Genesis 2:18
18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
It's never fun to be alone. I mean sure, we all need the time sometimes, but we can go crazy if we're alone for too long. There's a logical reason for that though: we're not intended to be alone.
As Christians, we are to spend time with other believers. They can help pull the Satanic messages out of you and cleanse you with what God has to say. We need people who we can turn to whenever need be because in reality, temptation is right there. Also, other believers can help strengthen your faith - they can give you the roots that are necessary to hang on to your faith.
This meeting time with other Christians can give you that extra jump in your step. In other words, their words, actions or presence can impact and be encouraging to you. Friends, who you can count on, can give you comfort and sit down with you bringing you peace from the tension of the world.
I know when I discuss God and his word with my peers, it's beneficial. I'll admit I still have to work on that though. Nonetheless, gracing yourself with the presence of other believers is exactly what Jesus wants you to do so that you can evaluate and assess your faith. With that said, don't ignore those who are non-believers. It's just important that you stay firm to your beliefs while loving them.
“Accountability breeds response-ability.” ~Stephen R. Covey
Enjoy the message and pictures of this video. The song is "Friends" by Michael W. Smith.
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, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Building Endurance.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
This weekend I spent some time volunteering at an annual Cross Country meet. It was the first time I had seen one, let alone been to one. I helped pass out water and snacks with some others from my school.
It was an experience because I learned so much. I realized, man, these runners, and all athletes for that matter, have such endurance. They are so good at what they do. In this case, the runners ran so fast, it was a blur.
They're very focused too. They're so focused that I suppose it makes running easier and it looks easy when they run, to me, but at the same time, I know very well it's not.
Before long, it's about time for the runners to start darting across the finish line, one after the other. I realized there may be a winner, but really everyone who ran that race is a winner. I know it took hard work to get where they are today. It takes a lot of time management. Everyone, including athletes, has their good days and their bad days. Because all of those runners have prepared for months or even years to get to where they are today, they are all winners. It's not the race itself that matters, it's the training and discipline that goes into all this.
Let this scenario be your guide for your spiritual walk. Sometimes you're going to have to up the anny a little. Train yourself (to read and know God's word), Focus yourself (on God), and pace yourself so you can get closer to God each day. Start running!
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
This weekend I spent some time volunteering at an annual Cross Country meet. It was the first time I had seen one, let alone been to one. I helped pass out water and snacks with some others from my school.
It was an experience because I learned so much. I realized, man, these runners, and all athletes for that matter, have such endurance. They are so good at what they do. In this case, the runners ran so fast, it was a blur.
They're very focused too. They're so focused that I suppose it makes running easier and it looks easy when they run, to me, but at the same time, I know very well it's not.
Before long, it's about time for the runners to start darting across the finish line, one after the other. I realized there may be a winner, but really everyone who ran that race is a winner. I know it took hard work to get where they are today. It takes a lot of time management. Everyone, including athletes, has their good days and their bad days. Because all of those runners have prepared for months or even years to get to where they are today, they are all winners. It's not the race itself that matters, it's the training and discipline that goes into all this.
Let this scenario be your guide for your spiritual walk. Sometimes you're going to have to up the anny a little. Train yourself (to read and know God's word), Focus yourself (on God), and pace yourself so you can get closer to God each day. Start running!
Monday, October 12, 2009
God Keeps His Promises
Deuteronomy 7:9
9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
As if you haven't already been able to tell that God is good, he really is good. Not only does he love us and care about us, but he keeps all of his promises. These are qualities that no human can do all the time nor master perfectly. We make the wrong choices sometimes. Think of it this way though: God is so pure, good, and amazing. Breaking a promise involves making some poor choices. This probably means that it's not even possible for God to break a promise.
Have you ever heard someone say, "this behavior is just not like him (or her)." This is the case with God. If God broke a promise, it just wouldn't be like him.
Because God lives up to his word, and keeps his promises, it is easier to trust him. No one wants to trust someone who can't keep their promises, even if it's a best friend. God NEVER EVER broke a promise.
Some of God's most significant promises include that he will love us no matter what and that we have a place specially made for us in heaven. Please realize that you are a child of the great God...who keeps his promises!
In this video, word is enough. It is some proof of God's promises.
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.
9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
As if you haven't already been able to tell that God is good, he really is good. Not only does he love us and care about us, but he keeps all of his promises. These are qualities that no human can do all the time nor master perfectly. We make the wrong choices sometimes. Think of it this way though: God is so pure, good, and amazing. Breaking a promise involves making some poor choices. This probably means that it's not even possible for God to break a promise.
Have you ever heard someone say, "this behavior is just not like him (or her)." This is the case with God. If God broke a promise, it just wouldn't be like him.
Because God lives up to his word, and keeps his promises, it is easier to trust him. No one wants to trust someone who can't keep their promises, even if it's a best friend. God NEVER EVER broke a promise.
Some of God's most significant promises include that he will love us no matter what and that we have a place specially made for us in heaven. Please realize that you are a child of the great God...who keeps his promises!
In this video, word is enough. It is some proof of God's promises.
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, October 10, 2009
Don't Get Too Caught Up in Gifts.
Psalm 27:5-6
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
I always mention that it's necessary to praise God for our blessings and gifts. Looking at the other side of the spectrum, however, I want to ask you: do you ever get so caught up in all the blessings that you receive from God? Yes, God is good, but we have to understand and acknowledge his presence too. We have to remember he has a will for us in the present. God also wants us to have a personal and intimate relationship with him at the same time. Think of God as your best friend. He is a true friend - he will never leave you or betray you.
King David is a good role model in this instance. He knew how vital it was to praise God for his gifts and blessings while dwelling in his house and spirit. If you approach God in this manner, even more blessings will stem from this. You will gain a great deal of joy as well. Just remember that...
...The bottom line is that you should pursue God with all your heart, not just his offerings he gives to you.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
I always mention that it's necessary to praise God for our blessings and gifts. Looking at the other side of the spectrum, however, I want to ask you: do you ever get so caught up in all the blessings that you receive from God? Yes, God is good, but we have to understand and acknowledge his presence too. We have to remember he has a will for us in the present. God also wants us to have a personal and intimate relationship with him at the same time. Think of God as your best friend. He is a true friend - he will never leave you or betray you.
King David is a good role model in this instance. He knew how vital it was to praise God for his gifts and blessings while dwelling in his house and spirit. If you approach God in this manner, even more blessings will stem from this. You will gain a great deal of joy as well. Just remember that...
...The bottom line is that you should pursue God with all your heart, not just his offerings he gives to you.
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Credit Goes to God for Going to Heaven.
Romans 3:10
10 As it is written:
"There is no one righteous, not even one;
There are many misconceptions about getting into heaven. Some people think that just because they're doing good deeds and have lived a good life, a spot is guaranteed for them in heaven. However, if this was the sole criterion for getting into heaven, then as far as I'm concerned, no one would have that privilege and honor.
Paul knew that it's not possible to make pure decisions 100 percent of the time in life. That's what he is referring to in this scripture. However, God didn't hesitate to solve this issue: he sent his only begotten son (see John 3:16). Christ died for our sins to save us from all the unrighteousness that exists. This is suggested by 1 Peter 3:18 as it states: For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.
No reference to reaching heaven is made in the above scriptures. We do not have the power to go to heaven on our own - we need God and we need to thank for sending his son so we can go to heaven, despite our mistakes. Our salvation and entrance to heaven is all thanks to the sacrifice God has made.
With that said, you still have to believe in Christ as your Lord and Savior. The path to heaven is very narrow and Jesus is the only way to stay on that path.
Here's a fabulous video that describes Jesus: "That's My King!"
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.
10 As it is written:
"There is no one righteous, not even one;
There are many misconceptions about getting into heaven. Some people think that just because they're doing good deeds and have lived a good life, a spot is guaranteed for them in heaven. However, if this was the sole criterion for getting into heaven, then as far as I'm concerned, no one would have that privilege and honor.
Paul knew that it's not possible to make pure decisions 100 percent of the time in life. That's what he is referring to in this scripture. However, God didn't hesitate to solve this issue: he sent his only begotten son (see John 3:16). Christ died for our sins to save us from all the unrighteousness that exists. This is suggested by 1 Peter 3:18 as it states: For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.
No reference to reaching heaven is made in the above scriptures. We do not have the power to go to heaven on our own - we need God and we need to thank for sending his son so we can go to heaven, despite our mistakes. Our salvation and entrance to heaven is all thanks to the sacrifice God has made.
With that said, you still have to believe in Christ as your Lord and Savior. The path to heaven is very narrow and Jesus is the only way to stay on that path.
Here's a fabulous video that describes Jesus: "That's My King!"
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it "buffer" (load) as it's called for a while. You will see the red bar along the bottom advance (speed depends on your Internet connection). Wait until that bar gets pretty far along (I'd say more than halfway) before you play the video and it shouldn't pause.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Love Yourself, Then Love Others.
1 John 4:11
11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
It seems like almost everything you can think of has been mentioned recently on my posts. The point about love comes up very frequently. That is because it is so important to grasp the understanding of love as a Christian and there are many different aspects to love. Knowing this very fact, keeps you in tune with the Word of God and God's love.
God loves us a great deal, and it is our responsibility to pass that on to others. There is no doubt that Jesus told us several times to love one another, other than in this verse. In fact, it's mentioned at least once in the first four books of the New Testament.
God loves us, and that makes it so much easier to love others. It's never easy to give away something that doesn't exist. Therefore, if you personally don't openly receive God's love, then what is there to give to others? Keep in mind that God is our model and shows us the 'how to' part of loving others.
Let your love overflow toward others. Make sure you fill up your heart with love today! Go forth receiving love and then in turn giving that love to those who need it.
11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
It seems like almost everything you can think of has been mentioned recently on my posts. The point about love comes up very frequently. That is because it is so important to grasp the understanding of love as a Christian and there are many different aspects to love. Knowing this very fact, keeps you in tune with the Word of God and God's love.
God loves us a great deal, and it is our responsibility to pass that on to others. There is no doubt that Jesus told us several times to love one another, other than in this verse. In fact, it's mentioned at least once in the first four books of the New Testament.
God loves us, and that makes it so much easier to love others. It's never easy to give away something that doesn't exist. Therefore, if you personally don't openly receive God's love, then what is there to give to others? Keep in mind that God is our model and shows us the 'how to' part of loving others.
Let your love overflow toward others. Make sure you fill up your heart with love today! Go forth receiving love and then in turn giving that love to those who need it.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Follow God.
Matthew 7:24-27
24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
You are encountering a severe thunderstorm. The rain is coming down in sheets and lightning strikes frequently. You hear the clank of hail stones on your roof. Finally, a strong gust comes through and your power is out.
These storms often come at a moment's notice. The same can be said for your emotions. Everyone's emotions are toiled some days and can knock us out. In fact, our emotions tend to be fickle.
Additionally, thunderstorms destabilize the atmosphere and therefore result in instability. Again emotions coincide with this concept. Since our emotions and feelings can be a little rocky and unstable, we must be careful not to trust our instincts and feelings 100 percent. It is those who live according to their unpredictable feelings and emotions that leads to our whimsical behavior.
We need to live according to God, not to our feelings. He is the only protection against so much instability. We must solidify our lives on the rock - God - to straighten things out. God is one sturdy rock so I challenge you to take shelter with him to avoid the storm!
24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
You are encountering a severe thunderstorm. The rain is coming down in sheets and lightning strikes frequently. You hear the clank of hail stones on your roof. Finally, a strong gust comes through and your power is out.
These storms often come at a moment's notice. The same can be said for your emotions. Everyone's emotions are toiled some days and can knock us out. In fact, our emotions tend to be fickle.
Additionally, thunderstorms destabilize the atmosphere and therefore result in instability. Again emotions coincide with this concept. Since our emotions and feelings can be a little rocky and unstable, we must be careful not to trust our instincts and feelings 100 percent. It is those who live according to their unpredictable feelings and emotions that leads to our whimsical behavior.
We need to live according to God, not to our feelings. He is the only protection against so much instability. We must solidify our lives on the rock - God - to straighten things out. God is one sturdy rock so I challenge you to take shelter with him to avoid the storm!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Escaping Temptation.
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.
Times are tough sometimes, but God is never going to let you deal with circumstances that are beyond tolerable, nor will he leave you to be alone. I mean think of it this way: nothing will ever be remotely close to what Jesus had to face on the cross. Also, God is a great guide book - look at the Bible.
Temptation is always going to be surrounding you and wanting to eat you away. Why? It's Satan's job...simple as that. Satan is always busy trying to trick us and get us on the wrong path. However, the good news is that God gives you "a way out."
Look at Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Satan tempted them big time. Satan told Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge because otherwise they would be too God-like. He said that God was all a lie. Satan was not short of his goals either as they sinned.
I mentioned you have a way out, and that's certainly true. You have free will and so you are NOT forced to do anything. Therefore, Satan does not force anyone to sin. He just tries his hardest. Adam and Eve could have eaten other items in the garden because in reality, God was taking care of them. Therefore, they had a way out, but instead chose to disrespect God.
Focus and remind yourself that there is a way out of the devil's traps. Re-adjust your beliefs and focus on God and his love. Finally, the easiest thing you can do is PRAY about temptation. If Satan says praying isn't good, don't listen to him!
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.
Times are tough sometimes, but God is never going to let you deal with circumstances that are beyond tolerable, nor will he leave you to be alone. I mean think of it this way: nothing will ever be remotely close to what Jesus had to face on the cross. Also, God is a great guide book - look at the Bible.
Temptation is always going to be surrounding you and wanting to eat you away. Why? It's Satan's job...simple as that. Satan is always busy trying to trick us and get us on the wrong path. However, the good news is that God gives you "a way out."
Look at Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Satan tempted them big time. Satan told Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge because otherwise they would be too God-like. He said that God was all a lie. Satan was not short of his goals either as they sinned.
I mentioned you have a way out, and that's certainly true. You have free will and so you are NOT forced to do anything. Therefore, Satan does not force anyone to sin. He just tries his hardest. Adam and Eve could have eaten other items in the garden because in reality, God was taking care of them. Therefore, they had a way out, but instead chose to disrespect God.
Focus and remind yourself that there is a way out of the devil's traps. Re-adjust your beliefs and focus on God and his love. Finally, the easiest thing you can do is PRAY about temptation. If Satan says praying isn't good, don't listen to him!
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Perfect Remedy for Doubt.
Joshua 1:7-8
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
I don't know what happens sometimes, but some people look at God as a huge puzzle and one that they can't figure out. They also question whether it's worth living a life that glorifies God. Some don't even know whether the choices they are making are pleasing to God or not. There's also those who believe God is big, powerful, and therefore is a cloud of negativity - a being only to come after them when they go wrong.
I often ask myself how could I EVER go about day without being granted that piece of mind that God offers when you walk by his side. I never want to lose that. I never want to doubt God now that I have found my faith.
Perhaps, if you or someone you know questions God's presence, then the Bible is an ideal solution. It certainly helps to guide one's decisions. Remember, Jesus shows us how to make God happy.
This isn't an overnight resolution for sure, however, I think practice will make better (not perfect). The more engaged and involved you get in the scripture, the more answers you'll have - I promise! We gain awareness of Jesus' teachings. When you add prayer to the mix, this adds extra direction and teaching.
What could you do to be more involved in the Word of God and strengthen your intimacy with God? Would you be able to attend a Bible study at least once a week? The odds are for you, my friend. There are ways to overcome uncertainty about God. I would recommend starting off by reading some scripture everyday, if anything.
Best of luck to everyone as you overcome any doubt about Christ!
Here's TobyMac's new song "City On Our Knees"
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it "buffer" (load) as it's called for a while. You will see the red bar along the bottom advance (speed depends on your Internet connection). Wait until that bar gets pretty far along (I'd say more than halfway) before you play the video and it shouldn't pause.
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
I don't know what happens sometimes, but some people look at God as a huge puzzle and one that they can't figure out. They also question whether it's worth living a life that glorifies God. Some don't even know whether the choices they are making are pleasing to God or not. There's also those who believe God is big, powerful, and therefore is a cloud of negativity - a being only to come after them when they go wrong.
I often ask myself how could I EVER go about day without being granted that piece of mind that God offers when you walk by his side. I never want to lose that. I never want to doubt God now that I have found my faith.
Perhaps, if you or someone you know questions God's presence, then the Bible is an ideal solution. It certainly helps to guide one's decisions. Remember, Jesus shows us how to make God happy.
This isn't an overnight resolution for sure, however, I think practice will make better (not perfect). The more engaged and involved you get in the scripture, the more answers you'll have - I promise! We gain awareness of Jesus' teachings. When you add prayer to the mix, this adds extra direction and teaching.
What could you do to be more involved in the Word of God and strengthen your intimacy with God? Would you be able to attend a Bible study at least once a week? The odds are for you, my friend. There are ways to overcome uncertainty about God. I would recommend starting off by reading some scripture everyday, if anything.
Best of luck to everyone as you overcome any doubt about Christ!
Here's TobyMac's new song "City On Our Knees"
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, October 3, 2009
Don't Forget to Praise.
Daniel 2:19-23
19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said:
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king."
This is a different kind of reading for the day, don't you think? I don't know why, but this scripture especially stands out to me today. I love the part where it says "he knows...light dwells with him. This reminds me how God knows so much and is much more authoritative than we like to think. It's because he's so powerful that "he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." That's comforting!
Many times we get so caught up in the little stuff that we turn it all into a big deal. Too often if we do go to God, we approach him almost in fear. There's no reason to let that fear exist; it will hinder you relationship with God.
The items that are mentioned in this passage are a perfect example of what we should tell God. We can pray and pray and pray all we want, but he'd really love to hear some praises from time to time as well. So, don't approach God in a fearful manner. He is longing to hear from you. Try reading this at least a few times today. Let God know that you want to praise him constantly. Praise be to God!
Hear this song from David Crowder Band called "Oh Praise Him."
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, October 2, 2009
Love is a Must.
1 Peter 4:8
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
This Bible verse reminds me of the priorities that I set for myself. Some things shouldn't be a priority, but I haven't quite worked them out of my routine. It is in this case where we see love is a priority. In fact, it's probably the most important virtue there is.
Love is so important in a relationship, let alone in a Christian relationship. How can you be one of God if you don't love people? It's one of those things, that's hard sometimes. God never finds it hard to love us though...no matter how thick our heads are. He loves us all the time!
I mentioned that God loves. He loves beyond you can even begin to imagine. It is our job to sacrifice some of our time for others to show that we care and love them just as God deeply loves us.
If you think about it, love sets everything else in place. Exhibiting loves allows you to obey and so on.
Let the good (love) outweigh the bad (sin) and make it known to the world!
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
This Bible verse reminds me of the priorities that I set for myself. Some things shouldn't be a priority, but I haven't quite worked them out of my routine. It is in this case where we see love is a priority. In fact, it's probably the most important virtue there is.
Love is so important in a relationship, let alone in a Christian relationship. How can you be one of God if you don't love people? It's one of those things, that's hard sometimes. God never finds it hard to love us though...no matter how thick our heads are. He loves us all the time!
I mentioned that God loves. He loves beyond you can even begin to imagine. It is our job to sacrifice some of our time for others to show that we care and love them just as God deeply loves us.
If you think about it, love sets everything else in place. Exhibiting loves allows you to obey and so on.
Let the good (love) outweigh the bad (sin) and make it known to the world!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Isaiah's Description of Heaven.
Isaiah 25:6-8
6 On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
the best of meats and the finest of wines.
7 On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
8 he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove the disgrace of his people
from all the earth.
The LORD has spoken.
Hopefully over the past few days you've learned what your life would be like if you followed God's commands and confessed your sins (or it reminds you if you ever stray from his path for a while). God is all FOR you! That's really important to realize. Also, life is much more meaningful when you understand and accept that God the creator is your savior.
But there's more...On the other side of the spectrum, there's eternal life - ideally in heaven. Isaiah is discussing what heaven will be like. It sounds like an amazing place to me. The abundance of food is a good thing too I suppose, but in the last verse it says, no more sorrow, no more pain, and no more death will occur...these are the best things above all. This party has no end in sight either.
Remember, that if you obey God and accept him (pretty much everything I'd list would go back to obedience), then you're guaranteed a spot in heaven.
6 On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
the best of meats and the finest of wines.
7 On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
8 he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove the disgrace of his people
from all the earth.
The LORD has spoken.
Hopefully over the past few days you've learned what your life would be like if you followed God's commands and confessed your sins (or it reminds you if you ever stray from his path for a while). God is all FOR you! That's really important to realize. Also, life is much more meaningful when you understand and accept that God the creator is your savior.
But there's more...On the other side of the spectrum, there's eternal life - ideally in heaven. Isaiah is discussing what heaven will be like. It sounds like an amazing place to me. The abundance of food is a good thing too I suppose, but in the last verse it says, no more sorrow, no more pain, and no more death will occur...these are the best things above all. This party has no end in sight either.
Remember, that if you obey God and accept him (pretty much everything I'd list would go back to obedience), then you're guaranteed a spot in heaven.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
