Spirit Soul and Body Drawing
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Trunk and Soul
The following 'Free Christian Illustrations' are written and illustrated by Ian Coate. They tin can be used without charge or obligation and can be downloaded, copied or distributed without permission every bit long as no cost is charged and source is recognized.
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Spiritual Hospitals
Hospitals are establishments which provide medical assistance. They are places of healing where patients are treated by doctors, nurses and many people working quietly behind the scenes. All the same some hospitals have acquired bad reputations for misdiagnosis and poor treatment. These hospitals are naturally avoided as people seek doctors and nurses to assist them - not to hurt them.
A church (local and universal), like a hospital, is a place where the spiritually sick and injured come up to exist healed. Sadly, Christian churches have built a bad reputation as organizations which attack their own wounded. Likewise often people enter churches seeking aid (grace and compassion) only all they receive is an attack (judging, condemnation, hypocrisy and a listing of taboos). Many Christians have become like the self-righteous Pharisees of erstwhile. No wonder churches have get the last resort for healing in a spiritually sick world.
The church was designed as a place of spiritual healing – a identify for broken people to find comfort and mending. As church members, nosotros are on the hospital staff and our duty is that of healing. We should treat each person we meet as we would wish to be treated - with grace, compassion, encouragement and mercy.
Therefore, every bit the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving 1 another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave y'all, so you also must do. Colossians iii:12,13.
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The Cancer of the Soul
Cancer is a abuse in our body – a malignant tumour that tends to spread. We can feel and run across the signs of cancer in the class of lumps and melanomas. These ever kickoff small and are virtually undetectable, simply will go on to abound if unchecked until they are inoperable.
Nosotros are built-in spiritually sick. Nosotros take a hereditary disease, passed down from Adam, which corrupts all that God intended u.s. to be (Romans v:12). It is chosen the Sin Nature and it is the cancer of our soul.
This Sin Nature has signs of abuse in the form of jealousy, bitterness, hatred, anger, pride and so on. At first these symptoms may be very small-scale and hard to see, but if left unchecked they grow and grow until the abuse has infiltrated all facets of our soul.
One day there may be a cure for cancer, but the only cure for the Sin Nature is expiry and resurrection. (The Sin Nature does not follow us into Heaven). Until then, we must effort to keep this disease in remission. Medicine has its own treatments to stop the deadly spread of cancer. God'due south handling for our soul is a daily intake of the Word (Bible) and faith in the promises inside.
It is a long procedure of rehabilitation. Ever and then slowly the spread of the Sin Nature is halted until we reach a betoken where nosotros showtime reversing the abuse. Somewhen, there will be very little evidence of the existence of the Sin Nature in our soul. Merely we mustn't be fooled - the Sin Nature is never cured: it'south only in remission. Should we always terminate the treatment, the soul-cancer will start to spread still again.
And do not be conformed to this world, just be transformed past the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that expert and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans12:2.
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A Balanced Diet
One of the major causes of illness and illness is deficiencies in our body. The torso is not designed to survive on just 1 source of nutrient. It needs a balanced diet of various vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates. Different food groups combat and forestall different ailments.
As for gustation, some food groups are far more than appealing than others and often the tastiest are the least beneficial. However, if nosotros only swallow food that tastes nice and neglect that which doesn't, nosotros will soon crusade deficiencies within our body and leave ourselves open to all sorts of ailments.
The concrete body is such a wonderful analogy of our invisible spirit. For a Christian to maintain a healthy, balanced spiritual life, God has given us the Bible. Information technology contains a large diversity of spiritual foods. Some spiritual foods are very appealing whilst others are biting doctrines of correction.
We dear going to church and having our ears amused with emotional music, personal testimonies, or prophetic doctrines of futurity times. Though these sorts of things are sweet to hear and often inspiring, they exercise not bring about much growth.
Sadly, many of us approach God's Word like children at dinner fourth dimension – we volition eat the sweet food but push button aside the unappealing vegetables. At church, nosotros grumble when it's not entertaining and nosotros're forced to concentrate on God'southward message. However, for a good for you spiritual life, it is those boring spiritual vegetables of God'south Word that cause real growth.
If we merely digest the Biblical principles that are appealing and neglect those truths that are challenging, it will be to the eventual detriment of our soul. Presently, we will exist institute deficient in certain areas of our spiritual life and open to all sorts of spiritual assault.
So, we should examine ourselves regularly and if our inner spiritual life is in turmoil, maybe we need to balance our spiritual diet so we are not neglecting the solid foods of God's Word.
Exist diligent to nowadays yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
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Beneficial Drugs
Drugs get a bad name from the damage acquired when misused and driveling. However, the main purpose of drugs is to be benign to mankind. In medicine, they are useful in many processes of healing and have relieved a peachy deal of suffering.
It is ironic, then, that many accept benefited from using drugs, while others have destroyed their lives because of them.
God designed Christians to be beneficial to all humanity - to help heal a ill globe through the example and ability of Jesus Christ. Still Christians (like drugs) have a bad reputation because of the damage they have acquired. Sadly, Christians are often viewed every bit self-righteous, bigoted, judgmental people who exhibit little tolerance and even less grace.
Equally Christians, we should evaluate how we represent Jesus Christ to those around u.s.: our acquaintances, friends and family. We should question, are people better or worse off through knowing us? Are we intolerant and judgmental to any who don't attach to our standards? Do nosotros take from those around u.s.a. without giving? Do we always expect grace, mercy and compassion but never give information technology? Are we encouraging or a drain to those around united states?
If we are focused on self instead of God, we will be like a devilish drug and somewhen impairment those closest to united states. We may be Christians, but we will be a cause of misery to all who get involved with us.
God designed Christians to be a gift to the world – a pipeline for His grace – a source of healing for those suffering – a refuge for the lost. This will but be accomplished when nosotros stop acting like self-righteous Pharisees and start existence occupied with our Lord Jesus Christ and exhibit his traits.
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must exercise. Colossians 3:12-thirteen.
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Blind Religion
A blind person views the world differently to those with sight. They develop their other senses and apply tools such equally sticks and guide dogs to help them avoid obstacles and reach their destination. Often, the combination of their tools and senses gives them a greater insight of what'southward around them than those who have vision.
Almost people only believe what they tin see, so they condone all things spiritual. Only just because we are blind to the spiritual world doesn't mean God has left us to stumble in the dark. We are told to run across things using our sense of faith.
We can navigate the spiritual life using the Word of God (the Bible). An excellent acronym for the BIBLE is Basic Instruction Before Leaving Eastwardarth. It is the ultimate guide to life and the afterlife.
God has also supplied trained guide dogs, (teachers of God's Word). Through pedagogy Biblical truth they alert u.s. to danger and help united states navigate obstacles in life. Merely in turn we must remember to care for our guide dogs so they can continue being effective and faithful in their service.
Added to this, God provides us the guiding minister of the Holy Spirit. This is like the bullheaded homo's stick. When in fellowship, the Holy Spirit directs usa with those 'gut feelings' to assist us avoid dangers and safely achieve our destination.
As we successfully navigate through many obstacles nosotros soon acquire our Christian faith doesn't pb us astray. Ironically, when we advance through life trusting in our organized religion and utilizing our God-given tools, we develop a greater insight and sense into what is happening in the world around us and avoid most of its pitfalls (both in fourth dimension and eternity). Your Word is a lamp to my anxiety and a lite to my path. Psalm 119:105.
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Super Proud
If nosotros had the powers of superman, with all the fame and approbation that goes with it, how long would it take for u.s.a. to get super-proud?
Those who are rich in dazzler, force, wealth, success or power, seldom seek God. Jesus said: 'It's easier for a camel to get through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'
When we are rich with the things of this life, it is easy to showtime assertive y'all have information technology all sorted; you're totally independent – a lonely wolf. Bit by flake, we soon start echoing Satan's sentiment: 'I don't need God – I can be my own god', (Isaiah xiv:xiii-14). We easily forget, if not for the grace of God, we wouldn't have the basic necessities to proceed ourselves alive, such equally: gravity, oxygen, sunshine and h2o. More chiefly, we tin can't save ourselves from Judgment through our own merit, (Ephesians ii:8-9).
If not for sudden loss, failure, rejection or sickness, many of the states would never learn how dependent we truly are. In this corrupted world, God is non the writer of suffering; yet, He will use life's rude awakenings to encourage His wayward children back to Him.
God never intended this crooked planet to be our permanent domicile. He desires Sky for all His earthly children. Even so, at the indicate of death, God must respect the determination of those who chose self-dependence and have rejected His salvation. God volition separate Himself from them for eternity. And, a place devoid of God's graceful provision tin only be described equally Hell, (John 3:16).
The clock is ticking. We only have a limited time to seek Him. All nosotros demand is a spare split-2d and religion (in Jesus Christ) to assure our identify in Heaven, (John iii:36).
Sadly, too many are super-proud and take no time for God. They are far also independent to seek salvation. Instead, they lean heavily on their riches, their beauty, their popularity and their natural power. This is why God oftentimes allows our crutches to exist kicked out from under. For well-nigh of us, information technology requires falling apartment on our faces to finally ask for a heavenly hand-upwards.
As the Campaigner Paul testifies in two Corinthians 12:10: Therefore I have pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
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Living in a Sick World
Hospitals are filled with sick and dying patients suffering from all types of unlike ailments: cancer, middle problems, broken bones – the list is long. These conditions cannot all exist treated with one quick universal 'ring aid' solution – different ailments require specialist doctors for handling.
We live in a sick and dying world where every nation is a patient. All the same, not every nation suffers from the same disease. Some are afflicted with poverty, some with tyranny, while others suffer from war and famine. Ironically, prosperous countries also need specialist treatment – they are chronically ill with indifference and dependencies.
Our task, equally Christians, is to help bring these nations to skillful wellness (salvation), but how do nosotros convince sick nations to take their medicine (God's Word)? A treatment that works for one nation won't necessarily piece of work for another. A nation suffering from war or famine will crave a different arroyo to a nation suffering from aloofness.
God is fully aware of the earth's ailments merely sadly nearly nations want cypher to practice with Him or His cure – even Christian nations are closing the door on Him. God is a Gentleman-Doctor and He must wait for an invitation before acting.
As Christians, we have a very important role in the world'southward electric current situation. We accept the opportunity as Christians and members of humanity to invite God to help. We can pray that He works within each nation's different circumstances to wake them up to their need. We tin can pray God sends the right doctors (missionaries, evangelists and pastors) who know the specialist treatments for successful administration of the cure (salvation). Nosotros must call up: the more than people request God to act, the more professionals God will raise up to go along into the earth.
Matthew 9:38 states: "The harvest truly is plentiful, simply the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."
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Suffering from Spiritual Leprosy
Leprosy (or Hanson's Illness), destroys the nervus organization, leaving a patient without feeling and completely numb to pain. Disfigurements attributed to leprosy are, in fact, 'untreated' infections that turn gangrene. Those with leprosy are said to be the hardest patients to treat. This is because they ignore their injuries as they don't suffer feelings of pain and discomfort. Due to this, they rarely seek aid until it is too tardily for successful treatment.
People living in prosperous nations are frequently afflicted with Spiritual-Leprosy. Because they are not suffering in this fallen world, they aren't interested in receiving God'southward handling: the 'Expert News of Conservancy'. Ironically, it's the people in nations stricken with poverty and war that are more responsive to God's gracious offer of Salvation because they are feeling immediate pain and drastic to find a cure.
Living in a rich nation, it's easy to become overly dependent and distracted. Prosperity and affluence causes serious ailments that few ever seek treatment for. People in well-off countries generally have enough of food, are over-stimulated and desensitized past Telly, computer games and online entertainment. They are addicted to social media and neglectful of of import priorities. They get numb to the surrounding natural beauty and indifferent to the feelings of others (just hypersensitive to their own feelings). Sadly, this leads to mass-apathy which causes a nasty case of national-spiritual-leprosy.
God is the Chief Medico; He knows what the nation needs to heal. He has created the cure (Salvation), He has written the prescription (the Bible), and sent out an ground forces of doctors and nurses (pastors, evangelists, missionaries). Only due to the fact that wealthy nations are non suffering from their ailments, they don't seek the help they so desperately demand and quickly become antagonistic when bothered. It'southward no wonder evangelists and missionaries have far more success saving those in 3rd globe nations, than they practice in their own.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans vi:23. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word I accept spoken will judge him in the last twenty-four hours. John 12:48
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Healing Powers
A doctor is someone qualified to do medicine. We mistakenly think that doctors heal the sick; in fact, doctors rely on the human body'due south marvelous power to heal itself. Their job is to diagnose the problem and so try to remove the malignancy or realign the break to allow the trunk's natural healing processes to brainstorm.
Teachers of God's Word are like doctors. They spend much time researching to help the spiritually sick by identifying problems and advising Biblical solutions. But as doctors have their area of specialty; teachers of God's Word are usually gifted with aiding a certain category of patients. Some have the divine souvenir to care for the youth, others will specialize in bringing hope to those in despair, or enlighten those with prejudices, or lift those in poverty.
Nosotros should e'er be thankful to our spiritual teachers but at the same time call back where the credit truly goes. If nosotros have received spiritual healing from their insightful council or sermons, information technology is commonly because they have identified a blockage or an attribute that needed to be realigned and so God'south astonishing grace can flow dorsum into our spiritual life to accomplish the actual healing.
God is the source of all restoration and the Bible is His medical book. If we take His treatments, firstly by accepting Christ's saving piece of work at the cantankerous, God tin can begin the procedure of healing. Then, if we follow the Biblical prescriptions and finish thinking, maxim and doing things that cause blockages and become us out of alignment, we will have a healthy and robust spiritual life here on Earth and for eternity.
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mountain upwardly with wings like eagles, they shall run and non exist weary, they shall walk and non faint. Isaiah 40-31
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Taking Our Medicine
Medicine is an external substance that assists the internal restoration of health. Doctors often prescribe the remedy; however, it is upwards to an individual whether or not to follow through and take the prescription. Medicine may either gustatory modality squeamish or awful, but its main purpose is to help heal a sick or injured trunk, non to delight the senses.
Whether we like it or not, we take very ill souls (sin nature). To help restore our spiritual wellness, God has prescribed a medicine we should take daily - the Word of God (Biblical truths).
It is upward to the individual to follow through and take God's prescribed remedy. At times we may non experience like taking it and some days it may taste awful (doctrines of correction). However, we should always keep in listen the purpose for God's Word is to aid heal the sickness in our soul. Without the daily intake of God'southward Word, the sin nature inside us will presently take control. Symptoms such equally depression, bitterness, worry, stress and anger will get-go to reveal themselves. The continuing unfairness of life will become unbearable. Shortly nosotros will exist laid upwards with spiritual sickness and become a burden to ourselves and all those around.
We have everything to gain, and zilch to lose, by taking our daily spiritual medicine - fifty-fifty when it sometimes leaves a bad taste in our mouths. (Psalm 119:ix-sixteen)
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Daily Soul Care
To maintain good dental hygiene and stiff, good for you teeth there are certain things we must practise daily. Floss to take away $.25 of food defenseless betwixt the teeth and castor to remove the build-up of plaque and stimulate the gums.
For those who stop their daily dental hygiene, it isn't long before their teeth turn xanthous and start to decay. Gums become infected, making their breath bad enough to make a skunk blush. Before long people go out of their manner to avert them.
Dental hygiene is an excellent illustration for our soul-care. If nosotros want to maintain a stiff, healthy soul we should examine it daily. First, we must rapidly remove those bits of arrogance, hatred, jealousy and other sins by privately admitting them to God (ane John i:9). If we fail to practice so, those sins will showtime decomposable sections of our soul. Secondly, we need God's Discussion to brush our souls on a daily basis. This removes the build-up of wrong priorities and stimulates our spiritual life.
Should we neglect this daily soul-care, it won't be long earlier our whole soul starts to infect and rot. Nosotros will slowly abound angry, selfish and despondent. Given time nosotros will lose our passion and plow bitter. Soon, information technology volition become evident to others that our mental attitude stinks and shortly people will go out of their style to avoid us.
When a human'south ways delight the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7.
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Ignoring Our Torso
We shouldn't ignore our body – information technology's the housing to our soul. When we suffer hurting, go ill or grow onetime, nosotros may wish to leave our body, but like it or not, we're stuck with our bodies (until death do we part).
Since nosotros cannot exchange our body, we should maintain a healthy relationship with information technology. When nosotros take intendance of it, our body responds with a sense of wellbeing. When it is ignored or driveling, it has means of reminding us (through pain and illness) that we have a duty of care.
Likewise, we should never ignore God. God is omnipresent – He is e'er with u.s.a. and says He will never abandon us (Heb. thirteen:5). This is very reassuring in a crunch; it brings us peace to know He is in our corner working everything for good. However, nosotros seldom look at the flip-side of the coin. When things are going well in our lives we take a habit of abandoning God. We must remember when we ignore God – He is however with us. God never leaves us for an instant. He never forsakes united states of america and God never gives up on us. Like our trunk, we can never rid ourselves of Him. So it makes good sense to maintain a healthy relationship with our omnipresent God. Just like our body, He has piffling ways of reminding united states of america that we are ignoring Him to the detriment of our spiritual and eternal wellbeing.
Life is all about relationships. It behoves u.s. to have a practiced relationship with our trunk considering we are stuck with it for life, only more chiefly nosotros should develop an excellent relationship with our chivalrous Creator because we will be with Him for eternity.
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I abscond Your presence? If I ascend into sky, You are there; if I brand my bed in hell, behold, You lot are there. Psalm 139:7-viii.
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Intoxication
Drunkenness is a matter of choice. In fact, many small choices atomic number 82 to the state of intoxication. A person must choose to let alcohol continuously laissez passer his lips and must choose to consume. At the get-go sign of low-cal-headedness, the wise person abstains, but the potential drunk chooses to continue until reaching the bespeak of intoxication.
At that place are other forms of intoxication. We can easily go boozer on bitterness, jealousy, animalism or pride. As with drinking alcohol, this intoxication is a matter of choice – lots of small choices. Nosotros choose to permit subjective thoughts turn into bitterness or jealousy. Then, instead of abstaining, we swallow foul thought subsequently foul idea, and in no time we are intoxicated with hatred, anger and revenge. Similarly we go drunk with pride, animalism, arrogance and power. Then, as with all drunks, it will not be long before we are making fools of ourselves and pain those we honey.
The truth is, from time to time, nosotros all accept these thoughts (the Bible says we are liars if we say we don't). So at the first sign of intoxication, the wise person abstains past admitting those thoughts to God (1 John 1:9.) and starts afresh with a sober mind.
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Uneven Strength
Athletes soon realize they must exercise all parts of their torso or injuries will inevitably occur in the parts they accept neglected.
This rule applies to Christians – collectively and individually. As a Church building, we should not concentrate on Christian fellowship and fail learning the Word of God. As individuals, we should not put all our effort into serving strangers and fail serving family unit. If we are strong in only one area, the neglected surface area will inevitably collapse nether the strain.
This is besides true in our relationship with God. We must call back, our spiritual strength does not come from the states – it originates past assuasive God to work in sure aspects of our life. God strengthens, revitalizes, comforts, encourages and gives conviction to those areas of the soul nosotros have surrendered to Him. However, those areas nosotros pass up to give over to God will soon feel the strain. Fortunately, it is through that strain many of us realize nosotros have to hand all aspects of our lives to God and so He tin can build them up to enable u.s. to accept all-round spiritual force. The result: a relaxed attitude in all circumstances of life, peace of mind, and a graceful Christlike spirit which encourages and inspires others – bringing much glory to God.
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for yous, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore nearly gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
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Body Linguistic communication
Our bodies have a unique way of communicating – non in words, yet the message is normally very clear. If nosotros pace on something sharp, our torso immediately tells us to move. If we drink besides much alcohol, our body lets u.s. know its displeasure by making the states ill (as well equally reminding u.s. the following morning with a nasty hang-over).
Furthermore, our body tells us when food is required or needs to exist disposed of. It rewards united states of america with a sense of well-being when we regularly practise and sends messages of fatigue when we have over-exercised.
At times, our body screams at united states with pain to alarm usa to change our behaviour before the harm is irreversible.
God has many ways of communicating with usa which don't involve direct voice communication. He speaks through His Give-and-take (the Bible) and speaks through our conscience (our sense of right and wrong). He gives an inner peace and joy to encourage us in the right management. He also communicates with feelings of unrest and emptiness when nosotros have left the true path.
God is constantly sending messages and warning u.s.a. in ways that don't interfere with our free-will. Perhaps we should take the time to listen to what our Creator is trying to tell u.s.a..
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I volition come up in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." Revelations 3:20.
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Critically Injured
A critically injured adult female staggered to the hospital. Immediately she was whisked to the Emergency-Room for treatment. A foolish medico on duty examined her and shouted to the nurse, 'Quickly, become me a rummage and make-up. This woman'south advent is atrocious.' Soon the injured woman was on the operating tabular array having her hair brushed, receiving new clothes and a complete makeover while she quietly bled to decease from her inner wounds.
As Christians, we sometimes get so caught upward with outward appearances that we don't fix the real problem. Like Adam and Eve later the fall, we go so preoccupied with appearances that we devote our time sewing fig leaves to comprehend up.
When people come into our lives and church seeking grace and healing for inner wounds (caused from living in a fallen world), nosotros often ignore those wounds and concentrate on adjusting their outward behaviour to conform to our own legalistic standards. Sadly, it's no wonder spiritually wounded people come across the church building as the last identify to go when seeking handling. (Matthew 23:25)
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Gym Membership
A young man, keen to become fit, purchased 'life membership' to a long-established gym. After a few weeks, however, he lost interest and never went to the gym again. Many years after he grew fat and lazy. His family and friends even voted him 'least likely to e'er do', only unbeknown to everyone, the man who was so anti-exercise remained a member of the gym to his dying twenty-four hour period.
We are wrong to assume that because a person doesn't act every bit a Christian – he is not a Christian. When anyone believes in Christ, God instantly writes his or her name in the 'Volume of Life'. From that moment onward they are eternal members of the Family of God. Soon after that they may lose interest in Christianity, but they even so remain members of Sky.
Our eternal salvation (Heavenly Membership) is eternally secure – it was purchased past Christ at the cross. It doesn't depend on what we do, but on the work accomplished on our behalf by the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross. We can do nix to earn salvation – we tin do cypher to lose it. Salvation is simply accepted as a gift. Once accepted, our proper noun is irrevocably written in the 'Volume of Life' and it is there for eternity. Notwithstanding, the shape we are in on reaching Heaven and the rewards received depend on the amount of time we accept spent spiritually exercising on earth (doing God's will). (Ephesians 2:viii -nine).
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Gym Attendance
When we desire to get into shape or build a little muscle, we can join a gym or sporting society. Even so being a member is not enough to get fit - information technology is merely the initial step. If nosotros desire results – first we must practise the correct thing (exercise) and, 2nd, refrain from doing the wrong affair (by eating excessive junk food).
If we want to be strong Christians we presently realise that attending or being a fellow member of a church is not enough for spiritual growth – information technology's only the initial footstep. Spiritual growth comes from exercising in the Discussion of God (using the promises and reflecting on the profound truths inside the Bible) and refraining from doing the wrong thing (sin). Furthermore, teachers of God's Word are like personal trainers and we benefit only if we put into practice their Biblical advice. (ii Tim 2:xv. two Tim 3:xvi-17)
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Grace Menstruation
Generally, babies are born with flexible bodies that heal speedily. This is nature'southward grace period which allows awkward children to take many accidents without causing serious injury as they learn to walk, run and play. Unfortunately, as our bodies grow older nosotros are unable to take babyhood spills and wait to walk away injury complimentary.
When 'born once again' every bit Christians, we can be likened to babies. In trying to stand on our ain 'spiritual anxiety' we will naturally have many falls (sin). God is very patient and gives us a grace period to find our feet and get on runway.
Though God'due south grace is inexhaustible, we merely accept limited time on Earth to get with God's plan (to whom much is given – much is expected). As the years laissez passer and we testify a stubborn reluctance to do things we know we should, God will let the results of our bad decisions to take their course. As new Christians, God frequently protects us from the consequences of certain behaviour, but if we endeavor those same tricks as older Christians we are sure to endure injuries.
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Stimulating the Spirit
To maintain a salubrious body and heed, it is essential to stimulate the working parts. If our muscles and joints are not active, they deteriorate rapidly. Our brains demand constant stimulus, as experienced by those who undergo 'sense deprivation experiments'. Without stimulus they eventually kickoff hallucinating.
To maintain a good for you spirit that is relaxed, joyful and compassionate, we must stimulate information technology constantly. We do this by leading an agile spiritual life. We accelerate in the Christian life by learning wisdom (God'south Give-and-take). We strengthen our religion by exercising with God's promises and interim upon biblical truths.
If nosotros deprive our soul of the spiritual stimulation God has ordained – or substitute a pseudo-spiritual life – soon we'll get habitually depressed, get-go having irrational fears; or alternatively, hallucinate with delusions of grandeur.
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Scratching the Itch
Some itches should not be scratched. Scratching may bring temporary relief, but within moments the itch volition render with a vengeance, demanding to be scratched two-fold. So if we do not restrain ourselves and continue scratching, the itch will turn into a nasty sore ready for infection.
Sinful temptations are like itches – they crave insatiable scratching. When nosotros give in to temptation, we may satisfy the urge temporarily, but it won't be long before temptation is back once again demanding to be satisfied. Should nosotros continually try to gratify these unquenchable temptations, we will ultimately cause damage to ourselves and our loved ones.
When God tells united states to resist temptation, He is not trying to stop our fun, but requite wise communication to stop us from turning our life into a festering sore. (Proverbs eight:36)
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The Desire & the Doing
Everyone wants to exist fit and healthy, simply this won't happen by simply wishing. Neither will filling the fridge with salubrious nutrient make the states healthier. The food must exist properly prepared, then eaten, to be beneficial. Simply wanting to be fitter is only the first step on a journeying that takes many steps.
A mature Christian is someone who exhibits an inner force and joy, a loftier sense of purpose, confidence and promise derived from the Truth, a svelte attitude towards all mankind and an unshakable faith in God.
Many of the states wish for these wonderful outcomes from Christianity, but wishing alone is not plenty. Having our shelves filled with Biblical books written by acclaimed theologians, or beingness a member of a respected church will not help either – these simply lead towards the start steps of a journey that takes many steps.
To accomplish results in Christianity, we must consistently learn Biblical Truths and skills and apply them by keeping our mind on God – not on people or circumstances. The fruits of Christianity won't be ours by simply wanting them or doing the right thing one time in a while. Proper learning and application must be a daily role and go a way of life. (Romans 12:1-ii, Colossians 3:23-24)
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Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is the process of being restored to rights, privileges, reputation or proper condition. When we have suddenly lost the use of our body, through accident or affliction, the road to recovery is always a boring, discouraging and often painful procedure.
Every bit members of the human race, we are fallen creatures – separated from God because of Adam's and our own bad decisions. God's great wish is to restore us to the relationship with Him that He intended for usa.
When nosotros believe in Jesus Christ for our salvation, God instantly endows united states with Christ's righteousness, privileges and reputation – our rights are then restored. However, living in the devil's world has left us spiritually crippled and, if nosotros are to ever stand on our own spiritual anxiety, we must first undergo a long process of rehabilitation. God has organised everything necessary to accomplish this, but left information technology up to us whether or not we want to be rehabilitated.
Christianity is not a one-shot decision or dedication; such change within does not happen overnight (fifty-fifty when we pray it will). Progress is slow and oftentimes imperceptible. There will be times of pain and discouragement when we are tempted to give up. But as with any process of rehabilitation, we must persevere; taking one small-scale painful stride after some other. When we stumble, God has promised to back up us. When we fall, nosotros must look to Him to help us get up and move forrad. If we continually trust in Him, we will slowly be rehabilitated to our proper condition and advance to spiritual maturity where the Victor's Crown is guaranteed to be ours. (Romans five:three-five. James one:3-iv)
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Spiritual Exercise Opportunities
People achieve an amazing level of fitness when they expect for 'exercise opportunities' in their daily routine. They will have the stairs instead of the lift, stretch while working on the computer, practise leg squats while waiting for the kettle to boil, and workout while watching television.
Going to church building is smashing, but our spiritual life shouldn't be express to church on Dominicus. Sadly, the just time many Christians think about, acquire almost and give thanks God is while attending church. While this is a great starting point it won't produce the effective spiritual life the Bible promises. (Isaiah 40:31)
Christians who take the most dynamic spiritual life have not compartmentalised their Christianity to one twenty-four hour period a week. Whenever opportunities nowadays themselves in their daily life, they contemplate and utilise Biblical Truths; their prayers are a continuous chat with God and they bring Him into all facets of their life.
By utilizing God's Grace and applying Biblical doctrines at every opportunity, these Christians apace develop a dynamic spiritual life, a robust faith and a relaxed inner peace. They are far amend equipped to handle life's problems than the Christians who give a 'nod to God' just once a calendar week on Sundays.
Every 24-hour interval our choices determine what sort of Christian we will get and how we will handle life'southward ups and downs.
The mode of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the fashion of the upright is a highway. Proverbs 15:19
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Cull Your Hard
In Western cultures, obesity is at its highest recorded level. We have go overweight because we eat the wrong foods and don't practice. Yet many complain they don't have time to consume right and exercise is too hard.
I saw an fantabulous fridge magnet that stated: "Being overweight is hard! Eating right and exercising is hard! CHOOSE YOUR Difficult!" Our commencement Difficult option of being overweight has no benefits and is the cause of future bad health. Our 2nd HARD option takes effort merely builds force and results in future proficient health.
The same is true of our soul. Many suffer from stress and low – it seems to be a cultural epidemic.
In the Bible, God has written down the wisdom nosotros need to learn that will result in inner strength and inner happiness. Yet many people say they don't have time to written report God'southward Word – it's too hard! If I may rephrase the fridge magnet: Being depressed and stressed is hard! Learning God's Word and trusting in Him is difficult! CHOOSE YOUR Difficult!
Both options are hard. Our first HARD option of "neglecting God's Word and following our own desires" leads to a worry-filled life that has no eternal benefit. Our 2d HARD choice of "excising in God'due south Word and refraining from sin" builds inner strength and inner beauty that will ultimately bring glory to God.
We are created for a Glorious purpose. God has given us fourth dimension to larn wisdom and build a capacity of grace that appreciates the people around us and our nowadays circumstances – whatever they may be. Yeah, this capacity takes try but results in a relaxed-mental-attitude that makes life so much easier in the long run.
We are what nosotros think! It's our option. Every 24-hour interval we must cull our HARD. What will your HARD be?
For you lot have need of endurance, so that later you have washed the will of God, you may receive the promise. Hebrews x:36.
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Deficient
When our bodies lack certain vitamins at that place will soon exist signs of those deficiencies. Lack of vitamin A causes night blindness. Lack of vitamin B causes blemished skin, pilus loss and insomnia. Lack of vitamin C causes bleeding gums, loose teeth, muscle aches, dry hair and skin. Lack of vitamin D causes weak bones.
When our soul lacks the intake of God's Word it won't be long earlier we meet outward signs of low, bitterness, selfishness, arrogance so on. God'south Word is the chemical element that produces virtue, a sense of purpose, a relaxed mental attitude, inner forcefulness and happiness. Without information technology we shouldn't be surprised when our soul is deficient – lacking meaning and causing a huge vacuum that we constantly try to fill with all sorts of meaningless 'worldly' rubbish.
When we are scarce in something, the smart affair to do is identify what is missing and remedy it. Simply when we 'regularly' absorb God's Word, merits His promises and abide with Him will we truly find our soul lacks for nothing. (1 Thessalonians 4:12).
Human being shall non live past staff of life alone, just by every give-and-take that gain from the mouth of God. Matthew four:4.
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Needles
Parents put their children through the hurting of having injections believing that a pocket-size amount of temporal distress is far improve than a serious illness later.
God allows suffering in our life for the same reason. Often, adversity in life volition generate wisdom which, in turn, provides immunity against making serious mistakes later.
From the eternal perspective, it is far ameliorate to have a life of suffering if information technology leads us to Christ and eternal conservancy – than to live a life of prosperity if it leads u.s.a. to an eternity separated from God in Hell.
Our Heavenly Father has our all-time interests at middle. He doesn't want whatsoever of His children to suffer everlasting damnation separated from His divine provision. Like any proficient parent, He would rather nosotros go through temporary discomfort if information technology somewhen leads us safely to Sky. Remember, life hither on Earth is just a pinprick compared to eternity.
"Nearly assuredly, I say to yous, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come to judgment, but passed from decease into life." John 5:24.
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Our Holy-Spiritual-Trainer
A personal trainer is someone who teaches and motivates others for the purpose of their physical advocacy. A adept trainer motivates their clients to exercise daily and develop good eating habits. They understand people have varying levels of fettle and power so they tailor-make a routine for each individual.
When the client has transformed from FAT to FIT, friends ofttimes want to know who their personal trainer is so they too can benefit.
Nosotros seldom consider the role of the Holy Spirit (the third Person of the Trinity). He is our 'Personal-Spiritual-Trainer'. He has full noesis well-nigh usa and knows exactly what we need to build spiritual muscle. He motivates us when nosotros lack motivation. He persistently whispers in our ear (the still pocket-sized voice of our conscience) and inspires united states of america to push ourselves. He encourages us to accept a balanced spiritual diet (Biblical Truths) and discourages us from junk food (sin). At times He allows difficult circumstances and frustrating people to enter our lives so we can build spiritual musculus (merely has promised to never test usa across what we tin can handle). He also understands the need for balance and will organise pleasant circumstances and inspiring people to encourage us to new levels of maturity. He is the Perfect Spiritual-Trainer and is at our telephone call 24/vii.
But here's the problem: trainers can merely help those that come up to them with a real desire to ameliorate themselves. We would be wise to employ our Holy-Spiritual-Trainer; not merely volition nosotros eternally benefit, but furthermore strong-healthy spiritual students always bring glory to their Trainer.
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." John 14:26.
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Headache Pill
When we have a headache nosotros often take a pill to stop the pain. Interestingly, the pill doesn't cure annihilation but simply blocks the pain signals for a curt menstruation. Anyone suffering serious headaches can tell you that when the furnishings of the tablet wear off, the pain apace returns.
In that location are many 'soul-aches' we can suffer such every bit: loneliness, depression or bitterness. We often try to cure these soul-aches with distractions similar: shopping, partying, drinking or gaming. Like the headache pill, these are simply temporal solutions that let united states to forget our miseries for a short time. They may distract u.s. from our woes temporarily simply they will never cure our soul-anguish; when the effects of our distraction wear off, our soul-anguish will render with a vengeance.
The cure lies with God. We have a God-hole inside us that cannot be filled with pleasurable pursuits or expensive toys. We were designed to have a relationship with our Creator – in Him nosotros volition find completeness. The Bible states: My flesh and my heart neglect; simply God is the force of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26). Y'all will bear witness me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your correct hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).
If we desire this inner-peace promised in the Bible, we must stop our frantic search for happiness through the things of this world and starting time post-obit the ways of Christ. Our emptiness of soul tin simply be cured by God. When we are consistently occupied with our Heavenly Father we volition enter into His joy and our 'soul-aches' will be a matter of the past.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will baby-sit your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
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