Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Enough Experience....

It always amazes me when someone will tell you in the professional world, "you don't have enough experience."  I have often asked individuals when they are told that, "Do you ask in what area you would like me to have more experience, and what kind of experience are you looking for?"  The response is almost always, the employer wasn't able to answer me or was unwilling.  How sad!  In a society where we measure our success by our experience and we leverage our experience and success to gain momentum in the job market.  I think it strange that we can have all of the training required, we can embrace the mindset of the culture we are trying to infiltrate and yet we will be told, "I'm sorry you aren't a strong fit."  Often times when that is said I have found it to be that the individual is firm in their belief system and employers are scared to death that you will share your personal beliefs at work. 

As a professional I would be the first to tell you that you need to guard your words and actions at work.  What you do in your personal time is your business, but what you share at work is open to interpretation and often the message we send is not necessarily the one that is received.  When it comes to sharing personal beliefs or values I would always encourage clients, friends and associates to keep the serious talks for private conversations outside of work.  Take them to lunch and discuss the faith issues, invite them to a after work event and share, have them over for a family dinner and share. 

Often times the greatest witnessing comes from the way you daily live you life, not the ditch efforts to evangelize them on special occasions.  The Bible says that on judgement day we will stand before God and he will ask us to account for our lives.  To live as Jesus is to let our light shine, to be the same caring person every day, and to stand for what is ethically and morally right all of the time.  This is the best way to share the love of Christ.  We should caution one another that turning it on for the sake of turning the light on is a waste of energy, but keeping a steady stream that is never ending and is not pushy, but truthful, humble and loving will win the lost.  The scripture references, "That they may be won over by your actions" 1 Peter 1:1-3. This is referencing wives in relationship to their husbands, however if you study the scripture the realization is that the wife is represent of the church and the husband in this reference is the resemblance of those in leadership and those who are lost. 

I think in closing it would be wise for us all to spend some time studying the scripture 1 Peter 1: 1-3.  Also go through the cross reference.  In the last days we are to stand apart from the world.  Sometimes in standing apart, we stand alone.  But don't loose heart, because we may stand in body alone, but the Spirit of God will go with us unto the end of the earth!

Monday, March 12, 2012

Wasting Away in a Sun Scoarched Land

I have been re-thinking my stance on Marriage.  I realized that just as many people make informed changes I too needed to re-evaluate my belief on marriage to see if it still resonated of any truth.

So what do I believe about Marriage?

1.  Marriage is defined both in the bible and in our Original Constitution as Marriage between one man and one woman.


2.  Marriage is a Covenant between three willing parties: the man, the woman, and God if they are married in a church or claim to be Christians.

3.  Marriage is a decision to commit.  Regardless of the good the bad and the ugly things that happen in our lives, or the decision that we or our spouse may make along the way.

4.  Marriage is work- Marriage is like the seasons of our lives, some are good, eventful, some are boring at times, and often painful.  However all of the seasons of our lives are required in getting us to the place we are today.  It is how we weather the difficult and easy times of our lives that determines the aptitude of our being.

Most of all I believe that Marriage is a gift to be treasured always.
 
Proverbs 4:23  23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

 I think Ron Hutchcrafts says it well!

A thought by: Ron Hutchcraft


".....See, God wants obedience, not activity. He calls "yeah, but" obedience rebellion and arrogance. God's Word on an issue is final word; no negotiating. Oh, the excuse might sound convincing to you, but God is not impressed. For example, "Do not be unequally yoked with an unbeliever." "Oh, yeah, but he's a nice guy and I'll reach him for the Lord someday." God has spoken. He says, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth." "Yeah, but we need security." God has spoken. "Love your enemies." "Yeah, but they're..." God has spoken. "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept pure." "Yeah, but we're in love." God has spoken.
The point is that God's Word on any subject is the final word. You'll know that eventually, after your "yeah, but" leads to heartache, disappointment, and shame. Face the truth now. Don't deceive yourself by twisting God's Word to fit what you want. Change your situation to fit God's Word. You don't pull the island of God's Word to the boat of your ideas. You pull the boat to the island.
Everyone in the First Church of "Yeah, But" is wrong."