Short Video — Have You Been Pecked At?

Woodpeckers are pecking at this tree. Are people pecking at you?

https://youtu.be/cV5S9P6v2pA

Have you been pecked at, insulted, belittled, and bullied?

This pecked up tree reminded me of the words of the Apostle Paul: “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV – highlight of “insults” is mine)

That verse is so encouraging to me—it actually says that my weakness = strength in Christ.

Weaknesses includes “insults.”

Just today I was accused of not sending a promised eBook when a man subscribed to my email list. In fact, it is sent automatically via email by AWeber’s email software when anyone subscribes. He either just deleted the email with the eBook attached, or it got lost in his spam folder or some other glitch.

But here’s the bottom line: being pecked at doesn’t matter, except as a good thing. Why? Because when we are weak we are strong in Christ Jesus! He has a purpose. He has strength for our weaknesses.

If we need a humbling, He will provide it, as with the Apostle Paul, as indicated in a larger section of this passage:

“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 ESV)

I hope you are encouraged by this video and passage when you are pecked at!

For more help with criticism, rejection, bullying and insults, check out these articles I have written on these subjects:

• How to Find Confidence in a Critical World and Stay Humble

• How to Survive Rejection and Find Acceptance Today

• How Reluctant Leaders Become Confident Achievers for God

So you don’t miss any of my upcoming free material on spiritual life, church planting, family, apologetics and leadership, click HERE to subscribe to my updates (if you haven’t done so already). You’ll also receive my eBook “10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth.”

Also, don’t miss my podcast on “Christianity Questions and Answers.” In it you can listen to answers to some of the intellectual questions about the faith such as:

• Where did God come from?

• Where do dinosaurs fit in the Bible?

• Is it OK to be angry with God?

• And much more

To listen in iTunes click HERE.

To learn more about my podcast and how to submit your own questions click HERE. 

5 Smart Ways To Resist Revenge And Enjoy Peace Today

Stewart Fox was 91 years old and had been sick with pneumonia for weeks and could no longer swallow. A feeding tube was inserted and he was transferred to a skilled nursing facility to recuperate.

This is one of my favorite photos of Carolyn’s parents Stew & Kay Fox

Although he felt miserable he made up his mind to show kindness to the nurses, therapists, aides, doctors and other patients. He took control of his thoughts and resisted the temptation to allow his illness to put him in a bad mood.

He determined to fulfill his calling to live in a Christ-like way, no matter his situation.

He quickly gained a reputation for kindness, patience and courtesy. Stewart’s gentle demeanor stood out in contrast to other loud and demanding patients.

Illness is a tempting time to be cranky but, even then, Stewart was touching lives and was a wonderful role model.

Stewart is my wife Carolyn’s father. I am privileged to have known this wonderful man.

In 2 Samuel 16 we find Shimei confronting King David with insults and stone throwing.

The next time they met, after David regained his throne, Shimei had a different response “and said to him, ‘May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.’” (2 Samuel 19:19-20 NIV)

David’s nephew Abishai wanted to get revenge and kill Shimei. That would be a normal reaction for David. However, David vowed not to retaliate.

Here are 5 ways to resist revenge and enjoy peace today:

1. Determine to Rise Above Revenge

When people are being small, we can determine to “Be the big man or big woman.”

Rise above revenge, don’t stoop to it.

The Bible says: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV)

Keep your answers gentle and you can actually change a person’s demeanor.

2. Stay Positive in the Situation

Pray:

• Lord help me to see this in Your light

• Please help me to love as you love

• Show me how I can help, not hurt

As much as possible, choose laughter instead of anger and revenge.

3. Kill them with Kindness

The Bible tells us not to take revenge. We are to leave vengeance for God and overcome evil with good.

The Lord says, “‘I am the one who punishes; I will pay people back.’ But you should do this: ‘If you have enemies who are hungry, give them something to eat. If you have enemies who are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this you will make them feel ashamed.’ Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good.” (Romans 12:19b-21 ERV)

4. Forgive as You are Forgiven

Maybe David remembered his own sins. He had stolen Uriah the Hittite’s wife Bathsheba, gotten her pregnant and arranged for his death to cover up. It was a despicable betrayal.

Perhaps remembering his own sins helped him forgive Shimei and not take revenge.

What about you? The Bible says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23 NIV)

And “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(Romans 6:23 NIV)

There is no one on earth without sin. But God does forgive when we ask Him.

5. Fulfill your Calling

God has made our calling very clear: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:21-23 NIV)

Our calling is to live as Christ did and not retaliate or threaten.

We can choose:

• Bitterness

• Anger

• Sadness

Or

• Peace

• Love

• Joy

What is your choice?

Are All Christians Jewish?

"Christianity Questions and Answers" podcast CQA 008

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While in Florida last year my coworker Sam Douglass and I started chatting with a couple where were also visiting. The wife said, “Please help out—I’m confused. If Jesus was Jewish, and we are His followers, then aren’t all Christians Jewish also?”

Good question I thought. Are all Christians Jewish by virtue of the fact that Jesus was born into a Jewish family and was raised in the Jewish faith?

Does Jesus require that His followers convert to the Jewish faith? Do Christians, Jewish people and other faiths worship the same God?

Are there many ways to God and do all people need forgiveness? How can we know for sure that our sins are forgiven and that we are going to heaven?

I have included below some links to additional blog articles and podcasts to answer related questions.

To listen, just hit the play arrow above.

If you want to listen in iTunes, click HERE.

To receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord click HERE to learn how.

For more help with the topic of sins, forgiveness salvation, see these resources on my website:

• Podcast: 3 Proofs Jews, Muslims and Christians Don’t Worship the Same God Who Needs Jesus, I’m a Good PersonSalvation

• Podcast: Have I committed the unpardonable sin?

• Six Reasons all Roads DON’T Lead to Heaven

• Five Questions for Those Who Think Many Roads Lead to Heaven

To develop your relationship with God, get my free eBook 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth HERE.

To learn more about this podcast and how to submit your questions, click HERE.

Also, it would GREATLY help to spread the word if you rated and reviewed my podcast in iTunes. To do so just click HERE, then click “View in iTunes,” then “Ratings and Reviews,” then “Click to Rate” and “Write a Review.”