Remember the old cliché, “You don’t miss a good thing until it’s gone.” I have experienced that this week. My wife has been out of town since Sunday, which left me at home with three boys ranging in age from 8 to 6 months. Hence, I have learned to appreciate and miss the help my wife provides around the house. It is apparent to see why God, in His infinite wisdom, purposed for a man and women to remain together until death. The past few days have taught me to appreciate the value of teamwork. I have a newfound respect for single moms and dads. In some small way, I have a tiny understanding of what single parents go through on a daily basis and how much they must rely on their family for help. Marriage centers on teamwork, which tends to be a constant theme throughout Paul’s writings. Remember how Paul talks about unity and how the body of Christ is to work together just as the physical body does. This is Paul’s way of saying that we need to work together for the common goal of seeing the lost saved and witnessing the saved become like Christ by having love for one another and not malice.
I challenge us all this week to appreciate the small things in life and tell those around you how much you really appreciate them and what they do to make life a little easier. In turn, as Christians, let’s try to get along realizing the goal before us and not making the mistake of thinking anything Christ centered has anything to do with us. In fact it is not about us, but all about Him.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Around the Watercooler
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. – Ephesians 4:29
Everyone has a hub for casual conversation. Whether it is the watercooler, the teachers’ lounge, or the staff break room, there is likely a place where the Monday news can be heard buzzing. You may find a challenge in avoiding the hub of conversation altogether. But you can sound a different voice amid the chatter.
Unwholesome talk covers a lot of ground. You could consider negativity, rumors, gossip, and untruth to be unwholesome. You may think you have that covered, since you do not involve yourself in such destructive communication. But wait. When you read beyond the warning of what not to do, you are presented with a challenge. It is not enough to use self-control only to withhold unsavory conversation. Silence alone is not the self-control needed in the close areas of your life. You fight against a negative with a positive. Engage yourself in the building up of others.
The challenge presented to you here is to encourage others according to their needs. Ignoring others is not an option. You are to help them by encouraging them in the areas that they need it. You are to benefit others with your words. Your voice may be a lone voice in a cloud of conversation. But your words can bring hope and inspiration to others. My wife and I encountered such a person at the last church we attended. He was an older pastor who had long retired and devoted his life to the uplifting of others. He always had something good and encouraging to say to those around him. He never allowed the conversation to focus on himself. In turn, everyone wanted to talk to him and looked forward to his attention.
My challenge for us is to join a conversation we would normally avoid. Infuse positive and encouraging comments in the dialogue. Meet the challenge of meeting the needs of others. Become an encourager and see what a difference positive reinforcement has regarding conversational influence.
Everyone has a hub for casual conversation. Whether it is the watercooler, the teachers’ lounge, or the staff break room, there is likely a place where the Monday news can be heard buzzing. You may find a challenge in avoiding the hub of conversation altogether. But you can sound a different voice amid the chatter.
Unwholesome talk covers a lot of ground. You could consider negativity, rumors, gossip, and untruth to be unwholesome. You may think you have that covered, since you do not involve yourself in such destructive communication. But wait. When you read beyond the warning of what not to do, you are presented with a challenge. It is not enough to use self-control only to withhold unsavory conversation. Silence alone is not the self-control needed in the close areas of your life. You fight against a negative with a positive. Engage yourself in the building up of others.
The challenge presented to you here is to encourage others according to their needs. Ignoring others is not an option. You are to help them by encouraging them in the areas that they need it. You are to benefit others with your words. Your voice may be a lone voice in a cloud of conversation. But your words can bring hope and inspiration to others. My wife and I encountered such a person at the last church we attended. He was an older pastor who had long retired and devoted his life to the uplifting of others. He always had something good and encouraging to say to those around him. He never allowed the conversation to focus on himself. In turn, everyone wanted to talk to him and looked forward to his attention.
My challenge for us is to join a conversation we would normally avoid. Infuse positive and encouraging comments in the dialogue. Meet the challenge of meeting the needs of others. Become an encourager and see what a difference positive reinforcement has regarding conversational influence.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Keep Going
"I remind you to keep using the gift God gave you...let it grow, as a small flame grows into a fire." (2 Timothy 1:6)
Good Boy Scouts know how to start fires. Although there are reports of using such strange items as a soda can or a chocolate bar, there are several common elements required to ignite any fire. You need something to create a spark, material to use as tinder to turn the spark into a flame, and kindling to generate a fire from the initial flame. Igniting passion in yourself and other is much the same as starting a fire. God gave you what you need for the spark. He created you with gifts found in your talents, skills, and abilities. Your responsibility is to take that spark and turn it into a flame. You can find the tinder of opportunities for using your gifts all around you. But using your gifts once in a lifetime or once in a while is not enough to maintain a fire. The flame must be continually kindled to keep the fire going. The more you put gifts to work, the more you feed the flame within you. Passion is that fire within. It is that burning desire to make a difference in the world around you. Passion can be more than a temporary excitement. As you fan the flame of the God-given spark within you, you can maintain zeal to achieve great accomplishments in life.
I challenge each of us to take our talents and put them to daily use for the advancement of God's Kingdom that He might receive the honor and glory from our every act.
Good Boy Scouts know how to start fires. Although there are reports of using such strange items as a soda can or a chocolate bar, there are several common elements required to ignite any fire. You need something to create a spark, material to use as tinder to turn the spark into a flame, and kindling to generate a fire from the initial flame. Igniting passion in yourself and other is much the same as starting a fire. God gave you what you need for the spark. He created you with gifts found in your talents, skills, and abilities. Your responsibility is to take that spark and turn it into a flame. You can find the tinder of opportunities for using your gifts all around you. But using your gifts once in a lifetime or once in a while is not enough to maintain a fire. The flame must be continually kindled to keep the fire going. The more you put gifts to work, the more you feed the flame within you. Passion is that fire within. It is that burning desire to make a difference in the world around you. Passion can be more than a temporary excitement. As you fan the flame of the God-given spark within you, you can maintain zeal to achieve great accomplishments in life.
I challenge each of us to take our talents and put them to daily use for the advancement of God's Kingdom that He might receive the honor and glory from our every act.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Game of Life
My grandmother ran across this and wanted me to share it with everyone. The following was written by my grandfather.
Looking at the person's life from a baseball game perspective -
1st The Field:
1st Base: Salvation (Sin, Guilt, Repentance, and Confession)
2nd Base: Committment
3rd Base: Church Membership
HomeBase: Heaven
2nd Game Rules:
A: You must come to bat before you can hit the ball
B: You only have so many chances to hit the ball
C: After the ball is hit, all bases must be touched in order to reach home
I thought this was pretty cool and something we could all live by. As simple as this analogy sounds, it is very true. Today examine your live and see what, if any, base you're on. If your on HomeBase, well that would be kinda freaky.
Looking at the person's life from a baseball game perspective -
1st The Field:
1st Base: Salvation (Sin, Guilt, Repentance, and Confession)
2nd Base: Committment
3rd Base: Church Membership
HomeBase: Heaven
2nd Game Rules:
A: You must come to bat before you can hit the ball
B: You only have so many chances to hit the ball
C: After the ball is hit, all bases must be touched in order to reach home
I thought this was pretty cool and something we could all live by. As simple as this analogy sounds, it is very true. Today examine your live and see what, if any, base you're on. If your on HomeBase, well that would be kinda freaky.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Short and Sweet
John 11:35, "Jesus wept." Wow, Jesus God's Son wept over the sins of man. Why then are we any different? We're not. Today, show compassion towards those who show anger towards you. In other words, I challenge us all to take the high road. Show others around you why being a Christian is different.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Words are Forever
Do you remember this nursery rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me?” Have you ever personally used it? I bet you have. Words hurt. In fact, children even know that words hurt. Often we realize the importance of words when we are the victim of a hurtful comment, even as an adult. Seldom do we realize how hurtful words are when we are the ones speaking them.
We must realize that our words are powerful and carry great influence. Words can give life or kill it. Therefore, we have a choice. With our words, we can stifle effectiveness within our workplace. Or we can inspire momentum, impart courage, and instill hope. Words have consequences, and we must accept those consequences. As difficult as it sounds, we must begin every conversation with the end result in mind. We must choose what things we want cultivated in our relationships. Remembering we reap what we sow, especially with words. So, speak good things and reap good things in return. Give encouragement; receive encouragement. Be a friend and then you will find a friend. If we choose our responses, then we can control our consequences. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose” (MSG).
For some of us thinking before we speak is a tall request. The tongue is powerful. The tongue has the power to start and end wars. It has the power to start and end relationships. It has the power to request eternal life, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” Romans 10:10. So how do we control our tongue? Simple, control your heart. Your tongue is a direct reflection of you heart. Your tongue speaks what the heart believes. Thus, it is a matter of the heart. If our hearts are filled with compassion, our speech will reflect it. If our hearts are filled with anger, then our speech will be angry. So how do we say good things? We engulf ourselves with God and everything Godly. In addition, we surround ourselves with God’s people and read God’s word. Therefore, if we import Godly things, we will export Godly things.
Challenge:
Examine your life. Are you surrounded by God’s people? Are you doing Godly things? When you watch a movie is it Godly? When you talk or text friends is it Godly conversation? Do you read God’s word daily? Do you attend church with God’s people? Is your conversation about others good for the most part or bad?
Today, tomorrow, the next day, the next day, etc. let's try and fuel our bodies with Godly things and see if in return good things come out.
We must realize that our words are powerful and carry great influence. Words can give life or kill it. Therefore, we have a choice. With our words, we can stifle effectiveness within our workplace. Or we can inspire momentum, impart courage, and instill hope. Words have consequences, and we must accept those consequences. As difficult as it sounds, we must begin every conversation with the end result in mind. We must choose what things we want cultivated in our relationships. Remembering we reap what we sow, especially with words. So, speak good things and reap good things in return. Give encouragement; receive encouragement. Be a friend and then you will find a friend. If we choose our responses, then we can control our consequences. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose” (MSG).
For some of us thinking before we speak is a tall request. The tongue is powerful. The tongue has the power to start and end wars. It has the power to start and end relationships. It has the power to request eternal life, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” Romans 10:10. So how do we control our tongue? Simple, control your heart. Your tongue is a direct reflection of you heart. Your tongue speaks what the heart believes. Thus, it is a matter of the heart. If our hearts are filled with compassion, our speech will reflect it. If our hearts are filled with anger, then our speech will be angry. So how do we say good things? We engulf ourselves with God and everything Godly. In addition, we surround ourselves with God’s people and read God’s word. Therefore, if we import Godly things, we will export Godly things.
Challenge:
Examine your life. Are you surrounded by God’s people? Are you doing Godly things? When you watch a movie is it Godly? When you talk or text friends is it Godly conversation? Do you read God’s word daily? Do you attend church with God’s people? Is your conversation about others good for the most part or bad?
Today, tomorrow, the next day, the next day, etc. let's try and fuel our bodies with Godly things and see if in return good things come out.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Unconditional Love
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16
You are often admonished to know what you believe in. You may believe in hard work, stewardship, and integrity. Or maybe you believe in talent, fate, or luck. Knowing what you believe can help guide your path in life. But a question can be posed. In whom do you believe?
From early in life you are encouraged to believe in yourself. “Trust your instincts and appreciate your gifts,” you have been told. You may have been reared to stand on your own two feet in independence. Self-awareness, capability, and confidence are indeed desirable qualities in a person. However, trusting in your own abilities or potential will sustain you temporarily with partial effectiveness. It is not enough to have faith in yourself alone.
Faith in God is not based on ability, work ethic, or achievement. It is an expression of trust that God in His sovereignty will enable you to succeed. John 3:16 explains that when you believe in Him, you will have not only temporary benefits, but God’s eternal life-giving power. He is the source of all knowledge, power, and life. In the daily challenges of life, you can trust God will empower you to overcome your problems. When you find yourself feeling powerless against problems in you life, realize that your capability comes not from your own skill, but from the One who created you and sustains you. Trust in His ability instead of your own and understand you have access to His power. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Challenge:
Think of those areas in your life in which you are trusting in God alone to provide an answer or direction. Now, pray in faith and believe that He is the source of provision.
You are often admonished to know what you believe in. You may believe in hard work, stewardship, and integrity. Or maybe you believe in talent, fate, or luck. Knowing what you believe can help guide your path in life. But a question can be posed. In whom do you believe?
From early in life you are encouraged to believe in yourself. “Trust your instincts and appreciate your gifts,” you have been told. You may have been reared to stand on your own two feet in independence. Self-awareness, capability, and confidence are indeed desirable qualities in a person. However, trusting in your own abilities or potential will sustain you temporarily with partial effectiveness. It is not enough to have faith in yourself alone.
Faith in God is not based on ability, work ethic, or achievement. It is an expression of trust that God in His sovereignty will enable you to succeed. John 3:16 explains that when you believe in Him, you will have not only temporary benefits, but God’s eternal life-giving power. He is the source of all knowledge, power, and life. In the daily challenges of life, you can trust God will empower you to overcome your problems. When you find yourself feeling powerless against problems in you life, realize that your capability comes not from your own skill, but from the One who created you and sustains you. Trust in His ability instead of your own and understand you have access to His power. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Challenge:
Think of those areas in your life in which you are trusting in God alone to provide an answer or direction. Now, pray in faith and believe that He is the source of provision.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Give Freely
Proverbs 11:24-25 says, “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”
Have you ever wondered why when you give you receive more? The principle is puzzling. However, look at the number of organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House Charities and Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital that give away free services to children in need of serious help. They give generously of their services, but they receive abundantly from others to further fund their giving of more services to others. The principle works: generosity makes you rich.
Many people think of generosity as giving money. But generosity is making what you have to offer available to others, and that can be more than just money. Whatever you have can be offered. During times of distress money may not be the answer. If you were undergoing a serious surgery money would not help you, but a prayer from a dear Saint to God would. What you have to offer is of value to someone, whether it is as simple as water or as extravagant as a new car. As you search and find ways to become more generous towards others, expect to be blessed. Others need what you have to offer. Whether your wealth lies in your expertise, creativity, or encouragement, extend a gracious offer to help others. Don’t wait until someone is in a crisis to be generous. Remember God was generous to you long before you realized you needed it by offering His Son in order that you might be saved! He desires your heart not your pocket book or your wallet. He created everything. Therefore, He owns it. Why then do we hold onto our stuff and not offer it freely to God? Moreover, why are we apprehensive in giving to our fellow man?
Challenge:
Give freely this week and be prepared to Be Blessed!!!
Have you ever wondered why when you give you receive more? The principle is puzzling. However, look at the number of organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House Charities and Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital that give away free services to children in need of serious help. They give generously of their services, but they receive abundantly from others to further fund their giving of more services to others. The principle works: generosity makes you rich.
Many people think of generosity as giving money. But generosity is making what you have to offer available to others, and that can be more than just money. Whatever you have can be offered. During times of distress money may not be the answer. If you were undergoing a serious surgery money would not help you, but a prayer from a dear Saint to God would. What you have to offer is of value to someone, whether it is as simple as water or as extravagant as a new car. As you search and find ways to become more generous towards others, expect to be blessed. Others need what you have to offer. Whether your wealth lies in your expertise, creativity, or encouragement, extend a gracious offer to help others. Don’t wait until someone is in a crisis to be generous. Remember God was generous to you long before you realized you needed it by offering His Son in order that you might be saved! He desires your heart not your pocket book or your wallet. He created everything. Therefore, He owns it. Why then do we hold onto our stuff and not offer it freely to God? Moreover, why are we apprehensive in giving to our fellow man?
Challenge:
Give freely this week and be prepared to Be Blessed!!!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Events
I added this section to the right. This section is for church wide news. If anyone needs church news posted place it as a comment under the latest post and i will add it under the "Events" section. This may be anything church related from urgent prayer requests to upcoming events.
His will for Me
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
What a great verse, but what does it mean? Paul is writing to the Romans and trying to convey the message of salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. However, through Paul’s writings to the Romans we are allowed to see how much God loves us. For instance, the Romans killed Jesus, but here Paul is offering them salvation by way of Jesus. How ironic. So what does Paul mean by the aforementioned verse? In laymen’s terms, Paul is saying that God works everything out to the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Does God have a purpose for all of us? Absolutely! God has a plan for each one of us. However, it is up to us to follow that plan. Many Christians struggle with knowing God’s will for their lives. I am often asked, by believers, “How will I know God’s plan for my life?” The answer is simple. Read the Bible. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” God didn’t just make a mistake with humanity and decide at the last minute to fix it. God knew the outcome in the beginning. He chose to continue with His creation because of His love for mankind. In doing so, He created a plan. The plan involved sacrificing His son so man might find freedom from death through Jesus’ shed blood and have eternal power over death through Jesus’ resurrection. Christians who don’t read the Bible are walking blindly through life. The Bible is our instruction manual. The Bible offers God’s plan to us as individuals. Furthermore, God designed the Bible to be a living Word. In other words, the Bible is designed to speak individually to its readers and be applicable to their unique situation. What other book does that?
We know God has a plan for our lives, but what about God’s love for us? If He loves us then why does He allow things to happen to us? John 9:1-3 says, “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” God allows things to happen in our lives so His glory might be revealed. Therefore, rejoice in sorrow, pain, long suffering, job loss, etc. Realize God has chosen you to receive His glory in your life. There is an old gospel hymn entitled, “Through It All.” One of its verses says, “If I never had a problem, how would I know that God could solve them, how would I know what faith in His word could do?” What a beautiful picture of this verse written in song. You may face trials in life, but count it as joy knowing God has chosen you to receive His glory through suffering.
Challenge:
Read the Bible once everyday until Sunday. Pray and ask God to show you His will for your life through His word.
What a great verse, but what does it mean? Paul is writing to the Romans and trying to convey the message of salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. However, through Paul’s writings to the Romans we are allowed to see how much God loves us. For instance, the Romans killed Jesus, but here Paul is offering them salvation by way of Jesus. How ironic. So what does Paul mean by the aforementioned verse? In laymen’s terms, Paul is saying that God works everything out to the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Does God have a purpose for all of us? Absolutely! God has a plan for each one of us. However, it is up to us to follow that plan. Many Christians struggle with knowing God’s will for their lives. I am often asked, by believers, “How will I know God’s plan for my life?” The answer is simple. Read the Bible. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” God didn’t just make a mistake with humanity and decide at the last minute to fix it. God knew the outcome in the beginning. He chose to continue with His creation because of His love for mankind. In doing so, He created a plan. The plan involved sacrificing His son so man might find freedom from death through Jesus’ shed blood and have eternal power over death through Jesus’ resurrection. Christians who don’t read the Bible are walking blindly through life. The Bible is our instruction manual. The Bible offers God’s plan to us as individuals. Furthermore, God designed the Bible to be a living Word. In other words, the Bible is designed to speak individually to its readers and be applicable to their unique situation. What other book does that?
We know God has a plan for our lives, but what about God’s love for us? If He loves us then why does He allow things to happen to us? John 9:1-3 says, “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” God allows things to happen in our lives so His glory might be revealed. Therefore, rejoice in sorrow, pain, long suffering, job loss, etc. Realize God has chosen you to receive His glory in your life. There is an old gospel hymn entitled, “Through It All.” One of its verses says, “If I never had a problem, how would I know that God could solve them, how would I know what faith in His word could do?” What a beautiful picture of this verse written in song. You may face trials in life, but count it as joy knowing God has chosen you to receive His glory through suffering.
Challenge:
Read the Bible once everyday until Sunday. Pray and ask God to show you His will for your life through His word.
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Power of Persuasion
Have you ever wondered why God wants us to be slow to anger and why He commands us to watch what we say to believers and non-believers? In Matthew Jesus talks about being slow to anger and loving our enemies. In most Bible’s this section is labeled as the Beatitudes. In the Beatitudes, Jesus offers to His listeners a challenge. He tells His audience they should love their enemies. In fact, Jesus tells His listeners if their enemy strikes them on one side of their face, they should offer them the other side. In addition, if the enemy wants their coat, they should offer them their shirt as well. Wow! This is a new way of dealing with people, or is it? How many of us have heard the adage, “You get more flies with honey?” Jesus is in essence telling His audience this very thing. Conflict, often times, leads to dissention, provocation, and chasms between people that may never be filled. However, truth mixed with love makes for a very persuasive concoction that often times allows people to see it your way. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can.” Persuasion is a powerful tool and one we don’t use often. Through the power of persuasion men have fought battles that odds said they could never win, yet they did. The power of persuasion is immeasurable. In so much that it sent Jesus to the cross. However, without it we would not have eternal life today.
My challenge for us today is to use persuasion to make friends of our enemies. To love unconditionally and close the gaps with those people in our lives that have hurt us. Jesus tells us in the Beatitudes to love those who hurt us and to pray for them. Why? Because if we only love those who love us what have we really gained?
My challenge for us today is to use persuasion to make friends of our enemies. To love unconditionally and close the gaps with those people in our lives that have hurt us. Jesus tells us in the Beatitudes to love those who hurt us and to pray for them. Why? Because if we only love those who love us what have we really gained?
Friday, August 13, 2010
Don't Worry Be Happy!
As I was reading last night, I found myself in Matthew where Jesus was talking about worry. I noticed a couple of lines in I began skimming through to get to the point. If you read the passage it is easy to ignore the examples Jesus uses to preface His main topic, worry. Jesus talks about the flowers and how God clothes them with glorious beauty just so they can be cut down and used for fire. Furthermore, Jesus talks about how the birds of the air are taken care of by God, how He orchestrates their food supply, and how not one of them may perish without His knowledge. If God cares this much about flowers and birds, then how much more does He care about His most precious creation? Are we His most precious creation? Yes. What other created being did He send His son to die for? According to the Bible, Jesus was sent to die for mankind. Therefore, we must be God’s most precious creation. In so much that He would send Jesus to die for us.
So why did Jesus spend so much time talking about flowers and birds? To let us know how much His Father cares for us. If He watches and arranges these creations so in-depth then how much more closely does He watch and care for us. The Bible tells us that God knows each one of us by name and He even knows the number of hairs on our head. Now for some of us, knowing the number of hairs is not a great feat. However, it still show us how much God is consumed by us and how much He desires to care for us. Jesus goes on to finish the passage by saying not to worry about tomorrow, but allow tomorrow to worry about itself. The psalmist says, “Though weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” God know us, because He created us. He knows we are going to worry. Therefore, Jesus is telling us to give it to God and let things take care of themselves. Remember there is someone (God) bigger than us who is concerned for us and cares for our every need.
Challenge:
Give over your worries to God and allow yourself to be free.
So why did Jesus spend so much time talking about flowers and birds? To let us know how much His Father cares for us. If He watches and arranges these creations so in-depth then how much more closely does He watch and care for us. The Bible tells us that God knows each one of us by name and He even knows the number of hairs on our head. Now for some of us, knowing the number of hairs is not a great feat. However, it still show us how much God is consumed by us and how much He desires to care for us. Jesus goes on to finish the passage by saying not to worry about tomorrow, but allow tomorrow to worry about itself. The psalmist says, “Though weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” God know us, because He created us. He knows we are going to worry. Therefore, Jesus is telling us to give it to God and let things take care of themselves. Remember there is someone (God) bigger than us who is concerned for us and cares for our every need.
Challenge:
Give over your worries to God and allow yourself to be free.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Enjoy Today
I remember growing up and hearing my grandfather say, "Son don't wish your life away." I never really understood what he meant by that until I had children of my own. In fact, my oldest son told me a couple of days ago that everyday seemed like ten years to him. When I heard that I immediately told him, “Son don’t wish your life away.” It hit me and I understood what my grandfather meant. As my children grow I see how quickly time moves, but when I was younger time seemed to move so much more slowly. I can only assume this gets worse the older you get.
While reading, one of my favorite books Lincoln on Leadership, I came across a quote by Abraham Lincoln, "And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” There is a lot of truth in that statement. As cliché as it sounds, you only have one life to live. Therefore, we need to be happy in this life. Why go around sad, lonely, depressed, arguing, etc. God wants us to have a fulfilled life full of happiness and freedom, which may only be found in Him. We must realize our bodies are longing to return to their perfect state. Remember, God made us perfect and blameless. However, when sin entered in, our bodies began to die. Adam and Eve’s bodies began to ache, hurt, wrinkle, etc. More importantly their bodies began to die. Our lives are short as James tell us in 4th chapter and 14th verse. “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” The Bible goes on to tell us the average life span of a man is 70 years. Moreover, the Bible says anything after that is a blessing. It's pretty obvious God wants us to understand we are all going to die. However, I think sometimes we get caught up in this life and the things of this life, eventhough God makes it clear there are no exceptions to the rule regarding death. In fact death is the only thing which can bring us back to a right relationship with God provided we have been covered by the blood of Jesus. Therefore, we (I) must try to stop dwelling upon the things of this world and understand Heaven is the real goal. As Jesus said, “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.
I challenge us all to slow down and enjoy each day because soon it may be over.
While reading, one of my favorite books Lincoln on Leadership, I came across a quote by Abraham Lincoln, "And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” There is a lot of truth in that statement. As cliché as it sounds, you only have one life to live. Therefore, we need to be happy in this life. Why go around sad, lonely, depressed, arguing, etc. God wants us to have a fulfilled life full of happiness and freedom, which may only be found in Him. We must realize our bodies are longing to return to their perfect state. Remember, God made us perfect and blameless. However, when sin entered in, our bodies began to die. Adam and Eve’s bodies began to ache, hurt, wrinkle, etc. More importantly their bodies began to die. Our lives are short as James tell us in 4th chapter and 14th verse. “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” The Bible goes on to tell us the average life span of a man is 70 years. Moreover, the Bible says anything after that is a blessing. It's pretty obvious God wants us to understand we are all going to die. However, I think sometimes we get caught up in this life and the things of this life, eventhough God makes it clear there are no exceptions to the rule regarding death. In fact death is the only thing which can bring us back to a right relationship with God provided we have been covered by the blood of Jesus. Therefore, we (I) must try to stop dwelling upon the things of this world and understand Heaven is the real goal. As Jesus said, “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.
I challenge us all to slow down and enjoy each day because soon it may be over.
The Golden Rule
I know we all remember the “golden rule.” Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Have you ever wondered who came up with that rule? Luke 6:31 says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Isn’t that exactly the same wording? It appears Jesus came up with the “golden rule.” If you look, our laws (both civil and criminal) come from the Bible. Much of Moses’ writings speak directly to the law. Our most notable example is found within the Ten Commandments. Therefore, by reason, our nation must have been founded upon Biblical principles. However, this is not the case today. For example, when I was in school we prayed, sang Bible songs, and said the Pledge of Allegiance before beginning class each day. I did this up until my sixth grade year. The school board placed a ban on praying, singing Biblical songs, and even saying the Allegiance. Why? Because God was found offensive by other religions. If our nation started out following the Bible and now it has been banned, then who are we following today? The Bible says we can’t serve two masters. Thus, we must either serve God or serve Satan. By reason then, in majority who are we serving?
Today’s Challenge:
Think back to your school days, write out everything God oriented or God centered. Compare that to today and see what, if anything, is different.
Today’s Challenge:
Think back to your school days, write out everything God oriented or God centered. Compare that to today and see what, if anything, is different.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Looking Above
The hardest thing, in my opinion, about being a Christian is living by faith. I think Billy Graham described faith best by saying, “Faith is like the wind. We can’t see the wind, but we can see the affects of it.” What Reverend Graham describes is what all Christians feel. We know Christ lives within us, yet we can’t see Him. However, we can feel Him working within us just as easily as we can feel the gentle brush of the wind upon our skin. The Bible tells us that God reveals Himself through creation. My challenge for you today is to find God in the things around you. If we can see God around us then our faith will be strengthened. Thus we find, living by faith may not be as hard as we first thought.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)