You have probably heard the term TBT. It stands for "Throwback Thursday," or sometimes "Throwback Tuesday." If you go on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram on Thursdays you will see lots of old pictures of people with the hastag #TBT. The reason people love TBT is because it gives them a chance to go back and remember good times in their lives. People love to poke fun at their big hair, clothing, and cultural emphasis of whatever year the photo is from. Let's face it. We all enjoy looking back at our younger, slimmer, and full heads of hair selves!
There is another important TBT coming up this week-Thanksgiving. It is a time to remember the good things God has blessed us with. Psalm 103:2 tells to, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name." The Psalmist tells us here that we are to remind ourselves of all the blessings God has given to us-forgiveness, hope, grace, peace, family, friends, material blessings, etc.
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to recount all of the wonderful things God has surrounded you with. Have your own #TBT with your family. You will be surprised at the good memories you will share and create.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Monday, November 24, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
The Benefits of Loving Correction
This past Sunday I had the privilege of preaching from 1 Timothy 5:1-2: "Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity."
The reality is, we all need correction from time to time. There are blind spots in our perceptions, attitudes, and actions that occasionally need adjustment. But how should we receive that kind of correction? Let me give you a few steps to implement.
1. Is the person giving the correction a trusted individual in your life?
In other words, is this a person who is close to you and knows you, your personality, and strengths/weaknesses? You do not need to give everyone the right to speak into your life. If the person is on the outside of your sphere of influence, think twice before receiving their correction.
2. Is the person giving you correction doing it publicly or privately?
Loving correction as a general rule needs to be done privately. While there are certain instances where public correction is necessary that should be the exception, not the norm. Many times an individual attempting to correct you in public has ulterior motives: cause you embarrassment, undermine you, etc.
3. What is the attitude in which the correction is given to you?
In the 1 Timothy 5:1-2, "Paul says do not rebuke..." That word rebuke carries the connotation of harshness and violence. Rather, he says, "exhort." The word exhort in the Greek conveys the idea of encouragement, walking alongside someone to help them.
If the attitude to the individual attempting correction is harsh and angry, that is a good sign you do not need to receive it. However, if the attitude of the individual is one of encouragement, and trying to help you in your walk with Christ then God is using that person as an instrument in your life.
If the individual meets these three criteria, what should be your reaction?
1. Receive it with humility.
It is never easy to be corrected, even if it is warranted and the individual does it biblically.
2. Thank the individual.
It takes great courage to lovingly confront and correct someone. Thank the person for loving you enough to want God's best for you.
3. Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Ask God to show you how to implement what was said in your life.
While it might be painful, having someone lovingly correct you can be the best thing to happen to you if you receive it in a godly way.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
The reality is, we all need correction from time to time. There are blind spots in our perceptions, attitudes, and actions that occasionally need adjustment. But how should we receive that kind of correction? Let me give you a few steps to implement.
1. Is the person giving the correction a trusted individual in your life?
In other words, is this a person who is close to you and knows you, your personality, and strengths/weaknesses? You do not need to give everyone the right to speak into your life. If the person is on the outside of your sphere of influence, think twice before receiving their correction.
2. Is the person giving you correction doing it publicly or privately?
Loving correction as a general rule needs to be done privately. While there are certain instances where public correction is necessary that should be the exception, not the norm. Many times an individual attempting to correct you in public has ulterior motives: cause you embarrassment, undermine you, etc.
3. What is the attitude in which the correction is given to you?
In the 1 Timothy 5:1-2, "Paul says do not rebuke..." That word rebuke carries the connotation of harshness and violence. Rather, he says, "exhort." The word exhort in the Greek conveys the idea of encouragement, walking alongside someone to help them.
If the attitude to the individual attempting correction is harsh and angry, that is a good sign you do not need to receive it. However, if the attitude of the individual is one of encouragement, and trying to help you in your walk with Christ then God is using that person as an instrument in your life.
If the individual meets these three criteria, what should be your reaction?
1. Receive it with humility.
It is never easy to be corrected, even if it is warranted and the individual does it biblically.
2. Thank the individual.
It takes great courage to lovingly confront and correct someone. Thank the person for loving you enough to want God's best for you.
3. Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Ask God to show you how to implement what was said in your life.
While it might be painful, having someone lovingly correct you can be the best thing to happen to you if you receive it in a godly way.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Monday, November 10, 2014
Heeding the Warning Signs
Hebrews 3:13: "But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception."
Imagine for a moment a world without signs. How would we even know where to go or how to get there? Think about how dangerous driving would be if all the caution signs suddenly disappeared. Consider how many people might get hurt walking too near an unmarked construction site, or taking unlabeled medicine.
Thankfully, warning signs appear everywhere. In fact, we see so many that we often times ignore the ones we see. We need the warning signs.
In verse 13 in Hebrews 13, the writer gives us a warning. We must not let the tests of life harden our hearts against God. Instead, we must encourage each other to persevere in our faith and walk with Christ.
The journey of faith is a lifelong trek, requiring us to navigate the twists, turns, and detours of life that put our faith to the test. We have a mutual responsibility to warn and encourage one another daily.
Who do you have in your life that encourages you to keep the faith? If you cannot think of anyone, it probably means you are not plugged into a local church. If not, prayerfully find a church that is doctrinally sound and seeks to build your faith.
Second, who are you encouraging in their walk with the Lord? If no one comes to mind, ask the Lord to direct you to someone who needs a kind word and prayer.
Don't neglect the warning signs in your life. Allow the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to keep you on the right road today.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Bryan
Imagine for a moment a world without signs. How would we even know where to go or how to get there? Think about how dangerous driving would be if all the caution signs suddenly disappeared. Consider how many people might get hurt walking too near an unmarked construction site, or taking unlabeled medicine.
Thankfully, warning signs appear everywhere. In fact, we see so many that we often times ignore the ones we see. We need the warning signs.
In verse 13 in Hebrews 13, the writer gives us a warning. We must not let the tests of life harden our hearts against God. Instead, we must encourage each other to persevere in our faith and walk with Christ.
The journey of faith is a lifelong trek, requiring us to navigate the twists, turns, and detours of life that put our faith to the test. We have a mutual responsibility to warn and encourage one another daily.
Who do you have in your life that encourages you to keep the faith? If you cannot think of anyone, it probably means you are not plugged into a local church. If not, prayerfully find a church that is doctrinally sound and seeks to build your faith.
Second, who are you encouraging in their walk with the Lord? If no one comes to mind, ask the Lord to direct you to someone who needs a kind word and prayer.
Don't neglect the warning signs in your life. Allow the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to keep you on the right road today.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Bryan
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