Proverbs 1:20-22
20 Wisdom shouts in the streets.
She cries out in the public square.
21 She calls to the crowds along the main street,
to those gathered in front of the city gate:
22 “How long, you simpletons,
will you insist on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
How long will you fools hate knowledge?
You've probably heard the book of Proverbs being referred to as the "book of wisdom" or something along those lines. That's true with today's passage. Wisdom is almost personified to make as a person to make people wise and to stop people from being fools.
I feel that the media sometimes mocks people. They sometimes state the obvious just to make sure they have sufficient air time. You've heard about the mom with the eight children (octuplets) right? They find any little thing to say, basically right down to what she's wearing currently. I guess it's the job of the media. Certain things fascinate them, yet some things aren't really necessary.
It's not very hard to mock people. It only involves putting someone down because of the "knowledge" and the attention that are gained by the mocker. It makes them feel superior and invincible.
How is mocking someone or something different from wisdom? Pray to God that he will help you ignore those who mock and avoid you from mocking or being mocked. Be on the lookout today!
Joseph Pulitzer defines mockery as "An able, disinterested, public-spirited press, with trained intelligence to know the right and courage to do it, can preserve that public virtue without which popular government is a sham and a mockery."
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Whose Will are You Living by?
2 Timothy 2:25-26
25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
Paul is writing a letter to Timothy. The Bible tells us that Pastors are meant to be 'spiritual police' in the lives of the people in the church. Also, they're not just individuals who teach and proclaim the Word of God, but they are people who are to be completely respected for their role in the church and community.
Paul says that by disobeying spiritual leaders, we are likely harming the church as we have fallen into "the devil's trap and held captive." Under this behavior, we are following the will of Satan, NOT God.
So we are told we can "escape." So just how can we do that? Your Pastors and other spiritual leaders are praying for you so that they can show you the truth, the light, and the way. This a two-part deal, so we must also do something; and that is to stop being so stubborn!
Are you aware of disobeying any of your spiritual leaders? Pray that God makes you fully aware of your rebellions. Also ask him to help you to avoid serving Satan.
“The rebel can never find peace. He knows what is good and, despite himself, does evil." ~Albert Camus
25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
Paul is writing a letter to Timothy. The Bible tells us that Pastors are meant to be 'spiritual police' in the lives of the people in the church. Also, they're not just individuals who teach and proclaim the Word of God, but they are people who are to be completely respected for their role in the church and community.
Paul says that by disobeying spiritual leaders, we are likely harming the church as we have fallen into "the devil's trap and held captive." Under this behavior, we are following the will of Satan, NOT God.
So we are told we can "escape." So just how can we do that? Your Pastors and other spiritual leaders are praying for you so that they can show you the truth, the light, and the way. This a two-part deal, so we must also do something; and that is to stop being so stubborn!
Are you aware of disobeying any of your spiritual leaders? Pray that God makes you fully aware of your rebellions. Also ask him to help you to avoid serving Satan.
“The rebel can never find peace. He knows what is good and, despite himself, does evil." ~Albert Camus
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The Effects of Having No Mission.
Proverbs 29:18
18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.
But whoever obeys the law is joyful.
What do you think of when you hear these words? I'm reminded of reciting the words to a mission statement or something similar that encourages and sets a goal or theme. I know at my elementary school we had a mission that was said every morning. I still remember it to this day. It went something like this: "High expectations. Social responsibility and academic performance are key to our mission." At the time, honestly I don't think I knew what I was saying every single day. I just go so trained to say it, there was no meaning. Now I look back on it and it clearly shows there is was a mission -- to learn at school.
I think this proverb is saying is that when no one has a mission statement or goal geared toward there faith and God, then there is no fear of God and thus life becomes mediocre to say the least. Without such a vision, one isn't deemed an identity, and there isn't a direction, purpose, method, or boundary. Living in such an environment would be deadly. It's like having no traffic laws. It would make humans perish and "go wild" as it states above. We should have a vision of God "seated [high] on the throne" somewhere. We need to see God for who he is. We need to see him as a sacrificial God who gave up his son to die for YOU (he's kind and extreme)! We need to be on a mission to live as he would. The bottom line is that we need to have a correct vision of God in the first place in order to live.
Maybe make a mission statement that keeps you actively involved in the vision of God and not just saying the words or doing the actions as I suggested above. Say it, do it, mean it!
Here's the song "Praise Adonai," which I briefly referred to above.
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 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.
But whoever obeys the law is joyful.
What do you think of when you hear these words? I'm reminded of reciting the words to a mission statement or something similar that encourages and sets a goal or theme. I know at my elementary school we had a mission that was said every morning. I still remember it to this day. It went something like this: "High expectations. Social responsibility and academic performance are key to our mission." At the time, honestly I don't think I knew what I was saying every single day. I just go so trained to say it, there was no meaning. Now I look back on it and it clearly shows there is was a mission -- to learn at school.
I think this proverb is saying is that when no one has a mission statement or goal geared toward there faith and God, then there is no fear of God and thus life becomes mediocre to say the least. Without such a vision, one isn't deemed an identity, and there isn't a direction, purpose, method, or boundary. Living in such an environment would be deadly. It's like having no traffic laws. It would make humans perish and "go wild" as it states above. We should have a vision of God "seated [high] on the throne" somewhere. We need to see God for who he is. We need to see him as a sacrificial God who gave up his son to die for YOU (he's kind and extreme)! We need to be on a mission to live as he would. The bottom line is that we need to have a correct vision of God in the first place in order to live.
Maybe make a mission statement that keeps you actively involved in the vision of God and not just saying the words or doing the actions as I suggested above. Say it, do it, mean it!
Here's the song "Praise Adonai," which I briefly referred to above.
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, March 27, 2009
Light of the World.
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
This is a bit of a continuation from yesterday, using the same general area of the Bible, just one verse down. It's a part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
Every Sunday morning we have a little saying we say at my church when we have new guests in the house. It's been a tradition for sometime now to give out a candle to the first-time visitors. Then we follow this gift-giving by saying, "Jesus is the Light of the World." Our goal to let others realize that we need to focus on Jesus and follow his light that he sheds on humanity and in turn, do the same.
Once again Jesus is using a metaphor (in this case - light) to describe his people. As followers of Christ, we are the light at the end of the tunnel. We are the light that can break through the darkest places...even the knicks and crannies! Just like the city lights brighten up a region, we have the potential to light up the entire world as if the sun is shining everywhere 24/7. As light carriers, we have a huge effect on those left in the dark.
Our good deeds can make the light bulbs go off in one's head and realize who their true Savior is. Shining light also illuminates the truth and says that we need Jesus to forgive our sins.
Remember as you go about your day that Jesus called us to be the light. We can lead the way to Christ. Also looking back at yesterday and applying it to today's devo...spread the gospel so that as Christians we don't lose our salitness and cause our lights to be extinguished.
"There are two kinds of light - the glow that illumines, and the glare that obscures." ~James Thurber
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
This is a bit of a continuation from yesterday, using the same general area of the Bible, just one verse down. It's a part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
Every Sunday morning we have a little saying we say at my church when we have new guests in the house. It's been a tradition for sometime now to give out a candle to the first-time visitors. Then we follow this gift-giving by saying, "Jesus is the Light of the World." Our goal to let others realize that we need to focus on Jesus and follow his light that he sheds on humanity and in turn, do the same.
Once again Jesus is using a metaphor (in this case - light) to describe his people. As followers of Christ, we are the light at the end of the tunnel. We are the light that can break through the darkest places...even the knicks and crannies! Just like the city lights brighten up a region, we have the potential to light up the entire world as if the sun is shining everywhere 24/7. As light carriers, we have a huge effect on those left in the dark.
Our good deeds can make the light bulbs go off in one's head and realize who their true Savior is. Shining light also illuminates the truth and says that we need Jesus to forgive our sins.
Remember as you go about your day that Jesus called us to be the light. We can lead the way to Christ. Also looking back at yesterday and applying it to today's devo...spread the gospel so that as Christians we don't lose our salitness and cause our lights to be extinguished.
"There are two kinds of light - the glow that illumines, and the glare that obscures." ~James Thurber
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Being Salt.
Matthew 5:13
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
Many people use salt on their foods. I don't particularly care for salt, I'm fine with whatever amount is in the food already (in many cases there is a lot of salt as it is). What happens when you salt foods? It seasons things up a little bit.
The same goes with having Jesus as the source of your good deeds, thus it is used as a metaphor. There are good deeds and there are good deeds coupled with Jesus. Ya know, anybody can do good things. It's a completely different thing to do good deeds for God and acknowledging Jesus as your source of goodness.
In another sense, when Jesus told this to his disciples I don't believe he was referring to salt in the same manner. Salt was used back in those days as a purifying substance and to prevent bacteria from growing in foods. God's people use cleansing and healing to eliminate some of the infectious wounds in the world.
We are asked to stand out as Christians. Let others recognize the true source of your good actions and be rich and pure in everything you do!
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
Many people use salt on their foods. I don't particularly care for salt, I'm fine with whatever amount is in the food already (in many cases there is a lot of salt as it is). What happens when you salt foods? It seasons things up a little bit.
The same goes with having Jesus as the source of your good deeds, thus it is used as a metaphor. There are good deeds and there are good deeds coupled with Jesus. Ya know, anybody can do good things. It's a completely different thing to do good deeds for God and acknowledging Jesus as your source of goodness.
In another sense, when Jesus told this to his disciples I don't believe he was referring to salt in the same manner. Salt was used back in those days as a purifying substance and to prevent bacteria from growing in foods. God's people use cleansing and healing to eliminate some of the infectious wounds in the world.
We are asked to stand out as Christians. Let others recognize the true source of your good actions and be rich and pure in everything you do!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Ultimate Destiny of Israel.
Isaiah 49:6
6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.
I will make you a light to the Gentiles,
and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.
Okay by now you know this isn't a new idea that Jesus tells us. Over the past several days I have provided you with several passages that support the idea that we are to go forth into the world and teach his lessons.
In the book of Isaiah, the ultimate destiny of Israel is clearly spelled out...to be a light for the Gentiles and to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Christians are to go out others from the violence in the world, which I might add seems all too common nowadays.
Again the book of Isaiah is not coming up with something new. It has been mentioned time and time again, even back to Genesis. God's original covenant can be found there. Israel's desire for political dominance and greatness has made for an obscurity in its initial calling by God.
How bright is your light in the world from a Christian standpoint? Make it bright enough that it captures the attention of someone, but not so bright that it blinds someone in the sense that they look at Christianity as dull, pointless, and a huge annoyance.
6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.
I will make you a light to the Gentiles,
and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.
Okay by now you know this isn't a new idea that Jesus tells us. Over the past several days I have provided you with several passages that support the idea that we are to go forth into the world and teach his lessons.
In the book of Isaiah, the ultimate destiny of Israel is clearly spelled out...to be a light for the Gentiles and to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Christians are to go out others from the violence in the world, which I might add seems all too common nowadays.
Again the book of Isaiah is not coming up with something new. It has been mentioned time and time again, even back to Genesis. God's original covenant can be found there. Israel's desire for political dominance and greatness has made for an obscurity in its initial calling by God.
How bright is your light in the world from a Christian standpoint? Make it bright enough that it captures the attention of someone, but not so bright that it blinds someone in the sense that they look at Christianity as dull, pointless, and a huge annoyance.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Beautiful Feet.
Isaiah 52:7-10
7 How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,
the good news of peace and salvation,
the news that the God of Israel reigns!
8 The watchmen shout and sing with joy,
for before their very eyes
they see the Lord returning to Jerusalem.
9 Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyful song,
for the Lord has comforted his people.
He has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The Lord has demonstrated his holy power
before the eyes of all the nations.
All the ends of the earth will see
the victory of our God.
Have you ever gone looking for a dog or other animal, and one in particular just struck you as the perfect one? I know that happened to my dad and I, or at least I think so. Eight and a half years ago, we were walking around looking at probably about half a dozen different puppies. Most of them looked sick. One in particular was happy to see us, jumping and saying "Get me, get me!" When my dad and I both saw him, we looked at each other, did a little nod, got him, and named him Buddy. Still, I love coming home to him everyday.
Those that walk around telling others the good news in a kind, non-selfish manner, and act as a messenger, are people that stand out to God because they are on a mission to relay his very own mission. He thinks very highly of this and praises them tremendously.
The feet of those who have told the message may be a little dirty because it may not have been an easy task to manage. However, those same feet are beautiful because they are walking on worldly soil and sprinkling it with Jesus' teachings along the way.
“Whenever you have truth it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
7 How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,
the good news of peace and salvation,
the news that the God of Israel reigns!
8 The watchmen shout and sing with joy,
for before their very eyes
they see the Lord returning to Jerusalem.
9 Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyful song,
for the Lord has comforted his people.
He has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The Lord has demonstrated his holy power
before the eyes of all the nations.
All the ends of the earth will see
the victory of our God.
Have you ever gone looking for a dog or other animal, and one in particular just struck you as the perfect one? I know that happened to my dad and I, or at least I think so. Eight and a half years ago, we were walking around looking at probably about half a dozen different puppies. Most of them looked sick. One in particular was happy to see us, jumping and saying "Get me, get me!" When my dad and I both saw him, we looked at each other, did a little nod, got him, and named him Buddy. Still, I love coming home to him everyday.
Those that walk around telling others the good news in a kind, non-selfish manner, and act as a messenger, are people that stand out to God because they are on a mission to relay his very own mission. He thinks very highly of this and praises them tremendously.
The feet of those who have told the message may be a little dirty because it may not have been an easy task to manage. However, those same feet are beautiful because they are walking on worldly soil and sprinkling it with Jesus' teachings along the way.
“Whenever you have truth it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
Monday, March 23, 2009
Make Them Wonder.
1 Peter 3:15-16
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.
How many times, as Christians, do we go about our day and stop the good deeds we're doing when someone walks by or gets in close proximity to us? I know I do at times. It's hard. We don't want to make a fool of ourselves or embarrass ourselves. Therefore, just in the nick of time...we stop!
How does God feel when we do this? Uh...not very important I'm thinking! We just push him to the side when someone who doesn't have the same belief and faith system comes along during the day.
This can include driving with the radio in your car blasting with Christian music and then turning it down when you pull in somewhere or praying in a public location and then when someone sees you and says hey, you just stop praying. It can really be anything.
So what should we do? Keep going! Our responsibility as a Christian is to make the non-followers wonder what all the hype is about. Make them wonder why it's so good to have an amazing God at the center of our lives and have everything revolve around it. Maybe if you do your good deeds, pray, or listen to Christian music in front of friends and complete strangers, they will feel like they have been thrown a cue card from God.
If you don't get used to people seeing you act in your faith, how will you ever GROW?
"The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice." ~George Elliot
P.S. After writing some posts, I read the Bible and was immediately brought to Matthew 6. I think I've brought up the first few verses before (see post on February 25). I mentioned good deeds in the above lines and how you shouldn't stop doing them when you see somebody. I still don't think you should. However, don't keep doing it so you get rewarded or acknowledged. Do it because you feel led to...you feel it's coming from your heart. I hope I cleared that up!
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.
How many times, as Christians, do we go about our day and stop the good deeds we're doing when someone walks by or gets in close proximity to us? I know I do at times. It's hard. We don't want to make a fool of ourselves or embarrass ourselves. Therefore, just in the nick of time...we stop!
How does God feel when we do this? Uh...not very important I'm thinking! We just push him to the side when someone who doesn't have the same belief and faith system comes along during the day.
This can include driving with the radio in your car blasting with Christian music and then turning it down when you pull in somewhere or praying in a public location and then when someone sees you and says hey, you just stop praying. It can really be anything.
So what should we do? Keep going! Our responsibility as a Christian is to make the non-followers wonder what all the hype is about. Make them wonder why it's so good to have an amazing God at the center of our lives and have everything revolve around it. Maybe if you do your good deeds, pray, or listen to Christian music in front of friends and complete strangers, they will feel like they have been thrown a cue card from God.
If you don't get used to people seeing you act in your faith, how will you ever GROW?
"The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice." ~George Elliot
P.S. After writing some posts, I read the Bible and was immediately brought to Matthew 6. I think I've brought up the first few verses before (see post on February 25). I mentioned good deeds in the above lines and how you shouldn't stop doing them when you see somebody. I still don't think you should. However, don't keep doing it so you get rewarded or acknowledged. Do it because you feel led to...you feel it's coming from your heart. I hope I cleared that up!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Don't Let Your Age Be a Factor.
1 Timothy 4:12-16
12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
God needs everyone! He needs all generations, from child to elder, to help spread his word and he certainly doesn't intend on excluding the youth from this.
I know some people might believe it is strange for teenagers to spread the word and to encourage others to walk with Jesus Christ. They may think we're just following the Christian crowd because it's the right thing to do, we're not wise enough, and have not experienced enough to truly say how it is.
I disagree with that. I know when I encourage others it's because I feel God calling me to do so. I wouldn't have a love for being at church, if I just followed others. If I did go just to follow other Christians, it would be boring and essentially I would be wasting my time. However, I do it for my own sake to gear myself toward telling others and it's definitely not a waste of time.
Hey blog reader, if any of you out there are my age, don't be frightened by some strangers and adults giving you a weird look. A majority won't. In fact, they probably will smile. I just want you to keep that in mind so you can continue to work on the Kingdom work and not have a re-entry into the worldly things. Don't forget to pray for those who give youth the weird look!
God Bless!
The lesson from this week...
"If you teach men that God is the source of their pleasure and sin is the source of their pain, they will run to God and away from sin." ~Jacquelyn K. Heasley
“Evangelism is not salesmanship It is not urging people, pressing them, coercing them, overwhelming them, or subduing them. Evangelism is telling a message. Evangelism is reporting good news.” ~Richard C. Halverson
12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
God needs everyone! He needs all generations, from child to elder, to help spread his word and he certainly doesn't intend on excluding the youth from this.
I know some people might believe it is strange for teenagers to spread the word and to encourage others to walk with Jesus Christ. They may think we're just following the Christian crowd because it's the right thing to do, we're not wise enough, and have not experienced enough to truly say how it is.
I disagree with that. I know when I encourage others it's because I feel God calling me to do so. I wouldn't have a love for being at church, if I just followed others. If I did go just to follow other Christians, it would be boring and essentially I would be wasting my time. However, I do it for my own sake to gear myself toward telling others and it's definitely not a waste of time.
Hey blog reader, if any of you out there are my age, don't be frightened by some strangers and adults giving you a weird look. A majority won't. In fact, they probably will smile. I just want you to keep that in mind so you can continue to work on the Kingdom work and not have a re-entry into the worldly things. Don't forget to pray for those who give youth the weird look!
God Bless!
The lesson from this week...
"If you teach men that God is the source of their pleasure and sin is the source of their pain, they will run to God and away from sin." ~Jacquelyn K. Heasley
“Evangelism is not salesmanship It is not urging people, pressing them, coercing them, overwhelming them, or subduing them. Evangelism is telling a message. Evangelism is reporting good news.” ~Richard C. Halverson
Friday, March 20, 2009
Make a Leap of Faith.
Luke 9:1-2
1 One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. 2 Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
Where is the boundary for our faith? Is there one? Do we stop when we're describing something that can only be seen as phenomenal or ideal? Do we have a preferable way to walk our faith? All this week I have talked to you about teaching the Word. However, we don't always heal others.
Nothing about God is ordinary. He is amazing! You may have to step out of your comfort zone to do something for him, but it will never go beyond what he is able to do.
Don't just visit people who are healthy and tell them about the Good News. Go into hospitals and nursing homes, for example, and tell them some encouraging words as well. That can make all the difference. It may not heal their physical wounds, but it will heal their spiritual wounds for sure!
1 One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. 2 Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
Where is the boundary for our faith? Is there one? Do we stop when we're describing something that can only be seen as phenomenal or ideal? Do we have a preferable way to walk our faith? All this week I have talked to you about teaching the Word. However, we don't always heal others.
Nothing about God is ordinary. He is amazing! You may have to step out of your comfort zone to do something for him, but it will never go beyond what he is able to do.
Don't just visit people who are healthy and tell them about the Good News. Go into hospitals and nursing homes, for example, and tell them some encouraging words as well. That can make all the difference. It may not heal their physical wounds, but it will heal their spiritual wounds for sure!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Don't Wait in the Shadows Any Longer.
2 Timothy 4:1-5
1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
Up north, unlike Florida, there are true seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. There's a good variety of weather...all types in fact that will suit just about anyone's needs at some point. In Florida about all we have are wet and dry seasons. Temperature-wise, I say it's just hot and hotter all year.
In contrast, when it comes to being in a relationship with God there is no "season" whatsoever. It's an all-around, everyday event (it should be anyway). When you feel that God is telling you to talk about your faith and your beliefs, do it as soon as you can. You should almost stop what you're doing and go for it. Okay, maybe not. Just don't wait long! Remember to always approach God's callings on his time, not yours. If you go by your time, the deed may remain unwritten.
God has given you everything you can work possibly work with, including the Bible and of course people. Now you just have to run with it, and as a Christian, bring your fellow friends with on your journey with Christ. Why else would you be taking part? Don't be afraid. Only be afraid that you'll run out of time!
Have a blessed day :)
"Someone asked Will the heathen who have never heard the Gospel be saved? It is more a question with me whether we -- who have the Gospel and fail to give it to those who have not -- can be saved." ~Charles Spurgeon
1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
Up north, unlike Florida, there are true seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. There's a good variety of weather...all types in fact that will suit just about anyone's needs at some point. In Florida about all we have are wet and dry seasons. Temperature-wise, I say it's just hot and hotter all year.
In contrast, when it comes to being in a relationship with God there is no "season" whatsoever. It's an all-around, everyday event (it should be anyway). When you feel that God is telling you to talk about your faith and your beliefs, do it as soon as you can. You should almost stop what you're doing and go for it. Okay, maybe not. Just don't wait long! Remember to always approach God's callings on his time, not yours. If you go by your time, the deed may remain unwritten.
God has given you everything you can work possibly work with, including the Bible and of course people. Now you just have to run with it, and as a Christian, bring your fellow friends with on your journey with Christ. Why else would you be taking part? Don't be afraid. Only be afraid that you'll run out of time!
Have a blessed day :)
"Someone asked Will the heathen who have never heard the Gospel be saved? It is more a question with me whether we -- who have the Gospel and fail to give it to those who have not -- can be saved." ~Charles Spurgeon
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
One Body, Different Work.
Ephesians 4:1-16
1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say,
“When he ascended to the heights,
he led a crowd of captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
This is probably one of the largest passages I've given you to read yet, but I believe it's important. Each sentence builds on the previous one and the last section says a lot: "Each part does its own special work..."
We are called by God to use our gifts as a body to do the work of the Kingdom. There's a very important part that isn't mentioned in the statement above which you can infer the passage is calling Christians to do. That is, to attract others to work in the Kingdom.
Don't pull them in by their ears. However, teach them about Christ as we've been talking about over the past couple days and tell them that each person has a unique and important role in the Kingdom of God. Even though there may not be many things to do in your mind, each person can take something simple and make it fit the person who they are called to be.
I'll try to have some spiritual gift resources available soon!
Refer to the February 4th post and listen to the song "If We Are The Body." It's once again fitting. It's always good to apply songs to your spiritual life. You'll notice it's not going to be the same interpretation every time. It really depends on what God is teaching you at the moment.
"God has huge plans for the world today! He is not content to merely establish a handful of struggling churches among each tongue, tribe and nation. Even now He is preparing and empowering His Church to carry the seeds of revival to the uttermost ends of the earth." ~David Smithers
1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say,
“When he ascended to the heights,
he led a crowd of captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
This is probably one of the largest passages I've given you to read yet, but I believe it's important. Each sentence builds on the previous one and the last section says a lot: "Each part does its own special work..."
We are called by God to use our gifts as a body to do the work of the Kingdom. There's a very important part that isn't mentioned in the statement above which you can infer the passage is calling Christians to do. That is, to attract others to work in the Kingdom.
Don't pull them in by their ears. However, teach them about Christ as we've been talking about over the past couple days and tell them that each person has a unique and important role in the Kingdom of God. Even though there may not be many things to do in your mind, each person can take something simple and make it fit the person who they are called to be.
I'll try to have some spiritual gift resources available soon!
Refer to the February 4th post and listen to the song "If We Are The Body." It's once again fitting. It's always good to apply songs to your spiritual life. You'll notice it's not going to be the same interpretation every time. It really depends on what God is teaching you at the moment.
"God has huge plans for the world today! He is not content to merely establish a handful of struggling churches among each tongue, tribe and nation. Even now He is preparing and empowering His Church to carry the seeds of revival to the uttermost ends of the earth." ~David Smithers
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