John 17:1
1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.
I challenge you to read all of John 17. It's so inspiring to hear the words of Jesus. It's not too long. Spend a few minutes extra in the word today.
With these words, Jesus understands that he is going to die in the next few hours. The inspiring part about this is that he spends this time not alone but with his disciples. Of course, the disciples didn't understand Jesus' motives.
As Jesus moves into the last moments before his death, he has intentions on preparing his disciples for his death and their life without him. His goal is to make them one united body so that they wouldn't be weak. In addition, he wanted his disciples to spread the word of God.
Finally, Jesus wanted his death on the cross to bring glory to God. He prayed that it would give him glory. He personally planned to use these hours to live out his desire to bless and protect others.
In reality, it's always good to be prepared for difficulty in our lives. Make a goal of how you will use that to benefit others, for example. Thus, I leave you with the question of: what would Jesus do?
Today's song is "Glory of God" by Fee. It's a great way to kick off your weekend!
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it "buffer" (load) as it's called for a while. You will see the red bar along the bottom advance (speed depends on your Internet connection). Wait until that bar gets pretty far along (I'd say more than halfway) before you play the video and it shouldn't pause.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Listening is Important.
Exodus 20:19
19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."
We disobey God all the time. Sometimes it is on purpose and sometimes it isn't. We don't listen to what he lays on our hearts many times.
God gives us commands and sometimes we fail to pay attention to them because we're not in-tune with him. Technically, we don't love him either when we do this because he mentions in the Bible that he who loves follows his commandments.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes we listen to God's people more than God himself? There's not much wrong with that, but just think about it. It sounds as if we have the courage to ignore God and not others. I know I heard a testimony that someone gave at the Christian club at my school recently. He had a very difficult childhood starting at about four years old. What little he remembers before that, he knew Jesus, but of course he was so young that he didn't understand very much. There were a series of events in his life that made him criticize God from that point on until, in the last year or so, he was brought back to God by one of his best friends.
So while we often hear good testimonies of faith in other people, we often fail to hear God speak to us. What does that mean to you? Are we scared that once we hear God, we feel like we have to follow through with it?
Well, don't fear God! He tells us not to fear him. Plus, when God tells you something, it's not beyond your capabilities. He's telling you for a reason. Go through with God's commands so that you can experience the delight of hearing him and obeying him first hand.
19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."
We disobey God all the time. Sometimes it is on purpose and sometimes it isn't. We don't listen to what he lays on our hearts many times.
God gives us commands and sometimes we fail to pay attention to them because we're not in-tune with him. Technically, we don't love him either when we do this because he mentions in the Bible that he who loves follows his commandments.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes we listen to God's people more than God himself? There's not much wrong with that, but just think about it. It sounds as if we have the courage to ignore God and not others. I know I heard a testimony that someone gave at the Christian club at my school recently. He had a very difficult childhood starting at about four years old. What little he remembers before that, he knew Jesus, but of course he was so young that he didn't understand very much. There were a series of events in his life that made him criticize God from that point on until, in the last year or so, he was brought back to God by one of his best friends.
So while we often hear good testimonies of faith in other people, we often fail to hear God speak to us. What does that mean to you? Are we scared that once we hear God, we feel like we have to follow through with it?
Well, don't fear God! He tells us not to fear him. Plus, when God tells you something, it's not beyond your capabilities. He's telling you for a reason. Go through with God's commands so that you can experience the delight of hearing him and obeying him first hand.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Heavenly Clues.
Hebrews 11:16
16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Finishing up our heavenly discussion, the Bible says a lot about this eternal place. It's not just a figment of our imagination. It's going to be an amazing and wonderful place when we go there. In fact, heaven is paradise according to the gospel of Luke (and you thought vacation was paradise!!!) Even though the context is different, our senses and our spirits will be overwhelmed in awe.
Paul, a great apostle, died, went to heaven, and then came back to earth. He described his experience in 2 Corinthians 12:4 - "[I] was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell." The bottom line is that heaven sounds pleasant to me given the indications by scripture.
How can you bring this understanding down to your life on earth? If you focus on the heavenly things, it will drastically affect how you live on earth. Lord, let us understand that someday we'll be going to heaven. In the meantime, however, let us live as you would on earth.
"Where The Streets Have No Name" by U2. It's a long intro, so if you don't want to listen to it all, once it loads you can move the bar to 1:30. I kind of think of heaven as the streets having no name.
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 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Finishing up our heavenly discussion, the Bible says a lot about this eternal place. It's not just a figment of our imagination. It's going to be an amazing and wonderful place when we go there. In fact, heaven is paradise according to the gospel of Luke (and you thought vacation was paradise!!!) Even though the context is different, our senses and our spirits will be overwhelmed in awe.
Paul, a great apostle, died, went to heaven, and then came back to earth. He described his experience in 2 Corinthians 12:4 - "[I] was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell." The bottom line is that heaven sounds pleasant to me given the indications by scripture.
How can you bring this understanding down to your life on earth? If you focus on the heavenly things, it will drastically affect how you live on earth. Lord, let us understand that someday we'll be going to heaven. In the meantime, however, let us live as you would on earth.
"Where The Streets Have No Name" by U2. It's a long intro, so if you don't want to listen to it all, once it loads you can move the bar to 1:30. I kind of think of heaven as the streets having no name.
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, February 24, 2010
Wanting Heaven and God.
Job 19:26
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
When we have a desire for God, he blesses us and brings us satisfaction in his name. Without him we feel empty and thirsty. If you want heaven, then you want God.
You know what's amazing to me? God's stomping grounds are in heaven, so to speak. It is there were we can find him with all of his glory. However, simultaneously, he is all around us everywhere...no matter where we are!
So when we desire something, we often want to see it. This is similar in regards to what I discussed yesterday with the raspberry tea. However, since we're sinful and unholy, I'm not sure if we could handle it since God is just the opposite - perfect and holy. We don't realize that we're perfect and holy in God's eyes just like we see him.
Still, we have to realize that one day we will come face to face with God. The situation that Job described above will happen to us one day when we reach heaven. When we see him, it will be unlike anything else as if we've never seen anything before. This is because you will see him, other people, and things as he would see.
So while we want heaven, we want God.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
When we have a desire for God, he blesses us and brings us satisfaction in his name. Without him we feel empty and thirsty. If you want heaven, then you want God.
You know what's amazing to me? God's stomping grounds are in heaven, so to speak. It is there were we can find him with all of his glory. However, simultaneously, he is all around us everywhere...no matter where we are!
So when we desire something, we often want to see it. This is similar in regards to what I discussed yesterday with the raspberry tea. However, since we're sinful and unholy, I'm not sure if we could handle it since God is just the opposite - perfect and holy. We don't realize that we're perfect and holy in God's eyes just like we see him.
Still, we have to realize that one day we will come face to face with God. The situation that Job described above will happen to us one day when we reach heaven. When we see him, it will be unlike anything else as if we've never seen anything before. This is because you will see him, other people, and things as he would see.
So while we want heaven, we want God.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Think in Terms of Heaven.
Colossians 3:2
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
I know I've used this verse before (see September 20, 2008) but, this is such a simple one that it can easily be memorized. In fact, I remember the kids at Vacation Bible School had this verse under their belt. While it is simple, it is so powerful. Plus, it fits in with what I talked about yesterday and a different point comes across than the one I made a year and a half ago.
You know when you're on an active pursuit for something, you search left and right? It may be your cell phone or the TV remote. I know for me, (with the help of my parents) it's the quest for raspberry tea. It sounds so trivial, but that's me. More than five years ago, I got hooked on Lipton Raspberry Tea in a can. It soon was discontinued, although the lemon tea is still to this day being made. Then, I found Nestea, a Coca-Cola product. That was discontinued and I had to start all over. I did this a couple more times with a couple more products. Nonetheless, I went four years or so without any of this tea. In the last six months, there appeared to be a resurfacing of the Lipton Raspberry Teas in 24 oz bottles. It was touchy though as they were only found in certain gas stations. Now, whenever I go to the gas station, I wipe them out of their raspberry tea.
That's some diligence wouldn't you say? Well God wants us to act the same way about heaven. Raspberry tea was always on my mind, and God and heaven should definitely be on my mind. Do so in moderation, however.
So, where do we start thinking about heaven? We often wonder, "Is heaven going to be boring?" Am I just going to sit above the clouds? Will it be relaxing? The Bible does reveal hints about heaven.
Don't get carried away though. You have to continue life on earth, but think in terms of heaven. In other words, don't get caught up in the day to day hustle and bustle. Think as Christ would and show his love to others instead of tackling earthly actions.
Have a blessed, heavenly day!
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
I know I've used this verse before (see September 20, 2008) but, this is such a simple one that it can easily be memorized. In fact, I remember the kids at Vacation Bible School had this verse under their belt. While it is simple, it is so powerful. Plus, it fits in with what I talked about yesterday and a different point comes across than the one I made a year and a half ago.
You know when you're on an active pursuit for something, you search left and right? It may be your cell phone or the TV remote. I know for me, (with the help of my parents) it's the quest for raspberry tea. It sounds so trivial, but that's me. More than five years ago, I got hooked on Lipton Raspberry Tea in a can. It soon was discontinued, although the lemon tea is still to this day being made. Then, I found Nestea, a Coca-Cola product. That was discontinued and I had to start all over. I did this a couple more times with a couple more products. Nonetheless, I went four years or so without any of this tea. In the last six months, there appeared to be a resurfacing of the Lipton Raspberry Teas in 24 oz bottles. It was touchy though as they were only found in certain gas stations. Now, whenever I go to the gas station, I wipe them out of their raspberry tea.
That's some diligence wouldn't you say? Well God wants us to act the same way about heaven. Raspberry tea was always on my mind, and God and heaven should definitely be on my mind. Do so in moderation, however.
So, where do we start thinking about heaven? We often wonder, "Is heaven going to be boring?" Am I just going to sit above the clouds? Will it be relaxing? The Bible does reveal hints about heaven.
Don't get carried away though. You have to continue life on earth, but think in terms of heaven. In other words, don't get caught up in the day to day hustle and bustle. Think as Christ would and show his love to others instead of tackling earthly actions.
Have a blessed, heavenly day!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Dreaming of Heaven.
1 Chronicles 29:15
15 We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.
In retrospect, when I was a young child, the things I asked for were quite funny. Oh, the simple things we were intrigued by! One Christmas, all I wanted was a belt, for example.
Then, when my favorite shows were on I would say, "I'm going to watch this everyday until the day I die." Now, in reality, I realize that isn't even close to being possible. Why was I attracted to a couple good tv shows? Because it made me set a goal and seemed promising.
Everybody longs for something. It just changes over time. It is in your DNA to want something more out of life. As humans, we're never satisfied with what we have in the now.
As Christians, we realize that our time on earth is short relative to eternal life in heaven. Thus, we begin to see the world for what it really is. We realize there is a heaven and we feel it calling our name.
Let your greatest desire be that of heaven!
15 We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.
In retrospect, when I was a young child, the things I asked for were quite funny. Oh, the simple things we were intrigued by! One Christmas, all I wanted was a belt, for example.
Then, when my favorite shows were on I would say, "I'm going to watch this everyday until the day I die." Now, in reality, I realize that isn't even close to being possible. Why was I attracted to a couple good tv shows? Because it made me set a goal and seemed promising.
Everybody longs for something. It just changes over time. It is in your DNA to want something more out of life. As humans, we're never satisfied with what we have in the now.
As Christians, we realize that our time on earth is short relative to eternal life in heaven. Thus, we begin to see the world for what it really is. We realize there is a heaven and we feel it calling our name.
Let your greatest desire be that of heaven!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Take the Exit.
1 Corinthians 10:13
13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
You know what's funny? When you go to a theme park and you are waiting in line for sometimes as much as an hour or two to go on your favorite ride. I'm not going to lie I like roller coasters. It's exciting and the whole experience of hearing others scream and just realizing that I'll be upside down gets my adrenaline going. If you spend the entire time in line nervous though, you become more and more scared.
Did you ever notice at the end of the line there's a gate with a quick exit in case someone is so scared they're pulling their hair out? Of course at this point you're so close, but you take the exit because you're so scared; you back out and turn away.
Fortunately, this is a hopeful message to end a busy week, full of work and temptations. When we're tempted by Satan, God provides us a safe way to exit. It's a different kind of exit because you don't have to be ashamed that you're backing away from sin, unlike if you escape from a huge roller coaster. Nonetheless, when we're going to sin, sometimes we play out the situation in our head and we wait until the time is right. God's exit is there just before you make your final decision to hop on the ride. See it as a gift so that you don't have to face eternal consequences of sin. Be thankful! It's time to swallow your pride and take that "exit" off the ride of temptation which isn't worth it's huge cost.
Think about a time where God unexpectedly offered you a way out of your temptation. Notice that God promises that you will never face a temptation greater than you are in his name. Have the faith to make that quick exit when you see it. Lord, Thanks for rescuing us from sin and please help those who are still waiting in line about to be tempted.
Take a look at this "Temptation" message by Francis Chan. It's about 8 1/2 minutes long, but I promise you it's worth watching. I listened to Francis Chan at a conference in Washington D.C. last summer and he is a great speaker. You learn so much from him. This video is a nice recap on the week and he mentions some of the same things I discussed about temptation this week, especially about blaming others and how it looks attractive.
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.
13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
You know what's funny? When you go to a theme park and you are waiting in line for sometimes as much as an hour or two to go on your favorite ride. I'm not going to lie I like roller coasters. It's exciting and the whole experience of hearing others scream and just realizing that I'll be upside down gets my adrenaline going. If you spend the entire time in line nervous though, you become more and more scared.
Did you ever notice at the end of the line there's a gate with a quick exit in case someone is so scared they're pulling their hair out? Of course at this point you're so close, but you take the exit because you're so scared; you back out and turn away.
Fortunately, this is a hopeful message to end a busy week, full of work and temptations. When we're tempted by Satan, God provides us a safe way to exit. It's a different kind of exit because you don't have to be ashamed that you're backing away from sin, unlike if you escape from a huge roller coaster. Nonetheless, when we're going to sin, sometimes we play out the situation in our head and we wait until the time is right. God's exit is there just before you make your final decision to hop on the ride. See it as a gift so that you don't have to face eternal consequences of sin. Be thankful! It's time to swallow your pride and take that "exit" off the ride of temptation which isn't worth it's huge cost.
Think about a time where God unexpectedly offered you a way out of your temptation. Notice that God promises that you will never face a temptation greater than you are in his name. Have the faith to make that quick exit when you see it. Lord, Thanks for rescuing us from sin and please help those who are still waiting in line about to be tempted.
Take a look at this "Temptation" message by Francis Chan. It's about 8 1/2 minutes long, but I promise you it's worth watching. I listened to Francis Chan at a conference in Washington D.C. last summer and he is a great speaker. You learn so much from him. This video is a nice recap on the week and he mentions some of the same things I discussed about temptation this week, especially about blaming others and how it looks attractive.
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, February 19, 2010
We're Shameless.
Genesis 3:7-8
7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
What happened after Adam and Eve committed the first sin known to man? They were naked. Still, they took a bite from the forbidden fruit expecting great things assuming that everything they didn't receive from God would be given to them now including wisdom. It's never good to assume and in this case that's certainly true. They were full of shame as a result. Oh, and that freedom that the couple wanted, was replaced by a constant state of fear and hiding.
The serpent tempted them with lies. After they opened their eyes, they learned the difference between good and evil. They didn't learn to be like God though.
Do the words of today's passage remind you of being caught in your own sins? It's an antagonistic feeling. It doesn't seem like such a bad idea to hide and stay away from God the creator of the universe just as Adam and Eve did. Realize that God forgives, however. Don't go to God with a shameful heart. God is the ultimate provider of hope.
Thank you God for forgiving our sins, even our most shameful ones, due to our faith. Keep us from wanting to sin.
7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
What happened after Adam and Eve committed the first sin known to man? They were naked. Still, they took a bite from the forbidden fruit expecting great things assuming that everything they didn't receive from God would be given to them now including wisdom. It's never good to assume and in this case that's certainly true. They were full of shame as a result. Oh, and that freedom that the couple wanted, was replaced by a constant state of fear and hiding.
The serpent tempted them with lies. After they opened their eyes, they learned the difference between good and evil. They didn't learn to be like God though.
Do the words of today's passage remind you of being caught in your own sins? It's an antagonistic feeling. It doesn't seem like such a bad idea to hide and stay away from God the creator of the universe just as Adam and Eve did. Realize that God forgives, however. Don't go to God with a shameful heart. God is the ultimate provider of hope.
Thank you God for forgiving our sins, even our most shameful ones, due to our faith. Keep us from wanting to sin.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
She Did, So I Can.
Genesis 3:6
6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
So it wasn't just Eve who sinned liked I've been discussing so far this week. Adam was tempted too, but why did he sin? He had all the trees to choose from in the beautiful Garden of Eden except for the one forbidden tree and he chose that one turning against God! As the husband of Eve, he was there listening to the whole conversation between her and the serpent so why didn't he intervene? There are many questions that accompany this story in its entirety.
Nonetheless, why do we sin? Many times it's because of others. We see others doing what "looks good" and we follow their ways. We do this because it is in our nature to hold others accountable for our actions. If she does it or he does it, then what harm will there be if I do it? The same can be said when he or she isn't going to do something. I'm not going to do it if they're not. However, as Christians, it is our responsibility to focus on our (spiritual) decisions. God holds us accountable for our own actions.
Think about ways in which you can make sure that you're not following someone else's choices; respect God. Remember, God should be the center of your life so follow him closely.
I realized yesterday that it was the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, but that was well after I wrote my post. This is the 40 day period leading up to Easter where you should give up something or take on a challenge to bring you closer to God. Perhaps this year, based on my discussions, think about your choices. When you see something attractive, for example, look at the big picture and ask yourself "Am I being obedient to God when I do this?" That is definitely something to think about over the next 5 or 6 weeks. Anyway, it's Thursday already. Have a wonder-filled rest of the week!
6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
So it wasn't just Eve who sinned liked I've been discussing so far this week. Adam was tempted too, but why did he sin? He had all the trees to choose from in the beautiful Garden of Eden except for the one forbidden tree and he chose that one turning against God! As the husband of Eve, he was there listening to the whole conversation between her and the serpent so why didn't he intervene? There are many questions that accompany this story in its entirety.
Nonetheless, why do we sin? Many times it's because of others. We see others doing what "looks good" and we follow their ways. We do this because it is in our nature to hold others accountable for our actions. If she does it or he does it, then what harm will there be if I do it? The same can be said when he or she isn't going to do something. I'm not going to do it if they're not. However, as Christians, it is our responsibility to focus on our (spiritual) decisions. God holds us accountable for our own actions.
Think about ways in which you can make sure that you're not following someone else's choices; respect God. Remember, God should be the center of your life so follow him closely.
I realized yesterday that it was the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, but that was well after I wrote my post. This is the 40 day period leading up to Easter where you should give up something or take on a challenge to bring you closer to God. Perhaps this year, based on my discussions, think about your choices. When you see something attractive, for example, look at the big picture and ask yourself "Am I being obedient to God when I do this?" That is definitely something to think about over the next 5 or 6 weeks. Anyway, it's Thursday already. Have a wonder-filled rest of the week!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
It's Attracting.
Genesis 3:6
6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
This is a very notable part of the passage with Adam and Eve. No matter how many times I read it, I still cringe. You know, the dramatic irony that you see all the time, such as when you watch a movie and know someone is going to do something stupid, yet all you can do is watch one suffer in utter agony?
Adam and Eve had until now to ignore the serpent and turn away. Most importantly, they could have trusted God. The serpent tempted Eve so that she'd disobey God. She didn't want to trust God. No...don't do it Adam and Eve!!!!!!!!
Why did Eve go for the forbidden fruit? It simply looked good. As I mentioned yesterday, we tend to be very curious people and don't know how far is too far. This is one of those scenarios. Sin looks so good which is primarily why it's so bad. We're lured into the tangled net.
In addition, Eve envisioned a beneficial experience if she ate the fruit even though it wasn't coming from God. Who wouldn't want to have wisdom?!?! Eve came to the conclusion that wisdom couldn't be obtained from God. Eve's delusional here because not all things look good after a while. Just because sin is wrapped in a nice present are you going to accept it? Remember that the truly good things come from the one and only God himself. Have you ever been tricked into believing that you can find good outside of your path with God?
Let us see past the beauty of sin and to its ugliness under the surface. A life with you is the way, Oh Lord.
6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
This is a very notable part of the passage with Adam and Eve. No matter how many times I read it, I still cringe. You know, the dramatic irony that you see all the time, such as when you watch a movie and know someone is going to do something stupid, yet all you can do is watch one suffer in utter agony?
Adam and Eve had until now to ignore the serpent and turn away. Most importantly, they could have trusted God. The serpent tempted Eve so that she'd disobey God. She didn't want to trust God. No...don't do it Adam and Eve!!!!!!!!
Why did Eve go for the forbidden fruit? It simply looked good. As I mentioned yesterday, we tend to be very curious people and don't know how far is too far. This is one of those scenarios. Sin looks so good which is primarily why it's so bad. We're lured into the tangled net.
In addition, Eve envisioned a beneficial experience if she ate the fruit even though it wasn't coming from God. Who wouldn't want to have wisdom?!?! Eve came to the conclusion that wisdom couldn't be obtained from God. Eve's delusional here because not all things look good after a while. Just because sin is wrapped in a nice present are you going to accept it? Remember that the truly good things come from the one and only God himself. Have you ever been tricked into believing that you can find good outside of your path with God?
Let us see past the beauty of sin and to its ugliness under the surface. A life with you is the way, Oh Lord.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Myth: God Can't Be Trusted.
Genesis 3:4-5
4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
The serpent becomes almost more daring as he has brought Eve into a conversation about God's commands. He questions the validity of God's words. After God said to Adam, "You will die," the serpent said, "You won't die." While that seems more hopeful, you can't buy into those words because they didn't come from God.
When we give into sin it often makes us question God's behavior and identity. Does he really love me? Can he be wrong, even if it's just this once? Is this "Almighty God" stuff just hype? If you've gone as far as being tempted by Satan, then it's not very hard to disobey God.
Doubt was rooted in the mind of Eve thanks to the serpent. He questioned God's actions saying that God knows what he can do to you to make you think he has power. In a nutshell, the serpent was saying that God is selfish and he doesn't care and love you. Man, is that a lie!!!
Has sin ever been okay for you by doubting God's power and love? Has something bad ever happened to you that caused you to take it out on him and disobey him?
Lord, let us be convinced of the truth. We know you let your unending power, love, and mercy flow through us all the time.
4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
The serpent becomes almost more daring as he has brought Eve into a conversation about God's commands. He questions the validity of God's words. After God said to Adam, "You will die," the serpent said, "You won't die." While that seems more hopeful, you can't buy into those words because they didn't come from God.
When we give into sin it often makes us question God's behavior and identity. Does he really love me? Can he be wrong, even if it's just this once? Is this "Almighty God" stuff just hype? If you've gone as far as being tempted by Satan, then it's not very hard to disobey God.
Doubt was rooted in the mind of Eve thanks to the serpent. He questioned God's actions saying that God knows what he can do to you to make you think he has power. In a nutshell, the serpent was saying that God is selfish and he doesn't care and love you. Man, is that a lie!!!
Has sin ever been okay for you by doubting God's power and love? Has something bad ever happened to you that caused you to take it out on him and disobey him?
Lord, let us be convinced of the truth. We know you let your unending power, love, and mercy flow through us all the time.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Look, Don't Touch.
Genesis 3:2-3
2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' "
All this week, I want to focus on why we sin. Our sinning is so wrong, but because we are humans, by nature we are apt to sin each and every day of our lives. Thank God for forgiveness. This week we'll look at everything from blaming our sins on others to how it look and/or feels good.
We're so on edge that we can easily be tempted and fall into sin. Eve's response to the serpent seems pretty intelligent. That is, it seemed good initially.
The thing is she added in the part about not touching the fruit. It seems smart for Eve to say that because you may not want to get too close to the forbidden fruit. Plus, why would you touch something you can't eat anyways? Let's go backwards here. Did God ever say you can't touch the fruit?
You may not have thought about it before, but adding to God's word of which he never said, is deceiving yourself. You're foolish and a liar because you're twisting the truth if you do this. Also, when we add our own commands of God, it is a false representation of his character. This is a failed attempt to understand God. Think about it: the snake lied to Eve about God's orders and Eve lied to herself about the issue.
Have you ever added rules to God's rules and made his kingdom more sophisticated than it really is for others? No matter if you're just trying to spread the good news, don't add commandments that God supposedly stated that aren't true.
2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' "
All this week, I want to focus on why we sin. Our sinning is so wrong, but because we are humans, by nature we are apt to sin each and every day of our lives. Thank God for forgiveness. This week we'll look at everything from blaming our sins on others to how it look and/or feels good.
We're so on edge that we can easily be tempted and fall into sin. Eve's response to the serpent seems pretty intelligent. That is, it seemed good initially.
The thing is she added in the part about not touching the fruit. It seems smart for Eve to say that because you may not want to get too close to the forbidden fruit. Plus, why would you touch something you can't eat anyways? Let's go backwards here. Did God ever say you can't touch the fruit?
You may not have thought about it before, but adding to God's word of which he never said, is deceiving yourself. You're foolish and a liar because you're twisting the truth if you do this. Also, when we add our own commands of God, it is a false representation of his character. This is a failed attempt to understand God. Think about it: the snake lied to Eve about God's orders and Eve lied to herself about the issue.
Have you ever added rules to God's rules and made his kingdom more sophisticated than it really is for others? No matter if you're just trying to spread the good news, don't add commandments that God supposedly stated that aren't true.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Daily Purification.
Psalm 51:1
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
There's been a lot of rain lately here in South Florida and it's the dry season. I don't remember ever having this much rain during the winter. I guess there's the saying when it rains, it pours, right? Once it rains, the ground immediately gets wet and things can become messy especially when we track the mud in from outside. Then we have to clean things up.
That's how our Christian life is sometimes. Specifically, it's what the Holy Spirit does to us. Our body is a temple. However, we often live in the worldly ways which creates a great big moral mess of ourselves interfering with our interaction with God. Realize that it affects your spiritual life by tracking in the mud.
The good news is that when we surrender to God, he removes the muddy track to keep our spiritual relationship in line. Therefore, as I often say: be involved in the Bible and prayer in order to hear God guide you for the sake of your well-being. We can count on God for purifying our souls!
Here's the song "Forgiven" by Sanctus Real. I have to say my favorite line in the song is: "When I don't measure up too much in this life, Oh, I'm a treasure in the arms of Christ."
--EDIT: Forgot to add the song. Here it is!
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 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
There's been a lot of rain lately here in South Florida and it's the dry season. I don't remember ever having this much rain during the winter. I guess there's the saying when it rains, it pours, right? Once it rains, the ground immediately gets wet and things can become messy especially when we track the mud in from outside. Then we have to clean things up.
That's how our Christian life is sometimes. Specifically, it's what the Holy Spirit does to us. Our body is a temple. However, we often live in the worldly ways which creates a great big moral mess of ourselves interfering with our interaction with God. Realize that it affects your spiritual life by tracking in the mud.
The good news is that when we surrender to God, he removes the muddy track to keep our spiritual relationship in line. Therefore, as I often say: be involved in the Bible and prayer in order to hear God guide you for the sake of your well-being. We can count on God for purifying our souls!
Here's the song "Forgiven" by Sanctus Real. I have to say my favorite line in the song is: "When I don't measure up too much in this life, Oh, I'm a treasure in the arms of Christ."
--EDIT: Forgot to add the song. Here it is!
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, February 12, 2010
It's Not About Good Works but Faith.
Galatians 3:3
3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?
Do you remember where you were when you first became a Christian? Maybe you're at the level of understanding now that I'm about to describe. You're full of joy when you find out that you can have a personal relationship unlike any kind with God. While the idea of God loving you forever feels good, it may be slightly unbelievable to you. I've said it recently: don't feel like you have to earn or work for this love because you can't. If you do, you're going to build yourself up and then get burnt out. Whatever you do, don't lose your passion for Christ. The bottom line is that grace isn't received from doing good works.
I believe that many times throughout your Christian walk you have to stop and think, reevaluating many things. In this case, you have to understand if you're doing good just to try and earn grace. Each time you may be headed in the wrong direction, let this self-evaluation realign your path.
I know there's been a difference with me since I first discovered my faith. I volunteer at church, but I now do so because I love and trust God, not because I want to earn his gifts. Go about today loving God just as you are. Oh Lord, reveal the truth of your grace, love, and mercy.
3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?
Do you remember where you were when you first became a Christian? Maybe you're at the level of understanding now that I'm about to describe. You're full of joy when you find out that you can have a personal relationship unlike any kind with God. While the idea of God loving you forever feels good, it may be slightly unbelievable to you. I've said it recently: don't feel like you have to earn or work for this love because you can't. If you do, you're going to build yourself up and then get burnt out. Whatever you do, don't lose your passion for Christ. The bottom line is that grace isn't received from doing good works.
I believe that many times throughout your Christian walk you have to stop and think, reevaluating many things. In this case, you have to understand if you're doing good just to try and earn grace. Each time you may be headed in the wrong direction, let this self-evaluation realign your path.
I know there's been a difference with me since I first discovered my faith. I volunteer at church, but I now do so because I love and trust God, not because I want to earn his gifts. Go about today loving God just as you are. Oh Lord, reveal the truth of your grace, love, and mercy.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Needs from God.
Psalm 40:17
17 Yet I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, do not delay.
What do you need (from God)? You know, the way in which you answer says everything about you. Be careful how often you "need".
The real problem is that we look at God in the wrong way sometimes. He's not just there for our safety - when we absolutely need his security such as when we're in big trouble. He's there all the time, whether you need him or not.
David composed music and poetry. He was a powerful king of the holy land of Israel. He viewed God a little differently.
David said, "I am poor and needy." The thing is that he didn't go to God just because he was in trouble. He wanted to let God know that he trusted God and that God was his only hope. He knew that his life depended on God and he told God that.
How much do you need from God? Everything...all the time? Do you occasionally need him when you're in a rut?
As strange as this may sound, ask God to have you become more needy of him in the sense that you depend on him 100 percent of the time.
17 Yet I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, do not delay.
What do you need (from God)? You know, the way in which you answer says everything about you. Be careful how often you "need".
The real problem is that we look at God in the wrong way sometimes. He's not just there for our safety - when we absolutely need his security such as when we're in big trouble. He's there all the time, whether you need him or not.
David composed music and poetry. He was a powerful king of the holy land of Israel. He viewed God a little differently.
David said, "I am poor and needy." The thing is that he didn't go to God just because he was in trouble. He wanted to let God know that he trusted God and that God was his only hope. He knew that his life depended on God and he told God that.
How much do you need from God? Everything...all the time? Do you occasionally need him when you're in a rut?
As strange as this may sound, ask God to have you become more needy of him in the sense that you depend on him 100 percent of the time.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Be Happy.
Psalm 40:16
16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say,
"The LORD be exalted!"
God wants you to be happy, no doubt about it. However, be careful how you interpret that statement. The truth is the truth, but some people turn it into something extremely deceiving.
It's not about fulfilling your greatest addiction to keep you happy or not going to church because it doesn't make you happy. God IS what it's all about.
David asks that we follow God's will for us. God has one specifically for every one of you. Nonetheless, we are to find happiness in God. His goodness, his mercy, and his love should be one of many reasons to be joyful. When we see miracles and amazing things happen before our eyes, King David expects us to Praise God.
Do you ever feel glad because of God's goodness? What would happen if we didn't?
Go forth today, and be happy in the Lord.
16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say,
"The LORD be exalted!"
God wants you to be happy, no doubt about it. However, be careful how you interpret that statement. The truth is the truth, but some people turn it into something extremely deceiving.
It's not about fulfilling your greatest addiction to keep you happy or not going to church because it doesn't make you happy. God IS what it's all about.
David asks that we follow God's will for us. God has one specifically for every one of you. Nonetheless, we are to find happiness in God. His goodness, his mercy, and his love should be one of many reasons to be joyful. When we see miracles and amazing things happen before our eyes, King David expects us to Praise God.
Do you ever feel glad because of God's goodness? What would happen if we didn't?
Go forth today, and be happy in the Lord.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Shame on Enemies.
Psalm 40:13-15
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me;
O LORD, come quickly to help me.
14 May all who seek to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
15 May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!"
be appalled at their own shame.
There's a significant change in David's discussion here. Throughout the chapter, David talks about God's goodness. He then, as we discussed yesterday, acknowledges the fact that he's a huge sinner. Now he wants to disgrace his enemies!
David came from a unique perspective, however. His enemies of Israel were also God's enemies. Therefore, David's not being as arrogant as he sounds.
David nonetheless is being an honest man and asking God for what he wants like we all tend to do sometimes. When in reality, God doesn't owe us anything for we have sinned a number of times. Even though we ask for all of God's mercy and grace, and it's beyond what we deserve, God expects us to do this because he has created us 'perfect in his eyes.'
Honestly, how many times do you hesitate to ask God for help because you feel like you don't deserve it? Probably not very much. Still, you can ask him for help and he will guide you with his great love and mercy.
He hears us even though we're undeserving because of his forgiveness. Thank God! We receive so many awesome gifts from our God. What has God given you just because he loves you and what has he given you because you actually deserve it?
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me;
O LORD, come quickly to help me.
14 May all who seek to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
15 May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!"
be appalled at their own shame.
There's a significant change in David's discussion here. Throughout the chapter, David talks about God's goodness. He then, as we discussed yesterday, acknowledges the fact that he's a huge sinner. Now he wants to disgrace his enemies!
David came from a unique perspective, however. His enemies of Israel were also God's enemies. Therefore, David's not being as arrogant as he sounds.
David nonetheless is being an honest man and asking God for what he wants like we all tend to do sometimes. When in reality, God doesn't owe us anything for we have sinned a number of times. Even though we ask for all of God's mercy and grace, and it's beyond what we deserve, God expects us to do this because he has created us 'perfect in his eyes.'
Honestly, how many times do you hesitate to ask God for help because you feel like you don't deserve it? Probably not very much. Still, you can ask him for help and he will guide you with his great love and mercy.
He hears us even though we're undeserving because of his forgiveness. Thank God! We receive so many awesome gifts from our God. What has God given you just because he loves you and what has he given you because you actually deserve it?
Monday, February 8, 2010
Wading Through Sin.
Psalm 40:11-12
11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;
may your love and your truth always protect me.
12 For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.
As we start a new week, still discussing Psalm 40, it almost seems like there's been a shift in David's tone. He went from praising God to needing God's help because of the big sinner he is. Quite frankly, he's not the only one who's a sinner. We all are.
It happens though. Our mindset can change very quickly. As we look into the goodness of God, it is easy to notice how kind, generous, and loving he is. However, when we look at ourselves in the mirror, it's hard to say the same all the time. We think God has all this goodness but then where's mine today?
Notice how David can't see past his own sinning. Clearly, David is aware of his poor choices. Therefore, he begs to the unfailing God of all for forgiveness and mercy to let him see past his sins.
As you grow closer to God, expect to become more aware of your (sinful) choices. Sometimes the devil uses them to pull us away. Nonetheless, thank God for sending Christ to have an awful death just so we could have a place on his cross!
May the differences between God's goodness and your goodness give you more understanding and a greater desire to be more him.
Have a great week!
11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;
may your love and your truth always protect me.
12 For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.
As we start a new week, still discussing Psalm 40, it almost seems like there's been a shift in David's tone. He went from praising God to needing God's help because of the big sinner he is. Quite frankly, he's not the only one who's a sinner. We all are.
It happens though. Our mindset can change very quickly. As we look into the goodness of God, it is easy to notice how kind, generous, and loving he is. However, when we look at ourselves in the mirror, it's hard to say the same all the time. We think God has all this goodness but then where's mine today?
Notice how David can't see past his own sinning. Clearly, David is aware of his poor choices. Therefore, he begs to the unfailing God of all for forgiveness and mercy to let him see past his sins.
As you grow closer to God, expect to become more aware of your (sinful) choices. Sometimes the devil uses them to pull us away. Nonetheless, thank God for sending Christ to have an awful death just so we could have a place on his cross!
May the differences between God's goodness and your goodness give you more understanding and a greater desire to be more him.
Have a great week!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Don't Hide Your Faith.
Psalm 40:9-10
9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips,
as you know, O LORD.
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly.
Yesterday I talked about how David wants us to live for God. Now, how can we respond to God's goodness and holiness?
The most logical thing to do is to talk about God's goodness to others. If we know about it, why not talk about it? Don't be modest and avoid telling your friends about him. Don't forget about telling your friends either. This is important to do for it lets you tell people how much of an impact God's goodness has had on you, personally!
How do we go about talking to others about God? Unseal your lips and be open allowing God's goodness to flow right out of you. Don't worry about whether or not it's the right time to mention God. The person who you talk to about God may not have had nearly all the experiences you have had, if any.
Do you ever go to talk about God but feel you're mouth is just stuck? How could we make it easier? This is where you to turn to God. Ask him for the desire and the strength to tell others the Good News - believers and non-believers. I recommend setting a goal for yourself in regard to this for the upcoming week. For example, say: "I'm going to proclaim God's goodness to one person this week."
9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips,
as you know, O LORD.
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly.
Yesterday I talked about how David wants us to live for God. Now, how can we respond to God's goodness and holiness?
The most logical thing to do is to talk about God's goodness to others. If we know about it, why not talk about it? Don't be modest and avoid telling your friends about him. Don't forget about telling your friends either. This is important to do for it lets you tell people how much of an impact God's goodness has had on you, personally!
How do we go about talking to others about God? Unseal your lips and be open allowing God's goodness to flow right out of you. Don't worry about whether or not it's the right time to mention God. The person who you talk to about God may not have had nearly all the experiences you have had, if any.
Do you ever go to talk about God but feel you're mouth is just stuck? How could we make it easier? This is where you to turn to God. Ask him for the desire and the strength to tell others the Good News - believers and non-believers. I recommend setting a goal for yourself in regard to this for the upcoming week. For example, say: "I'm going to proclaim God's goodness to one person this week."
Friday, February 5, 2010
God's Wants.
Psalm 40:6-8
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.
7 Then I said, "Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.
8 I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."
God doesn't dwell within you using the Holy Spirit for nothing. Part of the reason he's there is for us to experience his altogether and complete goodness. What should we do as a result of this honest to goodness, goodness?
David tells God and all of us that he realizes God isn't looking for worship in the sense of bodily sacrifices, like when David's ears were pierced. God does want his wants, unlike the things we can't always have. While we aren't asked to literally sacrifice ourselves, God wants us to sacrifice our time.
When David saw just how good God was, it changed him forever. It meant that he wasn't to just be at church service on Sundays, instead it meant that he would be ACTIVELY INVOLVED in worshiping the Lord.
David wants you to follow God's will. By doing so, you can live according to his goodness. Think about what you want today and how much of it really is what God would want. Don't get stuck in the rules and rituals of Christianity. Make it unique for you. Finally, let him help you respond to his holiness in a way that he desires for you.
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.
7 Then I said, "Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.
8 I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."
God doesn't dwell within you using the Holy Spirit for nothing. Part of the reason he's there is for us to experience his altogether and complete goodness. What should we do as a result of this honest to goodness, goodness?
David tells God and all of us that he realizes God isn't looking for worship in the sense of bodily sacrifices, like when David's ears were pierced. God does want his wants, unlike the things we can't always have. While we aren't asked to literally sacrifice ourselves, God wants us to sacrifice our time.
When David saw just how good God was, it changed him forever. It meant that he wasn't to just be at church service on Sundays, instead it meant that he would be ACTIVELY INVOLVED in worshiping the Lord.
David wants you to follow God's will. By doing so, you can live according to his goodness. Think about what you want today and how much of it really is what God would want. Don't get stuck in the rules and rituals of Christianity. Make it unique for you. Finally, let him help you respond to his holiness in a way that he desires for you.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wondrous God.
Psalm 40:5
5 Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.
The biggest mistake that non-believers make is thinking that we as Christians don't struggle with what life has to offer. Everyone experiences issues and critical decisions, but Christians have God to seek for guidance - that's the significant difference. Still, even with this guidance we can get caught in the whirlwind all around us and sometimes relate good circumstances to how glorious God is and vice-versa.
The thing is one lousy day or one really good day can quickly flip-flop the next. There is no way we can interpret day-to-day God's plans for us (based on the events). It's all about seeing the forest for the trees!
With that said, do understand God's goodness and the evidence of that around you. This will give you a beautiful display of God to share with others starting today.
If you're ever ready to call judgment on God just because of only one day of your life, then try and refrain from that mindset. Think about all the positives in your life and certainly praise God for those. Ask God to help you live according to his will and to be grateful even when things aren't going so smoothly.
Feel free to go back to December 3 and listen to "God of Wonders" by Chris Tomlin.
5 Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.
The biggest mistake that non-believers make is thinking that we as Christians don't struggle with what life has to offer. Everyone experiences issues and critical decisions, but Christians have God to seek for guidance - that's the significant difference. Still, even with this guidance we can get caught in the whirlwind all around us and sometimes relate good circumstances to how glorious God is and vice-versa.
The thing is one lousy day or one really good day can quickly flip-flop the next. There is no way we can interpret day-to-day God's plans for us (based on the events). It's all about seeing the forest for the trees!
With that said, do understand God's goodness and the evidence of that around you. This will give you a beautiful display of God to share with others starting today.
If you're ever ready to call judgment on God just because of only one day of your life, then try and refrain from that mindset. Think about all the positives in your life and certainly praise God for those. Ask God to help you live according to his will and to be grateful even when things aren't going so smoothly.
Feel free to go back to December 3 and listen to "God of Wonders" by Chris Tomlin.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Our Trust.
Psalm 40:4
4 Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
What's your trust? Is it money? Will it be money someday you get while working some of your first jobs? Is it physical attractiveness? These are just a few examples of what some of us consider to be our trust.
In David's time, everyone seemed to believe in a God. Even if it wasn't the same God, they believed in something. They also believed everything happened for a reason, good or bad.
A lot of times we look up to those who have higher class than us and we try to imitate what they do. The funny thing is that fails us. Quit trying to be someone or something you're not. Be like God!
Take some time and think about what you trust. God should be our greatest source of trust. He has every right to be acknowledged. God is the provider of joy.
Have you ever thought about what life would be like if everyone tried to be exactly like famous people? Ask God to let you go to him with great trust everyday.
4 Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
What's your trust? Is it money? Will it be money someday you get while working some of your first jobs? Is it physical attractiveness? These are just a few examples of what some of us consider to be our trust.
In David's time, everyone seemed to believe in a God. Even if it wasn't the same God, they believed in something. They also believed everything happened for a reason, good or bad.
A lot of times we look up to those who have higher class than us and we try to imitate what they do. The funny thing is that fails us. Quit trying to be someone or something you're not. Be like God!
Take some time and think about what you trust. God should be our greatest source of trust. He has every right to be acknowledged. God is the provider of joy.
Have you ever thought about what life would be like if everyone tried to be exactly like famous people? Ask God to let you go to him with great trust everyday.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Music is a Gift from God.
Psalm 40:3
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.
Doesn't it seem like now, more than ever, people love music? I know I do. I'm sure that's certainly true for many others with all the gadgets online, including music which is right at our fingertips. Technology has allowed CDs to be replaced by iPods. It has revolutionized the music industry in many ways; some ways are good and some that have negative impacts. I know it certainly has increased illegal downloads online, which definitely hurts musicians.
Anyway, I must say the only music that truly satisfies me is Christian music. While I do have some secular songs (just rock) on my iPod, I primarily ignore it and go right to the good stuff. When I'm driving, I choose to listen to Christian music.
Even in the Bible's time, music was good. David says that music brings out the best of God. God rewrites the mp3 players and iPods of our heart by saving us from the world's destruction and heartache. If you listen to God's music, it gives you reasons to sing about the joy that God has which he brings to us on a level which we can receive. Finally, have you ever noticed how everyday you hear a song on the Christian radio that describes how your day is going? It's not a coincidence!
Do you sing songs enough to God to show how you truly feel about him? Don't be afraid to sing a little about our one and only loving God...even if it's not in church. Worship God when you feel comfortable and soon it won't matter where you are...you will always worship him!
Given today's devotion, I must add in some music today!
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.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.
Doesn't it seem like now, more than ever, people love music? I know I do. I'm sure that's certainly true for many others with all the gadgets online, including music which is right at our fingertips. Technology has allowed CDs to be replaced by iPods. It has revolutionized the music industry in many ways; some ways are good and some that have negative impacts. I know it certainly has increased illegal downloads online, which definitely hurts musicians.
Anyway, I must say the only music that truly satisfies me is Christian music. While I do have some secular songs (just rock) on my iPod, I primarily ignore it and go right to the good stuff. When I'm driving, I choose to listen to Christian music.
Even in the Bible's time, music was good. David says that music brings out the best of God. God rewrites the mp3 players and iPods of our heart by saving us from the world's destruction and heartache. If you listen to God's music, it gives you reasons to sing about the joy that God has which he brings to us on a level which we can receive. Finally, have you ever noticed how everyday you hear a song on the Christian radio that describes how your day is going? It's not a coincidence!
Do you sing songs enough to God to show how you truly feel about him? Don't be afraid to sing a little about our one and only loving God...even if it's not in church. Worship God when you feel comfortable and soon it won't matter where you are...you will always worship him!
Given today's devotion, I must add in some music today!
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it "buffer" (load) as it's called for a while. You will see the red bar along the bottom advance (speed depends on your Internet connection). Wait until that bar gets pretty far along (I'd say more than halfway) before you play the video and it shouldn't pause.
Monday, February 1, 2010
God is Good Even When You're Waiting.
Psalm 40:1-2
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
It's the first day of the workweek and first day of February already. I'm going to kick off the first week or so talking about Psalm 40. David talks about times when he's in despair in this chapter. He more or less is anxious. So we'll take a closer look at that.
I want to start off by asking you how good is your God? Time to step off the pedestal for a minute and think about this question. Let your thoughts be not of you right now.
When you see something that's worthy of God-like behavior, doesn't it feel pretty good? Why is that? Because it's true! God is mighty.
It also feels good because the bottom line is God is our God and we're a part of his family. This was all possible because of the blood of Jesus. Go ahead, and remind others of God's goodness by mentioning he's a God of endless love and endless mercy.
Meanwhile, it's a wonderful feeling to be rescued by anyone, but in particular, rescued by God. Eventually you learn to trust him and lean on him. He's never late, which can help you have patience. Finally, once he picks you up, he always puts your feet on solid ground.
Make an extra effort to talk about God wherever you go today. Also, if you are waiting on God today, he's still the same good God that he was yesterday, trust me. Just wait patiently.
Listen to "Came To My Rescue" by Hillsong today. It's the first time I've heard it and it's beautiful!
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 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
It's the first day of the workweek and first day of February already. I'm going to kick off the first week or so talking about Psalm 40. David talks about times when he's in despair in this chapter. He more or less is anxious. So we'll take a closer look at that.
I want to start off by asking you how good is your God? Time to step off the pedestal for a minute and think about this question. Let your thoughts be not of you right now.
When you see something that's worthy of God-like behavior, doesn't it feel pretty good? Why is that? Because it's true! God is mighty.
It also feels good because the bottom line is God is our God and we're a part of his family. This was all possible because of the blood of Jesus. Go ahead, and remind others of God's goodness by mentioning he's a God of endless love and endless mercy.
Meanwhile, it's a wonderful feeling to be rescued by anyone, but in particular, rescued by God. Eventually you learn to trust him and lean on him. He's never late, which can help you have patience. Finally, once he picks you up, he always puts your feet on solid ground.
Make an extra effort to talk about God wherever you go today. Also, if you are waiting on God today, he's still the same good God that he was yesterday, trust me. Just wait patiently.
Listen to "Came To My Rescue" by Hillsong today. It's the first time I've heard it and it's beautiful!
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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