Proverbs 1:20-22
20 Wisdom shouts in the streets.
She cries out in the public square.
21 She calls to the crowds along the main street,
to those gathered in front of the city gate:
22 “How long, you simpletons,
will you insist on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
How long will you fools hate knowledge?
You've probably heard the book of Proverbs being referred to as the "book of wisdom" or something along those lines. That's true with today's passage. Wisdom is almost personified to make as a person to make people wise and to stop people from being fools.
I feel that the media sometimes mocks people. They sometimes state the obvious just to make sure they have sufficient air time. You've heard about the mom with the eight children (octuplets) right? They find any little thing to say, basically right down to what she's wearing currently. I guess it's the job of the media. Certain things fascinate them, yet some things aren't really necessary.
It's not very hard to mock people. It only involves putting someone down because of the "knowledge" and the attention that are gained by the mocker. It makes them feel superior and invincible.
How is mocking someone or something different from wisdom? Pray to God that he will help you ignore those who mock and avoid you from mocking or being mocked. Be on the lookout today!
Joseph Pulitzer defines mockery as "An able, disinterested, public-spirited press, with trained intelligence to know the right and courage to do it, can preserve that public virtue without which popular government is a sham and a mockery."
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Whose Will are You Living by?
2 Timothy 2:25-26
25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
Paul is writing a letter to Timothy. The Bible tells us that Pastors are meant to be 'spiritual police' in the lives of the people in the church. Also, they're not just individuals who teach and proclaim the Word of God, but they are people who are to be completely respected for their role in the church and community.
Paul says that by disobeying spiritual leaders, we are likely harming the church as we have fallen into "the devil's trap and held captive." Under this behavior, we are following the will of Satan, NOT God.
So we are told we can "escape." So just how can we do that? Your Pastors and other spiritual leaders are praying for you so that they can show you the truth, the light, and the way. This a two-part deal, so we must also do something; and that is to stop being so stubborn!
Are you aware of disobeying any of your spiritual leaders? Pray that God makes you fully aware of your rebellions. Also ask him to help you to avoid serving Satan.
“The rebel can never find peace. He knows what is good and, despite himself, does evil." ~Albert Camus
25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
Paul is writing a letter to Timothy. The Bible tells us that Pastors are meant to be 'spiritual police' in the lives of the people in the church. Also, they're not just individuals who teach and proclaim the Word of God, but they are people who are to be completely respected for their role in the church and community.
Paul says that by disobeying spiritual leaders, we are likely harming the church as we have fallen into "the devil's trap and held captive." Under this behavior, we are following the will of Satan, NOT God.
So we are told we can "escape." So just how can we do that? Your Pastors and other spiritual leaders are praying for you so that they can show you the truth, the light, and the way. This a two-part deal, so we must also do something; and that is to stop being so stubborn!
Are you aware of disobeying any of your spiritual leaders? Pray that God makes you fully aware of your rebellions. Also ask him to help you to avoid serving Satan.
“The rebel can never find peace. He knows what is good and, despite himself, does evil." ~Albert Camus
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The Effects of Having No Mission.
Proverbs 29:18
18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.
But whoever obeys the law is joyful.
What do you think of when you hear these words? I'm reminded of reciting the words to a mission statement or something similar that encourages and sets a goal or theme. I know at my elementary school we had a mission that was said every morning. I still remember it to this day. It went something like this: "High expectations. Social responsibility and academic performance are key to our mission." At the time, honestly I don't think I knew what I was saying every single day. I just go so trained to say it, there was no meaning. Now I look back on it and it clearly shows there is was a mission -- to learn at school.
I think this proverb is saying is that when no one has a mission statement or goal geared toward there faith and God, then there is no fear of God and thus life becomes mediocre to say the least. Without such a vision, one isn't deemed an identity, and there isn't a direction, purpose, method, or boundary. Living in such an environment would be deadly. It's like having no traffic laws. It would make humans perish and "go wild" as it states above. We should have a vision of God "seated [high] on the throne" somewhere. We need to see God for who he is. We need to see him as a sacrificial God who gave up his son to die for YOU (he's kind and extreme)! We need to be on a mission to live as he would. The bottom line is that we need to have a correct vision of God in the first place in order to live.
Maybe make a mission statement that keeps you actively involved in the vision of God and not just saying the words or doing the actions as I suggested above. Say it, do it, mean it!
Here's the song "Praise Adonai," which I briefly referred to above.
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.
18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.
But whoever obeys the law is joyful.
What do you think of when you hear these words? I'm reminded of reciting the words to a mission statement or something similar that encourages and sets a goal or theme. I know at my elementary school we had a mission that was said every morning. I still remember it to this day. It went something like this: "High expectations. Social responsibility and academic performance are key to our mission." At the time, honestly I don't think I knew what I was saying every single day. I just go so trained to say it, there was no meaning. Now I look back on it and it clearly shows there is was a mission -- to learn at school.
I think this proverb is saying is that when no one has a mission statement or goal geared toward there faith and God, then there is no fear of God and thus life becomes mediocre to say the least. Without such a vision, one isn't deemed an identity, and there isn't a direction, purpose, method, or boundary. Living in such an environment would be deadly. It's like having no traffic laws. It would make humans perish and "go wild" as it states above. We should have a vision of God "seated [high] on the throne" somewhere. We need to see God for who he is. We need to see him as a sacrificial God who gave up his son to die for YOU (he's kind and extreme)! We need to be on a mission to live as he would. The bottom line is that we need to have a correct vision of God in the first place in order to live.
Maybe make a mission statement that keeps you actively involved in the vision of God and not just saying the words or doing the actions as I suggested above. Say it, do it, mean it!
Here's the song "Praise Adonai," which I briefly referred to above.
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.
Friday, March 27, 2009
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. 15 No 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.
This is a bit of a continuation from yesterday, using the same general area of the Bible, just one verse down. It's a part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
Every Sunday morning we have a little saying we say at my church when we have new guests in the house. It's been a tradition for sometime now to give out a candle to the first-time visitors. Then we follow this gift-giving by saying, "Jesus is the Light of the World." Our goal to let others realize that we need to focus on Jesus and follow his light that he sheds on humanity and in turn, do the same.
Once again Jesus is using a metaphor (in this case - light) to describe his people. As followers of Christ, we are the light at the end of the tunnel. We are the light that can break through the darkest places...even the knicks and crannies! Just like the city lights brighten up a region, we have the potential to light up the entire world as if the sun is shining everywhere 24/7. As light carriers, we have a huge effect on those left in the dark.
Our good deeds can make the light bulbs go off in one's head and realize who their true Savior is. Shining light also illuminates the truth and says that we need Jesus to forgive our sins.
Remember as you go about your day that Jesus called us to be the light. We can lead the way to Christ. Also looking back at yesterday and applying it to today's devo...spread the gospel so that as Christians we don't lose our salitness and cause our lights to be extinguished.
"There are two kinds of light - the glow that illumines, and the glare that obscures." ~James Thurber
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No 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.
This is a bit of a continuation from yesterday, using the same general area of the Bible, just one verse down. It's a part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
Every Sunday morning we have a little saying we say at my church when we have new guests in the house. It's been a tradition for sometime now to give out a candle to the first-time visitors. Then we follow this gift-giving by saying, "Jesus is the Light of the World." Our goal to let others realize that we need to focus on Jesus and follow his light that he sheds on humanity and in turn, do the same.
Once again Jesus is using a metaphor (in this case - light) to describe his people. As followers of Christ, we are the light at the end of the tunnel. We are the light that can break through the darkest places...even the knicks and crannies! Just like the city lights brighten up a region, we have the potential to light up the entire world as if the sun is shining everywhere 24/7. As light carriers, we have a huge effect on those left in the dark.
Our good deeds can make the light bulbs go off in one's head and realize who their true Savior is. Shining light also illuminates the truth and says that we need Jesus to forgive our sins.
Remember as you go about your day that Jesus called us to be the light. We can lead the way to Christ. Also looking back at yesterday and applying it to today's devo...spread the gospel so that as Christians we don't lose our salitness and cause our lights to be extinguished.
"There are two kinds of light - the glow that illumines, and the glare that obscures." ~James Thurber
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Being Salt.
Matthew 5:13
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
Many people use salt on their foods. I don't particularly care for salt, I'm fine with whatever amount is in the food already (in many cases there is a lot of salt as it is). What happens when you salt foods? It seasons things up a little bit.
The same goes with having Jesus as the source of your good deeds, thus it is used as a metaphor. There are good deeds and there are good deeds coupled with Jesus. Ya know, anybody can do good things. It's a completely different thing to do good deeds for God and acknowledging Jesus as your source of goodness.
In another sense, when Jesus told this to his disciples I don't believe he was referring to salt in the same manner. Salt was used back in those days as a purifying substance and to prevent bacteria from growing in foods. God's people use cleansing and healing to eliminate some of the infectious wounds in the world.
We are asked to stand out as Christians. Let others recognize the true source of your good actions and be rich and pure in everything you do!
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
Many people use salt on their foods. I don't particularly care for salt, I'm fine with whatever amount is in the food already (in many cases there is a lot of salt as it is). What happens when you salt foods? It seasons things up a little bit.
The same goes with having Jesus as the source of your good deeds, thus it is used as a metaphor. There are good deeds and there are good deeds coupled with Jesus. Ya know, anybody can do good things. It's a completely different thing to do good deeds for God and acknowledging Jesus as your source of goodness.
In another sense, when Jesus told this to his disciples I don't believe he was referring to salt in the same manner. Salt was used back in those days as a purifying substance and to prevent bacteria from growing in foods. God's people use cleansing and healing to eliminate some of the infectious wounds in the world.
We are asked to stand out as Christians. Let others recognize the true source of your good actions and be rich and pure in everything you do!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Ultimate Destiny of Israel.
Isaiah 49:6
6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.
I will make you a light to the Gentiles,
and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.
Okay by now you know this isn't a new idea that Jesus tells us. Over the past several days I have provided you with several passages that support the idea that we are to go forth into the world and teach his lessons.
In the book of Isaiah, the ultimate destiny of Israel is clearly spelled out...to be a light for the Gentiles and to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Christians are to go out others from the violence in the world, which I might add seems all too common nowadays.
Again the book of Isaiah is not coming up with something new. It has been mentioned time and time again, even back to Genesis. God's original covenant can be found there. Israel's desire for political dominance and greatness has made for an obscurity in its initial calling by God.
How bright is your light in the world from a Christian standpoint? Make it bright enough that it captures the attention of someone, but not so bright that it blinds someone in the sense that they look at Christianity as dull, pointless, and a huge annoyance.
6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.
I will make you a light to the Gentiles,
and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.
Okay by now you know this isn't a new idea that Jesus tells us. Over the past several days I have provided you with several passages that support the idea that we are to go forth into the world and teach his lessons.
In the book of Isaiah, the ultimate destiny of Israel is clearly spelled out...to be a light for the Gentiles and to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Christians are to go out others from the violence in the world, which I might add seems all too common nowadays.
Again the book of Isaiah is not coming up with something new. It has been mentioned time and time again, even back to Genesis. God's original covenant can be found there. Israel's desire for political dominance and greatness has made for an obscurity in its initial calling by God.
How bright is your light in the world from a Christian standpoint? Make it bright enough that it captures the attention of someone, but not so bright that it blinds someone in the sense that they look at Christianity as dull, pointless, and a huge annoyance.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Beautiful Feet.
Isaiah 52:7-10
7 How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,
the good news of peace and salvation,
the news that the God of Israel reigns!
8 The watchmen shout and sing with joy,
for before their very eyes
they see the Lord returning to Jerusalem.
9 Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyful song,
for the Lord has comforted his people.
He has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The Lord has demonstrated his holy power
before the eyes of all the nations.
All the ends of the earth will see
the victory of our God.
Have you ever gone looking for a dog or other animal, and one in particular just struck you as the perfect one? I know that happened to my dad and I, or at least I think so. Eight and a half years ago, we were walking around looking at probably about half a dozen different puppies. Most of them looked sick. One in particular was happy to see us, jumping and saying "Get me, get me!" When my dad and I both saw him, we looked at each other, did a little nod, got him, and named him Buddy. Still, I love coming home to him everyday.
Those that walk around telling others the good news in a kind, non-selfish manner, and act as a messenger, are people that stand out to God because they are on a mission to relay his very own mission. He thinks very highly of this and praises them tremendously.
The feet of those who have told the message may be a little dirty because it may not have been an easy task to manage. However, those same feet are beautiful because they are walking on worldly soil and sprinkling it with Jesus' teachings along the way.
“Whenever you have truth it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
7 How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,
the good news of peace and salvation,
the news that the God of Israel reigns!
8 The watchmen shout and sing with joy,
for before their very eyes
they see the Lord returning to Jerusalem.
9 Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyful song,
for the Lord has comforted his people.
He has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The Lord has demonstrated his holy power
before the eyes of all the nations.
All the ends of the earth will see
the victory of our God.
Have you ever gone looking for a dog or other animal, and one in particular just struck you as the perfect one? I know that happened to my dad and I, or at least I think so. Eight and a half years ago, we were walking around looking at probably about half a dozen different puppies. Most of them looked sick. One in particular was happy to see us, jumping and saying "Get me, get me!" When my dad and I both saw him, we looked at each other, did a little nod, got him, and named him Buddy. Still, I love coming home to him everyday.
Those that walk around telling others the good news in a kind, non-selfish manner, and act as a messenger, are people that stand out to God because they are on a mission to relay his very own mission. He thinks very highly of this and praises them tremendously.
The feet of those who have told the message may be a little dirty because it may not have been an easy task to manage. However, those same feet are beautiful because they are walking on worldly soil and sprinkling it with Jesus' teachings along the way.
“Whenever you have truth it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
Monday, March 23, 2009
Make Them Wonder.
1 Peter 3:15-16
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.
How many times, as Christians, do we go about our day and stop the good deeds we're doing when someone walks by or gets in close proximity to us? I know I do at times. It's hard. We don't want to make a fool of ourselves or embarrass ourselves. Therefore, just in the nick of time...we stop!
How does God feel when we do this? Uh...not very important I'm thinking! We just push him to the side when someone who doesn't have the same belief and faith system comes along during the day.
This can include driving with the radio in your car blasting with Christian music and then turning it down when you pull in somewhere or praying in a public location and then when someone sees you and says hey, you just stop praying. It can really be anything.
So what should we do? Keep going! Our responsibility as a Christian is to make the non-followers wonder what all the hype is about. Make them wonder why it's so good to have an amazing God at the center of our lives and have everything revolve around it. Maybe if you do your good deeds, pray, or listen to Christian music in front of friends and complete strangers, they will feel like they have been thrown a cue card from God.
If you don't get used to people seeing you act in your faith, how will you ever GROW?
"The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice." ~George Elliot
P.S. After writing some posts, I read the Bible and was immediately brought to Matthew 6. I think I've brought up the first few verses before (see post on February 25). I mentioned good deeds in the above lines and how you shouldn't stop doing them when you see somebody. I still don't think you should. However, don't keep doing it so you get rewarded or acknowledged. Do it because you feel led to...you feel it's coming from your heart. I hope I cleared that up!
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.
How many times, as Christians, do we go about our day and stop the good deeds we're doing when someone walks by or gets in close proximity to us? I know I do at times. It's hard. We don't want to make a fool of ourselves or embarrass ourselves. Therefore, just in the nick of time...we stop!
How does God feel when we do this? Uh...not very important I'm thinking! We just push him to the side when someone who doesn't have the same belief and faith system comes along during the day.
This can include driving with the radio in your car blasting with Christian music and then turning it down when you pull in somewhere or praying in a public location and then when someone sees you and says hey, you just stop praying. It can really be anything.
So what should we do? Keep going! Our responsibility as a Christian is to make the non-followers wonder what all the hype is about. Make them wonder why it's so good to have an amazing God at the center of our lives and have everything revolve around it. Maybe if you do your good deeds, pray, or listen to Christian music in front of friends and complete strangers, they will feel like they have been thrown a cue card from God.
If you don't get used to people seeing you act in your faith, how will you ever GROW?
"The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice." ~George Elliot
P.S. After writing some posts, I read the Bible and was immediately brought to Matthew 6. I think I've brought up the first few verses before (see post on February 25). I mentioned good deeds in the above lines and how you shouldn't stop doing them when you see somebody. I still don't think you should. However, don't keep doing it so you get rewarded or acknowledged. Do it because you feel led to...you feel it's coming from your heart. I hope I cleared that up!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Don't Let Your Age Be a Factor.
1 Timothy 4:12-16
12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
God needs everyone! He needs all generations, from child to elder, to help spread his word and he certainly doesn't intend on excluding the youth from this.
I know some people might believe it is strange for teenagers to spread the word and to encourage others to walk with Jesus Christ. They may think we're just following the Christian crowd because it's the right thing to do, we're not wise enough, and have not experienced enough to truly say how it is.
I disagree with that. I know when I encourage others it's because I feel God calling me to do so. I wouldn't have a love for being at church, if I just followed others. If I did go just to follow other Christians, it would be boring and essentially I would be wasting my time. However, I do it for my own sake to gear myself toward telling others and it's definitely not a waste of time.
Hey blog reader, if any of you out there are my age, don't be frightened by some strangers and adults giving you a weird look. A majority won't. In fact, they probably will smile. I just want you to keep that in mind so you can continue to work on the Kingdom work and not have a re-entry into the worldly things. Don't forget to pray for those who give youth the weird look!
God Bless!
The lesson from this week...
"If you teach men that God is the source of their pleasure and sin is the source of their pain, they will run to God and away from sin." ~Jacquelyn K. Heasley
“Evangelism is not salesmanship It is not urging people, pressing them, coercing them, overwhelming them, or subduing them. Evangelism is telling a message. Evangelism is reporting good news.” ~Richard C. Halverson
12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
God needs everyone! He needs all generations, from child to elder, to help spread his word and he certainly doesn't intend on excluding the youth from this.
I know some people might believe it is strange for teenagers to spread the word and to encourage others to walk with Jesus Christ. They may think we're just following the Christian crowd because it's the right thing to do, we're not wise enough, and have not experienced enough to truly say how it is.
I disagree with that. I know when I encourage others it's because I feel God calling me to do so. I wouldn't have a love for being at church, if I just followed others. If I did go just to follow other Christians, it would be boring and essentially I would be wasting my time. However, I do it for my own sake to gear myself toward telling others and it's definitely not a waste of time.
Hey blog reader, if any of you out there are my age, don't be frightened by some strangers and adults giving you a weird look. A majority won't. In fact, they probably will smile. I just want you to keep that in mind so you can continue to work on the Kingdom work and not have a re-entry into the worldly things. Don't forget to pray for those who give youth the weird look!
God Bless!
The lesson from this week...
"If you teach men that God is the source of their pleasure and sin is the source of their pain, they will run to God and away from sin." ~Jacquelyn K. Heasley
“Evangelism is not salesmanship It is not urging people, pressing them, coercing them, overwhelming them, or subduing them. Evangelism is telling a message. Evangelism is reporting good news.” ~Richard C. Halverson
Friday, March 20, 2009
Make a Leap of Faith.
Luke 9:1-2
1 One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. 2 Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
Where is the boundary for our faith? Is there one? Do we stop when we're describing something that can only be seen as phenomenal or ideal? Do we have a preferable way to walk our faith? All this week I have talked to you about teaching the Word. However, we don't always heal others.
Nothing about God is ordinary. He is amazing! You may have to step out of your comfort zone to do something for him, but it will never go beyond what he is able to do.
Don't just visit people who are healthy and tell them about the Good News. Go into hospitals and nursing homes, for example, and tell them some encouraging words as well. That can make all the difference. It may not heal their physical wounds, but it will heal their spiritual wounds for sure!
1 One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. 2 Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
Where is the boundary for our faith? Is there one? Do we stop when we're describing something that can only be seen as phenomenal or ideal? Do we have a preferable way to walk our faith? All this week I have talked to you about teaching the Word. However, we don't always heal others.
Nothing about God is ordinary. He is amazing! You may have to step out of your comfort zone to do something for him, but it will never go beyond what he is able to do.
Don't just visit people who are healthy and tell them about the Good News. Go into hospitals and nursing homes, for example, and tell them some encouraging words as well. That can make all the difference. It may not heal their physical wounds, but it will heal their spiritual wounds for sure!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Don't Wait in the Shadows Any Longer.
2 Timothy 4:1-5
1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
Up north, unlike Florida, there are true seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. There's a good variety of weather...all types in fact that will suit just about anyone's needs at some point. In Florida about all we have are wet and dry seasons. Temperature-wise, I say it's just hot and hotter all year.
In contrast, when it comes to being in a relationship with God there is no "season" whatsoever. It's an all-around, everyday event (it should be anyway). When you feel that God is telling you to talk about your faith and your beliefs, do it as soon as you can. You should almost stop what you're doing and go for it. Okay, maybe not. Just don't wait long! Remember to always approach God's callings on his time, not yours. If you go by your time, the deed may remain unwritten.
God has given you everything you can work possibly work with, including the Bible and of course people. Now you just have to run with it, and as a Christian, bring your fellow friends with on your journey with Christ. Why else would you be taking part? Don't be afraid. Only be afraid that you'll run out of time!
Have a blessed day :)
"Someone asked Will the heathen who have never heard the Gospel be saved? It is more a question with me whether we -- who have the Gospel and fail to give it to those who have not -- can be saved." ~Charles Spurgeon
1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
Up north, unlike Florida, there are true seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. There's a good variety of weather...all types in fact that will suit just about anyone's needs at some point. In Florida about all we have are wet and dry seasons. Temperature-wise, I say it's just hot and hotter all year.
In contrast, when it comes to being in a relationship with God there is no "season" whatsoever. It's an all-around, everyday event (it should be anyway). When you feel that God is telling you to talk about your faith and your beliefs, do it as soon as you can. You should almost stop what you're doing and go for it. Okay, maybe not. Just don't wait long! Remember to always approach God's callings on his time, not yours. If you go by your time, the deed may remain unwritten.
God has given you everything you can work possibly work with, including the Bible and of course people. Now you just have to run with it, and as a Christian, bring your fellow friends with on your journey with Christ. Why else would you be taking part? Don't be afraid. Only be afraid that you'll run out of time!
Have a blessed day :)
"Someone asked Will the heathen who have never heard the Gospel be saved? It is more a question with me whether we -- who have the Gospel and fail to give it to those who have not -- can be saved." ~Charles Spurgeon
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
One Body, Different Work.
Ephesians 4:1-16
1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say,
“When he ascended to the heights,
he led a crowd of captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
This is probably one of the largest passages I've given you to read yet, but I believe it's important. Each sentence builds on the previous one and the last section says a lot: "Each part does its own special work..."
We are called by God to use our gifts as a body to do the work of the Kingdom. There's a very important part that isn't mentioned in the statement above which you can infer the passage is calling Christians to do. That is, to attract others to work in the Kingdom.
Don't pull them in by their ears. However, teach them about Christ as we've been talking about over the past couple days and tell them that each person has a unique and important role in the Kingdom of God. Even though there may not be many things to do in your mind, each person can take something simple and make it fit the person who they are called to be.
I'll try to have some spiritual gift resources available soon!
Refer to the February 4th post and listen to the song "If We Are The Body." It's once again fitting. It's always good to apply songs to your spiritual life. You'll notice it's not going to be the same interpretation every time. It really depends on what God is teaching you at the moment.
"God has huge plans for the world today! He is not content to merely establish a handful of struggling churches among each tongue, tribe and nation. Even now He is preparing and empowering His Church to carry the seeds of revival to the uttermost ends of the earth." ~David Smithers
1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say,
“When he ascended to the heights,
he led a crowd of captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
This is probably one of the largest passages I've given you to read yet, but I believe it's important. Each sentence builds on the previous one and the last section says a lot: "Each part does its own special work..."
We are called by God to use our gifts as a body to do the work of the Kingdom. There's a very important part that isn't mentioned in the statement above which you can infer the passage is calling Christians to do. That is, to attract others to work in the Kingdom.
Don't pull them in by their ears. However, teach them about Christ as we've been talking about over the past couple days and tell them that each person has a unique and important role in the Kingdom of God. Even though there may not be many things to do in your mind, each person can take something simple and make it fit the person who they are called to be.
I'll try to have some spiritual gift resources available soon!
Refer to the February 4th post and listen to the song "If We Are The Body." It's once again fitting. It's always good to apply songs to your spiritual life. You'll notice it's not going to be the same interpretation every time. It really depends on what God is teaching you at the moment.
"God has huge plans for the world today! He is not content to merely establish a handful of struggling churches among each tongue, tribe and nation. Even now He is preparing and empowering His Church to carry the seeds of revival to the uttermost ends of the earth." ~David Smithers
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Our Call to Evangelism.
Luke 24:45-52
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy.
Yes, the Bible was written thousands of years ago (or I should say the books within them). Is that really stopping you though, really? Is that stopping you from spreading his Word?
If it is, let us get over that right now. Pray that God fills you up with the Holy Spirit so that you can have complete power over the situation.
We can't possibly see someone be tortured in the world one more day. Throw out your fishing pole and reel them onto shore. Tell them about God, Jesus, and EVERYTHING YOU KNOW! Don't scare them, bring it down to "earthly terms" so that they understand and so that they have a reason to understand and potentially believe.
The key is to let whoever you tell, know, that God is an ALMIGHTY, POWERFUL, TOTALLY FORGIVING SAVIOR. He doesn't care about your past...he cares about a relationship with him ASAP. Don't keep it a secret and prevent someone else from knowing about this today!
"Tell the students to give up their small ambitions and come eastward to preach the gospel of Christ." ~Francis Xavier, missionary to India, the Philippines, and Japan
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy.
Yes, the Bible was written thousands of years ago (or I should say the books within them). Is that really stopping you though, really? Is that stopping you from spreading his Word?
If it is, let us get over that right now. Pray that God fills you up with the Holy Spirit so that you can have complete power over the situation.
We can't possibly see someone be tortured in the world one more day. Throw out your fishing pole and reel them onto shore. Tell them about God, Jesus, and EVERYTHING YOU KNOW! Don't scare them, bring it down to "earthly terms" so that they understand and so that they have a reason to understand and potentially believe.
The key is to let whoever you tell, know, that God is an ALMIGHTY, POWERFUL, TOTALLY FORGIVING SAVIOR. He doesn't care about your past...he cares about a relationship with him ASAP. Don't keep it a secret and prevent someone else from knowing about this today!
"Tell the students to give up their small ambitions and come eastward to preach the gospel of Christ." ~Francis Xavier, missionary to India, the Philippines, and Japan
Monday, March 16, 2009
Introducing Others to Christ.
Matthew 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Notice that the disciples are going out to evangelize; in other words telling and living the good news of Christ's salvation. They are going out and about to teach and to tell others about Jesus in action and in words.
I heard one of my peers say something recently that made me think that there is a right and a wrong way to evangelize. He was telling a story where he was talking to one of his friends about Christ and how he died for our sins. He told them why we believe what we believe and so on. Then, when he was wrapping things up he said this, "basically if you don't have Jesus in your life, you're screwed."
It's a good point I suppose on how we feel sometimes about Jesus from this side, but I think it's a little extreme to say that to those who aren't followers quite yet. If I wasn't a Christian I don't know if I would be encouraged by those last few words. Those words are bit offensive and again if I wasn't a Christian I would probably think "Man I've been living my life completely wrong all this time" and as a result I would just feel like a super bad person.
Then again, I think it all goes back to choice of words that I've talked about time and time again. Maybe it was just a mistake. Maybe he really didn't say that to the person. After I heard that, and was in some disbelief, I realized I had to move on as it was probably just a mistake and we all make mistakes.
We should all learn from this. When we teach the Word, we need to be careful what we say. Trust in God and ask God to give you the right words to say as you go out on a mission to bring others to Christ. While it is great to share this info to others, our words and how we present them can really be the ultimate moment before one decides to come to Christ.
"If you teach men that God is the source of their pleasure and sin is the source of their pain, they will run to God and away from sin." ~Jacquelyn K. Heasley
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Notice that the disciples are going out to evangelize; in other words telling and living the good news of Christ's salvation. They are going out and about to teach and to tell others about Jesus in action and in words.
I heard one of my peers say something recently that made me think that there is a right and a wrong way to evangelize. He was telling a story where he was talking to one of his friends about Christ and how he died for our sins. He told them why we believe what we believe and so on. Then, when he was wrapping things up he said this, "basically if you don't have Jesus in your life, you're screwed."
It's a good point I suppose on how we feel sometimes about Jesus from this side, but I think it's a little extreme to say that to those who aren't followers quite yet. If I wasn't a Christian I don't know if I would be encouraged by those last few words. Those words are bit offensive and again if I wasn't a Christian I would probably think "Man I've been living my life completely wrong all this time" and as a result I would just feel like a super bad person.
Then again, I think it all goes back to choice of words that I've talked about time and time again. Maybe it was just a mistake. Maybe he really didn't say that to the person. After I heard that, and was in some disbelief, I realized I had to move on as it was probably just a mistake and we all make mistakes.
We should all learn from this. When we teach the Word, we need to be careful what we say. Trust in God and ask God to give you the right words to say as you go out on a mission to bring others to Christ. While it is great to share this info to others, our words and how we present them can really be the ultimate moment before one decides to come to Christ.
"If you teach men that God is the source of their pleasure and sin is the source of their pain, they will run to God and away from sin." ~Jacquelyn K. Heasley
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Just the Right Time.
Proverbs 15:23
23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;
it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
I saw a shooting star the other morning. It's only the second time I've ever seen one in my life. Think about the odds of seeing one. What's the factor that determines whether or not it will be visible for you to see at any momnet? Time. I noticed it when I was riding the bus on my way to school. I was looking out the window and if I looked just a split second later, I wouldn't have seen that shooting star.
If you're into comedy, you know that timing is of the essence in this case also. If you don't say a line at the right moment...too early or too late, it's just not very funny. If you say the punch line at the right moment, then it is quite hilarious!
This doesn't just apply to those two ideas mentioned above; it applies all the time...even in serious situations. The time in which you say something depends on how much of an impact it has. Oh, and don't say the wrong thing at the wrong time.
What can help you determine if you should give your friend a word of encouragement and when not to say anything? Wisdom can help with resolve this issue. It tells us when it's appropriate to say "It'll be okay" and when you just have to sit there and let the person that you're there in spirit and to support them.
Ask God to help provide you with such wisdom that you know when to say the funny or encouraging line.
“Wisdom is knowing what to do next, skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is doing it.” ~David Starr Jordan
23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;
it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
I saw a shooting star the other morning. It's only the second time I've ever seen one in my life. Think about the odds of seeing one. What's the factor that determines whether or not it will be visible for you to see at any momnet? Time. I noticed it when I was riding the bus on my way to school. I was looking out the window and if I looked just a split second later, I wouldn't have seen that shooting star.
If you're into comedy, you know that timing is of the essence in this case also. If you don't say a line at the right moment...too early or too late, it's just not very funny. If you say the punch line at the right moment, then it is quite hilarious!
This doesn't just apply to those two ideas mentioned above; it applies all the time...even in serious situations. The time in which you say something depends on how much of an impact it has. Oh, and don't say the wrong thing at the wrong time.
What can help you determine if you should give your friend a word of encouragement and when not to say anything? Wisdom can help with resolve this issue. It tells us when it's appropriate to say "It'll be okay" and when you just have to sit there and let the person that you're there in spirit and to support them.
Ask God to help provide you with such wisdom that you know when to say the funny or encouraging line.
“Wisdom is knowing what to do next, skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is doing it.” ~David Starr Jordan
Friday, March 13, 2009
Divine Power.
2 Peter 1:4
4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
Who's divine nature are we called to be a part of? Why, God's, of course. He gives us the power to do a lot of things...including the ability to overcome the evilness of the world and Satan's temptations. If as Christians we do not wade out of the horrid stuff, this will take away from the meaning of God and keep him from intervening, tweaking, and letting us grow spiritually.
Also, the more we know about who we believe in (God and the fact that he sacrificed his son to die on the cross) lets our very own power grow. Remember what Christ has done for you!
God has promised us so many things in his Word. If we keep his vows in mind, we can prevent the evil from invading our lives.
Finally, just keep the image of God in you constantly, all the time, all day long. This will show others that the spirit is leading, guiding, and motivating us; nothing else has such a divine power as God.
It's not that hard. You have a spirit in you that is capable to grow in the name of God.
4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
Who's divine nature are we called to be a part of? Why, God's, of course. He gives us the power to do a lot of things...including the ability to overcome the evilness of the world and Satan's temptations. If as Christians we do not wade out of the horrid stuff, this will take away from the meaning of God and keep him from intervening, tweaking, and letting us grow spiritually.
Also, the more we know about who we believe in (God and the fact that he sacrificed his son to die on the cross) lets our very own power grow. Remember what Christ has done for you!
God has promised us so many things in his Word. If we keep his vows in mind, we can prevent the evil from invading our lives.
Finally, just keep the image of God in you constantly, all the time, all day long. This will show others that the spirit is leading, guiding, and motivating us; nothing else has such a divine power as God.
It's not that hard. You have a spirit in you that is capable to grow in the name of God.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Pick a Side.
James 3:11-12
11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.
James seems to be very serious, but he does answer some pretty valuable questions. Lives can be affected by words and actions, yet we can't be perfect as words spring and flip out of our mouth. What can we possibly do?
Our words and actions can do wonders when you remember that you're a follower of Jesus Christ. If I encourage a friend, I speak out of truth and that truth comes from the person I am in Jesus. When I use hurtful words, I find myself reversing back to my old ways - where I was the top priority.
Where and when do you draw the line? To be honest, you shouldn't really. You either are someone or you aren't someone. I don't know how else to say it, but it's probably better to be your true self until you can commit your life to Jesus Christ everyday. That way, you're more obedient to God and you're not "fake."
A good way to check and see where you fit, is to think back to last week. What do your words and actions tell you right then and there? If you are feeling doubtful, pray that God will transform you into a person in Jesus' name.
Your goal is to make it the Jesus Way or No Way.
11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.
James seems to be very serious, but he does answer some pretty valuable questions. Lives can be affected by words and actions, yet we can't be perfect as words spring and flip out of our mouth. What can we possibly do?
Our words and actions can do wonders when you remember that you're a follower of Jesus Christ. If I encourage a friend, I speak out of truth and that truth comes from the person I am in Jesus. When I use hurtful words, I find myself reversing back to my old ways - where I was the top priority.
Where and when do you draw the line? To be honest, you shouldn't really. You either are someone or you aren't someone. I don't know how else to say it, but it's probably better to be your true self until you can commit your life to Jesus Christ everyday. That way, you're more obedient to God and you're not "fake."
A good way to check and see where you fit, is to think back to last week. What do your words and actions tell you right then and there? If you are feeling doubtful, pray that God will transform you into a person in Jesus' name.
Your goal is to make it the Jesus Way or No Way.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Perfect Ingredients.
Psalm 33:16-22
16 The best-equipped army cannot save a king,
nor is great strength enough to save a warrior.
17 Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—
for all its strength, it cannot save you.
18 But the Lord watches over those who fear him,
those who rely on his unfailing love.
19 He rescues them from death
and keeps them alive in times of famine.
20 We put our hope in the Lord.
He is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,
for our hope is in you alone.
I heard a story recently that went something like this:
One day a boy named Bobby was having a bad day. Better yet, a bad year. His mom and dad were in a huge disagreement. Most of their problems involved expenses. His dad couldn't take it and went to stay at a friend's house for about a week. Bobby's grades flunked in school during this time. His parents' were so concerned in their arguments they didn't even make sure he was doing well in school. A note was sent home from the school saying that Bobby was in danger of being retained. His parents never even noticed it because it got stuck in their massive pile of bills. Meanwhile, Bobby was being bullied in school. Nothing seemed to be going his way and everything that could go wrong certainly was going wrong.
While his dad was gone, he went over to his grandmother's house to stay for a while. He opened up to her about his problems. One day, his grandma was baking a cake. She asked Bobby if he wanted a snack and of course he said "yes." "Here, have some cooking oil, Grandma offers. "Yuck, that's nasty," said Bobby. "Well how about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Grandma!" he replied. "Would you like some flour then?" "No way." "What about some baking soda?" "Grandma, those are all yucky," he said.
Grandma said, "Why yes, all those seem bad. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a delicious cake! God works the same way. Often times we wonder why he would let us experience difficult times and why Murphy's law would ever come true (whatever can go wrong will go wrong) God knows when he puts these things all in his order, according to his will, they always work out for the good. We have to trust him and, eventually, these things will all make something wonderful!"
God is crazy about you, my blog reader! Look at what he gives you everyday. Beauty, through nature, can be seen each day. Whenever things seem to be at their worst, remember that God loves you. We all have horrible days like Bobby. We may not have problems exactly like Bobby, but they still affect us. Remember, there is a reason for everything!
"Since God is the highest good, he will not allow any evil to exist in his works, unless his omnipotence and goodness were such as to bring good even out of evil." ~St. Augustine
16 The best-equipped army cannot save a king,
nor is great strength enough to save a warrior.
17 Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—
for all its strength, it cannot save you.
18 But the Lord watches over those who fear him,
those who rely on his unfailing love.
19 He rescues them from death
and keeps them alive in times of famine.
20 We put our hope in the Lord.
He is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,
for our hope is in you alone.
I heard a story recently that went something like this:
One day a boy named Bobby was having a bad day. Better yet, a bad year. His mom and dad were in a huge disagreement. Most of their problems involved expenses. His dad couldn't take it and went to stay at a friend's house for about a week. Bobby's grades flunked in school during this time. His parents' were so concerned in their arguments they didn't even make sure he was doing well in school. A note was sent home from the school saying that Bobby was in danger of being retained. His parents never even noticed it because it got stuck in their massive pile of bills. Meanwhile, Bobby was being bullied in school. Nothing seemed to be going his way and everything that could go wrong certainly was going wrong.
While his dad was gone, he went over to his grandmother's house to stay for a while. He opened up to her about his problems. One day, his grandma was baking a cake. She asked Bobby if he wanted a snack and of course he said "yes." "Here, have some cooking oil, Grandma offers. "Yuck, that's nasty," said Bobby. "Well how about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Grandma!" he replied. "Would you like some flour then?" "No way." "What about some baking soda?" "Grandma, those are all yucky," he said.
Grandma said, "Why yes, all those seem bad. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a delicious cake! God works the same way. Often times we wonder why he would let us experience difficult times and why Murphy's law would ever come true (whatever can go wrong will go wrong) God knows when he puts these things all in his order, according to his will, they always work out for the good. We have to trust him and, eventually, these things will all make something wonderful!"
God is crazy about you, my blog reader! Look at what he gives you everyday. Beauty, through nature, can be seen each day. Whenever things seem to be at their worst, remember that God loves you. We all have horrible days like Bobby. We may not have problems exactly like Bobby, but they still affect us. Remember, there is a reason for everything!
"Since God is the highest good, he will not allow any evil to exist in his works, unless his omnipotence and goodness were such as to bring good even out of evil." ~St. Augustine
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
An Everlasting Breath of Life.
Ezekiel 37:5
5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!
That is such a powerful verse. It's a fairly old song, but after reading the verse above, I thought about it. It's called "Hanging by a Moment" by Lifehouse. The first part of the song is below.
Desperate for changing
Starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started
Chasing after you
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
The song is a bit romantic and emotional. I'll have to admit these type of songs have the tendency sometimes to catch me off guard.
What's one thing we do every moment of our life? BREATHE! Hearing this song also makes me think of that beautiful quality. It's so incredible to know that it's with God's breath that we live every moment. He provides us with a life and we are given the opportunity when we wake each morning to make the most of it and whether or not to truly live. I want you to catch up with the living-breathing God. Hang onto it for a while. Maybe this can be a challenge you take on for Lent. Even though were in the second week of Lent, it's never too late to start. May God take your breath away and in exchange, replace it with a breath of everlasting life.
God takes my breath away and gives me something new to work with. Do you feel that way?
Here the song "Hanging by the Moment" by Lifehouse, as mentioned above, in the video below.
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.
5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!
That is such a powerful verse. It's a fairly old song, but after reading the verse above, I thought about it. It's called "Hanging by a Moment" by Lifehouse. The first part of the song is below.
Desperate for changing
Starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started
Chasing after you
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
The song is a bit romantic and emotional. I'll have to admit these type of songs have the tendency sometimes to catch me off guard.
What's one thing we do every moment of our life? BREATHE! Hearing this song also makes me think of that beautiful quality. It's so incredible to know that it's with God's breath that we live every moment. He provides us with a life and we are given the opportunity when we wake each morning to make the most of it and whether or not to truly live. I want you to catch up with the living-breathing God. Hang onto it for a while. Maybe this can be a challenge you take on for Lent. Even though were in the second week of Lent, it's never too late to start. May God take your breath away and in exchange, replace it with a breath of everlasting life.
God takes my breath away and gives me something new to work with. Do you feel that way?
Here the song "Hanging by the Moment" by Lifehouse, as mentioned above, in the video below.
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.
Monday, March 9, 2009
A Maturing Christian.
1 Corinthians 13:11-12
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
Ahhh...children! In the past, I've told you how lovable they are, along with such innocence and beauty. Today, this verse also reminds me of childhood and actually life up until this moment.
One of the facts of life is that a person changes in many ways when they go from childhood to adulthood. Behavior is a huge change. Of course this process isn't overnight at all. Certain habits, hobbies, and beliefs tend to fade away that arose in our minds as a child. Becoming a Christian is just like this. A Christian matures just as a child matures; a Christian develops new thoughts and perspectives just as a growing child does; the process of Christianity being instilled in a person is a fairly long process that definitely takes time.
Progressive changes marks a Christian well. It becomes noticeable at times. A new lifestyle springs from having God in the center of your life.
I have experienced the change, and believe you me, I'm still in my infant stages. I almost feel it will never end. There are some hard adjustments at first, but trust me, I know it's worth it. God is always at our side and will ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS love us.
”The truth of God hits you hard, but the devil's lies can knock you out.” ~Unknown
As if God's word isn't inspirational enough, I think this quote makes me want to read my Bible right now!
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
Ahhh...children! In the past, I've told you how lovable they are, along with such innocence and beauty. Today, this verse also reminds me of childhood and actually life up until this moment.
One of the facts of life is that a person changes in many ways when they go from childhood to adulthood. Behavior is a huge change. Of course this process isn't overnight at all. Certain habits, hobbies, and beliefs tend to fade away that arose in our minds as a child. Becoming a Christian is just like this. A Christian matures just as a child matures; a Christian develops new thoughts and perspectives just as a growing child does; the process of Christianity being instilled in a person is a fairly long process that definitely takes time.
Progressive changes marks a Christian well. It becomes noticeable at times. A new lifestyle springs from having God in the center of your life.
I have experienced the change, and believe you me, I'm still in my infant stages. I almost feel it will never end. There are some hard adjustments at first, but trust me, I know it's worth it. God is always at our side and will ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS love us.
”The truth of God hits you hard, but the devil's lies can knock you out.” ~Unknown
As if God's word isn't inspirational enough, I think this quote makes me want to read my Bible right now!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Thank Him for...
Ecclesiastes 5:19-20
19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. 20 God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.
Let me give you a brief summary of what we talked about this week. We learned that money fails us and doesn't satisfy us, the more money we have the more expensive it really is, money is fickle, and we need to enjoy every moment. I'm going to elaborate on the last point (from yesterday) some more.
So we know God has given us wealth and possessions, but it's never enough. Still, we all have some cool items that we could boast about continuously.
Do you enjoy what you have? Don't worry if the answer is "yes." God wants us to enjoy anything and everything. That's everything...including what you do for work or your favorite sport. Everything just may not necessarily be fun to you, but still satisfying.
Enjoy each moment and envision it as a precious moment given by God. He gives you so much because he loves you. Thank him for everything: the ipod, computer, clothes, food, water, nature, your family, and your best friend's personality. This way there's little time to complain and be worried about the things in life that bring false hope.
"I am just a person who is human, down to earth enjoying life...whatever God blesses you with. Enjoying life for me is just normal." ~Mohamed Al-Fayed (the category of the quote, I believe, is a good description: Life - Happiness - God)
19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. 20 God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.
Let me give you a brief summary of what we talked about this week. We learned that money fails us and doesn't satisfy us, the more money we have the more expensive it really is, money is fickle, and we need to enjoy every moment. I'm going to elaborate on the last point (from yesterday) some more.
So we know God has given us wealth and possessions, but it's never enough. Still, we all have some cool items that we could boast about continuously.
Do you enjoy what you have? Don't worry if the answer is "yes." God wants us to enjoy anything and everything. That's everything...including what you do for work or your favorite sport. Everything just may not necessarily be fun to you, but still satisfying.
Enjoy each moment and envision it as a precious moment given by God. He gives you so much because he loves you. Thank him for everything: the ipod, computer, clothes, food, water, nature, your family, and your best friend's personality. This way there's little time to complain and be worried about the things in life that bring false hope.
"I am just a person who is human, down to earth enjoying life...whatever God blesses you with. Enjoying life for me is just normal." ~Mohamed Al-Fayed (the category of the quote, I believe, is a good description: Life - Happiness - God)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Enjoy the Moment!
Ecclesiastes 5:18
18 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life.
The Bible has said this week that there is no possible way money can satisfy us. What can be said then? Enjoy the now...enjoy this very moment in time. That sounds pretty good. What does this mean though?
Quit looking at life as a championship. Quit trying to master it like its some test. If you don't stop, you'll be groaning from disappointment.
Who cares about a one-on-one battle with life and money? If you battle at all, battle the world and Satan so that you can have a relationship with God. This relationship is not submerged somewhere in your life in the middle of a pile of money. If one is delusional about this money thing, he or she can seriously miss out on a good relationship!
Think of today as a gift from God. Sit back, relax, and enjoy it, that is, the ride of no false satisfaction!
18 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life.
The Bible has said this week that there is no possible way money can satisfy us. What can be said then? Enjoy the now...enjoy this very moment in time. That sounds pretty good. What does this mean though?
Quit looking at life as a championship. Quit trying to master it like its some test. If you don't stop, you'll be groaning from disappointment.
Who cares about a one-on-one battle with life and money? If you battle at all, battle the world and Satan so that you can have a relationship with God. This relationship is not submerged somewhere in your life in the middle of a pile of money. If one is delusional about this money thing, he or she can seriously miss out on a good relationship!
Think of today as a gift from God. Sit back, relax, and enjoy it, that is, the ride of no false satisfaction!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Fact is: It's an Unsteady Dollar.
Ecclesiastes 5:13-14
13 There is another serious problem I have seen under the sun. Hoarding riches harms the saver. 14 Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children.
If you see money as a helper, that's not the best perspective. You shouldn't depend on money. You can work hard for years and years and then some unforeseen circumstances come along and a lot of that money disappears in the snap of a finger.
It's hard though because we can also become a little uncertain about money and we refuse to spend it. We sometimes say, "I'm not in good health, but I'm not going to spend money to go to the doctor just to tell me what I already know. There's no reason to spend that kind of money."
C'mon, what a foolish thing to do! That's just as ridiculous. It's sad to see what money can do when you see it as a motivation, a form of happiness, safety and security.
So where's the middle ground? It seems that money is either gone in thirty seconds or saved by the tons. Which one describes you the most or are you in the middle? How does this show your faithfulness toward God?
Ask God to help you trust him, not money. Money is so fickle.
“Pleasure in wealth is a fickle joy.” ~Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy
13 There is another serious problem I have seen under the sun. Hoarding riches harms the saver. 14 Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children.
If you see money as a helper, that's not the best perspective. You shouldn't depend on money. You can work hard for years and years and then some unforeseen circumstances come along and a lot of that money disappears in the snap of a finger.
It's hard though because we can also become a little uncertain about money and we refuse to spend it. We sometimes say, "I'm not in good health, but I'm not going to spend money to go to the doctor just to tell me what I already know. There's no reason to spend that kind of money."
C'mon, what a foolish thing to do! That's just as ridiculous. It's sad to see what money can do when you see it as a motivation, a form of happiness, safety and security.
So where's the middle ground? It seems that money is either gone in thirty seconds or saved by the tons. Which one describes you the most or are you in the middle? How does this show your faithfulness toward God?
Ask God to help you trust him, not money. Money is so fickle.
“Pleasure in wealth is a fickle joy.” ~Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
To Have a lot = To Spend a lot
Ecclesiastes 5:11-12
11 The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!
12 People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep.
What happens when you own many possessions? Again we are told that money can't possibly satisfy us. The more one has, the more expensive it is to maintain. If one has a lot, one therefore needs a lot of help to maintain everything. It's just impossible to do the task alone.
It also means replacing stuff that needs to be kept up-to-date such as electronics and electricity.
What else does more money require? It requires more time, more energy, more help, and more money.
Then there's stress that accompanies a pool of water. I can only suggest to pray that God gives you a good attitude toward money and good spending habits. Spend it wisely.
Not sure if it fits but..."When I have money, I get rid of it quickly, lest it find a way into my heart." ~John Wesley
11 The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!
12 People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep.
What happens when you own many possessions? Again we are told that money can't possibly satisfy us. The more one has, the more expensive it is to maintain. If one has a lot, one therefore needs a lot of help to maintain everything. It's just impossible to do the task alone.
It also means replacing stuff that needs to be kept up-to-date such as electronics and electricity.
What else does more money require? It requires more time, more energy, more help, and more money.
Then there's stress that accompanies a pool of water. I can only suggest to pray that God gives you a good attitude toward money and good spending habits. Spend it wisely.
Not sure if it fits but..."When I have money, I get rid of it quickly, lest it find a way into my heart." ~John Wesley
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
A Few Dollars Won't Do It.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!
(Refer to February 26 post). This Bible verse is not talking about anyone in particular. No one other than you or me! We all say, "Ah money, I don't love it. I could use a few extra dollars to pay off some bills and that would be enough."
Anytime we want a few extra dollars and that's it, we need to remember the verse above. If you don't listen to what the Bible has to say about this, you're going to find that you're tripping over yourself or running in circles continuously.
Why? A few extra dollars is a never-ending race. It's like when you feel you're doing something for nothing, and it's the truth. Rich status doesn't exist in the Kingdom of God. After all, this is said by the richest and most superior guy of them all (God).
Stop and think, does money really make you happy? Why can't God make you happy instead?
“Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.” ~Benjamin Franklin
Short today, but I hope it makes a point, especially the second half. Take care and have a great day!
10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!
(Refer to February 26 post). This Bible verse is not talking about anyone in particular. No one other than you or me! We all say, "Ah money, I don't love it. I could use a few extra dollars to pay off some bills and that would be enough."
Anytime we want a few extra dollars and that's it, we need to remember the verse above. If you don't listen to what the Bible has to say about this, you're going to find that you're tripping over yourself or running in circles continuously.
Why? A few extra dollars is a never-ending race. It's like when you feel you're doing something for nothing, and it's the truth. Rich status doesn't exist in the Kingdom of God. After all, this is said by the richest and most superior guy of them all (God).
Stop and think, does money really make you happy? Why can't God make you happy instead?
“Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.” ~Benjamin Franklin
Short today, but I hope it makes a point, especially the second half. Take care and have a great day!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Money Fails Us.
Philippians 4:19
19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
How long has it been now that Americans have been worrying about the money crunch and the economic scare? Before I make it any worse by reminding you or make you yawn because you hear it on the news 24/7, I'll stop. I will be talking about money though, just not about the present state of the economy (or at least I'll try not to do that).
We often think that money would make our lives better. Unfortunately, that's not true. It doesn't matter if one has a pot of gold, it's not going to do the trick. Have you ever heard of a let down? Money can be a let down, for sure. So, don't take it for granted!
Remember, money doesn't fulfill your needs...God does!
And you've heard "It can make you or break you." Well, I'll leave you with this note to consider: You can make lots of money, yet money can break you into a million pieces.
19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
How long has it been now that Americans have been worrying about the money crunch and the economic scare? Before I make it any worse by reminding you or make you yawn because you hear it on the news 24/7, I'll stop. I will be talking about money though, just not about the present state of the economy (or at least I'll try not to do that).
We often think that money would make our lives better. Unfortunately, that's not true. It doesn't matter if one has a pot of gold, it's not going to do the trick. Have you ever heard of a let down? Money can be a let down, for sure. So, don't take it for granted!
Remember, money doesn't fulfill your needs...God does!
And you've heard "It can make you or break you." Well, I'll leave you with this note to consider: You can make lots of money, yet money can break you into a million pieces.
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