About Brianna

Once upon a time there was a young woman who graduated cum laude from university. For years she despaired of ever using her English degree. Then I gave her the direction she needed and now she writes for me - her father so heavenly.

Syntyche’s Blog

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Brianna

Scripture Reading – Philippians 4: 2-3

Blog Title – Moments in Ministry

Blogging Niche – Christian and Ministry Bloggers

About Me -Woman Minister in the Church at Philippi.

Photo Credit – Connie Coleman

Blog Excerpt –

Christian Conflict Resolution

There are people who avoid any and all conflict; instead they ignore the problem. This only leads to bigger problems in the future.

Sometimes avoiding arguments seems like ‘what a good Christian should do’. However, conflict can be handled without heated arguments that lead to personal attacks or painful divisions within the church.

After being involved in a public disagreement within our church and being gently rebuked by Paul, I sat down and thought hard about better ways to resolve issues.

Dos and Don’ts of Conflict Management:

Do –

Pray about problem and solution.
Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance.
Pray for God’s outcome – that His will be done.
Confront issues sooner rather than later.
Confront in love.
See your adversary as God sees him/her.
Speak thoughtfully and encouragingly.
Handle the matter privately.
Agree to disagree.
Compromise.
Forgive.

Don’t –

Sweep issues under the rug.
Be afraid to address legitimate concerns.
Make the issue about what you want – about what makes you happy.
Gossip or spread lies and rumors.
Belittle your adversary.
Speak harshly.

Scripture Message –

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Romans 12:18-20

***

Have you been involved in an adversarial relationship with a fellow Christian or with someone within your church? How do you recommend handling conflict while remaining true to Christian values?

Brianna

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Rahab’s Blog

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Brianna

Scripture Reading – Joshua 2:8-12

Blog Title – The Red Cord Diaries

Blogging Niche – Christian Convert Bloggers

About Me – Prostitute or harlot, whatever you want to call me, I’m a sinner – plain and simple. But my sinful past is redeemed by the grace of God. Amid the idolatrous Canaanites in Jericho, I believe in the one true God. Therefore I am a new creation!

Photo Credit – Nona Reina – Fotografia

Blog Excerpt –

Loyal Traitor

Opportunity was knocking. Two spies from Israel stood on my doorstep.The time had come to put my devout faith to the test.

I had a choice. I could turn the spies over to the king’s men or hide them. Without a second thought, I directed the pursuers to the roads that lead to the ford of the Jordan, away from the spies hidden on the roof of my home in Jericho. The lies flowed easily off my tongue. I betrayed my country, but I was loyal to God.

God repaid my loyalty by sparing my family when Israel brought the walls of Jericho down. As I leave Jericho behind, I leave my former profession behind as well. In Israel, I will continue to put my faith to work in honor of the Almighty God, who is my shepherd leading me back into the fold.

Brianna

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Queen of Sheba’s Blog

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Brianna

Scripture Reading – 1Kings 10:1-13

Blog Title – Queen On A Quest

Blogging Niche – Royal and Travel Bloggers

About Me – I’m the queen of Sheba, but I’m also a woman who enjoys traveling, meeting new people and gaining new insight into the world and life as we know it. My heart delights in knowledge. I will cross any desert, climb any mountain, and swim any sea in my quest for true wisdom.

Blog Excerpt –

The Wisdom of Solomon

Portrait of my meeting with Solomon courtesy of Dorling Kindersley.

I’d been hearing things about King Solomon. His fame was growing – his star on the rise. Supposedly, he was wealthy, successful and very wise. At first I wondered if reports of his wisdom and achievements were greatly exaggerated. If not, I had many questions to be answered. I decided to pay the king a personal visit to find out for sure.

My journey was long and perilous. During my travels I often missed the comfort and security of the palace, and yet, I marveled at the new and different sights around me as the caravan traveled to Jerusalem. Upon arrival, I immediately sought out King Solomon.

I am happy to report that tales of his great wisdom were not at all exaggerated! He had an answer for every question I asked. Nothing I posed was too complicated or confusing for the wise king.

As I toured his palace, I marveled at the abundance of food and servants attending him. My last stop on the tour was the temple Solomon had built for his Lord. I was awe-struck. I understood then that Solomon’s wisdom is a gift from his God. Praise be to the Lord!

My long journey was a huge success – success beyond what I’d even hoped for! I gave Solomon gold, spices and precious stones, but in return I received something worth far more than any earthly treasure.

Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.

(Proverbs 3:13-15)

The truth is out there; the quest to find it begins in the Word of God.

Brianna

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Pilate’s Wife’s Blog

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Brianna

Scripture Reading – Matthew 27:19

Blog Title – Dream Weaver

Blogging Niche – Dream Bloggers

About Me – I’m a Roman woman married to Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor of Jerusalem. In my experience, dreams contain important messages or lessons for living. This blog is my attempt to make sense of my more interesting and unusual dreams.

Blog Excerpt –

An Innocent Man

Today is the biggest trial in all of history. My husband sits in judgement of a Jew named Jesus. The religious leaders are demanding his crucifixion, but not everyone is convinced of his guilt, including Pontius.

Last night over dinner, my husband shared his concerns and misgivings. At the time, I advised him to follow his instincts. Today, however, I am absolutely positive Jesus is innocent. It was a dream that convinced me.

I dreamed of betrayal and sacrifice, of blood and thorns, of nails and death. I suffered as deeply as the man in my dream, the man I recognized as Jesus. His thoughts were my thoughts; his pain was my pain.

I doubt my dream will be enough to sway my husband; it doesn’t have the power of an angry crowd or the threat of political consequences. But the dream has swayed me! Now I can testify with complete conviction that Jesus Christ is the Messiah.

***

I took some creative liberties with the dream since the Bible doesn’t give any details. Do you think Pilate’s wife could have been converted to Christianity by a dream?