Psalm 119:11-16
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
Think of an activity that you do best. It may be cooking, playing football, or teaching. Even though it's what you're good at, what is the natural thing to do? Keep practicing so that you can get better, right? You love doing this activity, but still you want to gain more skills.
The same thing is true with regard to the Bible. When we read the Bible, we learn about God and his love, we understand him more, and thus we can form a more intimate relationship with him. This is exactly why the Bible exists! We should not feel we have to read it, but we should be excited to read it.
Not only that, but the Bible should be read as a guide. It guides us through the obstacles, very precisely and accurately. I promise you, IT WILL NEVER FAIL YOU! No matter how much Godly wisdom you may think you have, reading the Bible is very important because there's always something to learn about the Kingdom of God.
"This book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book." ~Unknown
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Patience is a Virtue.
Psalm 69:3
3 I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.
I know we have times when we're anxious. There are times when it's an edge-of-the-seat type deal. It's a very difficult fact of life.
I have a good friend named Rachel who is going to graduate from high school next week. It's one of the most important times in her life. Decisions are being made left and right during the senior year, like "Should I go to this college?" "Is this really what I want to study?" All the while, they have to spend time with their family, friends, and take care of other things in life. She has the college situation settled, however other opportunities have come up, for example the eligibility for her to take part in a lead role in a church retreat.
She has been waiting for an answer for weeks. She's been praying lots and waiting as patiently as she can. I know that she knows that whatever God decides is key to her future. She did get the role. Congratulations Rachel!
While she was waiting for her answer, she said this, "Whoever said patience was a virtue obviously had nothing good to wait for." That's a good way to add humor to a situation, now isn't? Hang in there if you're having a hard time waiting...Listen for God's answer!
3 I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.
I know we have times when we're anxious. There are times when it's an edge-of-the-seat type deal. It's a very difficult fact of life.
I have a good friend named Rachel who is going to graduate from high school next week. It's one of the most important times in her life. Decisions are being made left and right during the senior year, like "Should I go to this college?" "Is this really what I want to study?" All the while, they have to spend time with their family, friends, and take care of other things in life. She has the college situation settled, however other opportunities have come up, for example the eligibility for her to take part in a lead role in a church retreat.
She has been waiting for an answer for weeks. She's been praying lots and waiting as patiently as she can. I know that she knows that whatever God decides is key to her future. She did get the role. Congratulations Rachel!
While she was waiting for her answer, she said this, "Whoever said patience was a virtue obviously had nothing good to wait for." That's a good way to add humor to a situation, now isn't? Hang in there if you're having a hard time waiting...Listen for God's answer!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Be Careful What You Wish For.
James 5:7-8
7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.
We've received so much rain here in south Florida over the past week and a half. It's something that seemed as if we'd never see again because of the record drought conditions since November. Then, just like that, as if a switch was turned on, it started raining everyday and some parts of the state are measuring in feet.
We all suffer at times, but at Christians it is important to realize that God knows best what we're going through. You have to be patient and trust the Lord that everything is happening for a reason. Then one day, chances are you will get an answer and it will seem like God just turned on the light switch!
Pray that God gives you the patience in anything and everything. Be careful how you ask because he may just give you more situations that require you to practice your patience. Pray that you won't have to think about being patient when situations come up and that instead it will be a natural instinct. Does that make sense? Do you see a distinction or is it just me?
I'm reminded of this song, "While I'm Waiting" by Waller. It was in the movie Fireproof! Just wait for the Lord, even though it may be painful. Now is not the time to give up and stop serving him.
God Bless!
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.
7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.
We've received so much rain here in south Florida over the past week and a half. It's something that seemed as if we'd never see again because of the record drought conditions since November. Then, just like that, as if a switch was turned on, it started raining everyday and some parts of the state are measuring in feet.
We all suffer at times, but at Christians it is important to realize that God knows best what we're going through. You have to be patient and trust the Lord that everything is happening for a reason. Then one day, chances are you will get an answer and it will seem like God just turned on the light switch!
Pray that God gives you the patience in anything and everything. Be careful how you ask because he may just give you more situations that require you to practice your patience. Pray that you won't have to think about being patient when situations come up and that instead it will be a natural instinct. Does that make sense? Do you see a distinction or is it just me?
I'm reminded of this song, "While I'm Waiting" by Waller. It was in the movie Fireproof! Just wait for the Lord, even though it may be painful. Now is not the time to give up and stop serving him.
God Bless!
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.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
A Child and Its Mother.
Psalm 131:2
2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
When you see a baby, do you think of it as trusting? Well, a baby needs a lot of attention, I will say that. You know this is true because they can cry louder than you can imagine. Why do they cry? Most likely the answer is because they want to eat. There's also the occasional time when a baby may actually want to get it's diaper changed!
As the baby grows into a child, it learns to trust more and the mom can actually leave them at times. The child can now ask if he or she needs something. What a relief!
This is such a cheesy example, but this is how we should wait for the Lord, according to David. Furthermore, Paul says to be content in all situations.
Think of a screaming baby again...Yeah, in a sense, this is how it is for God when you're not patient. It's easier on him if you are patient, even though we know he can manage to hop over the biggest obstacles!
Here's a video, which at least part of it should be an inspiration to be patient.
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.
2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
When you see a baby, do you think of it as trusting? Well, a baby needs a lot of attention, I will say that. You know this is true because they can cry louder than you can imagine. Why do they cry? Most likely the answer is because they want to eat. There's also the occasional time when a baby may actually want to get it's diaper changed!
As the baby grows into a child, it learns to trust more and the mom can actually leave them at times. The child can now ask if he or she needs something. What a relief!
This is such a cheesy example, but this is how we should wait for the Lord, according to David. Furthermore, Paul says to be content in all situations.
Think of a screaming baby again...Yeah, in a sense, this is how it is for God when you're not patient. It's easier on him if you are patient, even though we know he can manage to hop over the biggest obstacles!
Here's a video, which at least part of it should be an inspiration to be patient.
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, May 26, 2009
The Waiting Room.
2 Peter 3:1-9
1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
If you've ever been in a waiting room expecting your loved one to come out from surgery, you know it can be very antagonizing. It's not easy. It seems almost impossible to get your mind on anything else. In fact, the only thing you notice is the clock ticking before your eyes, one second at a time.
or...
...Someone asks you to do a favor, but you're not quite ready to drop what it is you're currently doing. The one thing you have on your mind is COMPLETING THE TASK.
or...
...You have a possession that has impacted you so much that you care to keep it for a long time. When someone asks you, "Are you ready to get rid of that (whatever it may be)," you say "No, I'm not ready, yet."
The surgeon's time, the person's time who's asking a favor from you, and the person's time who asks if you want to get rid of something DOESN'T MATCH UP TO YOURS!
More importantly, as I touched on last week, GOD'S TIME DOESN'T MATCH UP WITH YOUR TIME. God is working off of his time, which is perfect. Why is it perfect? It goes in accordance to HIS will. Verse 8 above says, "With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." Memorize this verse and say it throughout the day.
“Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow - that is patience.” ~Unknown
1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
If you've ever been in a waiting room expecting your loved one to come out from surgery, you know it can be very antagonizing. It's not easy. It seems almost impossible to get your mind on anything else. In fact, the only thing you notice is the clock ticking before your eyes, one second at a time.
or...
...Someone asks you to do a favor, but you're not quite ready to drop what it is you're currently doing. The one thing you have on your mind is COMPLETING THE TASK.
or...
...You have a possession that has impacted you so much that you care to keep it for a long time. When someone asks you, "Are you ready to get rid of that (whatever it may be)," you say "No, I'm not ready, yet."
The surgeon's time, the person's time who's asking a favor from you, and the person's time who asks if you want to get rid of something DOESN'T MATCH UP TO YOURS!
More importantly, as I touched on last week, GOD'S TIME DOESN'T MATCH UP WITH YOUR TIME. God is working off of his time, which is perfect. Why is it perfect? It goes in accordance to HIS will. Verse 8 above says, "With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." Memorize this verse and say it throughout the day.
“Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow - that is patience.” ~Unknown
Monday, May 25, 2009
Remember...It's Memorial Day.
Romans 8:2
2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
It's Monday, but it's not so much an ordinary one. Most of us are off because it is a federal holiday. Have you put much thought into its origin though? Try telling the Veterans' families that it's the perfect day for a picnic or a dive in the swimming pool...completely ignoring the reason for the holiday (not smart).
Today we should sacrifice at least a few minutes of our time and remember the Veterans as many sacrificed their own lives to give us freedom. Unfortunately, lots of times we take this freedom for granted.
I was born into this guaranteed freedom, yet I still don't appreciate it as much as I should. Similarly, in order to have eternal freedom, we must incorporate the blood of Jesus Christ into our lives and set ourselves free from sin and death.
"For love of country they accepted death..." ~James A. Garfield
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! Take a look at this Memorial Day tribute from last year.
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.
2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
It's Monday, but it's not so much an ordinary one. Most of us are off because it is a federal holiday. Have you put much thought into its origin though? Try telling the Veterans' families that it's the perfect day for a picnic or a dive in the swimming pool...completely ignoring the reason for the holiday (not smart).
Today we should sacrifice at least a few minutes of our time and remember the Veterans as many sacrificed their own lives to give us freedom. Unfortunately, lots of times we take this freedom for granted.
I was born into this guaranteed freedom, yet I still don't appreciate it as much as I should. Similarly, in order to have eternal freedom, we must incorporate the blood of Jesus Christ into our lives and set ourselves free from sin and death.
"For love of country they accepted death..." ~James A. Garfield
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! Take a look at this Memorial Day tribute from last year.
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.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
When the End is in Sight.
2 Corinthians 4:18
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Wahoo we made it to the weekend...and most of us have Monday off too!
I only have twelve days left of school. What have I been looking forward to for the past month? Summer! What happens when you're running a marathon and you're 300 yards from the finish line? Well, you're looking directly at that finish line!
So we anticipate these two things, which we believe we will be alleviated from. We look forward to the end of one thing so that we can begin something else. It's just natural.
All the pain and suffering that will come sooner than later, I should be able to handle. Our tower of pain is brief compared to our laundry list of blessings we can expect in heaven eternally. This idea should give us strength to press on, undoubtedly.
Does this thought help you cope with life's circumstances? Sometimes we need to look at the heaven which we cannot yet see (and imagine the opportunities), instead of the difficulty that sucks the life out of us.
"In my end is my beginning." ~Jean de la Fontaine
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Wahoo we made it to the weekend...and most of us have Monday off too!
I only have twelve days left of school. What have I been looking forward to for the past month? Summer! What happens when you're running a marathon and you're 300 yards from the finish line? Well, you're looking directly at that finish line!
So we anticipate these two things, which we believe we will be alleviated from. We look forward to the end of one thing so that we can begin something else. It's just natural.
All the pain and suffering that will come sooner than later, I should be able to handle. Our tower of pain is brief compared to our laundry list of blessings we can expect in heaven eternally. This idea should give us strength to press on, undoubtedly.
Does this thought help you cope with life's circumstances? Sometimes we need to look at the heaven which we cannot yet see (and imagine the opportunities), instead of the difficulty that sucks the life out of us.
"In my end is my beginning." ~Jean de la Fontaine
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Clock is Ticking.
2 Corinthians 4:16
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
This verse inspires me and hopefully you'll see why as this post progresses.
Paul is going on and on earlier in the chapter about the things from which he suffers. Don't we suffer too?
Yes, we do. The fact is everyone suffers in different ways. It's just part of being human. We live and learn, live and learn, live and learn - a continuous cycle. Starting from the very moment we enter this world, to the moment when we die, our life is a ticking time bomb so to speak. Furthermore, it is accompanied by pain at times and eventually deterioration in a physical sense.
I think Paul clearly understands this fact. The thing is he wasn't distracted by the time. We simply cannot worry about the worldly clock. We must focus on God's clock and understand that his time is more important overall. Also, notice the word "renewed" in the Bible verse above. It's a promise that all human beings can be made new again starting RIGHT NOW by having faith in Jesus Christ.
When we are spiritually reborn, we never stop growing. Therefore, we can never be so intimate in a relationship with God that we can't be more Christ-like. When we do die, the work God does in us is complete. Your new life, my friend, is just beginning!
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
This verse inspires me and hopefully you'll see why as this post progresses.
Paul is going on and on earlier in the chapter about the things from which he suffers. Don't we suffer too?
Yes, we do. The fact is everyone suffers in different ways. It's just part of being human. We live and learn, live and learn, live and learn - a continuous cycle. Starting from the very moment we enter this world, to the moment when we die, our life is a ticking time bomb so to speak. Furthermore, it is accompanied by pain at times and eventually deterioration in a physical sense.
I think Paul clearly understands this fact. The thing is he wasn't distracted by the time. We simply cannot worry about the worldly clock. We must focus on God's clock and understand that his time is more important overall. Also, notice the word "renewed" in the Bible verse above. It's a promise that all human beings can be made new again starting RIGHT NOW by having faith in Jesus Christ.
When we are spiritually reborn, we never stop growing. Therefore, we can never be so intimate in a relationship with God that we can't be more Christ-like. When we do die, the work God does in us is complete. Your new life, my friend, is just beginning!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
It Doesn't Have to be an Exclusive Deal.
John 14:16-18
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
Does it ever seem like the things that Jesus says are too outlandish, too difficult? Maybe some things you get better at eventually, accept, and/or come to find out it's not nearly as impossible as you once thought.
Christ tells us something that helps to make things clear in our mind and make everything seemingly impossible a possibility: The Holy Spirit is stronger than ever and it is inside of us! It contains the truth. It is God because after all it is part of the Holy Trinity.
The Holy Spirit is not just for you or me, but for your Christian family and friends too. It's for everyone who trusts and accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit is a mystical being that removes the stuff that's unclear from our lives. It provides us with a whole new understanding of God and his Word.
So Jesus wants us to know that God will always be with us - not occasionally, not sometimes - but ALL THE TIME! God's spirit is in us.
Do you think of the Spirit as spooky? If so, does it alter your spiritual life?
Pray that God will let you feel and experience the existence of the Holy Spirit. May the Holy Spirit be spiritually alive in you!
I think we need to listen to "Shine Jesus Shine" today to remind us of how we can be consumed in his love and majesty and see God through the Holy Spirit!
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.
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
Does it ever seem like the things that Jesus says are too outlandish, too difficult? Maybe some things you get better at eventually, accept, and/or come to find out it's not nearly as impossible as you once thought.
Christ tells us something that helps to make things clear in our mind and make everything seemingly impossible a possibility: The Holy Spirit is stronger than ever and it is inside of us! It contains the truth. It is God because after all it is part of the Holy Trinity.
The Holy Spirit is not just for you or me, but for your Christian family and friends too. It's for everyone who trusts and accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit is a mystical being that removes the stuff that's unclear from our lives. It provides us with a whole new understanding of God and his Word.
So Jesus wants us to know that God will always be with us - not occasionally, not sometimes - but ALL THE TIME! God's spirit is in us.
Do you think of the Spirit as spooky? If so, does it alter your spiritual life?
Pray that God will let you feel and experience the existence of the Holy Spirit. May the Holy Spirit be spiritually alive in you!
I think we need to listen to "Shine Jesus Shine" today to remind us of how we can be consumed in his love and majesty and see God through the Holy Spirit!
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.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
I Love You, BUT...
John 14:15
15 If you love me, you will obey what I command.
So I was taking a mega intense chemistry IB exam Monday and Tuesday. I studied a lot over the weekend so I had no time to blog. Now things are back to normal. I hope everyone is doing well, by the way!
I was reading the verse above and something funny came to mind, yet so true. So we say, I love those shoes. I love those clothes. I love you, BUT can you do me a favor?
The problem is we just throw love in a sentence anywhere, when we don't always mean it, and it lightens up the meaning of love; it takes away from the meaning of love. We almost take advantage of the word.
Jesus told his disciples that his definition of love was to obey what is asked. That's hard. So we can't just emotionally say we love Jesus, we have to have that emotion and combine it with obedience. Living with love is much harder than saying love.
Now I ask you, do you agree with the idea that love = obedience? Work on loving in such a way that you are obedient too. Also, look around and see how the world defines love in different ways. (You're probably go crazy from hearing that word so much!)
"Wicked men obey from fear; good men, from love." ~Aristotle
15 If you love me, you will obey what I command.
So I was taking a mega intense chemistry IB exam Monday and Tuesday. I studied a lot over the weekend so I had no time to blog. Now things are back to normal. I hope everyone is doing well, by the way!
I was reading the verse above and something funny came to mind, yet so true. So we say, I love those shoes. I love those clothes. I love you, BUT can you do me a favor?
The problem is we just throw love in a sentence anywhere, when we don't always mean it, and it lightens up the meaning of love; it takes away from the meaning of love. We almost take advantage of the word.
Jesus told his disciples that his definition of love was to obey what is asked. That's hard. So we can't just emotionally say we love Jesus, we have to have that emotion and combine it with obedience. Living with love is much harder than saying love.
Now I ask you, do you agree with the idea that love = obedience? Work on loving in such a way that you are obedient too. Also, look around and see how the world defines love in different ways. (You're probably go crazy from hearing that word so much!)
"Wicked men obey from fear; good men, from love." ~Aristotle
Saturday, May 16, 2009
An Interesting Fact to Ponder.
1 Corinthians 15:47-49
47 The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of
heaven. 48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth;
and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 And
just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear
the image of the heavenly man.
Sorry if this was already posted. I think somehow I made it show up Monday. Here it is again...I made some changes and added stuff!
If you ask me, one of the most awesome things about Jesus is that when I see him,I can clearly see God...and there's no fog in that picture either.
Before Jesus died and rose again, I don't think there was much to be known about God. But being that Jesus is God, he is God in flesh, he's the reason that we can have a personal relationship with the Lord on any level. He taught us everything there is to know about him.
Have you ever noticed how Jesus reacted to certain circumstances? I believe I touched on this in the past, but when Jesus is sad, so is God. When he is happy, so is God.
If you let Jesus guide you in all that you do and realize that he is God, you will be blessed and it will be easier to make decisions. I know I was always taught if you're doing something that you wouldn't want God to know you're doing (which by the way, he always knows what you're up to - just a hypothetical situation here), then it probably isn't right at all.
47 The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of
heaven. 48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth;
and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 And
just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear
the image of the heavenly man.
Sorry if this was already posted. I think somehow I made it show up Monday. Here it is again...I made some changes and added stuff!
If you ask me, one of the most awesome things about Jesus is that when I see him,I can clearly see God...and there's no fog in that picture either.
Before Jesus died and rose again, I don't think there was much to be known about God. But being that Jesus is God, he is God in flesh, he's the reason that we can have a personal relationship with the Lord on any level. He taught us everything there is to know about him.
Have you ever noticed how Jesus reacted to certain circumstances? I believe I touched on this in the past, but when Jesus is sad, so is God. When he is happy, so is God.
If you let Jesus guide you in all that you do and realize that he is God, you will be blessed and it will be easier to make decisions. I know I was always taught if you're doing something that you wouldn't want God to know you're doing (which by the way, he always knows what you're up to - just a hypothetical situation here), then it probably isn't right at all.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Don't be Foolish!
2 Timothy 2:23-24
23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because
you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be
quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
You know what's really amazing about Jesus? He always had a strong deal of respect toward others. Every single moment of his life on Earth, he interacted with people and didn't ignore those who opposed him.
There are the judgmental people, those who believe they are superior, and stubborn - that is, there is no way Christ could have any influence about their decisions about whether or not to believe in God. Jesus was a man of his words and never gave up on his teachings. However, he didn't argue with those who didn't accept him. In fact, he forgives our sins and forgives those disobey those who disrespect God. Still, he taught them about God and how he loves. Overall, he treated these people with great respect. One important reminder is that he waited on the cross to die, he prayed for those who were killing him! That had to have been hard to do.
Be sure and be respectful to everyone who interact with. Have a great day!
23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because
you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be
quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
You know what's really amazing about Jesus? He always had a strong deal of respect toward others. Every single moment of his life on Earth, he interacted with people and didn't ignore those who opposed him.
There are the judgmental people, those who believe they are superior, and stubborn - that is, there is no way Christ could have any influence about their decisions about whether or not to believe in God. Jesus was a man of his words and never gave up on his teachings. However, he didn't argue with those who didn't accept him. In fact, he forgives our sins and forgives those disobey those who disrespect God. Still, he taught them about God and how he loves. Overall, he treated these people with great respect. One important reminder is that he waited on the cross to die, he prayed for those who were killing him! That had to have been hard to do.
Be sure and be respectful to everyone who interact with. Have a great day!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Think Before You...Punch Back.
Leviticus 19:18
18 " 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Imagine yourself in the following situation: Someone acts in a harmful manner toward you, emotionally and physically. Do you fire back with a vengeance too? What goes around comes around, right? Wrong, sorta!
I guess when you say that phrase the whole idea that whatever you do can come back to haunt you, is true. On the other hand, if you interpret that saying as meaning "I can cause the same pain back on the person who caused me pain," then you're a little delusional.
It is easier just to have the idea in our idea that after someone does something toward us, we can come back and do the same. This is very narrow-minded thinking on our part if we take upon this opportunity for revenge. Instead, we should look at the big picture. It's not going to help me in the long run if I inflict pain on someone else. I don't think I'm going to regret not acting in revenge toward someone 10 years from now, so refrain from revenge and grudges at all costs.
The bottom line is that it's a matter of forgiveness. Everyone messes up. If the conflict is dropped, chances are less and less conflicts will occur (especially with the same person). If you exhibit a weak tolerance level, then the person could come back for more and could torture you because they watch how you act each time.
18 " 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Imagine yourself in the following situation: Someone acts in a harmful manner toward you, emotionally and physically. Do you fire back with a vengeance too? What goes around comes around, right? Wrong, sorta!
I guess when you say that phrase the whole idea that whatever you do can come back to haunt you, is true. On the other hand, if you interpret that saying as meaning "I can cause the same pain back on the person who caused me pain," then you're a little delusional.
It is easier just to have the idea in our idea that after someone does something toward us, we can come back and do the same. This is very narrow-minded thinking on our part if we take upon this opportunity for revenge. Instead, we should look at the big picture. It's not going to help me in the long run if I inflict pain on someone else. I don't think I'm going to regret not acting in revenge toward someone 10 years from now, so refrain from revenge and grudges at all costs.
The bottom line is that it's a matter of forgiveness. Everyone messes up. If the conflict is dropped, chances are less and less conflicts will occur (especially with the same person). If you exhibit a weak tolerance level, then the person could come back for more and could torture you because they watch how you act each time.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Sacred Union.
Psalm 133
1 How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Yes, this is one whole Psalm. Just because it's only three verses long doesn't mean it's not important. It discusses unity...something that we should be striving for everyday.
Living in unity and harmony is pleasurable. Take a minute and think about all your good memories. Chances are, you had more fun when you were spending time with others, whether it be family or friends. Think of the importance of working together in unity if you're a construction worker (you need extra hands in many cases to get the job done). What about that grand slam in baseball last night? That wouldn't have happened unless there was some kind of interaction and unity among the team.
Think about it...unity and harmony = peace. Isn't this what God wants? Oh, it sounds so easy...If only, the people of the world would be more unified!
God hopes that we live in unity. He really wants you to be connected to him. Call it the "sacred union," as my Spanish teacher would say (she used this phrase as she taught us a new verb tense recently).
God wants you to then live in harmony with others as well. So to do this:
Make sure you have a strong, healthy relationship, improve what you needs to be changed, and don't let simple things block you from unity!
“United we stand; divided we fall” ~Aesop
1 How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Yes, this is one whole Psalm. Just because it's only three verses long doesn't mean it's not important. It discusses unity...something that we should be striving for everyday.
Living in unity and harmony is pleasurable. Take a minute and think about all your good memories. Chances are, you had more fun when you were spending time with others, whether it be family or friends. Think of the importance of working together in unity if you're a construction worker (you need extra hands in many cases to get the job done). What about that grand slam in baseball last night? That wouldn't have happened unless there was some kind of interaction and unity among the team.
Think about it...unity and harmony = peace. Isn't this what God wants? Oh, it sounds so easy...If only, the people of the world would be more unified!
God hopes that we live in unity. He really wants you to be connected to him. Call it the "sacred union," as my Spanish teacher would say (she used this phrase as she taught us a new verb tense recently).
God wants you to then live in harmony with others as well. So to do this:
Make sure you have a strong, healthy relationship, improve what you needs to be changed, and don't let simple things block you from unity!
“United we stand; divided we fall” ~Aesop
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Carrying Each Oher's Burdens.
Galatians 6:2
2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
We've all probably had at least one example in our lives where we had the opportunity to help someone and give them advice but nothing came out out of our mouths. For whatever reason, we were speechless. Sometimes all we can do is empathize, if that's the right word. That is, sit down and feel the pain of the individual. Sometimes we're so close to them that it's hard not to cry with them. Sometimes it really is the best thing to do because maybe words can't express and do justice in this situation.
Today's verse is telling us to "carry each other's burdens." That means listening and caring for someone along with providing a shoulder for one to cry on during a difficult time. This is following the example of Jesus - loving our neighbor. This is a way to restore one's inner peace.
The ways you can approach this call are endless...
Just put yourself in somebody else's shoes as the old cliche goes. During this time, give them your undivided attention. It's not the time to think about yourself.
Ask questions to show your want to understand and care.
Pray for the person experiencing the burdens. Better yet, pray with them. This way, they can potentially experience God in a whole new way (giver of inner peace) or perhaps for the first time.
Also, encourage them. Simply say, "You'll get through this" and explain why you think so.
Lastly, do all of these things whole-heartedly...not just because "it's right."
"A sacred burden is this life ye bear: Look on it, lift it, bear it solemnly, Stand up and walk beneath it steadfastly. Fail not for sorrow, falter not for sin, But onward, upward, till the goal ye win." ~Frances Anne Kemble
2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
We've all probably had at least one example in our lives where we had the opportunity to help someone and give them advice but nothing came out out of our mouths. For whatever reason, we were speechless. Sometimes all we can do is empathize, if that's the right word. That is, sit down and feel the pain of the individual. Sometimes we're so close to them that it's hard not to cry with them. Sometimes it really is the best thing to do because maybe words can't express and do justice in this situation.
Today's verse is telling us to "carry each other's burdens." That means listening and caring for someone along with providing a shoulder for one to cry on during a difficult time. This is following the example of Jesus - loving our neighbor. This is a way to restore one's inner peace.
The ways you can approach this call are endless...
Just put yourself in somebody else's shoes as the old cliche goes. During this time, give them your undivided attention. It's not the time to think about yourself.
Ask questions to show your want to understand and care.
Pray for the person experiencing the burdens. Better yet, pray with them. This way, they can potentially experience God in a whole new way (giver of inner peace) or perhaps for the first time.
Also, encourage them. Simply say, "You'll get through this" and explain why you think so.
Lastly, do all of these things whole-heartedly...not just because "it's right."
"A sacred burden is this life ye bear: Look on it, lift it, bear it solemnly, Stand up and walk beneath it steadfastly. Fail not for sorrow, falter not for sin, But onward, upward, till the goal ye win." ~Frances Anne Kemble
Monday, May 11, 2009
Gaining Inner Peace.
Jeremiah 6:13-14
13 "From the least to the greatest,
all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
all practice deceit.
14 They dress the wound of my people
as though it were not serious.
'Peace, peace,' they say,
when there is no peace.
Theoretically it doesn't seem hard to define peace, now does it? Here's what the theoretical list would look like:
*the opposite of war...a peace treaty
*little argument and disagreement
*living in harmony
Although the first star is what you may think of first when peace is mentioned, it's not limited to that. Peace exists from the war front to your personal relationships that exist.
In Jeremiah's writing you can see that the people back then didn't have a whole lot of inner peace. They were definitely greedy. They were deceitful. They weren't serious. They were ignoring everything - even the emotional pain - imagining as if it wasn't there. When really, there a large wound was engraved into their soul.
Do you have a sense of inner peace? You may have a grudge. You may have just been in an argument the other day that is still unresolved. Then you say, "Oh well, I'm just going to move on and let it go and hold it inside of me forever." Don't do this because it tears you up into pieces (no pun intended). You may be able to live with pain, rather than resolve the issue. However, you really should surrender these feelings because it will calm your insides and keep them under control. It will give you inner peace.
I know at Acquire the Fire they told us just to let go of the nonsense stuff that was inhibiting inner peace...the grudges, the situations that we have not forgiven or given to God. We were invited to the floor to get on our knees and give it to the Lord. It was a great relief to do this. We prayed for several minutes aloud like this. You should do this if you're struggling with a forgiveness issue.
If you don't feel the tension relax during these moments, do the following:
1. Keep praying over the coming days. God will give you strength during a situation like this.
2. Pray for the person you're trying to forgive. Give it to God.
3. If you feel comfortable enough, discuss it with this person.
Chances are your friend is looking for the same inner peace. God will help you all the way!
“To attain inner peace you must actually give your life, not just your possessions. When you at last give your life - bringing into alignment your beliefs and the way you live then, and only then, can you begin to find inner peace.” ~Peace Pilgrim
13 "From the least to the greatest,
all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
all practice deceit.
14 They dress the wound of my people
as though it were not serious.
'Peace, peace,' they say,
when there is no peace.
Theoretically it doesn't seem hard to define peace, now does it? Here's what the theoretical list would look like:
*the opposite of war...a peace treaty
*little argument and disagreement
*living in harmony
Although the first star is what you may think of first when peace is mentioned, it's not limited to that. Peace exists from the war front to your personal relationships that exist.
In Jeremiah's writing you can see that the people back then didn't have a whole lot of inner peace. They were definitely greedy. They were deceitful. They weren't serious. They were ignoring everything - even the emotional pain - imagining as if it wasn't there. When really, there a large wound was engraved into their soul.
Do you have a sense of inner peace? You may have a grudge. You may have just been in an argument the other day that is still unresolved. Then you say, "Oh well, I'm just going to move on and let it go and hold it inside of me forever." Don't do this because it tears you up into pieces (no pun intended). You may be able to live with pain, rather than resolve the issue. However, you really should surrender these feelings because it will calm your insides and keep them under control. It will give you inner peace.
I know at Acquire the Fire they told us just to let go of the nonsense stuff that was inhibiting inner peace...the grudges, the situations that we have not forgiven or given to God. We were invited to the floor to get on our knees and give it to the Lord. It was a great relief to do this. We prayed for several minutes aloud like this. You should do this if you're struggling with a forgiveness issue.
If you don't feel the tension relax during these moments, do the following:
1. Keep praying over the coming days. God will give you strength during a situation like this.
2. Pray for the person you're trying to forgive. Give it to God.
3. If you feel comfortable enough, discuss it with this person.
Chances are your friend is looking for the same inner peace. God will help you all the way!
“To attain inner peace you must actually give your life, not just your possessions. When you at last give your life - bringing into alignment your beliefs and the way you live then, and only then, can you begin to find inner peace.” ~Peace Pilgrim
Friday, May 8, 2009
God's Power Existing in You.
John 14:12-13
12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
Not only does this part of John mention that Jesus is God, but Jesus said there would be more examples of his genuine power in the future - letting the disciples witness it first hand.
It was surely incomprehensible at the time, but the disciples soon experienced out-of-this-world miracles that only happened because of God's awesome power. I repeat, that's the only way such miracles happened!
Have you seen the power of Christ come from within you unexpectedly? Maybe your attitude changed toward God and his creation. Whatever it was, it was probably a shock. You may have realized that you are peaceful and meaningful no matter how your circumstances are delivered...even if you're caught in the moment. I can't tell you of a better example of God's mighty power than when he uses your brokenness to mold you into goodness.
Pray careful attention for when the power of God is seen as you go about your day. Thank him and show gratitude for him sacrificing his Son so you could see God in flesh.
12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
Not only does this part of John mention that Jesus is God, but Jesus said there would be more examples of his genuine power in the future - letting the disciples witness it first hand.
It was surely incomprehensible at the time, but the disciples soon experienced out-of-this-world miracles that only happened because of God's awesome power. I repeat, that's the only way such miracles happened!
Have you seen the power of Christ come from within you unexpectedly? Maybe your attitude changed toward God and his creation. Whatever it was, it was probably a shock. You may have realized that you are peaceful and meaningful no matter how your circumstances are delivered...even if you're caught in the moment. I can't tell you of a better example of God's mighty power than when he uses your brokenness to mold you into goodness.
Pray careful attention for when the power of God is seen as you go about your day. Thank him and show gratitude for him sacrificing his Son so you could see God in flesh.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Evidence of Miracles.
John 14:11
11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.
We've been talking about fears the last few days, but now I'm going to switch gears and talk about how God works.
What are ways that supports the idea that Jesus was the Son of God?
1. He acted like God
2. He was filled with the words of God.
3. He had God's strong sense of power within him.
Imagine what it'd be like seeing these things in Jesus before your very eyes just like the disciples did. It must have been astonishing to see Jesus feed thousands, to see him heal a leper, and to see him walk on water.
If I saw these things I don't think I'd be able to question whether or not God is in Jesus. HE IS GOD IN FLESH!
Would there be a spike in your faith and spiritual life if you were an eyewitness to the miraculous events that Christ performed? If it helps, imagine yourself in their shoes. I don't think we should expect any miracles from God to understand that Jesus is God, however. We just need to appreciate him for displaying his strong power here on Earth.
11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.
We've been talking about fears the last few days, but now I'm going to switch gears and talk about how God works.
What are ways that supports the idea that Jesus was the Son of God?
1. He acted like God
2. He was filled with the words of God.
3. He had God's strong sense of power within him.
Imagine what it'd be like seeing these things in Jesus before your very eyes just like the disciples did. It must have been astonishing to see Jesus feed thousands, to see him heal a leper, and to see him walk on water.
If I saw these things I don't think I'd be able to question whether or not God is in Jesus. HE IS GOD IN FLESH!
Would there be a spike in your faith and spiritual life if you were an eyewitness to the miraculous events that Christ performed? If it helps, imagine yourself in their shoes. I don't think we should expect any miracles from God to understand that Jesus is God, however. We just need to appreciate him for displaying his strong power here on Earth.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Defining Fear in the Little Messenger That Could.
Jeremiah 1:4-8
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
There's not a whole lot you can say about fear without it getting too repetitious, at least from my perspective at this time. Just trust in God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul. That's the bottom line.
Let's talk about Jeremiah for a minute. He was a messenger that was definitely frightened, but he had a message and he ran with it. What did Jeremiah fear? Death and ridicule. He was a man of word and always told God his honest feelings. However, he still obeyed God and his message proved to be true after all. Unlike Jeremiah, those who ignore and disobey God should be fearful. God has a game plan for you and the truth is...no one will be free of suffering. Thank God for existing, because he allows us to stand up and confront our fears.
Nick, who I mentioned last week, brought up the topic about fearing God. The world has every reason to be afraid, yet if you really believe in God there's no reason. There's an old saying that "You have nothing to fear, except for fear itself!" In fact, Nick told us at Acquire the Fire that fear stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. Isn't that great?!?!
I told you a couple days ago that fear is one of Satan's ways to drag you down and away from God. Fear makes you believe what is unreal and unbelievable. So when you see fear approaching, remember it's never a reality.
Today matters for there IS a tomorrow. I don't care if the swine flu comes into your town overnight. It's a natural event that has to run its course. There's always going to be something, so just focus on God! You can't make changes so that you can avoid things in life. You can't just keep putting things off.
Think about the things that are stopping you, if you don't know already. If you're ready to get past your fears today, look at FEAR in the face and say "I've had enough; I'm all about the reality!"
Watch and listen to the song "This Is Our God" by Chris Tomlin.
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.
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
There's not a whole lot you can say about fear without it getting too repetitious, at least from my perspective at this time. Just trust in God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul. That's the bottom line.
Let's talk about Jeremiah for a minute. He was a messenger that was definitely frightened, but he had a message and he ran with it. What did Jeremiah fear? Death and ridicule. He was a man of word and always told God his honest feelings. However, he still obeyed God and his message proved to be true after all. Unlike Jeremiah, those who ignore and disobey God should be fearful. God has a game plan for you and the truth is...no one will be free of suffering. Thank God for existing, because he allows us to stand up and confront our fears.
Nick, who I mentioned last week, brought up the topic about fearing God. The world has every reason to be afraid, yet if you really believe in God there's no reason. There's an old saying that "You have nothing to fear, except for fear itself!" In fact, Nick told us at Acquire the Fire that fear stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. Isn't that great?!?!
I told you a couple days ago that fear is one of Satan's ways to drag you down and away from God. Fear makes you believe what is unreal and unbelievable. So when you see fear approaching, remember it's never a reality.
Today matters for there IS a tomorrow. I don't care if the swine flu comes into your town overnight. It's a natural event that has to run its course. There's always going to be something, so just focus on God! You can't make changes so that you can avoid things in life. You can't just keep putting things off.
Think about the things that are stopping you, if you don't know already. If you're ready to get past your fears today, look at FEAR in the face and say "I've had enough; I'm all about the reality!"
Watch and listen to the song "This Is Our God" by Chris Tomlin.
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, May 5, 2009
Replace Fear with Trust.
Psalm 56:3-6, 11-13
3 When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?
5 All day long they twist my words;
they are always plotting to harm me.
6 They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps,
eager to take my life.
11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
12 I am under vows to you, O God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.
13 For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.
Living in fear is a dark place. It certainly isn't pleasant. Fear can hold you back from living an enjoyable life and nobody wants that. How do we swerve away from fear? How do we throw fear out the window?
The only answer I have for you is God. Trust in him with everything. Nobody can make you do anything. You're in control! The only way you can grow in faith is to conquer your fears. You must stand your ground. There is never one stumbling moment that God can't help you overcome!
What causes you to have fear? I know it's hard living in a world that throws fear at us left and right. If you walk before God and let him lead the way, there is no question, no doubt, that he will take over and remove any and all fear. He will shine light, something that fear can't possibly withstand. Go forth in an eager manner so that you can remove all fear!
"Fear grows in darkness" ~Dorothy Thompson
3 When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?
5 All day long they twist my words;
they are always plotting to harm me.
6 They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps,
eager to take my life.
11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
12 I am under vows to you, O God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.
13 For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.
Living in fear is a dark place. It certainly isn't pleasant. Fear can hold you back from living an enjoyable life and nobody wants that. How do we swerve away from fear? How do we throw fear out the window?
The only answer I have for you is God. Trust in him with everything. Nobody can make you do anything. You're in control! The only way you can grow in faith is to conquer your fears. You must stand your ground. There is never one stumbling moment that God can't help you overcome!
What causes you to have fear? I know it's hard living in a world that throws fear at us left and right. If you walk before God and let him lead the way, there is no question, no doubt, that he will take over and remove any and all fear. He will shine light, something that fear can't possibly withstand. Go forth in an eager manner so that you can remove all fear!
"Fear grows in darkness" ~Dorothy Thompson
Monday, May 4, 2009
Forget Fear, Remember God.
Psalm 23:4
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
This is arguably one of the most well-known verses when it comes to fear. It clearly shows that God is always with us, step by step. Now that's nothing to be scared about!
Fears may range from simple things like spiders or not being known by your community or even dying. Don't let your greatest fears overcome you. It's just Satan getting in the way because he knows it steals you from God's hands. You have to realize that there is no easy journey. Walking on the right path is going to involve some risky situations, but don't sway or you're end up even in worse conditions.
Imagine dying while you're working diligently for God. I'm not going to list anything specific, but wouldn't that be the best way to die? It's the same as when you hear people say "I want to die doing what I love." If you die while doing something for God, that is courage and there's no doubt you're going to heaven!
When you're fearful there's only one thing you can do: Trust God with everything you have. He will help you get through those moments where you want to scream in fear. If he calls you do something, you can only expect that he will protect you. He doesn't want you to be fearful.
Read all of Psalm 23 today. It will only take you a minute or two!
"People living deeply have no fear of death." ~Anais Nin
"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature." ~Anne Frank
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
This is arguably one of the most well-known verses when it comes to fear. It clearly shows that God is always with us, step by step. Now that's nothing to be scared about!
Fears may range from simple things like spiders or not being known by your community or even dying. Don't let your greatest fears overcome you. It's just Satan getting in the way because he knows it steals you from God's hands. You have to realize that there is no easy journey. Walking on the right path is going to involve some risky situations, but don't sway or you're end up even in worse conditions.
Imagine dying while you're working diligently for God. I'm not going to list anything specific, but wouldn't that be the best way to die? It's the same as when you hear people say "I want to die doing what I love." If you die while doing something for God, that is courage and there's no doubt you're going to heaven!
When you're fearful there's only one thing you can do: Trust God with everything you have. He will help you get through those moments where you want to scream in fear. If he calls you do something, you can only expect that he will protect you. He doesn't want you to be fearful.
Read all of Psalm 23 today. It will only take you a minute or two!
"People living deeply have no fear of death." ~Anais Nin
"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature." ~Anne Frank
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Being Free.
John 8:32
32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
To wrap this wonderful week of devos up, I can't start off today's any better than by praising God for his wonderful work as this is my 200th blog post!
The last concert of last weekend at Acquire the Fire was perhaps the most well-known Christian band of all, Newsboys. They're great. They have great songs like "He Reigns" and "I Am Free." The drummer, Duncan Phillips, is really amazing; he just has something to him that everyone likes. The lead singer who has been there all along, ever since the band started in the 80's, Peter Furler, stepped down recently. We were introduced to the new lead, Michael Tait from DC Talk. There's a different voice, but together Newsboys is still just incredible.
A band that just has such a connection and has been so strong on the Christian rock charts shows an incredible union...not just among the men, but as believers in Christ. This is because the truth of God's Word has opened up avenues and gives stronger connections than ever thought possible.
Christ can impact anyone no matter their qualities, including the blind and deaf. For through him, anything is possible. So, if you follow, believe, and act in the truth, you will be set free!
So many great things occurred at Acquire the Fire. It was really hard to feed it all to my readers over the course of six days. I just wanted to share in a concise manner everything that I learned from such motivated speakers.
I'm leaving you today with a fun song to sing in "I Am Free" by Newsboys.
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.
God Bless!
32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
To wrap this wonderful week of devos up, I can't start off today's any better than by praising God for his wonderful work as this is my 200th blog post!
The last concert of last weekend at Acquire the Fire was perhaps the most well-known Christian band of all, Newsboys. They're great. They have great songs like "He Reigns" and "I Am Free." The drummer, Duncan Phillips, is really amazing; he just has something to him that everyone likes. The lead singer who has been there all along, ever since the band started in the 80's, Peter Furler, stepped down recently. We were introduced to the new lead, Michael Tait from DC Talk. There's a different voice, but together Newsboys is still just incredible.
A band that just has such a connection and has been so strong on the Christian rock charts shows an incredible union...not just among the men, but as believers in Christ. This is because the truth of God's Word has opened up avenues and gives stronger connections than ever thought possible.
Christ can impact anyone no matter their qualities, including the blind and deaf. For through him, anything is possible. So, if you follow, believe, and act in the truth, you will be set free!
So many great things occurred at Acquire the Fire. It was really hard to feed it all to my readers over the course of six days. I just wanted to share in a concise manner everything that I learned from such motivated speakers.
I'm leaving you today with a fun song to sing in "I Am Free" by Newsboys.
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.
God Bless!
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Provider of Strength.
Psalm 18:32-36
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You give me your shield of victory,
and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great.
36 You broaden the path beneath me,
so that my ankles do not turn.
I'm going to talk about Nick again today, who I talked about yesterday. Again he was an amazing speaker. He had no arms and legs and he was placed on a table so he was up higher and a little easier to see. He would go back and forth between the truth (the Word of God) and the other side of the table where all the lies were wobbling I guess you could see on his little drumstick. The lies are where Satan tells you that you can't make it. You're drowning. You'll never get better. You'll never please God. Then Nick went to the other side and said that bible verses like Jeremiah 29:11 to prove that the devil is so wrong. It's a book that's alive!
To further prove this point he got everyone on the edge of their seats when he said he was going to go over edge of the table and do a double back flip. You know what he said, "Are you kidding, no way, I'd probably break an ankle or something?" He was hilarious! It shows how in such a challenging situation he can make the best of it and it shows God's humor as well.
He lied on his stomach on the table for a while to show what happens when you get in trouble. Then literally he had to work to get up out of that position but he eventually got up and everyone was applauding. This shows what God can do to your life. He can make drastic changes and pick you up again at anytime!
Nick wanted us to know that there is no time to play Satan's games. We need to trust in the Lord. He needs us to get his work done. We need to show and share Christ in our lives. As Nick put it best: "If I don't have arms and legs and I can still be the hands and feet of Jesus then so can you...no matter what!" Those were some of the strongest words I've ever heard!
Watch Nick Vujicic (as promised yesterday) in the video below.
Listen to "Take It All" by Unhindered in the second video.
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.
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You give me your shield of victory,
and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great.
36 You broaden the path beneath me,
so that my ankles do not turn.
I'm going to talk about Nick again today, who I talked about yesterday. Again he was an amazing speaker. He had no arms and legs and he was placed on a table so he was up higher and a little easier to see. He would go back and forth between the truth (the Word of God) and the other side of the table where all the lies were wobbling I guess you could see on his little drumstick. The lies are where Satan tells you that you can't make it. You're drowning. You'll never get better. You'll never please God. Then Nick went to the other side and said that bible verses like Jeremiah 29:11 to prove that the devil is so wrong. It's a book that's alive!
To further prove this point he got everyone on the edge of their seats when he said he was going to go over edge of the table and do a double back flip. You know what he said, "Are you kidding, no way, I'd probably break an ankle or something?" He was hilarious! It shows how in such a challenging situation he can make the best of it and it shows God's humor as well.
He lied on his stomach on the table for a while to show what happens when you get in trouble. Then literally he had to work to get up out of that position but he eventually got up and everyone was applauding. This shows what God can do to your life. He can make drastic changes and pick you up again at anytime!
Nick wanted us to know that there is no time to play Satan's games. We need to trust in the Lord. He needs us to get his work done. We need to show and share Christ in our lives. As Nick put it best: "If I don't have arms and legs and I can still be the hands and feet of Jesus then so can you...no matter what!" Those were some of the strongest words I've ever heard!
Watch Nick Vujicic (as promised yesterday) in the video below.
Listen to "Take It All" by Unhindered in the second video.
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.
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