Author Archives: Morris Hull

If You Aren’t Praying, Then Who Is?

“And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).

If you aren’t praying for your children, then who is? Given the pressures placed upon young people in our society today, your children need prayer! And if you aren’t praying daily for them, then it is very likely that they have no one else to plead for them before the throne of grace.

But what should you be praying for your children?

Above all else, pray that they will know Christ early in life. Ideally, we can begin this teaching and training before the child is even born – while he is still in the womb. This is confirmed by the Greek word Paul used for child in 2 Timothy 3:15. It’s the Greek word “brephos.” Its precise definition in Strong’s Concordance is “an infant (properly, an unborn infant).” The same word is used in Luke 1:44 when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth and the unborn “babe” (John the Baptist) leaped for joy when he heard the voice of the Saviour’s mother.

Paul says to Timothy, “And that from a child [while you were still in the womb] thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Lois and Eunice the grandmother and mother of Timothy faithfully read to Timothy the Word of God before he was even born – while he was still in the womb – and Paul states that this was instrumental in Timothy coming to faith in Christ.

There is no greater joy or blessing for Christian parents than to lead their children to personal faith in Jesus Christ. Never take the salvation of your children for granted. Just because they have attended church all their lives is no guarantee that they have ever accepted Jesus Christ as their own personal Saviour. Pray for your children and your grandchildren. Pray that those children will come to know Christ as Saviour at an early age.

D.L. Moody was once asked how many people were converted at a meeting where he was the preacher. “Three and one half,” he replied. “What? Three adults and one child?” asked the man. “No. Three children and one adult,” said Moody. “The adults have already wasted half their lives but those children have practically all their lives to live for God.”

Many parents are quick to cast the blame for their children’s disinterest in spiritual things upon the church or youth group; but we need to remember that leading your children to Christ is not first and foremost the responsibility of the church or the Sunday school, but the responsibility of the home.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

Choose Your Words Carefully

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).

I recently came across an article written by a 76 year-old man. He wrote:

“Late at night, my father waited alone for the train that took him to a factory where he worked the night shift. On this particular night, I waited with him in the dark to say good-bye. His face was grim; his youngest son had been drafted. I would be sworn in at six the next morning while he was at the factory. My father didn’t want them to take his child, only 19 years old, to fight a war in Europe. He placed his hands on my shoulders and said, ‘You be careful, and if you need anything, write to me and I’ll see that you get it.’ Suddenly he heard the roar of the approaching train. He held me tightly in his arms and gently kissed me on the cheek. With tear-filled eyes, he murmured, ‘I love you, my son.’ Then the train arrived, the doors closed him inside, and he disappeared into the night…and I left for boot camp. One month later, at age 46, my father died. I am 76 as I sit and write this. I once heard someone say that memories are man’s greatest inheritance, and I have to agree. I’ve lived through four invasions in World War II. I’ve had a life full of all kinds of experiences. But the only memory that lingers is the night my dad said, ‘I love you, my son.’”

Isn’t that incredible? You’re never too old to tell your children that you love them. And you need to!

How we need to bless and encourage and praise those around us. If all our children are hearing from us is negative and criticism then we are sowing the seeds of bitterness and rebellion in the lives of our sons and daughters. James 3:10 says, “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” Someone has suggested that it takes ten praises or affirmations just to counteract the damage caused by one negative, critical remark.
Words are so powerful. We have the opportunity to encourage, to bless and to affirm. Choose your words carefully. Make each one count. Purpose to speak words of life and encouragement to those that the Lord brings across your path today!

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

Man’s Anger Is Always Wrong

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath…” (Ephesians 4:26).

The initial emotion of anger is not sin. It’s a signal. Everyone experiences certain physiological symptoms that accompany the emotion of anger. These may include teeth grinding, fists clenching, flushing, paling, numbness, sweating, muscle tensions and temperature changes. This is God’s way of alerting us that we are about to do or say something that we will regret. If that anger is not quickly and Scripturally dealt with, it will turn into wrath and become sin.

Our anger is wrong and will never accomplish anything good. James 1:20 says, “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” Our anger will never accomplish God’s righteous purposes. Instead, it will leave a trail of broken relationships and wounded spirits.

One of the biggest reasons we don’t get victory over anger is because we feel we don’t need to. We feel justified in our anger. We feel we have a cause for our anger. We feel we have a right to be angry.

I heard of one man who explained the reason for his anger as: “It keeps the family in line.” He said, “I know it’s not a good way to raise kids, but it works. When I get mad, they quiet down and do what I tell them to do.”

That man’s approach will probably work for a while. But you cannot violate Scripture without there being consequences. If he is controlling his family with anger, he will ultimately pay a very heavy price because he is sowing the seeds of bitterness and rebellion in the hearts of his family.

Don’t justify your anger by calling it “righteous.” Don’t excuse it by labelling it as “passion.” Anger is just plain wrong; and if we have hurt or damaged others by our anger, then we need to take responsibility for it and ask for their forgiveness.

Tension Is Cumulative

“Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes” (Song of Solomon 2:15).

For many couples, holy wedlock has become an unholy deadlock.

There are many reasons why marriages experience tension, but it usually begins with, what may be regarded as, little offenses. Severe damage is then done to the relationship over a prolonged period of time when these offenses are ignored or even considered irrelevant. Every husband and wife needs to be aware that any offense committed against their partner – no matter how small – has the potential of producing devastating consequences in their marriage.

One little offense after another produces tension in the relationship. That tension is cumulative; and this is the reason why a list of minor offenses over a period of time produces a build-up of tension that can destroy a marriage.

If offenses are not dealt with properly, and forgiveness is not sought or given, then that tension will not go away! The cumulative tension has the potential to break and destroy that relationship.

Marriages are not destroyed overnight. They break down and are destroyed, many times, because of this cumulative effect of tension in the relationship. Past hurts have not been properly resolved, and added to that is the guilt from the wrong responses to those hurts.

Ask the Lord to bring to your mind past word, actions, or attitudes that may have hurt your spouse. And no matter how small or insignificant they may seem, humble yourself and take responsibility for causing that offense and ask forgiveness.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

Beware of Offending a “Little One”

“It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones” (Luke 17:2).

Anna Rose loved children! She had a foster home, and would take in the children nobody else wanted. She tells in her book, Gentle House, about one little misplaced boy from Latvia, who, during the Second World War, was taken to America, and passed from one foster home to another. Nobody could deal with him. The fact that he could hardly speak a word of English made the situation even more difficult. Finally they asked Anna Rose if she would take him. She said, “Yes!” She relates the story in her book:

”And so it was settled and [he] was allowed to come with me. As we drove home in the May sunshine, I said to him, ‘You know, my house isn’t big and grand like the one you were staying in before.’ To this he replied, ‘No worry. Big house, no matter. I want a gentle house.’ I wondered exactly what he meant by a ‘gentle house,’ but he did not yet have the words to make me understand.”

Later, when he was going off with the scouts to camp for the first time, she watched him…”and as he stepped out on the porch, he paused, put out his hand and stroked the porch railing. Then he spoke – almost in blank verse: ‘Good-bye, house – my dear, dear house. You are my home. Try to be here when I get back. You are a gentle house.’ ‘What is a gentle house?’ I asked him. He was indignant: ‘How is this, you do not understand? A gentle house is a place where you feel so safe.’

One of your children’s greatest fears is that their mom and dad will divorce. Since one out of every two marriages is ending in the divorce courts, chances are that some of your children’s friends at school come from split homes. They’ve watched them try to deal with the emotional struggle that affects all children in a divorce situation. They’ve seen the hurt and the sense of rejection, and they secretly wonder when the same thing might happen to them.

As much as divorced parents try to avoid offending and damaging their children, it is unavoidable. And the hurts and scars will often be carried by them for the rest of their lives.

Not only do we need to provide our children with the security of our love and acceptance of them; children also need the security of knowing that mom and dad love each other and that there is no hint or possibility of divorce.

Today would be a good time to reaffirm your marriage commitment to your spouse. Then, assure your children of your commitment as a couple and give them the security of knowing that divorce will never be a consideration for your marriage.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

Believing the Truth: We Are Accepted Unconditionally

Many Christians have believed Satan’s lie and struggle with overwhelming negative attitudes. I have counselled with many Christians who have been harboring thoughts of suicide. They were looking for acceptance and affirmation from other people; and when they didn’t receive it, the enemy was then able to move in and place the destructive thought in their mind that life isn’t even worth living.

If you have received Jesus Christ as your Saviour then the truth of God’s Word states that you are a child of God (John 1:12), that you belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), that you have been redeemed and forgiven of all your sins (Colossians 1:13-14). The truth of God’s Word tells you that you are a member of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27), that you have direct access to God through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16), and that you are complete in Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:9-10).

I talked once with a young man who had been rejected by his family. As he was driving back to college after the Christmas holidays he found a letter from his step mother telling him never to come back. Do you have any idea what it’s like to be rejected by your family? But I tell you this – you will never be rejected by God.

1 John 4:10 states: “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Paul makes it clear in Romans 5:8 that “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

If we constantly look to other people for acceptance, we will give Satan opportunity to plant destructive, negative thoughts in our mind. We need to understand that we are completely and unconditionally accepted by God.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

Not Every Thought You Think Is Your Own!

“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2Corinthians 10:4-5).

If we are to know victory in our Christian lives then we need to be involved in active spiritual warfare and we need to recognise how the enemy works in our mind. We need to understand that not every thought that comes into our mind is our own.

In Matthew 16:13-15, Jesus asks His disciples, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

Now what’s Jesus saying here? He’s telling us that Peter’s understanding of the true identity of Christ was a direct revelation from God the Father. These were not Peter’s own thoughts. They were thoughts that were placed there by God Himself.

But just a few verses later in this same conversation, Jesus explains that “He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” Then in verse 22 it says that “Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.” Now where did Peter get that thought from? Verse 23 makes that very clear – “But he [Jesus] turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”

In this same conversation, Peter had two thoughts and neither of them were his own. He had a wonderful thought that was placed there by God; but he also had a thought that was placed in his mind by the enemy and he never realised it.

Not every thought that comes into your mind is your own; that’s why Paul says we are to take “every thought captive.” Many Christians struggle with negative self-critical thoughts and they don’t realise that these thoughts have been placed in their mind by the enemy of their souls. When we believe the lies of the enemy he is able to place us in bondage; but Jesus said the Truth will set us free (John 8:32).

Don’t just believe every thought that comes into your mind. If it does not line up with the Truth of God’s Word then consider its source and reject it.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

What Do You Love The Most?

“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of” (Genesis 22:2).

Our lives are built around the people and things that we enjoy: a spouse, children, special friends, a job, and possessions. These are the things we tend to put our security in – and if one of them is removed, we feel as though our whole world has suddenly come apart. There are times when God simply says to us, “Let go!” If you’ve ever been in that situation, you know the pressure a test like that can exert on your faith.

There was a day in the life of Abraham when God told him to let go of something which he dearly loved. Abraham did not choose the sacrifice. God did! Beware of self-chosen sacrifice for God! God always starts with the things that we love the most, because unless these things are dedicated to Him they will become the objects of our worship. Unless we are willing to place the things we love the most on that altar and dedicate them to the Lord, God will never be able to use us to our fullest potential and we will never experience God’s richest blessings.

Have you ever dedicated the things that you love the most to the Lord? We do that by building an altar in our heart and saying, “Lord, from this moment on these things belong to You. I give them to You. I have no more rights to them or claim on them. If you choose to take them, I will thank You for that. If You allow me to continue enjoying them, I will thank You for that also.”

Like the young boy who gave the Lord his meagre lunch, God is able to multiply whatever we give Him to be a blessing to others.

Daniel Purposed in His Heart

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank…” (Daniel 1:8)

Daniel is a man whose life and experience touches right where we are. He is a man who is trying to live a Godly life in the midst of a corrupt, pagan society. Daniel is different from all the other prophets – Jeremiah, Isaiah and the other prophets were in what we would term, “full-time ministry.” Daniel was called into secular employment – he was a government official. But God was able to use Daniel just as much as any full-time prophet because the power in Daniel’s ministry lay not in his calling but in his character.

Daniel was a man of Biblical convictions! He believed God’s Word and he obeyed it! He didn’t try to rationalize it or ignore it. He accepted it as the single authority by which to live no matter what the circumstances or consequences might be! He was taken as a teenager from his family, yet he stood alone and remained true to God and to His Word. Where did Daniel learn these convictions? He learned them at home!

Parents, if you want to pass on to your children a purpose that’s worth living for, then you need to start teaching them and passing on Biblical convictions that are worth dying for. Spend time with your children in God’s Word. Show them that the Bible is the ultimate authority for life – not Hollywood, not their teachers at school, and certainly not their peers.

Could I encourage you – if you are not spending time with your family around the Word of God, then you are missing out on one of the most effective ways to pass on your faith to the next generation.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

God Loves Humility

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6)

God loves humility. He hates pride – but He loves humility. This is the starting point for rebuilding broken relationships in your family.

One of Satan’s most effective ways to destroy or weaken your effectiveness as a parent is to erect barriers between you and your children. Some of the most difficult words we will ever have to say are, “I was wrong. Will you please forgive me?”

Most family conflicts could be resolved and even avoided right here! If you have wronged a member of your family, humble yourself and ask their forgiveness.

James 4:6 says, “God resisteth the proud…” If God is for you, it doesn’t make any difference who is against you; but if God is resisting you, it doesn’t make any difference who is for you. And when does God resist us the most? When we’re proud!

But James goes on to say that God “giveth grace unto the humble.” Grace is the desire and the power that God gives us to do His will (Philippians 2:13). The way then to deal with pride and to get more grace (more desire and more enabling power to do what is right) is to humble ourselves by taking responsibility for our wrong actions and words and attitudes.

Some of the most successful marriages and families are those that follow through and ask each other forgiveness several times each week. There is no such thing as the perfect family. We all make mistakes. But God wants us to develop the Christ-like quality of humility. He wants us to humble ourselves; and through that demonstration of humility, He will bind and knit our hearts together.

Don’t wait for the other person to make it right. Take the initiative by taking responsibility, and help restore that broken relationship today.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

How Much Does The Holy Spirit Have of You?

“Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?” (James 4:5).

There is much talk today about the Holy Spirit. Much of what is said is irreverent and unbiblical. Many think that the goal in the Christian life is to possess more and more of the Holy Spirit; when in reality the opposite is true – He seeks to possess more of us. James 4:5 can be translated: “The Spirit who indwells you, jealously yearns for you.”

As a Christian, you have been bought with a price and for a purpose; and we discover that purpose by the giving and yielding of ourselves to the control of God’s Spirit. 2 Samuel 15:15 says, “And the king’s servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.” That’s the kind of servants God is looking for.

In 1882 a small congregation had gathered for a gospel service in a barn. The name of the preacher was Henry Varley. As he concluded his message on 1 John 2:17, he lifted his eyes to a nearby haymow where an interested young man was seated, and he said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with, for, in, and through one man who is fully consecrated to Him!” The young man who was listening was stirred and convicted by those challenging words. He said to himself, “Varley means any man. He is not saying he has to be educated or brilliant or anything else – just a person who is willing to be used! Well, by the Holy Spirit in me, I will be that man.” Within just a few years after that commitment, the world was feeling the impact of the life of that young man who had totally surrendered himself to the Spirit of God. His name was Dwight L. Moody, and God used him as an instrument of revival that circled the globe.

The issue is not about how much you have of the Holy Spirit – but how much does the Holy Spirit have of you? What “areas” of your life are you holding on to, refusing to allow God to have control? These are the areas that the Spirit of God yearns for you to give to Him.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

Dig Another Well

One of the most powerful stories in the Bible of “meekness” is found in Genesis chapter 26. Isaac had settled in the land of Gerar and needed water to survive, so he had his servants dig a well.

Verse 17 says, “And the herdmen of Gerar strove with Isaac’s herdmen, saying, The water is ours…” Isaac didn’t react, he just quietly moved along. Verse 21 says, “And they dug another well, and strove for that also” Now what is Isaac going to do? Verse 22 says, “And he removed away, and dug another well; and for that they strove not.”

Who was the strongest here? It looks like those herdmen were, but they weren’t. Isaac was! Because Isaac had the maturity to give-in and yield his rights. Anyone can get into a fight. Squabbles and fights among toddlers and their siblings are something most mothers deal with on a daily basis. But it takes a person of strength – a person of character – not to be drawn into a fight. It takes a mature person who understands the high value of relationships to give in, rather than to demand their rights.
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The person that gives-in may be thought of as weaker, but in reality they are the stronger. When two Christians disagree, the person who gives in is usually the more spiritually mature of the two.

And if you can teach your children from an early age the value of yielding their rights rather than fighting for them, you will be strengthening their future marriage and relationships. Look for ways to avoid conflicts. Don’t allow yourself to be drawn into one.

Not Can’t But Won’t

The choices we make tell a lot about the type of person we are – like our choice of friends, vocation, and how we spend our money. But there are choices which we as Christians make every day that not only reveal what type of Christian we are but those choices also shape our destiny.

Paul says in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” This speaks of the special power or enablement that God provides to help us live victorious Christian lives.

Now I’d like to contrast this verse with a list of statements which we as Christians have a tendency to make:

  • “I just can’t get along with my wife.”
  • “My husband and I can’t communicate.”
  • “I just can’t give up the affair I’m having.”
  • “I can’t find time to read my Bible and pray.”
  • “I can’t give up this certain habit.”
  • “I just can’t speak to people about Christ.”
  • “I just can’t be the spiritual leader in my home.” 

Based on Philippians 4:13, you’ll have to agree that the word really should not be “can’t” but “won’t.”

As Christians, every one of us has the choice each day to walk in the flesh or to walk in the spirit. How do you walk in the flesh? That’s very easy – just live as though God’s Word isn’t important; as though the only thing that matters is your happiness or success. That’s how to walk in the flesh!

How do you walk in the spirit? That’s a different matter! It begins with a choice that only you can make – no one can make it for you. It begins with a choice to die to self – your own will, your rights, and your expectations of others (especially those in your own family).

You can make that choice today.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

Seeing God’s Purposes

“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7).

Many of us have believed and accepted the lie that “It is my responsibility to change my mate.” The truth is: God wants to use your mate to change you. We are all in process – we are all in different stages of character development – that’s why we need to be patient with one another.

God is in the process of developing the character of Christ in each one of our lives. That’s why He put you in the family you are in. That’s why He gave you the spouse and children that you have – even with all of their idiosyncrasies, faults, and personality quirks.

It is God who brings people into our lives that annoy us and irritate us and even wrong us so that we can learn to respond to them with the graciousness and kindness of Christ. If we had never been wronged, it would be impossible for us to learn how to forgive.

If we really want to change our mate, the two greatest means of influencing them for good are a Godly life and prayer. Your Godly response to their hurtful words and actions can be a powerful influence for change in their lives. And it is far more effective to appeal to the Lord than to try and exert pressure on your mate directly. With God nothing is impossible. He has His Own unique ways of putting pressure on a husband or wife and turning a person around, and often our nagging and interfering only get in the way.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

Be Careful Little Lips

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

The son of one of my college professors asked a very profound question about his little newborn brother: he said, “Mom, does he know who he is, or does he just lie there and think he’s nothing?” Well, of course, that little child doesn’t have the slightest idea who he is. The only way that little baby will ever know what he is like, whether he is worth anything or not, is to look in the mirror. And during those early years, that mirror is the significant people who stand around him, primarily his parents. A child’s self image can be either built up or torn down by the ones closest to him.

Criticism creates insecurities, bitterness and rebellion. Praise creates an atmosphere of love, joy and acceptance. A home that has a rebellious youth is often filled with a negative, critical atmosphere. That has to be changed!

It is amazing what a little bit of praise can do to encourage a son or a daughter. And if you can’t think of anything ask the Lord – ask your spouse – to show you areas where you can praise that child. Someone has said that even a conceited person has at least one good quality: he doesn’t talk about other people. So praise your child for even the smallest display of character.

And while you’re at it – it’s amazing what a little bit of praise can do to encourage your spouse as well, or your pastor or another church member. There is so much negativism and criticism around that people are desperate for any kind of praise and encouragement you might give.

Morris Hull, Home Life Miistries

Prove Your Love

“Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf” (2 Corinthians 8:24).

It’s very easy to say the words “I love, you” – but it’s quite possible that the ones which we love the most may struggle with the knowledge of whether or not they’re really loved. The ones we live with and are closest to may not fully recognize the sincerity and depth of our love.

I have no doubt that in extreme situations most parents would lay down their lives for their children; most husbands would sacrifice their own lives for the sake of their wives. But those extreme situations are rare and most of us are never called upon to make that ultimate sacrifice.

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Paul encourages us to show the proof of our love. Put that love into words and actions. Invest a treasure of time, energy or money into the lives of the ones you love the most.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

Don’t Get Offended!

“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:165).

We offend one another regularly by our wrong words, actions and attitudes. Some times we even offend people by doing what is right. Jesus offended people regularly by speaking the truth. It is so easy to offend other people. Especially if you’re in leadership, you’ll understand that you can’t please all of the people all of the time, but you can sure make them all mad at you.

Many are offended by the Gospel message. Jesus said in Matthew 11:6, “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” Now, for fear of offending anyone, we dilute the Gospel message so much that it no longer has the power to save because we fail to talk about sin and judgment and personal responsibility. But the Bible tells us that the Gospel will offend. We just need to make sure that if people are going to take offense, that it’s because of the conviction brought about by the message, and not because of the wrong attitudes of the messenger. That’s why the Bible tells us that we are to speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

The word “offense” means a stumbling block: something that can cause you to fall and bring about your ruin.

It’s common for people to think that whenever there is a conflict between two people that the offender is the one with the spiritual problem. But the person against whom the offense was committed has an even greater potential for sin. The offender may or may not have done wrong. If he has done wrong, he needs to take responsibility for his wrong words or actions or attitudes and he needs to make it right. But the person who has been offended needs to be on his guard.

As Jesus has His last parting words with His disciples in the upper room just before His crucifixion, He says in John 16:1, “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.” A spirit-filled follower of Jesus Christ is not easily offended because he realizes that God uses even our enemies and critics to accomplish His purposes in our lives. A true Spirit-filled Christian will not take up an offense against someone or on behalf of someone else. Certainly there are going to be disagreements, but the moment that disagreement turns contentious, the moment there is bitterness or hatred then you have stepped across a line that can bring all kinds of destruction to your relationships.

Let’s not be so easily offended by others. Remember that we are all in process. Let’s be as patient and kind with each other as the Lord is with us.

Choose to Serve

Philippians 2:7 tells us that Jesus “made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”

Most people don’t mind being a servant as long as they’re not treated like one. We like the recognition. We like the pats on the back. We like our name in the church bulletin. But the true test of a servant is not getting upset whenever we’re treated like one. When no one sees or hears of the time and effort we’ve expended and we get no recognition – that’s the true test of being a servant.

Jesus chose to become a servant. He chose! It was an act of the will. You don’t become a servant by sitting around and hoping that one day you’ll feel like it. You might never feel like it. That’s why we have to make a deliberate choice each day.

Think of the people that come into your life every single day. These are the ones God wants you to serve. These are the ones God wants you to pour your life into. Your wife, your husband, your children, the people you work with, the people at church, and your neighbors next door. And it’s as we’re willing to humble ourselves and serve others and put the needs of others before ourselves, that we demonstrate true greatness and reflect the character of Christ. Jesus Himself said, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).

Look for practical ways to serve those that God brings across your path today.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

Responding to Adversity

Some teach that if you’re a Christian that you will be healthy, wealthy, people will love you, children will flock to you, and birds will sit on your shoulder. Nothing could be further from Biblical truth.

Paul says in Philippians 1:12, “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.” Paul saw the benefits of his suffering and he saw how his imprisonment was not hindering the Gospel but rather it was furthering it. There are many benefits that God wants us to learn through suffering and difficult times.

Often when we begin to experience pressure or problems — especially in our marriage or in a job or even at church — our natural reaction is “How can I get out of this?” We look for an easy way out and completely miss the spiritual lessons and benefits that God wants us to learn. Our first response to adversity should not be to try and remove it, but to ask the Lord to show us His purpose in allowing it.

Are there character qualities that God is trying to develop in your life? Is He trying to develop the quality of forgiveness or meekness or humility? Is He trying to develop a spiritual mindset or a servant’s spirit?

Adversity can do one of two things: if we respond to it with humanistic reasoning and try to get out from under it, it can be one of the deadliest means of discouragement; if we respond to it correctly, it can be one of the greatest motivations for spiritual growth.

What A Person Is Really Like

“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8).

If you want to find out what an animal is really like, where do you go? You don’t go to the zoo or the circus – because that’s where they’re on display; that’s where they perform. If you want to find out what an animal is really like, you need to observe it in its natural habitat.

If you want to find out what a Christian is really like, where do you go? Don’t go to the church – because that’s where we’re on display; that’s where we perform. If you want to find out what a Christian is really like, you need to observe him in his natural habitat – his home. If you want to find out the sincerity of a man’s commitment to Jesus Christ and to following Biblical principles, you don’t ask his pastor or church leaders, you need to ask his wife and his children.

These programs refine the leadership skills which are necessary at cialis canada the time when compensation is being closely compared to their performance. How Pharm4all user evaluations play a significant position in raising the price of this online pharmacy and provide a medical prescription before purchasing. order generic levitra This prescription does not offer any buy cheap tadalafil extra security from sexually transmitted illnesses. Some patients that suffer from tadalafil online cheap chronic urinary retention may eventually progress to renal failure, a condition termed obstructive uropathy. I am becoming increasingly convinced that the reality of a person’s spirituality is not found in the church, but in the home. It is one thing to be kind and gracious to those we meet for a few hours each week. It is quite another thing to be kind and gracious to those we live with every single day.

If our Christianity is going to be effective in reaching a lost world for Jesus Christ, then it must first prove itself in the Christian home.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

The Rewards of Character

It’s as we begin to develop Godly character that we begin to see the rewards of God’s blessing upon our lives. In Psalms 18:20, the psalmist says, “The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness” –  The LORD rewarded me according to my character.

As we’re truthful we get the blessings of truthfulness. As we’re diligent we get the blessings of being diligent. As we honor and show respect to those in to authority, we get the blessings that go along with that.

Scripture is full of promises but the majority of those promises are conditional.

Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” God has promised to give us the desires of our heart, but they’re conditional upon our delighting ourselves in Him and in His character.

Ephesians 6:2-3 says, “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” Do you know any young people today and things aren’t going well for them? Many times it can be traced back to a violation of this conditional promise.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” God has certainly promised to guide and direct us, but that guidance is conditional upon us acknowledging Him in all our ways.

God’s promises and blessings are not ours to enjoy regardless of how we live the Christian life; but it’s as we begin to develop Godly character and become more like Christ that we begin to see the rewards of God’s blessing upon our lives.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

The Next Step

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

Right at this point, Paul separates Christians into two distinct categories: There are those who have dedicated their lives totally to God, and there are those who haven’t.

Scripture makes it very clear that God does not group all Christians together in one large bunch; but there are different categories of Christians in Scripture that the Lord is very careful to distinguish.

All these herbs are blended in right combination to make NF Cure capsules one of the best herbal pills to prevent sperm release while pfizer viagra sales sleeping. This is why they cialis generic pharmacy develop erroneous diet habits. The cialis mastercard super chemical performs phenomenal by improving manly powers in men. Here we are providing detailed information on cialis levitra generika erectile dysfunction Erectile dysfunction is a term which means a sexual disorder. In Revelation chapter three, there are Hot Christians, there are cold Christians, and there are also lukewarm Christians. In 1 Corinthians chapter 3, there are Spiritual Christians and there are carnal Christians. There are those who are spiritually mature and those who have never matured and are spiritual babes. There are those who are going the whole way with God and those who are going their own way. There are those whose life’s work will amount to gold, silver and precious stones and others whose life will amount to wood, hay and stubble. There are Christians who are overcomers and there are those who are overcome by the world, the flesh and the devil. There are those who will be great in the Kingdom of heaven and those who will be the least. There are those who will be greeted with the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” and others who will be ashamed when they stand before Him at the Judgement Seat of Christ (1 John 2:28).

What are you doing with your life that is going to make a difference in eternity? When you stand before the judgment seat of Christ, what will you be able to look back on and say this is what, by God’s grace, I’ve accomplished for the kingdom of God?

Morris Hull

Love Your Enemies

It’s one thing to be kind and loving to people who are kind and loving to us. It’s quite another thing to be kind and loving to those who wrong us or hurt us. Yet that is exactly what Jesus commands us to do when He says, “Love your enemies.”

Two farmers lived side by side on land that was divided by a shallow river. One day the cows belonging to one crossed the river and ruined half an acre of the other farmer’s corn. The man who owned the field was so angry, he locked the cows in his barn, made the first farmer pay for all the damage, and held the animals hostage until a high ransom was paid for them. Later that year, some hogs belonging to the second farmer crossed the stream and caused a lot of damage on the property of the man who owned the cows. Although the man was disturbed, he rounded up the hogs and took them back to their own pen. When the owner saw them coming, he expected trouble. But he soon discovered that his neighbor had no intention of harming him or his animals. He asked, “How can you be so kind to me after the way I treated you?” The man replied, “Because I’m a Christian!” That evening the unsaved farmer and his wife paid a visit to the home of their neighbor. And before they left, they had both accepted Christ.

This farmer was willing to follow the teaching of Jesus and voluntarily invested in the life of his enemy. This is a step that is often overlooked by many people, but it is absolutely essential if we are to turn our bitterness into forgiveness and genuine love.

Jesus said, “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” (Mat 5:44).

Changing The Price Tags

In Luke chapter 12, a man came to Jesus and said, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth (Luke 12:13-15).”

This man had been cheated out of his inheritance by his brother. He naturally thought that since he had done no wrong that Jesus would have taken his side. However, Jesus apparently reproved this man and essentially said that he ought to forget it and give in.

But what kind of person does it take to, “Just give in”? It takes a person who understands the high value of relationships to give in, rather than to demand their rights. The person that gives in may be thought of as weaker, but in reality they are the stronger. When two Christians disagree, the person who gives in is usually the more spiritually mature of the two.

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Satan is a great deceiver and he likes to change the price tags. In the estimation of many, material things have skyrocketed in value while relationships are worth practically nothing. But our most valuable possessions are not material things, not our home or car or money in the bank. Our most valuable possessions, the most precious things we own, are the relationships we have with one another – yet sometimes we allow those relationships to be destroyed because we place a higher price tag on something else.

Are there things that you have valued more than the relationships of family and friends? Isn’t it time you changed back the price tag on those relationships to reflect their true worth?

A Child’s Secret Fear

A Sunday school teacher was showing pictures to her class, asking them to quote some Bible verse which the picture suggested. The first picture showed two children with their arms around each other. A child raised his hand and offered the verse, “Love one another.” “Very good,” said the teacher. She held up another picture which showed a little girl listening attentively to her mother. Another child correctly offered the verse, “Obey your parents.” Then a third picture was held up. This one portrayed two boys pulling on the opposite ends of the same cat. The children were puzzled till one little boy suggested, “What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

Marriage is the only permanent human relationship that God has ever established. God’s plan and design is that one man and one woman commit themselves to a relationship that is binding until the death of one of the partners.

Over the last number of years I’ve been coming across an increasing number of Christian couples that are threatening one another with divorce. Never threaten your partner with divorce. Nothing can damage the spirit of a marriage more than the threat of divorce.

This component basically helps to ensure that the blood is able respitecaresa.org discount sale viagra to freely flow, an erection occurs. Erectile dysfunction is known by impotence by many order cialis people around. In a recent undercover operation, an FBI agent ordered via email “viagra online delivery ” pills from a reputed web chemist. The Minicare I-20 system consists of a handheld analyzer, dedicated software, and a single-use disposable cartridge containing an application specific assay that works with as little as a finger prick generic cialis without prescription of blood, and do not require quality control which makes the medical device and biologic system ideal for use in hospitals where funds and resources are aligned with the goal. Statistics tell us that one out of every two marriages ends in divorce. Many of your children’s friends have gone through the trauma of watching their parents separate and have been emotionally scared for life. A secret fear of every child is that the same thing might happen to my parents too.

Demonstrate loyalty to your spouse and your children by reaffirming your commitment to the marriage relationship.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries