Mark 10:36-37
36 “What is your request?” he asked.
37 They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”
Whoever wrote this passage, I believe it was a couple of the disciples, believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They also believe he is the Messiah, the son of God. They come across to us in a very bizarre way. They wanted to be a part of God's kingdom and they say "we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left." It reminds me of the "shotgun" scenario in today's society that usually us teenagers will call if we want to ride in the passenger seat of a vehicle. Then the other people have to sit in the back. Think about the other Disciples. The remaining ten of them must of have felt distant. The two in the front seat "want some authority" from God for what they've done. How often do we expect something from God because we've been obeying him for seemingly long?
Have you ever thought God owes you something because of your faithfulness to him? Follow the path of Jesus Christ even if you don't always get what you're looking for.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Make Some Adjustments.
Matthew 16:24-25
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
Have you ever thought about changing some of the things you do? A lot of things that we do aren't really necessary. Maybe you gave up one of those things for lent. Maybe it meant to refrain from playing video games, or to refrain from watching one TV show. These can all be examples of time that can be spent toward God and can help to improve your relationship with him as well.
Has God ever told you to do something else with your time? Think about your favorite thing to do on the weekend, your hobby, or your pastime. What would you do if God asked you to give it up? Would you obey him, ignore him, or negotiate with the Lord?
Watch what you do. Don't spend money and time on worldly things. Instead invest some time and money, at least once a week, on something for the kingdom of God.
Make a list of your activities and try to eliminate one each week (if you haven't already for lent) and substitute it to better the kingdom. It wouldn't hurt to do it every week...even once lent is over.
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
Have you ever thought about changing some of the things you do? A lot of things that we do aren't really necessary. Maybe you gave up one of those things for lent. Maybe it meant to refrain from playing video games, or to refrain from watching one TV show. These can all be examples of time that can be spent toward God and can help to improve your relationship with him as well.
Has God ever told you to do something else with your time? Think about your favorite thing to do on the weekend, your hobby, or your pastime. What would you do if God asked you to give it up? Would you obey him, ignore him, or negotiate with the Lord?
Watch what you do. Don't spend money and time on worldly things. Instead invest some time and money, at least once a week, on something for the kingdom of God.
Make a list of your activities and try to eliminate one each week (if you haven't already for lent) and substitute it to better the kingdom. It wouldn't hurt to do it every week...even once lent is over.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Happiness vs. Contentment.
Hebrews 13:5
5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,
“I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you.”
I'll start you off with some definitions from dictionary.com
Happiness: (noun) the quality or state of being happy; an agreeable feeling or condition of the soul arising from good fortune or propitious happening of any kind; the possession of those circumstances or that state of being which is attended enjoyment
Contentment: (noun) the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind; gratification
Happiness and contentment may not seem all that different, but they are.
Have you ever heard of the phrase, "Money can't buy happiness?" Well I don't think it's really true. I also know of a play I've been reading in English class where justice is literally bought. A woman donates one million dollars to the town only if she can first get justice...by someone in the town killing the man who betrayed her.
Back to reality, we know money can make us pretty happy because we can buy a house with it, go to the movies with it, and go to the football games with it. While these things may make you happy, it's not going to be an eternal happiness. Those things will need to be replaced...a newer house and a newer movie. Also, once your life on Earth ends, it won't matter what material things you had or what you bought from your wish list.
The passage above says to strive for contentment, not happiness. Be satisfied and appreciative for what you have.
It's not always easy to be content. Trust God. Know that everything you have is a blessing from God. God will never stop providing the necessities.
"The most valuable things in life are not measured in monetary terms. The really important things are not houses and lands, stocks and bonds, automobiles and real state, but friendships, trust, confidence, empathy, mercy, love and faith." ~Bertrand Russell
"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have." ~Unknown
5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,
“I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you.”
I'll start you off with some definitions from dictionary.com
Happiness: (noun) the quality or state of being happy; an agreeable feeling or condition of the soul arising from good fortune or propitious happening of any kind; the possession of those circumstances or that state of being which is attended enjoyment
Contentment: (noun) the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind; gratification
Happiness and contentment may not seem all that different, but they are.
Have you ever heard of the phrase, "Money can't buy happiness?" Well I don't think it's really true. I also know of a play I've been reading in English class where justice is literally bought. A woman donates one million dollars to the town only if she can first get justice...by someone in the town killing the man who betrayed her.
Back to reality, we know money can make us pretty happy because we can buy a house with it, go to the movies with it, and go to the football games with it. While these things may make you happy, it's not going to be an eternal happiness. Those things will need to be replaced...a newer house and a newer movie. Also, once your life on Earth ends, it won't matter what material things you had or what you bought from your wish list.
The passage above says to strive for contentment, not happiness. Be satisfied and appreciative for what you have.
It's not always easy to be content. Trust God. Know that everything you have is a blessing from God. God will never stop providing the necessities.
"The most valuable things in life are not measured in monetary terms. The really important things are not houses and lands, stocks and bonds, automobiles and real state, but friendships, trust, confidence, empathy, mercy, love and faith." ~Bertrand Russell
"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have." ~Unknown
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Glorify God with Agape Love.
Matthew 6:1-4
“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. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Have you ever heard of the term agape love? It's basically doing something for somebody without expecting anything in return. It shows the love that God and Christ have for man.
The first time I heard that term was in middle school. My Sunday school teacher, Mr. S, who I'm pretty sure I've mentioned before, mentioned that phrase all the time. It was forever stuck in my head. It's a good thing I suppose too. I remember a couple times specifically he said "let's put that agape love into action...let's show the congregation agape love." So what did our class do? We washed random cars in the church parking lot. We didn't do it to receive recognition or fame or appreciation. We didn't do it to get a favor in return. We did it to HONOR and GLORIFY God. The best thing is, we didn't expect anything in return! Honor God, and don't do things to make yourself look good.
Look for random ways you can go out into the world and show agape love. It can be shown to your neighbors or people you don't exactly know so well. If they don't know you, the whole "love of God" thing may click by your actions!
By the way, today is the first day of lent...Ash Wednesday. Are you going to give up anything in order to clean up and enhance your spiritual life?
"God never takes...and since we are created in his likeness...with his same method of thinking and being, our true selves (not these ego shrouded human shells) also know this is true. We inherently know that it is never better to take or require that somebody give. Giving is natural and never includes loss of any kind. True giving is like creation in that you do not lose what you give, but you extend that thing and it grows larger as you give it, or share it...like sharing a story or experience." ~David Nelmes.
“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. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Have you ever heard of the term agape love? It's basically doing something for somebody without expecting anything in return. It shows the love that God and Christ have for man.
The first time I heard that term was in middle school. My Sunday school teacher, Mr. S, who I'm pretty sure I've mentioned before, mentioned that phrase all the time. It was forever stuck in my head. It's a good thing I suppose too. I remember a couple times specifically he said "let's put that agape love into action...let's show the congregation agape love." So what did our class do? We washed random cars in the church parking lot. We didn't do it to receive recognition or fame or appreciation. We didn't do it to get a favor in return. We did it to HONOR and GLORIFY God. The best thing is, we didn't expect anything in return! Honor God, and don't do things to make yourself look good.
Look for random ways you can go out into the world and show agape love. It can be shown to your neighbors or people you don't exactly know so well. If they don't know you, the whole "love of God" thing may click by your actions!
By the way, today is the first day of lent...Ash Wednesday. Are you going to give up anything in order to clean up and enhance your spiritual life?
"God never takes...and since we are created in his likeness...with his same method of thinking and being, our true selves (not these ego shrouded human shells) also know this is true. We inherently know that it is never better to take or require that somebody give. Giving is natural and never includes loss of any kind. True giving is like creation in that you do not lose what you give, but you extend that thing and it grows larger as you give it, or share it...like sharing a story or experience." ~David Nelmes.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Where Does Wisdom Come From?
James 3:13-17
13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
God wants us to live differently than society does.
Society says...
-number one is the best.
-put yourself first before others.
-selfish ambition, that is striving to get ahead ourselves, is key and leaving
others behind.
Society tries to motivate using fame and envy. The all out popular bunch. We can all be jealous because we want the nicest clothes and the most fun. Motivation is carried out through jealousy. Lying is permitted.
God says...
-stop worrying about yourself.
-be kind and hospitable to one another.
-it's okay to be ambitious, but not so much so that it knocks people over in a
sense as if they're nothing.
God's wisdom tells us to be motivated by consideration. Be loyal, pure, and peaceful in everything.
I guess you could look at a doctor and someone who is uneducated when comparing the two different types of wisdom. A doctor is like a God of health (even though there are to be no other Gods but the true Lord) in the sense it knows much more about the body than a friend who says "You might have this." That can get you worried and stressed out sometimes making it all worse. Much as you would want to get the doctor's orders rather than an inexperienced individual outside of the practice, seek God for wisdom. Now that's just what the doctor ordered!
"It is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things." ~Henry David Thoreau
I saw this random quote and I was amazed.
You know, there's a lot of talk in this country about the federal deficit. But I think we should talk more about our empathy deficit -- the ability to put ourselves in someone else's shoes; to see the world through the eyes of those who are different from us -- the child who's hungry, the steelworker who's been laid-off, the family who lost the entire life they built together when the storm came to town. When you think like this -- when you choose to broaden your ambit of concern and empathize with the plight of others, whether they are close friends or distant strangers -- it becomes harder not to act; harder not to help. ~Barack Obama
13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
God wants us to live differently than society does.
Society says...
-number one is the best.
-put yourself first before others.
-selfish ambition, that is striving to get ahead ourselves, is key and leaving
others behind.
Society tries to motivate using fame and envy. The all out popular bunch. We can all be jealous because we want the nicest clothes and the most fun. Motivation is carried out through jealousy. Lying is permitted.
God says...
-stop worrying about yourself.
-be kind and hospitable to one another.
-it's okay to be ambitious, but not so much so that it knocks people over in a
sense as if they're nothing.
God's wisdom tells us to be motivated by consideration. Be loyal, pure, and peaceful in everything.
I guess you could look at a doctor and someone who is uneducated when comparing the two different types of wisdom. A doctor is like a God of health (even though there are to be no other Gods but the true Lord) in the sense it knows much more about the body than a friend who says "You might have this." That can get you worried and stressed out sometimes making it all worse. Much as you would want to get the doctor's orders rather than an inexperienced individual outside of the practice, seek God for wisdom. Now that's just what the doctor ordered!
"It is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things." ~Henry David Thoreau
I saw this random quote and I was amazed.
You know, there's a lot of talk in this country about the federal deficit. But I think we should talk more about our empathy deficit -- the ability to put ourselves in someone else's shoes; to see the world through the eyes of those who are different from us -- the child who's hungry, the steelworker who's been laid-off, the family who lost the entire life they built together when the storm came to town. When you think like this -- when you choose to broaden your ambit of concern and empathize with the plight of others, whether they are close friends or distant strangers -- it becomes harder not to act; harder not to help. ~Barack Obama
Monday, February 23, 2009
Don't Forget About Unpaid Debts.
Romans 13:8-9
8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. 9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Have you ever borrowed something from somebody? Maybe your friend's money to get you a nice lunch or something? It's just a couple bucks, right? Then you say, "I'll pay you back tomorrow, I promise."
We all do it sometimes. Tomorrow comes, then the next day, and the next day, and soon a week flies by, and you still haven't paid him or her. I know I feel bad because I've essentially broken my promise. Then the thought comes across, "Now what do they think of me...a friend?" Do they feel like I'm using them or taking them for granted? At any rate, never let it go. Pay them back even if it's not until your next paycheck.
Paul tells us not to let our debts go unpaid. Don't forget about them. Harsh feelings can arise from unpaid debts.
Notice what else Paul says. He's says that loving our neighbor is a debt. We owe it to other people to make sure they're being taken care of and to help them.
Don't do something for somebody and say, "Oh, you're lucky I did this." Go about in the world and act as if you owe everyone a million dollars. Make them feel like one-in-a million. Care for others because you feel you owe them a lot!
“I want you to be concerned about your next door neighbor. Do you know your next door neighbor?” ~Mother Teresa
8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. 9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Have you ever borrowed something from somebody? Maybe your friend's money to get you a nice lunch or something? It's just a couple bucks, right? Then you say, "I'll pay you back tomorrow, I promise."
We all do it sometimes. Tomorrow comes, then the next day, and the next day, and soon a week flies by, and you still haven't paid him or her. I know I feel bad because I've essentially broken my promise. Then the thought comes across, "Now what do they think of me...a friend?" Do they feel like I'm using them or taking them for granted? At any rate, never let it go. Pay them back even if it's not until your next paycheck.
Paul tells us not to let our debts go unpaid. Don't forget about them. Harsh feelings can arise from unpaid debts.
Notice what else Paul says. He's says that loving our neighbor is a debt. We owe it to other people to make sure they're being taken care of and to help them.
Don't do something for somebody and say, "Oh, you're lucky I did this." Go about in the world and act as if you owe everyone a million dollars. Make them feel like one-in-a million. Care for others because you feel you owe them a lot!
“I want you to be concerned about your next door neighbor. Do you know your next door neighbor?” ~Mother Teresa
Saturday, February 21, 2009
God Has Perfect Timing.
Psalm 37:7-8
7 Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
8 Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—
it only leads to harm.
I mentioned yesterday on how I felt about God saying "no" to some of prayers. It can be a good thing when you look back, but at the time, a little discouraging.
David even got a little discouraged at times. He cried out not understanding the pain God was making him endure. These hardships meant good in the end though. God used those experiences to strengthen him allowing him to trust God.
In your life, do you ever wonder why you're struggling when you've done nothing to deserve it? Well, you have to understand that God has perfect timing. It's not always perfect to us though. Still, God can do wonders in us far-from-perfect individuals.
Understand God's perfect timing by reflecting on things in your past and see how it has affected your spiritual life and if has part in who you are today. Did it strengthen you as a result?
"God operates on a different timetable than we do." ~Brian Jones, author of Second Guessing God.
7 Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
8 Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—
it only leads to harm.
I mentioned yesterday on how I felt about God saying "no" to some of prayers. It can be a good thing when you look back, but at the time, a little discouraging.
David even got a little discouraged at times. He cried out not understanding the pain God was making him endure. These hardships meant good in the end though. God used those experiences to strengthen him allowing him to trust God.
In your life, do you ever wonder why you're struggling when you've done nothing to deserve it? Well, you have to understand that God has perfect timing. It's not always perfect to us though. Still, God can do wonders in us far-from-perfect individuals.
Understand God's perfect timing by reflecting on things in your past and see how it has affected your spiritual life and if has part in who you are today. Did it strengthen you as a result?
"God operates on a different timetable than we do." ~Brian Jones, author of Second Guessing God.
Friday, February 20, 2009
No Means No, But Does Love?
Mark 10:38-39
38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?”
39 “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”
Then Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering.
I don't know if you pray, but I do. Some of my "prayers" though I'm glad God said "no." At the time, I may have been caught in the moment, not realizing what I was asking of the Almighty. Something specific.
Do you ever think...what if I did this? What if this happened? What if I had the opportunity to...? I sometimes wonder what may have happened to my life if God gave me exactly what I wanted in my prayers. I guess I wouldn't be the person I am today. I think God keeps his purpose in mind while listening to our prayers. He does this because of his extravagant for you!
No matter what though, I'll always be in question on why he said "no" to some things. Maybe, some will be answered down the road. Everything happens for a reason you know...
In Matthew, it says ask and you shall receive. I will continue to ask for certain things as long as they're not wants.
Meanwhile, I'll leave with this question: What prayers has God answered "YES" too?
38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?”
39 “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”
Then Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering.
I don't know if you pray, but I do. Some of my "prayers" though I'm glad God said "no." At the time, I may have been caught in the moment, not realizing what I was asking of the Almighty. Something specific.
Do you ever think...what if I did this? What if this happened? What if I had the opportunity to...? I sometimes wonder what may have happened to my life if God gave me exactly what I wanted in my prayers. I guess I wouldn't be the person I am today. I think God keeps his purpose in mind while listening to our prayers. He does this because of his extravagant for you!
No matter what though, I'll always be in question on why he said "no" to some things. Maybe, some will be answered down the road. Everything happens for a reason you know...
In Matthew, it says ask and you shall receive. I will continue to ask for certain things as long as they're not wants.
Meanwhile, I'll leave with this question: What prayers has God answered "YES" too?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Believe it on Your Own.
Mark 10:52
52 And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.
The question of the day is: What does God really want from us? (You might want to refer back to October 27 post).
*Warning: the answer to the question isn't about bribing God. Saying, "Oh God let me do this for you, so you can make my life all better" is not what this is all about. You can have faith, and expect God to heal you and your situation(s), but there's no guarantees. Remember, God has his game plan all made out!*
Jesus wants us to believe in him and trust him. Sometimes I trust people a little too much if you can do that. A couple years ago someone said something and I said, "Oh, really?" I actually believed whatever it was he or she said. They then said, "Yeah, did you know gullible isn't in the dictionary?" Again, I actually believed that for a second. I said, "Hmm...I wonder why." Then I was laughing at how silly that was. It would be great if I could believe in God that much, and not just be called gullible by listening to what others say about things...Certainly what others say about him. I want to personally know he's there all the time. This can be done by feeling his presence and reading his Word.
He wants us to trust him in such a way that we are CONVINCED of his power, goodness, and love. Reading the Bible certainly helps.
"God is God. Because He is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will, a will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to." ~Elisabeth Elliot
"There are always uncertainties ahead, but there is always one certainty--God's will is good." ~Vernon Paterson
52 And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.
The question of the day is: What does God really want from us? (You might want to refer back to October 27 post).
*Warning: the answer to the question isn't about bribing God. Saying, "Oh God let me do this for you, so you can make my life all better" is not what this is all about. You can have faith, and expect God to heal you and your situation(s), but there's no guarantees. Remember, God has his game plan all made out!*
Jesus wants us to believe in him and trust him. Sometimes I trust people a little too much if you can do that. A couple years ago someone said something and I said, "Oh, really?" I actually believed whatever it was he or she said. They then said, "Yeah, did you know gullible isn't in the dictionary?" Again, I actually believed that for a second. I said, "Hmm...I wonder why." Then I was laughing at how silly that was. It would be great if I could believe in God that much, and not just be called gullible by listening to what others say about things...Certainly what others say about him. I want to personally know he's there all the time. This can be done by feeling his presence and reading his Word.
He wants us to trust him in such a way that we are CONVINCED of his power, goodness, and love. Reading the Bible certainly helps.
"God is God. Because He is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will, a will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to." ~Elisabeth Elliot
"There are always uncertainties ahead, but there is always one certainty--God's will is good." ~Vernon Paterson
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Now Serving...Number 1.
Mark 10:43-45
43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Through the world's eyes serving is seen as a way to get attention. People gain power so that they can be served...the attention is focused on themselves, remember. They do this so they don't have to follow anyone's will but their own.
Through Jesus' eyes serving is seen in a completely different manner. Those that are mighty and powerful are the ones that serve others. Those that are willing to stand before God. Those people also listen to what God has to say and follow his will. They do this by sacrificing and pretty much giving away their lives.
How do you define a servant? Whose side are you on...the world's or Jesus'? Consider being a leader. Set a good example. Let the world follow you in serving the way Jesus wants his people to live. Ask God to help you today with good leadership skills.
"...[There's] no way anybody can win except by serving the people's urgent needs.
We cannot stand still or slip backwards. We must go forward now together." ~Gerald Ford
43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Through the world's eyes serving is seen as a way to get attention. People gain power so that they can be served...the attention is focused on themselves, remember. They do this so they don't have to follow anyone's will but their own.
Through Jesus' eyes serving is seen in a completely different manner. Those that are mighty and powerful are the ones that serve others. Those that are willing to stand before God. Those people also listen to what God has to say and follow his will. They do this by sacrificing and pretty much giving away their lives.
How do you define a servant? Whose side are you on...the world's or Jesus'? Consider being a leader. Set a good example. Let the world follow you in serving the way Jesus wants his people to live. Ask God to help you today with good leadership skills.
"...[There's] no way anybody can win except by serving the people's urgent needs.
We cannot stand still or slip backwards. We must go forward now together." ~Gerald Ford
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Best Words That Could Leave Your Mouth.
Psalm 34:1
1 I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
Yesterday I told you to not praise yourself. So who should you praise? The answer I have for that is God. Any praise to him is the best set of words that we can say.
The reason we should praise him is because we see it everyday. Even when we may have had the worst day ever, there had to of been something magnificent that occurred such as a glorious rainbow. The history books may be evidence of what happened for learning students, but God's greatness and love that surrounds us everyday in the midst of trouble is evidence for maturing Christians. I can't imagine if we didn't make time to praise the Lord for the good things he places before us.
Also, if we truly believe in him we love him. If we love him, we don't just go through the motions during worship time. He loves us unconditionally and it's a matter of us loving him with our heart, mind, and soul. When God gives you a blessing, praise him. Wouldn't you praise your friend if he or she received an award or got the job they've been praying for, for months?
Give God some honest reasons on why you think he's so great.
"The Psalmists in telling everyone to praise God are doing what all men do when they speak of what they care about." ~C.S. Lewis
1 I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
Yesterday I told you to not praise yourself. So who should you praise? The answer I have for that is God. Any praise to him is the best set of words that we can say.
The reason we should praise him is because we see it everyday. Even when we may have had the worst day ever, there had to of been something magnificent that occurred such as a glorious rainbow. The history books may be evidence of what happened for learning students, but God's greatness and love that surrounds us everyday in the midst of trouble is evidence for maturing Christians. I can't imagine if we didn't make time to praise the Lord for the good things he places before us.
Also, if we truly believe in him we love him. If we love him, we don't just go through the motions during worship time. He loves us unconditionally and it's a matter of us loving him with our heart, mind, and soul. When God gives you a blessing, praise him. Wouldn't you praise your friend if he or she received an award or got the job they've been praying for, for months?
Give God some honest reasons on why you think he's so great.
"The Psalmists in telling everyone to praise God are doing what all men do when they speak of what they care about." ~C.S. Lewis
Monday, February 16, 2009
Forget Self-Praising.
Proverbs 27:2
2 Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth—
a stranger, not your own lips.
If we follow what the world says, it can be costly. It is no different when you follow what the world says about self-praise. I'm generalizing here, but people like to bring attention to themselves by recognizing what they've done, etc. It can be for a number of reasons, it can be just the way they are or just so they can get the job of his or her choice. Plus, it's much easier to say what our strengths are as opposed to our weaknesses.
There's a band called "Not About Us." They are a Christian band who are building up their foundation. They even performed at my church. Their voices are beautifully harmonized. In fact, they will even be on the CBS Early Show on Wednesday Morning performing.
Have you ever noticed how a few words say so much? "Not About Us" is a great name because it's true...the women don't care about fame; they care about glorifying God in the process of performing.
When you shake someone's hand don't put the impression out there that you're so wonderful or you're the best or anything along those lines (I'm not saying to look down on yourself, though!). Let the words come from "not your lips," but someone else's. You will be more respected that way.
Will you have trouble not praising yourself? Have faith in God that he will promote you when he has desire. I know I write this blog daily, but I try to let people know that it's not me writing this...it's God. I give him credit, instead of making myself look good.
“Any effort that has self-glorification as its final endpoint is bound to end in disaster.” ~Robert M. Pirsig
2 Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth—
a stranger, not your own lips.
If we follow what the world says, it can be costly. It is no different when you follow what the world says about self-praise. I'm generalizing here, but people like to bring attention to themselves by recognizing what they've done, etc. It can be for a number of reasons, it can be just the way they are or just so they can get the job of his or her choice. Plus, it's much easier to say what our strengths are as opposed to our weaknesses.
There's a band called "Not About Us." They are a Christian band who are building up their foundation. They even performed at my church. Their voices are beautifully harmonized. In fact, they will even be on the CBS Early Show on Wednesday Morning performing.
Have you ever noticed how a few words say so much? "Not About Us" is a great name because it's true...the women don't care about fame; they care about glorifying God in the process of performing.
When you shake someone's hand don't put the impression out there that you're so wonderful or you're the best or anything along those lines (I'm not saying to look down on yourself, though!). Let the words come from "not your lips," but someone else's. You will be more respected that way.
Will you have trouble not praising yourself? Have faith in God that he will promote you when he has desire. I know I write this blog daily, but I try to let people know that it's not me writing this...it's God. I give him credit, instead of making myself look good.
“Any effort that has self-glorification as its final endpoint is bound to end in disaster.” ~Robert M. Pirsig
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Love Satisfies God.
Romans 13:9-10
9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.
You can't possibly harm someone by loving them. Read the verses above a couple more times and focus on how you react to them. Be careful that you're not too narrow minded...Jesus doesn't expect us just to live by the term "love your neighbor" and be nice to them. I'm thinking he wants a little more. He wants us to help and serve others: friends, strangers, and even enemies.
Serving on a board such as Habitat for Humanity or feeding the hungry are good service projects that express the love God expects from us. You can even do something as easy as getting the mail for an elderly person.
The opportunities are endless. Don't you want to love? All Jesus can do is love you, so open your arms for somebody else...on this Valentines Day. Show it to someone who is least expecting it.
Do not waste time bothering whether you "love" your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone you will presently come to love him. ~C. S. Lewis
9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.
You can't possibly harm someone by loving them. Read the verses above a couple more times and focus on how you react to them. Be careful that you're not too narrow minded...Jesus doesn't expect us just to live by the term "love your neighbor" and be nice to them. I'm thinking he wants a little more. He wants us to help and serve others: friends, strangers, and even enemies.
Serving on a board such as Habitat for Humanity or feeding the hungry are good service projects that express the love God expects from us. You can even do something as easy as getting the mail for an elderly person.
The opportunities are endless. Don't you want to love? All Jesus can do is love you, so open your arms for somebody else...on this Valentines Day. Show it to someone who is least expecting it.
Do not waste time bothering whether you "love" your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone you will presently come to love him. ~C. S. Lewis
Friday, February 13, 2009
Just Admit It.
Psalm 51:6-9
6 But you desire honesty from the womb,
teaching me wisdom even there.
7 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Oh, give me back my joy again;
you have broken me—
now let me rejoice.
9 Don’t keep looking at my sins.
Remove the stain of my guilt..
As a junior in high school, I have now done many science labs...not just the classic science fair projects that were done every year up until now. This year, I am taking both Biology II and Chemistry II and in those courses I have to write lab reports, that include my hypothesis, procedure, data, and conclusion/evaluation among a long list of other things for the experiment. The evaluation is probably one of the most important parts. Sure, data collection is important and making sure you can present the data is important but analyzing what went on is vital as well. It is in the evaluation section of the report that I have to discuss what happened, maybe what was good and what was not so good in the experiment. I can also suggest some modifications that could be made if I had the chance to re-do it. In science, eventually you come to understand that recording data will not be exactly perfect. It's those human eyes. In fact, in some cases it will be far from perfect. Acknowledging the fact that certain results of the lab were because of human error is required from the teacher so that he or she can understand questionable gaps (I guess you could call it) in the lab report.
Meanwhile, as Christians we must also understand that we are not perfect and that we need to give ourselves "room for error." Despite this fact, nothing under the sun, can be done to terminate God's love for us. However, that does not mean we shouldn't pay attention to the times when we mess up. Just like a scientist reports when he or she messed up, the same should be done as a child of God. Confess your sins to God in prayer and by doing that, God will forgive you and he will certainly continue to love you.
"There are nine requisites for contented living: HEALTH enough to make work a pleasure; WEALTH enough to support your needs; STRENGTH enough to battle with difficulties and forsake them; GRACE enough to confess your sins and overcome them; PATIENCE enough to toil until some good is accomplished; CHARITY enough to see some good in your neighbor; LOVE enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others; FAITH enough to make real the things of God; HOPE enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
6 But you desire honesty from the womb,
teaching me wisdom even there.
7 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Oh, give me back my joy again;
you have broken me—
now let me rejoice.
9 Don’t keep looking at my sins.
Remove the stain of my guilt..
As a junior in high school, I have now done many science labs...not just the classic science fair projects that were done every year up until now. This year, I am taking both Biology II and Chemistry II and in those courses I have to write lab reports, that include my hypothesis, procedure, data, and conclusion/evaluation among a long list of other things for the experiment. The evaluation is probably one of the most important parts. Sure, data collection is important and making sure you can present the data is important but analyzing what went on is vital as well. It is in the evaluation section of the report that I have to discuss what happened, maybe what was good and what was not so good in the experiment. I can also suggest some modifications that could be made if I had the chance to re-do it. In science, eventually you come to understand that recording data will not be exactly perfect. It's those human eyes. In fact, in some cases it will be far from perfect. Acknowledging the fact that certain results of the lab were because of human error is required from the teacher so that he or she can understand questionable gaps (I guess you could call it) in the lab report.
Meanwhile, as Christians we must also understand that we are not perfect and that we need to give ourselves "room for error." Despite this fact, nothing under the sun, can be done to terminate God's love for us. However, that does not mean we shouldn't pay attention to the times when we mess up. Just like a scientist reports when he or she messed up, the same should be done as a child of God. Confess your sins to God in prayer and by doing that, God will forgive you and he will certainly continue to love you.
"There are nine requisites for contented living: HEALTH enough to make work a pleasure; WEALTH enough to support your needs; STRENGTH enough to battle with difficulties and forsake them; GRACE enough to confess your sins and overcome them; PATIENCE enough to toil until some good is accomplished; CHARITY enough to see some good in your neighbor; LOVE enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others; FAITH enough to make real the things of God; HOPE enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Strongest Power.
Acts 1:6-8
6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Recently in my English class I read a play called The Visit. It was a very entertaining one. It talked about a millionairess named Claire who wanted to get her hometown out of debt, so she offered to donate 1 million dollars. There was one catch though, she wanted to get justice from her former husband. He is eventually killed indirectly by her. By the end of the play, you could see the corruption that dominated the plot. Claire had so much money and she also had a lust for power.
In a way, that's how the world is. Power ranks high to some people. You can find that in the business world (maybe easier or harder now who knows). When you hear Jesus talking about power, it's not the kind that has been mentioned above.
He's talking about that Godly power. Power that motivates us and can be traced back to the Holy Spirit. It's a power that lets us lead a life the way God wants us to live.
What is the purpose of such a power? So we can be witneses of God and tell others about the real "power."
Do you feel like a powerful witness of God today? See if you're up to the big duty of being God's witness.
In my opinion, the absolute power of the universe is God.
6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Recently in my English class I read a play called The Visit. It was a very entertaining one. It talked about a millionairess named Claire who wanted to get her hometown out of debt, so she offered to donate 1 million dollars. There was one catch though, she wanted to get justice from her former husband. He is eventually killed indirectly by her. By the end of the play, you could see the corruption that dominated the plot. Claire had so much money and she also had a lust for power.
In a way, that's how the world is. Power ranks high to some people. You can find that in the business world (maybe easier or harder now who knows). When you hear Jesus talking about power, it's not the kind that has been mentioned above.
He's talking about that Godly power. Power that motivates us and can be traced back to the Holy Spirit. It's a power that lets us lead a life the way God wants us to live.
What is the purpose of such a power? So we can be witneses of God and tell others about the real "power."
Do you feel like a powerful witness of God today? See if you're up to the big duty of being God's witness.
In my opinion, the absolute power of the universe is God.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Find the Trash and Take It Out.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Can you imagine how many tons of garbage fill the landfills of this Earth? I certainly can't. I know for me I save everything and occasionally I'll throw a few pounds of trash away. However, I know there's a lot of trash out there...I've seen it.
Remember how yesterday I told you how clean the tabernacle was in the Promise land? There were so many "cleaning" measures in effect to make sure that house wasn't filled with impurities.
And for today...expanding a little bit...all that garbage that fills our bodies and minds. Sometimes we're in such a sludge of garbage.
You're body is precious so take care of it. It's a gift from God. Practice good, healthy eating habits and dude, no drugs, alcohol, or smoking! In all seriousness, God likes it when we don't let illegal substances fog up our mind and well-being. This doesn't only include our physical well-being, but our spiritual well-being as well. Everything from stealing to cursing, disrupts this flow of well-being. It's like living in a big, nasty garbage dump!
How much garbage do you have in your life? I don't mean that in a harsh way, but take that trash out...you know the dreaded chore. Don't clutter your body, your mind, or your life with stuff that will interfere with your relationship with God. Think about what trash you can take out today.
Each body has its art... ~Gwendolyn Brooks
19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Can you imagine how many tons of garbage fill the landfills of this Earth? I certainly can't. I know for me I save everything and occasionally I'll throw a few pounds of trash away. However, I know there's a lot of trash out there...I've seen it.
Remember how yesterday I told you how clean the tabernacle was in the Promise land? There were so many "cleaning" measures in effect to make sure that house wasn't filled with impurities.
And for today...expanding a little bit...all that garbage that fills our bodies and minds. Sometimes we're in such a sludge of garbage.
You're body is precious so take care of it. It's a gift from God. Practice good, healthy eating habits and dude, no drugs, alcohol, or smoking! In all seriousness, God likes it when we don't let illegal substances fog up our mind and well-being. This doesn't only include our physical well-being, but our spiritual well-being as well. Everything from stealing to cursing, disrupts this flow of well-being. It's like living in a big, nasty garbage dump!
How much garbage do you have in your life? I don't mean that in a harsh way, but take that trash out...you know the dreaded chore. Don't clutter your body, your mind, or your life with stuff that will interfere with your relationship with God. Think about what trash you can take out today.
Each body has its art... ~Gwendolyn Brooks
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Our Body is a Temple.
Exodus 40:34-35
34 Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. 35 Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.
God always wants to be close to us, instead of being so far from us that we can't come to him in need. He wants to be there as we walk through life with faith.
Notice how the Israelites compare God to a pillar of cloud. This signifies that God helps to lead them.
God wanted a place to live among the people. God asked for a Tabernacle to be built. It was made very meticulously. It was also taken care of in a precious manner. This place of worship wasn't to be infested with impurities, so there were a set of laws to abide.
Today that temple no longer stands in the Promise Land. We aren't expected to go find where God lives, but instead we're expected to accept him and invite him into our hearts. We want God to live within us. Take care of your body. Keep it pure. Make it appealing so that God has a holy place to reside in you. Think about what you can do to make this happen.
You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body. ~C.S. Lewis
34 Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. 35 Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.
God always wants to be close to us, instead of being so far from us that we can't come to him in need. He wants to be there as we walk through life with faith.
Notice how the Israelites compare God to a pillar of cloud. This signifies that God helps to lead them.
God wanted a place to live among the people. God asked for a Tabernacle to be built. It was made very meticulously. It was also taken care of in a precious manner. This place of worship wasn't to be infested with impurities, so there were a set of laws to abide.
Today that temple no longer stands in the Promise Land. We aren't expected to go find where God lives, but instead we're expected to accept him and invite him into our hearts. We want God to live within us. Take care of your body. Keep it pure. Make it appealing so that God has a holy place to reside in you. Think about what you can do to make this happen.
You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body. ~C.S. Lewis
Monday, February 9, 2009
Be Prepared for Anything.
Matthew 10:1,5,16
1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.
16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
It's not easy to figure out what today is going to bring for us. It's almost like a guessing/waiting game. We need to accept that everything happens for a reason.
When Jesus gave his twelve disciples a little push and shove into the world they were ready...for anything that is. Everything from challenges to injuries or death was on their mind. That's when Jesus said, "Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."
Let's break it down because if you look at that statement too quickly without thinking, it might not make sense because they seem to be total opposites. However, we need to be both. Innocent, harmless, and honest along with being prepared, aware, and shrewd. Look out for any warning signs in the world and be watching at all times.
As you go out and about today be harmless yet shrewd. Don't do any one more than the other.
Pray to God to help you with the one that you have the most trouble with...harmlessness or shrewdness. He will keep a watchful eye as well.
“People only see what they are prepared to see.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.
16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
It's not easy to figure out what today is going to bring for us. It's almost like a guessing/waiting game. We need to accept that everything happens for a reason.
When Jesus gave his twelve disciples a little push and shove into the world they were ready...for anything that is. Everything from challenges to injuries or death was on their mind. That's when Jesus said, "Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."
Let's break it down because if you look at that statement too quickly without thinking, it might not make sense because they seem to be total opposites. However, we need to be both. Innocent, harmless, and honest along with being prepared, aware, and shrewd. Look out for any warning signs in the world and be watching at all times.
As you go out and about today be harmless yet shrewd. Don't do any one more than the other.
Pray to God to help you with the one that you have the most trouble with...harmlessness or shrewdness. He will keep a watchful eye as well.
“People only see what they are prepared to see.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Saturday, February 7, 2009
A Real Shocker in My School Community.
I'm using the same scripture that I used on Thursday...
Psalms 147:3
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
What a week! It flew by quite rapidly. I must say it was a somber week at my school, however. A fellow junior classmate, who I won't name, died last weekend due to pneumonia and from what I've heard further complications triggered death...which makes sense because death due to pneumonia is not all too common. I didn't know him, but I have seen him around the school. It's beyond me how to describe the eeriness that surrounds the school knowing that we won't see him in the hallways anymore.
Some students made a large pictorial memorial for him and students could sign their name on the memorial. Some even brought in flowers to commemorate his life. He may not have been the most popular kid in the school, but I know some people who were good friends with this fellow. Obviously, he was very important to them.
I feel so bad for the parents. They must be enduring a hard time. At this point, all we can do is pray. I pray that this person died knowing Jesus and had God very close to his heart.
It happened all by chance that I talked about friendship this week...I had it planned out ahead of time. I'm reminded and I'm reminding you how important it is to have friendships that last a lifetime. Friendships that mean one can stand up for their friend if such a tragedy occurs.
God Bless!
Psalms 147:3
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
What a week! It flew by quite rapidly. I must say it was a somber week at my school, however. A fellow junior classmate, who I won't name, died last weekend due to pneumonia and from what I've heard further complications triggered death...which makes sense because death due to pneumonia is not all too common. I didn't know him, but I have seen him around the school. It's beyond me how to describe the eeriness that surrounds the school knowing that we won't see him in the hallways anymore.
Some students made a large pictorial memorial for him and students could sign their name on the memorial. Some even brought in flowers to commemorate his life. He may not have been the most popular kid in the school, but I know some people who were good friends with this fellow. Obviously, he was very important to them.
I feel so bad for the parents. They must be enduring a hard time. At this point, all we can do is pray. I pray that this person died knowing Jesus and had God very close to his heart.
It happened all by chance that I talked about friendship this week...I had it planned out ahead of time. I'm reminded and I'm reminding you how important it is to have friendships that last a lifetime. Friendships that mean one can stand up for their friend if such a tragedy occurs.
God Bless!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Don't "So What" Your Friends.
Ecclesiastes 4:8-12
8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.
9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
This week I've been providing you with scripture regarding friendship. We've talked about how you can help your friends, what it means to be friends, etc. Today it shall be about the importance of friends!
I think the title of this post says a lot. What I mean by "Don't 'so what' your friends is that you shouldn't look at them and say they're not important, they're nothing, they don't live with me so I don't need them. They are important. They are something, in fact, they are indescribable. They are needed to be a support system.
Friends are there for us to carry us on the ups and downs of life. Think of being at sea...a treacherous one that is. You're on a boat and the waves are high. You go up and down over the waves. That's kinda how life is. Trouble comes in waves and whenever you drown in "trouble", you're closest friends are meant to save you.
I want you to find someone who you can go to when in trouble, if you don't have someone already. Just like on Wednesday when I talked about "rescuing" people and friends, having such a relationship should be given in return from your friend. If you swim out to sea for your friend, they bring you back to shore, so to speak.
Thank you Lord for all the friends you have given for me. It is truly a blessing!
"Because two really are better than one." ~Anne Cetas
"We are dependent on the strength
We draw from one another;
Words spoken give encouragement,
Love practiced draws us closer. —Sper
8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.
9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
This week I've been providing you with scripture regarding friendship. We've talked about how you can help your friends, what it means to be friends, etc. Today it shall be about the importance of friends!
I think the title of this post says a lot. What I mean by "Don't 'so what' your friends is that you shouldn't look at them and say they're not important, they're nothing, they don't live with me so I don't need them. They are important. They are something, in fact, they are indescribable. They are needed to be a support system.
Friends are there for us to carry us on the ups and downs of life. Think of being at sea...a treacherous one that is. You're on a boat and the waves are high. You go up and down over the waves. That's kinda how life is. Trouble comes in waves and whenever you drown in "trouble", you're closest friends are meant to save you.
I want you to find someone who you can go to when in trouble, if you don't have someone already. Just like on Wednesday when I talked about "rescuing" people and friends, having such a relationship should be given in return from your friend. If you swim out to sea for your friend, they bring you back to shore, so to speak.
Thank you Lord for all the friends you have given for me. It is truly a blessing!
"Because two really are better than one." ~Anne Cetas
"We are dependent on the strength
We draw from one another;
Words spoken give encouragement,
Love practiced draws us closer. —Sper
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Don't Let Others Bring You Down.
Psalms 147:3
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
It was about 4 or 5 years ago when I was really into Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Snicket had a very unique writing style with an interesting plot. It was more of an addiction that I had though. Once I read the first book, I had to read all of them. There ended up being a total of 13 books.
You see, the main characters, Klaus, Violet, and Sunny Baudelaire are orphans. These orphans are terrorized by a family member, Count Olaf. They encounter some rough times, hence the name of the series, but they're strong in that they create a plan to get out of Count Olaf's trap every time.
We've all seen people struggle. Many times we're not sure why it occurs. Sometimes an evil thought goes through our head pondering whether he or she deserved what has happened to them. A common misconception is that God punishes people for committing sins by giving them a miserable life. That is NOT how God works. It is not fair for that individual, even if they don't know what we're thinking, to be thought of in such an evil way, especially since we all mess up!
This is a terrible act of SATAN. He manipulates us in such a way that brings people to ruins and despair. By engaging in such an act, we can be hurting someone so much. In fact, we can be hurting he or she so much that they isolate themselves from, among all things, the Word of God.
I certainly hope you aren't the troubled individual we are talking about today. If you are, this can be a valuable time in your life. God helps push those problems aside and allows for us to gain an understanding on how others feel when they are tied down with dilemmas. Come up with a plan to escape Satan and his friends just like the Baudelaire orphans. Don't give up. Be open to receive God's love and in turn give it away!
"God's Love is always working to help Soul find its way back home." ~Harold Klemp
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
It was about 4 or 5 years ago when I was really into Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Snicket had a very unique writing style with an interesting plot. It was more of an addiction that I had though. Once I read the first book, I had to read all of them. There ended up being a total of 13 books.
You see, the main characters, Klaus, Violet, and Sunny Baudelaire are orphans. These orphans are terrorized by a family member, Count Olaf. They encounter some rough times, hence the name of the series, but they're strong in that they create a plan to get out of Count Olaf's trap every time.
We've all seen people struggle. Many times we're not sure why it occurs. Sometimes an evil thought goes through our head pondering whether he or she deserved what has happened to them. A common misconception is that God punishes people for committing sins by giving them a miserable life. That is NOT how God works. It is not fair for that individual, even if they don't know what we're thinking, to be thought of in such an evil way, especially since we all mess up!
This is a terrible act of SATAN. He manipulates us in such a way that brings people to ruins and despair. By engaging in such an act, we can be hurting someone so much. In fact, we can be hurting he or she so much that they isolate themselves from, among all things, the Word of God.
I certainly hope you aren't the troubled individual we are talking about today. If you are, this can be a valuable time in your life. God helps push those problems aside and allows for us to gain an understanding on how others feel when they are tied down with dilemmas. Come up with a plan to escape Satan and his friends just like the Baudelaire orphans. Don't give up. Be open to receive God's love and in turn give it away!
"God's Love is always working to help Soul find its way back home." ~Harold Klemp
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Rescue Mission in Progress.
Luke 15:6
6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’
When we hear good news we all react differently, but I'd say it's pretty safe to say that we at least smile at the thought of something good. For example, when a child wanders away and rescuers find them despite large landmasses on earth, you can't help but praise God (how couldn't you praise him?!?!). For the families that were eased out of their crisis, it must have been the greatest thing ever.
Today we are called to do some rescuing of our own in the Christian world. Often in our very own church and community people can disappear because they hurt and we don't pay attention to them. We need to go on a rescue mission, searching through all the nooks and crannies for those who are becoming lost and feeling unwanted in the vast world. We need to reach out to our brothers and sisters of Christ just as God found you out of all the people in the world.
Don't wait another day to start this wonderful project as we have too much to do!
“Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.”
~Mother Teresa
The song "If We Are The Body" by Casting Crowns is so fitting for what I talked about today. This song is a great reminder of what needs to be done, not even in the world, but in our very own backyards!
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it "buffer" (load) as it's called for a while. You will see the red bar along the bottom advance (speed depends on your Internet connection). Wait until that bar gets pretty far along (I'd say more than halfway) before you play the video and it shouldn't pause.
6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’
When we hear good news we all react differently, but I'd say it's pretty safe to say that we at least smile at the thought of something good. For example, when a child wanders away and rescuers find them despite large landmasses on earth, you can't help but praise God (how couldn't you praise him?!?!). For the families that were eased out of their crisis, it must have been the greatest thing ever.
Today we are called to do some rescuing of our own in the Christian world. Often in our very own church and community people can disappear because they hurt and we don't pay attention to them. We need to go on a rescue mission, searching through all the nooks and crannies for those who are becoming lost and feeling unwanted in the vast world. We need to reach out to our brothers and sisters of Christ just as God found you out of all the people in the world.
Don't wait another day to start this wonderful project as we have too much to do!
“Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.”
~Mother Teresa
The song "If We Are The Body" by Casting Crowns is so fitting for what I talked about today. This song is a great reminder of what needs to be done, not even in the world, but in our very own backyards!
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it "buffer" (load) as it's called for a while. You will see the red bar along the bottom advance (speed depends on your Internet connection). Wait until that bar gets pretty far along (I'd say more than halfway) before you play the video and it shouldn't pause.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
What It Means To Be Friends.
Hebrews 13:3
1 Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. 2 Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! 3 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.
This scripture tells us that we should love each other as siblings and to remember those in prison because you very well could be there yourself in an instant. All it takes is one wrong choice...one wrong decision and you can end up locked up for some time.
What do you think it means to be friends? Is it just a title? Or is it a loyal commitment (see yesterday) between you? BFF (best friend forever) is a common phrase used today, although it may be somewhat original. It's what comes from the heart that is key.
Has someone ever said, "I've got your back?" That can be a pretty strong statement if it is meant seriously. What do you think that means? To me it basically means they support you 100 percent through whatever happens. That particular friend, again if meaning it in a serious manner, cares about you more than themselves (as their friend). There's also the statement "I'll take a bullet for you." That's really significant because that means that nothing about themselves is more important than you. Your life can mean the loss of their life in their eyes. If anyone says something like that, you must be doing something right.
Support your friend, within reason, and be sincere about it. Would you take a bullet for your friend? Do you have his or her back? Think about these things today and pray about them.
“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” ~Author Unknown
1 Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. 2 Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! 3 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.
This scripture tells us that we should love each other as siblings and to remember those in prison because you very well could be there yourself in an instant. All it takes is one wrong choice...one wrong decision and you can end up locked up for some time.
What do you think it means to be friends? Is it just a title? Or is it a loyal commitment (see yesterday) between you? BFF (best friend forever) is a common phrase used today, although it may be somewhat original. It's what comes from the heart that is key.
Has someone ever said, "I've got your back?" That can be a pretty strong statement if it is meant seriously. What do you think that means? To me it basically means they support you 100 percent through whatever happens. That particular friend, again if meaning it in a serious manner, cares about you more than themselves (as their friend). There's also the statement "I'll take a bullet for you." That's really significant because that means that nothing about themselves is more important than you. Your life can mean the loss of their life in their eyes. If anyone says something like that, you must be doing something right.
Support your friend, within reason, and be sincere about it. Would you take a bullet for your friend? Do you have his or her back? Think about these things today and pray about them.
“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” ~Author Unknown
Monday, February 2, 2009
Be Faithful and Loyal Everyday.
Proverbs 17:17
17 A friend is always loyal,
and a brother is born to help in time of need.
How is your relationship with your friends? Are you loyal? Loyalty goes a long way toward creating a perfect friendship. It means one is reliable, trustworthy, and obligated. If one hasn't been loyal to another, what makes you say one's going to be loyal at a time that is most needed?
What kind of friend are you toward God, the Heavenly Father? Are you faithful? Will you let the world intervene and put an end to your friendship? I hope it's the former. Loyality is key!
Keep faithfulness in your relationship and friendship with God every single day...until the end. A true, best friend will be one of his words and will love him constantly. Don't let the world step in the middle of that love you have for God!
“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are." [That's God!] ~Author Unknown
17 A friend is always loyal,
and a brother is born to help in time of need.
How is your relationship with your friends? Are you loyal? Loyalty goes a long way toward creating a perfect friendship. It means one is reliable, trustworthy, and obligated. If one hasn't been loyal to another, what makes you say one's going to be loyal at a time that is most needed?
What kind of friend are you toward God, the Heavenly Father? Are you faithful? Will you let the world intervene and put an end to your friendship? I hope it's the former. Loyality is key!
Keep faithfulness in your relationship and friendship with God every single day...until the end. A true, best friend will be one of his words and will love him constantly. Don't let the world step in the middle of that love you have for God!
“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are." [That's God!] ~Author Unknown
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