How do we grow stronger in our relationship to God?
How do we grow stronger in our relationship to God?
God has given me a goal. I need to keep in step with Jesus. Jesus kept on track. Jesus does everything His Father wants Him to. Jesus is obedient.
We need to be obedient. That is how our relationship with God grows. Growth comes from discipline and obedience.
Make sure I’m fit inside and out so I never lose sight of your love, but keep in step with you, never missing a beat.
Psalm 26:2-3
What are relationships all about? Why are they important?
Rebecca Duncan tells about her experience as a summer intern.
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Check out our upcoming ministry programs for young adults and families. Please click here.
Our programs are like an immersion into a new language – the language of living in Jesus. The goal is fluency in the language of relationships. Programs share a sequential vision, building an understanding of relationships and family culture. The foundation is an encounter with Jesus. This encounter is the means for both insight and vision. Encountering Jesus leads a radical change in living and relationships.
Heroes Semester is a 10-week residential, “family style” living experience like no other! | — The 2020 date will be announced soon. | Participants ages 18-26 come with one purpose – to go deeper with the Lord. Learn more about our programs here.
Strengthening & Restoring Family Relationships — Train to Reign Program — Oct 20 – Nov 2 | Family is the most vital relationship and the one under the most pressure and attack. Come strengthen your family in a strong relationship with God. Learn more here.
If you would like to donate to the Christian Training Center, please click here.
The Ancient Enemies of Israel Have Entered Our Land
Thank you for joining us as we seek to better understand some of the things going on in our lives and nation today. This is an in-depth study written by Susan Pons. As you read, please ask the Holy Spirit to give you ears to truly hear and understand this important message.
“Behold, I will send you Eli′jah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the land with a curse.” (Malachi 4:5-6 RSV)
This is the perfect Scripture to begin with in order for each of us to perhaps face the happening that a curse has been released across our land and the reasons for its release.As a culture, the hearts of the fathers are not being turned toward their children.This makes it almost impossible for the hearts of the children to be turned to their fathers. Malachi declares the consequence of the sinful divide between fathers and children… ‘lest I come and smite the land with a curse’. Amazing as it is, this is the final warning of the Old Testament.
When a curse comes upon a nation, it covers the nation except for those people who recognize its debilitating force.
What happens when enemies enter our land?
Exodus 34:10 (The Message) says“And God said, As of right now, I’m making a covenant with you: In full sight of your people I will work wonders that have never been created in all the Earth, in any nation. Then all the people with whom you’re living will see how tremendous God’s work is, the work I’ll do for you. Take careful note of all I command you today. I’m clearing your way by driving out Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Stay vigilant. Don’t let down your guard lest you make covenant with the people who live in the land that you are entering and they trip you up”.
Who were these enemies that had entered the land of Israel? Let’s define them and compare them to our America in today’s world.
- Hittites – literally translated means, sons of terror”; and as we know the word terror refers to an extreme manifestation of fear. The Hittite spirit will bring intimidation and fear and discouragement. In Numbers 21:1-4, King Arad heard that Israel was coming. He fought against Israel and took captives. Israel made a vow to God and asked for His help. God accepted the vow, and Israel with God’s help, won the battle… but the Hittite spirit did its damage.
“And the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way” (Num 21:4 KJV).
The Hittite spirit had done its job causing Israel to become fearful.
In America today, it may do us well to recognize the Hittite spirit operating in our nation to bring fear to those who disagree with their agenda that goes against the peace and safety of our nation and citizens. School, church, and synagogue shootings; violent shows over our television and movie screens; violent video games; in Chicago 75% of Black homes are fatherless…thus the Hittite spirit is free to operate.
2. Ammorite – the word for Ammonite in Hebrew comes from another Hebrew word, amor,which means to utter, to say (gossip, slander, and evil speaking). This implies that people with Ammonite spirits are people who want their name uttered or mentioned. Ammonites are haughty fame-seekers; seekers of human glory and greatness. Practically all dictators in history are Ammorites. These are people like Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro, Adolph Hitler, and Joseph Stalin, who like to dominate and control others. Ammorites are again mentioned as people who followed false gods. Cherish was the name of a god they worshipped whose whose name means “destroyer”. The aim of the Ammonite spirit is to stir up discord and division in our mind as it beats us down in spirit.It is aimed at the Christian faith that preaches liberty to the human soul.
Perhaps we can place much of the media into the tribe of the Ammorites.
3. Canaanite – the name Canaanite means trafficker. This is the exact same description given to Satan in Ezekiel 28:13-18. This spirit is behind addictions and sexual impurity. This is why in the Scriptures, Sodom and Gomorrah were said to be Canaanite cities (Genesis 10:19). Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal king of Sidon, which means she was Phoenician, who were Canaanites. The Canaanite spirit uses wealth and material gain to bring God’s people into compromise and backsliding.
Sexual trafficking, labor trafficking, and drug trafficking, are all start examples of the Canaanite spirit that has invaded our land.
4. Philistine – The name Philistine means strangers, emigrants, foreigners, forces foreign to the Spirit of God.
A person who is guided by a Philistine agenda is usually disdainful of intellectual or artistic values. Philistine also means a people who are contentedly commonplace in ideas and tastes. They are called Allophyli, (foreigners in the Septuagint). They are spoken of as uncircumcised in the Books of Samuel. Philistines are a people who are lacking in, or hostile, or smugly indifferent to cultural values such as art work, theatre, manners, respect, homes in God’s order, etc. Christian and Godly cultural values are taught and learned in the home. Uncleanness can enter our homes in what we view, read, and the way we speak to each other.
The giant Philistine spirit operating in our nation today is tolerance of the Muslim faith but persecution of the Christian faith.
5. Hivite – Hivite means dwellers in the land.The first time they play an active roll in the Bible is when Shechem the Hivite raped Dinah. The Hivite spirit’s goal is to lure us using illusions, delusions, and sensual pleasures that place the mind and imaginations into a snare.
The word Hivite can mean tent dweller, living a lifestyle that is lived out in the confines of the systems of the world and in conflict with the Kingdom of God. The Hives speak of our conflict with the world and its lifestyles. The prodigal son operated under the Hivite spirit.
Movies, television, the internet, pornography, and sexual abuse (especially with children) are ensconced with the Hivite spirit.
6. Jebusites – Jebusite means thresher. From this we can infer that Jebusite spirits, being threshers, are spirits that tread or stomp on others. People whose hearts are infected by Jebusite spirits tend to be people who do not hesitate to put down and humiliate others. By stomping on people, Jebusites make a concerted effort to prevent them from growing taller. They like to make people feel small, and deliberately put them down anytime they see them trying to establish spiritual authority.
Here again, arrogant politicians, media, Hollywood, and government systems are rampant with the Jebusite spirit.
In our homes we need to make certain that we are not bullies and our children are not growing up to become bullies. We need to learn how to confront this arrogant spirit.
7. Perizzite – Perizzite means unwalled town, city, or village. Ezekiel 38:10-11 says, “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme. You [the evil army] will say, ‘I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people – all of them living without walls and without gates and bars’.”
A nation without borders loses its identity. A home without boundaries is a home without an identity. Illegal immigrants and foreign enemies easily enter into our unwalled cities and towns. Many cause violence, harm, and aid in the cultural collapse of America. This is the Perizzite spirit invading our unwalled nation, cities, and our citizens.
This Perizzite spirit can operate in our homes that have become unwalled…homes without fathers…homes that do not give their marriages or children a holy identity to carry with them throughout life.
“Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including the best fighting men. The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you”. The Lord threw them into confusion before Israel, so Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely at Gibeon” (Joshua 10:7-8).
Perhaps each of us should embrace the challenge that we are included in the fight for our nation. Some examples of ways we can make a difference are calling our representatives, writing letters, posting facts and articles, teaching our children truths about the history of our country, sending funds to those organizations that stand for true American values, or writing editorials to our local newspapers, etc…
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!”(Ephesians 5:14).
There are so many ways that we can truly get involved in the way our nation is run. Even a small effort (which may seem insignificant) will be blessed by our Father who is always looking for righteous people that honor Him. These people are a blessing to Him.
Here at CTCI, we pray for our nation and government daily, weekly and sometimes more often. It’s that important! We believe Godly character is taught and begins in the family. We offer “Train to Reign” programs throughout the year to guide and teach (and many times restore) families, experientially, to know how to honor God and fulfill their God-given role in the family – with love. Everything we teach is based on God’s Truth found in His Holy Word.
If you would like information about our Train to Reign program, or other programs and events we offer throughout the year, please click here, or fill out the form below and we will get back to you promptly. We thank you for your interest in this ministry for our Lord Jesus.
If you would like to donate to the Christian Training Center, please click here.
Sacrifice for family, is it worth it?
Claire and Alvin, from England, talk about the importance of the Train to Reign program for their family.
The Train to Reign Program is all about strengthening & restoring family relationships. Family is the most vital relationship and the one under the most pressure and attack. Come strengthen your family in a strong relationship with God at our Train to Reign program.
Teaching topics include:
- The Plan of God for Family
- Duty vs Intimacy
- Fatherhood
- Communication
- Covering
- Resolving Conflict
- Defeating Parenting Fears
- Discipline
- …and more!
If you would like to donate to the Christian Training Center, please click here.
Check out our upcoming ministry programs for young adults and families. Please click here.
The Ancient Enemies of Israel Have Entered Our Land 2 of 7
Thanks for joining us today as we read the second part of our series by Susan Pons regarding the seven types of ancient enemies of Israel, and how these evil tactics are still relevant in today’s world. We pray that this seven part study raises awareness and causes more believers to pray for healing of our nation. This same spiritual battle of old continues to affect our nation and world today.
The Lord is Molding This Guy
Welcome from all of us at Christian Training Center International. Today we would like to share a testimony from one of the students who attended our spring 10-week Heroes Semester Program. Actually, he came 6 months early to volunteer here at the ministry, then he stayed on after the program to continue volunteering and helping us out here through the busy summer. We are so very thankful and grateful to the Lord for sending Ian to us! You can hear his take on it by clicking on the video below.
Father God, it is only by Your grace, mercy and favor that we even exist. We thank You so much for Ian, he is such a blessing. We also thank You for the opportunity to share Your gospel and Your love with families and young people here at CTCI. As You send people to us, we pray that all of our efforts, teaching, and work, would be for Your glory and honor only, amen.
If you would like information about how we may be able to help you and your family or details regarding our ministry or any of the programs we offer, please go to our website at http://www.lifeisrelationships.com or fill out the contact box below and we will get back with you promptly.
If you would like to donate to CTCI please click here.
The Ancient Enemies of Israel Have Entered Our Land 1 of 7
Welcome, from all of us at CTCI. Please join us today and the next six Mondays as we study, one at a time, the ancient enemies of Israel and how these spirits are still relevant to our world today. This is extremely valuable information to raise our awareness of the battles we fight daily. We know these battles are not of flesh and blood, but of spirits and principalities.
Part 1 – Who are the Hittites? ~~ by Susan Pons
“Behold, I will send you Eli’jah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the land with a curse (Malachi 4:5-6).
Yes or No?
Welcome from all of us at CTCI. Please join us today as we see what the Lord God says about how we should handle our responses to others’ requests of us.
How often do we make a promise and fail to keep it? Our intention at the time we committed was good. We know that it’s wrong to go back on our word, but still we say to ourselves “It’s not very important what’s the big deal? What does it matter?” Well, the Word of God tells us that it is very important. I for one, am guilty of missing the mark, but convicted today to do something about it. Where and when did this business of promising begin anyhow? Why do we need to go beyond the simple answer of yes or no? Here is what the Bible has to say:
Will you join us at the Christian Training Center this summer? Heroes Week — Ages 14 – 18 — July 15-20, 2019
Welcome, here is a little taste of what you can experience here at the Christian Training Center this summer during our Heroes Week program. Ages 14 – 18 — July 15-20, 2019
If you are interested in becoming a hero and would like more information about how you or someone you know can attend this summer, visit our website by clicking here or fill out the contact form below and we will get back with you promptly.
Learn More and Register
If you would like to donate to and/or pay for a young person to attend this summer here at CTCI, please click here.
“Exploit or abuse your family and end up with a fistful of air; common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.” ~King Solomon
There is right and there is wrong. We all know the difference. I must remember to stand up for the abused and keep up the good fight for justice.
“Exploit or abuse your family and end up with a fistful of air [inherit the wind]; common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.” ~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:29)
And now consider this from Jesus.
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” ~Jesus | Matthew 5:21-22
Family — Is it the foundation of relationships in God’s Kingdom?
Family — Is it the foundation of relationships in God’s Kingdom?
Family is extremely important in the Bible, bot
h in a physical sense and in a spiritual sense. The foundation of family was introduced in the very beginning, as we see in Genesis 1:28.
God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’
Heaven — Is it a Real Destination after Death?
What is the deal with heaven? It seems to be a somewhat complicated biblical concept with lots of opinions on it over the years. My hope is in Jesus and I know that I will always be with Him. I have eternal life.
The question to begin with is does heaven exist and is it a real destination after death for followers of Jesus?
The disciples of Jesus can sometimes sincerely disagree on minor matters — although you should never forget that all the disciples agree on those things that are really important, such as the divinity of the Messiah, His death on the cross for our salvation, His resurrection from the dead, and our hope of heaven.
Leave & Cleave (3/3)
In these teachings, CTCI Director Susan Pons looks at what it means to follow God’s command to “leave & cleave” in our marriage relationships.
Identifying Conflicts (7/7)
CTCI director Larry Pons addresses the issue of conflicts in relationship and how to identify and resolve them.
Identifying Conflicts (6/7)
CTCI director Larry Pons addresses the issue of conflicts in relationship and how to identify and resolve them.
Identifying Conflicts (5/7)
CTCI director Larry Pons addresses the issue of conflicts in relationship and how to identify and resolve them.
Identifying Conflicts (4/7)
CTCI director Larry Pons addresses the issue of conflicts in relationship and how to identify and resolve them.
Identifying Conflicts (3/7)
CTCI director Larry Pons addresses the issue of conflicts in relationship and how to identify and resolve them.
Identifying Conflicts (2/7)
CTCI director Larry Pons addresses the issue of conflicts in relationship and how to identify and resolve them.
Identifying Conflicts (1/7)
CTCI director Larry Pons addresses the issue of conflicts in relationship and how to identify and resolve them.
Train to Reign (Update video)
Couples share about their experiences during the Train to Reign Family Program – a two-week course designed to teach practical skills in relationship building and parenting.
To learn more about the Train to Reign Program, click here.
inexcusable madness
In this series, CTCI Director Larry Pons discusses the importance of seeing warning signs in our relationships and the harm that can come if we miss or ignore them.
Duty Vs. Intimacy (5/5)
CTCI Directors Larry and Susan Pons address how to balance duty and intimacy in our relationships with our spouses and with God.
Duty Vs. Intimacy (4/5)
CTCI Directors Larry and Susan Pons address how to balance duty and intimacy in our relationships with our spouses and with God.
Duty Vs. Intimacy (3/5)
CTCI Directors Larry and Susan Pons address how to balance duty and intimacy in our relationships with our spouses and with God.
A Word to the Lonely, Unsatisfied, Frustrated or Frazzled on Valentine’s Day
Ah, Valentine’s Day.
On a day like this, our thoughts naturally turn to the sentimentality of love. We can’t help it! Since before the Black Friday sales were complete, pink and red hearts have been lining the aisles of stores, and the pop-up banners all over the web are convincing us to buy flowers, jewelry, and chocolate for those we love. The world has trained us well in this sentimental version of love through its movies, novels, music, and marketing.
In effect, you may be feeling lonely. You may not have a significant other in your life. Or perhaps the crazy-in-love-fairytale your marriage was supposed to be isn’t living up to that ideal. Maybe you are anticipating the let-down you know Valentine’s Day will inevitably hold. Perhaps you even feel like the love you’ve shown to others is underappreciated or not reciprocated. Let me encourage your heart today.
Duty Vs. Intimacy (2/5)
CTCI Directors Larry and Susan Pons address how to balance duty and intimacy in our relationships with our spouses and with God.
Duty Vs. Intimacy (1/5)
CTCI Directors Larry and Susan Pons address how to balance duty and intimacy in our relationships with our spouses and with God.
Leave & Cleave (2/3)
In these teachings, CTCI Director Susan Pons looks at what it means to follow God’s command to “leave & cleave” in our marriage relationships.
Leave & Cleave
In these teachings, CTCI Director Susan Pons looks at what it means to follow God’s command to “leave & cleave” in our marriage relationships.
Jay Fesperman on Fulfillment in Family Relationships
If we learn to handle responsibility at home, we will more likely know how to handle responsibility in the body of Christ. With the gifting of God, in the Holy Spirit, we all have responsibilities in the Kingdom. “You are a kingdom of priests!” A husband cannot fulfill himself; it takes a wife. Fulfillment is the key to successful relationships. A father cannot fulfill himself; it requires a son or daughter. A brother cannot fulfill himself; he needs a brother or sister. It is the responsibility of the family to provide the learning about the nature of fulfillment, or maturity, in the Body of Christ.
GUEST POST: The 77 Qualities I Thought My Future Husband Had to Have | Libby Nicholas
He’s tall, dark and handsome. Witty. Intellectual. Smart. Well-read. Spontaneous. Motivated. Masculine. Good hair, good dresser. Musically talented. Organized. Creative. Responsible. Strong handshake.
He also hates cats, but loves chocolate and talking about feelings. He spends most Saturdays volunteering at the homeless shelter or rescuing stray kittens. He’s working toward his MBA.
Are Relationships an Inconvenience or Divine Appointment? | Jim Daly
Are you busy? Silly question, right? Who isn’t?
Everybody seems to be racing from one place to another and scrambling to get the next thing on their to-do list checked off. And, really, that isn’t all bad. From work to responsibilities at home, I’m sure the activities that fill most people’s days are pretty important.
But even good things can have their drawbacks.
Life is Relationships
“Life is relationships. If you’re having a good life it’s because you have good relationships. If you’re having a tough life, it’s because you have problematic relationships.” – Jay Fesperman
Jay’s quote is such a truism. Relationships are so vital and central to life that it is a wonder we can be so negligent at times of our relationships – our relationship to God and our relationship to others. It is when we become careless in our relationships that our lives can become tough.
Consider this…