The Tensions of Life

In recent months I have found myself in somewhat of a conundrum trying to manage the tensions of life.  How we manage these tensions is vitally important to our spiritual survival.  Tensions in our life will have one of two effects. Positive or negative.  For example if you are in a situation and you don't know what to do.  Both options that you have are positive options that will have negative consequences either choice you make.  Thusly, we have the tensions of life.   So the question becomes how do you manage the tensions of life?

The Christian response is to take it to the Lord in prayer.  Very good response!  However, what happens when you have been praying and still have no clear indication on the situation.  Do you go to trusted friends to see how they manage the tensions of life?  Do you go to spiritual mentors and asked them how they manage the tensions of life?

If you are looking for me to provide the answer I am sorry I have not one to offer, but here are a few recommendations:

1. Examine the Word of God to see how others have managed the tensions of life.
2. Write down the pros and cons of making the decision.
3. Pray, pray, and did I mention prayer?

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

Ignorance is bliss

Many believers live by this motto.  Often times saying well I am not a bible scholar or a theologian.  Be that as it may I would advise you to follow the advice Paul gave to a young Timothy.  I know that many would argue that this advice is found in a pastoral letter given by Paul to Timothy (A Minster of the Gospel).  Be that as it may we all handle the Word of God in some capacity.  Whether it is as a head of a Sunday School Class, bible study, or head of a household I would encourage you to follow the advice of the Apostle Paul.  For there are many false teachers out there and not all of them have evil intentions.  The Bible states that people perish because lack of knowledge.  The Bible ultimately reveals the character of God, his will for his children, and instructions to survive.  Understanding the truth of the Word of God is vital to your spiritual survival!! Therefore follow the advice of the Apostle Paul. 

What is this advice you asked? Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Scriptural Reference: 2 Timothy 2:15

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

When Troubles Come

When troubles come there are a wide range of emotions that an individual feels.  These emotions range from panic, nervousness, and despair. It is as if this is the first time that trouble has occurred in their life.  Some people respond to trouble by trying to just ignore that it is present.  This is called denial. Others respond to trouble by seeking the help of other individuals.  Then there are those who have peace in the midst of their troubles.  They take comfort because they are under the shadow of the Most High.  They understand that God is their ever present help in their time of need.  They respond in faith trusting God. 

The question for today is simply how do you respond? 

Scripture Reference:  Psalm 91

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis 

When Down Is The Way Up

Children of God sometimes down is the way up.  You maybe wondering what in the world I am talking about. However I believe if Joseph who was Jacob beloved son could testify he would tell you that down is the way up.  You remember Joseph who was sold into slavery by his very own blood and then thrown into jail unjustly.  I surmise to you that Joseph was down, but God elevated Joseph from the jail to second in command in all of Egypt.  So I believe he would tell you that down is the way up!

Children of God sometimes down is the way up. If Jesus the Christ were to testify I believe he would tell that down is the way up.  Jesus the Christ who being in the form of God thought it not robbery being equal to God but made himself of no reputation, took upon the form of a servant, and being made in the likeness of men, and being found in the fashion of man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto to death even unto the cross.  And as resulted of his obedience God has exalted him and has given him a name above all names that at the name of Jesus the Christ every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord.  I submit to you that down is the way up!

You may be down right down child of God but I submit to you that sometimes down is the way up. Therefore don't lose heart doing your down season because you to shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of living if you keep the faith!!

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

More and More

I am chasing after you I don't know what I am going to do, but I need you more and more.  Many of us have felt that way in this life.  Often times it is not in relation to God, but in relation to other persons. It is common in relationships as you get to know individuals that you want to spend more and more time with them as your love for them grows. This is not necessarily a bad thing as God said that it is not good for man to be alone.  God is a God that lives in community in fact God created us that could be in fellowship with him.  However when our desire for individuals surpasses our desire for God that's where the problem lies. Here are three godly things to desire more of:

1. Desire more and more zeal for the Word of God.
2. Desire more and more love and compassion for God's creation. 
3. Desire more and more opportunities to share the Gospel to unbelievers.

Our desire should be to desire more and more of God because God desires more and more of you. 


God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

What is important to me?

Have you ever asked yourself what's important to me?  What was your response?  Common responses are financial security.  Nice home in a safe neighborhood.  These are not necessarily bad things unless you make idols out of them.  How often have you asked yourself what is important to God?  I mean you say your life is not your own but God's.  So how often do you ask yourself what is important to God?  Or is your life about you?

The goal of the Christian life is to mesh what's important to you with what is important to God. If we as Christians can accomplish this we can be the light of the world that we are ultimately called to be. I can tell you what was important to Jesus and that was to do the will of the one who sent him.

We have been sent.  The question becomes is doing the will of the one who sent us important to us?

Scripture Reference: John 8:28-30

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

God is Comfort

When I am in need of comfort where do I turn? Often times I turn to a friend, or I turn to a parent.  Perhaps one may turn to a sibling or a fellow church member.  It seems so natural to turn to these individuals but ultimately they don't have the power to comfort your soul.  Yes, they may provide you solace temporarily, but true comfort comes from God.  God is the one who comforted David when he was in distress because his friends were few and his enemies were plenty.  God is the one who comforted Israel when they found themselves in exile and God is willing, ready, and able to comfort you.  The prophet Jeremiah book is known as the book of comfort.  God is a God of comfort let God comfort you.

Scripture Reference:  Is. 66:13

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis