John 3:3
3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
Halt! Where has the year gone? It seems like every year is just passing by more and more quickly. At this rate, I guess it's not going to stop, huh?!?!
We all know that the New Year can be good because we can make goals and resoultions. However, what good will they be if we don't do anything about it? Don't just make a goal. Make your dream come true.
Hopefully, you have a spiritual goal lined up for yourself. Do you want to spend ten more minutes with God each day? Do you want to read at least one chapter from the Bible everyday? Those are some decent ideas to start.
As we close out the year, sure you're going to remember the good things and the bad things...the achievements and the failures, but try to get past everything and look straight ahead this upcoming year. Take it day by day. Try to work for the Kingdom of God everyday. As the sun comes up every morning, God has new hope and promises waiting for us everyday because he dwells within us.
Start fresh this year and let God's love and grace boost your hope as you trust the Lord to carry out his will for you each day. God Bless and Seasons Greetings on this Last Day of 2009 and end of the decade!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Taking Advantage of Christ's Presence.
John 1:11
11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
Jesus was nice enough to come to Earth to save us from our sins. He's here for us to come to every single day. He doesn't take any vacations no matter what time of year it is. We just have to follow the two "p" rules: 1) be patient and 2) be persistent. We don't usually follow those rules though. We get tired of waiting and we do everything but receive the love and grace of God.
I think all too often we have ideals already in our mind. That is, we have dreams and goals that sound good to us and often become blinded by them. Thus, we close our minds from Christ and don't do as he wants from us. Jesus comes to us all the time and we're not ready.
Those infomercials that say "don't wait to purchase our product any longer. In fact, we'll give you a free ___________ if you call now." As far as surrendering to Jesus, that seems pretty relevant. We're missing Jesus' free comfort and more if we ignore him.
Generally, the more you do something, the easier it becomes. The same goes for God. The more we push him away, the easier it is, and the more harmful it can be for our spiritual lives.
Take time to soften your heart and receive God's grace and love today. You can wait until the New Year or you can renew your commitment with God today! Let Jesus lead the way. Now go follow his ways and let him make you into the person he wants you to become.
11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
Jesus was nice enough to come to Earth to save us from our sins. He's here for us to come to every single day. He doesn't take any vacations no matter what time of year it is. We just have to follow the two "p" rules: 1) be patient and 2) be persistent. We don't usually follow those rules though. We get tired of waiting and we do everything but receive the love and grace of God.
I think all too often we have ideals already in our mind. That is, we have dreams and goals that sound good to us and often become blinded by them. Thus, we close our minds from Christ and don't do as he wants from us. Jesus comes to us all the time and we're not ready.
Those infomercials that say "don't wait to purchase our product any longer. In fact, we'll give you a free ___________ if you call now." As far as surrendering to Jesus, that seems pretty relevant. We're missing Jesus' free comfort and more if we ignore him.
Generally, the more you do something, the easier it becomes. The same goes for God. The more we push him away, the easier it is, and the more harmful it can be for our spiritual lives.
Take time to soften your heart and receive God's grace and love today. You can wait until the New Year or you can renew your commitment with God today! Let Jesus lead the way. Now go follow his ways and let him make you into the person he wants you to become.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Jesus is the Window to God.
John 1:18
18 No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.
Have you ever thought about what the greatest evidence that God exists is? Sure it can be through other people. I think an important clue is through Jesus. Jesus was sent by a loving yet sacrificial God down to Earth to save the sinners. He is God in flesh. If anyone knows, Jesus knows the struggles we go through first hand. Jesus makes God's presence known by declaring grace and love that only a true God could have. Jesus is the one who can truly tell us who God is because he is one in God.
When we see Jesus, we see God. It can be in someone else or in nature. God is all around and it's hard not to find evidence that he's here. Although, we can be stubborn sometimes and think he's ignoring our life.
There are many times that Jesus taught and ministered to others. It is our job to bless others as well. Jesus is our guiding light to God. We need to be the guiding light to Jesus and thus God for others. He will lead us there and he can teach us through the Word to let us know and understand God better.
I touched on it yesterday, but get to know Jesus and God better. Read the gospels like Matthew, Mark, and Luke to get to know Jesus so that you can become familiar with God. Let us follow him more passionately.
P.S. There is another feature that I added to my blog that I forgot to tell you about yesterday. On the top right hand corner of any page, you'll notice a google toolbar. You can search for something that I've written about in all my past posts. Whether it's a Bible verse or something that may be occurring in your life, type it in the space provided and search. Maybe you'll find something I wrote about it. It seems like there's a bit of a glitch, however. If I type in Philippians 4:9, for example it doesn't seem to find anything, so you'd be better off typing the name of the book and just the chapter (Philippians 4). You can also search the web from the google toolbar. Just type anything in, hit enter, and click "the web" tab.
18 No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.
Have you ever thought about what the greatest evidence that God exists is? Sure it can be through other people. I think an important clue is through Jesus. Jesus was sent by a loving yet sacrificial God down to Earth to save the sinners. He is God in flesh. If anyone knows, Jesus knows the struggles we go through first hand. Jesus makes God's presence known by declaring grace and love that only a true God could have. Jesus is the one who can truly tell us who God is because he is one in God.
When we see Jesus, we see God. It can be in someone else or in nature. God is all around and it's hard not to find evidence that he's here. Although, we can be stubborn sometimes and think he's ignoring our life.
There are many times that Jesus taught and ministered to others. It is our job to bless others as well. Jesus is our guiding light to God. We need to be the guiding light to Jesus and thus God for others. He will lead us there and he can teach us through the Word to let us know and understand God better.
I touched on it yesterday, but get to know Jesus and God better. Read the gospels like Matthew, Mark, and Luke to get to know Jesus so that you can become familiar with God. Let us follow him more passionately.
P.S. There is another feature that I added to my blog that I forgot to tell you about yesterday. On the top right hand corner of any page, you'll notice a google toolbar. You can search for something that I've written about in all my past posts. Whether it's a Bible verse or something that may be occurring in your life, type it in the space provided and search. Maybe you'll find something I wrote about it. It seems like there's a bit of a glitch, however. If I type in Philippians 4:9, for example it doesn't seem to find anything, so you'd be better off typing the name of the book and just the chapter (Philippians 4). You can also search the web from the google toolbar. Just type anything in, hit enter, and click "the web" tab.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Motivation to Change.
Matthew 2:12-16
12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."
16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.
I'm back from Tennessee after an enjoyable time with my sister, her husband, and my niece and nephews. It is always exciting to go out of town and spend time with them as I head north from Florida with my parents. The time can never be long enough though because I miss them as soon as I leave. Nonetheless, I had a wonderful and adventurous Christmas. I certainly hope you had a blessed one too!
Anyways, now that Christmas is over, sometimes it passes rapidly along with our spiritual life. If we're proactive however, we will carry our spiritual experience from the advent season into the new year, which is quickly approaching.
Take King Herod for example, who didn't want anything to do with the birth of Jesus Christ. After all, it meant big changes for him regarding the political structure of Israel since Christ was the King.
I think sometimes we get tired of the over-emphasis of Jesus' birth. This makes us weary of the changes we have to make and the goals we have to accomplish in order to have a strengthening relationship with God after Christmas.
Those changes we have to make may be unpopular, like attending Christian fellowship events or reading the Bible everyday. If that's what you're thinking, then it's something you have to get out of your mind. If you know Christ is your Savior, then you do everything in your power to get closer to him.
Whatever changes you feel that you're called to make, is an effort for God to make you more God-like in everything you do. Do you feel the strength to making any changes in your spiritual life?
P.S. Just so you know I added something to my posts everyday. You can now react to each post anonymously without leaving a comment. It's at the bottom of each post under "reactions." You can "agree" "disagree" or "so what" my posts. Hopefully I will learn a lot about my readers from this and it can give me some clues on what I need to improve upon or make more understandable.
12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."
16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.
I'm back from Tennessee after an enjoyable time with my sister, her husband, and my niece and nephews. It is always exciting to go out of town and spend time with them as I head north from Florida with my parents. The time can never be long enough though because I miss them as soon as I leave. Nonetheless, I had a wonderful and adventurous Christmas. I certainly hope you had a blessed one too!
Anyways, now that Christmas is over, sometimes it passes rapidly along with our spiritual life. If we're proactive however, we will carry our spiritual experience from the advent season into the new year, which is quickly approaching.
Take King Herod for example, who didn't want anything to do with the birth of Jesus Christ. After all, it meant big changes for him regarding the political structure of Israel since Christ was the King.
I think sometimes we get tired of the over-emphasis of Jesus' birth. This makes us weary of the changes we have to make and the goals we have to accomplish in order to have a strengthening relationship with God after Christmas.
Those changes we have to make may be unpopular, like attending Christian fellowship events or reading the Bible everyday. If that's what you're thinking, then it's something you have to get out of your mind. If you know Christ is your Savior, then you do everything in your power to get closer to him.
Whatever changes you feel that you're called to make, is an effort for God to make you more God-like in everything you do. Do you feel the strength to making any changes in your spiritual life?
P.S. Just so you know I added something to my posts everyday. You can now react to each post anonymously without leaving a comment. It's at the bottom of each post under "reactions." You can "agree" "disagree" or "so what" my posts. Hopefully I will learn a lot about my readers from this and it can give me some clues on what I need to improve upon or make more understandable.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Let the Christ Candle Shine in You.
Isaiah 60:1
1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
I wanted to send a shout-out from Southeastern Tennessee. I had hoped to have a post for you last Saturday but my preparations to leave took a little longer than I expected. I headed out of town with my family to see my sister on Friday night.
Today's passage is perfect for the coming of Jesus Christ tomorrow. Think about all of the holiday lights you've seen this season. I know I saw some pretty incredible light displays across Florida. Many of us enjoy the lights each Christmas season. We can thank Jesus for the beautiful lights. Still, there's a great deal of people who experience a vast amount of darkness each Christmas sometimes because of a devastating loss. It's your job to bring everyone to the light whether they are a believer or not.
Make it your goal to let others see the light in you. Keep in mind, it may be the only light you see. How strong is your light? Does it flicker in an annoying manner? Or does it stay constant as you bring one person after another to the light.
It's not easy to keep your light from flickering. The world definitely is the source of the not so steady light. However, even if you have a small light in a big and dark world you can help those who are struggling and those who are lost in a difficult world.
I know it's a little late to work on this, but try to spend the day gearing up for Christmas, preparing yourself to become closer to Christ. His light began in the manger a very long time ago. Notice how he wasn't risen in a home of a ceremonious king and queen. Instead, he was placed in the unpolished, yet humble home of Mary and Joseph. From there Christ's light was spread all over the world.
Surely God has shown you some beautiful light lately in which you can appreciate. Pray for others who don't necessarily see the same light as you. Also pray and that you can show them the way with your very own light from Christ. As today's verse from Isaiah suggests...let the light and glory of God arise and shine in you!
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! Please be safe. Take time tomorrow to remember the very special occasion - the birth of Christ! Expect the posts to return on Monday.
1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
I wanted to send a shout-out from Southeastern Tennessee. I had hoped to have a post for you last Saturday but my preparations to leave took a little longer than I expected. I headed out of town with my family to see my sister on Friday night.
Today's passage is perfect for the coming of Jesus Christ tomorrow. Think about all of the holiday lights you've seen this season. I know I saw some pretty incredible light displays across Florida. Many of us enjoy the lights each Christmas season. We can thank Jesus for the beautiful lights. Still, there's a great deal of people who experience a vast amount of darkness each Christmas sometimes because of a devastating loss. It's your job to bring everyone to the light whether they are a believer or not.
Make it your goal to let others see the light in you. Keep in mind, it may be the only light you see. How strong is your light? Does it flicker in an annoying manner? Or does it stay constant as you bring one person after another to the light.
It's not easy to keep your light from flickering. The world definitely is the source of the not so steady light. However, even if you have a small light in a big and dark world you can help those who are struggling and those who are lost in a difficult world.
I know it's a little late to work on this, but try to spend the day gearing up for Christmas, preparing yourself to become closer to Christ. His light began in the manger a very long time ago. Notice how he wasn't risen in a home of a ceremonious king and queen. Instead, he was placed in the unpolished, yet humble home of Mary and Joseph. From there Christ's light was spread all over the world.
Surely God has shown you some beautiful light lately in which you can appreciate. Pray for others who don't necessarily see the same light as you. Also pray and that you can show them the way with your very own light from Christ. As today's verse from Isaiah suggests...let the light and glory of God arise and shine in you!
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! Please be safe. Take time tomorrow to remember the very special occasion - the birth of Christ! Expect the posts to return on Monday.
Friday, December 18, 2009
God Turns Things Around.
Luke 1:26-38
26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God."
38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Notice how God makes the impossible possible. A woman who's a virgin and isn't married is presented in this passage with surprising news.
God must send angels for us all as he talks about here. I love verse 28. Read Gabriel's words a few times. It's so encouraging!!!
God is not going to show you the same news as he did Mary. However, he hopes to shape and inspire. He wants to let us know that he's the way.
As you live a life with God, you find yourself believing the impossible. Oftentimes we struggle because God is trying to mold and/or he wants to redefine his purpose in our lives.
Mary trusted God to make the impossible possible. Mary's response in verse 38 was a good choice. She changed the world because of this decision. She's a great example for all of us to follow.
Part of faith is believing the unseen. Sometimes what God tells you seems absolutely insane and ridiculous! That's what faith is all about, my friend.
As we get closer and closer to Jesus' birth, try to be open to God's word and invitations. If you believe that God can turn the impossible into a possible scenario, then that is certainly a joyous and encouraging thought for the day.
26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God."
38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Notice how God makes the impossible possible. A woman who's a virgin and isn't married is presented in this passage with surprising news.
God must send angels for us all as he talks about here. I love verse 28. Read Gabriel's words a few times. It's so encouraging!!!
God is not going to show you the same news as he did Mary. However, he hopes to shape and inspire. He wants to let us know that he's the way.
As you live a life with God, you find yourself believing the impossible. Oftentimes we struggle because God is trying to mold and/or he wants to redefine his purpose in our lives.
Mary trusted God to make the impossible possible. Mary's response in verse 38 was a good choice. She changed the world because of this decision. She's a great example for all of us to follow.
Part of faith is believing the unseen. Sometimes what God tells you seems absolutely insane and ridiculous! That's what faith is all about, my friend.
As we get closer and closer to Jesus' birth, try to be open to God's word and invitations. If you believe that God can turn the impossible into a possible scenario, then that is certainly a joyous and encouraging thought for the day.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Pointing to the Light.
John 1:6-12
6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
I find John the Baptist somewhat easy to relate to. He easily dealt with some of the same situations as we do despite his highly respected religious status. He believed in God. Yet, other people thought he was crazy for worshiping God. John the Baptist's greatest challenge was showing others the way to the light of Jesus Christ, as a result.
How do you react when something works in your favor? Do you jump up and down or do you give the credit to God? Throughout this passage, John wants others to know about Jesus. He tells others who Jesus is and the role he can have in their life.
The power of God is to be revealed to others as the source of light. John the Baptist was a prime example. He tells people that God loved you so much he sacrificed his son out of love for you.
We all know that when we receive a gift it allows us to be joyful. We often beam inside out of appreciation. As Christians, we all have different callings to show others the way to light and the way to joy. What are you giving to Jesus this Christmas to give others that same joy you have surely experienced?
6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
I find John the Baptist somewhat easy to relate to. He easily dealt with some of the same situations as we do despite his highly respected religious status. He believed in God. Yet, other people thought he was crazy for worshiping God. John the Baptist's greatest challenge was showing others the way to the light of Jesus Christ, as a result.
How do you react when something works in your favor? Do you jump up and down or do you give the credit to God? Throughout this passage, John wants others to know about Jesus. He tells others who Jesus is and the role he can have in their life.
The power of God is to be revealed to others as the source of light. John the Baptist was a prime example. He tells people that God loved you so much he sacrificed his son out of love for you.
We all know that when we receive a gift it allows us to be joyful. We often beam inside out of appreciation. As Christians, we all have different callings to show others the way to light and the way to joy. What are you giving to Jesus this Christmas to give others that same joy you have surely experienced?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Adding Joy to Someone's Life.
Isaiah 61:1-3
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
It's the third week of Advent which is all about joy.
I heard a story a while ago of an elderly man who always had an oil can with him. He never left without it. If he noticed a door that was squeaky he would put oil on the hinges. Whatever this man did, he always made things easier for others.
How many times do we run into people who are really struggling? Sometimes it's our job to help someone out. Many times we can either worsen one's problems by avoiding them and just making them feel horrible or we can apply oil on their lives by giving them the joy of Christ.
We know ourselves that sometimes we feel like giving up. At times, we can feel like life is defeating us. If we add one or two drops of "oil" (joy) into one's life, that can go along way in giving them more hope.
Think about the reason why we have the Holy Spirit of God exists. The Holy Spirit is within us so that we can bless others. Be ready to apply God's oil to restore the joy of those who are struggling.
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
It's the third week of Advent which is all about joy.
I heard a story a while ago of an elderly man who always had an oil can with him. He never left without it. If he noticed a door that was squeaky he would put oil on the hinges. Whatever this man did, he always made things easier for others.
How many times do we run into people who are really struggling? Sometimes it's our job to help someone out. Many times we can either worsen one's problems by avoiding them and just making them feel horrible or we can apply oil on their lives by giving them the joy of Christ.
We know ourselves that sometimes we feel like giving up. At times, we can feel like life is defeating us. If we add one or two drops of "oil" (joy) into one's life, that can go along way in giving them more hope.
Think about the reason why we have the Holy Spirit of God exists. The Holy Spirit is within us so that we can bless others. Be ready to apply God's oil to restore the joy of those who are struggling.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Light Compared to Darkness.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Christ's coming and birth is rapidly getting closer. Yesterday was the two week mark before Christmas is here. It's passing by so quickly.
This passage expresses images of light and darkness to describe life with Christ. Obviously, lightness is directly associated with Jesus and God's love for his people, while darkness is the complete opposite.
God isn't just for you or me - or those who have a relationship with him. Jesus died for us so that we wouldn't have to experience the pain of the world alone and that we can have salvation. We all need God's grace. Even Christians fall into some of the worldly behavior. God understands that as it is part of being a human being.
This is where the 'light that shines in darkness' comes into play. No matter how dark things become, God's light is always readily available.
Jesus knows we need all the help we can get because remaining strong in faith is difficult. It's hard to refrain from being doubtful, having negative thoughts, and being sinful. Let Paul's words replay in your head when you come into darkness. Don't let any period of darkness overcome you!
1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Christ's coming and birth is rapidly getting closer. Yesterday was the two week mark before Christmas is here. It's passing by so quickly.
This passage expresses images of light and darkness to describe life with Christ. Obviously, lightness is directly associated with Jesus and God's love for his people, while darkness is the complete opposite.
God isn't just for you or me - or those who have a relationship with him. Jesus died for us so that we wouldn't have to experience the pain of the world alone and that we can have salvation. We all need God's grace. Even Christians fall into some of the worldly behavior. God understands that as it is part of being a human being.
This is where the 'light that shines in darkness' comes into play. No matter how dark things become, God's light is always readily available.
Jesus knows we need all the help we can get because remaining strong in faith is difficult. It's hard to refrain from being doubtful, having negative thoughts, and being sinful. Let Paul's words replay in your head when you come into darkness. Don't let any period of darkness overcome you!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Comfort for God's People.
Isaiah 40:1-11
1 Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the LORD's hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice of one calling:
"In the desert prepare
the way for the LORD;
make straight in the wilderness
a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
and all mankind together will see it.
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
6 A voice says, "Cry out."
And I said, "What shall I cry?"
"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
7 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands forever."
9 You who bring good tidings to Zion,
go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem,
lift up your voice with a shout,
lift it up, do not be afraid;
say to the towns of Judah,
"Here is your God!"
10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power,
and his arm rules for him.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
Happy Friday! I find this passage very interesting as begin to wrap up the second week of Advent. My favorite verse is 8. It's simple, concise, and so true. Throughout today's passage we hear about God's promise to save his children.
I love the analogies that are presented...the grass, the wind, etc. What this is saying is that things become old and so do people. Most importantly, people change perhaps because of something that is occurring in their life which distracts them. Not to mention, there's so little time in a day for.....
In verse 6, God's people's faithfulness is described. It sounds like we're not very constant in our faith. However, I think what it's saying is the fact that God knows every little detail. He know all the blades of grass and even the hairs on your head. God desires for his blessed children to be safe in his holy name. God does what he has to do in many cases to make his promise known. God is the provider of our strength and peace.
So, all in all, people may be like grass blowing in the wind. That doesn't mean God isn't God. Our God is the Lord of all Lords. He can still follow through with his promises because he cares enough about us. God is the comforter of one and all: the strong, the weak, and those stuck on the middle road.
1 Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the LORD's hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice of one calling:
"In the desert prepare
the way for the LORD;
make straight in the wilderness
a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
and all mankind together will see it.
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
6 A voice says, "Cry out."
And I said, "What shall I cry?"
"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
7 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands forever."
9 You who bring good tidings to Zion,
go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem,
lift up your voice with a shout,
lift it up, do not be afraid;
say to the towns of Judah,
"Here is your God!"
10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power,
and his arm rules for him.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
Happy Friday! I find this passage very interesting as begin to wrap up the second week of Advent. My favorite verse is 8. It's simple, concise, and so true. Throughout today's passage we hear about God's promise to save his children.
I love the analogies that are presented...the grass, the wind, etc. What this is saying is that things become old and so do people. Most importantly, people change perhaps because of something that is occurring in their life which distracts them. Not to mention, there's so little time in a day for.....
In verse 6, God's people's faithfulness is described. It sounds like we're not very constant in our faith. However, I think what it's saying is the fact that God knows every little detail. He know all the blades of grass and even the hairs on your head. God desires for his blessed children to be safe in his holy name. God does what he has to do in many cases to make his promise known. God is the provider of our strength and peace.
So, all in all, people may be like grass blowing in the wind. That doesn't mean God isn't God. Our God is the Lord of all Lords. He can still follow through with his promises because he cares enough about us. God is the comforter of one and all: the strong, the weak, and those stuck on the middle road.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Safety in God.
Psalm 27:4
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
The writer wants to live in God's house and temple. They absolutely long for the Lord! He wants security from God and it's not surprising because of the discussion about the enemies devouring flesh. Also, a war breaks out against him.
I don't think anyone has to be told that the world isn't very safe. We're not safe from anything, such as death, injury, or illness. We can also lose our dreams, hopes, and goals in an instant.
As a Christian, you are safe in the Lord though. The Lord saves people from their enemies. The Lord saves us from our fears.
Remember, the Lord is coming! That safety and security will quickly follow too. I hope that you can understand today that as God's children we have to hang on to him so that we can be safe in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. He will absolutely bless you. Accept it! Thank God for being our safety net.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
The writer wants to live in God's house and temple. They absolutely long for the Lord! He wants security from God and it's not surprising because of the discussion about the enemies devouring flesh. Also, a war breaks out against him.
I don't think anyone has to be told that the world isn't very safe. We're not safe from anything, such as death, injury, or illness. We can also lose our dreams, hopes, and goals in an instant.
As a Christian, you are safe in the Lord though. The Lord saves people from their enemies. The Lord saves us from our fears.
Remember, the Lord is coming! That safety and security will quickly follow too. I hope that you can understand today that as God's children we have to hang on to him so that we can be safe in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. He will absolutely bless you. Accept it! Thank God for being our safety net.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Gift of Peace and Inheritance.
John 14:27
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
When someone dies, sometimes they have a will that leaves a list giving ownership of something to someone else. An example (a little out there), is a antique piece of jewelry which may be given the son or daughter of whoever died. The ownership of that piece of jewelry has shifted and the son or daughter has inherited something.
As a Christian, peace is our inheritance as a result of Jesus Christ. It was in God's will for that to happen. This verse sates "I do not give to you as the world gives." In another words, peace is ours forever, no matter what happens. Isn't that great?!? Nothing can get in the way of our peace with Christ.
Many say "I have to go on vacation and get out of here in order to have peace." Actually, I don't think you do. You don't have to go half a world away to find peace. God tells us he will give us peace in our most challenging times. This is because of the relationship you have with God. He is always working hard to master his creation -- YOU! So, sit tight and wait for God to bring you through to the other side.
Don't worry about anything. Rest assured, your peace will be granted. It's all thanks to God who rests within you as a believer.
“To be at one with God is to be at peace ... peace is to be found only within, and unless one finds it there he will never find it at all. Peace lies not in the external world. It lies within one's own soul.” ~Ralph Waldo Trine quotes
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
When someone dies, sometimes they have a will that leaves a list giving ownership of something to someone else. An example (a little out there), is a antique piece of jewelry which may be given the son or daughter of whoever died. The ownership of that piece of jewelry has shifted and the son or daughter has inherited something.
As a Christian, peace is our inheritance as a result of Jesus Christ. It was in God's will for that to happen. This verse sates "I do not give to you as the world gives." In another words, peace is ours forever, no matter what happens. Isn't that great?!? Nothing can get in the way of our peace with Christ.
Many say "I have to go on vacation and get out of here in order to have peace." Actually, I don't think you do. You don't have to go half a world away to find peace. God tells us he will give us peace in our most challenging times. This is because of the relationship you have with God. He is always working hard to master his creation -- YOU! So, sit tight and wait for God to bring you through to the other side.
Don't worry about anything. Rest assured, your peace will be granted. It's all thanks to God who rests within you as a believer.
“To be at one with God is to be at peace ... peace is to be found only within, and unless one finds it there he will never find it at all. Peace lies not in the external world. It lies within one's own soul.” ~Ralph Waldo Trine quotes
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Somber Days Have Light.
Psalm 34:14
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
It's nearly winter in many parts of the country. It may not really ever be winter in Florida (where I am), but still this season tends to be filled with more and more gloomy days, even in Florida. Sometimes it can reflect and transform into our own life. Certain days we feel that it isn't going to be a good day at all based on the weather.
Too often we'll get ourselves wrapped up in these unhappy and gloomy times. Don't let a bad day get the best of you. Instead, go to the Lord and pray.
Whether it's blustery winds that perturb you, snow and ice that antagonize and slow you down, or gray skies that bring you dismay, expect hard times to arrive in your life. Not everything is going to be easy. Take advantage of this such a "down" time and allow it to comfort you. You want these bitterly cold days to give you a renewed hope and energetic attitude.
These somber "events" that are occurring around you may just indicate that God's telling you to slow down and reflect on the time that he has given you along with all the peace he has to offer. Don't look at the dark parts of your life as stressful. Instead, look at it as beneficial in the long run.
God will be with you this winter season as your brave the "cold." Whenever you feel lost and lonely, run to God's peace. We should all be honored to have that privilege. Trust me, you don't have to look very hard to see God's peace!
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
It's nearly winter in many parts of the country. It may not really ever be winter in Florida (where I am), but still this season tends to be filled with more and more gloomy days, even in Florida. Sometimes it can reflect and transform into our own life. Certain days we feel that it isn't going to be a good day at all based on the weather.
Too often we'll get ourselves wrapped up in these unhappy and gloomy times. Don't let a bad day get the best of you. Instead, go to the Lord and pray.
Whether it's blustery winds that perturb you, snow and ice that antagonize and slow you down, or gray skies that bring you dismay, expect hard times to arrive in your life. Not everything is going to be easy. Take advantage of this such a "down" time and allow it to comfort you. You want these bitterly cold days to give you a renewed hope and energetic attitude.
These somber "events" that are occurring around you may just indicate that God's telling you to slow down and reflect on the time that he has given you along with all the peace he has to offer. Don't look at the dark parts of your life as stressful. Instead, look at it as beneficial in the long run.
God will be with you this winter season as your brave the "cold." Whenever you feel lost and lonely, run to God's peace. We should all be honored to have that privilege. Trust me, you don't have to look very hard to see God's peace!
Monday, December 7, 2009
A Peaceful Kingdom of God.
Isaiah 11:6-9
6 The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
7 The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
8 The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest.
9 They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea.
It's week two of advent and we're talking about peace!
Do you find anything unusual about this passage? Notice how the animals that we commonly think of as predators are lying down with a harmless animal like the lamb or little child. However, that's the way it should be, right? Everything should coexist in nature.
Do you have a fear of any animal? I know I'm not too fond of bugs especially when I see them in my room. They seem pretty pointless to me because all they like to do is hide as soon as you go after them. Then you never know when they'll pop up and scare you next. I also feel like bugs are very dirty. They're not in my ideal environment.
It seems like this passage is trying to tell the reader that our expectations and experiences on earth will not be met in heaven. Things will be far different, which is a good thing. Perhaps insects will be cleaner animals and they won't have that negative vibe about them!
Maybe this is a wake-up call for me. It's a reminder that we can call out to God when we are in afraid or if we're in trouble. Thank God for helping to make things so comfortable for us. We can only imagine how peaceful things will be in heaven.
6 The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
7 The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
8 The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest.
9 They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea.
It's week two of advent and we're talking about peace!
Do you find anything unusual about this passage? Notice how the animals that we commonly think of as predators are lying down with a harmless animal like the lamb or little child. However, that's the way it should be, right? Everything should coexist in nature.
Do you have a fear of any animal? I know I'm not too fond of bugs especially when I see them in my room. They seem pretty pointless to me because all they like to do is hide as soon as you go after them. Then you never know when they'll pop up and scare you next. I also feel like bugs are very dirty. They're not in my ideal environment.
It seems like this passage is trying to tell the reader that our expectations and experiences on earth will not be met in heaven. Things will be far different, which is a good thing. Perhaps insects will be cleaner animals and they won't have that negative vibe about them!
Maybe this is a wake-up call for me. It's a reminder that we can call out to God when we are in afraid or if we're in trouble. Thank God for helping to make things so comfortable for us. We can only imagine how peaceful things will be in heaven.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
God Doesn't Give Up.
Joel 3:16
16 The LORD will roar from Zion
and thunder from Jerusalem;
the earth and the sky will tremble.
But the LORD will be a refuge for his people,
a stronghold for the people of Israel.
I'm wrapping up this first week of Advent with the Bible verse above. I'm going to emphasize one more reason why we should be hopeful.
Have you ever had enough with someone? They may let you down time and time again. Then, one day, you say enough is enough and give up on trying to establish a descent relationship with that person.
The good news is God doesn't give up on us. He doesn't give up on us even when we disappoint him. We repent and he restores us!
What should this tell us? God is completely different from us. God isn't just reasonable or fair, he's GRACIOUS, LOVING, and MERCIFUL on a whole different level than we could ever be. He gives us much more than we normally deserve and doesn't judge us. He stays the same even if you have repeated rebellions. Because of his sacrifice, we can give our life to God allowing us to be more hopeful. We no longer have to be shameful.
A bit short and sweet today!
Listen to "Wait and See" by Brandon Heath:
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 The LORD will roar from Zion
and thunder from Jerusalem;
the earth and the sky will tremble.
But the LORD will be a refuge for his people,
a stronghold for the people of Israel.
I'm wrapping up this first week of Advent with the Bible verse above. I'm going to emphasize one more reason why we should be hopeful.
Have you ever had enough with someone? They may let you down time and time again. Then, one day, you say enough is enough and give up on trying to establish a descent relationship with that person.
The good news is God doesn't give up on us. He doesn't give up on us even when we disappoint him. We repent and he restores us!
What should this tell us? God is completely different from us. God isn't just reasonable or fair, he's GRACIOUS, LOVING, and MERCIFUL on a whole different level than we could ever be. He gives us much more than we normally deserve and doesn't judge us. He stays the same even if you have repeated rebellions. Because of his sacrifice, we can give our life to God allowing us to be more hopeful. We no longer have to be shameful.
A bit short and sweet today!
Listen to "Wait and See" by Brandon Heath:
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it "buffer" (load) as it's called for a while. You will see the red bar along the bottom advance (speed depends on your Internet connection). Wait until that bar gets pretty far along (I'd say more than halfway) before you play the video and it shouldn't pause.
Friday, December 4, 2009
A World of Pain.
Psalm 10:17-18
17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.
The world is accompanied by a great deal of pain. Certain things are never pleasing. Certain circumstances are hard to cope with. No matter where you live, from the United States to New Zealand to Finland, hard times exist. Of course depending on the location pain is different. Also, everyone experiences a varying type of pain. Generally though, pain still occurs for the same reasons no matter your location.
Frequently, our pain is caused by hopelessness. When we hear something deeply concerning it stays in our mind for a while. It can be very challenging to heal from certain situations. It can be even more difficult to come out of a negative situation when another wave of trouble washes over us. The world seems to be the bearer of bad news.
Our world is painful because of human violence, natural destruction, and personal relationship struggles filled with sorrow. These discouraging messages makes it hard not to be hopeless. Remember, it happens to everyone, not just you.
Take a deep breath when you have a feeling of anguish. That, along with prayer, is the best way to clear your mind. Think about it: If we keep all the pain inside of us, then it prevents us from hearing God, a vital thing in our relationships with the Lord. Spend some time taking deep breaths if you're going through a rough part of your life.
Now listen to "Come to Jesus" by Chris Rice and tell me if it isn't a touching a song. I haven't heard it in a long time, but it's so comforting to you know that Jesus is not that far away. He's there for you through thick and thin.
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.
17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.
The world is accompanied by a great deal of pain. Certain things are never pleasing. Certain circumstances are hard to cope with. No matter where you live, from the United States to New Zealand to Finland, hard times exist. Of course depending on the location pain is different. Also, everyone experiences a varying type of pain. Generally though, pain still occurs for the same reasons no matter your location.
Frequently, our pain is caused by hopelessness. When we hear something deeply concerning it stays in our mind for a while. It can be very challenging to heal from certain situations. It can be even more difficult to come out of a negative situation when another wave of trouble washes over us. The world seems to be the bearer of bad news.
Our world is painful because of human violence, natural destruction, and personal relationship struggles filled with sorrow. These discouraging messages makes it hard not to be hopeless. Remember, it happens to everyone, not just you.
Take a deep breath when you have a feeling of anguish. That, along with prayer, is the best way to clear your mind. Think about it: If we keep all the pain inside of us, then it prevents us from hearing God, a vital thing in our relationships with the Lord. Spend some time taking deep breaths if you're going through a rough part of your life.
Now listen to "Come to Jesus" by Chris Rice and tell me if it isn't a touching a song. I haven't heard it in a long time, but it's so comforting to you know that Jesus is not that far away. He's there for you through thick and thin.
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.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Hope and Confidence.
Romans 15:12-13
12 And again, Isaiah says,
"The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
the Gentiles will hope in him."
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Do you ever feel like a bump on a log? A hopeless fool? This may mean we approach something in a manner that we shouldn't. We may be full of fear for absolutely no reason.
I think the whole idea about fear is true when we approach God. It's the strangest thing. There is so much evidence as to why God brings hope. There has to be something around you right now, perhaps light, shelter, and food, are worth mentioning. Yes, you are supposed to fear God, but not so much so that it sucks the life out of you.
Better yet, many times we come to God lacking confidence that he will answer our calls and prayers. I'm pretty sure that God has answered prayers so many times you couldn't keep track. However, we still get stuck in a rut. We focus so much on what brings us down, that we go to God without acknowledging his awesome power.
Seek God today trusting that he will take care of you. You just have to let whatever go of whatever is holding you back. Be confident that God will show you blessings everyday through the power of his wonderful Holy Spirit.
Please feel free to listen to "God of Wonders" by Chris Tomlin because we truly do have a God of wonders.
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.
12 And again, Isaiah says,
"The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
the Gentiles will hope in him."
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Do you ever feel like a bump on a log? A hopeless fool? This may mean we approach something in a manner that we shouldn't. We may be full of fear for absolutely no reason.
I think the whole idea about fear is true when we approach God. It's the strangest thing. There is so much evidence as to why God brings hope. There has to be something around you right now, perhaps light, shelter, and food, are worth mentioning. Yes, you are supposed to fear God, but not so much so that it sucks the life out of you.
Better yet, many times we come to God lacking confidence that he will answer our calls and prayers. I'm pretty sure that God has answered prayers so many times you couldn't keep track. However, we still get stuck in a rut. We focus so much on what brings us down, that we go to God without acknowledging his awesome power.
Seek God today trusting that he will take care of you. You just have to let whatever go of whatever is holding you back. Be confident that God will show you blessings everyday through the power of his wonderful Holy Spirit.
Please feel free to listen to "God of Wonders" by Chris Tomlin because we truly do have a God of wonders.
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, December 2, 2009
Coming into the Light.
Isaiah 9:2
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.
As I mentioned on Monday, the main purpose of Advent is to prepare ourselves for Christmas, when Jesus Christ was born. For it is through him we can see the spirit in flesh all around us every single day. This season is certainly a time to celebrate as the Almighty God is beside us and transforms our earthly lives into a spiritual life through his divine intervention.
I must say, while this seems promising, the same cannot be said in all parts of the world. Some areas and certainly some people have yet to see Christ's light shine brightly in their lives. Some children don't get Christmas presents, for example. They barely even survive with the necessities. Nonetheless, don't feel guilty. That doesn't accomplish anything.
We need to appreciate the promises of new life that Jesus brings, who is the provider of hope through his love. Thus, Jesus is the primary source of light and We are the secondary source of that light. That's how we can help turn darkness into light. That's how we can lead others to Jesus.
However, maybe you feel like you're in the dark and that God's light isn't shining all around you. If that's the case, don't worry. You won't have to wait long before you'll notice even the smallest dash of hope.
Something with God's light is sure to come to you, but you have to keep your eyes, hearts, and minds open with a great deal of hope. The two questions that I have for you today are as follows: Are you ready to see Jesus today? Do you have an open mind to see that light he provides?
"Often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us." ~Helen Keller
Here's a perfect song for today: "Days of Elijah"
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 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.
As I mentioned on Monday, the main purpose of Advent is to prepare ourselves for Christmas, when Jesus Christ was born. For it is through him we can see the spirit in flesh all around us every single day. This season is certainly a time to celebrate as the Almighty God is beside us and transforms our earthly lives into a spiritual life through his divine intervention.
I must say, while this seems promising, the same cannot be said in all parts of the world. Some areas and certainly some people have yet to see Christ's light shine brightly in their lives. Some children don't get Christmas presents, for example. They barely even survive with the necessities. Nonetheless, don't feel guilty. That doesn't accomplish anything.
We need to appreciate the promises of new life that Jesus brings, who is the provider of hope through his love. Thus, Jesus is the primary source of light and We are the secondary source of that light. That's how we can help turn darkness into light. That's how we can lead others to Jesus.
However, maybe you feel like you're in the dark and that God's light isn't shining all around you. If that's the case, don't worry. You won't have to wait long before you'll notice even the smallest dash of hope.
Something with God's light is sure to come to you, but you have to keep your eyes, hearts, and minds open with a great deal of hope. The two questions that I have for you today are as follows: Are you ready to see Jesus today? Do you have an open mind to see that light he provides?
"Often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us." ~Helen Keller
Here's a perfect song for today: "Days of Elijah"
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, December 1, 2009
God Draws Us In.
Exodus 2:1-10
1 Now a man of the house of Levi married a Levite woman, 2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. 4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.
5 Then Pharaoh's daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the river bank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her slave girl to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. "This is one of the Hebrew babies," she said.
7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?"
8 "Yes, go," she answered. And the girl went and got the baby's mother. 9 Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you." So the woman took the baby and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, "I drew him out of the water."
This is a beautiful display of God's work! He is so good. God can create not just a perfect baby, but a beautiful baby. In addition, the woman was used by God to nurse the child. God created such a beautiful child later named Moses to sustain the faith of his parents.
Do you ever try to have control over something until one day you realize there's nothing more you can do? You're only option at that point is to turn things over to God using faith. God was reaching out to Moses' parents. If you have a good deal of faith you can trust God completely. It takes some getting used to, in a way, because you can't necessarily see God. However, he's there! You can certainly tell by all the blessings he bestows upon us.
By verse 7, you can see that the parents had done everything to provide an affectionate and caring atmosphere for the child, out of the King's request. They had to do their best to preserve their child's life. By putting their trust God, they put safety into his hands. They gave Moses to God!
Moses was then resurrected like Christ by the Princess of Egypt who rose him from the dead and put him in a high place.
When we are giving into the world and sin, God lifts us up. Just like Moses was drawn out of the water, God does all he can to bring us close to him whenever we drift too far away. He reels back in on his fishing line. Thank God for his mercy!
Listen to the words of the song: "Draw Me Close To You."
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.
1 Now a man of the house of Levi married a Levite woman, 2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. 4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.
5 Then Pharaoh's daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the river bank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her slave girl to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. "This is one of the Hebrew babies," she said.
7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?"
8 "Yes, go," she answered. And the girl went and got the baby's mother. 9 Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you." So the woman took the baby and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, "I drew him out of the water."
This is a beautiful display of God's work! He is so good. God can create not just a perfect baby, but a beautiful baby. In addition, the woman was used by God to nurse the child. God created such a beautiful child later named Moses to sustain the faith of his parents.
Do you ever try to have control over something until one day you realize there's nothing more you can do? You're only option at that point is to turn things over to God using faith. God was reaching out to Moses' parents. If you have a good deal of faith you can trust God completely. It takes some getting used to, in a way, because you can't necessarily see God. However, he's there! You can certainly tell by all the blessings he bestows upon us.
By verse 7, you can see that the parents had done everything to provide an affectionate and caring atmosphere for the child, out of the King's request. They had to do their best to preserve their child's life. By putting their trust God, they put safety into his hands. They gave Moses to God!
Moses was then resurrected like Christ by the Princess of Egypt who rose him from the dead and put him in a high place.
When we are giving into the world and sin, God lifts us up. Just like Moses was drawn out of the water, God does all he can to bring us close to him whenever we drift too far away. He reels back in on his fishing line. Thank God for his mercy!
Listen to the words of the song: "Draw Me Close To You."
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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