2 Corinthians 9:7
7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
Many donate to non-profit charitable organizations or the homeless. Before you do the same (or if you already do this...the next time you should donate) consider the following:
The apostle Paul lets us know of the philosophy of Christian giving - with Jesus Christ being in the middle of the picture. He discusses the goal of giving and the ideal attitude of the givers.
DO NOT give because it's simply the right thing to do.
Do NOT give because you're under pressure.
Do NOT obligate yourself to giving a certain amount. BUT...
GIVE because you feel the calling.
GIVE because it's your decision.
GIVE because you TRULY want to make a difference.
Even though money is money and it doesn't have something written on it that says whether or not you seriously meant what you gave, GOD KNOWS. Give from your heart. That's what he wants!
"You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” ~Kahlil Gibran
"Heart of Worship" is a good song that goes along the lines of today's discussion...just being a "true" Christian in general.
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it buffer 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.
P.P.S. I thought it was funny that this was the headline on the front page of the Port St. Lucie News this morning "Retailers bet on you to save their season" after what I talked about yesterday. If you haven't read yesterday's devotion yet, you should.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Shopping this Holiday Season.
Ecclesiastes 5:10-17
10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! 11 The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!
12 People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep.
13 There is another serious problem I have seen under the sun. Hoarding riches harms the saver. 14 Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children. 15 We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can’t take our riches with us.
16 And this, too, is a very serious problem. People leave this world no better off than when they came. All their hard work is for nothing—like working for the wind. 17 Throughout their lives, they live under a cloud—frustrated, discouraged, and angry.
It is now the day after Thanksgiving and everyone is still stuffed from yesterday. Being the day after, it is Black Friday and some people gave up part of their Thanksgiving so they could be first in line at area stores to get the latest super cool gadget.
I want to give you a little bit of background information about Black Friday because it fits with what I'm going to talk about today.
The big shopping day right after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. This is where it gets its name "Black Friday." When sales are down, retailers are said to be "in the red." When sales are up, they are said to be "in the black." The only reason sales are typically up on this day is because of irresistible deals that consumers can not avoid. It is on this day that retailers can make a complete turn around in sales.
So as you go out and about this holiday season keep a few things in mind. Don't go to the stores and spend wads of money just because you're intrigued by their ads. You can buy gifts, but you don't have to spend lots of money for every single person you know. It is too often that people say "I can only show that I love them by getting the biggest and nicest thing out there." That's going too far. Think of a way to spend less this holiday and still show others that you love and care for them. This will keep you stress free and will allow you to enjoy the holiday season that much more. Traditionally, this time of year is filled with stress before Christmas as decisions are made on what to get someone and after the holiday while credit cards are being paid off. I'll tell you what...if you think of Jesus this season, you surely won't be sweating bullets.
10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! 11 The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!
12 People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep.
13 There is another serious problem I have seen under the sun. Hoarding riches harms the saver. 14 Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children. 15 We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can’t take our riches with us.
16 And this, too, is a very serious problem. People leave this world no better off than when they came. All their hard work is for nothing—like working for the wind. 17 Throughout their lives, they live under a cloud—frustrated, discouraged, and angry.
It is now the day after Thanksgiving and everyone is still stuffed from yesterday. Being the day after, it is Black Friday and some people gave up part of their Thanksgiving so they could be first in line at area stores to get the latest super cool gadget.
I want to give you a little bit of background information about Black Friday because it fits with what I'm going to talk about today.
The big shopping day right after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. This is where it gets its name "Black Friday." When sales are down, retailers are said to be "in the red." When sales are up, they are said to be "in the black." The only reason sales are typically up on this day is because of irresistible deals that consumers can not avoid. It is on this day that retailers can make a complete turn around in sales.
So as you go out and about this holiday season keep a few things in mind. Don't go to the stores and spend wads of money just because you're intrigued by their ads. You can buy gifts, but you don't have to spend lots of money for every single person you know. It is too often that people say "I can only show that I love them by getting the biggest and nicest thing out there." That's going too far. Think of a way to spend less this holiday and still show others that you love and care for them. This will keep you stress free and will allow you to enjoy the holiday season that much more. Traditionally, this time of year is filled with stress before Christmas as decisions are made on what to get someone and after the holiday while credit cards are being paid off. I'll tell you what...if you think of Jesus this season, you surely won't be sweating bullets.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Day of Thanksgiving.
Colossians 3:17
17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Today is Thanksgiving! Chances are you're going to have a lot on your dinner plate. Turkey and gravy/ham, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, warm cornbread mashed potatoes, a family favorite and dessert may be included on your plate. Everything just tastes so good on turkey day that often you go back for more and still don't leave anything on your plate.
You should also have a lot on your "God" plate. That is, a lot to thank him for. He creates life, blesses us everyday, and answers prayers. When it comes to being thankful, don't leave anything on your plate. No leftovers please! God deserves to be praised instead of being harped at repeatedly. Keep those praises coming, in all honesty of course!
"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice." ~Meister Eckhart
"Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude." ~E.P. Powell
Here's the song "Blessed Assurance."
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it buffer 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.
Happy Thanksgiving y'all!
17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Today is Thanksgiving! Chances are you're going to have a lot on your dinner plate. Turkey and gravy/ham, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, warm cornbread mashed potatoes, a family favorite and dessert may be included on your plate. Everything just tastes so good on turkey day that often you go back for more and still don't leave anything on your plate.
You should also have a lot on your "God" plate. That is, a lot to thank him for. He creates life, blesses us everyday, and answers prayers. When it comes to being thankful, don't leave anything on your plate. No leftovers please! God deserves to be praised instead of being harped at repeatedly. Keep those praises coming, in all honesty of course!
"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice." ~Meister Eckhart
"Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude." ~E.P. Powell
Here's the song "Blessed Assurance."
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it buffer 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.
Happy Thanksgiving y'all!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Be Willing to Sacrifice.
John 6:5-14
5 Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” 6 He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.
7 Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!”
8 Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. 9 “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”
10 “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. 12 After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.
14 When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!”
By now you're probably figuring out what is on the agenda for your family's Thanksgiving meal. There's probably more on your mind too!
In the passage above, there are thousands upon thousands of people at a Thanksgiving feast. It's pretty amazing when you think about it. The most incredible thing was that everyone had enough to eat.
So how did this happen? A young boy gave everything that he had. It may seem likes something that won't get the job done, but in this case the boy and God have no doubts.
Be thankful for everything, even if you want more. It is important to remember that sacrificing can especially cause God to do wonders. How will you show gratitude and thanksgiving tomorrow?
"If Jesus Christ...died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” ~C T Studd
5 Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” 6 He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.
7 Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!”
8 Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. 9 “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”
10 “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. 12 After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.
14 When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!”
By now you're probably figuring out what is on the agenda for your family's Thanksgiving meal. There's probably more on your mind too!
In the passage above, there are thousands upon thousands of people at a Thanksgiving feast. It's pretty amazing when you think about it. The most incredible thing was that everyone had enough to eat.
So how did this happen? A young boy gave everything that he had. It may seem likes something that won't get the job done, but in this case the boy and God have no doubts.
Be thankful for everything, even if you want more. It is important to remember that sacrificing can especially cause God to do wonders. How will you show gratitude and thanksgiving tomorrow?
"If Jesus Christ...died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” ~C T Studd
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
You Can't Complain All the Time and Still be Thankful.
Numbers 21:4-9
4 Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor, taking the road to the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient with the long journey, 5and they began to speak against God and Moses. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!”
6 So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died. 7 Then the people came to Moses and cried out, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take away the snakes.” So Moses prayed for the people.
8 Then the Lord told him, “Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!” 9 So Moses made a snake out of bronze and attached it to a pole. Then anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and be healed!
God was attending to the Israelites. God was clearly visible and let water flow from the rocks and bread fall from the sky even though they were in the barren desert. To say the least, God was disappointed because the Israelites didn't like the food...they complained.
At times, we can act in a similar manner. We complain when we have to get up and go to work or school everyday or when our favorite television show is interrupted by something. We should actually be thankful that we even have access to such things. I'm sure people in countries that have limited items would what you or I have in a quick instant!
Make a list of the goods God has enriched and blessed you with. Are you thankful for everything you have been given?
"We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them.” ~William Arthur Ward
4 Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor, taking the road to the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient with the long journey, 5and they began to speak against God and Moses. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!”
6 So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died. 7 Then the people came to Moses and cried out, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take away the snakes.” So Moses prayed for the people.
8 Then the Lord told him, “Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!” 9 So Moses made a snake out of bronze and attached it to a pole. Then anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and be healed!
God was attending to the Israelites. God was clearly visible and let water flow from the rocks and bread fall from the sky even though they were in the barren desert. To say the least, God was disappointed because the Israelites didn't like the food...they complained.
At times, we can act in a similar manner. We complain when we have to get up and go to work or school everyday or when our favorite television show is interrupted by something. We should actually be thankful that we even have access to such things. I'm sure people in countries that have limited items would what you or I have in a quick instant!
Make a list of the goods God has enriched and blessed you with. Are you thankful for everything you have been given?
"We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them.” ~William Arthur Ward
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thank God There is a God.
Ephesians 1:15-23
15 Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, 16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, 17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
This week I want to talk about thankfulness and it's perfect because Thursday is Thanksgiving. The above scripture is Paul talking about what he is thankful for. It's his prayer of thanksgiving. I challenge you to re-read that at least once everyday this week.
Are you thankful for having God in your life? Let's have a reality check here. Wouldn't you feel a Christ-size (immense) hole in your heart without him? I would because I know he's with me during the day with each step I take.
So the first thing I should be thankful for is God. Who would give me forgive me completely for all my mistakes? Who could promise that if I was faithful I would have everything I need to survive? Who would constantly be my companion if relationships don't work out? Who is the reason I'm alive? The answer to all the above is God...who sent his Son to die for us! They both deserve praise.
The bottom line is that God deserves appreciation. Don't let this be just a Thanksgiving for family and friends but a Thanksgiving for God.
Just a "thank you" is a mighty powerful prayer. Says it all. ~Rosie Cash
Listen to the song "All Because of Jesus" by Fee. We sang this at youth last night. It's great!
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it buffer 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.
15 Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, 16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, 17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
This week I want to talk about thankfulness and it's perfect because Thursday is Thanksgiving. The above scripture is Paul talking about what he is thankful for. It's his prayer of thanksgiving. I challenge you to re-read that at least once everyday this week.
Are you thankful for having God in your life? Let's have a reality check here. Wouldn't you feel a Christ-size (immense) hole in your heart without him? I would because I know he's with me during the day with each step I take.
So the first thing I should be thankful for is God. Who would give me forgive me completely for all my mistakes? Who could promise that if I was faithful I would have everything I need to survive? Who would constantly be my companion if relationships don't work out? Who is the reason I'm alive? The answer to all the above is God...who sent his Son to die for us! They both deserve praise.
The bottom line is that God deserves appreciation. Don't let this be just a Thanksgiving for family and friends but a Thanksgiving for God.
Just a "thank you" is a mighty powerful prayer. Says it all. ~Rosie Cash
Listen to the song "All Because of Jesus" by Fee. We sang this at youth last night. It's great!
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused, and let it buffer 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, November 22, 2008
Discouraged?
2 Corinthians 11:23-28
23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.
28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.
Do you ever feel unlucky, meaningless, or just downright discouraged? It's almost like the type of thing where "if God doesn't show me I belong here then that's it for me." Now what do you do...express it or hold it inside?
Being saved by God is not going make things any easier. As you can see, in today's passage, you still have a lot to deal with. However, if you let God's mighty power encourage you, and don't worry or let a situation discourage you then that will help you cope. God can help you overcome challenges.
“Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.” ~Thomas Carlyle
If there's one idea that I hope I made this week it's that God will be there when you're angry or whenever you need him and have nobody to talk with.
23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.
28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.
Do you ever feel unlucky, meaningless, or just downright discouraged? It's almost like the type of thing where "if God doesn't show me I belong here then that's it for me." Now what do you do...express it or hold it inside?
Being saved by God is not going make things any easier. As you can see, in today's passage, you still have a lot to deal with. However, if you let God's mighty power encourage you, and don't worry or let a situation discourage you then that will help you cope. God can help you overcome challenges.
“Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.” ~Thomas Carlyle
If there's one idea that I hope I made this week it's that God will be there when you're angry or whenever you need him and have nobody to talk with.
Friday, November 21, 2008
The Christian Weapon.
Ephesians 6:16-17
16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
I believe this tells us that we REALLY NEED TO READ THE BIBLE. In school, you can't soldify your knowledge without looking through your textbook and/or listening to teacher's lectures. Similarly, the Bible is the Christian textbook and God is the teacher. You won't gain much knowledge by just occasionally hearing what others have to say about God. As much as I'd like everything to just come to me all at once, that won't happen. Keep that in mind as a Christian.
God's word has to be sharp in our minds. The double-edged sword in this case is: reading the bible and reflecting on what it means. The only thuing is that this sword doesn't hurt you, but it protects you. You can even add another "edge" and that is to pray to God. This will sharpen your "spiritual" sword and keep it ready for daily challenges.
16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
I believe this tells us that we REALLY NEED TO READ THE BIBLE. In school, you can't soldify your knowledge without looking through your textbook and/or listening to teacher's lectures. Similarly, the Bible is the Christian textbook and God is the teacher. You won't gain much knowledge by just occasionally hearing what others have to say about God. As much as I'd like everything to just come to me all at once, that won't happen. Keep that in mind as a Christian.
God's word has to be sharp in our minds. The double-edged sword in this case is: reading the bible and reflecting on what it means. The only thuing is that this sword doesn't hurt you, but it protects you. You can even add another "edge" and that is to pray to God. This will sharpen your "spiritual" sword and keep it ready for daily challenges.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Training to become a God-Athlete.
1 Timothy 4:7-8
7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
Any athlete has to undergo major adjustments in their life in order to prepare for the all important race or match later in the season. Training often brings pain and discomfort along with it. It can even mean injuries if one is not careful. Once injury occurs, it can be extremely challenging to resume normal events and to continue with what you love.
After recovery, physical therapy is a must. Through time and determination, however, it is certainly possible for a miracle or unexpected return to the sport to occur. In order to do that though, you have to defeat the physical barriers.
Do you think it's easy to be a Christian? Certainly not. The world is physical barrier and you have to avoid those barriers whenever and wherever you can. Discipline yourself, train yourself, accept that it will be a challenge, and you my friend, can become an athlete in training for Christ!
"Athletes play a major role in society. Athletes who know Christ have an awesome opportunity to make an impact.” ~Lee Haney from FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)
7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
Any athlete has to undergo major adjustments in their life in order to prepare for the all important race or match later in the season. Training often brings pain and discomfort along with it. It can even mean injuries if one is not careful. Once injury occurs, it can be extremely challenging to resume normal events and to continue with what you love.
After recovery, physical therapy is a must. Through time and determination, however, it is certainly possible for a miracle or unexpected return to the sport to occur. In order to do that though, you have to defeat the physical barriers.
Do you think it's easy to be a Christian? Certainly not. The world is physical barrier and you have to avoid those barriers whenever and wherever you can. Discipline yourself, train yourself, accept that it will be a challenge, and you my friend, can become an athlete in training for Christ!
"Athletes play a major role in society. Athletes who know Christ have an awesome opportunity to make an impact.” ~Lee Haney from FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Be Careful How You Go to Sleep.
Ephesians 4:26-27
26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
You've probably heard it said before...don't go to sleep angry! Still, it's probably happened to us all, yet God tells us not to do that. You're just going to toss and turn all night thinking about what you did. Chances are the next morning, things aren't going so well, you're still angry, and then you may regret whatever happened.
If you're in an argument with someone, make an agreement. Think how peace would be in your heart if you didn't go to sleep angry. You'd actually be able to get some sleep. You could also think of something positive and encouraging like God and knowing that he has a purpose for you!
Remember, there's a certain someone who wants to destroy lives and replace all good things with pain. Don't give in to Satan!
"Never go to bed angry, stay up and fight." ~Phyllis Diller
26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
You've probably heard it said before...don't go to sleep angry! Still, it's probably happened to us all, yet God tells us not to do that. You're just going to toss and turn all night thinking about what you did. Chances are the next morning, things aren't going so well, you're still angry, and then you may regret whatever happened.
If you're in an argument with someone, make an agreement. Think how peace would be in your heart if you didn't go to sleep angry. You'd actually be able to get some sleep. You could also think of something positive and encouraging like God and knowing that he has a purpose for you!
Remember, there's a certain someone who wants to destroy lives and replace all good things with pain. Don't give in to Satan!
"Never go to bed angry, stay up and fight." ~Phyllis Diller
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Anger is an Emotion.
Mark 3:5
5 He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored!
What is the point in having an emotion such as anger? I mentioned yesterday that it reveals a lot about someone's character. That's true, but there's more. Anger is God-given. Anger is not a sin. It's alright to be angry. Jesus even got angry at times, as you can see in the verse above. It is a sin, however, when it consumes us so much that we become out of control and even violent. That is the part that truly reveals our character.
God did not make us perfect, so we are going to slip up and at times carry things too far. You can train yourself though and know that God is there for you, he can help suck the anger out of you.
“My fault, my failure, is not in the passions I have, but in my lack of control of them.” ~Jack Kerouac
For some reason, I'm not able to embed videos on here for this post. Hopefully I can figure it out. Here's a link. Go to this site:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBCD9ls3iFQ
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused 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. *I'll try to remember to include this blurb whenever there's a video to remind you what to do* =)
5 He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored!
What is the point in having an emotion such as anger? I mentioned yesterday that it reveals a lot about someone's character. That's true, but there's more. Anger is God-given. Anger is not a sin. It's alright to be angry. Jesus even got angry at times, as you can see in the verse above. It is a sin, however, when it consumes us so much that we become out of control and even violent. That is the part that truly reveals our character.
God did not make us perfect, so we are going to slip up and at times carry things too far. You can train yourself though and know that God is there for you, he can help suck the anger out of you.
“My fault, my failure, is not in the passions I have, but in my lack of control of them.” ~Jack Kerouac
For some reason, I'm not able to embed videos on here for this post. Hopefully I can figure it out. Here's a link. Go to this site:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBCD9ls3iFQ
P.S. If you have trouble with the video stopping and starting, keep the video paused 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. *I'll try to remember to include this blurb whenever there's a video to remind you what to do* =)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Watch It Buddy.
Proverbs 29:11
11 Fools vent their anger,
but the wise quietly hold it back.
How many times during a given day does something completely tick you off? I'm sure you can answer that, but I know the smallest things can annoy me. Our anger says a lot about us.
An example of a huge control issue we have today is road rage when the "What did you do that for?" can turn into something more explicit. If you just let it go, you'll forget about it sooner or later.
Notice what it says in today's scripture. I want to make it clear that it's okay release your feelings, as long as you use common sense and have self-control. Don't make your anger extreme whatsoever.
Find someway to control yourself by talking to a friend and without a doubt TALK TO GOD. He wants to hear how you feel - honestly. He won't hold any grudges toward you for saying how you feel. You can always read the Bible too, which is the only way I provided you with today's Bible verse.
“You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.” ~Brian Tracy
“First we make our habits, then our habits make us.” ~Charles C. Noble
11 Fools vent their anger,
but the wise quietly hold it back.
How many times during a given day does something completely tick you off? I'm sure you can answer that, but I know the smallest things can annoy me. Our anger says a lot about us.
An example of a huge control issue we have today is road rage when the "What did you do that for?" can turn into something more explicit. If you just let it go, you'll forget about it sooner or later.
Notice what it says in today's scripture. I want to make it clear that it's okay release your feelings, as long as you use common sense and have self-control. Don't make your anger extreme whatsoever.
Find someway to control yourself by talking to a friend and without a doubt TALK TO GOD. He wants to hear how you feel - honestly. He won't hold any grudges toward you for saying how you feel. You can always read the Bible too, which is the only way I provided you with today's Bible verse.
“You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.” ~Brian Tracy
“First we make our habits, then our habits make us.” ~Charles C. Noble
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