2 Timothy 2:23-24
23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because
you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be
quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
You know what's really amazing about Jesus? He always had a strong deal of respect toward others. Every single moment of his life on Earth, he interacted with people and didn't ignore those who opposed him.
There are the judgmental people, those who believe they are superior, and stubborn - that is, there is no way Christ could have any influence about their decisions about whether or not to believe in God. Jesus was a man of his words and never gave up on his teachings. However, he didn't argue with those who didn't accept him. In fact, he forgives our sins and forgives those disobey those who disrespect God. Still, he taught them about God and how he loves. Overall, he treated these people with great respect. One important reminder is that he waited on the cross to die, he prayed for those who were killing him! That had to have been hard to do.
Be sure and be respectful to everyone who interact with. Have a great day!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Think Before You...Punch Back.
Leviticus 19:18
18 " 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Imagine yourself in the following situation: Someone acts in a harmful manner toward you, emotionally and physically. Do you fire back with a vengeance too? What goes around comes around, right? Wrong, sorta!
I guess when you say that phrase the whole idea that whatever you do can come back to haunt you, is true. On the other hand, if you interpret that saying as meaning "I can cause the same pain back on the person who caused me pain," then you're a little delusional.
It is easier just to have the idea in our idea that after someone does something toward us, we can come back and do the same. This is very narrow-minded thinking on our part if we take upon this opportunity for revenge. Instead, we should look at the big picture. It's not going to help me in the long run if I inflict pain on someone else. I don't think I'm going to regret not acting in revenge toward someone 10 years from now, so refrain from revenge and grudges at all costs.
The bottom line is that it's a matter of forgiveness. Everyone messes up. If the conflict is dropped, chances are less and less conflicts will occur (especially with the same person). If you exhibit a weak tolerance level, then the person could come back for more and could torture you because they watch how you act each time.
18 " 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Imagine yourself in the following situation: Someone acts in a harmful manner toward you, emotionally and physically. Do you fire back with a vengeance too? What goes around comes around, right? Wrong, sorta!
I guess when you say that phrase the whole idea that whatever you do can come back to haunt you, is true. On the other hand, if you interpret that saying as meaning "I can cause the same pain back on the person who caused me pain," then you're a little delusional.
It is easier just to have the idea in our idea that after someone does something toward us, we can come back and do the same. This is very narrow-minded thinking on our part if we take upon this opportunity for revenge. Instead, we should look at the big picture. It's not going to help me in the long run if I inflict pain on someone else. I don't think I'm going to regret not acting in revenge toward someone 10 years from now, so refrain from revenge and grudges at all costs.
The bottom line is that it's a matter of forgiveness. Everyone messes up. If the conflict is dropped, chances are less and less conflicts will occur (especially with the same person). If you exhibit a weak tolerance level, then the person could come back for more and could torture you because they watch how you act each time.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Sacred Union.
Psalm 133
1 How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Yes, this is one whole Psalm. Just because it's only three verses long doesn't mean it's not important. It discusses unity...something that we should be striving for everyday.
Living in unity and harmony is pleasurable. Take a minute and think about all your good memories. Chances are, you had more fun when you were spending time with others, whether it be family or friends. Think of the importance of working together in unity if you're a construction worker (you need extra hands in many cases to get the job done). What about that grand slam in baseball last night? That wouldn't have happened unless there was some kind of interaction and unity among the team.
Think about it...unity and harmony = peace. Isn't this what God wants? Oh, it sounds so easy...If only, the people of the world would be more unified!
God hopes that we live in unity. He really wants you to be connected to him. Call it the "sacred union," as my Spanish teacher would say (she used this phrase as she taught us a new verb tense recently).
God wants you to then live in harmony with others as well. So to do this:
Make sure you have a strong, healthy relationship, improve what you needs to be changed, and don't let simple things block you from unity!
“United we stand; divided we fall” ~Aesop
1 How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Yes, this is one whole Psalm. Just because it's only three verses long doesn't mean it's not important. It discusses unity...something that we should be striving for everyday.
Living in unity and harmony is pleasurable. Take a minute and think about all your good memories. Chances are, you had more fun when you were spending time with others, whether it be family or friends. Think of the importance of working together in unity if you're a construction worker (you need extra hands in many cases to get the job done). What about that grand slam in baseball last night? That wouldn't have happened unless there was some kind of interaction and unity among the team.
Think about it...unity and harmony = peace. Isn't this what God wants? Oh, it sounds so easy...If only, the people of the world would be more unified!
God hopes that we live in unity. He really wants you to be connected to him. Call it the "sacred union," as my Spanish teacher would say (she used this phrase as she taught us a new verb tense recently).
God wants you to then live in harmony with others as well. So to do this:
Make sure you have a strong, healthy relationship, improve what you needs to be changed, and don't let simple things block you from unity!
“United we stand; divided we fall” ~Aesop
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Carrying Each Oher's Burdens.
Galatians 6:2
2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
We've all probably had at least one example in our lives where we had the opportunity to help someone and give them advice but nothing came out out of our mouths. For whatever reason, we were speechless. Sometimes all we can do is empathize, if that's the right word. That is, sit down and feel the pain of the individual. Sometimes we're so close to them that it's hard not to cry with them. Sometimes it really is the best thing to do because maybe words can't express and do justice in this situation.
Today's verse is telling us to "carry each other's burdens." That means listening and caring for someone along with providing a shoulder for one to cry on during a difficult time. This is following the example of Jesus - loving our neighbor. This is a way to restore one's inner peace.
The ways you can approach this call are endless...
Just put yourself in somebody else's shoes as the old cliche goes. During this time, give them your undivided attention. It's not the time to think about yourself.
Ask questions to show your want to understand and care.
Pray for the person experiencing the burdens. Better yet, pray with them. This way, they can potentially experience God in a whole new way (giver of inner peace) or perhaps for the first time.
Also, encourage them. Simply say, "You'll get through this" and explain why you think so.
Lastly, do all of these things whole-heartedly...not just because "it's right."
"A sacred burden is this life ye bear: Look on it, lift it, bear it solemnly, Stand up and walk beneath it steadfastly. Fail not for sorrow, falter not for sin, But onward, upward, till the goal ye win." ~Frances Anne Kemble
2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
We've all probably had at least one example in our lives where we had the opportunity to help someone and give them advice but nothing came out out of our mouths. For whatever reason, we were speechless. Sometimes all we can do is empathize, if that's the right word. That is, sit down and feel the pain of the individual. Sometimes we're so close to them that it's hard not to cry with them. Sometimes it really is the best thing to do because maybe words can't express and do justice in this situation.
Today's verse is telling us to "carry each other's burdens." That means listening and caring for someone along with providing a shoulder for one to cry on during a difficult time. This is following the example of Jesus - loving our neighbor. This is a way to restore one's inner peace.
The ways you can approach this call are endless...
Just put yourself in somebody else's shoes as the old cliche goes. During this time, give them your undivided attention. It's not the time to think about yourself.
Ask questions to show your want to understand and care.
Pray for the person experiencing the burdens. Better yet, pray with them. This way, they can potentially experience God in a whole new way (giver of inner peace) or perhaps for the first time.
Also, encourage them. Simply say, "You'll get through this" and explain why you think so.
Lastly, do all of these things whole-heartedly...not just because "it's right."
"A sacred burden is this life ye bear: Look on it, lift it, bear it solemnly, Stand up and walk beneath it steadfastly. Fail not for sorrow, falter not for sin, But onward, upward, till the goal ye win." ~Frances Anne Kemble
Monday, May 11, 2009
Gaining Inner Peace.
Jeremiah 6:13-14
13 "From the least to the greatest,
all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
all practice deceit.
14 They dress the wound of my people
as though it were not serious.
'Peace, peace,' they say,
when there is no peace.
Theoretically it doesn't seem hard to define peace, now does it? Here's what the theoretical list would look like:
*the opposite of war...a peace treaty
*little argument and disagreement
*living in harmony
Although the first star is what you may think of first when peace is mentioned, it's not limited to that. Peace exists from the war front to your personal relationships that exist.
In Jeremiah's writing you can see that the people back then didn't have a whole lot of inner peace. They were definitely greedy. They were deceitful. They weren't serious. They were ignoring everything - even the emotional pain - imagining as if it wasn't there. When really, there a large wound was engraved into their soul.
Do you have a sense of inner peace? You may have a grudge. You may have just been in an argument the other day that is still unresolved. Then you say, "Oh well, I'm just going to move on and let it go and hold it inside of me forever." Don't do this because it tears you up into pieces (no pun intended). You may be able to live with pain, rather than resolve the issue. However, you really should surrender these feelings because it will calm your insides and keep them under control. It will give you inner peace.
I know at Acquire the Fire they told us just to let go of the nonsense stuff that was inhibiting inner peace...the grudges, the situations that we have not forgiven or given to God. We were invited to the floor to get on our knees and give it to the Lord. It was a great relief to do this. We prayed for several minutes aloud like this. You should do this if you're struggling with a forgiveness issue.
If you don't feel the tension relax during these moments, do the following:
1. Keep praying over the coming days. God will give you strength during a situation like this.
2. Pray for the person you're trying to forgive. Give it to God.
3. If you feel comfortable enough, discuss it with this person.
Chances are your friend is looking for the same inner peace. God will help you all the way!
“To attain inner peace you must actually give your life, not just your possessions. When you at last give your life - bringing into alignment your beliefs and the way you live then, and only then, can you begin to find inner peace.” ~Peace Pilgrim
13 "From the least to the greatest,
all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
all practice deceit.
14 They dress the wound of my people
as though it were not serious.
'Peace, peace,' they say,
when there is no peace.
Theoretically it doesn't seem hard to define peace, now does it? Here's what the theoretical list would look like:
*the opposite of war...a peace treaty
*little argument and disagreement
*living in harmony
Although the first star is what you may think of first when peace is mentioned, it's not limited to that. Peace exists from the war front to your personal relationships that exist.
In Jeremiah's writing you can see that the people back then didn't have a whole lot of inner peace. They were definitely greedy. They were deceitful. They weren't serious. They were ignoring everything - even the emotional pain - imagining as if it wasn't there. When really, there a large wound was engraved into their soul.
Do you have a sense of inner peace? You may have a grudge. You may have just been in an argument the other day that is still unresolved. Then you say, "Oh well, I'm just going to move on and let it go and hold it inside of me forever." Don't do this because it tears you up into pieces (no pun intended). You may be able to live with pain, rather than resolve the issue. However, you really should surrender these feelings because it will calm your insides and keep them under control. It will give you inner peace.
I know at Acquire the Fire they told us just to let go of the nonsense stuff that was inhibiting inner peace...the grudges, the situations that we have not forgiven or given to God. We were invited to the floor to get on our knees and give it to the Lord. It was a great relief to do this. We prayed for several minutes aloud like this. You should do this if you're struggling with a forgiveness issue.
If you don't feel the tension relax during these moments, do the following:
1. Keep praying over the coming days. God will give you strength during a situation like this.
2. Pray for the person you're trying to forgive. Give it to God.
3. If you feel comfortable enough, discuss it with this person.
Chances are your friend is looking for the same inner peace. God will help you all the way!
“To attain inner peace you must actually give your life, not just your possessions. When you at last give your life - bringing into alignment your beliefs and the way you live then, and only then, can you begin to find inner peace.” ~Peace Pilgrim
Friday, May 8, 2009
God's Power Existing in You.
John 14:12-13
12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
Not only does this part of John mention that Jesus is God, but Jesus said there would be more examples of his genuine power in the future - letting the disciples witness it first hand.
It was surely incomprehensible at the time, but the disciples soon experienced out-of-this-world miracles that only happened because of God's awesome power. I repeat, that's the only way such miracles happened!
Have you seen the power of Christ come from within you unexpectedly? Maybe your attitude changed toward God and his creation. Whatever it was, it was probably a shock. You may have realized that you are peaceful and meaningful no matter how your circumstances are delivered...even if you're caught in the moment. I can't tell you of a better example of God's mighty power than when he uses your brokenness to mold you into goodness.
Pray careful attention for when the power of God is seen as you go about your day. Thank him and show gratitude for him sacrificing his Son so you could see God in flesh.
12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
Not only does this part of John mention that Jesus is God, but Jesus said there would be more examples of his genuine power in the future - letting the disciples witness it first hand.
It was surely incomprehensible at the time, but the disciples soon experienced out-of-this-world miracles that only happened because of God's awesome power. I repeat, that's the only way such miracles happened!
Have you seen the power of Christ come from within you unexpectedly? Maybe your attitude changed toward God and his creation. Whatever it was, it was probably a shock. You may have realized that you are peaceful and meaningful no matter how your circumstances are delivered...even if you're caught in the moment. I can't tell you of a better example of God's mighty power than when he uses your brokenness to mold you into goodness.
Pray careful attention for when the power of God is seen as you go about your day. Thank him and show gratitude for him sacrificing his Son so you could see God in flesh.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Evidence of Miracles.
John 14:11
11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.
We've been talking about fears the last few days, but now I'm going to switch gears and talk about how God works.
What are ways that supports the idea that Jesus was the Son of God?
1. He acted like God
2. He was filled with the words of God.
3. He had God's strong sense of power within him.
Imagine what it'd be like seeing these things in Jesus before your very eyes just like the disciples did. It must have been astonishing to see Jesus feed thousands, to see him heal a leper, and to see him walk on water.
If I saw these things I don't think I'd be able to question whether or not God is in Jesus. HE IS GOD IN FLESH!
Would there be a spike in your faith and spiritual life if you were an eyewitness to the miraculous events that Christ performed? If it helps, imagine yourself in their shoes. I don't think we should expect any miracles from God to understand that Jesus is God, however. We just need to appreciate him for displaying his strong power here on Earth.
11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.
We've been talking about fears the last few days, but now I'm going to switch gears and talk about how God works.
What are ways that supports the idea that Jesus was the Son of God?
1. He acted like God
2. He was filled with the words of God.
3. He had God's strong sense of power within him.
Imagine what it'd be like seeing these things in Jesus before your very eyes just like the disciples did. It must have been astonishing to see Jesus feed thousands, to see him heal a leper, and to see him walk on water.
If I saw these things I don't think I'd be able to question whether or not God is in Jesus. HE IS GOD IN FLESH!
Would there be a spike in your faith and spiritual life if you were an eyewitness to the miraculous events that Christ performed? If it helps, imagine yourself in their shoes. I don't think we should expect any miracles from God to understand that Jesus is God, however. We just need to appreciate him for displaying his strong power here on Earth.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Defining Fear in the Little Messenger That Could.
Jeremiah 1:4-8
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
There's not a whole lot you can say about fear without it getting too repetitious, at least from my perspective at this time. Just trust in God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul. That's the bottom line.
Let's talk about Jeremiah for a minute. He was a messenger that was definitely frightened, but he had a message and he ran with it. What did Jeremiah fear? Death and ridicule. He was a man of word and always told God his honest feelings. However, he still obeyed God and his message proved to be true after all. Unlike Jeremiah, those who ignore and disobey God should be fearful. God has a game plan for you and the truth is...no one will be free of suffering. Thank God for existing, because he allows us to stand up and confront our fears.
Nick, who I mentioned last week, brought up the topic about fearing God. The world has every reason to be afraid, yet if you really believe in God there's no reason. There's an old saying that "You have nothing to fear, except for fear itself!" In fact, Nick told us at Acquire the Fire that fear stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. Isn't that great?!?!
I told you a couple days ago that fear is one of Satan's ways to drag you down and away from God. Fear makes you believe what is unreal and unbelievable. So when you see fear approaching, remember it's never a reality.
Today matters for there IS a tomorrow. I don't care if the swine flu comes into your town overnight. It's a natural event that has to run its course. There's always going to be something, so just focus on God! You can't make changes so that you can avoid things in life. You can't just keep putting things off.
Think about the things that are stopping you, if you don't know already. If you're ready to get past your fears today, look at FEAR in the face and say "I've had enough; I'm all about the reality!"
Watch and listen to the song "This Is Our God" by Chris Tomlin.
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it "buffer" (load) as it's called for a while. You will see the red bar along the bottom advance (speed depends on your Internet connection). Wait until that bar gets pretty far along (I'd say more than halfway) before you play the video and it shouldn't pause.
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
There's not a whole lot you can say about fear without it getting too repetitious, at least from my perspective at this time. Just trust in God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul. That's the bottom line.
Let's talk about Jeremiah for a minute. He was a messenger that was definitely frightened, but he had a message and he ran with it. What did Jeremiah fear? Death and ridicule. He was a man of word and always told God his honest feelings. However, he still obeyed God and his message proved to be true after all. Unlike Jeremiah, those who ignore and disobey God should be fearful. God has a game plan for you and the truth is...no one will be free of suffering. Thank God for existing, because he allows us to stand up and confront our fears.
Nick, who I mentioned last week, brought up the topic about fearing God. The world has every reason to be afraid, yet if you really believe in God there's no reason. There's an old saying that "You have nothing to fear, except for fear itself!" In fact, Nick told us at Acquire the Fire that fear stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. Isn't that great?!?!
I told you a couple days ago that fear is one of Satan's ways to drag you down and away from God. Fear makes you believe what is unreal and unbelievable. So when you see fear approaching, remember it's never a reality.
Today matters for there IS a tomorrow. I don't care if the swine flu comes into your town overnight. It's a natural event that has to run its course. There's always going to be something, so just focus on God! You can't make changes so that you can avoid things in life. You can't just keep putting things off.
Think about the things that are stopping you, if you don't know already. If you're ready to get past your fears today, look at FEAR in the face and say "I've had enough; I'm all about the reality!"
Watch and listen to the song "This Is Our God" by Chris Tomlin.
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it "buffer" (load) as it's called for a while. You will see the red bar along the bottom advance (speed depends on your Internet connection). Wait until that bar gets pretty far along (I'd say more than halfway) before you play the video and it shouldn't pause.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Replace Fear with Trust.
Psalm 56:3-6, 11-13
3 When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?
5 All day long they twist my words;
they are always plotting to harm me.
6 They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps,
eager to take my life.
11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
12 I am under vows to you, O God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.
13 For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.
Living in fear is a dark place. It certainly isn't pleasant. Fear can hold you back from living an enjoyable life and nobody wants that. How do we swerve away from fear? How do we throw fear out the window?
The only answer I have for you is God. Trust in him with everything. Nobody can make you do anything. You're in control! The only way you can grow in faith is to conquer your fears. You must stand your ground. There is never one stumbling moment that God can't help you overcome!
What causes you to have fear? I know it's hard living in a world that throws fear at us left and right. If you walk before God and let him lead the way, there is no question, no doubt, that he will take over and remove any and all fear. He will shine light, something that fear can't possibly withstand. Go forth in an eager manner so that you can remove all fear!
"Fear grows in darkness" ~Dorothy Thompson
3 When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?
5 All day long they twist my words;
they are always plotting to harm me.
6 They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps,
eager to take my life.
11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
12 I am under vows to you, O God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.
13 For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.
Living in fear is a dark place. It certainly isn't pleasant. Fear can hold you back from living an enjoyable life and nobody wants that. How do we swerve away from fear? How do we throw fear out the window?
The only answer I have for you is God. Trust in him with everything. Nobody can make you do anything. You're in control! The only way you can grow in faith is to conquer your fears. You must stand your ground. There is never one stumbling moment that God can't help you overcome!
What causes you to have fear? I know it's hard living in a world that throws fear at us left and right. If you walk before God and let him lead the way, there is no question, no doubt, that he will take over and remove any and all fear. He will shine light, something that fear can't possibly withstand. Go forth in an eager manner so that you can remove all fear!
"Fear grows in darkness" ~Dorothy Thompson
Monday, May 4, 2009
Forget Fear, Remember God.
Psalm 23:4
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
This is arguably one of the most well-known verses when it comes to fear. It clearly shows that God is always with us, step by step. Now that's nothing to be scared about!
Fears may range from simple things like spiders or not being known by your community or even dying. Don't let your greatest fears overcome you. It's just Satan getting in the way because he knows it steals you from God's hands. You have to realize that there is no easy journey. Walking on the right path is going to involve some risky situations, but don't sway or you're end up even in worse conditions.
Imagine dying while you're working diligently for God. I'm not going to list anything specific, but wouldn't that be the best way to die? It's the same as when you hear people say "I want to die doing what I love." If you die while doing something for God, that is courage and there's no doubt you're going to heaven!
When you're fearful there's only one thing you can do: Trust God with everything you have. He will help you get through those moments where you want to scream in fear. If he calls you do something, you can only expect that he will protect you. He doesn't want you to be fearful.
Read all of Psalm 23 today. It will only take you a minute or two!
"People living deeply have no fear of death." ~Anais Nin
"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature." ~Anne Frank
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
This is arguably one of the most well-known verses when it comes to fear. It clearly shows that God is always with us, step by step. Now that's nothing to be scared about!
Fears may range from simple things like spiders or not being known by your community or even dying. Don't let your greatest fears overcome you. It's just Satan getting in the way because he knows it steals you from God's hands. You have to realize that there is no easy journey. Walking on the right path is going to involve some risky situations, but don't sway or you're end up even in worse conditions.
Imagine dying while you're working diligently for God. I'm not going to list anything specific, but wouldn't that be the best way to die? It's the same as when you hear people say "I want to die doing what I love." If you die while doing something for God, that is courage and there's no doubt you're going to heaven!
When you're fearful there's only one thing you can do: Trust God with everything you have. He will help you get through those moments where you want to scream in fear. If he calls you do something, you can only expect that he will protect you. He doesn't want you to be fearful.
Read all of Psalm 23 today. It will only take you a minute or two!
"People living deeply have no fear of death." ~Anais Nin
"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature." ~Anne Frank
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Being Free.
John 8:32
32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
To wrap this wonderful week of devos up, I can't start off today's any better than by praising God for his wonderful work as this is my 200th blog post!
The last concert of last weekend at Acquire the Fire was perhaps the most well-known Christian band of all, Newsboys. They're great. They have great songs like "He Reigns" and "I Am Free." The drummer, Duncan Phillips, is really amazing; he just has something to him that everyone likes. The lead singer who has been there all along, ever since the band started in the 80's, Peter Furler, stepped down recently. We were introduced to the new lead, Michael Tait from DC Talk. There's a different voice, but together Newsboys is still just incredible.
A band that just has such a connection and has been so strong on the Christian rock charts shows an incredible union...not just among the men, but as believers in Christ. This is because the truth of God's Word has opened up avenues and gives stronger connections than ever thought possible.
Christ can impact anyone no matter their qualities, including the blind and deaf. For through him, anything is possible. So, if you follow, believe, and act in the truth, you will be set free!
So many great things occurred at Acquire the Fire. It was really hard to feed it all to my readers over the course of six days. I just wanted to share in a concise manner everything that I learned from such motivated speakers.
I'm leaving you today with a fun song to sing in "I Am Free" by Newsboys.
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it "buffer" (load) as it's called for a while. You will see the red bar along the bottom advance (speed depends on your Internet connection). Wait until that bar gets pretty far along (I'd say more than halfway) before you play the video and it shouldn't pause.
God Bless!
32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
To wrap this wonderful week of devos up, I can't start off today's any better than by praising God for his wonderful work as this is my 200th blog post!
The last concert of last weekend at Acquire the Fire was perhaps the most well-known Christian band of all, Newsboys. They're great. They have great songs like "He Reigns" and "I Am Free." The drummer, Duncan Phillips, is really amazing; he just has something to him that everyone likes. The lead singer who has been there all along, ever since the band started in the 80's, Peter Furler, stepped down recently. We were introduced to the new lead, Michael Tait from DC Talk. There's a different voice, but together Newsboys is still just incredible.
A band that just has such a connection and has been so strong on the Christian rock charts shows an incredible union...not just among the men, but as believers in Christ. This is because the truth of God's Word has opened up avenues and gives stronger connections than ever thought possible.
Christ can impact anyone no matter their qualities, including the blind and deaf. For through him, anything is possible. So, if you follow, believe, and act in the truth, you will be set free!
So many great things occurred at Acquire the Fire. It was really hard to feed it all to my readers over the course of six days. I just wanted to share in a concise manner everything that I learned from such motivated speakers.
I'm leaving you today with a fun song to sing in "I Am Free" by Newsboys.
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it "buffer" (load) as it's called for a while. You will see the red bar along the bottom advance (speed depends on your Internet connection). Wait until that bar gets pretty far along (I'd say more than halfway) before you play the video and it shouldn't pause.
God Bless!
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Provider of Strength.
Psalm 18:32-36
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You give me your shield of victory,
and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great.
36 You broaden the path beneath me,
so that my ankles do not turn.
I'm going to talk about Nick again today, who I talked about yesterday. Again he was an amazing speaker. He had no arms and legs and he was placed on a table so he was up higher and a little easier to see. He would go back and forth between the truth (the Word of God) and the other side of the table where all the lies were wobbling I guess you could see on his little drumstick. The lies are where Satan tells you that you can't make it. You're drowning. You'll never get better. You'll never please God. Then Nick went to the other side and said that bible verses like Jeremiah 29:11 to prove that the devil is so wrong. It's a book that's alive!
To further prove this point he got everyone on the edge of their seats when he said he was going to go over edge of the table and do a double back flip. You know what he said, "Are you kidding, no way, I'd probably break an ankle or something?" He was hilarious! It shows how in such a challenging situation he can make the best of it and it shows God's humor as well.
He lied on his stomach on the table for a while to show what happens when you get in trouble. Then literally he had to work to get up out of that position but he eventually got up and everyone was applauding. This shows what God can do to your life. He can make drastic changes and pick you up again at anytime!
Nick wanted us to know that there is no time to play Satan's games. We need to trust in the Lord. He needs us to get his work done. We need to show and share Christ in our lives. As Nick put it best: "If I don't have arms and legs and I can still be the hands and feet of Jesus then so can you...no matter what!" Those were some of the strongest words I've ever heard!
Watch Nick Vujicic (as promised yesterday) in the video below.
Listen to "Take It All" by Unhindered in the second video.
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it "buffer" (load) as it's called for a while. You will see the red bar along the bottom advance (speed depends on your Internet connection). Wait until that bar gets pretty far along (I'd say more than halfway) before you play the video and it shouldn't pause.
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You give me your shield of victory,
and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great.
36 You broaden the path beneath me,
so that my ankles do not turn.
I'm going to talk about Nick again today, who I talked about yesterday. Again he was an amazing speaker. He had no arms and legs and he was placed on a table so he was up higher and a little easier to see. He would go back and forth between the truth (the Word of God) and the other side of the table where all the lies were wobbling I guess you could see on his little drumstick. The lies are where Satan tells you that you can't make it. You're drowning. You'll never get better. You'll never please God. Then Nick went to the other side and said that bible verses like Jeremiah 29:11 to prove that the devil is so wrong. It's a book that's alive!
To further prove this point he got everyone on the edge of their seats when he said he was going to go over edge of the table and do a double back flip. You know what he said, "Are you kidding, no way, I'd probably break an ankle or something?" He was hilarious! It shows how in such a challenging situation he can make the best of it and it shows God's humor as well.
He lied on his stomach on the table for a while to show what happens when you get in trouble. Then literally he had to work to get up out of that position but he eventually got up and everyone was applauding. This shows what God can do to your life. He can make drastic changes and pick you up again at anytime!
Nick wanted us to know that there is no time to play Satan's games. We need to trust in the Lord. He needs us to get his work done. We need to show and share Christ in our lives. As Nick put it best: "If I don't have arms and legs and I can still be the hands and feet of Jesus then so can you...no matter what!" Those were some of the strongest words I've ever heard!
Watch Nick Vujicic (as promised yesterday) in the video below.
Listen to "Take It All" by Unhindered in the second video.
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it "buffer" (load) as it's called for a while. You will see the red bar along the bottom advance (speed depends on your Internet connection). Wait until that bar gets pretty far along (I'd say more than halfway) before you play the video and it shouldn't pause.
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