Rusty Kuhn's Blog - Posts Tagged "christian"
Shaping a Sincere Faith
“I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.” II Timothy 1:3-5 NASB
As Paul reflected upon the life of young Timothy he thanked God for him and his sincere faith. This was the last letter of Paul. Paul told Timothy in II Timothy 4:6, “The time of my departure has come.” Paul was in a Roman jail persecuted for proclaiming the gospel and knew that the time of his martyrdom for the Lord was soon to come.
Paul reminded Timothy of how the roots of his faith were first formed. His grandmother Lois and mother Eunice were faithful women of God who taught Timothy the ways of the Lord from childhood. The mighty man of God Timothy grew to be was greatly attributed to his godly upbringing.
Paul, knowing his time of death was near, wasn’t concerned for himself. He stated he had a clear conscience. There is no mention of Timothy’s father; however, Paul had taken Timothy under his wing as a son in the faith. After many years of Paul investing into Timothy’s life through mentoring him Paul, now desired to give his last words as words of encouragement to Timothy. Words of encouragement from Paul to Timothy to stand strong, stand firm, stir up your gifts, and step out in faith, even after he’s gone.
Oh, how great a need we have today of children being brought up in a godly upbringing. Oh, how great a need we have today of mentors taking those who are young in the faith under their wing as Paul did Timothy and disciple them. One of the greatest downfalls of the church today is the lack of discipleship. One of the greatest ways of discipleship is for the mature men and woman of God to simply take the babes in Christ by the hand and say, “Walk with me, and I will show you how it’s done.” I am so very grateful for the Paul’s God has put in my path over the years. Timothy, who was now pastor of Ephesus, now had a sincere faith; a sincere faith that was shaped and molded by godly people that God had put in his path. Who has God put in your path? Your children or grandchildren? New believers or those with struggles? Are you shaping a sincere faith within them? Will they carry on after you are gone?
As Paul reflected upon the life of young Timothy he thanked God for him and his sincere faith. This was the last letter of Paul. Paul told Timothy in II Timothy 4:6, “The time of my departure has come.” Paul was in a Roman jail persecuted for proclaiming the gospel and knew that the time of his martyrdom for the Lord was soon to come.
Paul reminded Timothy of how the roots of his faith were first formed. His grandmother Lois and mother Eunice were faithful women of God who taught Timothy the ways of the Lord from childhood. The mighty man of God Timothy grew to be was greatly attributed to his godly upbringing.
Paul, knowing his time of death was near, wasn’t concerned for himself. He stated he had a clear conscience. There is no mention of Timothy’s father; however, Paul had taken Timothy under his wing as a son in the faith. After many years of Paul investing into Timothy’s life through mentoring him Paul, now desired to give his last words as words of encouragement to Timothy. Words of encouragement from Paul to Timothy to stand strong, stand firm, stir up your gifts, and step out in faith, even after he’s gone.
Oh, how great a need we have today of children being brought up in a godly upbringing. Oh, how great a need we have today of mentors taking those who are young in the faith under their wing as Paul did Timothy and disciple them. One of the greatest downfalls of the church today is the lack of discipleship. One of the greatest ways of discipleship is for the mature men and woman of God to simply take the babes in Christ by the hand and say, “Walk with me, and I will show you how it’s done.” I am so very grateful for the Paul’s God has put in my path over the years. Timothy, who was now pastor of Ephesus, now had a sincere faith; a sincere faith that was shaped and molded by godly people that God had put in his path. Who has God put in your path? Your children or grandchildren? New believers or those with struggles? Are you shaping a sincere faith within them? Will they carry on after you are gone?
A Resolution of Faith
“For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 NASB
Now that the Christmas season is behind us we look forward to the celebration of a new year. Many spend this time making for themselves New Year’s Resolution. Whether they are seeking separation from sins, or desiring deliverance from dependencies, or wishing away their worries, the solution is the same-faith.
From the well wishing, one will often get advice to work out their problems, or keep a positive attitude, or keep your head above the water, it will work itself out. This advice is well intended but, unfortunately it is wrong and harmful advice. The Word of God clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, (Ephesians 2:8, 9), and anything done apart from faith is sin, (Romans 14:23). As Christians we walk by faith and not by sight. The scripture stated above says, “It is God who is at work in you,” and His work in you is to, will and to work for His good pleasure.
Every Christian has area’s that need improvement in their lives. For this reason I resolve to have faith. Faith in Jesus of whom I can do nothing apart from, (John 5:5), faith in Jesus of whom I can do all things through, (Philippians 4:16), and faith in Jesus who gives me true deliverance, “Whom the Son has set free is free indeed.” (John 8:36). This year resolve to seek God for ALL of your solutions. Resolve to have faith. Rusty Kuhn
Now that the Christmas season is behind us we look forward to the celebration of a new year. Many spend this time making for themselves New Year’s Resolution. Whether they are seeking separation from sins, or desiring deliverance from dependencies, or wishing away their worries, the solution is the same-faith.
From the well wishing, one will often get advice to work out their problems, or keep a positive attitude, or keep your head above the water, it will work itself out. This advice is well intended but, unfortunately it is wrong and harmful advice. The Word of God clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, (Ephesians 2:8, 9), and anything done apart from faith is sin, (Romans 14:23). As Christians we walk by faith and not by sight. The scripture stated above says, “It is God who is at work in you,” and His work in you is to, will and to work for His good pleasure.
Every Christian has area’s that need improvement in their lives. For this reason I resolve to have faith. Faith in Jesus of whom I can do nothing apart from, (John 5:5), faith in Jesus of whom I can do all things through, (Philippians 4:16), and faith in Jesus who gives me true deliverance, “Whom the Son has set free is free indeed.” (John 8:36). This year resolve to seek God for ALL of your solutions. Resolve to have faith. Rusty Kuhn
Giving God the Glory in 2015
“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” I Corinthians 2:31 NASB
As Christians we often think of things within our lives as sacred or secular. The sacred would include going to church, reading our bibles, praying, or serving God. We then think of the secular as being anything that isn’t directly connected to God such as our jobs and hobbies. Unfortunately, our families more often fall into the category of secular than sacred. Unfortunately, this is unbiblical. The bible teaches that Christians have been bought with the blood of Christ. Since we have been bought with the blood of Christ we belong to God. I Corinthians 6:20 says, “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” Since we belong to God, everything we do should bring glory to Him. Since we have been bought with a price, and have been saved from the eternal pits of hell, giving glory to God is a act of love, devotion, and the utmost appreciation.
If we were children of the world everything within our lives would be secular. Since we are children of God everything within our lives is sacred; they belong to Him. Our jobs, our hobbies, our families, our everything. Since all of who we are belongs to God, all of what we do should bring Him glory, even the simplest things of life such as eating and drinking. Even the tiniest most insignificant of creatures on earth has to eat and drink. It is a mundane necessity for all creatures. As Christians, this mundane necessity of life should bring glory to God. As Christians, all that we do from the mundane to the monumental should bring glory to God. If what we are doing doesn’t bring glory to God, we shouldn’t be participating in it.
As this next year is fast approaching make a commitment to God that your life will be and instrument for His glory. You may not be the most popular person and may endure persecution as a result of this radical decision. But remember, the things of this earth are extraordinarily temporary. The one who created you, gives you breath, sustains you, and purchased for you eternity is eternal. He deserves all glory does He not? Rusty Kuhn
As Christians we often think of things within our lives as sacred or secular. The sacred would include going to church, reading our bibles, praying, or serving God. We then think of the secular as being anything that isn’t directly connected to God such as our jobs and hobbies. Unfortunately, our families more often fall into the category of secular than sacred. Unfortunately, this is unbiblical. The bible teaches that Christians have been bought with the blood of Christ. Since we have been bought with the blood of Christ we belong to God. I Corinthians 6:20 says, “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” Since we belong to God, everything we do should bring glory to Him. Since we have been bought with a price, and have been saved from the eternal pits of hell, giving glory to God is a act of love, devotion, and the utmost appreciation.
If we were children of the world everything within our lives would be secular. Since we are children of God everything within our lives is sacred; they belong to Him. Our jobs, our hobbies, our families, our everything. Since all of who we are belongs to God, all of what we do should bring Him glory, even the simplest things of life such as eating and drinking. Even the tiniest most insignificant of creatures on earth has to eat and drink. It is a mundane necessity for all creatures. As Christians, this mundane necessity of life should bring glory to God. As Christians, all that we do from the mundane to the monumental should bring glory to God. If what we are doing doesn’t bring glory to God, we shouldn’t be participating in it.
As this next year is fast approaching make a commitment to God that your life will be and instrument for His glory. You may not be the most popular person and may endure persecution as a result of this radical decision. But remember, the things of this earth are extraordinarily temporary. The one who created you, gives you breath, sustains you, and purchased for you eternity is eternal. He deserves all glory does He not? Rusty Kuhn
God’s Prescription for Prosperity
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
New Years Eve usually serves two purposes for most people. It is a day of reflection of the past year and a day of looking forward to the year ahead. As we look to the past we often think, “What can we do better in the year ahead?” We often make resolutions that counter act many of the poor choices we have made in the past.
Looking backwards can be good and bad. Learning from our past mistakes can be positive. When we discover fire burns, we know not to stick our hand in the flame again. However, we don’t want to get stuck in the past and live in the only ifs. Only if I wouldn’t have, or only if I would have, or only if I could have. Living in the past can trap us and disable us from living up to the full potential God has for our lives. If we have sinned we turn away from those sins and ask God to forgive us, knowing God’s Word fully assures us that He will. (I John 1:9)
As Christians we should stand in full conviction that God has a prosperous future for us. His Word gives us these clear promises. How then do we obtain this prosperity in the Lord? God told Joshua just before he was to lead the nation of Israel across the Jordan into the Promised Land in Joshua 1:8, “you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” God’s plan for Joshua’s success was clear. He was to take God’s Word, not turn from it to the right or to the left, and be careful to do all that was written in it. God’s prescription for prosperity that He gave to Joshua is the same for you and I today.
God’s prosperity comes in many forms. Most of the time it isn’t silver or gold since that is usually desired for a self serving purpose. Whatever the form, it will bring glory to God and joy beyond measure to your soul that you would never trade for all of the silver and gold in the world. I pray you have a very prosperous 2015 in the name above all names. Jesus! Rusty Kuhn
New Years Eve usually serves two purposes for most people. It is a day of reflection of the past year and a day of looking forward to the year ahead. As we look to the past we often think, “What can we do better in the year ahead?” We often make resolutions that counter act many of the poor choices we have made in the past.
Looking backwards can be good and bad. Learning from our past mistakes can be positive. When we discover fire burns, we know not to stick our hand in the flame again. However, we don’t want to get stuck in the past and live in the only ifs. Only if I wouldn’t have, or only if I would have, or only if I could have. Living in the past can trap us and disable us from living up to the full potential God has for our lives. If we have sinned we turn away from those sins and ask God to forgive us, knowing God’s Word fully assures us that He will. (I John 1:9)
As Christians we should stand in full conviction that God has a prosperous future for us. His Word gives us these clear promises. How then do we obtain this prosperity in the Lord? God told Joshua just before he was to lead the nation of Israel across the Jordan into the Promised Land in Joshua 1:8, “you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” God’s plan for Joshua’s success was clear. He was to take God’s Word, not turn from it to the right or to the left, and be careful to do all that was written in it. God’s prescription for prosperity that He gave to Joshua is the same for you and I today.
God’s prosperity comes in many forms. Most of the time it isn’t silver or gold since that is usually desired for a self serving purpose. Whatever the form, it will bring glory to God and joy beyond measure to your soul that you would never trade for all of the silver and gold in the world. I pray you have a very prosperous 2015 in the name above all names. Jesus! Rusty Kuhn
