Colossians 3:18-21
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
I know when I first got my driver's license back in February, I soon had a lot of responsibilities to add to my list. It meant leaving extra early than I have to in order to get to my destination promptly, driving without distractions, and being safe. It would be a whole lot easier to be responsible if there weren't distractions in the first place!
You can see how important it is to have responsibilities as a Christian. This meant several things, one being a good relationship within your family. We are expected to be responsible within our families. Some are more successful than others, but sometimes that out of one's control (that's a whole different issue though).
Christian spouses should be characterized by submission and love, children should be obedient, and parents must be encouraging to their children. The way Christians treat their families most likely reflects their perspective of the roles that are given by God. Have God as the center piece of your life. We must extend that God-"centeredness" outside of our life too. ...That's all that can be asked!
You should also read Ephesians 5:21-6:4 for a more detailed explanation.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
God Gives Us A Family.
Psalm 127:3-5
3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
Sorry that I didn't get around to posting much last week. My sister and her family were here and I got to spend some pretty quality time with them. My nephew will be sticking around here for another week, while my sister and the rest of the kids go home. Summer is a busy time of year that is filled with...family reunions, vacations, and some relaxation. With all this family talk, this is what I plan to discuss for at least the first half of this week.
So many times we acknowledge the negative aspects of family by addressing the weaknesses instead of the strengths. We really should look at the positive side. There are so many reasons to be grateful for family members. C'mon, God made your family the way it is for a reason. He's not fooling around and most of all he's not mistaken. Look at the rewards that God have given you in your family, whether it is a baby, a successful adoption process, or a sibling.
Some people have a rough family life due to various circumstances, but if you go to God he can comfort you 24/7. That's where many people go wrong. The pain is certainly not going to go away by turning to God, but it makes the heartache and pain more at ease knowing that God will always love you and help you get through anything.
We need to thank God everyday for the family he has provided us. Be sure and definitely do that every day this week. Remember to pray for those who don't have a family or a loving family like you and I.
P.S. I'm praying for all the celebrities' families who died in the past week. It's ironic that idols were mentioned in my last post. Sorry if it came across in a bad way.
3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
Sorry that I didn't get around to posting much last week. My sister and her family were here and I got to spend some pretty quality time with them. My nephew will be sticking around here for another week, while my sister and the rest of the kids go home. Summer is a busy time of year that is filled with...family reunions, vacations, and some relaxation. With all this family talk, this is what I plan to discuss for at least the first half of this week.
So many times we acknowledge the negative aspects of family by addressing the weaknesses instead of the strengths. We really should look at the positive side. There are so many reasons to be grateful for family members. C'mon, God made your family the way it is for a reason. He's not fooling around and most of all he's not mistaken. Look at the rewards that God have given you in your family, whether it is a baby, a successful adoption process, or a sibling.
Some people have a rough family life due to various circumstances, but if you go to God he can comfort you 24/7. That's where many people go wrong. The pain is certainly not going to go away by turning to God, but it makes the heartache and pain more at ease knowing that God will always love you and help you get through anything.
We need to thank God everyday for the family he has provided us. Be sure and definitely do that every day this week. Remember to pray for those who don't have a family or a loving family like you and I.
P.S. I'm praying for all the celebrities' families who died in the past week. It's ironic that idols were mentioned in my last post. Sorry if it came across in a bad way.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tying in Culture to your Witnessing
Exodus 20:3-5
3 "You shall have no other gods before me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
I went to a journalism conference recently and I acquired a wealth of information. I was able to practice by interviewing and helping, along with several others, put together a multimedia project. You see, I'm planning to go into broadcasting , so the more experience I have now, the better.
The reason I brought this up is because the media, in general, has a lot to do with influencing society. And although I'm not looking to play a role in the media that influences the world in a negative manner (not for me), it still will be all around me if I do go into the field.
Too often we glorify the things that we hold an interest toward. For me, that would include technology. In old testament times, craftsmen often created objects of worship and thus people worshiped false Gods, or Idols.
How do we fix this? We need to learn about our culture. Movies and television (and more) indicate who we really are, as people. (Remember on Monday how I mentioned whatever you believe in, your perspective and personality are altered to fit that). If we just understand the culture that surrounds us on a daily basis, we can keep that in mind as we tell others about God. This makes it easier to connect and relate to people in a context that an individual will personally understand.
P.S. If anything, just try to grasp the last two paragraphs. The other paragraphs are a bit sketchy and may not be clearly related to what the main point is.
:)
3 "You shall have no other gods before me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
I went to a journalism conference recently and I acquired a wealth of information. I was able to practice by interviewing and helping, along with several others, put together a multimedia project. You see, I'm planning to go into broadcasting , so the more experience I have now, the better.
The reason I brought this up is because the media, in general, has a lot to do with influencing society. And although I'm not looking to play a role in the media that influences the world in a negative manner (not for me), it still will be all around me if I do go into the field.
Too often we glorify the things that we hold an interest toward. For me, that would include technology. In old testament times, craftsmen often created objects of worship and thus people worshiped false Gods, or Idols.
How do we fix this? We need to learn about our culture. Movies and television (and more) indicate who we really are, as people. (Remember on Monday how I mentioned whatever you believe in, your perspective and personality are altered to fit that). If we just understand the culture that surrounds us on a daily basis, we can keep that in mind as we tell others about God. This makes it easier to connect and relate to people in a context that an individual will personally understand.
P.S. If anything, just try to grasp the last two paragraphs. The other paragraphs are a bit sketchy and may not be clearly related to what the main point is.
:)
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Key is Believing.
John 12:44-46
44 Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
Before I talk about believing who you are, I think you have to understand something else first...
I've talked about this before, but Jesus wants us to imitate him. He wants us to follow him - come to him and do as he does. The reason Jesus asks us to imitate him is so that the world will come to know him. He's NOT waving a flag at himself saying that once you accept him as your Lord and Savior, you will become a perfect being. He wants you to follow him so that you know how the whole Christian thing works personally. It's a JOURNEY not an IMMEDIATE ARRIVAL OF UNDERSTANDING.
So now that we got that covered, I'll bring you into the whole idea about believing in yourself and who you really are. How are the two topics similar to each other? Essentially, they're really not, but from what I've learned, you must understand the basics BEFORE you believe something sincerely.
When you start believing in something, your entire perspective is altered. If an actress believes that the role she is playing is who she really is, then her choices to act a certain way and look a certain way become almost second nature. Often, the most outlandish things or simplest and tiniest details are absorbed by your inner character and are responsible for transforming you into the person you're going to be.
If there was a law of behavior, it would go something like this: Once someone gets an idea of who they are, their actions are similar to those beliefs. Your belief leads to your actions which reveals your character and who you are! So, what do you believe?
If you're going to believe in the idea of Christianity, then first you must understand the importance behind it...what it's all about (imitating and following Christ, and thus God-and of course spreading the word). Such a belief isn't staged. It's LIVE and ALIVE! It's real life! As the scripture says, by believing [in Christ], you bring in light and eliminate the darkness.
I think it's safe to say that believing is the foundation and basis of who and what we are.
"Faith means believing the unbelievable." ~G.K. Chesterton
44 Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
Before I talk about believing who you are, I think you have to understand something else first...
I've talked about this before, but Jesus wants us to imitate him. He wants us to follow him - come to him and do as he does. The reason Jesus asks us to imitate him is so that the world will come to know him. He's NOT waving a flag at himself saying that once you accept him as your Lord and Savior, you will become a perfect being. He wants you to follow him so that you know how the whole Christian thing works personally. It's a JOURNEY not an IMMEDIATE ARRIVAL OF UNDERSTANDING.
So now that we got that covered, I'll bring you into the whole idea about believing in yourself and who you really are. How are the two topics similar to each other? Essentially, they're really not, but from what I've learned, you must understand the basics BEFORE you believe something sincerely.
When you start believing in something, your entire perspective is altered. If an actress believes that the role she is playing is who she really is, then her choices to act a certain way and look a certain way become almost second nature. Often, the most outlandish things or simplest and tiniest details are absorbed by your inner character and are responsible for transforming you into the person you're going to be.
If there was a law of behavior, it would go something like this: Once someone gets an idea of who they are, their actions are similar to those beliefs. Your belief leads to your actions which reveals your character and who you are! So, what do you believe?
If you're going to believe in the idea of Christianity, then first you must understand the importance behind it...what it's all about (imitating and following Christ, and thus God-and of course spreading the word). Such a belief isn't staged. It's LIVE and ALIVE! It's real life! As the scripture says, by believing [in Christ], you bring in light and eliminate the darkness.
I think it's safe to say that believing is the foundation and basis of who and what we are.
"Faith means believing the unbelievable." ~G.K. Chesterton
Friday, June 19, 2009
Hunker Down as Storms Roll in.
Matthew 7:24-25
24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
If you fly often, chances are you don't always have the perfect flight. Sometimes it will be bumpy with turbulence from thunderstorms or the ride is just plain uncomfortable (so much so that you can't sleep). On the other hand, sometimes everything will go perfectly fine.
I heard someone say once that we need our "spiritual foundation to be solidified." Isn't that great? You see, we never know what's ahead for us looming on the horizon...the turbulent times or the smooth-sailing times. Don't be tricked; you might be experiencing the calm before the storm!
How do you reinforce your spiritual life? Set up some barriers to keep out worry and fear. Go to God for he protects us in those storms of life. You will experience protection that is way more effective than an umbrella or poncho!
Firmly plant yourself on the Rock. The storms are bound to come. This way, you can weather the storms with God. Then, we can praise God as we see the result of his promises and beauty at the end of the storm!
P.S. I think Blogger is in a bit of a storm because it's not letting me post this on time!
24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
If you fly often, chances are you don't always have the perfect flight. Sometimes it will be bumpy with turbulence from thunderstorms or the ride is just plain uncomfortable (so much so that you can't sleep). On the other hand, sometimes everything will go perfectly fine.
I heard someone say once that we need our "spiritual foundation to be solidified." Isn't that great? You see, we never know what's ahead for us looming on the horizon...the turbulent times or the smooth-sailing times. Don't be tricked; you might be experiencing the calm before the storm!
How do you reinforce your spiritual life? Set up some barriers to keep out worry and fear. Go to God for he protects us in those storms of life. You will experience protection that is way more effective than an umbrella or poncho!
Firmly plant yourself on the Rock. The storms are bound to come. This way, you can weather the storms with God. Then, we can praise God as we see the result of his promises and beauty at the end of the storm!
P.S. I think Blogger is in a bit of a storm because it's not letting me post this on time!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
It's All a Test.
Acts 14:22
22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.
I'm going on a bit of a random streak today compared to the rest of the posts recently, so it should be interesting...
I am not a test taker. In fact, oftentimes I do fairly average to poor on tests. Generally, it's nothing outstanding. It's not because I don't study or I don't do my work. I do both of those. I guess it's just because I freeze up during the test because I feel pressured. I wouldn't even say I have test anxiety. My confidence can be sky high, and I can still do poorly. Man I miss the good 'ole elementary school days, when the tests were "What's 2+2?" Now you have to use your brain as you think about vectors!
Our faith is constantly tested as well. No matter where we're at in our faith, each day we are at new levels. (Imagine a graduation every day!) Each time we pass one faith test, there's always the next one that's coming our way. From what I've seen, it's only going to get harder. I hope you see the relationship here between school and Christianity...
I don't want you to be discouraged, however. I want you to be encouraged even if you are having a challenging time right now. Just think of it this way: God is letting you pass through different levels of faith as you graduate. The good thing about these difficult tests is that your reward is greater and an even bigger blessing will await you on the other side! God is testing you so that you can do more for his Kingdom...he wants YOU!
22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.
I'm going on a bit of a random streak today compared to the rest of the posts recently, so it should be interesting...
I am not a test taker. In fact, oftentimes I do fairly average to poor on tests. Generally, it's nothing outstanding. It's not because I don't study or I don't do my work. I do both of those. I guess it's just because I freeze up during the test because I feel pressured. I wouldn't even say I have test anxiety. My confidence can be sky high, and I can still do poorly. Man I miss the good 'ole elementary school days, when the tests were "What's 2+2?" Now you have to use your brain as you think about vectors!
Our faith is constantly tested as well. No matter where we're at in our faith, each day we are at new levels. (Imagine a graduation every day!) Each time we pass one faith test, there's always the next one that's coming our way. From what I've seen, it's only going to get harder. I hope you see the relationship here between school and Christianity...
I don't want you to be discouraged, however. I want you to be encouraged even if you are having a challenging time right now. Just think of it this way: God is letting you pass through different levels of faith as you graduate. The good thing about these difficult tests is that your reward is greater and an even bigger blessing will await you on the other side! God is testing you so that you can do more for his Kingdom...he wants YOU!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Hating Someone is Hating God.
1 John 4:20-21
20 If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
John is pretty cut and dry, and straight-forward. It's not as bad of a characteristic as it sounds either. It makes it easier for us, as Christians, to follow the word and God! If you overwhelmingly dislike someone so much that you hate them, then in turn you're lying about your love for God.
I've said it time and time again, but how far is hatred going to get you in life? Not very far. In fact, it is going to hamper your relationship with God.
What if the person you hated was Jesus himself? Did you ever think about that? Every time we show hatred, we are being disrespectful to Jesus and God. The gospel of John calls for us to love and interact with others as you would with Christ.
The way we treat others parallels the validity of our love we have for God; it is an important item to grasp. Why is it so important? Because if we are acting Christian-like, spreading and sharing our faith, then we are constantly interact with people -- perhaps hundreds a day.
"Love is a choice you make from moment to moment." ~Barbara De Angelis
20 If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
John is pretty cut and dry, and straight-forward. It's not as bad of a characteristic as it sounds either. It makes it easier for us, as Christians, to follow the word and God! If you overwhelmingly dislike someone so much that you hate them, then in turn you're lying about your love for God.
I've said it time and time again, but how far is hatred going to get you in life? Not very far. In fact, it is going to hamper your relationship with God.
What if the person you hated was Jesus himself? Did you ever think about that? Every time we show hatred, we are being disrespectful to Jesus and God. The gospel of John calls for us to love and interact with others as you would with Christ.
The way we treat others parallels the validity of our love we have for God; it is an important item to grasp. Why is it so important? Because if we are acting Christian-like, spreading and sharing our faith, then we are constantly interact with people -- perhaps hundreds a day.
"Love is a choice you make from moment to moment." ~Barbara De Angelis
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Show and Tell - Love Your Neighbor.
Colossians 4:5-6
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
"Actions speak louder than words" and "All talk" are phrases that convey the idea that saying you love your neighbor doesn't do the justice that showing you love your neighbor does. You can tell your neighbor, Bob, that you are sympathetic for the conditions he is enduring. However, if you never do anything to help Bob, how much of a help are you?
Don't get me wrong, generous and THOUGHTFUL words sure a go a long way. You can certainly love your neighbor with your words. Even from personal experiences, we know positive words can really have an impact. Kind words like "Good job" make us feel good. After all, nothing really had to be said. They wanted to praise your work.
Nonetheless, I think we need a balance of words and actions to show that we love our neighbor. There are many opportunities to love your neighbor. Do it today and "make the most of the opportunity."
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
"Actions speak louder than words" and "All talk" are phrases that convey the idea that saying you love your neighbor doesn't do the justice that showing you love your neighbor does. You can tell your neighbor, Bob, that you are sympathetic for the conditions he is enduring. However, if you never do anything to help Bob, how much of a help are you?
Don't get me wrong, generous and THOUGHTFUL words sure a go a long way. You can certainly love your neighbor with your words. Even from personal experiences, we know positive words can really have an impact. Kind words like "Good job" make us feel good. After all, nothing really had to be said. They wanted to praise your work.
Nonetheless, I think we need a balance of words and actions to show that we love our neighbor. There are many opportunities to love your neighbor. Do it today and "make the most of the opportunity."
Monday, June 15, 2009
Living with an Abundance.
Leviticus 19:9-10
9 "'When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.
Happy Monday!
Repeatedly throughout the bible, through parables and teachings, God tells us to love him with all our might and to love your neighbor as yourself. It's nothing new. These expectations have been set in stone and have been expected of us since the beginning.
I believe the key theme from today's passage is that you shouldn't be greedy, in that you overstock and devour all of something, like the grapes. There's plenty to go around and it's certainly not going to be devastating to share it with "the poor and the alien." Remember, you will be rewarded for such deeds.
This defines "loving your neighbor as yourself." We have all been blessed with something of abundance. It may not be money, but something like...food, compared to impoverished areas. How are we using our abundance? Are we selfish about it? I pray that we can all use our abundance in ways that will benefit and bless others.
9 "'When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.
Happy Monday!
Repeatedly throughout the bible, through parables and teachings, God tells us to love him with all our might and to love your neighbor as yourself. It's nothing new. These expectations have been set in stone and have been expected of us since the beginning.
I believe the key theme from today's passage is that you shouldn't be greedy, in that you overstock and devour all of something, like the grapes. There's plenty to go around and it's certainly not going to be devastating to share it with "the poor and the alien." Remember, you will be rewarded for such deeds.
This defines "loving your neighbor as yourself." We have all been blessed with something of abundance. It may not be money, but something like...food, compared to impoverished areas. How are we using our abundance? Are we selfish about it? I pray that we can all use our abundance in ways that will benefit and bless others.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
God Constantly Comforts Us.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Many times after our seemingly peaceful world is rocked with great trial, we thank God. Although that is a righteous thing to do, that's only half the story. We are to carry that comforting quality and pass it on, revealing it to others, much as God does to us. You must realize though that God is there when you're facing a difficult time, otherwise it will not be an easy task to do.
There's a story by woman named Mary Stevenson that goes like this...
One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed that there were two sets of footprints in the sand...one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.
Suddenly, the last scene of his life flashed right before his eyes abd he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints in the sand it was then that I carried you."
If you have to, design something that will allow you to remember that God is on your side and he never hides from you. He's always there for you to run to and seek refuge. Even if means printing out the story that's above, do something that will enable you to be reminded of this idea each and every day.
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Many times after our seemingly peaceful world is rocked with great trial, we thank God. Although that is a righteous thing to do, that's only half the story. We are to carry that comforting quality and pass it on, revealing it to others, much as God does to us. You must realize though that God is there when you're facing a difficult time, otherwise it will not be an easy task to do.
There's a story by woman named Mary Stevenson that goes like this...
One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed that there were two sets of footprints in the sand...one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.
Suddenly, the last scene of his life flashed right before his eyes abd he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints in the sand it was then that I carried you."
If you have to, design something that will allow you to remember that God is on your side and he never hides from you. He's always there for you to run to and seek refuge. Even if means printing out the story that's above, do something that will enable you to be reminded of this idea each and every day.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Counting the Small, Insignificant Things.
Psalm 139:17-18
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
There's certain thought-provoking questions out there that might not be all that important like, "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop?" For some reason, I remember reading somewhere that someone predicted it to take 2,146 licks. That seems like a lot.
Now think about the number of grains of sand that can be found in a tablespoon. What about the number of grains in a bucket? I don't even think I could guess or even attempt to count. Tens of millions? There's no saying. Nonetheless, there's a heck of a lot of grains of sand in just one bucket!
The Bible tells us that the Lord's thoughts for us outnumber the grains of sand. He thinks so highly of you, that he sees beyond the "flaws" that you see. I believe God sees our flaws as smaller than a grain of sand. They aren't a relevant part of our composition, what makes us who we are, or the person we are in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
I'm sure many will be going to the beach sometime soon, especially since it's summer and especially those who are reading this from the warm regions of the planet. Think about all the grains of sand you are walking over. Imagine the infinite number of grains of sand under the sea and around the world even as the water washes over it.
Pray that God will wash your troubled heart away and flood your soul with the thoughts he is having of you in any given moment.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
There's certain thought-provoking questions out there that might not be all that important like, "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop?" For some reason, I remember reading somewhere that someone predicted it to take 2,146 licks. That seems like a lot.
Now think about the number of grains of sand that can be found in a tablespoon. What about the number of grains in a bucket? I don't even think I could guess or even attempt to count. Tens of millions? There's no saying. Nonetheless, there's a heck of a lot of grains of sand in just one bucket!
The Bible tells us that the Lord's thoughts for us outnumber the grains of sand. He thinks so highly of you, that he sees beyond the "flaws" that you see. I believe God sees our flaws as smaller than a grain of sand. They aren't a relevant part of our composition, what makes us who we are, or the person we are in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
I'm sure many will be going to the beach sometime soon, especially since it's summer and especially those who are reading this from the warm regions of the planet. Think about all the grains of sand you are walking over. Imagine the infinite number of grains of sand under the sea and around the world even as the water washes over it.
Pray that God will wash your troubled heart away and flood your soul with the thoughts he is having of you in any given moment.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
You are Extremely Special.
Psalm 139:13-16
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
God wants us to realize that our physical body and appearance is beyond incredible. Our characteristics and attributes go a long way in revealing how unique we are. From head to toe, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. What exactly does that mean? I'll explain in the paragraphs below.
I was on a retreat a couple years ago and one of the speakers shouted, "I AM SOMEBODY. I AM SOMEBODY." He kept drilling it in our heads over and over. I want you to know this as well because YOU are very special.
We have the ability learn, reason, walk, run, sit, jump, and do other voluntary actions. Also, when you think of our DNA, all of our essential information for replication to occur is in the double helix located in the nucleus of the billions of cells in the human body.
Too often I think we see our so-called "flaws": big or small feet, too tall or too short, just to name a few. When we downgrade ourselves then we're usually blaming God. This is a terrible thing for us to do, and I might add, it is a sin.
To be fearfully and wonderfully made means that I don't look at my physical appearance, not even what I'm made of or who I am, but who made me - God! I'm made of flaws, so if I lived according to that idea I'd feel meaningless and mediocre. By having a relationship with God, that makes me worthwhile!
The bottom line is that we are God's special creatures. God knows us the best. God knew us by name far before we were specs on the microscope and in our mother's womb. That's exciting! He made us all different, yet perfect in his eyes. Don't think of yourself as an accident, because you're NOT! We are exactly as God made us, and thus we are "fearfully and wonderfully made."
If you are still struggling with this today, repeat this phrase today: "I AM SOMEBODY!"
“Know that although in the eternal scheme of things you are small, you are also unique and irreplaceable, as are all your fellow humans everywhere in the world.” ~Margaret Laurence
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
God wants us to realize that our physical body and appearance is beyond incredible. Our characteristics and attributes go a long way in revealing how unique we are. From head to toe, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. What exactly does that mean? I'll explain in the paragraphs below.
I was on a retreat a couple years ago and one of the speakers shouted, "I AM SOMEBODY. I AM SOMEBODY." He kept drilling it in our heads over and over. I want you to know this as well because YOU are very special.
We have the ability learn, reason, walk, run, sit, jump, and do other voluntary actions. Also, when you think of our DNA, all of our essential information for replication to occur is in the double helix located in the nucleus of the billions of cells in the human body.
Too often I think we see our so-called "flaws": big or small feet, too tall or too short, just to name a few. When we downgrade ourselves then we're usually blaming God. This is a terrible thing for us to do, and I might add, it is a sin.
To be fearfully and wonderfully made means that I don't look at my physical appearance, not even what I'm made of or who I am, but who made me - God! I'm made of flaws, so if I lived according to that idea I'd feel meaningless and mediocre. By having a relationship with God, that makes me worthwhile!
The bottom line is that we are God's special creatures. God knows us the best. God knew us by name far before we were specs on the microscope and in our mother's womb. That's exciting! He made us all different, yet perfect in his eyes. Don't think of yourself as an accident, because you're NOT! We are exactly as God made us, and thus we are "fearfully and wonderfully made."
If you are still struggling with this today, repeat this phrase today: "I AM SOMEBODY!"
“Know that although in the eternal scheme of things you are small, you are also unique and irreplaceable, as are all your fellow humans everywhere in the world.” ~Margaret Laurence
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
It's Like Night and Day.
Psalm 139:11-12
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
As we continue our series of readings from Psalm 139, this passage surely reveals the supreme sense of power that God has. He has the power to suck up all the darkness and unveil light in all situations, especially for you!
Sometimes it's hard to see the big picture when we're stuck in the middle of devastating situations. We don't see the light that God always carries with him, instead we see the darkness.
God wants us to remember him in all our situations. It sounds so easy, but if we just keep this simple thing in mind it can be easier. As it says above, "even the darkness will not be dark to you." No matter what you're dealing with today, there is hope. Whether or not you have God in your life during such a critical time is comparable to night and day.
Have a great day!
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
As we continue our series of readings from Psalm 139, this passage surely reveals the supreme sense of power that God has. He has the power to suck up all the darkness and unveil light in all situations, especially for you!
Sometimes it's hard to see the big picture when we're stuck in the middle of devastating situations. We don't see the light that God always carries with him, instead we see the darkness.
God wants us to remember him in all our situations. It sounds so easy, but if we just keep this simple thing in mind it can be easier. As it says above, "even the darkness will not be dark to you." No matter what you're dealing with today, there is hope. Whether or not you have God in your life during such a critical time is comparable to night and day.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Running Errands.
Psalm 139:5-10
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Did you ever notice how we always have something to do? There's never a dull moment in the American way of life. We're doing housework, we're going to the store, going shopping, and sometimes just doing what we have to get done. What happens when we go to run these errands? We tend to shut out everything around us and just concentrate on completing our tasks. Often it involves being in a big rush!
I know the same goes for me when I run to the store. I'm pretty much a typical male. I find what I want and leave. That's rushing. It takes away the meaning sometimes and the mood isn't as pleasant for you and everyone else.
Notice though that God can do "errands" and show his mighty work to millions at once. He still has time to talk to us and guide each and every one of us. He has a plan for YOU. Even though he is a God, the point is he wants us to do the same (as much as possible). Slow down a little today and put it toward your relationship and time with God.
“Always remember to slow down in life; live, breathe, and learn; take a look around you whenever you have time and never forget everything and every person that has the least place within your heart.” ~Unknown
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Did you ever notice how we always have something to do? There's never a dull moment in the American way of life. We're doing housework, we're going to the store, going shopping, and sometimes just doing what we have to get done. What happens when we go to run these errands? We tend to shut out everything around us and just concentrate on completing our tasks. Often it involves being in a big rush!
I know the same goes for me when I run to the store. I'm pretty much a typical male. I find what I want and leave. That's rushing. It takes away the meaning sometimes and the mood isn't as pleasant for you and everyone else.
Notice though that God can do "errands" and show his mighty work to millions at once. He still has time to talk to us and guide each and every one of us. He has a plan for YOU. Even though he is a God, the point is he wants us to do the same (as much as possible). Slow down a little today and put it toward your relationship and time with God.
“Always remember to slow down in life; live, breathe, and learn; take a look around you whenever you have time and never forget everything and every person that has the least place within your heart.” ~Unknown
Monday, June 8, 2009
God Knows Us Best.
Psalm 139:1-4
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
Things are finally less hectic compared to finals and SAT and such. I did fairly well on them. Hope you all had a spectacular week.
Meanwhile, on Sunday I taught a middle school Sunday school class and I talked to them and asked them why they should have God in their life even at this youthful age. I gave them a piece of paper and asked them the reason they're in the class today. I wanted to see if my thoughts were true that many come just because of their friends...for a social hour. For the most part, I was right. A majority did write that they came for their friends or said, "I come for God and my friends."
The idea was that you can put a "Sunday School answer" (a phrase that my teacher always used...I don't think I have to explain the meaning) such as to learn the word of God or you can be honest and say I'm here for my friends. I wanted them to know that they should come to learn about God and share the presence of God with their friends.
Even though they put their own answers, God knows their heart. God knows whether you are telling the truth. He can't be fooled by your "Sunday school answers." He knows you better than your family and friends. Accept that and just tell the truth. It doesn't make sense to do otherwise. Learn from the Word because you want to learn, not because you have to learn!
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
Things are finally less hectic compared to finals and SAT and such. I did fairly well on them. Hope you all had a spectacular week.
Meanwhile, on Sunday I taught a middle school Sunday school class and I talked to them and asked them why they should have God in their life even at this youthful age. I gave them a piece of paper and asked them the reason they're in the class today. I wanted to see if my thoughts were true that many come just because of their friends...for a social hour. For the most part, I was right. A majority did write that they came for their friends or said, "I come for God and my friends."
The idea was that you can put a "Sunday School answer" (a phrase that my teacher always used...I don't think I have to explain the meaning) such as to learn the word of God or you can be honest and say I'm here for my friends. I wanted them to know that they should come to learn about God and share the presence of God with their friends.
Even though they put their own answers, God knows their heart. God knows whether you are telling the truth. He can't be fooled by your "Sunday school answers." He knows you better than your family and friends. Accept that and just tell the truth. It doesn't make sense to do otherwise. Learn from the Word because you want to learn, not because you have to learn!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Your Emotions Don't Eliminate His Love.
1 Peter 5:7
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Happy June (even though the first day was yesterday)! I can't believe it's here. This week, I won't be the one to count on for daily devotions as I have finals, but next week things will be back to normal!
It's a pretty simple when it comes to why I chose this verse today. It's the end of the year and I'm experiencing what seems like hundreds of emotions each day. From frustration to laughter, I've had it all lately. Even though finals are over at the end of this week, I'm starting to get worried that I won't accomplish everything on my to-do list for the summer. I'd rather not share that with you at this time.
God wants us to remember that he cares for us this much ___________________________. Okay, way more!!! You get the point though. Of course it's hard when we're in the midst of frustration and anxiety. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell you though that it would be so so so so so much easier if you knew that someone is always watching out for you. That is God. He cares about you.
So it's a challenge for you, and me, to have God on our minds today. Then reflect on the difference that it made in your feelings today, from say yesterday.
God Bless!
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Happy June (even though the first day was yesterday)! I can't believe it's here. This week, I won't be the one to count on for daily devotions as I have finals, but next week things will be back to normal!
It's a pretty simple when it comes to why I chose this verse today. It's the end of the year and I'm experiencing what seems like hundreds of emotions each day. From frustration to laughter, I've had it all lately. Even though finals are over at the end of this week, I'm starting to get worried that I won't accomplish everything on my to-do list for the summer. I'd rather not share that with you at this time.
God wants us to remember that he cares for us this much ___________________________. Okay, way more!!! You get the point though. Of course it's hard when we're in the midst of frustration and anxiety. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell you though that it would be so so so so so much easier if you knew that someone is always watching out for you. That is God. He cares about you.
So it's a challenge for you, and me, to have God on our minds today. Then reflect on the difference that it made in your feelings today, from say yesterday.
God Bless!
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