John 1:1-5, 14
1 In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He existed in the beginning with God.
3 God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.
14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
You probably noticed "The Word" mentioned several times above. That phrase is synonymous to Jesus in today's verses. The word has become flesh. Even though Christ has entered the dark world, he is not overwhelmed by it.
Jesus has been around since the beginning (as the Earth was created). This includes every time we go into the new year and every second of your life. What about tomorrow and the next day? He'll be there. After all, there are no holiday vacations for Jesus!
Are you having trouble getting this past year behind you? Do you think Jesus is non-existent? Pray to him. I just started reading a book called The Shack. It brings up the question Does God exist during difficult times? Down the road, I plan on discussing the book in a series of posts.
A heathen philosopher once asked a Christian, 'Where is God'? The Christian answered, 'Let me first ask you, Where is He not?' ~Aaron Arrowsmith
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
New Year's Resolution: Spiritual Style.
Genesis 9:12-15
12 Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. 13 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. 14 When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, 15 and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life.
From the context can you tell what this passage is about? This is when Noah gets off the ark. He is relieved that the world is no longer flooded. Just like New Year's, it's a new beginning. God promised to never make the world flood again and created the rainbow to symbolize his promise.
When you see a rainbow, isn't it so beautiful? This beauty is refreshing and is a reminder of God's beauty. Not only should it remind us of his beauty, but his ability to keep the world from flooding again.
Back on earth, the first of the year usually means resolutions left and right. We think of it as a new beginning. On average, it takes about a month for a new habit to become established. Usually we just give up after a matter of days and our plan fails. We are back to our old self again. Do we really make the effort and commitment that God did?
Despite the difficulty, it's good to use the New Year to look over your life. Instead steer clear from the traditional resolution of exercising more frequently and instead fine tune your spiritual life. Whether it's giving more, praying more, or reading the Bible more, there's most likely some room for change in this area of your life. Pray about it!
Think of a goal that can help ramp up your spiritual life. Can you use something to symbolize your spiritual resolution? You have a couple more days to work on this ;)
"...Let every new year find you a better man." ~Benjamin Franklin
12 Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. 13 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. 14 When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, 15 and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life.
From the context can you tell what this passage is about? This is when Noah gets off the ark. He is relieved that the world is no longer flooded. Just like New Year's, it's a new beginning. God promised to never make the world flood again and created the rainbow to symbolize his promise.
When you see a rainbow, isn't it so beautiful? This beauty is refreshing and is a reminder of God's beauty. Not only should it remind us of his beauty, but his ability to keep the world from flooding again.
Back on earth, the first of the year usually means resolutions left and right. We think of it as a new beginning. On average, it takes about a month for a new habit to become established. Usually we just give up after a matter of days and our plan fails. We are back to our old self again. Do we really make the effort and commitment that God did?
Despite the difficulty, it's good to use the New Year to look over your life. Instead steer clear from the traditional resolution of exercising more frequently and instead fine tune your spiritual life. Whether it's giving more, praying more, or reading the Bible more, there's most likely some room for change in this area of your life. Pray about it!
Think of a goal that can help ramp up your spiritual life. Can you use something to symbolize your spiritual resolution? You have a couple more days to work on this ;)
"...Let every new year find you a better man." ~Benjamin Franklin
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Home Stretch.
Matthew 2:12-16
12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
13 After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
14 That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, 15 and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”
16 Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance.
Have you ever felt uneasy or nervous with the presence of Jesus Christ around you? Herold did. I'll admit that understanding Christ's presence leads to at least some change can be a bit scary.
We have to understand that Jesus expects change out of us as long as he is in our life. Sometimes we don't want to make any changes. At any rate, these changes may mean doing what the world says is wrong or insignificant. Jesus may call for less computer games or spending less time watching football and more time praying and reading the Bible, for example.
These changes will make you as close to perfect as you can get and more importantly, you will be transformed into a Christ-like figure even more so than you are right now. Think of some things Christ is wanting you to change. Do you mind making those changes?
P.S. My devotions are back after having a wonderful Christmas in Tennessee with my sister and family. Now I'm "semi-back to normal" since I'm off from school for another week. I'm already missing everybody up there. Anyways, I hope you all had a blessed Christmas. We're now in the home stretch of 2008 and I'm looking forward to 2009 even though this year has been great!
12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
13 After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
14 That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, 15 and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”
16 Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance.
Have you ever felt uneasy or nervous with the presence of Jesus Christ around you? Herold did. I'll admit that understanding Christ's presence leads to at least some change can be a bit scary.
We have to understand that Jesus expects change out of us as long as he is in our life. Sometimes we don't want to make any changes. At any rate, these changes may mean doing what the world says is wrong or insignificant. Jesus may call for less computer games or spending less time watching football and more time praying and reading the Bible, for example.
These changes will make you as close to perfect as you can get and more importantly, you will be transformed into a Christ-like figure even more so than you are right now. Think of some things Christ is wanting you to change. Do you mind making those changes?
P.S. My devotions are back after having a wonderful Christmas in Tennessee with my sister and family. Now I'm "semi-back to normal" since I'm off from school for another week. I'm already missing everybody up there. Anyways, I hope you all had a blessed Christmas. We're now in the home stretch of 2008 and I'm looking forward to 2009 even though this year has been great!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
'Tis the Season...for Giving.
Luke 6:38
38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.
A few weeks ago I talked about giving. Well we're still in that season. Christmas is coming and it's nice to take someone a gift, who is in a nursing home or hospital, for example. You can never give too much.
It doesn't even have to be anything big, it can be something small. It's really the thought that counts, not the quality. You can sit and chat with someone who doesn't get many visitors. You can smile and laugh with them. You can even just lend a helping hand and take care of some things for someone. No matter what, it will be special if your giving comes from your heart this holiday season. As Christmas approaches, try to appreciate what you have, instead of what you don't have. If you can give something this holiday, you get bonus points (from God of course)! Whatever you do give, you will be blessed in numerous ways.
Somehow, not only for Christmas,
But all the long year through,
The joy that you give to others,
Is the joy that comes back to you.
And the more you spend in blessing,
The poor and lonely and sad,
The more of your heart's possessing,
Returns to you glad.
~John Greenleaf Whittier
I will be in Tennessee for the next week, so don't expect any posts for the next week. Come back and for them again starting December 29th. In the meantime, I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah or whatever you celebrate...be safe!
38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.
A few weeks ago I talked about giving. Well we're still in that season. Christmas is coming and it's nice to take someone a gift, who is in a nursing home or hospital, for example. You can never give too much.
It doesn't even have to be anything big, it can be something small. It's really the thought that counts, not the quality. You can sit and chat with someone who doesn't get many visitors. You can smile and laugh with them. You can even just lend a helping hand and take care of some things for someone. No matter what, it will be special if your giving comes from your heart this holiday season. As Christmas approaches, try to appreciate what you have, instead of what you don't have. If you can give something this holiday, you get bonus points (from God of course)! Whatever you do give, you will be blessed in numerous ways.
Somehow, not only for Christmas,
But all the long year through,
The joy that you give to others,
Is the joy that comes back to you.
And the more you spend in blessing,
The poor and lonely and sad,
The more of your heart's possessing,
Returns to you glad.
~John Greenleaf Whittier
I will be in Tennessee for the next week, so don't expect any posts for the next week. Come back and for them again starting December 29th. In the meantime, I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah or whatever you celebrate...be safe!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Hey You, Children of Light!
Ephesians 5:8-14
8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,
“Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
We were all born into a dark world living under Satan. We were lost. We were clueless about this whole "Christianity" thing. God was seen as a higher power with just a bunch of strict rules.
Now a lot of you have found light in Jesus. How long have you been a Christian now? Unfortunately, some people reading this may still be iffy and haven't really found the aforementioned light yet. I'll be praying for all of you - either to find the light or to continue holding on to the light.
Once a Christian, God answers many questions. He lets us see his presence and shows his loving character. He has introduced us to Jesus and leads to believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Jesus forgives our sins too. If you're a Christian today, it's a miracle that God worked to show YOU light! You should be very thankful.
Apply what was said today to yesterday's devotion. Don't lose sight of Jesus' light!
"God does not give heed to the ambitiousness of our prayers, because he is always ready to give to us his light, not a visible light but an intellectual and spiritual one: but we are not always ready to receive it when we turn aside and down to other things out of a desire for temporal things." ~Saint Augustine
8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,
“Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
We were all born into a dark world living under Satan. We were lost. We were clueless about this whole "Christianity" thing. God was seen as a higher power with just a bunch of strict rules.
Now a lot of you have found light in Jesus. How long have you been a Christian now? Unfortunately, some people reading this may still be iffy and haven't really found the aforementioned light yet. I'll be praying for all of you - either to find the light or to continue holding on to the light.
Once a Christian, God answers many questions. He lets us see his presence and shows his loving character. He has introduced us to Jesus and leads to believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Jesus forgives our sins too. If you're a Christian today, it's a miracle that God worked to show YOU light! You should be very thankful.
Apply what was said today to yesterday's devotion. Don't lose sight of Jesus' light!
"God does not give heed to the ambitiousness of our prayers, because he is always ready to give to us his light, not a visible light but an intellectual and spiritual one: but we are not always ready to receive it when we turn aside and down to other things out of a desire for temporal things." ~Saint Augustine
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Jesus is the Light of the World.
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
We say it all the time at my church..."Jesus is the Light of the World!" In fact, in my mind he is brighter than any star.
However, you can also twist it around and say we are the light of the world, as the verse says. You know how I've been saying how the world is a dark place? (You can see it in the news). Well Jesus can help turn that around. We are to reflect the light that we have found in Jesus. Don't just shine your light sometimes, shine it whenever and wherever you can - and in all places where darkness resides. Bring the dark places to light!
Prayer: Dear God, help me shine a light all around me. Let me do as you would do and bless others.
In your blessed name, Amen.
"For light I go directly to the Source of light, not to any of the reflections." ~Peace Pilgrim
P.S. This is my 100th post and what a perfect topic! See Jesus is the Light of the World. I could never say everything I say if it weren't for the Holy Spirit. I pray that God continues to give the opportunity to share the Word and what it means to me everyday. Happy Thursday!
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
We say it all the time at my church..."Jesus is the Light of the World!" In fact, in my mind he is brighter than any star.
However, you can also twist it around and say we are the light of the world, as the verse says. You know how I've been saying how the world is a dark place? (You can see it in the news). Well Jesus can help turn that around. We are to reflect the light that we have found in Jesus. Don't just shine your light sometimes, shine it whenever and wherever you can - and in all places where darkness resides. Bring the dark places to light!
Prayer: Dear God, help me shine a light all around me. Let me do as you would do and bless others.
In your blessed name, Amen.
"For light I go directly to the Source of light, not to any of the reflections." ~Peace Pilgrim
P.S. This is my 100th post and what a perfect topic! See Jesus is the Light of the World. I could never say everything I say if it weren't for the Holy Spirit. I pray that God continues to give the opportunity to share the Word and what it means to me everyday. Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The Bible is a Light.
Psalm 119:105
105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.
Whenever you read an interesting book does it move you or inspire you? Well, in many ways the bible can do just the same. You just have to be in the right mindset.
As we read the bible, God gives us direction by using the Holy Spirit to make way for a clearer understanding and it is a guiding light. The Pastor at my church always prays before her sermon and says something along the lines of "Lord if I don't say the right thing, just sweep me aside and you take over and do the work."
In such a dark and messed up world to say the least, God is our guiding light. He is a "lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path." Darkness can't overcome light, but light (God) can certainly absorb the darkness and overcome it.
So forget the flashlight, let God be your light!
"Light is the symbol of truth." ~James Russell Lowell
"Light is God's eldest daughter!" ~Thomas Fuller
105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.
Whenever you read an interesting book does it move you or inspire you? Well, in many ways the bible can do just the same. You just have to be in the right mindset.
As we read the bible, God gives us direction by using the Holy Spirit to make way for a clearer understanding and it is a guiding light. The Pastor at my church always prays before her sermon and says something along the lines of "Lord if I don't say the right thing, just sweep me aside and you take over and do the work."
In such a dark and messed up world to say the least, God is our guiding light. He is a "lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path." Darkness can't overcome light, but light (God) can certainly absorb the darkness and overcome it.
So forget the flashlight, let God be your light!
"Light is the symbol of truth." ~James Russell Lowell
"Light is God's eldest daughter!" ~Thomas Fuller
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Seeing with God's light
Psalm 36:9
9 For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.
When you think about it, light has a lot to do with our vision. Not only that, it gives us a clearer look that allows truth to be revealed. Everything is invisible until light strikes it.
Much of the same can be said about God. He's not an everyday person, that's for sure. However, he still exists. We may not see him like our family and friends, but we talk about him today thanks to evidence in the Bible. It's a historical account that lets us see how God functions.
When light shines on God, we can certainly see him. His love is all around us. How could we not believe in him?
God's love is unbelievable, actually just overwhelming. His generosity is amazing and it's startling to know that he's always there.
"In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't." ~Blaise Pascal
9 For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.
When you think about it, light has a lot to do with our vision. Not only that, it gives us a clearer look that allows truth to be revealed. Everything is invisible until light strikes it.
Much of the same can be said about God. He's not an everyday person, that's for sure. However, he still exists. We may not see him like our family and friends, but we talk about him today thanks to evidence in the Bible. It's a historical account that lets us see how God functions.
When light shines on God, we can certainly see him. His love is all around us. How could we not believe in him?
God's love is unbelievable, actually just overwhelming. His generosity is amazing and it's startling to know that he's always there.
"In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't." ~Blaise Pascal
Monday, December 15, 2008
Look into the Eyes of Someone.
Luke 11:34-36
34 “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is bad, your body is filled with darkness. 35 Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. 36If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.”
When you stare into someone's eyes for a long period of time what do you see? Perhaps you see love, joy, hatred, or anger.
Believe it or not, one's eyes can say a lot. They can be clear. They can be closing because of exhaustion. They can be light or dark. They can help determine whether they are telling the truth, etc. Well, enough about the psychological things but...
Look into people's eyes today from a spiritual standpoint. Go further than their smile and look into their eyes. When you look into someone's eyes are they in need of something such as compassion and Godly love?
Before looking into someone else's eyes, you may want to start with your very own. Do you see Jesus in your eyes or is a dark truth revealed? It's good to know that God will help you remove the blurriness in your eyes and let your eyes beam with love.
"The eyes are the mirror of the soul." ~Yiddish Proverb
EDIT 11/14--I noticed when I went on Sunday that somehow a few of my blogs that were scheduled to post next year showed up. That's silly! It is fixed now, however. Yes, I do alot of these well ahead of time.
34 “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is bad, your body is filled with darkness. 35 Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. 36If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.”
When you stare into someone's eyes for a long period of time what do you see? Perhaps you see love, joy, hatred, or anger.
Believe it or not, one's eyes can say a lot. They can be clear. They can be closing because of exhaustion. They can be light or dark. They can help determine whether they are telling the truth, etc. Well, enough about the psychological things but...
Look into people's eyes today from a spiritual standpoint. Go further than their smile and look into their eyes. When you look into someone's eyes are they in need of something such as compassion and Godly love?
Before looking into someone else's eyes, you may want to start with your very own. Do you see Jesus in your eyes or is a dark truth revealed? It's good to know that God will help you remove the blurriness in your eyes and let your eyes beam with love.
"The eyes are the mirror of the soul." ~Yiddish Proverb
EDIT 11/14--I noticed when I went on Sunday that somehow a few of my blogs that were scheduled to post next year showed up. That's silly! It is fixed now, however. Yes, I do alot of these well ahead of time.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
What Are You Starving For?
1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
Some days we're not very hungry and don't have much of an appetite. We all have those days. We also have days where we aren't very hungry for righteousness.
It's on these days that we don't want to follow the rules and we do things the way we want. The reason could be because of exhaustion or simply because "life is hard." It can go the other way too...life can be so good that we don't even think about God, we ignore him...we're in a comfortable position in our lifes.
Maybe this is what you're dealing with today. If so, try to make yourself hungry and thirsty for God. Recognize God's will and accept it. Ask God to make you grow increasingly hungrier and thirstier for his will every day.
God loves to help you, but you need to do your part too. What do you need to change to become genuinely hungry and thirsty for the Lord?
"People are hungry for God. Do you see that? Quite often we look but do not see. We are all passing through this world. We need to open our eyes and see." ~Mother Teresa
The Beatitudes
3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
Some days we're not very hungry and don't have much of an appetite. We all have those days. We also have days where we aren't very hungry for righteousness.
It's on these days that we don't want to follow the rules and we do things the way we want. The reason could be because of exhaustion or simply because "life is hard." It can go the other way too...life can be so good that we don't even think about God, we ignore him...we're in a comfortable position in our lifes.
Maybe this is what you're dealing with today. If so, try to make yourself hungry and thirsty for God. Recognize God's will and accept it. Ask God to make you grow increasingly hungrier and thirstier for his will every day.
God loves to help you, but you need to do your part too. What do you need to change to become genuinely hungry and thirsty for the Lord?
"People are hungry for God. Do you see that? Quite often we look but do not see. We are all passing through this world. We need to open our eyes and see." ~Mother Teresa
Friday, December 12, 2008
How to Measure Our Success.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!
When it comes to success, we tend to look at the material items, like clothes and money. And how many friends we have too! Ultimately, none of the above will matter. When we stand at the feet of Jesus in heaven one day, what matters is if we were Godly and followed his ways as much as possible. Our relationships with other people are also important. We must live and glorify God in everything we do.
Remember you will be held accountable for you actions. You can discuss these things with others (friends) or with God in prayer. What would you have to tell God if he came to your house tomorrow?
Short and sweet today...Have a good one!
10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!
When it comes to success, we tend to look at the material items, like clothes and money. And how many friends we have too! Ultimately, none of the above will matter. When we stand at the feet of Jesus in heaven one day, what matters is if we were Godly and followed his ways as much as possible. Our relationships with other people are also important. We must live and glorify God in everything we do.
Remember you will be held accountable for you actions. You can discuss these things with others (friends) or with God in prayer. What would you have to tell God if he came to your house tomorrow?
Short and sweet today...Have a good one!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
God Gives to Us.
Exodus 16:4
4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions.
Imagine being freed from captivity in Egypt. They didn't have to and they were able to leave the country. They ended up in the desert and millions were stuck there without any food or water. Many I'm sure wished to be enslaved once again...hey they weren't starving then.
However, they had no idea what God had in store for them. The freeing in the first place was a miracle and that was just the beginning. God was going to make water come out of a rock and make it rain bread from the sky. He did. And he did so day after day.
Meanwhile, God has given us food. God has given us a comfortable shelter. God has given us clothes. God has given us family and friends. God has given us life. God is everywhere...even in the barren desert...affecting everyone in positive ways.
I'm sure God has provided an abundance of things for you because our God is an awesome God!
"A heathen philosopher once asked a Christian, 'Where is God'? The Christian answered, 'Let me first ask you, Where is He not?'" ~Aaron Arrowsmith
4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions.
Imagine being freed from captivity in Egypt. They didn't have to and they were able to leave the country. They ended up in the desert and millions were stuck there without any food or water. Many I'm sure wished to be enslaved once again...hey they weren't starving then.
However, they had no idea what God had in store for them. The freeing in the first place was a miracle and that was just the beginning. God was going to make water come out of a rock and make it rain bread from the sky. He did. And he did so day after day.
Meanwhile, God has given us food. God has given us a comfortable shelter. God has given us clothes. God has given us family and friends. God has given us life. God is everywhere...even in the barren desert...affecting everyone in positive ways.
I'm sure God has provided an abundance of things for you because our God is an awesome God!
"A heathen philosopher once asked a Christian, 'Where is God'? The Christian answered, 'Let me first ask you, Where is He not?'" ~Aaron Arrowsmith
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
What Makes You Tick?
Matthew 6:1-2
Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.
Perhaps by the end of this reading you will say that I have touched on this topic in recent days, but let's go more into it today...
So, you give up your time, love, energy, and money. You listen with compassionate ears when a friend calls for a helping hand. You give money to a missionary who comes and speaks at your church. You visit your friend's mom in the hospital because she is extremely sick.
Why do you each and every one of these things? Is it to boost your self-confidence? Is it to be favored and praised by people? Is it to make God love you more? Or is it just natural...and how you function in a relationship with the almighty God?
Hopefully it is the latter. That is what God wants anyway. I have to remember that specific point each day as I create these posts. Sure I love hearing compliments from people, but I still remind myself that I should write sincerely from my heart and from my heart only without anything else interfering. Whenever I fall in such a trap I remind myself this blog is my way (or God's way of using me) to teach others and to reinforce Christianity by providing textual support from the bible followed by a message that I sense from the day's verses.
Anyway, I also don't want you to worry about the whole public attention deal. God can help you find a way to help someone that is just known exclusively between you and him. Your good work doesn't have to earn the Nobel prize for Christ from others. Essentially God will give the reward in the end. Pray about this.
Think about the last few times you did "good deeds." Why do you think that you really did them? What do you think Jesus would say to you today?
"Do everything with so much love in your heart that you would never want to do it any other way." ~Yogi Desai
Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.
Perhaps by the end of this reading you will say that I have touched on this topic in recent days, but let's go more into it today...
So, you give up your time, love, energy, and money. You listen with compassionate ears when a friend calls for a helping hand. You give money to a missionary who comes and speaks at your church. You visit your friend's mom in the hospital because she is extremely sick.
Why do you each and every one of these things? Is it to boost your self-confidence? Is it to be favored and praised by people? Is it to make God love you more? Or is it just natural...and how you function in a relationship with the almighty God?
Hopefully it is the latter. That is what God wants anyway. I have to remember that specific point each day as I create these posts. Sure I love hearing compliments from people, but I still remind myself that I should write sincerely from my heart and from my heart only without anything else interfering. Whenever I fall in such a trap I remind myself this blog is my way (or God's way of using me) to teach others and to reinforce Christianity by providing textual support from the bible followed by a message that I sense from the day's verses.
Anyway, I also don't want you to worry about the whole public attention deal. God can help you find a way to help someone that is just known exclusively between you and him. Your good work doesn't have to earn the Nobel prize for Christ from others. Essentially God will give the reward in the end. Pray about this.
Think about the last few times you did "good deeds." Why do you think that you really did them? What do you think Jesus would say to you today?
"Do everything with so much love in your heart that you would never want to do it any other way." ~Yogi Desai
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
God Cares and Loves You.
John 10:11-13
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. 12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.
The shepherd in this story really cares about his sheep. The sheep belong to him. He dedicated lots of time and effort toward raising the sheep. He nurtered them and made sure they had everything they needed. The shepherd can relate to the sheep as well.
Has someone ever told you they would take a bullet if it meant life or death? That's basically what the shepherd would do for his sheep. The shepherd would sacrifice his life if it meant his sheep lived. Does this sound familiar? It should because it's what Jesus Christ did for us...he sacrificed his life on the cross for us.
How do you react given God's unconditional love? Do you do anything with it? You can show it to someone who doesn't know it exists.
"To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven." ~Karen Sunde
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. 12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.
The shepherd in this story really cares about his sheep. The sheep belong to him. He dedicated lots of time and effort toward raising the sheep. He nurtered them and made sure they had everything they needed. The shepherd can relate to the sheep as well.
Has someone ever told you they would take a bullet if it meant life or death? That's basically what the shepherd would do for his sheep. The shepherd would sacrifice his life if it meant his sheep lived. Does this sound familiar? It should because it's what Jesus Christ did for us...he sacrificed his life on the cross for us.
How do you react given God's unconditional love? Do you do anything with it? You can show it to someone who doesn't know it exists.
"To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven." ~Karen Sunde
Monday, December 8, 2008
Your Needs Will Be Given...Wants, Maybe Not.
Matthew 6:11
Give us today our daily bread
This is a very notable line from the Lord's Prayer. You may ask, what is "our daily bread?" Jesus is very simply referring to our needs. In our prayers, Jesus tells us that we should ask God to fulfill our needs.
Notice I said needs, not wants. They may both be five letter words, but they are quite different. You may want expensive clothing from a high end store, when all you really need is something to wear. You may want a dream house, when all you really need is a place to live. You may want to go to an expensive restaurant, when all you really need is some food that satisfies your hunger.
If you think a want is a need, that means trouble. Be grateful for the things God gives you. He will give you what you need somehow, even in these economic times, and praying certainly helps!
Are your prayers a Christmas wish list or a request for certain necessities followed by a praise when God answers your request? Hopefully the latter. God knows exactly what you need and I'll say it again...he WILL give you what you need.
"A man should always consider how much he has more than he wants." ~Joseph Addison
Give us today our daily bread
This is a very notable line from the Lord's Prayer. You may ask, what is "our daily bread?" Jesus is very simply referring to our needs. In our prayers, Jesus tells us that we should ask God to fulfill our needs.
Notice I said needs, not wants. They may both be five letter words, but they are quite different. You may want expensive clothing from a high end store, when all you really need is something to wear. You may want a dream house, when all you really need is a place to live. You may want to go to an expensive restaurant, when all you really need is some food that satisfies your hunger.
If you think a want is a need, that means trouble. Be grateful for the things God gives you. He will give you what you need somehow, even in these economic times, and praying certainly helps!
Are your prayers a Christmas wish list or a request for certain necessities followed by a praise when God answers your request? Hopefully the latter. God knows exactly what you need and I'll say it again...he WILL give you what you need.
"A man should always consider how much he has more than he wants." ~Joseph Addison
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Godly Generosity.
Acts 20:32-35
32 “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.
33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. 35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Being generous is asked of us in the Bible. As we receive spiritual strength and blessings from God, it does not hurt to reciprocate that behavior. Doesn't it just feel good to be at the foot of someone's generosity?
Giving means even greater things because it's God-specific. It's doing just what the Lord says to do and following his footsteps. After all, he gave EVERYTHING to us FREELY...just for us.
Seriously think about this...how can you give back to God?
When you do give, it can significantly impact the lives of others and they may have this to say:
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.
Listen to the song: "Thank you for Giving to the Lord" by Ray Boltz. It was shared with me a few months ago by my youth leader :)
Go to the following link:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5709037277764817756
32 “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.
33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. 35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Being generous is asked of us in the Bible. As we receive spiritual strength and blessings from God, it does not hurt to reciprocate that behavior. Doesn't it just feel good to be at the foot of someone's generosity?
Giving means even greater things because it's God-specific. It's doing just what the Lord says to do and following his footsteps. After all, he gave EVERYTHING to us FREELY...just for us.
Seriously think about this...how can you give back to God?
When you do give, it can significantly impact the lives of others and they may have this to say:
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.
Listen to the song: "Thank you for Giving to the Lord" by Ray Boltz. It was shared with me a few months ago by my youth leader :)
Go to the following link:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5709037277764817756
Friday, December 5, 2008
Giving it up for God.
Mark 10:17-21
17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”
20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Getting back into this after being sick for the first half of the week...
The rich man here wanted to be accepted into God's kingdom. There's not too many requirements for that to happen, but Jesus did say that GIVING was important.
We're not expected to give away everything, but be careful what you do with your possessions. Did Jesus realize that this man actually made money his "God" and thus could never completely satisfy the worshipping of the real and Almighty God because of his possessions?
Well I can tell you that we are told that we'll receive the treasure of heaven by removing whatever is in our life that prevents us from freely serving God.
Go on, whatever is holding you back, give it to God. Is there something that you are putting your trust in other than God? If so, let go of it!
"The key to faith is what we are willing to sacrifice to obtain it." ~Elder Cloward
17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”
20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Getting back into this after being sick for the first half of the week...
The rich man here wanted to be accepted into God's kingdom. There's not too many requirements for that to happen, but Jesus did say that GIVING was important.
We're not expected to give away everything, but be careful what you do with your possessions. Did Jesus realize that this man actually made money his "God" and thus could never completely satisfy the worshipping of the real and Almighty God because of his possessions?
Well I can tell you that we are told that we'll receive the treasure of heaven by removing whatever is in our life that prevents us from freely serving God.
Go on, whatever is holding you back, give it to God. Is there something that you are putting your trust in other than God? If so, let go of it!
"The key to faith is what we are willing to sacrifice to obtain it." ~Elder Cloward
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