I Cannot Pray The Lords Prayer

Some of us declare that we are Christian. But not all who claim this title truly follow the guidelines and obligations that go with it. In Matthew 6:7, (NCV) Jesus tells us, "And when you pray, don't be like those people who don't know God. They continue saying things that mean nothing, thinking that God will hear them because of their many words." I cannot pray "Our Father," if I do not believe that I am one of God's children. I cannot pray "Who Art in Heaven," if all my interests concern earthly things alone. I cannot pray "Hallowed Be Thy Name," if I do not believe God is supreme. I cannot pray "Thy Kingdom Come," if I am not willing accept the reign of God. I cannot pray "Thy Will Be Done," if I am resentful of having God's will my life. I cannot pray "On Earth as It Is in Heaven," unless I believe that God is the sovereign ruler of everything. I cannot say "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread," if I believe that what I possess came by my power alone. I cannot pray "Forgive Us Our Sins as We Forgive Those Who Sin Against Us," if I am not truly sorry for them, and continue to harbor bad feelings against others. I cannot pray "Lead Us Not into Temptation," if I remain anywhere that I am likely to be tempted. I cannot pray "Deliver Us from Evil," if I am not willing to put on God's armor and fight against evil myself. I cannot pray "Yours Is the Kingdom," if I do not give my King the complete obedience of a loyal subject. I cannot say "Yours Is the Power," if I believe that I can do anything on my power alone. I cannot pray "Yours Is the Glory," if I am seeking only my glory. I cannot pray "Forever and Ever," if I only care about this life and not the afterlife. I cannot pray "In Jesus Name," unless I truly believe that He is the way to everlasting life. I cannot pray "Amen," unless I totally willing to pay the price of this prayer. To be a "Christian" means that you are truly blessed in God's favor, but God will not listen to your talk without you walking the walk!

Honoring Your Job Is Honoring God

In what ways do most people honor God? Many people say, "I go to church to honor God." "I read the Christian Bible to honor God." "I pray and praise to honor God." And yes, all of these are true ways to honor God, but did you know that you are honoring God just as much when you get to work on time? You are honoring God when you are productive at work each day. And you are also honoring God when you honor the people in authority over you. "Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work." (Titus 3:1, AMP) In today’s society, many people have accepted mediocrity as the norm in the workplace. They do as little as they can to get by, always looking for the easy way out. They simply go to work to pick up a paycheck, and then often wonder why they are not promoted or don’t see a pay increase. God does not bless our mediocrity, He only blesses excellence! As Christians, we should set the standard in all areas of life, including the workplace. Do the workers around you see your light shining? Do they know that you are a Christian by your actions? Are you setting the bar? Can these people see your good works? When you give you're very best in the workplace, you are truly giving praise to God—it is one of the best witnesses you could ever have! Showing up with a good attitude, being friendly and well organized will also passively encourage others to be the same way because your actions speak louder than your words! "Whatever work you do, do your best." (Ecclesiastes 9:10a, NCV) If we also want to see God’s hand of promotion, we need to always keep growing, keep learning, and keep improving as well. Especially in this day and age in the workplace, if you are not growing, then you’re at a disadvantage. Never get complacent! As you truly strive to do your best, only then God will bless the fruit of your labor. Over the years I have met people who can quote half the Bible, and attend church on a regular basis, but they have no influence or credibility because they are lazy or sloppy in their actions in the workplace. They sometimes tell you, "Do as I say, not as I do." They are not always very productive. And because this is the example they set, many times their subordinates are lazy in their actions too. Somebody once told me, "Your performance gives you a platform." When you excel in what you do, that is what truly gets people’s attention. The best way to gain respect and the way to gain a true influence is to develop your character and skills in such a way that people will want what you have. They may not agree with what you believe in, but when you are the best in your position at the workplace, they surly cannot argue with that! You will have earned their respect, not by your words, but by your actions and your spirit of excellence. (Colossians 3:23, NCV) tells us, "In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people." Any job that we do, we should do well. We should always set the standard. Always remember, we are ultimately working for the Lord. He is truly the one who put those talents and abilities in us. We are only stewards of the gifts He’s given. Other people may show up late or miss a lot of work. They may complain. They may cut corners. But never sink down to their level—because you are truly working for Almighty God. I encourage you today, stay determined and stay focused. Honoring your job is honoring God. Whether you are a blue collar worker, middle or upper management, or even a CEO, do it to the best of your ability! God is the one who truly brings us prosperity. When you set the standard, He’ll raise you up and pour out His blessing in every area of your life!

Developing Your Christian Gifts

Do you know that you are truly created and designed for a specific purpose? God has placed gifts inside of you before birth to equip you to be able to fulfill His purpose. Have you ever taken the time to evaluate yourself so that you really know what your gifts are?

Just think for a minute and ask yourself, what am I passionate about? What can I do better than most other people? Am I good with people? Am I good with my hands? Do I have a great voice? Am I good with children? What would I choose to do if there were no obstacles in the way of my choice?

These are just some of the examples that you should think about in the discovery of your personal Christian gifts. Once you identify what your gifts are, then you need to find the ways to develop those gifts. Learn to also become comfortable with whom God made you to be, and then thank Him for your unique gifting.

"Do not neglect the gift that is in you…" I Timothy 4:14 (NKJV)

God really wants you to pursue and start developing your Christian gifts that you were created and designed to do. These gifts are a true part of your destiny. It is truly up to each of us to not only identify our gifts, but to also be disciplined enough to develop those gifts as well. You have to learn to stay in your strength zone. These gifts that God gives each of us are not just for us alone. He gives us these gifts to also help build His kingdom.

Each of us has a specific role to play in the body of Christianity. That does not necessarily mean He expects you to go to some third world country, or for you to start preaching at your church. But, there are people that only you can reach. Are you using your gifts to build the kingdom? Are you serving in your local church? Are you serving in your community? Even if you have not discovered your gifts, or are still discovering what your Christian gifts are, you could simply take a step and volunteer. When you help others you will experience a deep rewarding feeling inside.

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45 (NKJV).

Everyone truly has something to give to help others with. You can simply give a smile, a handshake, or an encouraging word to those around you. As you step out and serve others, God considers this your stewardship to His kingdom, and He will truly be pleased! Know that your gifts and talents are a part of your divine destiny.

Do not spend your time trying to improve on your weaknesses. Instead, spend your time strengthening your gifts. Do not spend valuable time pursuing things that are outside your main gifting either. Just stay focused only on your strengths. The things you can do that comes easy to you. The things that you are good at naturally are truly the Christian gifts that God gave you to develop. When you first step out into your area of God's specific purpose and plan, you will start to see these gifts inside of you begin to grow.

You will start to experience great joy in your life, and you will truly be moving forward into the destiny God has in store for you!


By Steven E Coffman

Character Versus Reputation

Abraham Lincoln was very concerned with the nature of character, but he was also aware of the importance of having a good reputation. He explained the difference this way; "Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing."

In today's world that is overly preoccupied with image, it is easy to worry too much about our reputation and too little about our character. Building a reputation is largely a public-relations project, but building character requires us to truly focus on our values, actions, and always following through with what we commit ourselves to on a continual daily basis. Noble rhetoric and good intentions just are not enough to build true character.

I truly feel that your reputation is what people think of you and your character is what you actually are! Reputations will change with our circumstances and can be made or destroyed in a brief moment, but character is built through a person's lifetime.

What we should be concentrating on is moral strength based on ethical principles. Character is revealed by our deeds and actions and not just words, especially when there is a gap between what we want to do, and what we should do, especially when doing the right thing costs more than we want to pay. Character is also not whether we accomplish our ambitions or goals in life, but how we truly live life through a lifetime.

Some think that the way we treat certain people cannot help or hurt us, like coworkers who we are in charge of, and people that are in a service positions like housekeepers, waiters, secretaries, and nurses, etc. How we treat these people truly displays more about our personal character than how we treat other's that we think are important.

Those who are honest, kind, and fair only when there is something to gain should never be confused with people of (real character) who demonstrate these qualities habitually, and under all circumstances and situations throughout their life.

Our character is also revealed by how we deal with situations, pressures and temptations. It is also disclosed by our everyday actions, (including) what we say and do when we think no one is looking and fell that will not get caught. Reputations come and go, but character will hold you through the storms of life. If you spend your time and energy in constantly building strong character, you will never have to fear or be concerned about what others think of you.

As a Christian I know that God sees all, and that He remembers all, and is ultimately the final judge of our actions in a lifetime spent on earth. Reputation is what people say you are; character is what God knows you are. Character is not a fancy coat we put on for public show only. Character is who we truly are, and will be judged by accordingly, on earth as well as in heaven. If you always concentrate on building character, your reputation will build itself. Develop your character, and you will never have regrets.

By: Steven E Coffman

In God We Trust

In the United States, the familiar motto "In God We Trust" has been a part of our heritage and culture through the centuries. With an Act of Congress in 1956 "In God We Trust" became the official U.S. national motto. It is a statement that reflects the roots of our country and portrays our family core values of God and Country that should be cherished and always defended.

To trust where we cannot see, to take a leap of faith is the ultimate test of our willingness to follow God. On the religious side of this statement "In God We Trust" listed below are just a few of the many quotes from the Bible supporting this thought:

Proverbs 3:3 (NRSV) teaches us, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight."

Psalms:10 (AMP) tells us, "Many are the sorrow of the wicked, but he who trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on the Lord shall be compassed about with mercy and with loving-kindness."

Proverbs 29:25 (NKJV) "The fear of man brings a snare: but whoever puts his trust in the LORD shall be safe."

Jeremiah 17:5 (NCV) it says, "The person who trusts in the LORD will be blessed."

John 14:1 (NCV) Jesus said, "Don't let your hearts be troubled, Trust in God, and trust in me."

On the patriotic side of the statement, "In God We Trust." American history demonstrates repeatedly that the nation was founded on Christian principles. The founding fathers wished to acknowledge that fact by adding "In God We Trust" all over Washington D.C. buildings, in official documents, and historical speeches. In 1864, eighty-eight years after the Declaration of Independence the U. S. Department of Treasury stamped IN GOD WE TRUST on our coins, and was first printed on paper money in 1957, when it appeared on the one-dollar silver certificate. This national motto is also printed on all of our currency up to the $100 bill. In 2008 Congress mandated that the phrase "In God We Trust" has greater prominence on the new presidential dollar coins that were minted in 2009.

For decades the ACLU has attempted to have "In God We Trust" removed completely from all government institutions and our money. In a recent poll the MSNBC is running on the web they ask should the motto "In God We Trust" be removed from U.S. currency? 86 percent of the people who voted said, "No." "The motto has historical and patriotic significance and does nothing to establish a state religion."

I believe that Romans 1:16-17 (NRSV) says it all. For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, "The one who is righteous will live by faith."

Family-eStore.com is now featuring a lovely nightlight that vividly displays in a patriotic theme the motto, "In God We Trust." Custom made for Family-eStore. Now you can proudly display your love for God and Country with an attractive accent nightlight. It will serve as encouragement with this daily reminder of what we hold dear. A great conversation piece that will showcase the family core values in your American home!

By: Steven E Coffman

Where the Spirit of the Lord Is, There Is Freedom

Where the Spirit of the Lord is on this earth, there is freedom. God's freedom is truly free for everyone! It does not matter what your nationality or heritage is, what language you speak, or who your family is. It even does not matter how much money you have or do not have. God wants you free from every type of bondage, so that He can have a close and pure relationship with you!

"The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
2 Corinthians 3:17 (NCV)

God wants to pour out His abundant blessings on all who honor Him and do what is right. In fact, the Bible says in Galatians that In Christ, there is no Jew or Greek or even male or female. God does not judge you based on external conditions. He is looking at your heart. He is looking at your deeds. He is looking at the Christian gifts He already placed inside of you from the day you were born.

Acts 10:34-35 (NCV) tells us; Peter began to speak: "I really understand now that to God every person is the same. In every country God accepts anyone who worships him and does what is right."

God looks at each of us, He does not expect to see a perfect person, but he does expect to see a person that has their heart in the right place as a Christian. When we make a mistake, do not think that God expects you to pay retribution for this. Jesus has already paid the price for our sins. But, He does expect you to ask for forgiveness and truly mean it!

When the potter who casts a vessel and it is defective he does not through away the clay, instead he presses it in a basic ball and recasts it again. This is the same way the God works through each and every one of us.

A good example of this is when Mary a prostitute poured expensive oil on Jesus feet. No mater how far we have strayed away from God, He is always ready to forgive us, because God truly has a plan for each of us. We just have to be willing to follow it.

Do not let the enemy lie to you and tell you that God is blessing everyone else but you. Look for the ways God is pouring out blessings daily in your life. Thank Him for these blessings and His acceptance and love that He gives you today, and will give you tomorrow as well. Thank Him for the Christian gifts of life and freedom!

Sometimes it is overwhelming to think about everything God has done for His people. Sure, you can always find things to get angry, disappointed or confused about; but God has blessed you in many ways and He does not plan on stopping! God wants to open doors for you that no man can shut--and His infinite power has no limit.

"I am the Lord, the God of every person on the earth. Nothing is impossible for me." Jeremiah 32:27 (NCV)

Truly focus on the goodness of God with an open heart. Always honor Him daily and do what is right and you will see His hand of blessing in every area of your life!

By: Steven E Coffman

Woman; Man's Christian Gift from God

The Bible's first story of man tells us that man was created from the dust of the earth, (Genesis 4:2). Then, God created woman from the rib of man, (Genesis 4:18). Woman was not created from man's arms to be held in bondage. She was not created from his back to never be seen or heard. Nor was woman created from his feet to be stepped on. She was created from a rib on his side, to signify that they should walk side by side through life together. A man's side is under his the arm to signify that she should be protected by him. It is also close to his heart, to be always loved by him. This was truly the position with man that God intended woman to be.

A good example of a Woman; Man's Christian gift from God, and of God's true intention of a woman's place with man is "The Book of Esther." In (2 Chronicles 36: 15-17) we are told, God became so upset with His people "The Israelites" that He allowed them to be taken from the "Promised Land," and for many years held in bondage and slavery. Then God chose a woman named Esther to save the Jews from a certain death.

When Hadassah who was also called Esther was growing up had no immediate family and seemingly no future. Her cousin Mordecai adopted her, and took her into his family. Mordecai taught her to respect and love God with all her heart, all her soul, and all her mind. He told her that she was one of God's children and special in His eyes. He told her that if she would always follow "God's Word" that she would grow up to do great things.

Mordecai taught Esther that God has uniquely gifted each of His children. He also told Hadassah that she needed to discover her gifted talents, abilities, and natural strengths. Because God has a plan for her and that there would be something important that someday only she could accomplish for God!

Xerxes King of Persia, ruler of 27 states and all the Israelites once held a 7 day feast to honor every man in his palace, and Queen Vashti also gave a banquet to honor every woman in the palace. On the seventh day of this feast King Xerxes sent his messengers to his Queen with a command to make an appearance to show her beauty to the people and important men, but she refused. The King was so embarrassed by her refusal that he banished her from the kingdom never to return.

King Xerxes then set out to find another Queen to replace her, and be by his side. He ordered that only the most beautiful virgin women of his kingdom gathered together to make audience with the King, and Esther was chosen as one of them. King Xerxes was pleased with Esther more than any of the other women and was picked to become his new Queen.

At that time, Haman was the king's Prime Minister. This was the highest position in the land under the king. Haman hated all the Jews and he especially hated Mordecai because he would not bow down to him. Haman devised a scheme to have the King Xerxes give him permission to kill all the Israelites and to also hang Mordecai, which the king gave him.

Mordecai learned of Haman's plan, and then sent a messenger to inform Esther of Haman's viscous plan to kill him and all the Jewish people. Esther thought about what she had heard from Mordecai's messenger and came up with a plan herself. She then went to King Xerxes and asked that he and Haman come to a banquet that she would have prepared for them. During the banquet, Esther exposed Haman's diabolical plan to King Xerxes and saved Mordecai, herself, and all the Jewish people from a certain death!

In the Old Testament "The Book of Esther" truly portrays Woman; Man's Christian gift from God. I hope that this example will be always remembered by every man and woman alike.



Family-eStore will try to provide you with articles of interest to a Christian and patriotic way of life. The articles are written by Steven E Coffman (Owner) of Family-eStore.com (National Essay Contest) winner 1969. I am a person with strong Christian and patriotic beliefs. Tenacity, faith, and a belief in God, Country and Family are key components to success in life.

The Christian articles are only intended to bring you closer in your relationship to our Father in heaven.

The Patriotic articles are only intended to show pride and patriotism to our “Land of the free and home of the brave, (The United States of America).

I hope that you enjoy and are enlightened by them.

By: Steven E Coffman