Chris Burge Ministries' Podcast

None of us like being in a state of confusion, we all abhor uncertainty. When we find ourselves in a season where we don't know what to do, it's easy to get disappointed with God, but we want to stay mindful that there are steps we can take to minimize the temptation to feel overwhelmed. Here's what you can do: Don’t panic; Focus on God’s love; Come clean with God so that you can take advantage of the power of humility; Talk to Him about the areas you struggle with--have a contrite heart; Review the scriptures that you are standing on, and meditate on them; Ask for wisdom and guidance; Do an internal audit. How much time are you spending in the Word of God vs. the things of the world?

None of us like being in a state of confusion, we all abhor uncertainty. When we find ourselves in a season where we don't know what to do, it's easy to get disappointed with God, but we want to stay mindful that there are steps we can take to minimize the temptation to feel overwhelmed. Here's what you can do: Don’t panic; Focus on God’s love; Come clean with God so that you can take advantage of the power of humility; Talk to Him about the areas you struggle with--have a contrite heart; Review the scriptures that you are standing on, and meditate on them; Ask for wisdom and guidance; Do an internal audit. How much time are you spending in the Word of God vs. the things of the world?

I think that honor is one one of the most misunderstood terms in the Christian vernacular. The word literally means "to give weight or respect." In the simplest definition honor is "manifested respect." Honor is tangible. You can respect someone in private, but honoring them is done in public. In the secular world, we honor people by giving awards or diplomas or addressing certain people in a deferential manner. Unfortunately far too many Christians know how to honor a judge in the courtroom, but don't know how to honor God with their lives.

I think that honor is one one of the most misunderstood terms in the Christian vernacular. The word literally means "to give weight or respect." In the simplest definition honor is "manifested respect." Honor is tangible. You can respect someone in private, but honoring them is done in public. In the secular world, we honor people by giving awards or diplomas or addressing certain people in a deferential manner. Unfortunately far too many Christians know how to honor a judge in the courtroom, but don't know how to honor God with their lives.

We all know that divorce is difficult for children. But did you know that the way parents handle the divorce in front of their kids directly correlates to how their children will adjust post-divorce? There are a host of things parents in the midst of divorce unwittingly may say or do that greatly increases their child’s stress level. Such parents are so often consumed by grief and loss themselves that they aren’t aware that their behavior not only has far-reaching negative consequences for their children, but also greatly affects the relationship between parent(s) and child. Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

We all know that divorce is difficult for children. But did you know that the way parents handle the divorce in front of their kids directly correlates to how their children will adjust post-divorce? There are a host of things parents in the midst of divorce unwittingly may say or do that greatly increases their child’s stress level. Such parents are so often consumed by grief and loss themselves that they aren’t aware that their behavior not only has far-reaching negative consequences for their children, but also greatly affects the relationship between parent(s) and child. Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

When our time here on earth is over, in the final analysis, we all want to feel like we have made an impact. All of us want to feel like when we die, we will be missed, and that we have left a mark that cannot be erased. In my judgment, the way you make your life count is to make sure that you are doing something that has a Kingdom Agenda. By Kingdom Agenda I mean that we have fulfilled God’s reason for sending us here. In order to understand this better, we need to examine Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” Allow me to explain this scripture: We exist in a realm called time. God exists in a realm called eternity. So this verse tells us that God takes a dream from his realm (eternity) and deposits it in our hearts to accomplish within our realm (time). This is why most people do not even share what they believe they are called to do, because most people would think they are crazy. The reason is you are trying to give birth to something that is out of this world! If you really want to make your life count, start pursuing the dream that God has placed on the inside of you!!

When our time here on earth is over, in the final analysis, we all want to feel like we have made an impact. All of us want to feel like when we die, we will be missed, and that we have left a mark that cannot be erased. In my judgment, the way you make your life count is to make sure that you are doing something that has a Kingdom Agenda. By Kingdom Agenda I mean that we have fulfilled God’s reason for sending us here. In order to understand this better, we need to examine Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” Allow me to explain this scripture: We exist in a realm called time. God exists in a realm called eternity. So this verse tells us that God takes a dream from his realm (eternity) and deposits it in our hearts to accomplish within our realm (time). This is why most people do not even share what they believe they are called to do, because most people would think they are crazy. The reason is you are trying to give birth to something that is out of this world! If you really want to make your life count, start pursuing the dream that God has placed on the inside of you!!

When our time here on earth is over, in the final analysis, we all want to feel like we have made an impact. All of us want to feel like when we die, we will be missed, and that we have left a mark that cannot be erased. In my judgment, the way you make your life count is to make sure that you are doing something that has a Kingdom Agenda. By Kingdom Agenda I mean that we have fulfilled God’s reason for sending us here. In order to understand this better, we need to examine Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” Allow me to explain this scripture: We exist in a realm called time. God exists in a realm called eternity. So this verse tells us that God takes a dream from his realm (eternity) and deposits it in our hearts to accomplish within our realm (time). This is why most people do not even share what they believe they are called to do, because most people would think they are crazy. The reason is you are trying to give birth to something that is out of this world! If you really want to make your life count, start pursuing the dream that God has placed on the inside of you!!

You inner life is the key to the victorious Christian life. 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are tri-part beings: spirit, soul, and body. It is majority rules. The goal of the Christian life is to have your spirit and your body align—but not your soul and body. Why? Satan cannot attack you via your spirit, because you were sealed when you were born again. However, he can attack you via your soul (your mind, imagination, etc.). When your inner man is stronger than your outer man, you are spiritual. When your outer man is stronger than your inner man, you are carnal. The enemy does everything he can to demoralize and discourage us, and he endeavors to create enemies on the inside. His agenda is to introduce negative emotions to your soul, and to try to get you to act on them. These enemies are the following: indifference; indecision; doubt; worry; over-cautiousness; pessimism; and complaining. When we learn to conqueror these enemies, the sky is the limit for what we can accomplish for God!

You inner life is the key to the victorious Christian life. 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are tri-part beings: spirit, soul, and body. It is majority rules. The goal of the Christian life is to have your spirit and your body align—but not your soul and body. Why? Satan cannot attack you via your spirit, because you were sealed when you were born again. However, he can attack you via your soul (your mind, imagination, etc.). When your inner man is stronger than your outer man, you are spiritual. When your outer man is stronger than your inner man, you are carnal. The enemy does everything he can to demoralize and discourage us, and he endeavors to create enemies on the inside. His agenda is to introduce negative emotions to your soul, and to try to get you to act on them. These enemies are the following: indifference; indecision; doubt; worry; over-cautiousness; pessimism; and complaining. When we learn to conqueror these enemies, the sky is the limit for what we can accomplish for God!

You inner life is the key to the victorious Christian life. 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are tri-part beings: spirit, soul, and body. It is majority rules. The goal of the Christian life is to have your spirit and your body align—but not your soul and body. Why? Satan cannot attack you via your spirit, because you were sealed when you were born again. However, he can attack you via your soul (your mind, imagination, etc.). When your inner man is stronger than your outer man, you are spiritual. When your outer man is stronger than your inner man, you are carnal. The enemy does everything he can to demoralize and discourage us, and he endeavors to create enemies on the inside. His agenda is to introduce negative emotions to your soul, and to try to get you to act on them. These enemies are the following: indifference; indecision; doubt; worry; over-cautiousness; pessimism; and complaining. When we learn to conqueror these enemies, the sky is the limit for what we can accomplish for God!

You inner life is the key to the victorious Christian life. 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are tri-part beings: spirit, soul, and body. It is majority rules. The goal of the Christian life is to have your spirit and your body align—but not your soul and body. Why? Satan cannot attack you via your spirit, because you were sealed when you were born again. However, he can attack you via your soul (your mind, imagination, etc.). When your inner man is stronger than your outer man, you are spiritual. When your outer man is stronger than your inner man, you are carnal. The enemy does everything he can to demoralize and discourage us, and he endeavors to create enemies on the inside. His agenda is to introduce negative emotions to your soul, and to try to get you to act on them. These enemies are the following: indifference; indecision; doubt; worry; over-cautiousness; pessimism; and complaining. When we learn to conqueror these enemies, the sky is the limit for what we can accomplish for God!

Transferring blame onto one's spouse is one of the biggest problems plaguing marriages today. Husbands unjustly place blame on their wives, and wives do the same to their husbands--and nobody wins. Listen to this teaching and learn how to communicate in a fruitful way and avoid the dangers and pitfalls of transferring blame onto your spouse. Whether you're already married, or single, and looking to get married, this teaching will set you free from the tyranny of the blame game.

Transferring blame onto one's spouse is one of the biggest problems plaguing marriages today. Husbands unjustly place blame on their wives, and wives do the same to their husbands--and nobody wins. Listen to this teaching and learn how to communicate in a fruitful way and avoid the dangers and pitfalls of transferring blame onto your spouse. Whether you're already married, or single, and looking to get married, this teaching will set you free from the tyranny of the blame game.

Transferring blame onto one's spouse is one of the biggest problems plaguing marriages today. Husbands unjustly place blame on their wives, and wives do the same to their husbands--and nobody wins. Listen to this teaching and learn how to communicate in a fruitful way and avoid the dangers and pitfalls of transferring blame onto your spouse. Whether you're already married, or single, and looking to get married, this teaching will set you free from the tyranny of the blame game.

"Time Management" is really a misnomer, because if you really think about it, time manages itself. The real issue is self-management. We don’t have a time management problem, we have a problem managing/disciplining ourselves. As Christians, it's essential that we realize that we're on a different time schedule than the world. One of most fascinating aspects of Jesus's life is that He never allowed anyone to distract Him from what He perceived God was leading Him to do. From a very young age, Jesus was about His "Father's business." (Luke 2:49) Jesus knew how to manage himself: He was disciplined and didn't waste time. Join us as we examine Jesus's life and learn 5 principles about self-management.

"Time Management" is really a misnomer, because if you really think about it, time manages itself. The real issue is self-management. We don’t have a time management problem, we have a problem managing/disciplining ourselves. As Christians, it's essential that we realize that we're on a different time schedule than the world. One of most fascinating aspects of Jesus's life is that He never allowed anyone to distract Him from what He perceived God was leading Him to do. From a very young age, Jesus was about His "Father's business." (Luke 2:49) Jesus knew how to manage himself: He was disciplined and didn't waste time. Join us as we examine Jesus's life and learn 5 principles about self-management.

"Time Management" is really a misnomer, because if you really think about it, time manages itself. The real issue is self-management. We don’t have a time management problem, we have a problem managing/disciplining ourselves. As Christians, it's essential that we realize that we're on a different time schedule than the world. One of most fascinating aspects of Jesus's life is that He never allowed anyone to distract Him from what He perceived God was leading Him to do. From a very young age, Jesus was about His "Father's business." (Luke 2:49) Jesus knew how to manage himself: He was disciplined and didn't waste time. Join us as we examine Jesus's life and learn 5 principles about self-management.

"Time Management" is really a misnomer, because if you really think about it, time manages itself. The real issue is self-management. We don’t have a time management problem, we have a problem managing/disciplining ourselves. As Christians, it's essential that we realize that we're on a different time schedule than the world. One of most fascinating aspects of Jesus's life is that He never allowed anyone to distract Him from what He perceived God was leading Him to do. From a very young age, Jesus was about His "Father's business." (Luke 2:49) Jesus knew how to manage himself: He was disciplined and didn't waste time. Join us as we examine Jesus's life and learn 5 principles about self-management.

Few of us realize that our greatest opportunities often exist on the other side of confronting our biggest fears. Did it ever dawn on you that if not for Goliath there would have never been a King David? How do you go from obscurity to notoriety? It happens by confronting the giant in your life. In this teaching you will acquire the tools to confront that (thing/fear/obstacle/ impediment) that you have been running from and fulfill your assignment!2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Isaiah 43:18 says "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing.” NKJV. Sometimes in life, you just need to hit the reset button. Doing something new is often challenging because it’s different and unfamiliar, but God wants life to be an adventure. He doesn’t you stuck in a routine, mundane, or fear-filled life. Pray and ask God to help you embrace new things every day and learn to make little (or big!) changes in your life. God doesn’t want us to focus or dwell on yesterday; He wants us to have a fresh start every day.

Blended families today are considered commonplace, as more people re-marry consecutive times. Inevitably, one or both spouses find themselves as step parents and have to rely on increasing amounts of wisdom as they join and blend their families. The newly wed couple is excited, but frequently the kids are left confused and even unhappy as to where they fit into the new union. Step-parents need the wisdom of God to help them operate with love, diplomacy and tact to make the transition as smooth as possible for their new family.

There are 5 things we should never try to do in relationships: change; cure; control; compare or connect with others in unhealthy ways. I believe that eighty percent of all relationship problems occur because one or more of these principles have been compromised. Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

We’ve all been hurt; everybody alive today has experienced some sort of emotional pain. But what you choose to do with the hurt is more important than the hurt itself. Each of us has to decide, and then choose to engage in the healing process so that the hurt can be addressed. If we don’t choose to let go of old hurts, and the bad things in our lives, we’ll get stuck, and ruminate endlessly about the past and remain a victim.

One of the hot topics in our culture wars today is same-sex marriage. From a Christian world view we believe that same-sex marriage contradicts the bible’s definition of what marriage is; the sacred union between a man and a woman. The question now is how do we respond to that contradiction? The only options appear to be: to disapprove of same-sex marriage and hate the participants; or approve of gay marriage and love the participants. I’m challenging my fellow Christians to disapprove of the lifestyle, but to love the people who are living it. This is what Jesus would do. I'm also challenging my gay brothers and sisters in the Lord to understand and believe that we still love them, even though we cannot endorse same-sex marriage.

Many of you are familiar with the adultery website Ashley Madison that was recently hacked. The hackers released 10 GB worth of data that compromised over 32 million users. Names, locations and credit cards were all disclosed. This is a case study in the collateral damage that can occur when we have secret lives. Each one of us has to ask ourselves: “What is our Ashley Madison?” What’s the little secret sin in our lives that we think no one will ever find out about, but that once exposed, can have a devastating ripple effect on every aspect of our lives, and possibly the lives of those closest to us?

Why do some children grow up and make the same mistakes as their parents? Because many folks don’t know the difference between hypocrisy and spiritual growth. Hypocrisy is when you say, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Spiritual growth is when I discover that a behavior in which I’ve engaged is displeasing to God or contrary to His law, and I stop doing it. Unfortunately, many people are walking around with secrets that they haven’t shared with the next generation because of shame. But we must be willing to be vulnerable and disclose our past mistakes/missteps and teach our children, by example, to follow Jesus and walk in His ways.

In my judgment, one of the most misunderstood verses in the bible is Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called sons of God.” NKJV. Notice it says, “peacemakers,” not “peacekeepers”. Peacemaking deals with reconciliation between two estranged parties and taking ownership for the role you played in the discrepancy. That’s the goal, but that’s not always possible because the other person has to cooperate as well. Peacekeeping has to do with not confronting something that needs to be addressed for the sake of keeping the peace, or not wanting to “rock the boat.” The inability to distinguish between “peacemaking” and “peacekeeping” could lead to enabling evil which is something that God strongly opposes.

We’re tempted to worry about lots of things in life. Some fall into the category of “Circle of Control,” and these are things that we really shouldn’t worry about because they’re things that we can immediately act on and control or influence the outcome. On the other hand, there are issues in our lives that belong in the “Circle of Concern.” These are the things we can’t control; nothing we do in the natural can change the outcome, and all we can do is pray. Here’s the tricky part: satan wants us to pray over the “Circle of Control” issues and wants us to take action over the “Circle of Concern” issues. Failing to discern the difference between situations in our lives that fall into these two Circles can lead to fatigue, stress, and anxiety. Joshua 7.10-11 So the Lord said to Joshua: “Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. For they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff.

With the internet, everything is so instant. We've trained ourselves to expect a response from our text message or email message the second we hit the "send" button. This has had a devastating impact on our children. Many of the qualities God wants develop in us such as character, patience, abiding in His presence are totally opposite from the impatient and disconnected mindset many children are developing. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

If you have any type of interaction with people, there will be moments of crossed signals and disagreements. One of the key abilities to possess, especially in marriage, is the ability to humble yourself and repair incidents in relationships. An apology is supposed to be motivated by love for the other person. 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Many of us know what it means to invest. Disinvesting it to withdraw from something that does not have a future. Mathew 10.14 says "And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet." In other words, Jesus was saying "disinvest"! Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?

Proverbs 15.15 in the Amplified version says: "All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]." Catastrophizing is when you project in advance a negative spin on a situation. It is an overall negative attitude that will wear us down if not addressed.

Masturbation is something that many people have experimented with. And many don't believe there is anything wrong with it. A question that is often asked is "Is masturbation mentioned in the Bible?" The answer to that question is "no". Just because the word masturbation is not mentioned in the Bible as a sin does not mean that the behavior itself cannot be sinful… Matthew 5:28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Often times when you confront someone and you speak the truth in love they may experience pain. Just because their response is pain or hurt, it does not mean that you have done something wrong. A rageaholic is going to get angry when you confront them, and alcoholic is going to get angry when you talk about their drinking, a shopaholic is going to get angry when you talk about their spending. We all have to deal with people who are highly reactive, but we cannot allow them to discourage us from speaking the truth in love. Galatians 4:16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?

For many of us, when we think of addiction, we often think of drugs, alcohol or sex. But did you know that in recent years with the advent of the internet, online shopping addiction has become a very pervasive problem? Some have used online shopping as a medication for loneliness insignificance, boredom, disappointments… Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

There are some vows that many people make early in life as a result of getting hurt or abused. If you have been hurt in a relationship, you can glean healing from a relationship. We understand that Jesus is the Healer and He oftentimes ministers through people… Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Very often women ask me "how can I make my husband the spiritual leader of our home?" Granted, there are far too many men who are not holding their own leaving the spiritual development of their household up their wives. However, wives need to guard against associating spiritual leadership with their husband being the best imitation of their pastor…

We've all have made choices that we wish we could change... Particularly when we find ourselves in a situation that seems like a dead-end. In this exciting podcast we look at the life of Levi and how he changed a curse on his life into a blessing simply by making a particular choice. If there's an area in your life where you need to make an 180 degree change, this teaching is a must-hear.

"Learned Helplessness" is a term that comes from an experiment in which mice were put in maze but there was no way out. After wandering around and trying to get out, but finding no escape route--no matter which way they went, the mice eventually gave up and stopped trying. But the deep thing is that when the mice were placed in a new maze with an exit, they remained hopeless and helpless and believed that there was no way out, even when the exit was right in front of them! Their belief system (based on past experience) told them that they didn't have any favorable options, so they simply gave up and quit trying. Unfortunately, "learned helplessness" affects humans, too. One of the most dangerous aspects of this syndrome is that people begin to see themselves as powerless and with out options or fruitful choices. I believe that satan wages spiritual warfare against folks and deceives us into a mindset of learned helplessness. But brothers and sisters, don't give up; don't give in! Don’t lose hope! There is a way out! 1 Corinthians 10:13 encourages us that God is faithful to provide a way of escape!

We live in a society in which promises of how to "Increase or Maximize Your Motivation!" is big business. I'm not opposed to motivation as long as it has its roots in the bible. Far too many Christians are going through life with incorrect assumptions concerning what they can accomplish in life. Join me in an enlightening study as I debunk 5 assumptions about motivation that I believe have severely hampered Christians. The 5 assumptions are:"You can do anything you put your mind to.""If at first you don’t succeed try, try again.""Practice makes perfect.""If you can conceive it, you can achieve it.""If you can do it, I can do it, too."

I may be stepping on some toes but there is a serious addiction to PDAs and the internet. Can you imagine how much money we'd make if we earned a dollar for the number of times we look at our cellphones, check our messages, watch youtube videos, scroll through Facebook walls, and google everyday? The problem is the detrimental impulsiveness that's being developed in us. It is a direct attack on the love of God that is first and foremost patient. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails

John 8:44 says "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." This verse makes it very clear that when satan tells you something, it's the exact opposite of the truth. That's why it's imperative to be able to discern his voice from the voice of the Holy Spirit. In an attempt to derail us satan uses 5 foundational lies as the basis for every lie he tells us. Join us as we unpack these lies so that you no longer have to be a casualty of them.

One of the most common questions asked by Christians is: "How do I fulfill my purpose?" The answer to this question is one of the greatest yearnings in the hearts of saints. Far too often we are told to engage in spiritual activities like praying and fasting--which are important, but here are additional steps that you can use to become all God called you to be: Become excellent in your area of gifting. Find a venue where you can express that gift with regularity; Find role models whose style you feel is compatible with yours so you do not have to reinvent the wheel; Do something daily that makes you feel like you are getting closer to your dream; Invest in your gift: purchase books, CDs and DVDs ; take classes, attend seminars; Learn how to delay gratification; Understand the nature of the spiritual warfare associated with coming into your purpose.Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.

Many of you, our listening audience, know that I have a different role in the Body of Christ. I am a teacher, not a pastor. So I travel and speak in churches across the country, and have the unique opportunity to meet all kinds of people. And I'm amazed by the number of Christians I encounter who continue to engage in the same practices over and over that do not produce fruit. In this enlightening teaching I will share my observations and biblical wisdom so you don't have to make the same mistakes as your family, friends and colleagues. 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified.

Criticism is never fun, whether it's coming from a well-meaning saint or from someone satan is trying to use to demoralize you. The challenge is to use well-meaning criticism to grow and mature in our faith, while not allowing destructive criticism to derail us. This teaching will give you the tools to distinguish between the two. Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Many of you, our listening audience, know that I have a different role in the Body of Christ. I am a teacher, not a pastor. So I travel and speak in churches across the country, and have the unique opportunity to meet all kinds of people. And I'm amazed by the number of Christians I encounter who continue to engage in the same practices over and over that do not produce fruit. In this enlightening teaching I will share my observations and biblical wisdom so you don't have to make the same mistakes as your family, friends and colleagues.2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified.

We are living in a society that has institutionalized blame and these days, few people take responsibility for their actions. More and more, the younger generation is being taught by example that they don't have to own the consequences of their decisions. This is an extremely unfortunate and dangerous trend. Jesus taught us to take up our cross and follow Him. He wants us to live without excuses. The bible repeatedly brings up the topic of sowing and reaping; and the fact that we reap what we sow, so it's critical that we as a society embrace the causality of our actions. If not, we will all pay a very stiff price...Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

We are living in a society that has institutionalized blame and these days, few people take responsibility for their actions. More and more, the younger generation is being taught by example that they don't have to own the consequences of their decisions. This is an extremely unfortunate and dangerous trend. Jesus taught us to take up our cross and follow Him. He wants us to live without excuses. The bible repeatedly brings up the topic of sowing and reaping; and the fact that we reap what we sow, so it's critical that we as a society embrace the causality of our actions. If not, we will all pay a very stiff price...Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

We are living in a society that has institutionalized blame and these days, few people take responsibility for their actions. More and more, the younger generation is being taught by example that they don't have to own the consequences of their decisions. This is an extremely unfortunate and dangerous trend. Jesus taught us to take up our cross and follow Him. He wants us to live without excuses. The bible repeatedly brings up the topic of sowing and reaping; and the fact that we reap what we sow, so it's critical that we as a society embrace the causality of our actions. If not, we will all pay a very stiff price...Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.