1 Corinthians 10:13
13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
I think everybody at times has two different figures sitting on their shoulders. On one shoulder sits the devil, on the other is an angel. We are forced whether to choose the good or bad one. And who wins? Usually the bad one - the devil. Sometimes his ideas and suggestions that seem great as we generally go in the worldly direction. It happens time and time again. Those beings on our shoulders just don't give up (especially the devil).
Our lives are characterized by these decisions. Seemingly harmless at the time, decisions can be painful and harmful.
Sure, temptation is always going to occur. Don't let it get the better part of you though. Remember God is always there to help you with your decisions. If you think about him, you are less likely to go the wrong way.
“Good habits result from resisting temptation.” ~Ancient Proverb
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
God is our Hero and Rescuer.
Colossians 1:13-14
13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
How many times do you wake up with your eyes half-closed, walking in darkness in the mornings? For me it's every morning...
Many times we walk into church Sunday mornings with that fog hanging over us. I think a lot of times it's a self-conscious act. We think we deserve to be in darkness because of what we do every day - sin!
The great news that I have to tell to you this morning is that God would never think about leaving you stranded in that dark universe. He rescued us from our sins by sending his son Jesus Christ to be tortured and eventually to die a final death on the cross. That alone should allow a transition from darkness to light.
God is our HERO and RESCUER. Have you been into a dark room and then you came out and it was extremely bright? Well that's the comparison of living on our own...without God (not realizing that God forgives our sins) and living with an understanding that he is there.
"God is eager to meet our needs and redeem us in times of trouble." (quote from faithvisuals.com)
13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
How many times do you wake up with your eyes half-closed, walking in darkness in the mornings? For me it's every morning...
Many times we walk into church Sunday mornings with that fog hanging over us. I think a lot of times it's a self-conscious act. We think we deserve to be in darkness because of what we do every day - sin!
The great news that I have to tell to you this morning is that God would never think about leaving you stranded in that dark universe. He rescued us from our sins by sending his son Jesus Christ to be tortured and eventually to die a final death on the cross. That alone should allow a transition from darkness to light.
God is our HERO and RESCUER. Have you been into a dark room and then you came out and it was extremely bright? Well that's the comparison of living on our own...without God (not realizing that God forgives our sins) and living with an understanding that he is there.
"God is eager to meet our needs and redeem us in times of trouble." (quote from faithvisuals.com)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Giving Thanks to God.
Colossians 1:12
12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.
The past few days I've been writing how we can grow with God. I'm going to continue with that today talking about giving thanks.
Okay, so Thanksgiving isn't quite here yet, but that doesn't mean you can't be thankful. You can and should be thankful all the time.
Giving thanks is really important. I've seen it stated many times in the bible. Thanks is to be granted to those who do things that are truly great for us (going along with the verse, like if you, "share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light") for example.
Think about these questions for a few minutes:
-Do you thank God often?
-To you, what is the easiest thing to show appreciation toward?
-How do you go about thanking God?
-Is it common for people avoid thanking God because they don't think that it's
important
“So often we dwell on the things that seem impossible rather than on the things that are possible. So often we are depressed by what remains to be done and forget to be thankful for all that has been done.” ~Marian Wright Edelman
12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.
The past few days I've been writing how we can grow with God. I'm going to continue with that today talking about giving thanks.
Okay, so Thanksgiving isn't quite here yet, but that doesn't mean you can't be thankful. You can and should be thankful all the time.
Giving thanks is really important. I've seen it stated many times in the bible. Thanks is to be granted to those who do things that are truly great for us (going along with the verse, like if you, "share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light") for example.
Think about these questions for a few minutes:
-Do you thank God often?
-To you, what is the easiest thing to show appreciation toward?
-How do you go about thanking God?
-Is it common for people avoid thanking God because they don't think that it's
important
“So often we dwell on the things that seem impossible rather than on the things that are possible. So often we are depressed by what remains to be done and forget to be thankful for all that has been done.” ~Marian Wright Edelman
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Becoming a Stronger Christian.
Colossians 1:10-11 (first part is from yesterday)
10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully
You as a sole individual can bring joy to God. Yes, there are billions and billions of people in the world, but you can only control how YOU grow as a Christian.
Here are a few things you can do to in order to continue growing:
1. Do good deeds that will impact the lives of others in the world.
2. Be willing to learn more about God. Read the bible! Too much knowledge, let alone about God, can never be a bad thing. Plus, I find I gain something new every time I read a passage whether it be a few days, weeks, or months later.
3. Accept what you have learned and apply it to your everyday life. Don't just read and let it sit there. If you apply what you learn about God to your everyday life, you will be strengthened greatly.
Think about other Christians. Have you seen them growing in any of these three ways?
10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully
You as a sole individual can bring joy to God. Yes, there are billions and billions of people in the world, but you can only control how YOU grow as a Christian.
Here are a few things you can do to in order to continue growing:
1. Do good deeds that will impact the lives of others in the world.
2. Be willing to learn more about God. Read the bible! Too much knowledge, let alone about God, can never be a bad thing. Plus, I find I gain something new every time I read a passage whether it be a few days, weeks, or months later.
3. Accept what you have learned and apply it to your everyday life. Don't just read and let it sit there. If you apply what you learn about God to your everyday life, you will be strengthened greatly.
Think about other Christians. Have you seen them growing in any of these three ways?
Monday, October 27, 2008
What is God asking of Me?
Colossians 1:10
10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
Ahh...it's the question almost everyone faces. It also ties in with the whole "what's my purpose?" type deal. God wants us to live a life worthy of the Lord. God wants us to live just so. He cares about you no matter what you do.
Secondly, make choices that would make God smile. Yes, you can make God smile (see October 17, where I talked about God even laughing)!
Finally, God wants you to share with others your divine experiences. That person may need something different and you just happen to have it. Don't be afraid to tell them what has happened in your life with God.
If you're a reader who isn't comfortable with being a christian yet, read this next part...
Before you make a choice, think would God like this? If your answer is no, it's probably best not to do it all.
“There are always two choices. Two paths to take. One is easy. And its only reward is that it's easy.” ~Anonymous
10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
Ahh...it's the question almost everyone faces. It also ties in with the whole "what's my purpose?" type deal. God wants us to live a life worthy of the Lord. God wants us to live just so. He cares about you no matter what you do.
Secondly, make choices that would make God smile. Yes, you can make God smile (see October 17, where I talked about God even laughing)!
Finally, God wants you to share with others your divine experiences. That person may need something different and you just happen to have it. Don't be afraid to tell them what has happened in your life with God.
If you're a reader who isn't comfortable with being a christian yet, read this next part...
Before you make a choice, think would God like this? If your answer is no, it's probably best not to do it all.
“There are always two choices. Two paths to take. One is easy. And its only reward is that it's easy.” ~Anonymous
Saturday, October 25, 2008
The Holy Spirit Lives.
I wrote this back in May, so the time frames are reflective of then not now...
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Romans 8:26
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
In recent weeks, at sunday school and youth the discussion has been about listening to God and feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit. With that said, I found it really neat that I felt God speaking to me through prayer one day a couple weeks ago. It wasn't a voice per say, it seemed more like my conscience telling me something, but I still knew it was God. Just think of a ziploc bag. You see, we can put something like dirt or pretty much anything else in the bag and it will always be there when you want it, whenever you choose to open the bag up. That's how the Holy Spirit works. It can always be found in full function in and around us, but unless it is utilized and we are open to accept it, it won't do us any good. Just think, God's grace and forgiveness are contained within the Holy Spirit. We need to ask for forgiveness though before God pours it on us. Also, the Holy Spirit is not vague. The Holy Spirit is to be seen as a person of the Trinity: the Father, Son and God. It is full of intellect, emotions and will, according to scripture.
I think Romans 8:26 explains so much...It's hard to convey the message laid on my heart, yet I'm so glad I could get so much from what God did.
This song Word of God Speak by MercyMe reminds me of the Holy Spirit. It makes me realize how graceful, mighty and everlasting God is. Here are the lyrics:
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
[CHORUS]
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak
I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice
[REPEAT CHORUS]
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
"We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls" ~Mother Teresa
I pray that everyone reading this can understand the Holy Spirit and have it embedded within them.
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Romans 8:26
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
In recent weeks, at sunday school and youth the discussion has been about listening to God and feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit. With that said, I found it really neat that I felt God speaking to me through prayer one day a couple weeks ago. It wasn't a voice per say, it seemed more like my conscience telling me something, but I still knew it was God. Just think of a ziploc bag. You see, we can put something like dirt or pretty much anything else in the bag and it will always be there when you want it, whenever you choose to open the bag up. That's how the Holy Spirit works. It can always be found in full function in and around us, but unless it is utilized and we are open to accept it, it won't do us any good. Just think, God's grace and forgiveness are contained within the Holy Spirit. We need to ask for forgiveness though before God pours it on us. Also, the Holy Spirit is not vague. The Holy Spirit is to be seen as a person of the Trinity: the Father, Son and God. It is full of intellect, emotions and will, according to scripture.
I think Romans 8:26 explains so much...It's hard to convey the message laid on my heart, yet I'm so glad I could get so much from what God did.
This song Word of God Speak by MercyMe reminds me of the Holy Spirit. It makes me realize how graceful, mighty and everlasting God is. Here are the lyrics:
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
[CHORUS]
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak
I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice
[REPEAT CHORUS]
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
"We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls" ~Mother Teresa
I pray that everyone reading this can understand the Holy Spirit and have it embedded within them.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Letter from God.
1 Corinthians 3:16
16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?
This is God. Today I will be handling ALL of your problems for you. I do not need your help. So, have a nice day.
I love you.
P.S. And, remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.
Should you decide to send this to a friend; Thank you. You may have touched their life in ways you will never know!
Now, you have a nice day.
Sincerely,
God
God has seen you struggling,
God says it's over.
I saw this letter and thought I'd share it with you. Have a good day!
16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?
This is God. Today I will be handling ALL of your problems for you. I do not need your help. So, have a nice day.
I love you.
P.S. And, remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.
Should you decide to send this to a friend; Thank you. You may have touched their life in ways you will never know!
Now, you have a nice day.
Sincerely,
God
God has seen you struggling,
God says it's over.
I saw this letter and thought I'd share it with you. Have a good day!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Obeying God's Word.
James 1:22
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
John 8:31-32
31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
God has given us the resource we need to study and apply it to our everyday life. If we do that, our lives will be impacted greatly. Jesus promised if we abide by his Word, we will know the truth because the Bible is the truth. We are to meditate the Word day and night, night and day. This way we can be prosperous Christians.
It is so very important to follow God's Word because it keeps us from swerving right or left and allows to go down a straight and narrow path that leads to life. Also, by delving into the Bible our prayers should be answered. You ever look around and say man why are all these Christians sick, poor, or struggling? We think that since God is Almighty there is no reason for it--it's unacceptable. We throw those problems on God. However, God has the power to do anything and if our prayers are not answered it's just not God's will. Anotherwards, we need to humble ourselves and go to God's word for answers, nothing else, as hard as that may be. We all desire to be free...free from what is holding us back...free from first impressions and wrong thoughts...and free from anything else that may act as a blockade to understand and receive God's blessings.
You see, God has given us the manual and key. We must DRIVE. God's word gives us light, comfort, and success. Spending time in God's word is simply spending time with God. This also means you must praise and worship, do things in his presence, and live a holy life.
"Let God's promises shine on your problems." ~Corrie Ten Boom
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
John 8:31-32
31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
God has given us the resource we need to study and apply it to our everyday life. If we do that, our lives will be impacted greatly. Jesus promised if we abide by his Word, we will know the truth because the Bible is the truth. We are to meditate the Word day and night, night and day. This way we can be prosperous Christians.
It is so very important to follow God's Word because it keeps us from swerving right or left and allows to go down a straight and narrow path that leads to life. Also, by delving into the Bible our prayers should be answered. You ever look around and say man why are all these Christians sick, poor, or struggling? We think that since God is Almighty there is no reason for it--it's unacceptable. We throw those problems on God. However, God has the power to do anything and if our prayers are not answered it's just not God's will. Anotherwards, we need to humble ourselves and go to God's word for answers, nothing else, as hard as that may be. We all desire to be free...free from what is holding us back...free from first impressions and wrong thoughts...and free from anything else that may act as a blockade to understand and receive God's blessings.
You see, God has given us the manual and key. We must DRIVE. God's word gives us light, comfort, and success. Spending time in God's word is simply spending time with God. This also means you must praise and worship, do things in his presence, and live a holy life.
"Let God's promises shine on your problems." ~Corrie Ten Boom
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Focusing on God, Not Ourselves.
OOPS! When I scheduled this to post, I picked the wrong day. Sorry!
Luke 18:19
19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good.
Have you ever just felt horrible...like you weren't spending enough time with God? I thought man I'm not being a very good Christian. Then I realized...wow I'm totally not focusing on the nature of Jesus. He came here because he loves and cares for us! He wanted to show us sinners the way to eternal life. He loves us the way we are.
It is important to focus on Jesus, not ourselves and our sins. Give him your burdens. You need to look at yourself as God sees you. God doesn't expect us to be perfect by any means. Pray about your sins and God will stray us from them. The bottom line is that it has everything to do with how much God loves us no matter how much we sin and we can't overcome them.
"Though our feelings come and go, God's love for us does not." ~C.S. Lewis
Luke 18:19
19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good.
Have you ever just felt horrible...like you weren't spending enough time with God? I thought man I'm not being a very good Christian. Then I realized...wow I'm totally not focusing on the nature of Jesus. He came here because he loves and cares for us! He wanted to show us sinners the way to eternal life. He loves us the way we are.
It is important to focus on Jesus, not ourselves and our sins. Give him your burdens. You need to look at yourself as God sees you. God doesn't expect us to be perfect by any means. Pray about your sins and God will stray us from them. The bottom line is that it has everything to do with how much God loves us no matter how much we sin and we can't overcome them.
"Though our feelings come and go, God's love for us does not." ~C.S. Lewis
Monday, October 20, 2008
Watch What You Say.
James 3:5-6
5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.
But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
James does not hold back when he describes how much power our tongue gives us. It can certainly cause great evil if we don't watch what we say. What comes out of our mouth can burn our lives and relationships forever.
In the case of the Bible, the words are powerful and say good things. The words are like fire here as well. The difference is the words out of our mouth aren't always controlled. Sometimes the words out of our mouths burn a long path of destruction.
I know it has happened to you. Somebody said something that hurt you and blew up your insides. On the other hand, your own words were not clearly thought out and ended up burning the emotions of your best friend.
Do you think it's necessary to have communication if we're so imperfect in the first place? To make it easier on yourself and others think before you speak!
"First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak." ~Epictetus
5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.
But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
James does not hold back when he describes how much power our tongue gives us. It can certainly cause great evil if we don't watch what we say. What comes out of our mouth can burn our lives and relationships forever.
In the case of the Bible, the words are powerful and say good things. The words are like fire here as well. The difference is the words out of our mouth aren't always controlled. Sometimes the words out of our mouths burn a long path of destruction.
I know it has happened to you. Somebody said something that hurt you and blew up your insides. On the other hand, your own words were not clearly thought out and ended up burning the emotions of your best friend.
Do you think it's necessary to have communication if we're so imperfect in the first place? To make it easier on yourself and others think before you speak!
"First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak." ~Epictetus
Saturday, October 18, 2008
What Makes God Happy?
Jeremiah 32:40-41
40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me. 41 I will find joy doing good for them and will faithfully and wholeheartedly replant them in this land.
We all have expectations toward something, whether it is how we expect a situation will pan out or what we expect from a particular individual. What do you think God wants of us?
Some people look at him scornfully, thinking he is just waiting for people to mess up. Others think he is wonderful without truly meaning it. The bible tells us that God will rejoice over us to do good. It satisfies God to do this. He is cheering you on...he's on your side!
Praying helps if you have trouble with understanding this. Pray that God will reveal himself in a clearer way. Also, get a good group of friends to support you.
I know I've mentioned praying in several posts. In the near future, I will have a series of prayer topics to help you in that area of your life.
What you have made me see," answered the Lady, "is as plain as the sky, but I never saw it before. Yet it has happened every day. One goes into the forest to pick food and already the thought of one fruit rather than another has grown up in one's mind. Then, it may be, one finds a different fruit and not the fruit one thought of. One joy was expected and another is given. But this I had never noticed before - that the very moment of the finding there is in the mind a kind of thrusting back, or setting aside. The picture of the fruit you have not found is still, for a moment, before you. And if you wished, if it were possible to wish - you could keep it there. You could send your soul after the good you had expected, instead of turning it to the good you had got. You could refuse the real good; you could make the real fruit taste insipid by thinking of the other." ~C.S. Lewis
40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me. 41 I will find joy doing good for them and will faithfully and wholeheartedly replant them in this land.
We all have expectations toward something, whether it is how we expect a situation will pan out or what we expect from a particular individual. What do you think God wants of us?
Some people look at him scornfully, thinking he is just waiting for people to mess up. Others think he is wonderful without truly meaning it. The bible tells us that God will rejoice over us to do good. It satisfies God to do this. He is cheering you on...he's on your side!
Praying helps if you have trouble with understanding this. Pray that God will reveal himself in a clearer way. Also, get a good group of friends to support you.
I know I've mentioned praying in several posts. In the near future, I will have a series of prayer topics to help you in that area of your life.
What you have made me see," answered the Lady, "is as plain as the sky, but I never saw it before. Yet it has happened every day. One goes into the forest to pick food and already the thought of one fruit rather than another has grown up in one's mind. Then, it may be, one finds a different fruit and not the fruit one thought of. One joy was expected and another is given. But this I had never noticed before - that the very moment of the finding there is in the mind a kind of thrusting back, or setting aside. The picture of the fruit you have not found is still, for a moment, before you. And if you wished, if it were possible to wish - you could keep it there. You could send your soul after the good you had expected, instead of turning it to the good you had got. You could refuse the real good; you could make the real fruit taste insipid by thinking of the other." ~C.S. Lewis
Friday, October 17, 2008
God's Laughing.
Job 8:21
21 He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
Psalm 59:8
8 But Lord, you laugh at them.
You scoff at all the hostile nations.
Here's something to brighten up your day...God laughs! Those scriptures tell us so. Looking in context, God is laughing at the rebels and those who are foolish and those think that they have more power than he does. He laugh at absurdity and maybe thinks, "you're kidding, right?"
Don't take this the wrong way though. I strongly believe God is not harsh and does not laugh at our problems we face each and veryday. I can't say it enough...but he loves us!
He has a great sense of humor nonetheless. Why would God create human beings who are any different than he is? That goes to say he wouldn't create a weird sense of humor if he didn't have one. God is filled with joy and laughter. He is not afraid to show it! I remember asking God a few years ago if I could stay away from the mission field, but now I can't get enough of it. He's sent me on one every year for the last three years. That's just one example for you.
"God is a comedian." ~Voltaire
21 He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
Psalm 59:8
8 But Lord, you laugh at them.
You scoff at all the hostile nations.
Here's something to brighten up your day...God laughs! Those scriptures tell us so. Looking in context, God is laughing at the rebels and those who are foolish and those think that they have more power than he does. He laugh at absurdity and maybe thinks, "you're kidding, right?"
Don't take this the wrong way though. I strongly believe God is not harsh and does not laugh at our problems we face each and veryday. I can't say it enough...but he loves us!
He has a great sense of humor nonetheless. Why would God create human beings who are any different than he is? That goes to say he wouldn't create a weird sense of humor if he didn't have one. God is filled with joy and laughter. He is not afraid to show it! I remember asking God a few years ago if I could stay away from the mission field, but now I can't get enough of it. He's sent me on one every year for the last three years. That's just one example for you.
"God is a comedian." ~Voltaire
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Put a Smile on.
2 Corinthians 8:2
2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
Do you have anything near you that you bought a long time ago? Look at it now. Do you look at it differently? I mean, you're probably not as excited about it now as you were when you purchased it. The excitement just wears away. We have let downs too. For example, whenever I go on vacation I'm excited, but then before long I'm back and it's like "man I wish i could hold onto that excitement forever."
The same type of thing can also happen as we go through the hussle and bussle of our daily activities. Certain encounters and circumstances turn that smile into a frown. These exterior things can make us frustrated. We forget everything that should make us appreciative.
With the help of God, he can help you see [this and that] the way Jesus would. Immediately, God gets our attention by showing us an eternal mindset. Instead of doing a nasty, worldy action, just PRAY! There's always a moral to every situation that we face.
So, put a smile on (your face and heart) and leave it there all the time!
Many good quotes for today to keep you smiling :)
"The world always looks brighter from behind a smile." ~Author Unknown
"Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. ~Mother Teresa
"A friendly look, a kindly smile, one good act, and life's worthwhile. ~Author Unknown
2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
Do you have anything near you that you bought a long time ago? Look at it now. Do you look at it differently? I mean, you're probably not as excited about it now as you were when you purchased it. The excitement just wears away. We have let downs too. For example, whenever I go on vacation I'm excited, but then before long I'm back and it's like "man I wish i could hold onto that excitement forever."
The same type of thing can also happen as we go through the hussle and bussle of our daily activities. Certain encounters and circumstances turn that smile into a frown. These exterior things can make us frustrated. We forget everything that should make us appreciative.
With the help of God, he can help you see [this and that] the way Jesus would. Immediately, God gets our attention by showing us an eternal mindset. Instead of doing a nasty, worldy action, just PRAY! There's always a moral to every situation that we face.
So, put a smile on (your face and heart) and leave it there all the time!
Many good quotes for today to keep you smiling :)
"The world always looks brighter from behind a smile." ~Author Unknown
"Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. ~Mother Teresa
"A friendly look, a kindly smile, one good act, and life's worthwhile. ~Author Unknown
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Rejoice in the Lord.
Philippians 4:4-5,8
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
How many times do we focus on the not so good things? Many times it's so easy to just name the unpleasant things rather than the pleasant ones. I think if you look on the bright side you will be more motivated. If you don't, it will set you back and leave you at a standstill.
Let's think about this...if you say Dear God, I HATE THIS, I HATE THAT constantly it really shows a lot about your character. Thank God more for what is good. Still be honest. Just try to at least get one joyful point originating out of every evil. That should help. You will really grow strong from this, trust me.
Thank him for all your blessings and anything that makes you shout Hallelujah!
I hope to share with you some songs more often on here from youtube and other sites whether it pertains to the topic or not (maybe a song that popped into my head during the day). You can share any that you enjoy with me along with your devotions!
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
How many times do we focus on the not so good things? Many times it's so easy to just name the unpleasant things rather than the pleasant ones. I think if you look on the bright side you will be more motivated. If you don't, it will set you back and leave you at a standstill.
Let's think about this...if you say Dear God, I HATE THIS, I HATE THAT constantly it really shows a lot about your character. Thank God more for what is good. Still be honest. Just try to at least get one joyful point originating out of every evil. That should help. You will really grow strong from this, trust me.
Thank him for all your blessings and anything that makes you shout Hallelujah!
I hope to share with you some songs more often on here from youtube and other sites whether it pertains to the topic or not (maybe a song that popped into my head during the day). You can share any that you enjoy with me along with your devotions!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Love...
I want to know the power of love...I want to feel its presence...I want it to caress me, feel me, complete me...my brokeness can only be completed through this neverending search of love...this earthly desire...something every human craves...something we crave...something we need to complete our broken hearts...yet all love comes with a journey...and that journey is ever so painful...tears are shed, bodies are bled...just to find what it is...just to get a glimpse of its ever powerful and glorious reign...do not deny it, you crave its warmth...no matter how much darkness resides in your soul...no matter how many souls you've crushed to help yourself...no matter how many times you've slipped into earthly sin...you crave it...it calls to you...it wants you to come to it...yet the thorns of darkness are in its way...as long as a single soul retains the fiery coals of darkness, so shall it remain...those unready to pass through the terrible thorns feel its wrath...and shape to the mold of the world...to avoid having to face these troubles head-on...'your not pretty...your stupid...you aren't good enough...you are just some scum that needs this...drugs will make you better...virgins are not cool anymore...alcohol will make you happy'...all of these and more are the way of the world...a whirlpool...trying to suck into the deepest hole, eventually getting caught in the black hole...never escaping the darkness...demeanting your trait of thought...changing you from the inside-out...turning you into an ever-craving demon left to wander the world in search of the one piece that completes you...love...they don't realize earthly love isn't the answer...none of us do...unless He's with you...unless you're walking in the Son...we are just humans...sacs of water with organic matter that functions...to preserve us...but why are we here?...in constant search of the thing that completes our presence...an unfinished puzzle in organic being...yet if we are just organic matter, why then do we have a soul?...was it made just to be incomplete?...just to cause us pain, turmoil, suffering, heartache, and the constant depression of failing to find the missing piece of the puzzle...and still, we do not know...we may never know...all any of us know is that we are still searching...longing...reaching out to grasp it...hold it...feel it...touch its streams of light...transform in its gaze...become the better person...yet this 'paradise' we call earth is against such change...such warmth...such light...the earth is darkness...a black hole...taking souls into its icy center...lacking the warmth...lacking the light...lacking all that completes us in a dark and unpleasant 'hell'...yet, it cannot take us at its own will...we must be able to let our guard down...give up...hand over our life to the way of the world...if this happens, the world will take you...it will shape you in its image...its reflection will be visible through you...all the rest of us will see how you've fallen...how you've given up...let your guard down...thought that taking this short cut would lead you to that one thing that completes you faster...the hatred of the world...still people think that worldly items will complete the shattered soul...shattered dreams...shattered hopes...'drugs...alcohol...power...sex'...temporary scapegoats to free us from the world as it is...temporary paradises that keep demanding...keep begging you to return...eventually, we want to return...we fall from the path towards what we search for...we must go to that scapegoat in order for it to give us 'freedom'...a ticket to escape from the world's troubles...feign love...this love is but an imposter...a fake...one that tempts you to give it your everything...one that will demand your all...one that will never fill that empty void in yourself
but there's hope...
one day, we will be helped...someone will pick us up...whether it is a friend or family member or complete stranger...His face will be present...right in front of you...your day will come...it will be your turn soon...but in case you don't know it, I'll tell you
I may not know you...you may be a complete stranger...or you could possibly be my greatest friend...reading this now...but, whether you're close or far...I want to tell you something...you are beautiful...more precious than anything on this earth...you are a treasure beyond worth...don't sell yourself short...if you've suffered great losses...I am sorry...let me comfort you...I want you to feel happy once more...to be overwhelmed with joy again...you are perfect in the eyes...of your perfect soulmate...I want to tell you...that I love you...I'm not gay, but I respect and love them anyway...it's not twisted or disgusting in any way...I care for you...no matter your looks...no matter your personality...no matter your orientation...I love you...I want you to know that...you are loved...you are forgiven...if you have hurt me...in any way...I forgive you...and I love you
With as much earthly love I can give you,
Christina
Isn't that nicely put? Everything she said is so true. My friend Christina wrote this more than a year ago and it's wonderful. What a better way to wrap this week's series of love devotions...Thanks!!!
By the way, here's a bible verse for today:
John 13:34-35
34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
but there's hope...
one day, we will be helped...someone will pick us up...whether it is a friend or family member or complete stranger...His face will be present...right in front of you...your day will come...it will be your turn soon...but in case you don't know it, I'll tell you
I may not know you...you may be a complete stranger...or you could possibly be my greatest friend...reading this now...but, whether you're close or far...I want to tell you something...you are beautiful...more precious than anything on this earth...you are a treasure beyond worth...don't sell yourself short...if you've suffered great losses...I am sorry...let me comfort you...I want you to feel happy once more...to be overwhelmed with joy again...you are perfect in the eyes...of your perfect soulmate...I want to tell you...that I love you...I'm not gay, but I respect and love them anyway...it's not twisted or disgusting in any way...I care for you...no matter your looks...no matter your personality...no matter your orientation...I love you...I want you to know that...you are loved...you are forgiven...if you have hurt me...in any way...I forgive you...and I love you
With as much earthly love I can give you,
Christina
Isn't that nicely put? Everything she said is so true. My friend Christina wrote this more than a year ago and it's wonderful. What a better way to wrap this week's series of love devotions...Thanks!!!
By the way, here's a bible verse for today:
John 13:34-35
34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Friday, October 10, 2008
How's Your Love Life?
Revelation 2:2-4
2 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.
4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!
Jesus sent a message to the church at Ephesus, but it's a message that can still be heard today in churches and even by you.
The believers at Ephesus deserve some praise. They worked hard for God in order to battle with evil. They didn't give up, even when it was exhausting and seemingly pointless at the time. They lived in the name of Jesus.
There was a problem though. They had neglected the love they had for Jesus when they first met him. Their works were good, but were not done out of love. The genuineness was not present. That hurt Jesus and broke his heart.
You can do every good deed there is in the book. You want to keep the main purpose in mind before getting too carried away...do everything with meaning and love for Christ.
"When you say I love you, mean it." ~Author Unknown
2 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.
4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!
Jesus sent a message to the church at Ephesus, but it's a message that can still be heard today in churches and even by you.
The believers at Ephesus deserve some praise. They worked hard for God in order to battle with evil. They didn't give up, even when it was exhausting and seemingly pointless at the time. They lived in the name of Jesus.
There was a problem though. They had neglected the love they had for Jesus when they first met him. Their works were good, but were not done out of love. The genuineness was not present. That hurt Jesus and broke his heart.
You can do every good deed there is in the book. You want to keep the main purpose in mind before getting too carried away...do everything with meaning and love for Christ.
"When you say I love you, mean it." ~Author Unknown
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Merest Christianity.
1 John 3:1,11
1 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.
11 This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.
C.S. Lewis is a familiar name in your mind right? I mean, I have used several of his quotes on my blog before. He communicated his beliefs about Christianity in a series of British radio broadcasts that were edited into the book Mere Christianity. He covered the basics of Christian belief. Yet even that slim book would have seemed overly long and complex to the apostle John. John uses the simplest language of any New Testament writer - his three letters together employ barely 300 different Greek words - to express the gospel in its most distilled form.
Throughout the letters of John he defines words in relation to their opposites: light versus darkness, truth versus falsehood, life versus death. I know you've heard me mention it so many times, but the bible clearly wants us to "love one another." If you do that, you have the heart of God. (Source: Young Student Bible -Philip Yancey and Tom Stafford)
God is generous to love us dearly as his children. Sometimes we don't act like it. If somebody is a good role model, don't you want to follow in their footsteps? A person who loves God should act like it. It's that simple, or is it?
This may seem easy to do, but it's trickier to apply it to your own life. I challenge you to step out into the world with love pouring out of you each time you come in contact with someone, whether it be a friend or a complete stranger.
"If there is one virtue which most commends Christians, it is that of kindness; it is to love the people of God, to love the church, to love the world- to love all." ~Charles Spurgeon
FYI: Chances are by the time you read today's devotion, I'll be up in Tennessee. I will be up there for a few days visiting my sister, brother-in-law, along with my niece and nephews! In case you don't know, on a typical weekend I write all of the following week's devotions. So, the devotions for the rest of this week are covered. When I return back home Sunday, I expect to be busy, so don't expect a post Monday or Tuesday. Check back mid-week though :)
God Bless as always!
Tyler
1 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.
11 This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.
C.S. Lewis is a familiar name in your mind right? I mean, I have used several of his quotes on my blog before. He communicated his beliefs about Christianity in a series of British radio broadcasts that were edited into the book Mere Christianity. He covered the basics of Christian belief. Yet even that slim book would have seemed overly long and complex to the apostle John. John uses the simplest language of any New Testament writer - his three letters together employ barely 300 different Greek words - to express the gospel in its most distilled form.
Throughout the letters of John he defines words in relation to their opposites: light versus darkness, truth versus falsehood, life versus death. I know you've heard me mention it so many times, but the bible clearly wants us to "love one another." If you do that, you have the heart of God. (Source: Young Student Bible -Philip Yancey and Tom Stafford)
God is generous to love us dearly as his children. Sometimes we don't act like it. If somebody is a good role model, don't you want to follow in their footsteps? A person who loves God should act like it. It's that simple, or is it?
This may seem easy to do, but it's trickier to apply it to your own life. I challenge you to step out into the world with love pouring out of you each time you come in contact with someone, whether it be a friend or a complete stranger.
"If there is one virtue which most commends Christians, it is that of kindness; it is to love the people of God, to love the church, to love the world- to love all." ~Charles Spurgeon
FYI: Chances are by the time you read today's devotion, I'll be up in Tennessee. I will be up there for a few days visiting my sister, brother-in-law, along with my niece and nephews! In case you don't know, on a typical weekend I write all of the following week's devotions. So, the devotions for the rest of this week are covered. When I return back home Sunday, I expect to be busy, so don't expect a post Monday or Tuesday. Check back mid-week though :)
God Bless as always!
Tyler
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Most Important Commandment.
Matthew 22:35-40
35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Jesus tells us the first thing we, as God's children, should do is: Love him. (If you would like read more from the bible about this other than what I have given you for today's scripture, read Deuteronomy 6.)
Love God with your whole heart... with all your affection, attention, and emotion.
Love God with your whole soul...With every fiber of who you are.
Love God with your whole mind...intelligently, questioningly, probingly, and thoughtfully.
Loving God involves a promise and a commitment. It involves your whole being. Every part of you should love God, from head to toe. He is the one who made you, who keeps you going everyday, gives you shelter, and loves you infinitely. All we could ever do is love him in return.
Work on giving your everything -- heart, mind, and soul to God.
"Intense love does not measure, it just gives." ~Mother Teresa
35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Jesus tells us the first thing we, as God's children, should do is: Love him. (If you would like read more from the bible about this other than what I have given you for today's scripture, read Deuteronomy 6.)
Love God with your whole heart... with all your affection, attention, and emotion.
Love God with your whole soul...With every fiber of who you are.
Love God with your whole mind...intelligently, questioningly, probingly, and thoughtfully.
Loving God involves a promise and a commitment. It involves your whole being. Every part of you should love God, from head to toe. He is the one who made you, who keeps you going everyday, gives you shelter, and loves you infinitely. All we could ever do is love him in return.
Work on giving your everything -- heart, mind, and soul to God.
"Intense love does not measure, it just gives." ~Mother Teresa
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Human Love vs. God's Love.
Ephesians 3:17-19
17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages[a] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!
Chrisitanity is so great and special because God himself (who is love) comes to live in each one of our hearts. Love can be found in a person. You can have a relationship with somebody (a human) who will be by your side to help you find your way up and over obstacles in life. Meanwhile, true love can, and always will be found in one being, and that's God who can do "all of the above." It's so overwhelming to know that God's love is so great for me, along with you!
God's love is a supernatural form of love...it's almost beyond the imagination. It keeps coming no matter what we do (it doesn't even matter what our past has been like). Under no circumstances, will God cut off his circulation of love to you. You've heard the saying, "There are no strings attached." This can definitely be applied by God's love...it's a promise!!! There is no vow or contract with God per say, although he would like you to do everything in his glory.
"For humans, [love] is more of an earthly passion, while for God it's an overall joy...without bonds!" Thanks to my friend Christina for this idea!
17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages[a] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!
Chrisitanity is so great and special because God himself (who is love) comes to live in each one of our hearts. Love can be found in a person. You can have a relationship with somebody (a human) who will be by your side to help you find your way up and over obstacles in life. Meanwhile, true love can, and always will be found in one being, and that's God who can do "all of the above." It's so overwhelming to know that God's love is so great for me, along with you!
God's love is a supernatural form of love...it's almost beyond the imagination. It keeps coming no matter what we do (it doesn't even matter what our past has been like). Under no circumstances, will God cut off his circulation of love to you. You've heard the saying, "There are no strings attached." This can definitely be applied by God's love...it's a promise!!! There is no vow or contract with God per say, although he would like you to do everything in his glory.
"For humans, [love] is more of an earthly passion, while for God it's an overall joy...without bonds!" Thanks to my friend Christina for this idea!
Monday, October 6, 2008
God is Love.
1 John 4:7-21
7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
13 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. 14 Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 19 We love each other because he loved us first.
20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.
I want to talk about love over the next several days. God is a very personal, loving being who is perfect. He is fair in all his judgments because he wants to hold a relationship with us. You're going to be hearing this more than once: God's love is unconditional.
John thinks of God as love. When an individual is looked at as a loving one, it's because they love God. By loving God, you can love others. When Chrisitans love one another with an equal amount of love as God has for us, that's a perfect love triangle. If you're not seeing God, just look for his love being portrayed by other people and you'll see it!
Some claim to love God while hating others. John tells us though that it's impossible to experience God's love or be impacted by it and not express it.
So, love God and obey him in order to love others. This will help you be a part of the family of God.
7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
13 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. 14 Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 19 We love each other because he loved us first.
20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.
I want to talk about love over the next several days. God is a very personal, loving being who is perfect. He is fair in all his judgments because he wants to hold a relationship with us. You're going to be hearing this more than once: God's love is unconditional.
John thinks of God as love. When an individual is looked at as a loving one, it's because they love God. By loving God, you can love others. When Chrisitans love one another with an equal amount of love as God has for us, that's a perfect love triangle. If you're not seeing God, just look for his love being portrayed by other people and you'll see it!
Some claim to love God while hating others. John tells us though that it's impossible to experience God's love or be impacted by it and not express it.
So, love God and obey him in order to love others. This will help you be a part of the family of God.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Mass Items.
Ecclesiastes 2:4-16
4 I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. 7 I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. 8 I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!
9 So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. 10 Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. 11 But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.
12 So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?. 13 I thought, “Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. 14 For the wise can see where they are going, but fools walk in the dark.” Yet I saw that the wise and the foolish share the same fate. 15 Both will die. So I said to myself, “Since I will end up the same as the fool, what’s the value of all my wisdom? This is all so meaningless!” 16 For the wise and the foolish both die. The wise will not be remembered any longer than the fool. In the days to come, both will be forgotten.
You should read the last two days' devotions if you haven't already. This may flow better. Yesterday's verses can also be added to today's...
On the radio the other day, they mentioned Richard Byrd, an American explorer of the north and south poles. He was only allowed to bring a 50 pound bag with him on one of his exploration trips. He said something like, "It wasn't until now that I realized man can live without a mass of things."
I can realte to that. We have so much nowadays, it is beyond our imagination (see September 19 devotion). I find myself bogged down by material things. Instead, I really should not worry about the "things" and focus on the all important, almighty God.
When I'm in remote/isolated areas I realize all the silly things that are taken for granted. The list just goes on and on. You're not going to die because of a lack material things. Remember that.
If anybody has a devotion or God story or anything like that, send it to my email (heytbone92@gmail.com) and I'll use it on here. I want to hear how God speaks through others. Thanks!
4 I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. 7 I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. 8 I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!
9 So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. 10 Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. 11 But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.
12 So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?. 13 I thought, “Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. 14 For the wise can see where they are going, but fools walk in the dark.” Yet I saw that the wise and the foolish share the same fate. 15 Both will die. So I said to myself, “Since I will end up the same as the fool, what’s the value of all my wisdom? This is all so meaningless!” 16 For the wise and the foolish both die. The wise will not be remembered any longer than the fool. In the days to come, both will be forgotten.
You should read the last two days' devotions if you haven't already. This may flow better. Yesterday's verses can also be added to today's...
On the radio the other day, they mentioned Richard Byrd, an American explorer of the north and south poles. He was only allowed to bring a 50 pound bag with him on one of his exploration trips. He said something like, "It wasn't until now that I realized man can live without a mass of things."
I can realte to that. We have so much nowadays, it is beyond our imagination (see September 19 devotion). I find myself bogged down by material things. Instead, I really should not worry about the "things" and focus on the all important, almighty God.
When I'm in remote/isolated areas I realize all the silly things that are taken for granted. The list just goes on and on. You're not going to die because of a lack material things. Remember that.
If anybody has a devotion or God story or anything like that, send it to my email (heytbone92@gmail.com) and I'll use it on here. I want to hear how God speaks through others. Thanks!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Pleasures Don't Mean Anything.
Ecclesiastes 2:1-3
1 I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. 2 So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” 3 After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.
Chapter two of Ecclesiastes shows us what Soloman found on this search (you may want to read the chapter to get a better understanding). In this chapter we can see all the ways that humans find enjoyment. If we have a merry 'ole time, will we find happiness? Soloman examines the world around him to see whether this is true. Soloman gives us the details of what he experienced. Soloman motivates himself with words of enjoyment.
Next, the result is given. He said "laughter is foolish." Have you ever had a day's worth of laughing and went to bed feeling like nothing unusual had happened? He is not saying this is wrong...sure it's healthy, but it's empty. It doesn't completely fulfill us.
"So what use is it?" he asks. "Nothing" he adds. Generally, pleasure consumes resources like money, and doesn't build things up.
There may be some great things that come from pleasure. Soloman did become famous. However, contrary to belief, pleasure and fame doesn't satisfy the heart. Soloman found it. He found pleasure in all his work - but only for a moment. He says it's a waste of time (verse 26: God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. This, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind).
The bottom line is don't find pleasure from anything but from the hands of God (verse 24). Pray to God that you can find your heart's delight in God.
“Pleasure is the greatest incentive to evil.” ~Plato
1 I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. 2 So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” 3 After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.
Chapter two of Ecclesiastes shows us what Soloman found on this search (you may want to read the chapter to get a better understanding). In this chapter we can see all the ways that humans find enjoyment. If we have a merry 'ole time, will we find happiness? Soloman examines the world around him to see whether this is true. Soloman gives us the details of what he experienced. Soloman motivates himself with words of enjoyment.
Next, the result is given. He said "laughter is foolish." Have you ever had a day's worth of laughing and went to bed feeling like nothing unusual had happened? He is not saying this is wrong...sure it's healthy, but it's empty. It doesn't completely fulfill us.
"So what use is it?" he asks. "Nothing" he adds. Generally, pleasure consumes resources like money, and doesn't build things up.
There may be some great things that come from pleasure. Soloman did become famous. However, contrary to belief, pleasure and fame doesn't satisfy the heart. Soloman found it. He found pleasure in all his work - but only for a moment. He says it's a waste of time (verse 26: God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. This, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind).
The bottom line is don't find pleasure from anything but from the hands of God (verse 24). Pray to God that you can find your heart's delight in God.
“Pleasure is the greatest incentive to evil.” ~Plato
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Three Problem People.
Proverbs 1:22
22 “How long, you simpletons,
will you insist on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
How long will you fools hate knowledge?
Mockers, fools, and the simple are all bad characters and ones we should stay away from according to Proverbs. The "simple" might not be too big of a deal out of the bunch. They are lazy and don't put much thought into their life. They will be sorry in the end. "Fools" are more intelligent, but decide to live the way they want to, separating themselves from God and advice. "Mockers" are not good at all. They are rebels against God who make their position known with pride to everyone they run into. They mock God, but God tells us he will mock them eventually (verse 26 says: So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—)
Oh boy, God really dislikes mockery, along with being simple and being a fool. If you think you fit into one of the aforementioned categories, don't fret because it's never too late to change. This is where you can bring God in to your life and stop acting foolish.
“Three of the rudest people in the world are: a young person making fun of an older person, a strong person jeering at an invalid, and the wise mocking a fool.” ~Unknown
22 “How long, you simpletons,
will you insist on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
How long will you fools hate knowledge?
Mockers, fools, and the simple are all bad characters and ones we should stay away from according to Proverbs. The "simple" might not be too big of a deal out of the bunch. They are lazy and don't put much thought into their life. They will be sorry in the end. "Fools" are more intelligent, but decide to live the way they want to, separating themselves from God and advice. "Mockers" are not good at all. They are rebels against God who make their position known with pride to everyone they run into. They mock God, but God tells us he will mock them eventually (verse 26 says: So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—)
Oh boy, God really dislikes mockery, along with being simple and being a fool. If you think you fit into one of the aforementioned categories, don't fret because it's never too late to change. This is where you can bring God in to your life and stop acting foolish.
“Three of the rudest people in the world are: a young person making fun of an older person, a strong person jeering at an invalid, and the wise mocking a fool.” ~Unknown
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Love Before Birth.
Psalm 139:13-16
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
It is clear that God loves us before we born...in fact long before. Nothing can escape God--no person, no thought, no place, no time. You should appreciate how he made you, instead of how you want to be. Appreciate that splendor because if you don't, you are disrespecting God.
God put you together. He had a unique DNA and special parents planned out for you a long, long time ago...
The purpose of your body is house the holy spirit -- to let God's spirit live in you. God created a beautiful body where his grace and mercy exists. That body would hold him and become his dwelling place.
Make sure your body has a living quarter for God so that he can bless you always!
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
It is clear that God loves us before we born...in fact long before. Nothing can escape God--no person, no thought, no place, no time. You should appreciate how he made you, instead of how you want to be. Appreciate that splendor because if you don't, you are disrespecting God.
God put you together. He had a unique DNA and special parents planned out for you a long, long time ago...
The purpose of your body is house the holy spirit -- to let God's spirit live in you. God created a beautiful body where his grace and mercy exists. That body would hold him and become his dwelling place.
Make sure your body has a living quarter for God so that he can bless you always!
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