if He is there, or even cares about your situation,<br />Muse over the words from Mozart's Requiem, "<span style="font-weight:bold;">Remember, merciful Jesu, that I am the cause of your journey."<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> <br /><br />Ponder the profundity of Brenan Manning's story of an Irish priest who observes an old peasant kneeling by the side of the road, praying. Impressed, the priest says to the man, "You must be very close to God." The peasant looks up from his prayers, thinks a moment, and then smiles, "Yes, He's very fond of me." <br /><br />Identify with Karl Barth's response to someone's inquiry as to the most profound thought he had learned in all his theological studies, "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so." <br /><br />Just how do we daily experience His grace? By total surrender to the lordship issues God has already identified in our lives. It is He, after all who gently reminds us that "only the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." (Psalm 68:6b) All He asks from us is radical honesty, and radical dependency, thus releasing Him to do what is so dear to His heart: "Daily bear our burdens." (Psalm 68:19b)<br /> <br />That being true, let us offer this prayer to Him, "Lord, thank you for what you have allowed to come my way. I repent of my rebellion, fear, anger and stubborn self-will. In this moment I surrender to your Lordship, and choose to believe that for today you are my sufficiency and the answer to my every need. Thank you in Jesus' Name. Amen."<br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5990519581836476212?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-15922225432401853152011-11-25T04:47:00.001-08:002011-11-25T05:03:37.657-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MYc_ONaKT0/Ts-QVmooYbI/AAAAAAAAAos/zms2JvekofI/s1600/self.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MYc_ONaKT0/Ts-QVmooYbI/AAAAAAAAAos/zms2JvekofI/s200/self.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678916355960103346" /></a><br />We live in a society where the powerful, the beautiful, and the bright usually get the recognition, the accolades and the promotions. It is a pride-driven world of self that takes on at least five forms of expression:<br /> <br />1. SELF-PROMOTION — In our effort to command center stage, we have become masters at crafting just the right image, and uncommonly adept at manipulating people and circumstances. Thus, we artfully name-drop, apply pressure at strategic moments, flatter, pout, and intimidate. The Scriptures, however, do not allow us the luxury: "Should you then seek great things for yourself ? Seek them not… " (Jeremiah 45:5a) (See Genesis 13; Romans 12:16)<br /> <br />2. SELF-PITY — As a people, we have nurtured a "victim mentality" by refusing to take responsibility for our lives: "No one appreciates me." "No one understands me." "I had a rough childhood." "They took advantage of me." By way of contrast, consider St. Paul's response to his severe victimization: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed… As servants of God... [we are] known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9; 6:4b, 9,10) (See 1 Kings 19:10; Job 10:1)<br /> <br />3. SELF-SUFFICIENCY — "Hey… with enough guts, brains and raw hard work I will make it happen!" While God affirms a can-do spirit, He despises self-sufficiency that is rooted in pride:<br /> <br />"In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God." (Psalm 10:4) (See Genesis 6:5, 6; Psalm 138:8; Proverbs 3:34; 11:2; 16:18; Isaiah 2:11, 12, 17; 14:11-15; 65:2; Romans 1:21, 28; James 4:6)<br /> <br />4. SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS — "There are a lot of people out there doing a lot worse stuff than I." "I'm doing the best I can." "I lead a clean, moral life." "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." (Romans 3:10, 11) (See Isaiah 64:6; Luke 18:9-12; Romans 3:10-17; 10:1-4; Philippians 3:9)<br /> <br />5. SELF-WORSHIP — "Hey, if ya got it, flaunt it! Right? 'Cause if you don't toot your own horn, who will?" "Herod… delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, 'This is the voice of a god, not of a man' Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died." (Acts 12:21b, 23) (See 2 Chronicles 26:16-21; Daniel 6:6-9; James 4:5, 6; 1 Peter 5:6)<br /> <br />The only hope – the only focus – the only option for the sincere follower of Christ is to climb up on the cross with him and die. And then allow his life, moment by moment to live through ours See Galatians 2:20. QUESTION: Today, are you willing once again to climb back up on that cross?<br /><br />—special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-1592222543240185315?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-85932205389836481282011-11-22T21:59:00.000-08:002011-11-22T22:43:25.249-08:00Finally! The video is up! This is me preaching to a Korean congregation, which was also broadcast on area television! (Part 2)<br /><br /><iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/81xqQyCR0DU?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-8593220538983648128?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-11458403950275302322011-11-22T21:57:00.000-08:002011-11-22T22:42:59.347-08:00Finally! The video is up! This is me preaching to a Korean congregation, which was also broadcast on area television! (Part 1)<br /><br /><iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BcUAyo_NLPs?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-1145840395027530232?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-52762208881859506822011-11-22T13:40:00.000-08:002011-11-22T13:47:31.147-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJpE0vMMTPQ/TswYQnAkhVI/AAAAAAAAAog/Or4flW7MVZ4/s1600/apple.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJpE0vMMTPQ/TswYQnAkhVI/AAAAAAAAAog/Or4flW7MVZ4/s200/apple.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677939903835702610" /></a><br />How does Satan lead us astray? What signs can we look for that can serve as warnings? How can we confidently respond to his attacks?<br /><br />As we look at Satan's temptation of Eve, we find parallels that can apply to our own lives.<br /><br />1. He plays to our ignorance of the Scriptures: Satan to Eve, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden?'" (Genesis 3:1) In response, Eve stated, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" (3:2, 3) In fact, God had said nothing about "touching" the fruit. (2:16, 17) Simply not to eat it. Sadly, Eve was ignorant of the Word of God that had been given to her.<br /> <br />"Ignorant… people distort… the… Scriptures, to their own destruction." (2 Peter 3:16b) (See Matthew 22:29)<br /> <br />QUESTION: Are you steeping yourself in the Scriptures in preparation for Satan's inevitable attacks of lies and deception? (See 1 Chronicles 21:1; John 8:44; Revelation 12:9; 20:12)<br /> <br />2. He plays to our ego: Satan to Eve, "You will not surely die… " (Genesis 3:4)<br /> <br />Remember the bumper sticker, "Question Authority"? Translated it means, "No one's gonna tell me what to do! I'm the captain of my ship, the master of my fate!"<br /> <br />"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way… " (Isaiah 53:6a)<br /> <br />QUESTION: As God reveals His truth to you, are you choosing to respond in humble obedience?<br /> <br />3. He plays to our curiosity: Satan to Eve, "God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:5)<br /> <br />Are we not often enticed into sin through our curiosity? That is, we choose to step beyond God's ordained boundaries to experiment in areas that ultimately could (and would) harm us.<br /> <br />"Be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods… I want you to be… innocent about what is evil… innocent as doves… " (Deuteronomy 12:30b; Romans 16:19b; Matthew 10:16) (See Ephesians 5:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:23)<br /> <br />QUESTION: Can we appreciate the fact that there are certain areas of knowledge and experience into which our loving Father desires us not to enter? Are we willing to surrender to His wise and protective care?<br /> <br />4. He plays to our senses: "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it." (Genesis 3:6) "David… saw a woman bathing… [She] was very beautiful, and… [he] sent… to find out about her… Then David sent… to get her… and he slept with her." (2 Samuel 11:2-4 – excerpts) (See Joshua 7:21)<br /> <br />QUESTION: Just what level of arousal would it take to draw you into sin? Does "every man have his price?" What stimuli are you presently allowing in through your senses that, given the right opportunity, could prove to be your spiritual undoing? (See Matthew 6:22, 23; 1 Corinthians 10:12; 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Peter 2:11)<br /><br />—thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5276220888185950682?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-86030544931234044752011-11-20T13:50:00.000-08:002011-11-20T13:56:30.802-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjzStRIeAgc/Tsl3VlhiNLI/AAAAAAAAAoU/o86m-kvO064/s1600/babe.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjzStRIeAgc/Tsl3VlhiNLI/AAAAAAAAAoU/o86m-kvO064/s200/babe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677200018010944690" /></a><br />Babe Ruth "played to the grandstand" back in the 20's when he, on a count of 3 balls and 2 strikes pointed to the right field bleachers to signal his intention of hitting the next pitch out of the park. When he slammed that next pitch into right field, the fans went wild!<br /> <br />Like "the Babe," we also "play to the grandstand." That is, we "play" to the people in our lives whose approval we most cherish, be it parents, colleagues or competitors.<br /> <br />The approval of others can become an addictive need in our lives. Seeking the approval of parent's, a spouse, friends, an organization, or any "grandstand" in our lives feeds a hunger that will never be fully satiated.<br /><br />As Christ's followers, our calling in life lies in exactly the opposite direction: We are to "play to a grandstand" of one: Jesus. Here are two reasons why:<br /> <br />The fear of God: "So we make it our goal to please him… For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men… " (2 Corinthians 5:9b-11a) (See Genesis 4:7; 1 Samuel 2:3; Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Peter 4:5)<br /> <br />The love of Christ: "For Christ's love compels us… And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." (2 Corinthians 5:14a,c, 15) (See Matthew 10:37, 38; 21:15-17; John 21:15-17; Romans 14:10; Ephesians 3:18, 19)<br /> <br />If we are to enjoy the freedom that is ours in Christ, we must come to the conclusion that it is only His view of how we conduct our lives that really matters. (Ponder Daniel, chapter 6)<br /> <br />"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ… Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men." (Galatians 1:10; Ephesians 6:7) (See Matthew 22:16; Colossians 3:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; James 4:4)<br /> <br />QUESTION: To which grandstand are you playing: Gaining the whimsical approval of others? Or receiving the affirmation of your loving Heavenly Father who longs to say to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant… come and share your master's happiness." (Matthew 25:21b,c) (See 1 Peter 1:7)<br /><br />—Thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-8603054493123404475?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-74848553473873545912011-11-19T14:51:00.000-08:002011-11-19T14:55:11.283-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l06EPQwMJTU/TsgzsFWh_eI/AAAAAAAAAoI/40v3YX5ThJU/s1600/worship.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l06EPQwMJTU/TsgzsFWh_eI/AAAAAAAAAoI/40v3YX5ThJU/s200/worship.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676844162744450530" /></a><br />CATCH the passion for God and the knowledge of the Holy from extended time alone with Him, or from people who are infected with Jesus Christ. Get around those who are impassioned with being used of God to make a difference in this tired world. Keep in mind that "it is easier to cool down a fanatic than to liven up a corpse."<br /> <br />"You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia." (1 Thessalonians 1:5b-7)<br /> <br />LIVE — Prayerfully delve into the Scriptures with the anticipation and trust of a child at Christmas time. Dare to unconditionally live out the truth God reveals to you from His Word. Respond sensitively to the conviction and leading of the Spirit. Claim and appropriate God's promises to release you from life's bondages: The fear of man, the love of money, the lust of the flesh, the desire to impress others; a wounded or embittered spirit; the ruts, the familiar, the safe… perhaps even the traditional. (James 1:22; Romans 8:14; Hebrews 6:11, 12; Romans 8:2; Psalm 34:4; Proverbs 29:25; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; 1 John 2:15-17; Hebrews 12:15; Matthew 15:8, 9)<br /> <br />"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free… If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:31b, 32, 36b)<br /> <br />Allow the Spirit to lead you into areas that demand trust and stretching. Be prepared to be surprised by the goodness of God upon your life. That is because God loves to bless those who dare to take Him seriously! (Acts 4:31; 1 Corinthians 2:10-12; 1 Samuel 3:9; Psalm 30:5)<br /> <br />"The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him… " (2 Chronicles 16:9b)<br /> <br />IMPART — As Biblical truth becomes living reality, pass it on to others. That is, fish for men. Engage and infect people's lives with yours. Take it a step further by making a sustained investment of your life into theirs. Embrace missionary martyr Jim Elliot's impassioned heart-cry, "Lord, make my life a crossroad in the life of everyone I encounter." (Matthew 4:19; 2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Corinthians 16:14)<br /> <br />QUESTION: Today, is your life "business as usual," or is there a fire burning in your soul? If the fire is flickering close to extinction, ask yourself what root issues need to be reexamined? What changes need to be made? Jesus' word of encouragement may be timely:<br /> <br />"A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out." (Matthew 12:20a)<br /><br />—Special thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-7484855347387354591?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-35700945749317847172011-11-18T15:56:00.000-08:002011-11-18T16:05:27.306-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8L8FkYUjlKw/TsbywcfsHFI/AAAAAAAAAn8/cyWXa5f2jZk/s1600/friends.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8L8FkYUjlKw/TsbywcfsHFI/AAAAAAAAAn8/cyWXa5f2jZk/s200/friends.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676491294443838546" /></a><br />If you want to succeed in making an impact for Christ in this life, then you need to make friends with three people in your life: a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy.<br /><br />PAUL: Too often in my early ministry, I held to the concept that I needed to 'make it on my own', to 'be independent', not to 'rely on others'. This thinking came about as I put myself through college, and began to see the fruits of my own hard work and diligence. I didn't need anyone else. I could make it on my own.<br /><br />It took many years of failing in ministry to get me to the point of realizing the importance of mentors, and spiritual fathers in my life. Things would have gone more smoothly, and more evenly, and would have been much more productive, with those 'fathers' in my life.<br /> <br />"Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me." (See 1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:7; 4:9)<br /> <br />QUESTION: Do you currently have a Paul in your life? Someone who knows the real you? Someone who challenges you? Someone who models godly character and discipline, and builds them into your life? Someone who lends a more mature perspective to your life? Someone who has earned your trust enough to probe the sensitive and hidden areas of your life? Someone who is committed to walking with you through the difficult times? In a word, a Paul. A spiritual father.<br /> <br />BARNABAS ("Encourager" – Acts 4:36) was used of God to bring Paul out of Antioch and into a fruitful ministry where the two of them teamed up. (Acts 11:25, 26) (See Acts 11:30; 12:25; 13:1, 2, 14, 43, 46, 50; 14:1-3, 23; 15:12, 22, 34)<br /> <br />QUESTION: Do you have a Barnabas in your life? A buddy with whom you can freely share the good, the bad, and the ugly? Someone who will tell it like it is when you don't want to hear it? (Proverbs 27:6) Someone who is committed to hanging in there with you through thick and thin? (Proverbs 17:17; 18:24)<br /> <br />TIMOTHY: In his travels, Paul ran into a young follower of Christ named Timothy (Acts 16:1-4). For the next decade or so, the Apostle invested deeply into his life. Reflecting back on their friendship, Paul wrote,<br /> <br />"You… know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me… the persecutions I endured… " (2 Timothy 3:10, 11a,c) (See Acts 20:18)<br /> <br />In similar fashion, Paul encouraged Timothy to also invest his life into others: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." (2 Timothy 2:2) (See 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 6)<br /> <br />QUESTION: Do you have a Timothy in your life? Someone into whose life you are currently investing?<br /> <br />Having a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy in our life will indeed play a significant role in (1) fostering our growth toward spiritual maturity, and (2) helping us fulfill Christ's Great Commission.<br /><br />-Thanks to Facts of the Matter<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-3570094574931784717?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-9909483909021081642011-11-16T13:29:00.000-08:002011-11-16T13:32:50.645-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMyPYIomrO8/TsQr4LMDWlI/AAAAAAAAAns/GV2ge9Dgtt4/s1600/listen.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 119px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMyPYIomrO8/TsQr4LMDWlI/AAAAAAAAAns/GV2ge9Dgtt4/s200/listen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675709674469677650" /></a><br />How can we tap into the wellspring of a person's soul to know what is going on in their life? "The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out." (Proverbs 20:5) (See Psalm 64:6; Proverbs 18:4; 1 Corinthians 2:11)<br /> <br />Here are three principles that will help us in practicing the discipline of listening: <br /> <br />1. STOP TALKING SO MUCH<br /> <br />Isn't it true that we simply talk too much? "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." (Proverbs 10:19) (See Proverbs 17:27, 28; Ecclesiastes 5:3; 10:13; James 3:2)<br /> <br />2. VALUE THE OTHER PERSON AND HIS INPUT<br /> <br />If you don't, you will not believe he has anything to contribute in a conversation. President Lyndon Johnson kept a sign on his wall, "You ain't learning nothing when you're doing all the talking." Isn't there an object lesson in the fact that God gave us one mouth, and two ears? Apparently, Solomon concurred, "Let the wise listen and add to their learning… " (Proverbs 1:5a) (See Job 34:16; Proverbs 9:9)<br /> <br />3. LISTEN WITH THE INTENT TO UNDERSTAND<br /> <br />French psychiatrist, Paul Tournier taught that true communication is "the meeting of meanings." That is, grasping the definition behind the words. That takes disciplined listening! Steven Covey says, "many people do not listen with the intent to understand. They listen with the intent to reply." If we are to connect with people communications-wise, we must assume the attitude, "I am more interested in what you are saying than in thinking of what I'm going to say, once you're through talking."<br /> <br />David Swartz reminds us that "big people monopolize the listening. Small people monopolize the talking." And James asserts, "everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (1:19) (See Proverbs 13:3; 15:2; 18:13; 21:23; James 1:26; 3:1)<br /> <br />Dewey Knight relates, "My best advice came from a friend immediately after I was named to a top… job: 'Son, in this job you will have millions of opportunities to keep your mouth shut. Take advantage of all of them.'"<br /> <br />QUESTION: Are you willing to demonstrate your respect for others by sublimating your ego needs and truly listening to them? If not, forget any notion that you are in fact a mentor or discipler.<br /><br />—Facts of the Matter<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-990948390902108164?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-52507360604761554062011-11-15T14:34:00.000-08:002011-11-15T14:37:19.127-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAJ6Oaz_tjY/TsLpTVCnaWI/AAAAAAAAAng/5-Iuau1HvLc/s1600/biz.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAJ6Oaz_tjY/TsLpTVCnaWI/AAAAAAAAAng/5-Iuau1HvLc/s200/biz.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675354998715148642" /></a><br />The common perception among people in business is that if you operate with total integrity, the playing field is no longer level. Because the odds are stacked against you, you can't successfully compete with those who bend the rules. So, the natural reaction is to live in two worlds: The "religious" world one day a week, and the "real" world six days a week. By so doing, we demonstrate our stubborn refusal to trust God in operating our business. And we negate His ability to miraculously intervene on our behalf. For example, if we would allow Him, God would:<br /><br />Impress customers to respond to our initiatives when it is appropriate. <br />Plant creative ideas for business in our minds. <br />Move in the hearts of good men to assist us in our endeavors. <br />Shield us from those who are bent on doing us harm, etc., etc. <br /><br />Perhaps these six questions will help us determine in which world we are operating:<br /> <br />1. Do I trust God to move in the hearts of people on behalf of my business? Or do I find myself manipulating circumstances and people to accomplish my ends? "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a water course wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1) (See Proverbs 16:9; 20:24; Isaiah 14:24; Daniel 4:35)<br /> <br />2. Am I profoundly influenced in my decisions by the fact that God knows my motives? Or do I rationalize the gray areas, assuming compromise doesn't really matter all that much? "All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart." (Proverbs 21:2)<br /> <br />3. Do I understand that God values my obedience over religious "sacrifice"? Or do I mask questionable business practices with a "Christian" facade? "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." (Proverbs 21:3) (See 1 Samuel 15:22)<br /> <br />4. Am I continually checking my heart against insidious pride? Or do I ensure the fact that one way or another, I will get the credit? "Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!" (Proverbs 21:4) (See Proverbs 8:13; Isaiah 2:11, 17; Luke 18:14)<br /> <br />5. Do I realize that there is no substitute for old-fashioned hard work? Or do I let things slide here and there when no one is checking up on me? "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5) (See Proverbs 10:4; 27:23-27)<br /> <br />6. Do I truly believe that integrity lies at the very foundation of a healthy business? Or do I cut corners and shade the truth when it is to my advantage? "A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare." (Proverbs 21:6) (See Proverbs 13:11; 30:8; Jeremiah 17:11)<br />—Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5250736060476155406?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-51103355895048706862011-11-14T14:48:00.000-08:002011-11-14T14:52:20.335-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dl3JLccErxg/TsGbn6-L9pI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/i3R55ZQgMcU/s1600/boy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dl3JLccErxg/TsGbn6-L9pI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/i3R55ZQgMcU/s200/boy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674988115610826386" /></a><br />"'Dear Mom:<br /> <br />'Gosh, can you believe it's 2023 already?… It seems just yesterday I was sitting in first grade celebrating the century change. I know we haven't really chatted since Christmas. Sorry. Anyway, I have some difficult news and I really didn't want to call and talk face-to-face. Ted's had a promotion and I should be up for a hefty raise this year if I keep putting in those crazy hours. You know how I work at it. Yes, we're still struggling with the bills.<br /> <br />'Timmy's been 'okay' at kindergarten although he complains about going. But then, he wasn't happy about day care either, so what can I do? He's been a real problem, Mom. He's a good kid, but quite honestly, he's an unfair burden at this time in our lives. Ted and I have talked this through and through and finally made a choice. Plenty of other families have made it and are much better off.<br /> <br />'Our pastor is supportive and says hard decisions are necessary. The family is a 'system' and the demands of one member shouldn't be allowed to ruin the whole. He told us to be prayerful, consider all the factors, and do what is right to make the family work. He says that even though he probably wouldn't do it himself, the decision is really ours. He was kind enough to refer us to a children's clinic near here, so at least that part's easy.<br /> <br />'I'm not an uncaring mother. I do feel sorry for the little guy. I think he overheard Ted and me talking about 'it' the other night. I turned around and saw him standing at the bottom of the step in his PJ's with the little bear you gave him under his arm and his eyes sort of welling up. Mom, the way he looked at me just about broke my heart. But honestly I believe this is better for Timmy, too.<br /> <br />'It's not fair to force him to live in a family that can't give him the time and attention he deserves. And please don't give me the kind of grief Grandma gave you over your abortions. It is the same thing, you know. We've told him he's just going in for a vaccination. Anyway, they say it is painless. I guess it's just as well you haven't seen that much of him.<br /> <br />Love to Dad:<br /> <br />Jane'"<br /><br />—Facts of the Matter<br /><br />"You shall not murder." (Exodus 20:13)<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5110335589504870686?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-44867064261277000012011-11-12T02:12:00.000-08:002011-11-12T02:28:13.218-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOFzgBa-5XI/Tr5JZGyjtrI/AAAAAAAAAmg/cHmiTRjYs2g/s1600/TandaceB.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOFzgBa-5XI/Tr5JZGyjtrI/AAAAAAAAAmg/cHmiTRjYs2g/s200/TandaceB.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674053276201629362" /></a><br />I am letting the whole world know that my daughter, Tandace Burkhart is engaged! Congratulations to her and to my future son-in-law, Michael Lezcano. Just look at that ring....good job there, Mike!<br /><br />Below is a picture of the happy couple! I am so proud of you both!<div><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_rSv2lSq5k/Tr5JeRM2vxI/AAAAAAAAAms/5axhsp-zw1A/s200/MikeTan.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674053364895629074" /><br />MY BLESSING TO YOU!!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-family: Arial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; ">May your mornings bring joy </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-family: Arial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; "> and your evenings bring peace.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-family: Arial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; ">May your troubles grow few </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-family: Arial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; "> as your blessings increase.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-family: Arial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; ">May the saddest day of your future</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-family: Arial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; "> Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-family: Arial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; ">May your hands be forever clasped in friendship</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-family: Arial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; ">And your hearts joined forever in love.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-family: Arial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; ">Your lives are very special,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-family: Arial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; ">God has touched you in many ways.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-family: Arial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; ">May His blessings rest upon you</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-family: Arial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; ">And fill all your coming days!</span><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-4486706426127700001?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-37037235646864254262011-11-11T16:31:00.000-08:002011-11-11T16:38:25.361-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONYTFiQrsew/Tr2_4Pf6cdI/AAAAAAAAAmI/036ZgH1lFRo/s1600/church.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONYTFiQrsew/Tr2_4Pf6cdI/AAAAAAAAAmI/036ZgH1lFRo/s200/church.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673902078510658002" /></a><br />Hello friends,<br /><br />Please keep me in special prayer the next two days. Here in South Korea, the Lord is doing some awesome things. <br /><br />Tomorrow I will be preaching in a large Korean church. First of all, this is a tremendous honor and privilege, and I am not taking that lightly. It is rare for a Korean pastor to allow someone to stand in their pulpit, so I am giving honor and respect to that.<br /><br />Secondly, this is a pretty large congregation, with multiple outreaches. It is the covering church for the English ministry I am involved in. For our ministry to be featured in this way is a great honor as well. It legitimizes our efforts here in the city of Seoul.<br /><br />Thirdly, I will have an interpreter (my first time for that). Please pray that God will give us BOTH wisdom to say what God wants to be said.<br /><br />Thank you so much for your prayers, and I will be sure to give you a report after the service. Hopefully, within a few days, I might also be able to post the video as well. <br /><br />You are a part of this ministry. I am merely your servant standing in your place. God bless you for your prayers.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Raymond 'Doc' Burkhart<br /><br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-3703723564686425426?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-28715458096748542472011-11-10T14:01:00.000-08:002011-11-10T14:03:52.772-08:00One of the greatest challenges we face in our walk with Christ is how to make our profession of faith and practice in business one and the same. The operative word is "blameless".<br /> <br />"Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman." (Psalm 15:1-3)<br /> <br />"Blameless" means conducting our business in such a manner that no one can point the finger at us and utter the word "hypocrite!"<br /> <br />"Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." (Romans 15:13)<br /> <br />To help you determine just how blameless you are in your business practices, consider the following questions:<br /><br />Is it wrong to create a "need" in order to market a product? (Job 31:5) <br /><br />When there is a clash between Biblical principles and expediency, which one usually wins? Why? <br /><br />Is the nature of your product in harmony with Biblical values? <br /><br />How do you view your employees? As expendable, once their usefulness wanes? Or as people whom you desire to assist in reaching their highest potential? (Job 31:13) <br /><br />Are the brand properties you attribute to your product honestly represented? (Deuteronomy 16:19; Proverbs 16:11) <br /><br />Is the message you are communicating in your advertising and promotion consistent with Scriptural principles? <br /><br />Do you view the competition as a necessary evil? (2 Corinthians 5:16) <br />As the enemy whom you must crush? (Job 31:29, 40; Zechariah 7:9; Luke 6:31) <br />Or as people for whom Christ died; people to whom you are His Ambassador? (2 Corinthians 5:18-21) <br /><br />Is it possible to love and serve people with whom you are in competition? Do such truths as "Love your neighbor as yourself " and "Let all that you do be done in love" find application in your business environment? (Matthew 22:39; 1 Corinthians 16:14) <br /><br />When you are in doubt about a marketing strategy or a business decision, do you stop and ask, "What would Jesus do?" Or do you just plow ahead, business as usual? (John 13:16; Ephesians 5:2) <br /><br />QUESTION: How do your lost associates view you? A stepping stone? A stumbling block?<br />—Facts of the Matter<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-2871545809674854247?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-71986591040340976412011-11-09T14:23:00.000-08:002011-11-09T14:28:50.236-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEhKz45zVk0/Trr-eEX4p0I/AAAAAAAAAlw/dLKvD5kQZqU/s1600/betrayal.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEhKz45zVk0/Trr-eEX4p0I/AAAAAAAAAlw/dLKvD5kQZqU/s200/betrayal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673126473150015298" /></a><br />Recently, I was deeply hurt by someone close to me: My immediate reaction was anger. Grief. Disappointment. Wounded pride. I had expected so much more in the relationship! Because I hate pain, I wanted to:<br /> <br />Run from it.<br /> <br />Criticize the person inflicting the pain.<br /> <br />Pout – Have a pity party!<br /> <br />In other words, do anything to get rid of the pain.<br /> <br />Such reactions are not condoned in Scriptures. Rather, we are to respond with:<br /> <br />Compassion (Matthew 9:13, 36; Mark 1:41; Luke 6:36; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Peter 3:8)<br /> <br />Kindness (Proverbs 14:21; Matthew 5:42; Luke 6:34, 35; 1 Corinthians 13:4; 2 Peter 1:7)<br /> <br />Humility (Numbers 12:3; Proverbs 16:19; 29:23; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2; Matthew 5:3)<br /> <br />Gentleness (James 3:13; Titus 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Timothy 6:11; Ephesians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 10:1)<br /> <br />Patience. (2 Timothy 3:10; 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 1:11)<br /> <br />And we are to:<br /> <br />Bear (literally, endure) the pain inflicted upon us.<br /> <br />Forgive the person – even when they keep sticking it to us: "If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." (Luke 17:4)<br /> <br />Here's how the Apostle Paul put it, "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:12, 13)<br /> <br />For example, Jesus, in his dying breath uttered, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:24). And Stephen, as they were crushing in his skull with rocks whispered, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." (Acts 7:60b)<br /> <br />We all know brittle, sour prune-types that reek with anger and bitterness. And that's where we are headed unless we embrace the spirit of Jesus and Stephen. So let's make a decision today: That by His grace we will allow no one to rain on our parade. And we will accomplish this unprecedented feat by choosing to be the very embodiment of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance and forgiveness.<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-7198659104034097641?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-40719125508950136392011-11-08T15:52:00.000-08:002011-11-08T16:06:11.685-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p3wg8s91CZQ/TrnDtZQCDNI/AAAAAAAAAlk/475JbsIzDw0/s1600/morning.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p3wg8s91CZQ/TrnDtZQCDNI/AAAAAAAAAlk/475JbsIzDw0/s200/morning.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672780390289509586" /></a><br />It is morning here in Korea. I thought I would share with you a prayer:<br /><br />"Eternal Father of my soul, let my first thought be of You."<br /> <br />"Let my first impulse be to worship You."<br /> <br />"Let my speech be Your Name."<br /> <br />"Let my first action be to kneel before You in prayer… "<br /> <br />"Let me not, when this morning prayer is said, think my worship ended and spend the day in forgetfulness of You. Rather from these moments of quietness let light go forth, and joy, and power, that will remain with me through all the hours of the day;"<br /> <br />"Keeping me chaste in thought: ("May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+19%3A14&version=NIV">Psalm 19:14</a>)<br /> <br />"Keeping me temperate and truthful: ("Do not let any unwholesomeness talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A29&version=NIV">Ephesians 4:29</a>)<br /> <br />"Keeping me humble in my estimation of myself: ("Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A3&version=NIV">Romans 12:3</a>b)<br /> <br />"Keeping me honorable and generous in my dealings with others: ("Freely you have received, freely give… Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A8&version=NIV">Matthew 10:8</a>b; <a href="http://bible.cc/romans/12-10.htm">Romans 12:10</a>)<br /> <br />"Keeping me loyal to every hallowed memory of the past: ("Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers." <a href="http://bible.cc/proverbs/22-8.htm">Proverbs 22:28</a>)<br /> <br />"Keeping me mindful of my eternal destiny as a child of yours: ("In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you." <a href="http://niv.scripturetext.com/1_peter/1-3.htm">1 Peter 1:3b, 4</a>)<br /> <br />"Let me then put back into Your hand all that You have given me, rededicating to Your service all the powers of my mind and body, all my worldly goods, all my influence with others. All these O Father, are yours to use as You will… Speak in my words today, think in my thoughts, and work in my deeds… " <br /><br />In Jesus Name. Amen.<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!.<br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-4071912550895013639?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-22066652743517661512011-11-06T13:35:00.000-08:002011-11-06T13:45:42.935-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smFCrli4NhE/Trb_-qesGTI/AAAAAAAAAlY/xC7oghWcs6s/s1600/upside.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 118px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smFCrli4NhE/Trb_-qesGTI/AAAAAAAAAlY/xC7oghWcs6s/s200/upside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672002232739698994" /></a><br />In an upside down world, where lunatics often reign, and personal safety remains uncertain; where calamity looms from every quarter, and I am incessantly bombarded and lied to by media and marketing "spin doctors", God's Word stands firm as the one stronghold upon which I can stake my life. Fathom this:<br /><br />"The law of the Lord is perfect… " (blameless, complete, unblemished, intact <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+19%3A7-11&version=NIV">Psalm 19:7-11</a>). Can you think of anything in your world that can begin to compete with that claim? I can't. And the effect of that truth upon your life? <br /><br />It "restores (turns back, recalls) my soul," which is prone toward seduction, wandering and duplicity.<br /><br />"The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy" (faithful, lasting, firm, established. Like a door post). What, let me ask you, in our defective world, can you point to that is "trustworthy"? Precious little, I would guess. And the effect of that truth upon my life? <br /><br />It makes the "simple (the easily seduced, silly, foolish [Hey! That's me!]) exceedingly wise." I don't know about you, but in this world of charlatans, nutzoid fruitcakes and wolves, I need His exceeding wisdom to make it through life's variegated minefields. (<a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A5-8&version=NIV">James 1:5-8</a>)<br /><br />"The precepts of the Lord are right" (straight). No devious doublespeak here, because His Word never wavers. It can be counted on. (<a href="http://bible.cc/joshua/21-45.htm">Joshua 21:45</a>) And the effects of that truth upon my life? <br /><br />It "rejoices" the heart. That is, it is an influence that makes me glad. Even gleesome! Again, in a world of terrorists, downsizing, gyrating currencies, car bomb explosions, and the specter of global warming, isn't it nice to know that there is a source that can cheer my shopworn soul?<br /><br />The Word of God is "more precious than gold… sweeter than honey." And the effects of that truth upon my life? <br /><br />I am warned and greatly rewarded. (See <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+3%3A16-18&version=ESV">Proverbs 3:16-18</a>; 6:22, 23; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119&version=NIV">Psalm 119</a>)<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!<br /><br /><br />...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-2206665274351766151?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-9081861203020132772011-11-05T15:14:00.000-07:002011-11-05T15:26:36.225-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdCSzN6avd8/TrW3sBBnbgI/AAAAAAAAAlM/L_hlhBgYfjo/s1600/occupy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdCSzN6avd8/TrW3sBBnbgI/AAAAAAAAAlM/L_hlhBgYfjo/s200/occupy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671641272560348674" /></a><br />This is a rallying cry heard around the world in this hour: "I want my rights!" Yet, if we truly want to know freedom, it can only come through GIVING UP our rights to Christ. <br /><br />Such as:<br /> <br />The right to revenge: "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth,' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A38-39&version=NIV">Matthew 5:38, 39</a>)<br /> <br />The right to dignity: "Do not resist an evil person, If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A38-39&version=NIV">Matthew 5:39</a>b)<br /> <br />The right to justice: "If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A40&version=NIV">Matthew 5:40</a>b)<br /> <br />The right to freedom: "If someone forces you to go a mile, go with him two miles." (Matthew 5:41)<br /> <br />The right to control my resources: "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you… Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is there your heart will be also." (<a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/5-42.htm">Matthew 5:42</a>; 6:19a, 20a, 21)<br /> <br />The right to hate my enemies: "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… " (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A43-44&version=NIV">Matthew 5:43-44</a>a)<br /> <br />The right to recognition: "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." (<a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1</a>)<br /> <br />The right to bear a grudge: "If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (<a href="http://niv.scripturetext.com/matthew/6-14.htm">Matthew 6:14b, 15</a>)<br /> <br />The right to judge others: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (<a href="http://niv.scripturetext.com/matthew/7.htm">Matthew 7:1, 2</a>)<br /> <br />The right to anything: "Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." (<a href="http://bible.cc/luke/14-33.htm">Luke 14:33b</a>)<br /> <br />Because, "The man who wants to save his life will lose it, but the man who loses it for my sake will save it." (<a href="http://www.jesuswalk.com/lessons/9_22-26.htm">Luke 9:24 – Phillips Translation</a>)<br /><br />Instead of trying to 'occupy' the world, we need to let Jesus 'OCCUPY' our hearts!<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!...<br /><br />."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-908186120302013277?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-23235854307689495612011-11-05T01:33:00.000-07:002011-11-05T01:34:40.806-07:00<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_Y7fGC7Ytxk?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Dr Jesus! Great Christian song from the 80s! Came across this and just had to share with the world!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-2323585430768949561?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-33031004097445988882011-11-04T15:36:00.000-07:002011-11-04T15:47:54.211-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m2h23zTropo/TrRrGeaGA7I/AAAAAAAAAlA/VGVxKeI-Wro/s1600/audit.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m2h23zTropo/TrRrGeaGA7I/AAAAAAAAAlA/VGVxKeI-Wro/s200/audit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671275589752193970" /></a><br />Just the thought of an audit by the IRS can sometimes frighten the strongest of people. Imagine having someone meticulously going through every financial transaction you've made, and then having to give an account for it!<br /><br />But what about being audited by God? Here are six questions to keep your personal accounts in order: <br /> <br />1. Am I content with who I am becoming? I must be sure my profession does not consume my person. It's important that I be more than I do or have. When the time comes for me to leave my title and power, will I have anything to fill the vacuum? As I mature am I moving from power to wisdom; from the offensive to being sought out? "Throw off your old evil nature—the old you that was a partner in your evil ways—rotten through and through, full of lust and sham. Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A1-2%2CEphesians+4%3A22-24&version=NIV">Ephesians 4:22-24 Living</a>) (See Job 22:23; Ezekiel 18:30-32; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 2:11; 3:8, 9; Hebrews 12:1; James 1:21)<br /> <br />2. Do I have a quiet center to my life? For many of us our life motto seems to be, "When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream, and shout." God's Word, however, encourages us to "Be still and know that I am God." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+46%3A10&version=NIV">Psalm 46:10</a>) There is an important difference between the fast track and the frantic track. By way of contrast, Jesus quietly "went about doing good." He had a quiet center. A peace which evidenced the presence of God. Do I? (See Psalm 131:2; 23:2; Isaiah 30:15; 32:17)<br /> <br />3. Is my prayer life improving? Do my decisions have prayer as an integral part, or do I make decisions out of my desires and then immerse them in a sanctimonious sauce I call prayer? "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer… present your requests to God." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A6&version=NIV">Philippians 4:6a,c</a>) (See 1 Kings. 3:5; 2 Chronicles. 7:14; Psalm 37:4; Matthew 6:6-9; 7:7, 8; 21:22; John 14:13, 14; 16:23, 24; James 5:16-18)<br /> <br />4. Is my humility genuine? There is nothing so arrogant as false humility. Humility is not denying the power that I have, but admitting that the power comes through me, not from me. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A3&version=NIV">Philippians 2:3</a>) (See Psalm 37:11; 131:1; Proverbs 11:2; 27:2; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2b; Jeremiah 45:5; Micah 6:8; Luke 18:14; 1 Peter 5:5)<br /> <br />5. Is obedience in small matters built into my reflexes? Do I try to bargain with God or rationalize with him? Obedience largely determines my relation with Christ. Good intentions count for little. "Obedience is the test of whether we really live 'in God' or not. The life of a man who professes to be living in God must bear the stamp of Christ." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A5-6&version=NIV">1 John 2:5, 6</a> – Phillips Translation) (See Proverbs 19:16; 19:17; 1 John 5:3; Luke 6:46)<br /> <br />6. Do I have joy? Joy is perfected in the full belief in the total sovereignty of God. Doubt dilutes joy. Does my joy extend into my suffering; understanding that my suffering is my maturation. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A2-4&version=NIV">James 1:2-4</a>) (See Nehemiah 8:10; Isaiah 12:1-3; 61:10; Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 6:10)<br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-3303100409744598888?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-48428806217226982582011-11-04T05:27:00.000-07:002011-11-04T05:41:07.872-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKWVjEb8jRw/TrPdU_6JkgI/AAAAAAAAAko/s38MbOU6dfw/s1600/amazing.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKWVjEb8jRw/TrPdU_6JkgI/AAAAAAAAAko/s38MbOU6dfw/s200/amazing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671119708612039170" /></a><br />“Grace, grace! God’s grace! Grace that is greater than all my sin!”<br /><br />We sang that hymn many years ago, often forgetting as time has passed what the word ‘grace’ truly means. <br /><br />This new eBook is dedicated to helping us discover together the meaning of that word, and to begin to apply the principles of our learning to our daily lives.<br /><br />"AMAZING GRACE", the newest eBook from Doc Burkhart is available to you at no charge. All we ask is that you prayerfully consider giving whatever you can afford to help us with the current ministry. Once you give, you will receive an email, and attached to it will be the eBook, to use for yourself or to give away to someone else.<br /><br />I pray that these words will be a blessing to you, and that you would share them with someone that needs to hear the powerful truths that are contained in understanding the word ‘grace’.<br /><br />“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound!!”<br /><br />JESUS IS ALIVE!<br /><br />Raymond ‘Doc’ Burkhart ~NOVEMBER 2011<br /><br />To get your copy of Doc Burkhart's newest eBook "AMAZING GRACE", please click the link below and prayerfully consider giving any amount that the Lord lays on your heart. You will be blessed by the giving and by the eBook, and I will be grateful for your partnership with us in ministry!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=docburkhart%40gmail%2ecom&lc=US&item_name=eBook%3a%20AMAZING%20GRACE%20by%20Doc%20Burkhart&item_number=Amazing%20Grace%20eBook&currency_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF%3abtn_donateCC_LG%2egif%3aNonHosted">JUST CLICK THESE WORDS HERE, AND THE eBOOK IS YOURS!!!</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-4842880621722698258?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-78381471147735626392011-11-03T13:18:00.000-07:002011-11-03T13:34:02.804-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUAD6f1WX8k/TrL5pQbC24I/AAAAAAAAAkc/TIjPwz32NwI/s1600/spider.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUAD6f1WX8k/TrL5pQbC24I/AAAAAAAAAkc/TIjPwz32NwI/s200/spider.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670869367991229314" /></a><br />What are you afraid of? What is it in life that causes you to freeze in terror?<br /><br />Recently a group of businessmen were asked their greatest concerns in life. Their most common answer? Fear:<br /> <br />Of the future, failure, the past, peers, financial ruin, superiors, bad health, the competition, death, personal inadequacies, parents, the rejection of their children, and the unknown.<br /> <br /><a href="http://toddwrightnow.blogspot.com/2010/02/jesus-and-aristotle.html">Aristotle</a> observed the paralyzing effect of fear upon our lives:<br /> <br />"Elderly men… have often been taken in, and often made mistakes. The result is they are sure about nothing and under-do everything. They 'think', but they never 'know'; and because of their hesitation they always add a 'possibility' or a 'perhaps', putting everything this way and nothing positively… They are cynical; that is, they tend to put the worst construction on everything."<br /> <br />"They are small-minded, because they have been humbled by life: their desires are set upon nothing more exalted or unusual than what will help them to keep alive… THEY GUIDE THEIR LIVES TOO MUCH BY CONSIDERATIONS OF WHAT IS USEFUL AND TOO LITTLE BY WHAT IS NOBLE… [They] lack confidence in the future… partly because of their cowardice. They live by memory rather than by hope… " <br /><br />(Don't be scared...find out more about Doc's ministry <a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/p/missions-support.html">HERE</a> )<br /> <br />Obviously, "fear has to do with torment… " (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A18&version=TNIV">1 John 4:18b</a>). But the good news is that God offers us deliverance from its bondage,<br /> <br />"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." (<a href="http://bible.cc/psalms/34-4.htm">Psalm 34:4</a>)<br /> <br />If you are struggling with fear, refuse to allow Satan to gain the upper hand. Claim God's promises. Memorize, meditate, and appropriate His promises for your life. By so doing, you will put yourself in a position where God can, and will, set you free from the bondage of fear:<br /> <br />"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A31-32&version=NIV">John 8:31, 32</a>) (See John 8:36; Psalm 119:45; Romans 6:14-18,22; 8:2)<br /> <br />"'… Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.… For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid… for I myself will help you,' declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+41%3A10%2CIsaiah+41%3A13%2CIsaiah+41%3A14%2CIsaiah+44%3A2%2CJeremiah+30%3A10%2CJeremiah+30%3A11&version=ESV">Isaiah 41:10, 11, 14</a>) (See Psalm 27:1, 2; 46:2; 56:3; Isaiah 12:2; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18)<br /> <br />QUESTION: How do you and I plan to live the rest of our lives? Paralyzed and diminished by fear? Or liberated by the promises in God's Word? As always, the choice is ours.<br /><br /><br /><br />If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-7838147114773562639?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-52005474674308256472011-11-01T14:41:00.001-07:002011-11-01T14:54:17.801-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6NV-EWwGW8/TrBp9W1i-BI/AAAAAAAAAj0/t3JW23VzBLU/s1600/repent.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6NV-EWwGW8/TrBp9W1i-BI/AAAAAAAAAj0/t3JW23VzBLU/s200/repent.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670148433682561042" /></a><br />Many understand the term repentance to mean “turning from sin.” This is not the biblical definition of repentance. In the Bible, the word repent means “to change one’s mind.” The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8-14; Acts 3:19). Acts 26:20 declares, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” The full biblical definition of repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action.<br /><br />What, then, is the connection between repentance and salvation? The Book of Acts seems to especially focus on repentance in regards to salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). To repent, in relation to salvation, is to change your mind in regard to Jesus Christ. In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), he concludes with a call for the people to repent (Acts 2:38). Repent from what? Peter is calling the people who rejected Jesus (Acts 2:36) to change their minds about Him, to recognize that He is indeed “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Peter is calling the people to change their minds from rejection of Christ as the Messiah to faith in Him as both Messiah and Savior.<br /><br />For more information on Doc's ministry and how you can help, click <a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/p/missions-support.html">HERE</a>:<br /><br />Repentance and faith can be understood as “two sides of the same coin.” It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing your mind about who He is and what He has done. Whether it is repentance from willful rejection or repentance from ignorance or disinterest, it is a change of mind. Biblical repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ.<br /><br />It is crucially important that we understand repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation. No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself (John 6:44). Acts 5:31 and 11:18 indicate that repentance is something God gives—it is only possible because of His grace. No one can repent unless God grants repentance. All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts. God's longsuffering leads us to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), as does His kindness (Romans 2:4).<br /><br />For more information on Doc's ministry and how you can help, click <a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/p/missions-support.html">HERE</a>:<br /><br />While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation does result in works. It is impossible to truly and fully change your mind without that causing a change in action. In the Bible, repentance results in a change in behavior. That is why John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). A person who has truly repented from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ will give evidence of a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:19-23; James 2:14-26). Repentance, properly defined, is necessary for salvation. Biblical repentance is changing your mind about Jesus Christ and turning to God in faith for salvation (Acts 3:19). Turning from sin is not the definition of repentance, but it is one of the results of genuine, faith-based repentance towards the Lord Jesus Christ.<br /><br />Many thanks to those that preach revival as a lifestyle, and not just words: <a href="http://therefugeperry.org/">Billy Thomas</a> , and <a href="http://www.pcgnutt.com/">Walter Nutt</a> !<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5200547467430825647?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-78270430897334383272011-10-31T14:36:00.000-07:002011-10-31T14:40:56.167-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8tf5UaO_J6o/Tq8Vfyyvu_I/AAAAAAAAAjo/yGWxgTH9rNc/s1600/fishing.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 174px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8tf5UaO_J6o/Tq8Vfyyvu_I/AAAAAAAAAjo/yGWxgTH9rNc/s200/fishing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669774091837488114" /></a><br />"'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'" (Matthew 4:19)<br /> <br />There was a group called "Fishermen's Fellowship". They were surrounded by streams and lakes full of hungry fish. They met regularly to discuss the call to fish, the abundance of fish and the thrill of catching fish. They got excited about fishing.<br /> <br />Someone suggested they needed a philosophy of fishing. So they carefully defined and redefined fishing and the purpose of fishing. They developed fishing strategies and tactics.<br /> <br />Then they realized they had been going at it backwards. They had approached fishing from the point of the fisherman and not from the point of view of the fish. How do fish view the world? How does the fisherman appear to the fish? What do fish eat and when? These are all good things to know.<br /> <br />So they began research studies and attended conferences on fishing. Some traveled faraway to study different kinds of fish with different habits. Some got Ph.D.'s in Fishology. But none had yet gone fishing.<br /> <br />So a committee was formed to send out fishermen. As prospective fishing places outnumbered the fishermen, the committee needed to determine priorities. A priority list of fishing places was posted on bulletin boards in all the Fellowship halls.<br /> <br />Still no one was fishing. A survey was launched to find out why. Most did not answer the questionnaire but from those who did respond, it was discovered that some felt called to study fish, a few to furnish fishing equipment and several to go around encouraging fishermen.<br /> <br />What with meetings, conferences and seminars, others simply didn't have time to fish.<br /> <br />Jake was a newcomer to the "Fishermen's Fellowship". After one stirring meeting of the "Fellowship," Jake went fishing. He tried a few things, got the hang of it and caught a choice fish. At the next meeting he told his story, was honored for his catch and was then scheduled to speak at all the "Fellowship" chapters to tell how he did it.<br /> <br />Soon he began to feel restless and empty. He longed to feel the tug on the line once again. He cut the speaking, resigned from the Board and said to a friend, "Let's go fishing." They did-just the two of them-and they caught fish.<br /> <br />The members of the "Fishermen's Fellowship" were many, the fish were plentiful, but the fishers were few.<br /> <br />QUESTION: When was the last time you and I did some serious fishing for men? What are we waiting for? After all, Jesus did say, "'Come, follow me… and I will make you fishers of men.'"<br /><br />.If this article moved you, forward it to someone you care about!...."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-7827043089733438327?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-83080473719458981702011-10-30T12:36:00.001-07:002011-10-30T13:00:52.514-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_IGjrmK6Q0/Tq2srs1asjI/AAAAAAAAAjc/jRZA1XrDlMQ/s1600/repentance.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_IGjrmK6Q0/Tq2srs1asjI/AAAAAAAAAjc/jRZA1XrDlMQ/s200/repentance.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669377372698882610" /></a><br />Revival exists in direct correlation to our level of repentance, or the level of our choice to be ignorant.<br /><br />After serving the Lord in ministry for more than three decades, it is disheartening at times to see such a LACK of hunger for true revival in our generation. The reason for the lack of revival in our churches today has to do with the concept of REPENTANCE.<br /><br />Many of you younger folks have never heard this term. That's because we have enticed you into our glorious sanctuaries with the premium child-care, the no-pressure services, the self-improvement seminars, and the Starbuck's in the lobby. I hope the Mocha Latte is good. <br /><br />As a minister of the Gospel, I want to apologize. We have failed you. We have failed this generation. Instead of getting the cappuccino machine working properly, we should have been working to get you to the altar, and turn from the ways of the world.<br /><br />There are exceptions to the rule: people like <a href="http://jeffleake.typepad.com/the_launchpad/">Jeff Leake</a>,<a href="http://www.inhabitfire.com/">Michael Krysty</a>,<a href="http://www.awakenations.org">Glenn Bleakney</a>, and a few others are still crying out to our generation for repentance.<br /><br />Repentance begins with the church. Here are four areas that we genuinely need to examine ourselves, and begin to weep with broken hearts for God to move upon us.<br /><br />1. Our Pride: "The desire to impress (others) is not of the Father, but is of the world… "(1 John 2:16)<br /> <br />Prayer: "Lord, I confess to you that I have focused too much on what others think, rather than on what You think. I confess the sin of trying to impress others rather than seeking to please You. I ask your forgiveness, and for the strength to make the necessary changes. In Jesus' Name, amen."<br /> <br />Receive Doc's free eBook "THE PRAYER MANUAL" <a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/2011/09/ebook-prayer-manual-by-raymond-doc.html">HERE</a><br /><br />2. Our Misplaced Priorities:<br /> <br />With God: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)<br /> <br />With our family: "If anyone does not provide (maintain; have regard) for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:8)<br /> <br />With our job: "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'" (Luke 12:15b)<br /> <br />Prayer: "Lord, I confess that I have often not put You first. I have often neglected my time with You. I have often put my family needs aside for my career. I have allowed the seduction of work, the fear of failure and the love of money to take priority over seeking to know You and over serving my family. By your grace I will reorder my priorities. I ask your forgiveness in Jesus' Name, amen."<br /> <br />3. Our Questionable Ethics: "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)<br /> <br />Prayer: "Lord, with the pressure of surviving in business in an environment where honesty and integrity are often absent, I confess that I have not always been totally honest. I have not conducted business according to Your standards. I confess that I have allowed myself to believe that I, rather than You are my provider of our needs. Therefore, I have not always had the courage to say 'no' when my integrity and personal ethics were on the line. I ask Your forgiveness, and for the determination to make the changes. In Jesus' Name, amen."<br /> <br />4. Our Flirtation with Impurity: "Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." (2 Corinthians 7:1)<br /> <br />Prayer: "Lord, I confess that I have been taken by the glamour of the 'world', at the expense of knowing You. I confess that I have often been double-minded in my walk: seeking to follow You on the one hand and allowing my sensual nature to take control on the other. I repent and ask Your forgiveness, and for help to live a life of single-mindedness, focused on You and Kingdom values. In Jesus' Name, amen."<br /><br />Make repentance a part of your life!<br /><br />For more media products for this ministry, just click <a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/p/order-page.html">HERE</a><br /><br />......"I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-8308047371945898170?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-57144660917906590242011-10-27T14:42:00.001-07:002011-10-27T14:49:03.562-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-941FwVji12o/TqnRlf5oRqI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/8wY-SuBWh0U/s1600/fatherkids.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 197px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-941FwVji12o/TqnRlf5oRqI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/8wY-SuBWh0U/s200/fatherkids.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668292048171058850" /></a><br />Our loving Heavenly Father desires to affect our lives toward righteous character and godly living. Hebrews 12 indicates five ways He does it:<br /> <br />1. He ENCOURAGES us: Verse 5a speaks of His "word of encouragement that addresses us as sons… " (Greek: paraklesis)<br /> <br />The idea here is one of entreaty, or imploring; much as you would encourage a child whom you want to excel in sports or academics. (See Acts 20:2; Romans 12:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:3)<br /> <br />2. He DISCIPLINES us: "Do not make light of the Lord's discipline… because the Lord disciplines those He loves… " (vs. 5a, 6a) (Greek: paidea)<br /> <br />The idea here is one of education: Learning that occurs through the pain of discipline. (See 1 Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:7, 10, 11)<br /> <br />3. He REBUKES us: "Do not loose heart when He rebukes you… " (vs. 12:5b) (Greek: elegcho)<br /> <br />The idea here is one of exposing our deviant behavior. Telling us of our faults. (See Matthew 16:22; Luke 17:3; 1 Timothy 5:1, 20; 2 Timothy 4:2)<br /> <br />4. He PUNISHES us: "He punishes everyone He accepts as sons." (vs. 12:6b) (Greek: mastigoo)<br /> <br />The idea here is one of severe penalization: Whipping a person for the purpose of inflicting suffering. (See Proverbs 22:15; 23:13, 14; 1 Corinthians 10:6; 1 Thessalonians 4:6; Hebrews 10:29)<br /> <br />5. He TRAINS us: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (vs. 12:11) (Greek: gumnazo)<br /> <br />The idea here is of one who is trained (disciplined) by God to live a godly life. We, in kind then, are to exercise ourselves in godly discipline. (See 1 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 5:14; 2 Timothy 3:16)<br /> <br />We are to respond to His discipline as follows:<br /> <br />1. Don't resist, despise, or make light of it; don't be discouraged, or grow weary from it (vs. 5).<br /> <br />2. Understand it is evidence that we are His spiritual offspring; evidence of His love (vs. 6).<br /> <br />3. Don't try to get out from under it (vs. 7-9).<br /> <br />4. Understand that discipline results in holy lives, righteousness, and peace (vs. 10,11).<br /> <br />5. Regain your strength and straighten your path as a result of it (vs. 12, 13).<br /><br />......"I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5714466091790659024?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-27010801458468301532011-10-26T14:44:00.000-07:002011-10-26T14:47:46.747-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zw55bgkwpcI/Tqh_1FIsgBI/AAAAAAAAAjE/JBtcyWDSn8o/s1600/chair.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zw55bgkwpcI/Tqh_1FIsgBI/AAAAAAAAAjE/JBtcyWDSn8o/s200/chair.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667920680934211602" /></a><br />Can you imagine wearing a miniature electric chair around your neck? Hardly. Yet, the cross was the electric chair of Jesus' day.<br /> <br />The cross – a tool for killing undesirables, was taken from rough, unfinished trees. When they slammed your body up against it and nailed you there, the wood dug into your flesh. You got cut and bruised. The "electric chair" – that cross, was an object of certain death.<br /> <br />But the cross we wear around our neck these days is smooth. Comfortable. It glistens. Usually it's made of 18 karat gold. An object of beauty. An ornament. Something "nice" to wear.<br /> <br />And the cross most "Christians" bear for Jesus also has a rather "nice," ornamental quality about it. That's because we reserve the "right" to choose it ourselves. So we ensure that in serving Him we do something that makes us feel good, and get lots of pats on the back. Nope, there's nothing about our cross that has that nasty stench of dying flesh.<br /> <br />Many "Christians" today, like the smooth crosses they wear, are "nice" people. They pay their bills. They don't chase loose women. They're the kind of "nice" people you want living next door: Totally harmless in terms of being any threat to Satan's domain.<br /> <br />By way of contrast, Jesus was not a gender-neutral, nonjudgmental, ecumenically-sensitive 'nice' fellow who set out to produce "nice" people. No, today, He develops radicals, and revolutionaries, who because of their beliefs and convictions are an affront to society. People who are no longer "in the loop". People in the company who get transferred to Iceland. Or get murdered. (Remember: 10 out of the original 12 disciples were executed.)<br /> <br />Thus, Christ forewarned his Twelve, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also… " (John 15:18-20a)<br /> <br />So, if you are viewed around town as a "nice" person, is it possible you are not really all that godly? Because, "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12b)<br /> <br />Jesus' challenge remains, "If anyone wants to follow in my footsteps, he must give up all right to himself, carry his cross every day and keep close behind me. For the man who wants to save his life will lose it, but the man who loses his life for my sake will save it." (Luke 9:23, 24 – Phillips Translation)<br /> <br />The question also remains: Are you up to carrying His assigned cross? Certainly, the answer for each of us must be, "Yes, but only by His grace."<br /><br /><br /><br />......"I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-2701080145846830153?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-88834558143632317162011-10-25T14:23:00.000-07:002011-10-25T14:27:28.824-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAn9DM_n-mM/TqcptEFpnGI/AAAAAAAAAi0/4op5FCA_yvQ/s1600/hard%2Bwork.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 108px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAn9DM_n-mM/TqcptEFpnGI/AAAAAAAAAi0/4op5FCA_yvQ/s200/hard%2Bwork.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667544510237351010" /></a><br />There is a nasty rumor circulating that says "business is a dirty enterprise, but somebody has to do it." Implied in this line of thinking is the idea that somewhere out there, there is a higher calling. Like there is the "secular" and then there is the "spiritual". And somehow we can never quite get the two together.<br /> <br />The fact is that God loves work and He loves us to work! Let me give you six reasons why:<br /> <br />1. God is a worker – Just take a gander at Genesis 1 and 2 in creation. When God finished His creation, He saw that His own work was "good." (Check out Deuteronomy 11:1-7; Psalm 111)<br /> <br />2. Before the fall God created us to be workers: "Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed… The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." (Genesis 2:8, 15) (See Genesis 1:26-29)<br /> <br />3. Work enables us to meet our family and personal needs: "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." (1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12)<br /> <br />4. Work makes it possible for us to give to others: "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need." (Ephesians 4:28)<br /> <br />5. Work gives us pleasure and reward, thus easing life's pain: "Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart." (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20)<br /> <br />6. Work affords us a platform for ministry: "'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'" (Matthew 4:19)<br /> <br />To catch fish, you have to go where they hang out. Is there a better place to "fish" than where you spend 40 – 60 hours of your week?<br /><br /><br />......"I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-8883455814363231716?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-55481118152283501682011-10-24T14:26:00.000-07:002011-10-24T14:29:06.940-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KdC_hkiJzkQ/TqXYkHGgVxI/AAAAAAAAAio/ciyQaI4p18c/s1600/where.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KdC_hkiJzkQ/TqXYkHGgVxI/AAAAAAAAAio/ciyQaI4p18c/s200/where.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667173821008860946" /></a><br />Recently ten different people were asked, "Do you know any 'Christian' business or professional person whose profession of faith and practice in business are congruent with Biblical values?"<br /> <br />The response? Pallid shock that anyone would venture such a crass inquiry. Then silence. Finally, a rather whimperish "No." And a change of subject.<br /> <br />SO LET ME ASK YOU: LIVING AS WE DO IN A SOCIETY THAT IS "SLOUCHING TOWARD GOMORRAH":<br /> <br />Where are the men and women today who cannot be bought, bribed or coerced into compromising truth or sacrificing their honor? (Psalm 15:2)<br /> <br />Where are the men and women today who are speaking out against our hedonistic indulgences; our exploitation of the less fortunate, and our vulgar materialism? Even at the risk of being ostracized? (Ephesians 5:11)<br /> <br />Where are the men and women today who are assuming their Biblical roles as servant-leaders within the home, thus helping to ensure a solid foundation for succeeding generations? (Colossians 3:19, 21; Ephesians 6:4)<br /> <br />Where are the men and women today who are outraged at our moral corruption; who are taking a stand in a culture where expressing strong opinions or taking resolute positions are often viewed as piggish ("politically incorrect"); where virtue and nobility are mistaken for weakness? (Matthew 21:12)<br /> <br />Where are the men and women today who cannot be intimidated or coerced into conforming to society's slogging mediocrity? (Philippians 4:8)<br /> <br />Where are the men and women today who have determined to live by eternal, rather than by temporal values? People who inspire us to stand taller? People who choose to light the way for a frightened, confused world? People who can still fire within us the desire for greatness? People who know the truth and speak it? People who experience His love and share it? (Romans 13:14)<br /> <br />Where are the men and women today who understand that their highest calling in life is to know God their Savior, and who, by the power of their example (and word) are unashamedly making Him known in every arena of their lives. (Philippians 3:10; Colossians 1:28, 29)<br /> <br />"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none." (Ezekiel 22:30)<br /> <br />So, let me ask you: Do you choose to be that man or woman?<br /><br /><br />......"I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5548111815228350168?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-54570001042379421122011-10-23T13:48:00.000-07:002011-10-23T13:51:30.702-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDKRl3kxmlA/TqR-D70bjsI/AAAAAAAAAic/stiO9JApkXo/s1600/surrender.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 129px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDKRl3kxmlA/TqR-D70bjsI/AAAAAAAAAic/stiO9JApkXo/s200/surrender.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666792837201235650" /></a><br />Are you fearful about the future? Apprehensive that the bottom might fall out? Concerned at the prospect of some future calamity? The only answer to quelling such fears is SURRENDERING to our wise, all-knowing sovereign Father.<br /> <br />"Those who listen to Me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster." (Proverbs 1:33b) (See Proverbs 31:25; Jeremiah 17:7, 8)<br /> <br />Are you experiencing a difficult relationship in the family or at work? Perhaps you are perplexed by an association in which you feel misunderstood or mistreated. Again, the answer to inner peace lies in SURRENDER.<br /> <br />"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Colossians 3:12, 13)<br /> <br />Are you fearful that you might not be able to maintain control over your finances? Concerned that they could slip away, or be diminished by a bad investment, or by an economic crisis beyond your control? Again, SURRENDER is the only hope for inner peace.<br /> <br />"Riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations… Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." (Proverbs 27:24; 23:5) (See Psalm 25:12, 13)<br /> <br />Are you worried about your health? Of getting cancer? Or growing old? Are you fearful that a family member might be stricken or die prematurely? This side of eternity there certainly are no guarantees of a sublime, pain-free life. So again, the answer lies in SURRENDER to our wise and loving Shepherd.<br /> <br />"Those who hope in me will not be disappointed." (Isaiah 49:23b)<br /> <br />But SURRENDERING our will to His does not come easily. The reason? "We seek what one might call a relative omnipotence: The power to have everything we want, to enjoy every thing we desire, to demand that all our wishes be satisfied and that our will should never be frustrated or opposed. It is the need to have everyone to bow to our judgment and accept our declarations as law. It is the insatiable thirst for recognition of the excellence we so desperately need to find in ourselves to avoid despair… " (Thomas Merton)<br /> <br />Humanly, it would seem that achieving inner peace would be dependent upon our ability to consummate and maintain control over our lives in every area. His condition for our peace, however, is based on our categorical, unconditional SURRENDER to Him and His sovereign will. Jesus demonstrated His SURRENDER to the Father in praying, "Not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:39b) Do you choose to do the same?<br /><br />All to Jesus I surrender; <br /> all to him I freely give; <br /> I will ever love and trust him, <br /> in his presence daily live. <br />Refrain:<br /> I surrender all, I surrender all, <br /> all to thee, my blessed Savior, <br /> I surrender all<br /><br /><br />......"I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5457000104237942112?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-43498262856141776292011-10-20T14:44:00.000-07:002011-10-20T14:47:50.400-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19-VIQu9zS4/TqCWyztmcPI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/12sLIYRtUe8/s1600/old.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19-VIQu9zS4/TqCWyztmcPI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/12sLIYRtUe8/s200/old.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665694130851180786" /></a><br />What are the character traits of those who have served the Lord for decades? This week I had the privilege of spending a great deal of time with a seasoned, godly older man who has walked with God for sixty years. Observing this old war-horse of the faith, and reflecting back on others of his stripe, two traits seem to characterize their lives:<br /> <br />INTIMACY – It seems that they have cultivated the practice of moment-by-moment communion with Christ, when their minds are free from other obligations and demands. It is apparent that they have learned to bring Jesus into the little details of their lives. They seem in touch. The tone picked up is one of sensitivity to His prompting, sensitivity to sin, dependency upon Him in the littlest of things, humility, gentleness, perhaps even brokenness. There is not the slightest air of superiority or self-promotion.<br /> <br />"I am the vine itself, you are the branches. It is the man who shares my life and whose life I share who proves fruitful. For the plain fact is that apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5 – Phillips)<br /> <br />IMMEDIACY – It seems that they are forever, and everlastingly "at it." Their antennas are up, aware, utilizing every opportunity to lovingly and graciously share the love of Christ with those who come into their orbit. Reflective indeed of Paul's mind-set:<br /> <br />"So, naturally, we proclaim Christ! We warn everyone we meet, (evangelism) and we teach everyone we can, all that we know about Him, (discipleship) so that, if possible, we may bring every man up to his full maturity in Christ Jesus. This is what I am working at all the time, with all the strength that God gives me." (Colossians 1:28, 29 – Phillips)<br /> <br />Perhaps their motto is: "if not you – who? If not now – When?"<br /> <br />In this sense of immediacy, there is no hint of pushiness or being overbearing. Notice the guidelines Paul gives, derived from Colossians 4:5, 6; 2 Timothy 2:24-26:<br />Wise. Clever and skilled. <br />Utilizing every opportunity. Immediacy. <br />Gracious: Gentle, meek, humble, mild. Patient, enduring evil or ill-will. <br />Salty: Pointed; not insipid; "an edge of liveliness" (Knox Translation) <br />Correcting: Chastening, educating, teaching and training. <br />Not quarrelsome: Not disputing or striving. <br /><br />QUESTION: Can you take a moment and ask God, "Lord, if I am not walking intimately with you, why? And if I am lack a sense of immediacy in getting the Gospel to others, why?<br /><br /><br /><br />......"I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart">https://www.fullyfollow.me/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-4349826285614177629?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-28088714513230243032011-10-19T15:04:00.000-07:002011-10-19T15:09:16.934-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4pO_53UrlM/Tp9KeRzh4II/AAAAAAAAAiA/qyc3LM2g290/s1600/foot.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 155px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4pO_53UrlM/Tp9KeRzh4II/AAAAAAAAAiA/qyc3LM2g290/s200/foot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665328740291436674" /></a><br />Have you ever heard of a 'Servanthood Conference?' I wonder why not?<br /><br />LEADERSHIP! That is the hot word today. But have you ever heard of a "Servanthood Conference"? I haven't. Who would come? But put out the word on a "Leadership Conference" and the turnstiles start spinning. The term "leadership" kind of titillates your ego, doesn't it? Interesting, is it not, that Christ had little to say about leadership, but spoke profusely on servanthood. For example,<br /> <br />"Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:44b, 45) (John 12:26; 13:2-17)<br /> <br />1. We need to understood that the Biblical perspective on leadership and servanthood in stating that as Christian educators and disciplers "our job is to train servants. It is God's responsibility to raise up leaders."<br /> <br />2. We often find the idea of "servanthood" similar to a chicken bone wedged in our throat because:<br /><br />3. We don't like to be treated like a servant. Yet, we like to be known as one: "Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh." (1 Peter 2:18) <br /><br />4. We don't like to serve when the visible results are meager or nonexistent: "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58) (1 Thessalonians 3:5) <br /><br />5. We don't like to be taken for granted: "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" (Luke 17:10) <br /><br />6. We don't like to be maligned, misunderstood, or judged for our efforts: "As servants of God...: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger." (2 Corinthians 6:4, 5) (1 Corinthians 4:13) <br /><br />7. We don't like what it costs us in terms of time, resources, comfort or safety: "Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain… salvation… " (2 Timothy 2:10a, c) (1 Corinthians 9:19-24; 2 Corinthians 6:4, 5; 11:23-29) <br /><br />Christ's true ungrudging toilers anticipate the day when He will utter to them,<br /> <br />"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" (Matthew 25:21b) (2 Corinthians 5:9)<br /><br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-2808871451323024303?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-54383724410136320892011-10-18T14:57:00.001-07:002011-10-18T14:59:42.742-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUGGWo58JwU/Tp32sXl0F3I/AAAAAAAAAh0/NWxLxL6qMa0/s1600/race.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUGGWo58JwU/Tp32sXl0F3I/AAAAAAAAAh0/NWxLxL6qMa0/s200/race.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664955148409247602" /></a><br />If you aspire to win the race of life, then do these three things:<br /> <br />1. Get rid of every "encumbrance" and sin "that cleverly places itself in an entangling way around [you]." To name a few:<br /><br />"THE CRAZE FOR SEX" (1 John 2:16 – Living) (Colossians 3:5; 1 Peter 2:11; 4:2; Ephesians 2:3; Titus 3:3) <br />"THE ENTICEMENT OF THE EYES." (1 John 2:16 – nab) (Genesis 3:6; 6:2; Josh 7:21; Job 31:1; Matt 4:5-7; Luke 8:14; 18:22, 23; 12:15) <br />"THE PRIDE THAT COMES FROM WEALTH AND IMPORTANCE" (1 John 2:16 – Living) (Psalm 73:3-12; Esther 1:3-7; Daniel 4:30) <br />MALICE — Vicious intentions; the desire to hurt others. (Ephesians 4:31, 32; Colossians 3:8; 1 Peter 2:1) <br />HYPOCRISY — Playacting: "On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." (Matthew 23:28) (Psalm 32:3; 34:14; James 3:17; 1 Peter 2:1; 3:10) <br />ENVY — Jealousy, spite, ill-will: "Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." (Galatians 5:26) (1 Samuel 18:8, 9; Psalm 37:1; 73:3; Proverbs 24:1, 19; Galatians 5:21, 26; James 3:14, 16) <br />SLANDER — Evil speaking, defamation, backbiting: ""Wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything." (1 Timothy 3:11b) (1 Peter 4:4; Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8; 1 Timothy 3:11; Titus 2:3) <br />THE LOVE OF FAMILY OVER LOVE FOR CHRIST — "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:37) (Luke 9:59-61; Luke 14:26) <br />ANXIETY — "The worries of this life… come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." (Mark 4:19a,c) (Luke 17:26-30; 21:34; Matthew 6:24, 25; Philippians 4:6, 7) <br /><br />2. Run the "race" before you with patient endurance. (Hebrews 12:1) (Hebrews 6:15; Romans 2:7; 8:24, 25)<br /> <br />3. Keep your eyes on Jesus and emulate His example. (Hebrews 12:2, 3) (Luke 6:40)<br /> <br />"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1b-3)<br /><br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5438372441013632089?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-23114862650396632932011-10-17T15:41:00.001-07:002011-10-17T15:52:21.043-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhEVBltjpdI/TpyxgouYsYI/AAAAAAAAAho/HbjShNudk7U/s1600/slow.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhEVBltjpdI/TpyxgouYsYI/AAAAAAAAAho/HbjShNudk7U/s200/slow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664597605571146114" /></a><br />God is still in heaven. You are not responsible for doing it all – yourself – right now!<br /><br />Unabated work pressure, frequent travel, and little time for yourself may be taking their toll on your life. Perhaps slowing down is at least part of the solution. Here are six pointers that may help in your effort to SLOW IT DOWN: <br /><br />Allow yourself some time to be lazy and unproductive. Rest isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. <br />"Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'" (Mark 6:31)<br /><br />Once in a while, turn down the lights and the volume. Turn down the throttle, and the invitations. Less really can be more. <br />"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life… Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind." (1 Thessalonians 4:11a; Ecclesiastes 4:6)<br /><br />Create a place in your home — At your work… in your heart… where you can go for quiet and recollection. <br />"The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever… In quietness and trust is your strength… " (Isaiah 32:17; 30:15a)<br /><br />Take time just to think — Action is good and necessary, but it's fruitful only if we muse, ponder, and mull. <br />"Watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!<br /> <br />Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly… " (Ephesians 5:15, 17b – The Message)<br />Talk and play with children – It will bring out the unhurried little person inside you. <br />"Jesus said, '… Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me… Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:5, 14)<br /><br />Take time to wonder — Without wonder, life is merely existence. <br />"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" (Psalm 8:3, 4)<br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-2311486265039663293?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-73941050245166979642011-10-16T15:47:00.000-07:002011-10-16T15:52:16.535-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqwTe_7W_xQ/Tptf7AVgj5I/AAAAAAAAAhc/OcJ3Mv5Qhus/s1600/motivation.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 185px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqwTe_7W_xQ/Tptf7AVgj5I/AAAAAAAAAhc/OcJ3Mv5Qhus/s200/motivation.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664226423655665554" /></a><br />What motivates you? What compels you to face another day, with its challenges, worries, and concerns?<br /><br />Motivation is defined as that which moves one towards an action; that which changes, provokes, or impels our very being. The Bible has a great deal to say about motivation. The motivation of Christians is supposed to be exactly the opposite of what motivates unbelievers. For one thing, our sense of motivation or inspiration comes from God, not from the things of the world. David spoke his motivation in his psalms: “I desire to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:8). Later he wrote: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you” (Psalm 73:25).<br /><br />The world is motivated by self and the aggrandizement of self, the all-about-me syndrome which is identified by self-determination, self-obsession and self-worship. The Bible does not teach us to be centered on ourselves. In fact, it teaches just the opposite. Jesus said: “The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12; Luke 9:48). To be a follower of Christ, we are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). The cross was an instrument of death, and His message to us is that only those who die to self will truly follow Him. We do that by doing nothing out of vanity and conceit, but instead considering others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).<br /><br />Jesus set the example for our motivation in this life: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work” (John 4:34). Jesus was concerned with pleasing His Father, and so should we be motivated by that same concern. He always did the Father’s will, motivated by pleasing Him through obedience (John 8:29). His obedience extended all the way to the cross where He humbled Himself and “became obedient unto death” (Philippians 2:8). Our motivation should be the same as His—the obedience by which we prove we are truly His. “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).<br /><br />The apostle Paul spoke of what motivated him to endure the suffering he experienced: “For me, to live is Christ . . .” (Philippians 1:21; compare 2 Corinthians 11:23-28). It wasn’t money, it wasn’t fame; nor was it being the best apostle that motivated Paul. It was living for Christ that superseded everything (Philippians 4:12-13). Our motivation as believers stems from a yearning to have peace with God (Romans 5:1; Philippians 4:7); to have His grace as well as hope (Romans 5:2; 1 John 5:13). The Christian views life through the lens of the future—being in the presence and glory of God (John 17:24), and this is our true motivation.<br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-7394105024516697964?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-82120712256496852102011-10-16T04:56:00.000-07:002011-10-16T04:56:59.657-07:00<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1kGmjb9Qhzg?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Live your life, live your passion, live your dreams!<br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-8212071225649685210?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-50698195057156100202011-10-15T16:20:00.000-07:002011-10-15T16:26:38.043-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zlItG85tMJM/TpoWOLjmg5I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/EB_45OOYunc/s1600/king.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 153px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zlItG85tMJM/TpoWOLjmg5I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/EB_45OOYunc/s200/king.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663863914247914386" /></a><br />As an old man, King Solomon agonized over the futility of his investments:<br /> <br />"When I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun… So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me… A chasing after the wind… " (Ecclesiastes 2:11, 17)<br /> <br />Do your investments parallel Solomon's? Or are you making the kind of investments that will outlive you, lasting for eternity? If you want:<br /> <br />A one year return on your investment, plant grain.<br /> <br />A ten year return on your investment, plant a tree.<br /> <br />An eternal return on your investment, plant people.<br /> <br />It is God's intention to destroy everything physical, including your earthly investments:<br /> <br />"The day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away… and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up." (2 Peter 3:10)<br /> <br />Can we therefore grasp the fact that only God, His Word, and people are eternal?<br /> <br />God: "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (2 Peter 3:8) (See Psalm 102:12; Ephesians 3:21)<br /> <br />His Word: "Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens." (Psalm 119:89) (See Psalm 119:152, 160; Matthew 5:18; 24:34; 1 Peter 1:25)<br /> <br />People: "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2) (See Matthew 25:46; Romans 2:7, 8; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-9)<br /> <br />Consequently, the only investments that will withstand the coming holocaust will be those made in the lives of people. Thus, God regularly places individuals in our path with whom He desires our investment: The person at the club. That neighbor across the street. A business associate. A relative. Someone in distress.<br /> <br />QUESTIONS: As you encounter these people, are you blithely brushing past them to fulfill your agenda? Or are you viewing each one as a divine appointment? Are you responding to the prompting of the Spirit by graciously and determinedly investing in their lives for the purpose of bringing Christ to them? Or building Christ in them? Even when it means altering your predetermined schedule?<br /> <br />I suppose the answers to these questions are determined by whether we are living for the temporal, or investing in the eternal.<br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5069819505715610020?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-36332331548636965282011-10-15T05:34:00.000-07:002011-10-15T05:39:15.699-07:00<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_tjYoKCBYag?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />We need to be reminded that our failures, as well as our successes, shape our destiny.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-3633233154863696528?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-84190922942750329862011-10-14T20:34:00.000-07:002011-10-14T20:39:51.342-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oQlPawQ5fyg/TpkAbmFNUoI/AAAAAAAAAf8/cY9-6oSmldM/s1600/fair.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oQlPawQ5fyg/TpkAbmFNUoI/AAAAAAAAAf8/cY9-6oSmldM/s200/fair.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663558480473969282" /></a><br />The righteous suffer while evil men prevail. <br /><br />Justice is capricious as life appears to unfold in random fashion.<br /><br />Innocent children are victims of war and flood, while piggish dictators ravage their people for personal gain. <br /><br />Good people get cancer while the evil often live in wealth and enjoy good health into old age. (Ecclesiastes 3:11; 7:15; 8:14; Daniel 4:35; Job 11:7-9; 33:13; Romans 11:33, 34)<br /> <br />One could reason: If God is good, then He is weak. Otherwise He would stop the suffering and injustice. If He is strong and sovereign, then He is cruel or indifferent for allowing the carnage to continue. The book of Job however, shatters such thinking.<br /> <br />Here is the essence of Job: One day Satan, in conversing with God, accuses Job of following God because He is blessing him. In order to demolish his argument, God gives Satan permission to take everything of Job's except his life. As Job loses his health, children, and resources, his "friends" argue that his suffering is due to his sin. In the end, God vindicates Job, and restores everything twofold.<br /> <br />FIVE CONCLUSIONS FROM THE BOOK OF JOB:<br /> <br />1. God reserves the right to use us for His glory as He so chooses:<br /> <br />"But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth… Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself ?" (Exodus 9:16; Job 40:8) (See Isaiah 45:9; 64:8)<br /> <br />2. Job demonstrates the fact that it is possible, amidst extreme suffering to maintain one's faith:<br /> <br />"At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.'" (Job 1:20, 21) (See Job 1:22; 13:15)<br /> <br />3. Job's counselors wrongly assumed that his tribulations were related to sin; that righteous people always prosper, while suffering is always our punishment for engaging in evil:<br /> <br />"If the righteous obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment." (Job 36:11)<br /> <br />4. Suffering deeply enhanced Job's relationship with God:<br /> <br />"My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you." (Job 42:5)<br /> <br />5. God owes us no explanation for His actions. He gave Job none.<br /> <br />"Now we see but a poor 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." (1 Corinthians 13:12)<br /><br />So, even though at times it may see that life is unfair, know that we are dealing with a just and righteous judge, who knows more than we do. Trust in the Lord in all things!!<br /><br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-8419092294275032986?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-59405179567539817412011-10-13T15:15:00.000-07:002011-10-13T15:18:53.102-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsEaBMyJr44/TpdjqHWqqqI/AAAAAAAAAfw/xhFGu1Vc8V0/s1600/called.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsEaBMyJr44/TpdjqHWqqqI/AAAAAAAAAfw/xhFGu1Vc8V0/s200/called.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663104631621462690" /></a><br />There are many people who feel called to serve others for the sake of The Kingdom of God. How can you know if you meet the criteria for service?<br /><br />William Law (1686-1761 A. D.) in his classic work, "A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life" puts forth some thought provoking ideas for the committed follower of Jesus Christ:<br /> <br />"The devout… are people who do not live to their own will, or in the way and spirit of the world, but only to the will of God. Such people consider God in everything, and make every aspect of their lives holy by doing everything in the name of God and in a way that conforms to God's glory."<br /> <br />"[The Savior and His apostles] teach us:<br /> <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">To renounce the world and be different in our attitudes and ways of life (Ephesians 4:17-24)<br /> <br />To renounce all its goods (Luke 14:26-33; 18:22, 23; Philippians 3:7, 8)<br /> <br />To fear none of its evils… (Luke 12:32; John 14:1, 27; 16:33; Hebrews 13:5, 6))<br /> <br />To have no value for its happiness (Psalm 37:1, 2, 7; 73:2-20; Proverbs 3:31; 24:1)<br /> <br />To be as newborn babes who are born into a new state of things (1 Peter 2:2, 3)<br /> <br />To live as pilgrims in spiritual watching, in holy fear, and heavenly aspiring after another life (1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13-16; 1 Peter 1:15-17)<br /> <br />To take up our cross daily, to deny ourselves (Luke 9:23, 24; John 12:25, 26)<br /> <br />To profess the blessedness of mourning, to seek the blessedness of poverty of spirit (Matthew 5:3, 4)<br /> <br />To forsake the pride and vanity of riches… (1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19; Proverbs 23:4)<br /> <br />To live in the profoundest state of humility (Jeremiah 45:5; Matthew 18:2-4; Romans 12:3, 16; Galatians 6:14)<br /> <br />To rejoice in worldly sufferings (Acts 5:41; Matthew 5:10-12)<br /> <br />To reject the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17; Colossians 3:1, 2)<br /> <br />To bear injuries, to forgive and bless our enemies… (Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-36; Romans12:14-21)<br /> <br />To give up our whole hearts and affections to God (Deuteronomy 10:12, 13; 1 John 5:2-4)<br /> <br />To strive to enter through the straight gate into a life of eternal glory." (Matthew 7:13, 14)</span><br /><br />As you contemplate on these Scriptures, let the Lord speak to your heart and to your mind about serving Him in full-time ministry. Who knows what adventure God has in store for you!<br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5940517956753981741?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-55694644184871605172011-10-12T14:37:00.001-07:002011-10-12T14:40:19.782-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYbDTftQzlM/TpYJF1ZyfuI/AAAAAAAAAfk/5oGCo0c_rlA/s1600/oneday.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYbDTftQzlM/TpYJF1ZyfuI/AAAAAAAAAfk/5oGCo0c_rlA/s200/oneday.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662723577304219362" /></a><br />Do You Wonder If You Have What It Takes To Pull It Off... Just One More Day?<br /><br />If so, then think about this: "In all your journey as a believer, you will have two categories of spiritual experiences. One is tender, delightful and loving. The other can be quite obscure, dry, dark, and desolate. God gives us the first one to gain us; he gives us the second to purify us." (Michael Molinos)<br /> <br />God is using every experience in your life to transform you into Christ's character:<br /> <br />"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son… " (Romans 8:28, 29a)<br /> <br />Therefore: Choose today to praise Him for every eventuality that comes into your life, viewing them as His ordained agents to make you more like Him.<br /> <br />God has given you the necessary resources to live life exactly as He intends:<br /> <br />"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:31, 32)<br /> <br />Therefore: Choose today to appropriate from Him whatever resources are necessary to accomplish what He has put before you.<br /> <br />No accusation against you can stand. Imagine: Christ not only died for you but right now is praying for you:<br /> <br />"Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." (Romans 8:33, 34)<br /> <br />Therefore: Choose today to rest in the knowledge that your Sovereign God has declared you righteous in His sight, and has forgiven (and forgotten) past sins. Thus, no accusation against you stands. Draw strength in the knowledge that at this moment Jesus is in the Father's presence, praying for you.<br /> <br />In all life's circumstances God promises you total victory as He encompasses you in His love:<br /> <br />"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?… No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life… neither the present nor the future… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35, 37, 38a,c, 39b)<br /> <br />Therefore: Choose today to rest in His ever-present love, as you appropriate Him as your resource in realizing victory over every obstacle or adversary.<br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-5569464418487160517?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-79191399929050764112011-10-11T15:44:00.000-07:002011-10-11T15:49:45.357-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oC6iOinXboE/TpTIAxb2EWI/AAAAAAAAAfY/JfbRNcp-qGo/s1600/career.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 139px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oC6iOinXboE/TpTIAxb2EWI/AAAAAAAAAfY/JfbRNcp-qGo/s200/career.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662370547107238242" /></a><br />Are you putting your career ahead of your relationship with God? Here are five areas to consider in making that evaluation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Loss of Self</span> — Equating self-worth with career success: Any setback or change shakes us to the core. Three men in Tokyo simultaneously hung themselves in a downtown hotel, after going bust.<br /> <br />"Some… [measuring] themselves by themselves and [comparing] themselves with themselves,… are not wise… A dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest… " (2 Corinthians 10:12b; Luke 22:24)<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Compromise of Integrity</span> — Operating on the ethics of expediency: Underneath is a vague sense of self-betrayal; a chipping away of integrity. In our upward climb we can easily be trapped in the seductive chase for power and recognition.<br /> <br />"You test the heart and are pleased with integrity… The Lord detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless." (1 Chronicles 29:17b; Proverbs 11:20)<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Inflated notions of importance</span> — Drawing the fallacious assumption that we are indispensable: With the need to prop up our sagging ego, we place an inflated sense of importance on our unique qualifications, experience and capabilities. (My bet is that if we dematerialized tomorrow, the ranks would close in around us, and we would be little more than a fading memory.)<br /> <br />"Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment..." (Romans 12:3b)<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hopelessness and stagnation</span> — The inescapable result of those in business and the professions who fail to realize the futility of the career as an end in itself: Inevitably, a "been there, done that" feeling begins to resonate through the bones. Sadly, by the time that happens we may already be trapped.<br /> <br />"So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." (Ecclesiastes 2:17)<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Loneliness and isolation</span> — The unavoidable consummation of one who has scant regard for established values and authority, and who abuses people for personal gain.<br /> <br />"All his days he eats in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger… " (Ecclesiastes 5:17)<br /> <br />In business, we are free to choose any path we so desire, but we are not free to control the consequences.<br /> <br />Question: Are you prepared to live with the certain aftermath of your business choices?<br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-7919139992905076411?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-3797811681532721662011-10-10T15:33:00.000-07:002011-10-10T15:38:40.367-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-18TjQr6KMTI/TpNz2VtvygI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/e2sGPP09Gnc/s1600/make.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 168px; height: 196px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-18TjQr6KMTI/TpNz2VtvygI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/e2sGPP09Gnc/s200/make.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661996533913995778" /></a><br />If you aspire to disciple or mentor others, then ask God to build these qualities into your life: <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">WISDOM: The result of taking God seriously. </span><br /><br />"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding… The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just." (Proverbs 4:7; Psalm 37:30; See Proverbs 8:33-36; Deuteronomy 4:6)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">COMPASSION: The ability to hear what another is attempting to put into words without judging. </span><br /><br />"As God's chosen people… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.<br /> <br />Forgive as the Lord forgave you". (Colossians 3:12, 1; See Matthew 9:13; 1 Corinthians 16:14)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">RESPECT: for others and their stories and their times. </span><br /><br />"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3, 4)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">CONFIDENTIALITY: Not violating another's secrecy.</span> <br /><br />"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret." (Proverbs 11:13)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">SELF-DISCLOSURE: The willingness to share your life and journey when appropriate; a willingness to be honest. </span><br /><br />"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." (James 5:16a; See Acts 19:18; Matthew 3:6)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A SCHOLAR: Continually reflecting on one's own experiences and relationship with God; growing through study of the Scriptures and exposure to quality literature.</span> <br /><br />"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15; See Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Philippians 4:8)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">DISCERNMENT: The ability to sense the movements of the spirit and heart.</span> <br /><br />"The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding (literally: discernment) draws them out." (Proverbs 20:5; See Proverbs 16:21)<br /><br />Making disciples is the heart of who we are as believers. It was Jesus' great command to us to go into all the world and do. <br /><br /><br />Have you made YOUR disciple today?<br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-379781168153272166?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-18002447027634713292011-10-09T16:49:00.000-07:002011-10-09T16:57:08.302-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tuZlu47ugpg/TpI0rJ8hDqI/AAAAAAAAAfI/uilix05Rk98/s1600/sleep.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tuZlu47ugpg/TpI0rJ8hDqI/AAAAAAAAAfI/uilix05Rk98/s200/sleep.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661645597566897826" /></a><br />When we are faced with life's storms, do we look at the intensity of winds and waves, and get the feeling that God is asleep, and doesn't really care?<br /><br />"Then He got into the boat and His disciples followed Him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!" (Matthew 8:23-27)<br /> <br />Life's storms, like the disciples who were caught in a vicious gale are often:<br /> ○ "Without warning" <br /> ○ "Furious" <br /> ○ Overwhelming – The waves "swept over the boat." <br /> <br />Jesus led the Twelve into the boat, and proceeded to fall asleep. An overpowering storm then arose. Surrounded as we are by life's furious and unexpected storms, we often find ourselves crying out:<br /><br /> ○ Did not Christ lead us (into the boat)? Do we not have the right to a storm-free journey? <br /> ○ Is He, or is He not sovereign over our lives? <br /> ○ Is God's timetable different than ours in calming life's storms? <br /> ○ When Jesus seems to be sleeping, what does it mean? He is indifferent? Or is He stretching our faith? <br /><br />How we answer these questions will depend upon the object of our focus:<br />The storm, which guarantees nail biting. Ulcers. Panic. Or: <br />Jesus, who will lead us to inner peace: "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." (Isaiah 26:3) <br /><br />Why does God allow furious, overwhelming storms "without warning"? I don't know. But I do know that "if God were small enough to be understood He would not be big enough to be worshipped."~Evelyn Underhill . *TTL After Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples exclaimed, "What kind of man is this?" And God's answer? "The Sovereign God of our every circumstance."<br /> <br />QUESTION: Have you discovered "what kind of man Jesus is?" If you have, then your life will be distinguished by an inner peace… whatever your state of affairs.<br /><br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-1800244702763471329?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-90054196489627212242011-10-08T16:02:00.000-07:002011-10-08T16:12:03.223-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psee0UKQNYo/TpDYu7jaZEI/AAAAAAAAAfA/NWxfH20xPhI/s1600/jobs.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psee0UKQNYo/TpDYu7jaZEI/AAAAAAAAAfA/NWxfH20xPhI/s200/jobs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661263032376517698" /></a><br />How impressed is God with the inventor of the Apple computer, the iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad?<br /><br />When Steve Jobs stands before God to give an account for his life, will God remark at how wonderful his genius was?<br /><br />Judgement for our lives is something that we will all eventually have to face. The Bible speaks about two separate judgments after our departure from this life to the next.<br /><br />Those who have made a confession of Jesus as Lord in this life are judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10-12). Every believer will give an account of himself, and the Lord will judge the decisions he made—including those concerning issues of conscience. This judgment does not determine salvation, which is by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), but rather is the time when believers must give an account of their lives in service to Christ. Our position in Christ is the “foundation” spoken of in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15. That which we build upon the foundation can be the “gold, silver, and precious stones” of good works in Christ’s name, obedience and fruitfulness—dedicated spiritual service to glorify God and build the church. Or what we build on the foundation may be the “wood, hay and stubble” of worthless, frivolous, shallow activity with no spiritual value. The Judgment Seat of Christ will reveal this.<br /><br />The gold, silver and precious stones in the lives of believers will survive God’s refining fire (v. 13), and believers will be rewarded based on those good works—how faithfully we served Christ (1 Corinthians 9:4-27), how well we obeyed the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), how victorious we were over sin (Romans 6:1-4), how well we controlled our tongues (James 3:1-9), etc. We will have to give an account for our actions, whether they were truly indicative of our position in Christ. The fire of God’s judgment will completely burn up the “wood, hay and stubble” of the words we spoke and things we did which had no eternal value. “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12 ). <br /><br />The second judgment is that of unbelievers who will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). This judgment does not determine salvation, either. Everyone at the Great White Throne is an unbeliever who has rejected Christ in life and is therefore already doomed to the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12 says that unbelievers will be “judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Those who have rejected Christ as Lord and Savior will be judged based on their works alone, and because the Bible tells us that “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified” (Galatians 2:16), they will be condemned. No amount of good works and the keeping of God’s laws can be sufficient to atone for sin. All their thoughts, words and actions will be judged against God’s perfect standard and found wanting. There will be no reward for them, only eternal condemnation and punishment.<br /><br />So, even though Steve Jobs overcame tremendous obstacles in his personal life, and who had a very unique gift at developing products that the masses consumed with frenzy, God is not impressed by that. No amount of good works, genius, talent, commitment, flair or anything produced by man will impress God in that day of judgement.<br /><br />The ONLY thing that will matter in that day is our RELATIONSHIP with Him!<br /><br />Are YOU ready for that judgement?<br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-9005419648962721224?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-36981550928978441462011-10-06T01:40:00.001-07:002011-10-06T01:43:22.058-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OTHsTRosQE/To1p_pd5bUI/AAAAAAAAAeg/nY640hLl3sw/s1600/liberty.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OTHsTRosQE/To1p_pd5bUI/AAAAAAAAAeg/nY640hLl3sw/s200/liberty.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660296848858508610" /></a><br />If God has called you to be really like Jesus, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility. God’s call will put such demands of obedience on you that you will not be able to follow other people, or measure yourself by other Christians. At times, He will let other people do things which He will not let you do.<br /><br />Other Christians who seem very religious will push themselves, pull wires, and work schemes to carry out their plans. You cannot, and if you attempt it, you will meet with failure and rebuke from the Lord.<br /><br />Others may boast of themselves, of their work, of their successes, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing; and if you begin it, He will lead you to despise yourself and all your good works.<br /><br />Others may be allowed to succeed in making money, or may have a legacy left to them, but it is likely God will keep you poor. God wants you to have something far better than gold—namely, a helpless dependence upon Him, that He may demonstrate His faithful love for you in supplying your needs day by day.<br /><br />God may let others be honored and put forward, and keep you hidden in obscurity in order to produce some fragrant fruit for His coming glory which can only be produced in the shade. He may let others be great, but keep you small. He may let others do a work for Him and get the credit for it now. The reward for your work is held in the hands of Jesus and you will not see it until He comes.<br /><br />The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch over you with a jealous love. He will rebuke you for the little words and feelings or for wasting your time. So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do as He pleases with His own. He does not owe you an explanation of these mysteries. But if you give yourself to be His child, He will wrap you up in a jealous love, and give you the precious blessings for those who belong, heart and soul, to Him.<br /><br />Settle it forever, then, that you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit. It is His option to tie your tongue, or chain your hand, or close your eyes in ways that He does not seem to use with others. And when you are so possessed by the living God that your heart delights over this peculiar, personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of Heaven.<br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-3698155092897844146?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-17440043287022168442011-10-05T02:51:00.000-07:002011-10-05T02:56:24.823-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvhqO1qP44Q/TowpnArflUI/AAAAAAAAAeY/u3l7OaO34Tc/s1600/prevenient-grace.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 177px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvhqO1qP44Q/TowpnArflUI/AAAAAAAAAeY/u3l7OaO34Tc/s200/prevenient-grace.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659944581871932738" /></a><br />“Prevenient grace” is a phrase used to describe the grace given by God that precedes the act of a sinner exercising saving faith in Jesus Christ. <br /><br />The term “prevenient” comes from the Latin and means ”to come before.” By definition, every theological system which affirms the necessity of God’s grace prior to a sinner’s conversion has a type of prevenient grace. The Reformed doctrine of irresistible grace is a type of prevenient grace, as is common grace.<br /><br />However, when the phrase “prevenient grace” is used in theological discussions, it is used in a specific way. In the context of the on-going Calvinism vs. Arminianism debate, prevenient grace is referred to in order to object to the Calvinist doctrine of irresistible grace. This is the reason why, in both modern and historic times, it has also been called “resistible grace” or “pre-regenerating grace.” Since denying the necessity of God’s grace prior to a sinner’s conversion is clearly against biblical teaching, the non-Calvinist theological systems have to affirm a doctrine of grace that precedes a person’s exercising of saving faith. Since non-Calvinists do not believe the saving grace of God always results in the sinner coming to Christ, Christians down through the ages have referred to a type of grace they call prevenient. Simply put, prevenient grace is the grace of God given to individuals that releases them from their bondage to sin and enables them to come to Christ in faith but does not guarantee that the sinner will actually do so. Thus, the efficacy of the enabling grace of God is determined not by God but by man.<br /><br />Historically, within the Arminian theological system, there have been three prominent positions concerning the doctrine of prevenient grace. Within classical Arminianism, there are two positions. Within Wesleyanism, there is one prominent position. Though all three positions have similarities, they are by no means identical. In fact, correctly defining prevenient grace has led to in-house debates within the Arminian tradition.<br /><br />The first of the two prominent positions on the doctrine of prevenient grace in classical Arminianism is that until the Gospel, the instrument by which God draws sinners to Himself, is presented to a sinner, the sinner is in complete bondage to sin. The Holy Spirit works with the presentation of the Gospel through teaching (John 6:45) and convicting (John 16:8) the sinner, enabling the sinner to respond in the exercising of saving faith in Christ. The Holy Spirit opens the heart (Acts 16:14) and mind (Luke 24:45) of the sinner, thus drawing the sinner to Christ (John 6:44, 12:32), and the sinner is then enabled to exercise his newly freed will in placing his faith in Christ for salvation. This falls in line with the biblical teaching that the natural man is unable to understand spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 8:7-8), which would include the message of the Gospel. However, Arminians teach that, although the sinner is now enabled to place his faith in Christ, this enablement by no means guarantees that the sinner will actually do so. This contradicts the proclamation by Jesus that all those the Father gives to Him will come to Him (John 6:37). <br /><br />The second position is a bit more complicated than the first. In this position there is, essentially, a lesser and greater drawing via prevenient grace, which comes through the proclamation of the Gospel and the internal calling of God, sometimes referred to as the “full intensity” of prevenient grace. That is, God is drawing all men in a lesser sense and then drawing those who have the Gospel presented to them in another, greater sense. Some have called this latter drawing the dispensing of “particular prevenient grace.” In this position, God has given all men a prevenient grace that results in a universal healing of total depravity by the grace of God through the atoning work of Christ. This, in turn, has alleviated, though not fully, the corruption of inherited depravity. This position resembles what is sometimes called the “partial depravity” of Arminianism, since total depravity no longer describes what people are but rather what people were. That is, because of the atoning work of Christ, all people are no longer completely incapable of hearing and responding to the Gospel (John 6:44, 8:43); rather, all people have some ability. However, similar to the other position in classical Arminianism, people are not completely freed from their bondage of sin until the Gospel is presented to them and God calls them internally through its presentation. Arminius might have referred to this concept when he spoke of the “intermediate stage between being unregenerate and regenerate” while others have referred to people in this stage as “partially regenerated.” Since Arminians believe that regeneration logically comes after faith, when a person repents of his sin and exercises saving faith in Christ, then that person is “fully regenerated.”<br /><br />The last position on the doctrine of prevenient grace is that of the Wesleyans (also known as Wesleyan-Arminians). In this position, because of the first coming and atoning work of Christ, God has dispensed a universal prevenient grace that fully negates the depravity of man. Thus, man is now in a neutral state. Those who adhere to this position assert that because of Christ’s promises that speak of “all men” being drawn (John 12:32) and the “world” being convicted (John 16:8) after His sacrifice, it means that the prevenient grace we experience today was something purchased by Christ’s work on the cross. Since Wesleyans believe in unlimited atonement as opposed to limited atonement, Wesleyans then further state that when Paul speaks of God giving those whom Christ died for “all things” (Romans 8:32), this universal prevenient grace is one of those “all things.”<br /><br />Before examining and refuting the Arminian doctrine of prevenient grace, let’s examine some of the key passages used to support the doctrine. In John 12:32, Jesus said that when He is lifted from the earth, He will “draw all men” to Himself. This verse is frequently used to object to the Reformed position of irresistible grace found in Jesus’ words in John 6:44, since John 12:32 states that “all men” are drawn and, as such, John 6:44 cannot be saying that all who are drawn will be raised up on the last day. However, this is a misunderstanding of how “all” is being used in John 12:32. That is, when Jesus says He “will draw all men” to Himself, He is using “all” in the sense of “not just Jews but Gentiles, too.” This is the typical use “all” in the New Testament and is highly significant since it was believed that the Messiah would come to save the Jews and the Jews alone. The same principle applies to John 16:8 when Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit coming to “convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment” after His ascension. The “world” here likewise refers to “Jews and Gentiles” or, as the creatures and elders sing in Revelation 5:9, men “from every tribe and language and people and nation.” When we keep this principle in mind, we can see that the other key passages such as Romans 11:32 and Titus 2:11 do not teach what those who adhere to the Arminian doctrine of prevenient grace say they do.<br /><br />The Arminian doctrine of prevenient grace should be rejected on biblical grounds. First and foremost, it turns Paul’s words “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:6) on their head. The Greek term used here means to “accomplish” or “perfect,” similar to how the writer of Hebrews says Jesus is the “author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). The doctrine of prevenient grace affirms that a work is done in the sinner but it denies that the efficacy of the grace is guaranteed. This makes no sense if we are assured that God will perfect what He starts in a person. Second, there is no reason to believe that the two “him’s” in John 6:44 are different groups of people. Two Greek words separate the first “him” who is drawn by the Father from the second “him” who is raised up on the last day. Grammatically and contextually, there is nothing that would begin to support the idea that the verse means not all who are drawn will be raised up on the last day. We find a similar idea in Romans 8:30, where we read that all whom God calls, referring to the inward calling, will be justified and later glorified.<br /><br />Lastly, 1 John 5:1 states clearly that the cause of a person’s believing in Jesus Christ is that he was born again (i.e., regenerated), which John had already told us is “not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13) and is something necessary in order to even perceive the kingdom of God (John 3:3), let alone enter into it. As long as we recognize the biblical truth of the natural man’s deadness in sin (Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13), his need of a new heart (Ezekiel 11:19, 36:26), and that man is a pile of bones needing to be breathed on by God to be brought to life (Ezekiel 37:3-7), we can see that man does not need to be made “better” or “partially alive” but that man needs to be resurrected! Therefore, the doctrine of prevenient grace is without biblical support.<br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-1744004328702216844?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-25248999251104250712011-10-04T05:21:00.000-07:002011-10-04T05:25:41.833-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N38niNBFqIg/Tor7I7eN1oI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/ojK_y6IdDSs/s1600/common.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 104px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N38niNBFqIg/Tor7I7eN1oI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/ojK_y6IdDSs/s200/common.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659612012566402690" /></a><br />The doctrine of common grace pertains to the sovereign grace of God bestowed upon all of mankind regardless of their election. In other words, God has always bestowed His graciousness on all people in all parts of the earth at all time. Although the doctrine of common grace has always been clear in Scripture, in 1924, the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) adopted the doctrine of common grace at the Synod of Kalamazoo (Michigan) and formulated what is known as the “three points of common grace.” <br /><br />The first point pertains to the favorable attitude of God toward all His creatures, not only toward the elect. “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made” (Psalm 145:9). Jesus said God causes “his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45) and God “is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). Barnabas and Paul would later say the same thing: “He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy” (Acts 14:17). In addition to His compassion, goodness, and kindness, God also sheds His patience upon both the elect and the non-elect. While God’s patience for His own is undoubtedly different from His patience with those whom He has not chosen, God still exercises “longsuffering” toward those whom He has not chosen (Nahum 1:3). Every breath that the wicked man takes is an example of the mercy of our holy God.<br /><br />The second point of common grace is the restraint of sin in the life of the individual and in society. Scripture records God directly intervening and restraining individuals from sinning. In Genesis 20, God restrained Abimelech from touching Sarah, Abraham’s wife, and affirmed it to him in a dream by saying, “Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her” (Genesis 20:6). Another example of God restraining the wicked hearts of evil men is seen in God’s protection of the land of Israel from being invaded by the pagan nations on their border. God commanded the men of Israel that three times a year they would leave their plot of land to go and appear before Him (Exodus 34:23). To ensure the protection of God’s people from invasion during these times, even though the pagan nations surrounding them desired their land year-round, God promised that “no one will covet your land when you go up three times each year to appear before the Lord your God” (Exodus 34:24). God also restrained David from taking revenge on Nabal for scorning the messengers that David sent to greet Nabal (1 Samuel 25:14). Abigail, Nabal’s wife, recognized God’s grace when she pleaded with David not to seek vengeance against her husband, “since the Lord has kept you, my master, from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands…” (1 Samuel 25:26). David acknowledged this truth by responding, “As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, who has kept me from harming you…” (1 Samuel 25:34). <br /><br />This second point of common grace not only includes God’s restraining of evil, but also His sovereignly releasing it for His purposes. When God hardens the hearts of individuals (Exodus 4:21; Joshua 11:20; Isaiah 63:17), He does so by releasing His restraint on their hearts, thereby giving them over to the sin that resides there. In His punishment of Israel for their rebellion, God gave “them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices” (Psalm 81:11-12). The passage of Scripture best known for speaking of God’s releasing of restraint is found in Romans 1 where Paul describes those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. God “gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another” (Romans 1:28). <br /><br />The third point of common grace as adopted by the CRC pertains to “civic righteousness by the unregenerate.” This means that God, without renewing the heart, exercises such influence that even the unsaved man is enabled to perform good deeds toward his fellow man. As Paul said of a group of unregenerate Gentiles, they “do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law” (Romans 2:14). The necessity of God restraining the hearts of the unredeemed becomes clear when we understand the biblical doctrine of total depravity. If God did not restrain the evil that resides in the hearts of all men, hearts which are “deceitful and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9), humanity would have destroyed itself centuries ago. But because He works through common grace given to all men, God’s sovereign plan for history is not thwarted by their evil hearts. In the doctrine of common grace, we see God’s purposes stand, His people blessed, and His glory magnified.<br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-2524899925110425071?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-71562204862239314202011-09-30T15:54:00.000-07:002011-09-30T15:57:39.569-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eG_yLqKIQQk/ToZJPyA3irI/AAAAAAAAAeI/cOb2mkyuyPc/s1600/prayer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eG_yLqKIQQk/ToZJPyA3irI/AAAAAAAAAeI/cOb2mkyuyPc/s200/prayer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658290517309885106" /></a><br />Prayerful meditation on the Scriptures is fundamental to spiritual growth. Yet most believers find the experience something less than fulfilling. Here are five suggestions: <br /> <br />1. Meditation on the Scriptures should not be viewed as a method or system, but as an attitude: Faith, openness, reverence, expectation, supplication.<br /> <br />"This people draw near to me with their words… but they remove their hearts far from me, and their reverence for me consists of traditions learned by rote." (Isaiah 29:13 NASB)<br /> <br />2. Meditation can actually be quite difficult at times. Thus, we should not judge its value on how we feel. Yet it is important that our efforts are enlightened, well-directed, and sustained.<br /> <br />"Let me understand the teachings of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders." (Psalm 119:27)<br /> <br />3. It is only if we have a heart fixed on obeying God without reservation that a little effort goes a long way. When we are resisting Him through disobedience or compromise, no amount of effort can produce the desired result.<br /> <br />"I have more understanding… for I obey your precepts." (Psalm 119:100)<br /> <br />4. In our pride, we don't want to be beginners. In truth, we will never be anything but beginners. Given the challenge in learning to effectively utilize meditation for spiritual growth, we would do well to recognize the need for a mature mentor.<br /> <br />"Whatever you have learned or received… from me, or seen in me – put into practice." (Philippians 4:9)<br /> <br />5. Often, what first seemed easy and rewarding, suddenly becomes utterly impossible. We struggle with inner confusion, coldness, and lack of confidence. We find concentration difficult. Our imagination and emotions wander – or run wild. We often feel dry and desolate. Repugnant fantasies buried deep within us take over. We totally lose interest in spiritual matters.<br /> <br />"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do… For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing." (Romans 7:15, 19)<br /> <br />My friend in Christ, don't give up, because God promises you that "the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day." (Proverbs 4:18)<br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-7156220486223931420?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-44465428247504853152011-09-29T14:57:00.000-07:002011-09-29T15:01:27.979-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--u5B1MjY-4I/ToTqMvCth8I/AAAAAAAAAeA/og5lNz6YJGc/s1600/fear.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 185px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--u5B1MjY-4I/ToTqMvCth8I/AAAAAAAAAeA/og5lNz6YJGc/s200/fear.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657904536391354306" /></a><br />Fear is the opposite of faith, and is displeasing to God:<br /> <br />"My righteous one shall live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him… Without faith, it is impossible to please God… " (Hebrews 10:38; 11:6a) <br /><br />Fear:<br /><br />*Clouds our judgment. <br />*Paralyzes our actions. <br />*Causes us to delay. Rationalize. Over-spiritualize. <br />*Promotes paranoia. <br />*Induces us to think irrationally; to loose objectivity. <br />*Destroys our trust in others. <br />*Diminishes our ability to believe. Risk. Act. <br />*May be a reason we impute wrong motives to others. <br />*Is often the product of our pride. <br />*Refuses to believe God is there; is in control, and can be trusted or taken seriously. <br /><br />How do we break the bondage and cycle of fear? By choosing to believe God through acting upon His promises. So right now, if you are struggling with fear, choose to believe these promises:<br /> <br />"God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7 – kjv)<br /> <br />"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea… Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:1, 2a, 10)<br /> <br />"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears… The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." (Psalm 34:4, 17)<br /> <br />It was amidst the storm that Jesus told Peter to step out of the boat and walk on the water to Him. The moment he looked away from the Master to the circumstances Peter's faith turned to fear, and he began to sink. And so it is with us. (Matthew 14:22-34)<br /> <br />You and I have a simple choice to make: Either we will allow the demons of fear, doubt, inadequacy etc., to paralyze and diminish us into spiritual midgets, or we will live above life's crippling circumstances by choosing to believe and act upon His promises.<br /> <br />QUESTION: Today, which do you choose? Faith or fear?<br /><br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-4446542824750485315?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-3034789538923687132011-09-29T02:51:00.000-07:002011-09-29T02:56:29.823-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQQIQtp67us/ToRAnlehxdI/AAAAAAAAAd4/PFwxS0DHp8Q/s1600/falling.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 181px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQQIQtp67us/ToRAnlehxdI/AAAAAAAAAd4/PFwxS0DHp8Q/s200/falling.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657718080703415762" /></a><br />Galatians 5:4 and its reference to falling from grace is one of those “warning passages” pointed to by those who reject the doctrine of the eternal security of the believer. But because of the biblical doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, we know the warnings cannot be directed at true believers in Christ because once grace has been obtained, believers cannot fall from it.<br /><br />In Galatians 5:4, the context is Paul’s warning against mixing law and the Gospel to attain justification. He says to those who let themselves be circumcised (Galatians 5:2) that they are “trying to be justified by law” and have therefore “been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.” It should be noted that there is no mention of salvation or the security of the believer. He is telling those who receive circumcision—in other words attempt to justify themselves through the rites and rules of the Law—that Christ will be of “no benefit” to them.<br /><br />Paul expounds further in verse 3 when he says that “every man who receives circumcision” is “under obligation to keep the whole Law.” Why is such a statement important in regards to Christ being “no benefit to you”? Note what Paul says in Galatians 3:13 concerning Christ’s sacrifice: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us.” Taken in this light, along with a brief understanding of the Greek terms used, we can get a better understanding of what Paul is saying.<br /><br />The two most important words in Galatians 5:4 are καταργέω (severed) and ἐκπίπτω (fallen). The word καταργέω does not require the “harsh” implications that come with “sever” in the English language, though it should not be taken lightly. In light of Paul’s words in Galatians 5:2 and how Paul uses the term in verses such as Romans 3:3, 4:14, and 1 Corinthians 1:28, a good way of understanding the term καταργέω is “nullify” or “done away with.” While the word ἐκπίπτω can undoubtedly mean to fall away from a previously held position, as those who deny the eternal security of true believers assert, in the context of this verse and how it is used in passages such as Acts 27, a good understanding of the phrase in Galatians 5:4 is that of “estranged” or “separated from.” <br /><br />Paul warns against setting aside the grace that comes from Christ. Those who do have nullified, or run away from, the grace that comes through His blood and attempted instead to justify themselves by the works of the Law. The purpose of Paul’s letter to the Galatians was to warn against the Judaizers because they attempted to lure born-again Christians back to justification through the Law, which is impossible (Galatians 2:16). He reminds them of the freedom they have in Christ: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).<br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-303478953892368713?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-44710475787823625502011-09-28T04:34:00.000-07:002011-09-28T04:38:59.045-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4tio-rQ5nU/ToMG-JHu9SI/AAAAAAAAAdw/SQ7iEd4-Cvo/s1600/grace.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4tio-rQ5nU/ToMG-JHu9SI/AAAAAAAAAdw/SQ7iEd4-Cvo/s200/grace.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657373221577487650" /></a><br />Are YOU living in the realm of 'CHEAP GRACE'? <br /><br />The term “cheap grace” can be traced back to a book written by German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, called The Cost of Discipleship, published in 1937. In that book, Bonhoeffer defined “cheap grace” as “The preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline. Communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ.” Notice what is emphasized in Bonhoeffer’s definition of cheap grace and what is de-emphasized. The emphasis is on the benefits of Christianity without the costs involved; hence the adjective “cheap” to describe it.<br /><br />A similar debate regarding cheap grace erupted in the 1980’s and 1990’s over the Lordship Salvation controversy. The controversy began when pastor and theologian John MacArthur objected to a teaching that was becoming popular in evangelical circles called “carnal Christianity.” The reference is to a statement that the Apostle Paul made in his first letter to the church at Corinth: “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1). The phrase “of the flesh” is the Greek word sarkinos meaning “flesh.” The word “carnal” comes from the Latin word for flesh. In the New Testament, “flesh” can simply mean skin, flesh, body. However, Paul often uses it to speak of our sinful nature—that unredeemed part of man with whom the new man in Christ must battle daily (Romans 7; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; 2 Corinthians 10:2; Galatians 5:16-19).<br /><br />Carnal Christianity essentially teaches that as long as one makes a profession of faith in Christ, he or she is saved (Romans 10:9), even if there is no immediately obedience to the commands of Jesus and the Apostles to live a life of holiness. It is the idea that we can have Jesus as Savior, but not necessarily as Lord. People who advocate for carnal Christianity, or “free grace” as it’s often called, do not deny the necessity of good works (i.e., holy living) for sanctification, but they distinguish the call for salvation from the call to sanctification (or discipleship).<br /><br />There are many Scripture passages that free grace advocates use to support their position. It is not necessary to cite them all, but two of the most popular and forceful passages are John 3:16 and Romans 10:9.<br /><br />• For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)<br /><br />• Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)<br /><br />Clearly, these passages, and others, teach that the one who believes in Jesus Christ “has eternal life” and “will be saved.” There is no disputing this. However, what people like John MacArthur and others were objecting to is not that salvation and eternal life are free gifts of God’s grace, but rather the teaching that the call to salvation does not also include a call to repentance and holy living. In other words, they were objecting that the doctrine of free grace was becoming a doctrine of cheap grace. What the proponents of lordship salvation assert is that salvation is a call to discipleship, that one cannot have Jesus as Savior without also acknowledging Him as Lord.<br /><br />The New Testament uses the word for Lord (kurios) 748 times, and 667 of those times it is used in reference to God or Jesus (e.g., “Jesus Christ our Lord,” Romans 1:4). In contrast, the New Testament uses the word for “savior” (soter) only 24 times. It seems clear that the emphasis in the New Testament is on Jesus Christ as Lord, not as Savior. Now in saying that, it is not meant to downplay or denigrate the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross. What a glorious and gracious provision God has made for His people in providing Jesus Christ as our atoning sacrifice who thereby guarantees salvation and eternal life for those who believe in Him. Jesus Christ is most certainly our Savior, but this cannot be separated from the fact that Jesus Christ is Lord, and as Lord, He commands and we obey. <br /><br />Jesus, in his Great Commission to the 11 remaining disciples, commanded them to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that he has commanded them (Matthew 28:19-20). Evangelism and discipleship go hand in hand. A disciple is one who observes (keeps, obeys) all that Jesus has commanded. There is no two-stage process in Christianity—first be saved, then become a disciple. This arbitrary distinction is foreign to the New Testament and therefore foreign to Christianity. <br /><br />To play off the title of Bonhoeffer’s book, let’s look at what Jesus said to His disciples about discipleship in Luke 14:25-33. In that passage, Jesus says to the crowds that no one can be His disciple unless they first hate their family (v. 26). Furthermore, the one who cannot bear his own cross cannot be his disciple (v. 27). Two conditions are given by Jesus in order to be His disciple. The first is to be willing to renounce family in order to follow Jesus. The second is to be willing to die, both literally and metaphorically (“die to self”) in order to follow Jesus. Jesus then gives two examples of “counting the cost.” The first is an example of a man who desires to build a tower without first counting the cost of building the tower. After realizing he cannot complete it, he gives up in shame and embarrassment. The second is that of a king preparing to go to battle and making sure he can defend against the superior foe. The point Jesus is making is that discipleship has a cost.<br /><br />Furthermore, discipleship requires repentance and obedience. At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, the message He preached was a message of repentance (Matthew 4:17). The message of the Apostles after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension was also one of repentance (Acts 2:38). Along with repentance comes obedience. Jesus told a crowd of listeners that salvation and obedience go hand in hand: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46). Jesus then goes on to differentiate the one who builds his house on the sand from the one who builds his house on the rock, which is the man who not only hears the words of Jesus, but does them too.<br /><br />Cheap grace seeks to hide the cost of discipleship from people. It seeks to claim that as long as we make a profession of faith, we are saved. God’s grace covers all our sins. Again, that is a wonderful truth! The Apostle Paul says as much when he writes, “Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:20-21). Yet, right after writing that, he follows it with this: “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:1-2). Salvation by grace alone through faith alone is so much more than simply mouthing the words “Jesus is Lord.” We are not saved by a profession of faith. We are not saved by praying the Sinner’s Prayer. We are not saved by signing a card or walking an aisle. We are saved by a living and active faith (James 2:14-26), a faith that manifests itself in repentance, obedience and love of God and our neighbor. Salvation is not a transaction; it’s a transformation. Paul says it best when he says we are “new creations” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). There is nothing “cheap” about grace!<br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-4471047578782362550?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-75624520184450641372011-09-27T23:41:00.001-07:002011-09-27T23:47:38.077-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_ckofUQ2B0/ToLDBAN_GkI/AAAAAAAAAdo/EcVRlvLdziI/s1600/new%2Bseason.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_ckofUQ2B0/ToLDBAN_GkI/AAAAAAAAAdo/EcVRlvLdziI/s200/new%2Bseason.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657298503936711234" /></a><br />I have a totally redesigned site for my blog, and I want to invite friends old and new to check it out and please give me their feedback. I tried to make it a bit easier to read and navigate, and hope that you still have access to previous articles and posts.<br /><br />Blessings, and I appreciate your prayers for the outreach in Korea!!<br /><br />http://docburkhart.blogspot.com <br /><br />JESUS IS ALIVE!! <br /><br />Doc Burkhart<br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-7562452018445064137?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-85874888804834159932011-09-27T03:07:00.001-07:002011-09-27T03:09:40.006-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8lNhkduto4/ToGgyPamP0I/AAAAAAAAAdg/otZhX3alt6A/s1600/solagratia.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 114px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8lNhkduto4/ToGgyPamP0I/AAAAAAAAAdg/otZhX3alt6A/s200/solagratia.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656979391946047298" /></a><br />Sola gratia is important because it is one of the distinguishing characteristics or key points that separate the true biblical Gospel from false gospels that cannot save. As one of the five solas that came to define the key issues of the Protestant Reformation, this doctrine is as important today as it was then. The Latin word sola means “alone” or “only,” and the essential Christian doctrines represented by these five Latin phrases accurately summarize the biblical teaching on these crucial subjects: sola scriptura—Scripture alone, sola fide—faith alone, sola gratia—grace alone, sola Christus—Christ alone, and sola Deo gloria—for the glory of God alone. Each one is vitally important, and they are all closely tied together. Deviation from one will lead to error in another essential doctrine, and the result will almost always be a false gospel which is powerless to save.<br /><br />Sola gratia is simply acknowledging that the Bible teaches that the totality of our salvation is a gift of grace from God. As it says in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” It is the acknowledgement that salvation from the wrath of God is based on God’s grace and mercy and not on anything good in us. One reason so many want to reject this important doctrine is that they do not want to accept what the Bible clearly teaches about the basic condition of human nature since the fall of Adam. The Bible says that our hearts are “deceitful” and “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9, NKJV) and that “there is none righteous, no not one; there is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God" (Romans 3:10-11). Rather than acknowledge our total helplessness and hopelessness apart from the grace of God, most people want to believe that they have a role to play in their salvation. Western culture is so saturated with the idea that we are “masters of our own destiny” and “captains of our souls” that the idea we are without any hope apart from—and based solely on—the grace of God is foreign to our way of thinking. Sadly, it is also foreign to the way the gospel is often presented—as a plea to man to make a “decision for Christ” rather than a command to “repent and believe.” Such a presentation is based on the flawed and unbiblical idea that can be summarized by the saying, “Satan votes against you, God votes for you, and it is up to you to cast the deciding vote.” So much that passes for evangelism training today has more in common with something from a book on salesmanship than it does the Bible, often using manipulative techniques to get someone to “make a decision” that come right out of a salesmanship guide on how to “close the sale.” <br /><br />The truth of sola gratia or salvation by grace alone is what inspired John Newton to write the wonderful song “Amazing Grace.” It is a grace so amazing that it can save a wretch like me. It is an amazing grace that “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). This doctrine is important because it correctly communicates the fact that God saves us because of His mercy and goodness and not because of anything that makes us desirable to God or worthy to be saved. We cannot grasp how amazing God’s grace in salvation is until we first grasp how sinful we truly are.<br /><br />Sola gratia is important because if we reject it, we reject the only Gospel that can save. The alternative to sola gratia is a gospel that depends on the goodness of man instead of the grace of God, which is no gospel at all. Sola gratia is what makes the Gospel “good news.” It helps us to understand that while the Bible says there is “no one who seeks God” (Romans 3:11), the good news is that God seeks after sinners. Jesus said He came to seek and save that which is lost (Luke 19:10), not to wait for the lost to seek Him. It is God who acts first, God who draws the wretched sinner to Himself, God who gives new life to person who is “dead in their trespasses and sins,” God who causes a person to be “born again” so he or she can “see the kingdom of God.” Those who deny sola gratia, either in words or actions, end up with a gospel that entails God bringing man only so far along the path of salvation and then leaving it up to him to save himself by “making a decision for Christ.” As a result of this “cooperative effort,” man is then saved not by grace alone but by grace plus works. However, this is not the Gospel presented in the Bible because everything man does is tainted by sin, so unless God fully brings it to pass, unregenerate man will never respond in faith to the Gospel. <br /><br />Finally, sola gratia is important because it is the basis of our assurance of salvation as sinners before a holy God. If we deny sola gratia, then we cannot have any true assurance of our salvation. Since everything we do is tainted by sin, how can we have confidence that our “decision for Christ” was effective, and how can we know if we have enough faith to be saved? Fortunately, the Bible reveals a different Gospel, one based not on what we do but on what Jesus Christ has done. The “Good News” is that Christ came, lived a perfect life, died on the cross and rose from the dead in order to give new life to dead sinners, to deliver them from their sins and give them eternal life with Him. It is the reason that we can know that Jesus will lose none of all that the Father has given to Him, but raise them up at the last day (John 6:39).<br /><br />"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me<br />I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.<br />‘Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear, And Grace, my fears relieved.<br />How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed!<br />Through many dangers, toils and snares, we have already come.<br />‘Twas Grace that brought us safe thus far and Grace will lead us home. <br />The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures.<br />He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. <br />Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, <br />I shall possess within the veil, a life of joy and peace.<br />When we've been here ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,<br />We've no less days to sing God's praise than when we've first begun. <br />Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. <br />I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.”<br />—“Amazing Grace” by John Newton.<br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-8587488880483415993?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-75992847029885807532011-09-24T05:55:00.000-07:002011-09-24T06:15:28.020-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYA9y2oHN4w/Tn3X59lxChI/AAAAAAAAAdY/trnydrVCGgk/s1600/prayre.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 140px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYA9y2oHN4w/Tn3X59lxChI/AAAAAAAAAdY/trnydrVCGgk/s200/prayre.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655914097832692242" /></a><br />My latest eBook, THE PRAYER MANUAL, is now available!<br /><br />This has been a labor of love compiling different information on prayer, and putting it into a format that is easy to read and comprehend.<br /><br />You will find topics such an UNANSWERED PRAYER, HINDRANCES TO PRAYER, PUTTING OUT A FLEECE, as well as others.<br /><br />I hope that it will be a blessing to you! It is MY GIFT TO YOU and A BIG THANK YOU for your faithful support of this ministry outreach.<br /><br />Whatever you can afford to give, just be led of the Lord! I have provided a Paypal link to make it easy for you to give online.<br /><br />Thank you once again for your prayers for this ministry, and I hope the Lord uses THE PRAYER MANUAL to be a real blessing in your life!<br /><br />Raymond 'Doc' Burkhart<br /><br />HERE IS THE PAYPAL LINK FOR SUPPORT!<br /><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick"><input type="hidden" name="encrypted" value="-----BEGIN PKCS7-----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-----END PKCS7-----"><input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1"></form><br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-7599284702988580753?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-40056818913353300522011-09-21T17:13:00.001-07:002011-09-21T17:16:45.594-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuMHUPWhNMc/Tnp-UcQYloI/AAAAAAAAAc0/ltWlRLMabxk/s1600/giving-hands.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 116px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuMHUPWhNMc/Tnp-UcQYloI/AAAAAAAAAc0/ltWlRLMabxk/s200/giving-hands.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654971171764475522" /></a><br />When you give, is it to impress man, or to impress God? Jesus in The Sermon on the Mount outlines some things to consider when we give.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Matthew 6:1-4 <br /><br />1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.<br />Matt 6:1-4 (KJV)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. Your righteousness.</span>—This term, which is adopted in the corrected text in the place of alms, gives the precept contained in this verse a general character, making it include all acts of righteousness done to be seen by men. It is declared that for none such have we any reward from God. In the next verse almsgiving is introduced as a specification under this general precept.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. sound a trumpet.</span>—Trumpets are sounded as signals to large bodies of men. From this circumstance a man who takes pains to draw attention to himself is said to sound a trumpet before him. This the hypocrites did when they gave alms. As the alms were given to be seen by men, every effort was made to prevent any from missing the sight. We still say of a man who acts thus, that "he blows his own trumpet."<br />their reward.—The Pharisees, to whom there is especial reference here, had in hand the reward which they sought—the admiration of the people. More accurately translated, the remark is: "they have in full their reward;" which implies that the praise of men was the only reward which they would ever receive. In contrast with this it is asserted below (verse 4) that if alms are given properly God himself will reward the giver.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3, 4. thy left hand know.</span>—"Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth" is a very striking expression. Once heard it is never forgotten; neither is it easily misunderstood, but it may be misapplied. While it very emphatically condemns all attempts to publish abroad our almsgiving, it does not condemn the publication of it for a proper purpose by others. Jesus, in order to teach a good lesson, published the liberality of the poor widow (Mark 12:41-44); and Luke, in order to stimulate the liberality of others, made public mention of the benevolence of Barnabas. (Acts 4:36, 37.) Even in this, however, we must be on our guard, lest we tempt men to give tor the sake of the notoriety with which they expect others to reward them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. shall reward thee.</span>—Notwithstanding the truth so clearly revealed in the Scriptures, that our salvation is a matter of favor and not of reward, it still remains true, as this verse clearly asserts, that for all the good which we do God will reward us. The joys of the eternal world, as well as the blessings of this, are included in the reward. (Comp. Matt. 25:34-40.)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1 Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.</span> [This verse refers back to verse 20 of the previous chapter, where the disciple is told that his righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. Matthew's fifth chapter deals with the actions themselves, but this sixth chapter treats of the motives and manners of our actions.] <span style="font-weight:bold;">2 When therefore when thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.</span> [Trumpets were sounded as signals to large bodies. This fact gave to the word trumpet a symbolic significance. Anything which is noised or blazoned abroad is spoken of as being trumpeted. The figure also conveys the idea of pompous self-laudation. Hence we still speak of an egotistical man as one who “blows his own trumpet.” The hypocrites of that day did not blow a literal trumpet to call attention to their gifts any more than the hypocrites of this day do. But they used methods to call attention to their generosity as those of our time do when they publish an account of their munificence in the newspapers. Almsgiving was a prominent feature of Jewish life. Transplanted from Judaism, almsgiving became one of the characteristic features of the early church (Acts 9:36; 10:2; Gal 2:10). Christ corrected the error as to it in what he said about the widow's mites. As these hypocrites sought the praise of men, they had their reward when they received it.] <span style="font-weight:bold;">3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.</span> [Jesus here recommends secret and noiseless giving, by the never-to-be-forgotten metaphor of the left and right hand. Our generosity is to come so spontaneously, and with so little thought, that the liberality of one part of the body shall not be communicated to the other. The command does not forbid publicity, but that spirit which desires publicity. “The true Christian cares not how much men hear of his public charities, nor how little they hear of his private ones” (Toplady). Good deeds may be published by others to stimulate good in others; but care should be taken lest they be stimulated to give for the sake of like notoriety (Mark 12:41–44; Acts 4:36-37). Salvation is a matter of favor, and not of merit. But there is, nevertheless, a recompense attendant upon it. The joys of the world come, and the blessings in this world are included in that recompense—Matt 25:34–40.] <br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-4005681891335330052?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-85380127751563782792011-09-21T05:38:00.000-07:002011-09-21T05:43:27.540-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0MTvF6K3Us/Tnnbx1bFiNI/AAAAAAAAAcs/55yQ6Rk3GzQ/s1600/character.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0MTvF6K3Us/Tnnbx1bFiNI/AAAAAAAAAcs/55yQ6Rk3GzQ/s200/character.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654792456341129426" /></a><br />God is continually at work testing the hearts of men. He is testing their character, their faith, their loyalty, their integrity and their obedience.<br /> <br />Hebrews 11:17-19 <br /> 17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,<br /> 18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:<br /> 19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.<br /> <br /> <br />There are over 200 instances or references to trials, tests, temptations, refining, etc in the Scriptures.<br /> <br />Our character is both REVEALED and DEVELOPED through our tests and trials.<br /> <br />God will test your:<br />-Faith, through the problems you face.<br />-Hope, through the possessions you choose to keep and let go.<br />-Love, through the people you choose to love in your life.<br /> <br />GOD CONTINUALLY IS OBSERVING YOUR RESPONSE TO YOUR TESTS<br /> <br />-To people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointments, etc.<br />-He even watches the simplest activities of your life.<br />-when you open the door for others<br />-when you pick up trash<br />-when you are polite to a clerk or a waitress<br /> <br />Predictable tests in life:<br />-Major changes -Unanswered prayers -Delayed Promises<br />-Undeserved Criticism -Impossible Problems -Senseless Tragedies<br /> <br />Our character is both REVEALED and DEVELOPED through our tests and trials.<br /> <br />One of the most difficult parts of the Christian life is the fact that becoming a disciple of Christ does not make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. Why would a good and loving God allow us to go through such things as the death of a child, disease and injury to ourselves and our loved ones, financial hardships, worry and fear? Surely, if He loved us, He would take all these things away from us. After all, doesn’t loving us mean He wants our lives to be easy and comfortable? Well, no, it doesn’t. The Bible clearly teaches that God loves those who are His children and He “works all things together for good” for us (Romans 8:28). So that must mean that the trials and tribulations He allows in our lives are part of the working together of all things for good. Therefore, for the believer, all trials and tribulations must have a divine purpose. <br /> <br />As in all things, God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). This is the goal of the Christian, and everything in life, including the trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us to reach that goal. It is part of the process of sanctification; that is, being set apart for God’s purposes and fitted to live for His glory. The way the trials accomplish this is explained in 1 Peter 1:6-7: "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." The true believer’s faith will be made sure by the trials we experience so that we can rest in the knowledge that it is real and will last forever. <br /> <br />Trials develop godly character, and that enables us to "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:3-5). Jesus Christ set the perfect example. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). These verses point out aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ's trials and tribulations and ours. Persevering proves our faith. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).<br /> <br />At the same time, we must be careful never to make excuses for our "trials and tribulations" if they are a result of our own wrongdoing. "By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler" (1 Peter 4:15). God will forgive our sins because the eternal punishment for them has been paid by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. However, we still have to suffer the natural consequences in this life for our sins and bad choices. But God uses even those sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate good. <br /> <br />Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:2-4,12).<br /> <br />Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, we have the victory. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." These verses encourage us to see that although we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ. God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything. He has also assured us that no trial will test us beyond our ability to bear it, and “he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). <br /><br /><br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-8538012775156378279?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-90613505580016545992011-09-20T17:21:00.000-07:002011-09-20T17:24:03.616-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vB3ltYssfow/Tnkuks3BHYI/AAAAAAAAAck/TVwEaxmqiuI/s1600/love.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vB3ltYssfow/Tnkuks3BHYI/AAAAAAAAAck/TVwEaxmqiuI/s200/love.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654602015192456578" /></a><br />Love your neighbor, hate your enemy? That is NOT what God said in the Old Testament. The interpreters of Law changed the Word to match their world-view. <br /><br />Matthew 5:43- 48 <br />43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. <br />44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; <br />45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. <br />46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? <br />47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? <br />48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. <br /><br />43. hate thine enemy.—"Love your neighbor as yourself" was an express precept of the law of Moses (Lev. 19:18), while the sentiment "Hate thine enemy" is not found in the law as a precept. But the Jews were forbidden by law to make peace with the Canaanites (Ex. 34:11-16; Deut. 23:6), and the bloody wars which by God's own command they frequently waged against their enemies inevitably taught them to hate them. This was the feeling of their most pious men, and it found utterance even in their devotional hymns; e. g. Ps. 139:21, 22. It is a true representation of the law, therefore, in its practical working, that it taught hatred of one's enemies. This is one of the evils of the Jewish dispensation, which, like the privilege of divorce at will, was to endure but for a time.<br /><br />44. love your enemies.—To love an enemy, has appeared to many persons impossible, because they understand the word love as here expressing the same feeling in all respects which we entertain toward a friend or a near kinsman. But love has many shades and degrees. The exact phase of it which is here enjoined is best understood in the light of examples. The parable of the good Samaritan is given by Jesus for the express purpose of exemplifying it (Luke 10:25-37); his own example in praying on the cross for those who crucified him serves the same purpose (Luke 23:34); and so does the conduct of David when he spared the life of Saul (1 Sam. 24, 26.) The feeling which enables us to deal with an enemy as the good Samaritan did, as Jesus did, and as David did, is the love for our enemies which is here enjoined. It is by no means an impossible feeling.<br /><br />An expert in the law tried to test the Lord Jesus by asking Him to declare what the greatest commandment in the Law of Moses. In one masterful statement, Jesus condensed the entire law that God had given Moses into this memorable explanation: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 22:37-40).<br /><br />When we read the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20, we are struck with the realization that they focus on these two issues. Certainly we are to love God supremely. But what does it mean to love our neighbor as ourselves?<br /><br />Jesus is quoting here from Leviticus 19. Let’s look at its context:<br /><br />"When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather every grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I am the LORD your God. You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another. And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the LORD. You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning. You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the LORD. You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor. You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD. You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD" (Leviticus 19:9-18).<br /><br />Notice that loving our neighbor would include: sharing with the poor and the alien; compassion and absolute honesty and justice in our relationships with others; impartiality; a refusal to be a party to gossip or slander; an absence of malice towards anyone and a refusal to bear a grudge; taking care never to put another’s life at risk and never taking private vengeance upon another. It is also interesting to note that when we have an issue with anyone, we should strive to make it right by going to him or her directly. James calls this the “royal law” (James 2:8). Our Lord taught that we should do to others as we would have them do to us (Matthew 7:12).<br /><br />It is a fact that anyone who does not have a personal relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ will die in his sins and face eternity in Hell. Therefore, we owe it to our neighbors to lovingly share with them the Good News of the Gospel. True believers have been forgiven, possess eternal life, and have blessings forever as the result of others who have shared the gospel with them. God’s love is evidenced in us as we communicate this precious gospel and love others as we have been loved. <br /><br />The command, Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect, makes the moral perfection of God our model. It is, of course, impossible for man to attain to this perfection; yet anything short of it is short of what we ought to be. While man can not attain to so much, God can not require less; for to require less would imply satisfaction with that which is imperfect, and this would be inconsistent with the character of God. To require this is to keep man forever reminded of his inferiority, and, at the same time, to keep him forever struggling for a nearer approach to his model. The requirement is eminently wise and good.<br />..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!" <div>~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea <div></div><div><a href="http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/">http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/</a> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart">http://www.facebook.com/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart">http://www.linkedin.com/in/docburkhart</a></div><div><a href="http://www.the100goals.com/">www.the100goals.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1810620179450917230-9061350558001654599?l=docburkhart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Doc Burkharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09156157423995184828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810620179450917230.post-6163052104672659802011-09-19T06:05:00.000-07:002011-09-19T06:09:46.300-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qS60EecGrp8/Tnc-9Khuk3I/AAAAAAAAAcc/berT5iusy14/s1600/mercygrace.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qS60EecGrp8/Tnc-9Khuk3I/AAAAAAAAAcc/berT5iusy14/s200/mercygrace.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654057077705708402" /></a><br />Mercy and grace are often confused. While the terms have similar meanings, grace and mercy are not the same. To summarize the difference: mercy is God not punishing us as our sins deserve, and grace is God blessing us despite the fact that we do not deserve it. Mercy is deliverance from judgment. Grace is extending kindness to the unworthy.<br /><br />According to the Bible, we have all sinned (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8). As a result of that sin, we all deserve death (Romans 6:23) and eternal judgment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:12-15). With that in mind, every day we live is an act of God's mercy. If God gave us all what we deserve, we would all be, right now, condemned fo