"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21
In this age of constantly trying to keep up with the Jones, we need to stop and reflect on this passage from the Gospel of Matthew. My dad has always had a saying, "You can't take it with you". It is funny because he always used this phrase when we were taking a vacation to Disney. I know he worked so hard just to provide for us, and he did one heck of a job. But he also made sure that we spent time as a family on a nice vacation every other year.
Looking back, it is those special times that I remember best. Waking up in hotel rooms with my siblings, running in and out of the water with my family, just enjoying. If we try to stock up on the riches of the earth and miss the point of sharing God's love with others; our family, friends, neighbors; then we totally miss the point of why God has put us on this earth.
Sharing God's love will make you feel richer than any amount of money, any new car, any big house can possibly make you feel. You will feel rich in knowing that your treasure is waiting for you in Heaven.
God Bless your Tuesday.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
The lost sheep
"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
Luke 15:7
The parable of the Lost Sheep is one of my favorites. What else must Jesus tell us about our ability to live for eternity in Heaven. How exciting to know that even though we, like a sheep, will wander off, losing our way, only to be swept up upon the shoulders of Jesus as He carries us to Heaven. He seeks and rescues us from the perils of this earth just as a shepherd seeks out and rescues the lost sheep.
What a comforting feeling to know that God, having so many sheep to watch over, will still seek us out and try to find us and bring us back to the flock. And what do we have to do to enjoy eternity with Him? Absolutely nothing. It is a gift given to us from God in the form of His Son who died on the cross for each and every one of us.
Pray that you will heed His call and return to the flock when He seeks you out. Pray also for your fellow sheep in the flock. Who are these other sheep? Look around where you are, where you were, and where you will be next. For we are all God's sheep, each and every one of us. Pray that so many more will hear the call and return.
God Bless your Monday.
Luke 15:7
The parable of the Lost Sheep is one of my favorites. What else must Jesus tell us about our ability to live for eternity in Heaven. How exciting to know that even though we, like a sheep, will wander off, losing our way, only to be swept up upon the shoulders of Jesus as He carries us to Heaven. He seeks and rescues us from the perils of this earth just as a shepherd seeks out and rescues the lost sheep.
What a comforting feeling to know that God, having so many sheep to watch over, will still seek us out and try to find us and bring us back to the flock. And what do we have to do to enjoy eternity with Him? Absolutely nothing. It is a gift given to us from God in the form of His Son who died on the cross for each and every one of us.
Pray that you will heed His call and return to the flock when He seeks you out. Pray also for your fellow sheep in the flock. Who are these other sheep? Look around where you are, where you were, and where you will be next. For we are all God's sheep, each and every one of us. Pray that so many more will hear the call and return.
God Bless your Monday.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Patience allows us to enjoy God's plan
"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light."
Colossians 1:10-12
It has been an interesting and exciting year so far for me and my family. An opportunity to be at home with the family for a few months turned into eight months of good times as well as challenging times. But finally I have seen God's plan for me. I have never been one with a great deal of patience. I have worked hard all my life to get ahead, to conquer those things I thought needed conquering.
But a funny thing happened over the last eight months. God taught me to be patient, to depend on Him and His word. God taught me that things that are best for us must come in His time, not mine.
Throughout the last few months I have struggled with the question of what God wanted me to do. I thought that it was writing software for Christians so they could use technology in their spiritual life. Yes, God wanted me to do that...but that was just a step in his plan for me. He knew the passion that would stir in me, the desire to read the Word more regularly and the desire to come closer to Him.
But what I did not know, was how God was going to allow me time to look back and see all the lives that I have touched throughout my career. But now I am stronger through the Word and am ready to be a true servant leader. I have prayed many, many times over the last few months, asking God to reveal His plan for me. He answered every time, only for a while I was not ready and the answer was "not yet". It was very difficult, but with the incredible support of family and friends, I have learned patience and God is rewarding me by revealing the next step of the plan.
I am so excited to be taking the next step. I cannot wait, check that, I will have great patience as I await the next step from God in His great plan for me.
God Bless you.
Colossians 1:10-12
It has been an interesting and exciting year so far for me and my family. An opportunity to be at home with the family for a few months turned into eight months of good times as well as challenging times. But finally I have seen God's plan for me. I have never been one with a great deal of patience. I have worked hard all my life to get ahead, to conquer those things I thought needed conquering.
But a funny thing happened over the last eight months. God taught me to be patient, to depend on Him and His word. God taught me that things that are best for us must come in His time, not mine.
Throughout the last few months I have struggled with the question of what God wanted me to do. I thought that it was writing software for Christians so they could use technology in their spiritual life. Yes, God wanted me to do that...but that was just a step in his plan for me. He knew the passion that would stir in me, the desire to read the Word more regularly and the desire to come closer to Him.
But what I did not know, was how God was going to allow me time to look back and see all the lives that I have touched throughout my career. But now I am stronger through the Word and am ready to be a true servant leader. I have prayed many, many times over the last few months, asking God to reveal His plan for me. He answered every time, only for a while I was not ready and the answer was "not yet". It was very difficult, but with the incredible support of family and friends, I have learned patience and God is rewarding me by revealing the next step of the plan.
I am so excited to be taking the next step. I cannot wait, check that, I will have great patience as I await the next step from God in His great plan for me.
God Bless you.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Powerful words
"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."
1 John 2:6
You no undoubtedly have heard the phrase "Until you walk in the shoes of another, you have no idea what it is like to be them." Well read this verse from 1 John and when read in context with the first 5 verses you will get an understanding of what we are asked to do. To try to walk as Jesus did, to strive to be like him. But we know that He was the only perfect one, unblemished by sin until He carried the weight of ours on the cross.
I pray that you will ask God for the strength to strive to be like Jesus. Pray that in every situation you ask yourself what He would do in the same situation.
If we all do this, what a wonderful world we will live in.
God Bless!
1 John 2:6
You no undoubtedly have heard the phrase "Until you walk in the shoes of another, you have no idea what it is like to be them." Well read this verse from 1 John and when read in context with the first 5 verses you will get an understanding of what we are asked to do. To try to walk as Jesus did, to strive to be like him. But we know that He was the only perfect one, unblemished by sin until He carried the weight of ours on the cross.
I pray that you will ask God for the strength to strive to be like Jesus. Pray that in every situation you ask yourself what He would do in the same situation.
If we all do this, what a wonderful world we will live in.
God Bless!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
What an awesome communication channel
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5:14-15
In the United States, can any citizen dial up the White House and speak to the President? Can you go knock on the door of your favorite ball player just so you can ask them a favor? What about the CEO in your company? For most, you do not have access to them and if you do it is through a scheduled appointment.
But for those of us that believe in Christ as our savior, God has the best open door policy available. He wants us to, no check that, He urges us to make our requests to him personally and persistently through faith. I can talk to God whenever and as often as I like and I know that He hears my voice.
What a tremendous gift. Think about all the people on this earth that believe they are so important that they do not have time to talk to the little people. But God has time for us all and freely gives us His time.
I pray that you will answer God's urging to pray to him persistently, frequently and in faith.
God Bless your Wednesday.
In the United States, can any citizen dial up the White House and speak to the President? Can you go knock on the door of your favorite ball player just so you can ask them a favor? What about the CEO in your company? For most, you do not have access to them and if you do it is through a scheduled appointment.
But for those of us that believe in Christ as our savior, God has the best open door policy available. He wants us to, no check that, He urges us to make our requests to him personally and persistently through faith. I can talk to God whenever and as often as I like and I know that He hears my voice.
What a tremendous gift. Think about all the people on this earth that believe they are so important that they do not have time to talk to the little people. But God has time for us all and freely gives us His time.
I pray that you will answer God's urging to pray to him persistently, frequently and in faith.
God Bless your Wednesday.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Lord's Prayer
"This, then, is how you should pray:
'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'"
Matthew 6:9-13
Jesus made it clear how we should pray. Let us all pray daily and continuously.
'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'"
Matthew 6:9-13
Jesus made it clear how we should pray. Let us all pray daily and continuously.
Monday, August 23, 2010
God's will be done.
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer"
Matthew 21:22
Does this verse indicate that if I believe Jesus died for my sins, and ask for a new BMW, I will receive a new BMW? No, of course not for Jesus says in John 16:23 "I tell you the truth, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name." and lets us know that there are right ways to pray for what we need. We are to pray in His name and to pray for God's will to be done. We must always remember that God has a plan for each of us and with that plan He knows what is best for us.
This is sometimes tough to comprehend. We know that if we do well on a particular task that we will be rewarded with a pat on the back, maybe a cash bonus, or some other recognition. But that is earthly recognition and we must keep it in perspective. We can surely pray to ask God to help us in completing the task successfully, but we must ask with God's will in mind. We may think that not completing the task is failure, and it might be in our eyes, but in God's eyes we must remember that every success and every failure is part of His plan for us.
Keep this in mind, and continuously pray for God's will to be done in your life. Pray for God to keep revealing pieces of your plan to you as you walk with Him in His Word.
God Bless the start of your week.
Matthew 21:22
Does this verse indicate that if I believe Jesus died for my sins, and ask for a new BMW, I will receive a new BMW? No, of course not for Jesus says in John 16:23 "I tell you the truth, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name." and lets us know that there are right ways to pray for what we need. We are to pray in His name and to pray for God's will to be done. We must always remember that God has a plan for each of us and with that plan He knows what is best for us.
This is sometimes tough to comprehend. We know that if we do well on a particular task that we will be rewarded with a pat on the back, maybe a cash bonus, or some other recognition. But that is earthly recognition and we must keep it in perspective. We can surely pray to ask God to help us in completing the task successfully, but we must ask with God's will in mind. We may think that not completing the task is failure, and it might be in our eyes, but in God's eyes we must remember that every success and every failure is part of His plan for us.
Keep this in mind, and continuously pray for God's will to be done in your life. Pray for God to keep revealing pieces of your plan to you as you walk with Him in His Word.
God Bless the start of your week.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
"If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Romans 8:31
What comfort this verse gives me at the start of this weekend. God is our protector, and in Him we can feel safe whether we are sleeping at night or moving about during the day. God is always watching over us. No matter how bad things seem to be getting in this world we live in, we can always recall this verse and have comfort in where we stand.
At church we have just started a 10 week study going through Focus on the Family's Truth Project. Wow, it is very intense and really provides a lot of food for thought. With one session under my belt, I am excited to experience the next session. It is thought provoking and looks to allow us to look closely at how God has provided detail into every aspect of life as we know it. It also shows us how throughout time, Satan has continued to provoke us into living lies as opposed to the Truth that can only be found in the Word of God. We can choose to reject the Truth and live the lies, or we can reach out and try to comprehend the awesome Truth of God. If we do the latter, the promise of a better, peaceful life is there for us to partake.
An interesting thing I took away from the first session was the vision of those living without knowledge of God or not having the Holy Spirit yet work to provide them faith can be seen as captives, awaiting to be freed by Jesus and His death on the cross. It is an interesting thought and will definitely have an impact as I view others. We must remember that we are all equal, just some have been freed from the captivity and others are still waiting. Let us all pray and help those that are still captive to see their Savior and be freed from the captivity of Satan.
God Bless your weekend.
Romans 8:31
What comfort this verse gives me at the start of this weekend. God is our protector, and in Him we can feel safe whether we are sleeping at night or moving about during the day. God is always watching over us. No matter how bad things seem to be getting in this world we live in, we can always recall this verse and have comfort in where we stand.
At church we have just started a 10 week study going through Focus on the Family's Truth Project. Wow, it is very intense and really provides a lot of food for thought. With one session under my belt, I am excited to experience the next session. It is thought provoking and looks to allow us to look closely at how God has provided detail into every aspect of life as we know it. It also shows us how throughout time, Satan has continued to provoke us into living lies as opposed to the Truth that can only be found in the Word of God. We can choose to reject the Truth and live the lies, or we can reach out and try to comprehend the awesome Truth of God. If we do the latter, the promise of a better, peaceful life is there for us to partake.
An interesting thing I took away from the first session was the vision of those living without knowledge of God or not having the Holy Spirit yet work to provide them faith can be seen as captives, awaiting to be freed by Jesus and His death on the cross. It is an interesting thought and will definitely have an impact as I view others. We must remember that we are all equal, just some have been freed from the captivity and others are still waiting. Let us all pray and help those that are still captive to see their Savior and be freed from the captivity of Satan.
God Bless your weekend.
Friday, August 20, 2010
The devil inside
"The devil inside
The devil inside
Every single one of us the devil inside"
Andrew Farriss - INXS - 1988
I know I usually quote the Bible first, but my thoughts this morning continue to focus on what INXS sang about in the late eighties and which rings so true in our lives today. We were all born with the devil, sin, in side of us. We know it when we can not sleep at night because we worry about something that is occurring in our lives. We know it when we snap at each other in anger. We know it when we gossip about others or judge them as if we are somehow better.
In Paul's letter to the Colossians, chapter 3, verse 17 he writes "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." This verse can provide great comfort to know that the Lord dwells inside of us as well. But it is a fierce battle. We must pray for the strength to defeat the devil. But it is hard, and the closer we get to God and His Word, the harder the devil drives to take our souls.
I ask that we all pray for one another, pray that we all can defeat those demons that play in our minds. Pray that we can defeat Satan and reject the thoughts and worries that he implants in our minds. I ask especially that you pray for me as my struggle with the devil becomes more intense.
May God Bless your Friday.
The devil inside
Every single one of us the devil inside"
Andrew Farriss - INXS - 1988
I know I usually quote the Bible first, but my thoughts this morning continue to focus on what INXS sang about in the late eighties and which rings so true in our lives today. We were all born with the devil, sin, in side of us. We know it when we can not sleep at night because we worry about something that is occurring in our lives. We know it when we snap at each other in anger. We know it when we gossip about others or judge them as if we are somehow better.
In Paul's letter to the Colossians, chapter 3, verse 17 he writes "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." This verse can provide great comfort to know that the Lord dwells inside of us as well. But it is a fierce battle. We must pray for the strength to defeat the devil. But it is hard, and the closer we get to God and His Word, the harder the devil drives to take our souls.
I ask that we all pray for one another, pray that we all can defeat those demons that play in our minds. Pray that we can defeat Satan and reject the thoughts and worries that he implants in our minds. I ask especially that you pray for me as my struggle with the devil becomes more intense.
May God Bless your Friday.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Share the love
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."
Matthew 23:23
This verse, when reading it this morning as part of my daily devotion, brought to mind the thought of the Sunday Christian. While we should not judge, I am sure we all know someone who does not quite know how to parlay what they do and learn in church on Sunday into their daily lives. They tithe, they read, they sing and they confess. Only Monday thru Friday, they curse, swear, and treat others with little or no respect.
Jesus reminds us in this verse in Matthew, that we must be mindful of all of God's laws, and more importantly, we must understand why the laws were given to us. It is not to make us feel better or more important to someone else, to look down upon others as if they are not as worthy as us. No, we are to follow all the laws in the same love that God shares with us. Treat others with the same kindness and respect that you would want them to treat you.
If you follow God's laws, not in the same love as He showed, but instead to show how worthy you are, you are as Jesus says, hypocrites. For nothing we can do can make us worthy in God's eyes. The only way to be worthy is through faith in Jesus Christ.
One way to help en sure that you stay in tune with God's true meaning of the law is through daily prayer. Ask God daily to help you see others in God's light. Ask for guidance in difficult situations, especially when dealing with other people. Ask God to forgive you for the sins you commit without even knowing. Thank God for the love He shares and for allowing you to share that love with others.
God Bless your Thursday.
Matthew 23:23
This verse, when reading it this morning as part of my daily devotion, brought to mind the thought of the Sunday Christian. While we should not judge, I am sure we all know someone who does not quite know how to parlay what they do and learn in church on Sunday into their daily lives. They tithe, they read, they sing and they confess. Only Monday thru Friday, they curse, swear, and treat others with little or no respect.
Jesus reminds us in this verse in Matthew, that we must be mindful of all of God's laws, and more importantly, we must understand why the laws were given to us. It is not to make us feel better or more important to someone else, to look down upon others as if they are not as worthy as us. No, we are to follow all the laws in the same love that God shares with us. Treat others with the same kindness and respect that you would want them to treat you.
If you follow God's laws, not in the same love as He showed, but instead to show how worthy you are, you are as Jesus says, hypocrites. For nothing we can do can make us worthy in God's eyes. The only way to be worthy is through faith in Jesus Christ.
One way to help en sure that you stay in tune with God's true meaning of the law is through daily prayer. Ask God daily to help you see others in God's light. Ask for guidance in difficult situations, especially when dealing with other people. Ask God to forgive you for the sins you commit without even knowing. Thank God for the love He shares and for allowing you to share that love with others.
God Bless your Thursday.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Give thanks, have patience and forgive
"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:10-12
"Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Colossians 3:11-13
These two passages from Paul's letter to the believers in Colosse really sum up the life God wants us to live. First, we are to give thanks to Him who has given us everything we need. We should always be cognizant of the gifts of God no matter what the situation, good or bad. We must never forget God's love for us and the promise of eternal life through His Son on the cross.
Second we are to have patience. This can be interpreted many ways, all of them relevant. We are to be patient with our neighbors, and Paul emphasizes that this is not just those that are like us. We are also to have patience with God's plan for us. Both of these are hard for us, as the devil constantly tempts us with situations that will pull us out of being patient. Worry and fear often outweigh our patience for God's plan. Doubt sometimes has us wondering if being patient and waiting for God's plan for us would turn out better than if we attempt to create our own plan. Worry, fear, doubt. These are all the work of the devil. Stand firm in your faith in God and reject the devil's temptations. Pray for patience and the will power to defeat the devil's ways.
Last, we are to forgive. This is one of the hardest things to do because true forgiveness as shown to us through Christ means not only words, but also actions. The action to forgive and forget. Let that sin against you disappear, never to return. It is hard, but we must pray and remember that through Jesus' death on the cross all of our sins are forgiven and forgotten. For the death on the cross made us holy in God's eyes as He sees us through Jesus. He forgets our sin and allows us to enter His kingdom of eternal life.
God Bless you as you make it through the middle of this week.
"Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Colossians 3:11-13
These two passages from Paul's letter to the believers in Colosse really sum up the life God wants us to live. First, we are to give thanks to Him who has given us everything we need. We should always be cognizant of the gifts of God no matter what the situation, good or bad. We must never forget God's love for us and the promise of eternal life through His Son on the cross.
Second we are to have patience. This can be interpreted many ways, all of them relevant. We are to be patient with our neighbors, and Paul emphasizes that this is not just those that are like us. We are also to have patience with God's plan for us. Both of these are hard for us, as the devil constantly tempts us with situations that will pull us out of being patient. Worry and fear often outweigh our patience for God's plan. Doubt sometimes has us wondering if being patient and waiting for God's plan for us would turn out better than if we attempt to create our own plan. Worry, fear, doubt. These are all the work of the devil. Stand firm in your faith in God and reject the devil's temptations. Pray for patience and the will power to defeat the devil's ways.
Last, we are to forgive. This is one of the hardest things to do because true forgiveness as shown to us through Christ means not only words, but also actions. The action to forgive and forget. Let that sin against you disappear, never to return. It is hard, but we must pray and remember that through Jesus' death on the cross all of our sins are forgiven and forgotten. For the death on the cross made us holy in God's eyes as He sees us through Jesus. He forgets our sin and allows us to enter His kingdom of eternal life.
God Bless you as you make it through the middle of this week.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
What do we pray for?
"...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."
Romans 8:26
An interesting passage from the Bible that should give us comfort when we are ready to pray. What I get from this passage is that if we pray in Jesus' name, the Spirit intercedes for us, knowing what our hearts are feeling, and presents our prayers for us. So, we should not suffer trepidation over not knowing what to pray for, feeling like we are not capable of praying, for God sends the Holy Spirit to intercede for us, just as he sent His Son to intercede for us and remove our sins.
God Bless your Tuesday.
Romans 8:26
An interesting passage from the Bible that should give us comfort when we are ready to pray. What I get from this passage is that if we pray in Jesus' name, the Spirit intercedes for us, knowing what our hearts are feeling, and presents our prayers for us. So, we should not suffer trepidation over not knowing what to pray for, feeling like we are not capable of praying, for God sends the Holy Spirit to intercede for us, just as he sent His Son to intercede for us and remove our sins.
God Bless your Tuesday.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Who do you depend on?
"He alone is my rock and my
salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not
be shaken.
My salvation and my honor
depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my
refuge."
Psalm 62:6-7
What a wonderful passage to reflect upon when we question our next move or what others might think of us. For it is not what we do alone, but what we do through God's salvation that determines who we are and what we become.
When you are feeling down, alone, frightened or rejected, read this passage over and over and you will feel a sense of relief, comfort and calm come over you. If we remember that God has a plan for each and every one of us, we can have comfort because we know that He knows what is best for us.
As I read this passage as part of my morning devotion, I thought back to a movie that my family watched yesterday. The movie is "Letters to God". I encourage you to rent this movie, but be prepared with a box of Kleenex. This movie shows how these two verses from Psalm 62 ring true in our lives. It shows how we can shine the light of Jesus through our everyday actions.
The thing I loved most about this movie was the focus on prayer and on letting God's will work in our lives. We do not always know, scratch that - we really never know why things that appear to be sad or bad happen in our lives or the lives of our loved ones. But if we do not allow God's will to play out fully, we may never see the results of God's plan, which we know by reading His Word is always best for us here on earth. Let God work His plan for you. Pray that you will submit to His plan for you. And constantly go back to this passage in the Bible to remind yourself of just where your strength is sourced from.
God Bless you as you start your week and may you pray continuously for God's plan for your life.
salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not
be shaken.
My salvation and my honor
depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my
refuge."
Psalm 62:6-7
What a wonderful passage to reflect upon when we question our next move or what others might think of us. For it is not what we do alone, but what we do through God's salvation that determines who we are and what we become.
When you are feeling down, alone, frightened or rejected, read this passage over and over and you will feel a sense of relief, comfort and calm come over you. If we remember that God has a plan for each and every one of us, we can have comfort because we know that He knows what is best for us.
As I read this passage as part of my morning devotion, I thought back to a movie that my family watched yesterday. The movie is "Letters to God". I encourage you to rent this movie, but be prepared with a box of Kleenex. This movie shows how these two verses from Psalm 62 ring true in our lives. It shows how we can shine the light of Jesus through our everyday actions.
The thing I loved most about this movie was the focus on prayer and on letting God's will work in our lives. We do not always know, scratch that - we really never know why things that appear to be sad or bad happen in our lives or the lives of our loved ones. But if we do not allow God's will to play out fully, we may never see the results of God's plan, which we know by reading His Word is always best for us here on earth. Let God work His plan for you. Pray that you will submit to His plan for you. And constantly go back to this passage in the Bible to remind yourself of just where your strength is sourced from.
God Bless you as you start your week and may you pray continuously for God's plan for your life.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Hmmm, Friday the 13th again
So I don't know about you, but I get a little antsy on Friday the 13th. No real reason, but it is just one of those days that I tend to remove myself from any major decisions. No where in the Bible is there mention of Friday the 13th. The number 13 is only revealed several times in the Bible, with no real significance like other numbers (7 and 12 for example).
It is believed that this superstition truly gained momentum in the 19th century. From snopes.com: "From the early 19th century onward, examples abound of Friday's being considered a bad day for all sorts of ordinary tasks, from writing letters to conducting business and receiving medical treatment"
This is interesting as I have had two very significant medical events on Friday the 13th. As a sophomore in high school I went skiing on Friday, February 13th, and realized the symptoms of a common hernia. When was that hernia repaired? Friday, March 13th that same year. So I had surgery (also considered receiving medical treatment) on a Friday the 13th and lo and behold I am still around to write about it.
So, my thoughts turn to this particular superstition being the work of the devil. In my daily devotion, the author compared the events surrounding General MacArthur's withdraw from the Philippine Islands to God's promise to return our savior. General MacArthur promised as he was withdrawing to return and that he did, two and a half years later to emaciate captives from prison camps. When the devil successfully tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he effectively took man hostage, holding us in sin. God promised to release us from that sin if we are faithful to Him and His Son who died on the cross for us.
As MacArthur did in the '40s, so God will do with us. He sent His Son to die for us and those that are faithful will be rescued from this world of sin on judgment day.
God Bless your Friday the 13th
It is believed that this superstition truly gained momentum in the 19th century. From snopes.com: "From the early 19th century onward, examples abound of Friday's being considered a bad day for all sorts of ordinary tasks, from writing letters to conducting business and receiving medical treatment"
This is interesting as I have had two very significant medical events on Friday the 13th. As a sophomore in high school I went skiing on Friday, February 13th, and realized the symptoms of a common hernia. When was that hernia repaired? Friday, March 13th that same year. So I had surgery (also considered receiving medical treatment) on a Friday the 13th and lo and behold I am still around to write about it.
So, my thoughts turn to this particular superstition being the work of the devil. In my daily devotion, the author compared the events surrounding General MacArthur's withdraw from the Philippine Islands to God's promise to return our savior. General MacArthur promised as he was withdrawing to return and that he did, two and a half years later to emaciate captives from prison camps. When the devil successfully tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he effectively took man hostage, holding us in sin. God promised to release us from that sin if we are faithful to Him and His Son who died on the cross for us.
As MacArthur did in the '40s, so God will do with us. He sent His Son to die for us and those that are faithful will be rescued from this world of sin on judgment day.
God Bless your Friday the 13th
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Is your plan in synch with God's plan?
"Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground."
Psalm 143:10
What are your plans? A question often asked in many situations, summer vacation, loss of a job, start of a major project. Our answers vary depending on the situation, the person. But should they really? Now granted not many people think about God's will in planning their summer vacation. That is but one small aspect of God's overall plan for us. But something as major as the loss of a job, or even just the decision to make a change in your job or career is not something that should be taken lightly.
Where does God want you doing His work? When contemplating these major life changes, always seek the advice of the Lord. Pray and ask for guidance in your search for that next position. Study the Bible to see where it leads you.
But how do we know if what we are doing is working to God's plan? That is a tough question, one I have been wrestling with for a while now. But what I do know is that keeping faithful to prayer and asking for God's guidance gets you to that next step, even if we do not know yet what that next step is.
Pray for God to show you the plan and then execute what is given to you. It may be a new opportunity that you were not aware of. It may be a change you never even thought about. But if you pray for guidance, He will show you the way.
God Bless you.
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground."
Psalm 143:10
What are your plans? A question often asked in many situations, summer vacation, loss of a job, start of a major project. Our answers vary depending on the situation, the person. But should they really? Now granted not many people think about God's will in planning their summer vacation. That is but one small aspect of God's overall plan for us. But something as major as the loss of a job, or even just the decision to make a change in your job or career is not something that should be taken lightly.
Where does God want you doing His work? When contemplating these major life changes, always seek the advice of the Lord. Pray and ask for guidance in your search for that next position. Study the Bible to see where it leads you.
But how do we know if what we are doing is working to God's plan? That is a tough question, one I have been wrestling with for a while now. But what I do know is that keeping faithful to prayer and asking for God's guidance gets you to that next step, even if we do not know yet what that next step is.
Pray for God to show you the plan and then execute what is given to you. It may be a new opportunity that you were not aware of. It may be a change you never even thought about. But if you pray for guidance, He will show you the way.
God Bless you.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Will you be looking for the open door?
If we do things right, pray for God's guidance before we plan, we should see the doors of opportunity opening in front of us. But are you prepared to walk through the doors the God has determined are best for you? If not, if you are looking for the door that you want to walk through, you may miss the opportunity God is presenting you with.
We all have our earthly desires; the house, car, clothes, dining out, vacations. But how can we be sure that the path we take, the things we buy, are what God has planned for us? Well certainly if we use the power of prayer to ask God to do His will and show us the path before we plan it will be easier.
This is easy for me to type on the computer, but much harder to practice. For we are human and have been given free will to sin. This means that in our minds we feel that we know what is best for us. We do not want to submit to God in fear that it may takes us down roads we are fearful of following. But we must fully submit to God's will in order to understand His plan for us.
Pray that you will have the strength to submit fully to Him. When you are anxious, pray for God to take that anxiety away from you and give you peace. For through Him, all things are possible.
God Bless your Wednesday.
We all have our earthly desires; the house, car, clothes, dining out, vacations. But how can we be sure that the path we take, the things we buy, are what God has planned for us? Well certainly if we use the power of prayer to ask God to do His will and show us the path before we plan it will be easier.
This is easy for me to type on the computer, but much harder to practice. For we are human and have been given free will to sin. This means that in our minds we feel that we know what is best for us. We do not want to submit to God in fear that it may takes us down roads we are fearful of following. But we must fully submit to God's will in order to understand His plan for us.
Pray that you will have the strength to submit fully to Him. When you are anxious, pray for God to take that anxiety away from you and give you peace. For through Him, all things are possible.
God Bless your Wednesday.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Pray for our enemies
"Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief." 1 Timothy 1:13
This quote from the Bible is from Paul directed at Timothy and is part of his description of the grace and mercy shown to him by God. This helps to paint a picture of why we should be praying for our enemies. We should pray that our enemies, like Paul, are touched by God either through our actions, words or prayers.
In these times where we are being attacked because we are Christian, we must stay strong and not bow to our sinful nature and start attacking the attackers. Instead, listen to the voice of Christ on the cross. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" Luke 23:34.
Prayer is so powerful. When we pray for others; a neighborhood, a family, a group of troubled people; we are shining a spotlight on these people for God to see. Just think that the more people shining a spotlight, the brighter that spot would be. Let us all continue to pray for our enemies. Pray that God will shine blessings down on them, so that they may realize the love of God firsthand. Maybe, like Paul, they will become warriors for Christ and turn away from being warriors against God. Pray that they become educated in the Truth of the Word. Pray for peace moving forward.
God Bless you.
This quote from the Bible is from Paul directed at Timothy and is part of his description of the grace and mercy shown to him by God. This helps to paint a picture of why we should be praying for our enemies. We should pray that our enemies, like Paul, are touched by God either through our actions, words or prayers.
In these times where we are being attacked because we are Christian, we must stay strong and not bow to our sinful nature and start attacking the attackers. Instead, listen to the voice of Christ on the cross. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" Luke 23:34.
Prayer is so powerful. When we pray for others; a neighborhood, a family, a group of troubled people; we are shining a spotlight on these people for God to see. Just think that the more people shining a spotlight, the brighter that spot would be. Let us all continue to pray for our enemies. Pray that God will shine blessings down on them, so that they may realize the love of God firsthand. Maybe, like Paul, they will become warriors for Christ and turn away from being warriors against God. Pray that they become educated in the Truth of the Word. Pray for peace moving forward.
God Bless you.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Paul's charge to Timothy
"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
1 Timothy 6:12
We should all read Paul's charge to Timothy above as if he were talking to us. My nephew was baptized yesterday afternoon and with this everyone one there was asked to stand in and make the good confession for this small child who cannot yet speak for himself. First and foremost, his parents have the main responsibility of bringing him up to know and love God. Then the Godparents are charged, followed by the rest of us. We are charged with praying constantly for this young one, as baptism has rescued him from original sin.
When he is older, as we all have done, he will profess his own faith through confirmation. As we did yesterday, and as we did at our confirmations, and as we do at each and every baptism we attend, we renounce the devil and confirm our faith in Jesus Christ.
Getting back to Paul's message to Timothy, we are not to take this confirmation of our faith lightly. We are to boldly go out and share this faith with others, through words and actions, so that others may know of God's love for all people. Think about this. If you meet a stranger, or a long lost friend, and they treat you with kindness, respect and dignity, would not you be more likely to want to be around that person than someone that talks down to you, treats you like you are below them, or even insults or hurts you. Of course your answer must be yes. This is how God instructs us through the Word to treat our fellow man. Love your neighbor as God loves you.
God Bless you as you start this new week.
1 Timothy 6:12
We should all read Paul's charge to Timothy above as if he were talking to us. My nephew was baptized yesterday afternoon and with this everyone one there was asked to stand in and make the good confession for this small child who cannot yet speak for himself. First and foremost, his parents have the main responsibility of bringing him up to know and love God. Then the Godparents are charged, followed by the rest of us. We are charged with praying constantly for this young one, as baptism has rescued him from original sin.
When he is older, as we all have done, he will profess his own faith through confirmation. As we did yesterday, and as we did at our confirmations, and as we do at each and every baptism we attend, we renounce the devil and confirm our faith in Jesus Christ.
Getting back to Paul's message to Timothy, we are not to take this confirmation of our faith lightly. We are to boldly go out and share this faith with others, through words and actions, so that others may know of God's love for all people. Think about this. If you meet a stranger, or a long lost friend, and they treat you with kindness, respect and dignity, would not you be more likely to want to be around that person than someone that talks down to you, treats you like you are below them, or even insults or hurts you. Of course your answer must be yes. This is how God instructs us through the Word to treat our fellow man. Love your neighbor as God loves you.
God Bless you as you start this new week.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Leading by example
"He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed. "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."
Luke 22:41-44
Throughout the Bible, we are taught to pray. We see many times in the Gospels where Jesus prays. But is there any one instance more powerful than this example of Jesus praying in Gethsemane on the night of betrayal? You see, God did not just tell us what to do; instead He sent His Son to show us the way.
Do you ever think why pray? I can do it on my own, I do not need help. But here we have Jesus, the only perfect man to ever walk this earth, the Son of God consistently kneeling down and praying to His Father. What a powerful message!
And note most importantly the words as found in verse 42 of the above passage. "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." This is a powerful instance of lead by example. Jesus was facing a most cruel and punishing death, yet He did not demand that His Father save him. No, He asked that if God was willing to remove the burden. He then followed that up by submitting totally to God, knowing that what he was about to endure was God's plan for Him and for all people.
If Jesus could kneel down, submit fully to God, should not we all be able to do the same. After all, I do not believe that are about to endure anything close to what Jesus did in his final hours. Yet, He submitted fully and willingly to God's will. In all you do, everything you pray for, remember to ask God to let you in on His plan. Ask Him to allow His will to work in your life.
May God bless you.
Luke 22:41-44
Throughout the Bible, we are taught to pray. We see many times in the Gospels where Jesus prays. But is there any one instance more powerful than this example of Jesus praying in Gethsemane on the night of betrayal? You see, God did not just tell us what to do; instead He sent His Son to show us the way.
Do you ever think why pray? I can do it on my own, I do not need help. But here we have Jesus, the only perfect man to ever walk this earth, the Son of God consistently kneeling down and praying to His Father. What a powerful message!
And note most importantly the words as found in verse 42 of the above passage. "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." This is a powerful instance of lead by example. Jesus was facing a most cruel and punishing death, yet He did not demand that His Father save him. No, He asked that if God was willing to remove the burden. He then followed that up by submitting totally to God, knowing that what he was about to endure was God's plan for Him and for all people.
If Jesus could kneel down, submit fully to God, should not we all be able to do the same. After all, I do not believe that are about to endure anything close to what Jesus did in his final hours. Yet, He submitted fully and willingly to God's will. In all you do, everything you pray for, remember to ask God to let you in on His plan. Ask Him to allow His will to work in your life.
May God bless you.
Friday, August 6, 2010
God Is Looking For Men of F-A-I-T-H
The following was passed along in an email from a fellow elder of mine. I thought it was worthy of repeating and is directed at all men. I do not know the original source, but they are definitely wise. I thought this was awesome.
FAITHFUL — There are a lot of people out there proclaiming how good they are, but few who actually deliver the goods.
"Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?" (Proverbs 20:6)
AVAILABLE — Many of us are so over committed we resemble a person skiing down the hill in front of an avalanche: There is no margin for error and disaster is imminent.
TEACHABLE — Tell me, as you mature and gain in stature, are you still willing to learn from the most humble of sources?
FAITHFUL — There are a lot of people out there proclaiming how good they are, but few who actually deliver the goods.
"Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?" (Proverbs 20:6)
AVAILABLE — Many of us are so over committed we resemble a person skiing down the hill in front of an avalanche: There is no margin for error and disaster is imminent.
Are you emotionally available to God so that if He were to speak to you, you would be able to hear and respond to His gentle voice?
"He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets… And after the fire came a gentle whisper… Elijah heard it… " (Isaiah 42:2; 1 Kings 19:12b, 13a)
INTERDEPENDENT — Some of us parallel the fierce independence of Rambo, wanting to be and do the whole show. Over the long haul however, loners don't make it spiritually. A study of 1 Corinthians 12-14, and related passages, clearly teach and illustrate the principle of interdependence, rather than independence. The fact is that we need each other.TEACHABLE — Tell me, as you mature and gain in stature, are you still willing to learn from the most humble of sources?
"Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning." (Ecclesiastes 4:13)
HOLY — The reality is that God uses clean vessels:"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." (2 Timothy 2:20, 21)
Are you one of them??Thursday, August 5, 2010
Remember what comes first
"This, then, is how you should pray:
'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'"
Matthew 6:9-13
Jesus teaches us how to pray with the Lord's Prayer as outlined in the Gospel of Matthew. Do not think that the order of this prayer is insignificant. For if we ask for our daily bread before we acknowledge and praise God the Father, are we sincere? Are we forgetting to let God know how powerful He and His Word are in our lives.
Without that acknowledgment, we might as well talk to the local grocer down the street. After all, they could certainly open up their cash drawer and help provide us our daily bread. But what we seek in prayer should not just be materialistic or earth serving. No, our prayer must be sincere and with the desire for God to touch our souls, show us His plan for us, show us how we might best do His work here on earth.
Thy will be done, very powerful words that preface how we come to the Lord in prayer. We tell God that we are asking that He include us in working His will among our friends, families, neighbors and strangers we have never met. We ask that He bless us, provide for us, forgive us, but most importantly that He guide us through His plan.
Remember the Lord's Prayer the next time you sit or kneel to pray. Remember especially the order of the prayer. Remember to praise and glorify God so that you are prepared for His answers according to His will.
God Bless you.
'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'"
Matthew 6:9-13
Jesus teaches us how to pray with the Lord's Prayer as outlined in the Gospel of Matthew. Do not think that the order of this prayer is insignificant. For if we ask for our daily bread before we acknowledge and praise God the Father, are we sincere? Are we forgetting to let God know how powerful He and His Word are in our lives.
Without that acknowledgment, we might as well talk to the local grocer down the street. After all, they could certainly open up their cash drawer and help provide us our daily bread. But what we seek in prayer should not just be materialistic or earth serving. No, our prayer must be sincere and with the desire for God to touch our souls, show us His plan for us, show us how we might best do His work here on earth.
Thy will be done, very powerful words that preface how we come to the Lord in prayer. We tell God that we are asking that He include us in working His will among our friends, families, neighbors and strangers we have never met. We ask that He bless us, provide for us, forgive us, but most importantly that He guide us through His plan.
Remember the Lord's Prayer the next time you sit or kneel to pray. Remember especially the order of the prayer. Remember to praise and glorify God so that you are prepared for His answers according to His will.
God Bless you.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Seeing past the clutter
"...Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Romans 10:11
We must look past the clutter of our lives. Look to see the wondrous gifts God has given us. Know that if we trust in God, all things are possible.
Living in Maryland, it is not hard to get to either the beach or the mountains. With 2-3 hours to spare you can visit either. And while the mountains of Maryland are beautiful, one must take the opportunity if given to see the Rocky Mountains. It is there, several years back, that I stood and look in amazement at the incredible work of God. For I know that to create something that beautiful takes someone special, not just some accidental happening in time. No, God planned this beautiful world, and gave us so many signs of his presence. But we often forget about these signs, instead focusing on the makings of sinful beings.
As I posted yesterday, our modern society is determined to bombard us with sinful imagery, corrupting our minds with useless tools from Satan. No, I'm not saying that watching television, playing a video game, or surfing the internet are bad things. They are not, if done in moderation, and if done with regard to how they rank in importance. You see, if we allow these things to take over our lives, slowly preempting our family time, our time to reflect on God's Word, then we allow them to clutter our minds. This leads to our inability to see the greatness that God has created.
Satan wants no more than for all of us to doubt God's existence. He tries to rob us of our time with the Lord, making us think that what we do and experience is more important to our well being. My friends, please do not fall into this trap. If you are already there, please get yourself out. How do we get out or keep from falling? Commit yourself to time with the Word. Pick up a devotional book and have it take you through the wonderful words of God. In time you will start to see beyond the clutter of this world and focus on the ultimate prize. Spend time in prayer for it allows you to feel closer to God, just as you feel closer to your friends and family as you get to know them better.
God Bless you.
Romans 10:11
We must look past the clutter of our lives. Look to see the wondrous gifts God has given us. Know that if we trust in God, all things are possible.
Living in Maryland, it is not hard to get to either the beach or the mountains. With 2-3 hours to spare you can visit either. And while the mountains of Maryland are beautiful, one must take the opportunity if given to see the Rocky Mountains. It is there, several years back, that I stood and look in amazement at the incredible work of God. For I know that to create something that beautiful takes someone special, not just some accidental happening in time. No, God planned this beautiful world, and gave us so many signs of his presence. But we often forget about these signs, instead focusing on the makings of sinful beings.
As I posted yesterday, our modern society is determined to bombard us with sinful imagery, corrupting our minds with useless tools from Satan. No, I'm not saying that watching television, playing a video game, or surfing the internet are bad things. They are not, if done in moderation, and if done with regard to how they rank in importance. You see, if we allow these things to take over our lives, slowly preempting our family time, our time to reflect on God's Word, then we allow them to clutter our minds. This leads to our inability to see the greatness that God has created.
Satan wants no more than for all of us to doubt God's existence. He tries to rob us of our time with the Lord, making us think that what we do and experience is more important to our well being. My friends, please do not fall into this trap. If you are already there, please get yourself out. How do we get out or keep from falling? Commit yourself to time with the Word. Pick up a devotional book and have it take you through the wonderful words of God. In time you will start to see beyond the clutter of this world and focus on the ultimate prize. Spend time in prayer for it allows you to feel closer to God, just as you feel closer to your friends and family as you get to know them better.
God Bless you.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
When will the war end?
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Romans 12:2
Did you start reading to find out my opinion on the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, or the growing troubles with Iran? If so, I am sorry to inform you that those wars do not compare to the war we all face on a daily basis, the war against Satan. When will this war end? On judgment day we are told in the Book of Revelation.
But we are tasked with holding our own, protecting our position, covering our fellow soldiers. We can do this by simply following God's Word, so simple and plain. There are many places to find this in the Bible, the above verse from Romans chapter 12 is just one example, but I believe a terrific example. It puts our instructions in plain language that we can all understand. The pattern that has been set in place in this world is not one that we should follow. Each and every day, Satan attempts to chip away at our resolve to follow God's will.
Stand up against the aggressor. Do not fear his wrath, for Jesus is right there beside you ready and willing to cover you as you fight the enemy. And Satan cannot win against Jesus, so as long as you keep your faith in Him and live by God's will, we will win this war.
Friends, when I was growing up there were definitely temptations in my path. And I can say that when I gave in to these temptations, I usually got caught. Whether it be by my parents, a neighbor, I could be sure that someone saw or heard what I did and would pass that information on to my parents. The world is much more dangerous now. Some may argue that we know more, we have more technology to keep our kids safe. But is that really true? Technology has surely helped in some respect to keep us and our children from harm. But that harm is physical. What we really need to worry about is our spiritual well being.
That same technology that is helping in so many ways is also working to attack our spiritual lives. The 24/7 instantaneous news feeds will surely help us to see dangers quicker, but also is being used to bombard us with earthly thoughts, trying desperately to tear us away from God. The Internet which has become a wealth of useful information also brings the threat of bad influences, pornography, and other sinful items into our homes, sometimes without us even being aware. We can now choose from over 200 channels to watch on television (I remember 4 growing up). So much choice, but the goal is to pull us away from family time, reading, talking. The networks are forced to push the limits on what is acceptable to "keep up" with cable channels, offering more sex, violence and bad language to corrupt our minds.
Pray for our country, pray for our world. Seek out ways to utilize technology for a greater good. Let us use the gifts God has given us to further His Kingdom, not destroy it. And let us never put our guard down against Satan. He is relentless and will not give up trying to pull us from God until judgment day. Hold your position and God Bless you.
Romans 12:2
Did you start reading to find out my opinion on the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, or the growing troubles with Iran? If so, I am sorry to inform you that those wars do not compare to the war we all face on a daily basis, the war against Satan. When will this war end? On judgment day we are told in the Book of Revelation.
But we are tasked with holding our own, protecting our position, covering our fellow soldiers. We can do this by simply following God's Word, so simple and plain. There are many places to find this in the Bible, the above verse from Romans chapter 12 is just one example, but I believe a terrific example. It puts our instructions in plain language that we can all understand. The pattern that has been set in place in this world is not one that we should follow. Each and every day, Satan attempts to chip away at our resolve to follow God's will.
Stand up against the aggressor. Do not fear his wrath, for Jesus is right there beside you ready and willing to cover you as you fight the enemy. And Satan cannot win against Jesus, so as long as you keep your faith in Him and live by God's will, we will win this war.
Friends, when I was growing up there were definitely temptations in my path. And I can say that when I gave in to these temptations, I usually got caught. Whether it be by my parents, a neighbor, I could be sure that someone saw or heard what I did and would pass that information on to my parents. The world is much more dangerous now. Some may argue that we know more, we have more technology to keep our kids safe. But is that really true? Technology has surely helped in some respect to keep us and our children from harm. But that harm is physical. What we really need to worry about is our spiritual well being.
That same technology that is helping in so many ways is also working to attack our spiritual lives. The 24/7 instantaneous news feeds will surely help us to see dangers quicker, but also is being used to bombard us with earthly thoughts, trying desperately to tear us away from God. The Internet which has become a wealth of useful information also brings the threat of bad influences, pornography, and other sinful items into our homes, sometimes without us even being aware. We can now choose from over 200 channels to watch on television (I remember 4 growing up). So much choice, but the goal is to pull us away from family time, reading, talking. The networks are forced to push the limits on what is acceptable to "keep up" with cable channels, offering more sex, violence and bad language to corrupt our minds.
Pray for our country, pray for our world. Seek out ways to utilize technology for a greater good. Let us use the gifts God has given us to further His Kingdom, not destroy it. And let us never put our guard down against Satan. He is relentless and will not give up trying to pull us from God until judgment day. Hold your position and God Bless you.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Showing others the way
"For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing."
Romans 7:19
I feel like Paul so many times. I attend church regularly, I pray daily, trying to pray continuously throughout the day as instructed by the word, and I believe I truly do strive to do what is God pleasing.
But because I am sinful by nature, I always fall back to doing what I do not want to do. It is a constant battle to fight off the natural ways of sin with what I know is right. But, like so many things in life, living a Christian life is not easy. If it was, everyone surely would be a convert, especially in today's world of instant gratification and the fact that technology helps us do so many things easier than before.
Being a Christian is not easy. The easy way is always what is most comfortable. Since we are told in the Word that we are sinful by nature, it only makes sense that this is the easy way, right? I will tell you that you will be amazed at what happens in your life when you take the harder path. Suddenly, you will see a light in others' eyes as you share, either by word or action, your faith in Jesus Christ as your savior. You will open the door for others to share their faith, something they may be hesitant to do for fear of persecution. Imagine what could happen if we all just share our faith.
But what does sharing our faith mean? Is it forwarding that email you got that bashes the non-believers, the sinners (by the way did you verify whether it is true?)? Is it hanging out with only people you feel share the same faith as you? We must always remember that we are each born into sin just as the other.
This is what I believe sharing faith is: Doing and saying what is God pleasing. Be compassionate to your fellow co-worker, hold a door open for a stranger. Just saying hello to someone passing by can show your faith. Think about this as you start the week anew. Think constantly about what Jesus would do in any situation you find yourself. You will truly be amazed at the joy that is returned to you for simple acts of kindness that allow Jesus to shine through you.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
Psalm 19:14
Romans 7:19
I feel like Paul so many times. I attend church regularly, I pray daily, trying to pray continuously throughout the day as instructed by the word, and I believe I truly do strive to do what is God pleasing.
But because I am sinful by nature, I always fall back to doing what I do not want to do. It is a constant battle to fight off the natural ways of sin with what I know is right. But, like so many things in life, living a Christian life is not easy. If it was, everyone surely would be a convert, especially in today's world of instant gratification and the fact that technology helps us do so many things easier than before.
Being a Christian is not easy. The easy way is always what is most comfortable. Since we are told in the Word that we are sinful by nature, it only makes sense that this is the easy way, right? I will tell you that you will be amazed at what happens in your life when you take the harder path. Suddenly, you will see a light in others' eyes as you share, either by word or action, your faith in Jesus Christ as your savior. You will open the door for others to share their faith, something they may be hesitant to do for fear of persecution. Imagine what could happen if we all just share our faith.
But what does sharing our faith mean? Is it forwarding that email you got that bashes the non-believers, the sinners (by the way did you verify whether it is true?)? Is it hanging out with only people you feel share the same faith as you? We must always remember that we are each born into sin just as the other.
This is what I believe sharing faith is: Doing and saying what is God pleasing. Be compassionate to your fellow co-worker, hold a door open for a stranger. Just saying hello to someone passing by can show your faith. Think about this as you start the week anew. Think constantly about what Jesus would do in any situation you find yourself. You will truly be amazed at the joy that is returned to you for simple acts of kindness that allow Jesus to shine through you.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
Psalm 19:14
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