Author: Chuck Musselwhite

Rise Above

Want to know one of the keys to success in your Christian walk? It’s a simple theory, honestly but challenging to put into application. Rise Above it all. Paul tells the Colossians to focus on what is essential. Think about the things of Christ, and don’t get distracted by the trivial. Rise above it all. One way to do that is to forgive the other person.

Colossians 3:1,13
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” 

The Colossian was growing fast and making an impact on the region. As always happens, problems crop up and threaten to destroy any momentum that has happened. Paul instructs this young church first to keep their mind focused on things above or heaven. He also tells them to bear with one another and be willing to forgive when others wrong them. Keeping your mind right and your heart free of bitterness will make you available to be used by God.

Overcome the Darkness

The darkness of a room can be disconcerting and confusing. It is easy to lose your frame of reference and not know where you are. Very little good comes out of the darkness. That is why Jesus said He was the light of the world. He illuminates the darkness and exposes the evil that resides there. Sadly, people who are in the darkness don’t want to be exposed. If you are struggling you can overcome the darkness. The power of the light Jesus brings is more powerful than any darkness.

John 3:17-19
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.

Come out of the dark. The pressure of life builds up for everyone. How we handle that pressure can make or break us. Many people choose to cope with that pressure by indulging in private sin. That momentary escape gives them a brief respite from the stress of life. Unfortunately, that temporary fix becomes a necessity. It starts taking up more time than we want it too. Soon we find ourselves in a place where we can’t stop and we are too embarrassed to seek help. When we finally get exposed there is a sense of relief but there is still that pull to run back to our dark place. We can get free from that bondage that ensnares us. Come out of the dark and turn to Jesus.

Prepare to Take a Stand

Some people are called to a tough life. What they experience and have to do is more stringent than most people. God has built and equipped them for this role. They can endure more than most humans. Jeremiah was a person like this. He was called to stand up to the rulers of Israel. God…

Revive Your Spirit

God has hundreds of promises in His Word. One of those promises is that he looks after those who are humble and contrite. Here in Isaiah, God promises to revive your spirit if you are humble. Everyone is going to get down and need some encouragement. Even the humble and contrite get discouraged. God sees…

Still In Need of a Savior

The more you become an expert in something like music or sports, the more you need to practice to remain at that level. Baseball players take more groundballs and musicians play more scales. One area where we don’t need any practice is being a sinner. Nothing comes more naturally to us than sinning. It constantly…

Redeem the Time

Time is something you can never get back. As of writing this, no time machine has been invented. So we have to be wise with how we use our time. We shouldn’t fritter it away or, even worse, use it for the wrong purposes. Paul tells us to redeem the time by sharing the Gospel…

Jesus Carries Your Sorrows

.When you are struggling, you can have others come alongside you and support you, but they can’t carry your sorrows. Loved ones can surround you, but they can’t feel the pain of your disease. While their love and support make the sorrow easier, it is yours to carry alone. When it comes to your sin,…

Impossible Without Faith

Pleasing God is Impossible Without Faith. No good work or behavior will get you over the top. It is stepping out in faith that will please Him. Your willingness to step out of your comfort zone when you don’t know the outcome and when things don’t look promising is faith. Faith is where we learn…

Set the Example

You need to set the example for others to follow. Whether they are your children or younger workers at your job, you need to set the example for them to follow. They have questions and are looking for good examples to model their lives after. Your actions could show the way for someone who has…

Sing for Joy

What fills your heart with joy? Is it your family or friends? Maybe it’s your hobby? Whatever it is, it fills your heart and puts a song on your lips. Did you know that you fill your heavenly Father’s heart with joy? You make creation sing for joy. The mountains break forth into singing because God…