By pastorbillwalden
Every Christian must come to a conclusion about what their life will focus on, about what their “battles” will be, about what message they will declare, and about how their voice will be heard. 
There is no shortage of causes and fights that Christians are pursuing in these days in which we live. I respect and agree with many of the causes being suggested, but I am not inclined to join particular fights in the ways that some might hope.
I am very mindful that I must be careful to not judge the motivations and passion of others regarding their causes. For those passions and actions, they shall answer to Jesus, and not to me.
I am bothered by many events I see on the political stages of the world. In fact, I am increasingly disillusioned with the promises of the politicians, regardless of what side of the aisle they sit on. I have no hope in man. None. As the writer to the Hebrews wrote about the ancients…
Hebrews 11:14-16 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Some might call me an escapist, and they would be right. But please see me as a functioning escapist. I’ll live here functionally until the day I leave.
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By pastorbillwalden
Lloyd Jones, in his book called “Spiritual Depression”, encourages his readers to “talk to yourself, and don’t let yourself talk to you”. What he means is that we need to purposely take control of our thoughts, and not just be moved by our emotions. This is advice given to the Christian who has the Holy Spirit, The Helper.
Emotions convince you that should eat 4 double cheeseburgers and three chocolate shakes.
Taking control of that thought reminds you that that will make you sick, and that one of each is better.
Emotions convince you that you have failed so often that life will never be satisfying for you.
Taking control of that thought reminds you that Jesus came that you might have life, and that more abundantly.
Emotions convince you that God has cast you aside.
Taking control of that thought reminds you that Jesus said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”.
The Psalmist Asaph did this very thing in Psalm 77…
7 Will the Lord cast off forever?
And will He be favorable no more? (oh yeah, of course not.)
8 Has His mercy ceased forever?
Has His promise failed forevermore? (no, he has not ended His mercy to me, and He will keep His promises)
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah (I will stop and choose to remember the truth of God’s mercy)
10 And I said, “This is my anguish; (Yes, I am experiencing anguish, but…)
But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.” (I will choose to think on the goodness of God)
11 I will remember the works of the LORD;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. (I will choose to remember His faithfulness to me)
12 I will also meditate on all Your work, (I will think and think again about all that you have done)
And talk of Your deeds. (regardless of how I “feel”, I will speak of Your good deeds)
13 Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary;
Who is so great a God as our God?
14 You are the God who does wonders;
You have declared Your strength among the peoples. (I will choose to remember Your wonders and declarations)
15 You have with Your arm redeemed Your people,
The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah (Selah…I will stop myself from being driven by emotion…I will remember You, oh God)
By pastorbillwalden
Luke 12:48 “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more”. 
I have been given much. I am not rich by American standards, but by the standards of humanity, I live in luxury.
I have been educated by great Bible teachers for nearly 30 years, via books, Christian radio, and conferences.
I have multiple Bibles, and scores of Bible commentaries, along with expensive Bible software for my computer.
My clothes don’t wear out. They go out of style, and I have to give them away.
I live in a country where it is still legal to speak of Jesus in public.
I have health care coverage, and I never go hungry.
I have never been hit or kicked because of my faith in Christ. No one that I know has been assaulted for their faith in Jesus. No one that I know has had their property confiscated, or been put into prison.
I am no Bible scholar, but I am probably better educated than most Third World pastors and church leaders.
I probably waste more money in a month than some people earn in a month.
I have been given much, and so have you.
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