Archive for March, 2007
You are currently browsing the Philip K Stone blog archives for March, 2007.
30
Mar
2007
Controlling Your Fire
I’ve often hear the term mentioned – ‘People on Fire for God’, it relates to a passionate thirst to follow God through every thing in life, a deep and intimate relationship, a symbol of Gods Power made manifest in a believers life! People often admire the faith and passion of fellow believers, but they also write themselves off from ever reaching the level they admire in others, they look at their current status and cant see the opportunities for improvement, they struggle to find a vision that will inspire them to Grow closer to God. On the other hand some are so on Fire for God that they become some form of robot that only works when the conversation is about God, these people who are so in Love with God but yet have little love and manners for people they work with and do life with.
In my years as a Christian I’ve learned that the people who really are close to God are the ones who let their actions, kindness and friendship be the catalyst of evangelism in their life, they talk when spoken to, answer when asked a question, but they don’t brag on about them and God but rather focus on Loving people as God wants them to and honour God through serving Him and serving others, These people who do this naturally are people I take my hat off to and totally admire and respect!
But then there’s those who want to serve with motives that put them on the fast road to Burnout, They want to be in everything, every team, every meeting, these people forget their families, children and seem to be on a quest to ‘earn’ a position in Gods Church, unfortunately its these people who are easily offended, easily distracted and low on commitment levels. I believe everyone of us needs to Serve God, but we need to serve Him in the places and ministries where we are without a shadow of a doubt called to serve – Remember Gods Hates Look Warm! If your motive in serving is pure – keep it up, if not I urge You to control the Fire, it may no longer be a fire of God but rather a Fire that will burn your Body, mind and Soul and it will hurt you for a long time. Don’t be burning out.
There are so many examples in society of Christians who live a good balanced life, if there are problems at Home, then Home gets time, If your marriage is suffering then it gets time, if life outside of Church stuff is good, then I think spending time in Ministry in good, but if its affecting stuff then maybe you need to look deep into your situation and refocus, I Hope this is a challenge and not a reprimand. God Limited us so that we could only do so much. Bless ya!
29
Mar
2007
and now the News from NI
So Northern Ireland really is getting all the headlines this week. Monday seen a historic coming together of two bitter enemies as Mr Paisley and Mr Adams came together publicly for the first time – united in bringing a future and a hope to the people of Northern Ireland, ok there was no handshake but it was the step in the right direction – God says in His word, Blessed are the Peace makers – Not the Peace Keepers so I truly believe this is not only a good thing, but also a God thing, and I would endorse You to continue to pray for the leaders in our own wee government in the months ahead as they setup a New Local government, Pray for the safety and protection of all the local politicians, and let them know you are praying for them, I was talking to someone yesterday who was telling me of a friend who had given a tract to Mr Adams recently, Mr Adams response was ‘Please pray for me’ – These guys need prayer because they know it works – so lets cover them all in prayer – Just a few minutes every day!
No Matter what your religious viewpoint may be, no human needs to be making enemies and keeping enemies, this division in any walk of life causes a deep and bitter pain. As Believers we really need to be leading the way in our community, Loving people from every nation coming into our towns, Loving people from every religion coming into our towns and so on. The Greatest Gift talked about in Corinthians in the Gift of love. The fact of the matter is that they to are Gods creation, they to are Loved by God, they to have a destiny. Every life has a label on it, Work Done or Work in Progress, another words as Bill Hybels would say Saved or Seeking. Never Rule Anyone out of Salvation, only God has the right to do that!
Remember we are called to Love people, and not their Sin! – There is a big difference.
A Big Congrats to the Super Leeds United Star Mr Healy, Scoring both goals last night in Northern Irelands Mighty Home Win over Sweden, Nice to See northern Ireland Top of the Group! Come on the Lads!
22
Mar
2007
When Silence Speaks
Since a very young age I’ve always enjoyed having time alone, away from noise, distraction and opinions. Everyday I like to fine moments just to ponder what God is saying to me, to try to clear all channels leading to God so that I can hear him, these are moments when my lips must be closed – no words must leave my mouth because this time is for God to Speak only, For God to speak through thought, word, noise and action. Sometimes there is nothing, but its so nice to know that while in a human sense I’m alone I’m setting aside time with my God, my maker, my healer, my provider and my Lord.
Then there are Other times having removed yourself from a busy life for a few moments to analyse a situation you are currently facing, The ABC path becomes clear, you know one of those moments, when God enlightens you, that makes you wonder ‘how on earth did I not see that?’ I know there is power in Silence when in the presence of God because I’ve felt and experienced it, its a time when Your faith will Grow and be tested and a time when your actions will be stopped and questioned, but its a Time when You can include God in your decisions, Your ideas, You Life. And lets face it, that is surely our objective as Christians?
Let God speak through silence!
21
Mar
2007
Sin & the Sinner
Have you ever heard someone criticise and add in the words ‘but he/she’s not a Christian’s? as if to say they are not in the Christian Grace Club? They are not good enough? They don’t have the Eternal Life ticket?
Sometimes I have had the displeasure of seeing people use Christianity as a mere excuse to criticise those who are still in their sin. They look the ideal Christian then they open their mouths and speak displeasing words about folk, of whom they would say nothing if they were present – another words they Gossip!
I know many unsaved men and women and they are not bad people, infact some of them are probably nicer than many Christians (if I be honest)? Gods word is clear on this, we are to love the Sinner – Not the Sin, We are commanded to Love People, Remember God Loves every human on this planet equally, Sinner and Saved Sinner alike. There is nothing you or I could do to earn more of Gods Love, Remember God is a respecter of no persons, Gods Love stops were sin starts, His Love cannot be where sin is. The only reason God Love means something to those saved is because they have responded to Gods Love, they have entered a commitment to love God in a similar way that He loves us – with all of their heart!
Today if your fooling around with Gods Love and sin, its time to have a reality check, Choose you this day who you will serve? God or Satan – Lets not dress up the list of choices because that’s all the choice you have!
20
Mar
2007
Movin forward –>
How nice to have a long weekend off – It Was so good to be together with the Kids and Amy for a whole weekend!! This was a very strange weekend, it was the start of ‘seconds’ for everything. Its had to believe on Friday that amys Mum has been in Glory for a year, This weekend was the second Mothers Day for Amy without her mum, and it was very hard, Ben and Maddie Gave Amy a Card on Saturday night before going to bed that sings ‘Your the best mummy in the world’. Amy can’t walk past the mantelpiece now without opening the card and listening to the song – Its brings such a smile to her face!, For me Amy is a living testimony that Life can go on, that there is still happiness for her in life, that God Still has plans not to harm her but to prosper her – I keep telling Amy she’s my wee Gem! What has been a Year of confusion is nearing an end, the sun is setting and God is creating a New Dawn and a New Day. The Future is not uncertain because God has it in His Hands!
We decided this past week as a family its time to move so for those of you who have enjoyed nights at our little home over the last five years we just want to thankyou for the many memories that you have helped us create in our time at Marlborough Park. It brought a tear to my eye seeing the ‘for sale’ sign outside the house, for the many memories we have treasured in our hearts from living there. We are currently looking at a few places (Lurgan Area) but are praying for Gods Guidance as we make our next move. Its hard to believe that Amy and myself are nearly five years married (in October) its been Great! For anyone not married – I’d highly recommend it!
God is Great and I just want to give Him all the Glory & Praise for where He has brought me in this journey through life up until now – I’m so excited about the next chapters of my life and look forward to seeing what God has in store for My Family, My Marriage and My Life.
