Thursday, December 18, 2014

11 Steps to a PRODUCTIVE Church Board Meeting






Don't give the enemy a foothold by having a disorganized and unproductive meeting with the people of God.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Message from Face Your Foe Blogger and Author Nicholl McGuire

Thank you for stopping by!  I have shared my work on this blog in addition to Christian YouTubers' videos as well as others who are helpful to visitors of this blog's spiritual growth. 


I understand that many readers are faced with conflict at home, church, work, and elsewhere and need spiritual guidance.  This blog provides insightful audio and video to help with those issues that require some degree of confrontation.  I authored Know Your Enemy: The Christian's Critic, Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate, When Mothers Cry and other books.  I have shared personal experience, research, and Holy Ghost inspired writings with those who find my work useful when dealing with difficult people.  I also write family specific articles and share those on http://familyarticlesbynicholl.blogspot.com


As a mother, wife, online lay teacher, and friend, I know what it is like to have to deal with family challenges and I pray for all who come by this site.  Thanks again for your support!  To date, some book portions of Face Your Foe is on this blog.  Over the years, we have been watching the activity here on the site.  Based on the response by readers and subscribers on this site as well as YouTube will determine whether the printed book will be made available in the future.


Nicholl McGuire


Check out thought-provoking spiritual videos at YouTube channel: nmenterprise7.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Suffering - Why Lord?

Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. -- Hebrews 5:8




Sometimes it can be overwhelming to think that God allowed his only righteous Son to pay for our sins.  Our eyes fill up with tears, our minds a bit confused, and our stomachs ache to even think of having to do something like that with our own children.  But God...


When we are going through mental or physical illness or with someone else, the question might surface, "Why?"  A mature believer might quickly caution you to watch with that questioning God.  However, suffering will cause you to do it.  Job, David, and God's own Son in their suffering were weak and may not have acted in ways we thought they should.  But when one is weak, they are strong so the Bible says.  In all of their suffering, they learned obedience.  We should do the same!


However, too often the believer will act like the unbeliever wanting to know why would a righteous God do this and that.  When these sorts of thoughts come up, consider what you have prayed.  In order for one's heart to be humbled, an answer to pray come forth, and other matters be dealt with, sometimes a certain degree of suffering must take place.  Men and women's hearts rebel against the people and things of God.  They will not always do what they are told, they will resist; therefore, causing suffering for all in their path.  Consider the book of Exodus and the many trials the Israelites had to endure.  The Pharaoh was unwilling to simply hand over the children of God, he put up a fight and that rebellion caused unnecessary suffering.  We all can make life easier for ourselves if we would just listen to our Father and do what he says especially when we have prayed many prayers.


Whether a man wants a desired job or a partner wants to reconcile, whatever the issue, seek God!  Sometimes are suffering produces good fruit, peace, love and happiness, but other times we find ourselves suffering and there are no visible results.  Take the time to ask God to show you why are you suffering and ask Him to give you relief.  Whether he answers you or not, know that you are growing closer to Him, learning to rely on Him through your storms.  In time, you will find yourself helping others who may be going through a similar trial.


Solution:




Read the word of God, praise Him, and get yourself around like-minded believers so that you can be motivated to fight the good fight.  When you know that you have done all that you can do to make wrongs right in a situation, put the trouble-maker, backslider, argumentative, or negative person or group in God's hands and watch God work!



A look back…




Do you recall a major life event where you or someone you know was suffering much?  What was the end result?  Were you or this person better because of it?  If not, what might you do differently?  We learn the hard way usually because we have been disobedient to God.  An unrighteous lifestyle with wicked people in one's inner circle will add to suffering.  Unwise choices will prolong suffering as well.  Save yourself the drama and follow God's precepts no matter how much you disagree.  The bible says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..." Proverbs 3:5.
  



Scripture Reference


James 5:10
Peter 2:19
2 Timothy 2:3
Romans 5:3



 
Prayer


Dear Lord, be with this person who has stumbled across this site.  He or she is suffering and needs relief.  Let your word be a comfort.  Order his or her steps toward peace.  Lead this person out of darkness into your marvelous light.  Protect the reader from all harm and danger as well as enemy schemes.  Bring healing swiftly, Lord!  In Jesus name, Amen.



Sunday, December 7, 2014

When Your Family Doesn't Like You

It's All In the Family: When Your Family Doesn't Like You: They may love us, but they don’t like us. They have proven that by the way they react to us during times when they should be supportive...

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Is It Worth the Fight? When People Have Something Negative to Say

Sometimes people can rub us the wrong way when they say and do things in an attempt to make us feel inferior, angry, guilty, jealous, etc.  The first reaction is usually to say something.  "Excuse me, what did you say?" we might ask.  Before long, we are lured into a battle, where if we aren't too careful, we are name-calling, cursing, and wishing death be upon the person who has offended us.

As we learn more about our heavenly Father and draw near to him, he will show us that most things that people say and do is not worth a response.  Think about Jesus enduring all of that trouble leading up to his hanging on the cross, yet he said nothing. 

Sometimes we are slow to realize that Satan is attempting to draw us into a war--a battle of words, so that we look badly in the eyes of those who need a Savior.  Why would the lost be interested in God when it is obvious that he doesn't seem to be doing too much for our bad attitudes?

There is indeed a time for battle, but we don't know when that is unless we are intuned to our Father.  So the next time someone challenges you with a snide remark, a deep sigh, an eye roll, or a glare, remember that God sees all.  Say to yourself, "Lord Jesus, you see what I am doing and you know the heart of that person who is acting negatively.  Put more love in my heart.  Speak a word to them.  Use me as you see fit."  Whatever you need to say to yourself to take your eyes off of the one who is offending you, do it.  You never know when your blessing is right around the corner!

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.…" -- James 1:2-3

Nicholl McGuire shares other useful information on YouTube channel: nmenterprise7.

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