On D.E.C.K. with Roderick...

  Everything created has a beginning and an end. We expect things at some point in time to stop. However, as Christians, there is something that we cannot ever stop doing; that is, we cannot stop believing in our God. Foundational to the Christian life is the ability to have faith; that is, believe. Without a belief in the work of God through Jesus Christ, one cannot enter into salvation. Moreover, the obtained salvation cannot be maintained without an ever growing faith, hope, and belief in God. Our belief in God has to go beyond a general belief in His existence. It has to expand to a solid belief in His power and ability to move on our behalf. Here  are  3  reasons why a Christian must not stop  believing in God (through prayers) who will walk with them daily: 1. We are instructed to pray. Jesus taught on numerous occasions concerning prayer. He said that we are to always pray and not faint. The parable He used demonstrated that even though we may have to pr...

Life does not stop. As long as one lives, there will always be things to do, places to go, and people to see. Aside from fulfilling the demands that come with living, Christians yet have to maintain their personal relationships with the Lord. In addition, they have to fulfill any religious functions, obligations, and attend services. However, in the midst of all of these things, Christians have to be able to take time to rest. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. Gen 2:2 (KJV)   We know that God rested upon the seventh day as a sign to us that we should take time to rest. Rest has to become a part of your daily schedule. It will help with stress reduction and improve your quality of living so that you will be able to be effective even in your walk with the Lord.  Rest from your labors. You cannot do everything all time. You must take time to give your body the rest that it needs ...

  A question that every Christian must ask himself is, “Why do I serve Christ?” In addition, the Christian must ask, “What is the expected end of my relationship with Him?” Without a hope and an expectation, the Christian life can become mundane, lifeless, and even frustrating. As there is a shifting in the Church by the Holy Spirit, Christians have to know how to respond to it. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1 Cor 9:24 (KJV) Paul likened the Christian walk unto a race. He reminded the saints at Corinth that they have to live as if they are after a prize. No good athlete enters a race with a hope to lose, but to win. If we are going to possess what the Lord has for us in these days, we have to adopt this mindset. The scriptures give us seven ways to “run” in the Christian race: Run to obtain (I Cor. 9:24) – We have to run with the mindset that I am going to obtain eternal life. Our focus in service...

Christians must be on guard from the allure of the world. If we keep the world’s pattern of thinking, we will fail in our Christian walk. The believer must stay cautious at all times. He must allow his thought process to be governed by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. The world is not only designed to keep our flesh in bondage, but also our minds and spirits. Paul lets us know that we must not only keep our flesh (bodies) clean, but also our spirits, Therefore having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (II Corinthians 7:1) God has given us many promises. Because Jesus overcame the world, the believer can also (John 16:33). He promised us power over the enemy, victory instead of defeat. Yet, the above scripture lets us know that to obtain these promises we must cleanse ourselves; that is, our thoughts, emotions, personality traits, attributes, and fleshly desires. The flesh is to be cl...

               God is the author of life. His very words contain creative power. When He created the earth, He did it through the power of His famous words, “Let there be…” Until this present day, all things that were set in motion remain by the power of His word. From other scriptures, we discover that aside from the power of His words, God’s thoughts and intents will certainly happen. In the book of Isaiah, God declares, The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand (Isaiah 14:24) Whatever the will of the Lord is shall surely happen. Without even speaking, if God thinks or purposes to do something, it will happen. Thus, we  understand that God possesses all power.            Because of the awesome power of God, He can turn around the unclean things of our lives. The Book of Job asks, “Who can bring a clean out of an...

God is the author of life. His very words contain creative power. When He created the earth, He did it through the power of His famous words, “Let there be…” Until this present day, all things that were set in motion remain by the power of His word. From other scriptures, we discover that aside from the power of His words, God’s thoughts and intents will certainly happen. In the book of Isaiah, God declares, The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand (Isaiah 14:24) Whatever the will of the Lord is shall surely happen. Without even speaking, if God thinks or purposes to do something, it will happen. Thus, we understand that God possesses all power.  Because of the awesome power of God, He can turn around the unclean things of our lives. The Book of Job asks, “Who can bring a clean out of an unclean?” – God can. God brings impossible things to fruition. The Bible abounds with accounts of God doin...

Most people struggle with their personal histories. It is a known fact. Many live in regret wishing they could go back and change the past or relive the past. Neither of these are beneficial or practical if one wants to progress in life. In the book of Joshua, God was ready for Israel to go into their land of promise. However, they were too busy mourning over Moses. So, He sent His word to Joshua for he and the people to arise; that is, get over it. Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Josh 1:2 (KJV)  In our lives, there are situations that consistently stunt us from progressing in our relationship with Christ. Yet, the time is now to get over them. Regardless of the source of your frustration, it is not the intent of God for you to be frustrated and restrained by them. There are two areas that many need to get over. Get over Past Hurts. No one like to b...