Romans 12:3-8
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
I talked about spiritual gifts over a year ago using this passage, but it's good to reinforce this idea too. Meanwhile, last week I talked a little bit about how people can let us down. They're not perfect, we're not perfect, and so nothing is perfect. The things they may promise you may not necessarily follow through.
However, God keeps his promises and they're complete. I mentioned the Haitian earthquake in yesterday's post. If you noticed, since the earthquake, many organizations are packing their bags and are going to the devastated region to provide basic necessities - something that we like to be prepared for, we can't really simulate it, yet hope it will never happen. That's what happened in Haiti. Now, countries all around the world are helping out.
The people who are going over to Haiti are a great example of God's people using their spiritual gifts. Sure not all the missionaries are good leaders, but they all have at least one special gift that God granted them so that they can relieve the conditions.
I mentioned how it's our responsibility to take our part in the relief aspect. They immediately responded to the urgent situation (notice how they were thinking of others more than themselves). Obviously not everyone can go to Haiti, but you can use your spiritual gifts in some way toward this cause. Keep praying for the country and also the families who are trying to find out if their loved ones are okay.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Stronghold in Complete Devastation.
Psalm 46:1
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
While we're on the theme of responsibility this week, I find news I heard Tuesday night to be extremely ironic, yet devastating. Haiti was rattled by a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake late Tuesday afternoon followed by at least a couple aftershocks at last check. The most frightening fact about the news was that the epicenter was very near Port-Au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. The population in the city is 2 million with at least 9 million throughout the entire country. The quake was so strong that it could be felt throughout the rest of the island nation, Jamaica, and even as far west as eastern Cuba. Haiti hasn't experienced a major earthquake since 1790 and thus it is extremely rare to have such a powerful one. However, it is somewhat common to have minor earthquakes because Haiti is right on a fault line. Over the last six years or so, Haiti has been reeling from devastating blows from tropical storms and hurricanes which brought heavy rain especially to the region, but Haiti certainly has not experienced a tremor like this.
As you may know, I was in Haiti with a team from my church in August in the northern part of the country, several hours from where the epicenter was. The impacts were definitely felt in that area though, just perhaps not as much damage. I know one thing about all of Haiti though: they live in extreme poverty. The landscape is treacherous, mountainous, hilly, and prone to disaster. Houses are often the equivalent of boxes or shacks adjacent or on the hills. It's hard to believe it's even of the same world.
It's so hard to fathom this calamity. I was there and I literally can't imagine how the conditions in Haiti could be any worse than they were. What little water and necessities they have are very likely gone. Even the palace and government buildings were damaged.
Given the corruption that exists in the government, I can't help but wonder whether this is an indication of change. They sure need more efficient government aid there. We don't deserve any more than the Haitians do. Why are there millions in such a difficult position? They've never done anything more wrong than we have.
Back in late August, I talked about the mission trip. Perhaps read through some of those posts again if you have time. I have been thinking about the following Bible verse lately and the case is not any different now: Acts 17:26 - From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
Therefore, it is our responsibility to do something about this situation. Sure, the U.S. government will probably be quick to respond, but we have to do our part as the people do. All I want to ask you to do is pray, pray, pray, and pray hard some more. While I can hope it won't be the major catastrophe that everyone's expecting, I know it's inevitable. We just need pray for the relief efforts and future of Haiti. This country needs God to surround them in every way possible being "God is our refuge, strength, and an ever-present help in trouble."
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
While we're on the theme of responsibility this week, I find news I heard Tuesday night to be extremely ironic, yet devastating. Haiti was rattled by a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake late Tuesday afternoon followed by at least a couple aftershocks at last check. The most frightening fact about the news was that the epicenter was very near Port-Au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. The population in the city is 2 million with at least 9 million throughout the entire country. The quake was so strong that it could be felt throughout the rest of the island nation, Jamaica, and even as far west as eastern Cuba. Haiti hasn't experienced a major earthquake since 1790 and thus it is extremely rare to have such a powerful one. However, it is somewhat common to have minor earthquakes because Haiti is right on a fault line. Over the last six years or so, Haiti has been reeling from devastating blows from tropical storms and hurricanes which brought heavy rain especially to the region, but Haiti certainly has not experienced a tremor like this.
As you may know, I was in Haiti with a team from my church in August in the northern part of the country, several hours from where the epicenter was. The impacts were definitely felt in that area though, just perhaps not as much damage. I know one thing about all of Haiti though: they live in extreme poverty. The landscape is treacherous, mountainous, hilly, and prone to disaster. Houses are often the equivalent of boxes or shacks adjacent or on the hills. It's hard to believe it's even of the same world.
It's so hard to fathom this calamity. I was there and I literally can't imagine how the conditions in Haiti could be any worse than they were. What little water and necessities they have are very likely gone. Even the palace and government buildings were damaged.
Given the corruption that exists in the government, I can't help but wonder whether this is an indication of change. They sure need more efficient government aid there. We don't deserve any more than the Haitians do. Why are there millions in such a difficult position? They've never done anything more wrong than we have.
Back in late August, I talked about the mission trip. Perhaps read through some of those posts again if you have time. I have been thinking about the following Bible verse lately and the case is not any different now: Acts 17:26 - From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
Therefore, it is our responsibility to do something about this situation. Sure, the U.S. government will probably be quick to respond, but we have to do our part as the people do. All I want to ask you to do is pray, pray, pray, and pray hard some more. While I can hope it won't be the major catastrophe that everyone's expecting, I know it's inevitable. We just need pray for the relief efforts and future of Haiti. This country needs God to surround them in every way possible being "God is our refuge, strength, and an ever-present help in trouble."
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Strict Accountability.
John 3:18-19
18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
No day ever passes without difficulty when you think about it. You always have to make decisions - probably hundreds a day. Some decisions naturally are going to be wise and some, well not so much. You have to make decisions even if you stay out of the public eye all day. Chances are if you stay at home for a day, you're still keeping busy with household chores.
I know there isn't a day that passes without me knowing most of what I've done. I can't help but realize that we are going to be held accountable for our behavior one day.
It's pretty simple. If you believe, you won't be condemned and if you don't believe, you will be condemned. No matter where we go, heaven or hell (hopefully the former), we will stand before the face of God and he will judge us based on how well we've spent our time on Earth.
Realize today that everything has an eternal consequence. Think before you act. Remember, it's your responsibility to watch your actions and behave appropriately - not God's. God is here, however, to offer you eternal salvation.
A little late, but a little something on changes for the New Year. How are your changes working out?
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.
18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
No day ever passes without difficulty when you think about it. You always have to make decisions - probably hundreds a day. Some decisions naturally are going to be wise and some, well not so much. You have to make decisions even if you stay out of the public eye all day. Chances are if you stay at home for a day, you're still keeping busy with household chores.
I know there isn't a day that passes without me knowing most of what I've done. I can't help but realize that we are going to be held accountable for our behavior one day.
It's pretty simple. If you believe, you won't be condemned and if you don't believe, you will be condemned. No matter where we go, heaven or hell (hopefully the former), we will stand before the face of God and he will judge us based on how well we've spent our time on Earth.
Realize today that everything has an eternal consequence. Think before you act. Remember, it's your responsibility to watch your actions and behave appropriately - not God's. God is here, however, to offer you eternal salvation.
A little late, but a little something on changes for the New Year. How are your changes working out?
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, January 11, 2010
Blood of Jesus.
Matthew 27:24-25
24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"
25 All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!"
I don't know about you, but I wash my hands frequently. I just always feel better if I always have my hands clean. Whether or not there's ketchup or dirt on my hands, I'd prefer to have the soft, clean feeling after washing them.
I guess you could say that washing your hands seems slightly suspicious almost as if trying to remove some evidence. That's certainly the way it seems in this case. Pilate appeared to want to claim innocence after demanding Jesus to be crucified, which was certainly traditional behavior of Jews. He must have wanted to remove any evidence off his hands so he didn't get blamed for Jesus' death.
We do things everything that are undeserving of Jesus' blood. Yet, it's still offered to us because Christ died for us. The blood of Christ is available to us through great mercy.
Be responsible for your own wrongdoings, yet go appreciate God's grace and mercy today. Seek refuge in the blood of Jesus Christ!
A good song for today is "Nothing But The Blood" by Matt Redman and various artists.
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.
24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"
25 All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!"
I don't know about you, but I wash my hands frequently. I just always feel better if I always have my hands clean. Whether or not there's ketchup or dirt on my hands, I'd prefer to have the soft, clean feeling after washing them.
I guess you could say that washing your hands seems slightly suspicious almost as if trying to remove some evidence. That's certainly the way it seems in this case. Pilate appeared to want to claim innocence after demanding Jesus to be crucified, which was certainly traditional behavior of Jews. He must have wanted to remove any evidence off his hands so he didn't get blamed for Jesus' death.
We do things everything that are undeserving of Jesus' blood. Yet, it's still offered to us because Christ died for us. The blood of Christ is available to us through great mercy.
Be responsible for your own wrongdoings, yet go appreciate God's grace and mercy today. Seek refuge in the blood of Jesus Christ!
A good song for today is "Nothing But The Blood" by Matt Redman and various artists.
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, January 9, 2010
Today's Agenda.
Proverbs 19:21
21 Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Happy Saturday! We're now are a little more than a week into the New Year. I hope all is going well with your (renewed) commitments. Stay strong!
Meanwhile, as far as I'm concerned it's a pretty busy day for me. It seems like I spend a lot of time doing homework, ions and ions of it, even on the weekend. Any little thing I have to accomplish must be scheduled around all my homework or else it will simply not get done. I always try to plan as best I can. However, I do need to work other things into my schedule because there's much more to life than being stuck at home doing homework.
Enough about my plans...what are your plans for the day? Do you have an appointment? A project to work on outside? I think it would be wise if we seek God in prayer about our schedule each day. That way, we can get done what we must, while still having fun. Otherwise, we get stuck in our repetitious ways, which is never good.
It's not all about us though and that's definitely something that is extremely important. We need to always live humbly and realize the only plans that are beneficial to us are those plans that are in accordance with the Lord.
Help us realize, Oh Lord, that each achievement is because of your awesome grace. May your will be evident in our decisions today!
21 Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Happy Saturday! We're now are a little more than a week into the New Year. I hope all is going well with your (renewed) commitments. Stay strong!
Meanwhile, as far as I'm concerned it's a pretty busy day for me. It seems like I spend a lot of time doing homework, ions and ions of it, even on the weekend. Any little thing I have to accomplish must be scheduled around all my homework or else it will simply not get done. I always try to plan as best I can. However, I do need to work other things into my schedule because there's much more to life than being stuck at home doing homework.
Enough about my plans...what are your plans for the day? Do you have an appointment? A project to work on outside? I think it would be wise if we seek God in prayer about our schedule each day. That way, we can get done what we must, while still having fun. Otherwise, we get stuck in our repetitious ways, which is never good.
It's not all about us though and that's definitely something that is extremely important. We need to always live humbly and realize the only plans that are beneficial to us are those plans that are in accordance with the Lord.
Help us realize, Oh Lord, that each achievement is because of your awesome grace. May your will be evident in our decisions today!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Taking People for Granted.
Isaiah 2:22
22 Stop trusting in man,
who has but a breath in his nostrils.
Of what account is he?
You've heard me say before that we take so many things for granted. It's certainly true. We have a roof over our heads and food on the table, for example. However, how often do you think about taking people for granted?
Our family and friends do a lot for us. They seem to always be there to talk to when it is necessary. They're the people who we seek when we're faced with difficult times. However, one day may come around and this plan may not work out. Then, we tend to play the "if only" card. "If only my friend still lived near me." What we don't realize is that people will fail us at one time or another. It may not be on purpose, but the fact is, it still happens to people everyday. We have to be prepared for that and we can't use people all the time or take them for granted.
We all are subject to error and making bad choices, thus usually the source of our disappointment or maybe other people's doom. Although God wants and expects us to be a part of the lives of other people, it is essential to keep close terms with God and know that God will never fail us. Remember, he will never go too far away from you!
Ask God for forgiveness today for putting all of our pressures on others and then becoming disappointed. Finally, remember that God is the ultimate source of hope for all...forever and always!
22 Stop trusting in man,
who has but a breath in his nostrils.
Of what account is he?
You've heard me say before that we take so many things for granted. It's certainly true. We have a roof over our heads and food on the table, for example. However, how often do you think about taking people for granted?
Our family and friends do a lot for us. They seem to always be there to talk to when it is necessary. They're the people who we seek when we're faced with difficult times. However, one day may come around and this plan may not work out. Then, we tend to play the "if only" card. "If only my friend still lived near me." What we don't realize is that people will fail us at one time or another. It may not be on purpose, but the fact is, it still happens to people everyday. We have to be prepared for that and we can't use people all the time or take them for granted.
We all are subject to error and making bad choices, thus usually the source of our disappointment or maybe other people's doom. Although God wants and expects us to be a part of the lives of other people, it is essential to keep close terms with God and know that God will never fail us. Remember, he will never go too far away from you!
Ask God for forgiveness today for putting all of our pressures on others and then becoming disappointed. Finally, remember that God is the ultimate source of hope for all...forever and always!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Aching for God.
Isaiah 26:9
9 My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you.
When your judgments come upon the earth,
the people of the world learn righteousness.
We often like the idea of escaping reality. For many people, it was in the last couple weeks because it was Christmas. Millions traveled out of town and had other ideas other than home on their agenda for Christmas. It never fails: it's always great while it lasts. However, there's nothing like sleeping in your own bed. That along with being homesick may be some of the few things that we miss while we're away.
Whatever the case, I know we've all missed someone or something. Our heart just aches to be reunited with those dreams and desires even if it's just that one thing.
Does your spiritual life ache as you long to be with God? Do you have an aching to be in his presence? Sometimes God is the missing part of our soul that we need to remind ourselves of everyday.
Sure, we get spiritually hungry sometimes and that's good. It shows a growing relationship with God. Fill this chilly void by spending time with God acknowledging his name and presence. Additionally, declare your true desires and affections to the Lord day after day.
9 My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you.
When your judgments come upon the earth,
the people of the world learn righteousness.
We often like the idea of escaping reality. For many people, it was in the last couple weeks because it was Christmas. Millions traveled out of town and had other ideas other than home on their agenda for Christmas. It never fails: it's always great while it lasts. However, there's nothing like sleeping in your own bed. That along with being homesick may be some of the few things that we miss while we're away.
Whatever the case, I know we've all missed someone or something. Our heart just aches to be reunited with those dreams and desires even if it's just that one thing.
Does your spiritual life ache as you long to be with God? Do you have an aching to be in his presence? Sometimes God is the missing part of our soul that we need to remind ourselves of everyday.
Sure, we get spiritually hungry sometimes and that's good. It shows a growing relationship with God. Fill this chilly void by spending time with God acknowledging his name and presence. Additionally, declare your true desires and affections to the Lord day after day.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Dressing for God.
Ephesians 4:24
24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
I don't know about you but I'm definitely not a morning person. Waking up at 5 AM is too early and it takes me what seems like just about all day to wake up and then it's time to go to sleep all over again. That doesn't make it easy to get ready in the morning. One of biggest difficulties is figuring out what I'm going to wear. I have plenty but I can't always decide. Plus, I try not to wear something that I wore in the last few weeks. Then again, certain clothes are more comfortable than others. I can't believe I care so much about this. So I guess that's one of my many idiosyncrasies.
Anyways, no matter what we decide to wear each morning, we have to remember to put on the armor of God (doesn't say in this verse but it does mention in the book of Ephesians which I have discussed before). Also, as this verse suggests, we need to put on the person that God made us to be...as Christians. Certainly, God isn't calling you to be fake. Be your true self and there were will be less questions asked especially in the long term. These clothes will always fit us for they consist of our character!
May people today see Jesus in you. Ask God to guide you throughout the day and do as we would do in all situations.
24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
I don't know about you but I'm definitely not a morning person. Waking up at 5 AM is too early and it takes me what seems like just about all day to wake up and then it's time to go to sleep all over again. That doesn't make it easy to get ready in the morning. One of biggest difficulties is figuring out what I'm going to wear. I have plenty but I can't always decide. Plus, I try not to wear something that I wore in the last few weeks. Then again, certain clothes are more comfortable than others. I can't believe I care so much about this. So I guess that's one of my many idiosyncrasies.
Anyways, no matter what we decide to wear each morning, we have to remember to put on the armor of God (doesn't say in this verse but it does mention in the book of Ephesians which I have discussed before). Also, as this verse suggests, we need to put on the person that God made us to be...as Christians. Certainly, God isn't calling you to be fake. Be your true self and there were will be less questions asked especially in the long term. These clothes will always fit us for they consist of our character!
May people today see Jesus in you. Ask God to guide you throughout the day and do as we would do in all situations.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The Hideout.
Psalm 62:6-8
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
We all have our favorite places to go when we're fearful or looking for refuge and safe shelter. What's yours? Is it your room? your church? Do you have a lucky object?
Back in King David's time, an all too common hideout was the "rock" in the desert. This was the stronghold. David realized that his safety was a direct result of God's grace - the truest rock, fortress and stronghold ever.
Sometimes our places of refuge will let us down. So many places and items are temporary in this world and we shouldn't take them for granted.
Meanwhile, there's nothing that we can appreciate more however than God's safe refuge. He can read and understand us better than anybody. He reaches out his arm to help us when we're in need. He has made a promise and he holds us safe in his arms.
Those last words lead me to the song "Safe" by Phil Wickham. It's amazing and you should spend a few minutes and listen to it. It'll definitely give you a leap of encouragement on this Tuesday.
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.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
We all have our favorite places to go when we're fearful or looking for refuge and safe shelter. What's yours? Is it your room? your church? Do you have a lucky object?
Back in King David's time, an all too common hideout was the "rock" in the desert. This was the stronghold. David realized that his safety was a direct result of God's grace - the truest rock, fortress and stronghold ever.
Sometimes our places of refuge will let us down. So many places and items are temporary in this world and we shouldn't take them for granted.
Meanwhile, there's nothing that we can appreciate more however than God's safe refuge. He can read and understand us better than anybody. He reaches out his arm to help us when we're in need. He has made a promise and he holds us safe in his arms.
Those last words lead me to the song "Safe" by Phil Wickham. It's amazing and you should spend a few minutes and listen to it. It'll definitely give you a leap of encouragement on this Tuesday.
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, January 4, 2010
God Follows Your Shadow.
Psalm 91:1-6; 14
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
My youth director posted verse 14 on facebook last week and it's perfect because we're approaching the most difficult time of the year for many. Now that the holidays are over, any happiness and joy are often replaced by stress and depression from all the expenses that are expected to be paid off.
That's why I wanted to talk about security in God today. Well, I have something to tell you; there is hope. God is always near even when you are in harm's way.
I love the fact that God will take us under his wing. If we know simply that God is all around us then it will help us when we have physical challenges along with spiritual challenges for he gives us strength and wisdom.
God's tenderness is shown in the end when he says those who love me and acknowledge my name will be rescued and saved. He hears our cry in the biggest of battles.
Read all of Psalm 91. It is a very good chapter. In fact, you should print it out from biblegateway.com and put it somewhere you look everyday. If you become discouraged in the next month or so, read Psalm 91.
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
My youth director posted verse 14 on facebook last week and it's perfect because we're approaching the most difficult time of the year for many. Now that the holidays are over, any happiness and joy are often replaced by stress and depression from all the expenses that are expected to be paid off.
That's why I wanted to talk about security in God today. Well, I have something to tell you; there is hope. God is always near even when you are in harm's way.
I love the fact that God will take us under his wing. If we know simply that God is all around us then it will help us when we have physical challenges along with spiritual challenges for he gives us strength and wisdom.
God's tenderness is shown in the end when he says those who love me and acknowledge my name will be rescued and saved. He hears our cry in the biggest of battles.
Read all of Psalm 91. It is a very good chapter. In fact, you should print it out from biblegateway.com and put it somewhere you look everyday. If you become discouraged in the next month or so, read Psalm 91.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Wasting Time.
Psalm 90:12
12 Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
I can't believe how quickly time has passed. As I said the other day, I don't think it's going to stop anytime soon. A lot of times though we get so involved with one obsession or one hobby that we don't pay attention to anything else and let time pass by aimlessly.
We make many promises in our time, yet if we spend too much time on any one thing we can let people down. Our seemingly good deeds have now been left undone. Eventually the strange essence of time comes around again. One day, turns into days, weeks, and months. It gets discouraging when we finally realize we didn't stick to our promises.
Think about how many times we upset God with our decisions to be obsessed in one thing. Usually that one thing isn't spending time with him. Our time has to be balanced between the personal, social, and spiritual areas of our lives.
Ask God to help you with this so that the problem doesn't arise. We need to go to him so that he helps us see our plans of our days in a way that honors the Lord and blesses others.
12 Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
I can't believe how quickly time has passed. As I said the other day, I don't think it's going to stop anytime soon. A lot of times though we get so involved with one obsession or one hobby that we don't pay attention to anything else and let time pass by aimlessly.
We make many promises in our time, yet if we spend too much time on any one thing we can let people down. Our seemingly good deeds have now been left undone. Eventually the strange essence of time comes around again. One day, turns into days, weeks, and months. It gets discouraging when we finally realize we didn't stick to our promises.
Think about how many times we upset God with our decisions to be obsessed in one thing. Usually that one thing isn't spending time with him. Our time has to be balanced between the personal, social, and spiritual areas of our lives.
Ask God to help you with this so that the problem doesn't arise. We need to go to him so that he helps us see our plans of our days in a way that honors the Lord and blesses others.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
Proverbs 21:30
30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the LORD.
Happy New Year! It's the first year of 2010. From my family to yours, I wish you a blessed and healthy year.
Are you on your way to making your New Years resolution(s) come true? A new year can be great. You can start off to a fresh start doing all sorts of good things. The problem is making it last more than one day.
I got to thinking after telling you yesterday to read a chapter from the Bible a day, while that may be a start, there is a problem. I didn't emphasize the importance of the idea before that though...spending time with God!
Sure you can read anything, but it doesn't have to phase you. Similarly, you can read the Bible everyday, but you can be reading it just to read it. This way, you have something to tell your friends that you did to meet your New Years resolution. However, you didn't have the "spending time with God" part while reading the Bible. There is a difference because as you read the Bible you should learn to feel the Holy Spirit or be able to read so that at least something stands out to you.
Nonetheless, you have to walk with God to make your spiritual life a success. That's the bottom line. It's time to commit your life to serve the Lord for the years (and decades) to come. Finally, let's accomplish what God would want us to accomplish. That should be your resolution as we go out with the old and in with new.
30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the LORD.
Happy New Year! It's the first year of 2010. From my family to yours, I wish you a blessed and healthy year.
Are you on your way to making your New Years resolution(s) come true? A new year can be great. You can start off to a fresh start doing all sorts of good things. The problem is making it last more than one day.
I got to thinking after telling you yesterday to read a chapter from the Bible a day, while that may be a start, there is a problem. I didn't emphasize the importance of the idea before that though...spending time with God!
Sure you can read anything, but it doesn't have to phase you. Similarly, you can read the Bible everyday, but you can be reading it just to read it. This way, you have something to tell your friends that you did to meet your New Years resolution. However, you didn't have the "spending time with God" part while reading the Bible. There is a difference because as you read the Bible you should learn to feel the Holy Spirit or be able to read so that at least something stands out to you.
Nonetheless, you have to walk with God to make your spiritual life a success. That's the bottom line. It's time to commit your life to serve the Lord for the years (and decades) to come. Finally, let's accomplish what God would want us to accomplish. That should be your resolution as we go out with the old and in with new.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
