Comments on: Secure in Christ

By: sfe

sfe — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:05:25 +0000

I wonder…how many times does the word “I” or “me” come up in our thoughts…how did I do, what do others think …. I love what Oswald Chambers said.. August 20th: “The complete life is the life of a child. When I am conspiciously conscience, there is something wrong. It is the sick man who knows what health is. The secure child of God is not conscious of the will of God because he (or she) IS the will of God.” God’s promises are totally 100% secure… His covenant keeping promises! When we are really living this happens, what does mere man’s opinions matter. Is this person cocky? No, but is so much the image of Christ by humbleness, compassion, and love for those who oppose or have differing opinions, that Christ literally shines through you. “When there is the slightest deviation from the will of God, we begin to ask…What is thy will?… Christ consciousness always takes the place of self-consciousness. When Jesus comes (his way perfect through us)he establishes rest, the rest of the pefection of activity is never conscious of its self”. Never allow anything to remain that allows dis-peace or unrest. Say, Lord prove thy consciousness in me, and self-consciousness will go and He will be all in all.

The true innocent child never aware of themselves, they just “ARE” rightly related to their Father in complete submission and trust relationship. They never doubt, but completely rest in who He is. Secure.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:31:28 +0000

Greetings, Joyce Meyer writes in her book “Approval Addiction” I believe it is God’s will for each of us to be secure because lack of self-confidence torments us and keeps us from the blessings He intends for us to enjoy. Over the years i have learned that the foundation of security is knowing who we are in Christ,accepting God’s unconditional love, and accepting ourselves evn though we realize we have weaknesses and are not perfect”. Realizing that I have weaknesses and that God accepts me and loves me is freeing for me and as a result on meditating on that statement and that Christ is my security; I feel much stronger now because he is my security not what I do.

By: Phillip

Phillip — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 05:39:32 +0000

Craig (and all those others you love and appreciate who make ministry in Christ possible at/through LifeChurch),
Thanks for these posts on pastors families.
We’ve been in ministry for 20 years in supporting roles, so we dealt with a share of challenges.
But now, being lead pastor of a newly planted church, the focus and realities are a bit different. That includes our renewed commitment to our seven homeschooled children in a variety of ways, including specific preparation in these areas.
Thanks again and blessings on the Groeschel Independent School District from the McClure Independent School District!
Later, P

By: shiny little pieces of shattered glass « aliens among us

shiny little pieces of shattered glass « aliens among us — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:07:16 +0000

[...] So, what was it again you were offering me? Eternal peace, hope and joy in the presence of and “security in Christ”? So what are you doing falling then? and apart? Alone? Dudes…I already got that covered. [...]

By: Robin

Robin — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:03:22 +0000

Amen! I do fear the oppinions of others, especially my church leaders who I may not see eye to eye with. But the more I am growing in Christ, the more I am giving those fears over to God, and build up the confidence in my own heart that my walk is just that; mine and The Lords. I can’t get caught up in the favoritism games that people play, nor can I make anyone respond to me in ways that I would find acceptable. Thank God for His mercy, love, compassion, and understanding. Oh, how we all need more of His wisdom. Let us all strive to live by His spirit and by hearing His voice instead of the voices of others. Amen and great post!

By: Bill Gallagher

Bill Gallagher — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:22:47 +0000

Just got goosebumps reading Amy’s words. God PLEASE help me to live for You and what pleases you!

By: Jayma

Jayma — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:55:42 +0000

I seriously needed this today, Craig. Thank you!

By: a little advice for those in ministry « littlesanctuary

a little advice for those in ministry « littlesanctuary — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:17:44 +0000

[...] January 13, 2009 by littlesanctuary Good advice for those in the ministry fishbowl. [...]

By: bert boan

bert boan — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:52:10 +0000

My insecurity is that I’ll be a disappointment. Once, while asking for forgiveness, I told my wife-to-be that I would rather leave now than to be a disappointment for the rest of our marriage. That attitude pervades my choices even now. I can tell a lot of people to go get bent but some seem like they have a power. However God is showing me more and more that I’m where I’m supposed to be for a purpose… His plans, not mine.

By: Secure in Christ « Darth Pastor

Secure in Christ « Darth Pastor — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:02:14 +0000

[...] 13, 2009 Craig has a great post here. The quote that stuck out to me is this one… The more God blesses your ministry, the [...]

By: Matt Stallbaum

Matt Stallbaum — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:28:47 +0000

I am a pastor and have been a pastor’s son my whole life. I have said to people that gossip…”I’d rather you talk about me behind my back then to my face, cause then I don’t have hear you voice.” I don’t think it works very well but it makes me feel good. J/k

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:04:58 +0000

Daneen. Thanks for the illustration. Another good one is David. The Psalms are full of his struggles going from despair to joy, fear of his enemies to confidence in God’s deliverance etc. I think the Psalms are a good read for understanding the balance between security in our relationship with God and still being open and transparent with those we minister to, knowing that we may be wounded in the process. He is truly our hiding place!

By: Deneen

Deneen — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:41:49 +0000

Dear Mike your testimony is amazing, it is obvious that God saved you for a reason to be salt and light in this lost and dying word, thank you for your words.

Steve I appreciate your thoughts on insecurity being a persistent companions of God’s great leaders; The story of Moses comes to mind who when he first heard God’s call begged Him to send some one else Exodus 3-4. What we learn from Moses’ story is that we as leaders must eventually bolster ourselves up under the confidence that God is the one who has called us and equipped us. Having this confidence we should not give too much attention to the voices that would try to distract us from God’s purposes.

By: Brad Martin

Brad Martin — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:55:44 +0000

I went through a season where the opinions of people wrecked me. There were rumors about me and my family from people I thought were close friends. My wife asked me the same, “are they true?” “No.” God covered me with His grace and showered me with His presence. That’s what got me through it all. I’m working on being wrecked by God more than others. Thanks for the posts!

By: Sheri

Sheri — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:42:19 +0000

Mike l. Amen!! I remember when I thought I was so wise, but it was just knowledge.. Not wisdom! I pray that the body of Christ will ignite with passion and operate in the fullness of God… Anything short breaks my heart!! Praise God for your redemption! Do not grow weary. Press on. Don’t shrink back!!

By: Jeffrey

Jeffrey — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:37:45 +0000

Craig, you asked what were doing to overcome our insecurities…

A simple thing has really been helping me lately, and I have noticed a difference. I’m intentionally asking my wife a lot less on Sunday afternoons how I did with my message, and taking a few brief moments in prayer to take my efforts before the Lord and settle it with Him. It’s crazy how much less it matters what others think of me once I’ve done this.

By: Sheri

Sheri — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:36:55 +0000

I love love love it when my KIDS remind me of my ID in Jesus!! Great whispers.

Recently, having the opportunity to speak with Amy, I battled with am I good enough! I know my ID…it’s my platform, yet I asked the question anyway.

Your wife stopped me in my tracks and put that question to rest! I love the body of Christ working together… Holding up each others arms…and encouraging daily!

Complete in Him!

By: Chilly

Chilly — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:14:21 +0000

IF you’re secure in Christ, you LIVE. IF you’re insecure because of the opinions of others, you exist… barely.

Caution & wisdom should be exercised in what we say and what (who) we listen to.

“A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions” Proverbs 18:2.

By: mike leehan

mike leehan — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:55:07 +0000

What kept me from God the most, and, what led me to God the most, when I was on the dark side, was Christians. On the “other” side the light attracts those not in Christ. THe Lord showed me that it is mediocre Christians within the church that keep the lost outside the church from accepting Him. It breaks the heart of the Lord to see His church in such a way, but, His mercy and loves endures forever! It also “spoils” those within the church from receiving His fullness! I pray that we that are sold out for Christ continue to be so and let the agape Love of Christ flow through us so that His light may shine and to Him be the Glory! That will be the only thing that will raise up the army of believers for that battle that is on going for souls. It is His will that none shall perish but that all shall come to repentance. The prayers of the Righteous availeth much. That is what brought God’s heart to pursue me! Otherwise, I would be dead by now and in eternal damnation. He gave me one last chance on January 12, 2008 to accept Him. I did, and now He lives in me. Now I submit to His Lordship! Otherwise, I could resist the devil all I wanted and he would not flee. Submission is where it is at folks. That will take all this other stuff from influencing us; especially the opinion of man. “The wisdom of man is foolishness to God.” It is His wisdom I must seek every day that I awake. It is His will, despite the opinion of man, that will give me peace. It is obedience to His word and to His will that will bring me to a place on this earth that will truly make me one with Him. ALL GLORY is His forever! I submit this in all humbleness.

By: Norbert

Norbert — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:27:36 +0000

Our spouses play such an incredibly important role in our ministry, as Craig highlights in this and many of his other posts, while the pressures on our family are often unrealistic they are very real. As leaders in our home we need to not only be aware of them but work diligently at fostering healthy relationships with our wife and children. This takes time, precious valuable time. We are called to be husbands and fathers first often as pastors we get this order confused. We are so aware of everyone elses needs that we forget that leadership in the church begins with leadership in the home. see Paul’s letter to Timothy.
Thanks for swerve.