Clear
3 Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed,
and the ears of those who hear will listen.
4 The fearful heart will know and understand,
and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.
5 No longer will the fool be called noble
nor the scoundrel be highly respected.
6 For fools speak folly,
their hearts are bent on evil:
They practice ungodliness
and spread error concerning the LORD;
the hungry they leave empty
and from the thirsty they withhold water.
7 Scoundrels use wicked methods,
they make up evil schemes
to destroy the poor with lies,
even when the plea of the needy is just.
8 But the noble make noble plans,
and by noble deeds they stand. Isaiah 32:3-8
I was watching a fire in an outdoor fire pit in 16 degree weather today and I saw something very interesting. When the heat rose from the flames, it created a very unclear effect on what I was looking at on the other side of the fire. But when the fire was gone, the view became very clear. Our lives are very similar to this situation when sin attempts to enter our life. When evil tries to enter our life, the reality can be distorted and can make us question what we should be doing. We need to keep a clear mind by following the path our Lord makes and avoid the scoundrels of this world that use everything in their power to make things unclear for us.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Fantastic Friday #294- Laughter
Laughter
1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:1-3
I wonder how many of you got a good laugh last night when I sent the email out without anything in the message except for one word. There is research that purports laughter can extend your life. I am sure many of you feel much better after a good belly laugh. I know that I have laughed quite a bit this week and so has my mother-in-law, probably because the kids have been so outrageous. So when you think of our Lord and what He has done for us, are you a solemn person filled with joy, or do you ever let yourself laugh with joy for what God has done for us. I think there is a solemn time for reverence for our Lord but I also think there is a time for laughter and joy. Take a moment to laugh this week, it just might remind you of how joyful your life can be.
Have a great weekend.
1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:1-3
I wonder how many of you got a good laugh last night when I sent the email out without anything in the message except for one word. There is research that purports laughter can extend your life. I am sure many of you feel much better after a good belly laugh. I know that I have laughed quite a bit this week and so has my mother-in-law, probably because the kids have been so outrageous. So when you think of our Lord and what He has done for us, are you a solemn person filled with joy, or do you ever let yourself laugh with joy for what God has done for us. I think there is a solemn time for reverence for our Lord but I also think there is a time for laughter and joy. Take a moment to laugh this week, it just might remind you of how joyful your life can be.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Fantastic Friday #293- Sent
Sent
4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Galatians 4:4-5
Tonight I held my new nephew who is only two days old. As I reflect on holding his precious body in my arms, I think of how God has sent him to be placed in the care my brother and his wife and be a part of our lives as well. How many of us sit and think about where and how we were sent to the places in our life. Do you feel like you were sent for a purpose, and do you think God sent you to the perfect place and time? We shouldn't sit and ponder whether we think these things are true, we just need to stop and look back at scripture to see how perfect God's timing is in our lives. Just like in His perfect time He sent His Son for us, to redeem us and bring us into the family. He did this so we could be sent to the perfect place for His perfect plan to fulfill His purpose. Take a moment to reflect where He has sent you and know that it is within his perfect timing.
Have a great weekend.
4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Galatians 4:4-5
Tonight I held my new nephew who is only two days old. As I reflect on holding his precious body in my arms, I think of how God has sent him to be placed in the care my brother and his wife and be a part of our lives as well. How many of us sit and think about where and how we were sent to the places in our life. Do you feel like you were sent for a purpose, and do you think God sent you to the perfect place and time? We shouldn't sit and ponder whether we think these things are true, we just need to stop and look back at scripture to see how perfect God's timing is in our lives. Just like in His perfect time He sent His Son for us, to redeem us and bring us into the family. He did this so we could be sent to the perfect place for His perfect plan to fulfill His purpose. Take a moment to reflect where He has sent you and know that it is within his perfect timing.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Fantastic Friday #292- Greedy
Greedy
16 I will not accuse them forever,
nor will I always be angry,
for then they would faint away because of me—
the very people I have created.
17 I was enraged by their sinful greed;
I punished them, and hid my face in anger,
yet they kept on in their willful ways.
18 I have seen their ways, but I will heal them;
I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners,
19 creating praise on their lips.
Peace, peace, to those far and near,”
says the LORD. “And I will heal them.”
20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea,
which cannot rest,
whose waves cast up mire and mud.
21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” Isaiah 57:16-21
The world is full of greed and if you look back in history it has always had some form of greed imbedded in society. In today's world, maybe it is because of the multimedia of our world that makes it more noticeable. Around every corner there is someone who is just waiting to make the next buck, or take advantage of the next person who walks up to them so they can make an even larger score. This time of year we see a different kind of greed, one that pursues that next big thing that will show our status in society. The problem is, that greed is a wicked behavior that one can find no peace in according to scripture, and you can see this by the most greedy who always want more. Why not focus on being humble with what you have and not look to build up what you think are treasures, for our treasures are elsewhere and we need to have focus and peace in our lives. I think it would make life a lot more pleasant.
Have a great weekend.
16 I will not accuse them forever,
nor will I always be angry,
for then they would faint away because of me—
the very people I have created.
17 I was enraged by their sinful greed;
I punished them, and hid my face in anger,
yet they kept on in their willful ways.
18 I have seen their ways, but I will heal them;
I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners,
19 creating praise on their lips.
Peace, peace, to those far and near,”
says the LORD. “And I will heal them.”
20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea,
which cannot rest,
whose waves cast up mire and mud.
21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” Isaiah 57:16-21
The world is full of greed and if you look back in history it has always had some form of greed imbedded in society. In today's world, maybe it is because of the multimedia of our world that makes it more noticeable. Around every corner there is someone who is just waiting to make the next buck, or take advantage of the next person who walks up to them so they can make an even larger score. This time of year we see a different kind of greed, one that pursues that next big thing that will show our status in society. The problem is, that greed is a wicked behavior that one can find no peace in according to scripture, and you can see this by the most greedy who always want more. Why not focus on being humble with what you have and not look to build up what you think are treasures, for our treasures are elsewhere and we need to have focus and peace in our lives. I think it would make life a lot more pleasant.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Fantastic Friday #291-Regeneration
Regeneration
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8
What do you think of when you hear the word regeneration? For some of you that are old enough to remember, do you think of the six million dollar man being in such bad shape they had to totally rebuild him? "We can rebuild him, we have the technology to make him better, stronger, faster" directly from the show's introduction. Now take a look at yourself if you have accepted Christ into your life. Do you feel better and stronger with Christ in you? One great picture in this verse is how God used the Holy Spirit to give us the ability to see, hear, repent and believe. And once you believed, you became a regenerated person who was once dead but now alive in Christ. Now that is something worth praising.
Have a great weekend.
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8
What do you think of when you hear the word regeneration? For some of you that are old enough to remember, do you think of the six million dollar man being in such bad shape they had to totally rebuild him? "We can rebuild him, we have the technology to make him better, stronger, faster" directly from the show's introduction. Now take a look at yourself if you have accepted Christ into your life. Do you feel better and stronger with Christ in you? One great picture in this verse is how God used the Holy Spirit to give us the ability to see, hear, repent and believe. And once you believed, you became a regenerated person who was once dead but now alive in Christ. Now that is something worth praising.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Fantastic Friday #290-Tossed
Tossed
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:14-15
When you spend your week being tossed back and forth by everything coming at you, who do you listen to? Do you listen to the right people, or do you listen to those who lead you down a rocky and treacherous path. One thing we see today is people who will lie, cheat and steal to get things they want, and won't care who they hurt. Instead of being tossed around by the false and deceitful words of others to get what you think you want, why not listen to the truth spoken by our Lord and Savior who will provide you what you need.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:14-15
When you spend your week being tossed back and forth by everything coming at you, who do you listen to? Do you listen to the right people, or do you listen to those who lead you down a rocky and treacherous path. One thing we see today is people who will lie, cheat and steal to get things they want, and won't care who they hurt. Instead of being tossed around by the false and deceitful words of others to get what you think you want, why not listen to the truth spoken by our Lord and Savior who will provide you what you need.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Fantastic Friday #289- Crack
Crack
12 Therefore this is what the Holy One of Israel says:
“Because you have rejected this message,
relied on oppression
and depended on deceit,
13 this sin will become for you
like a high wall, cracked and bulging,
that collapses suddenly, in an instant.
14 It will break in pieces like pottery,
shattered so mercilessly
that among its pieces not a fragment will be found
for taking coals from a hearth
or scooping water out of a cistern.” Isaiah 30:12-14
Have you ever taken a close look at a crack on the sidewalk, the side of a house, or a road. The crack always begins with something very small and if gone unfixed, the crack can grow longer and larger and eventually can cause great damage or destruction. Sin is like that in our lives. Sin can start off with something very small that rejects God and what He wants for us. If that sin is ignored, then it can grow into other sin to where it can create a giant chasm between God and us. God has the tools to fix the crack in our lives. So take steps to fill in the cracks in your life with the Lord and stop the spread of that crack before your life crumbles.
Have a great weekend.
12 Therefore this is what the Holy One of Israel says:
“Because you have rejected this message,
relied on oppression
and depended on deceit,
13 this sin will become for you
like a high wall, cracked and bulging,
that collapses suddenly, in an instant.
14 It will break in pieces like pottery,
shattered so mercilessly
that among its pieces not a fragment will be found
for taking coals from a hearth
or scooping water out of a cistern.” Isaiah 30:12-14
Have you ever taken a close look at a crack on the sidewalk, the side of a house, or a road. The crack always begins with something very small and if gone unfixed, the crack can grow longer and larger and eventually can cause great damage or destruction. Sin is like that in our lives. Sin can start off with something very small that rejects God and what He wants for us. If that sin is ignored, then it can grow into other sin to where it can create a giant chasm between God and us. God has the tools to fix the crack in our lives. So take steps to fill in the cracks in your life with the Lord and stop the spread of that crack before your life crumbles.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Fantastic Friday #288- Prayers
Prayers
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him... Hebrews 5:7-9
It is interesting to look back on your prayers and see where God has worked in your life or how He answered something you had prayed for diligently. So when you pray, do you offer up prayers with a heart of humble thanks, or do you look to your prayers as some words and phrases you hope God will listen to and answer for you? If you look carefully at this scripture, Jesus was faithful in prayer and petitions and He did it with a great deal of emotion. He also in other verses took time and prayed alone. While prayers said in group are a good thing, prayers in private are very personal and relational. I know that if our hearts and emotions are placed into our prayers, we can only strengthen our relationship with our Father in Heaven. The next time your prayers are said, lift up the One who suffered for us for our salvation, then focus on humble thanks and let the Spirit guide you through your prayers.
Have a great weekend.
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him... Hebrews 5:7-9
It is interesting to look back on your prayers and see where God has worked in your life or how He answered something you had prayed for diligently. So when you pray, do you offer up prayers with a heart of humble thanks, or do you look to your prayers as some words and phrases you hope God will listen to and answer for you? If you look carefully at this scripture, Jesus was faithful in prayer and petitions and He did it with a great deal of emotion. He also in other verses took time and prayed alone. While prayers said in group are a good thing, prayers in private are very personal and relational. I know that if our hearts and emotions are placed into our prayers, we can only strengthen our relationship with our Father in Heaven. The next time your prayers are said, lift up the One who suffered for us for our salvation, then focus on humble thanks and let the Spirit guide you through your prayers.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Fantastic Friday #287 - Night
Night
5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:5-8
What do you think about at night? Is it the choices you made during the day, the choices you didn't make, the time spent with family, the time spent with friends, the problem you face tomorrow, or is it something else? Do you think God thinks about you at night? I assure you he isn't thinking about what you did wrong during your day but I am pretty sure he is thinking about what He wants you to do. So many times we get caught up in the SWCS during our night reflection. This is the Shoulda Woulda Coulda Syndrome that we all suffer from and sometimes confusion can be a side effect of SWCS. The SWCS can drag us further away from our Lord if we let it consume our Nightly thoughts. Remember, the best antibiotic for Shoulda Woulda Coulda Syndrome is our Lord who counsels us away from negativity.
Have a great weekend.
5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:5-8
What do you think about at night? Is it the choices you made during the day, the choices you didn't make, the time spent with family, the time spent with friends, the problem you face tomorrow, or is it something else? Do you think God thinks about you at night? I assure you he isn't thinking about what you did wrong during your day but I am pretty sure he is thinking about what He wants you to do. So many times we get caught up in the SWCS during our night reflection. This is the Shoulda Woulda Coulda Syndrome that we all suffer from and sometimes confusion can be a side effect of SWCS. The SWCS can drag us further away from our Lord if we let it consume our Nightly thoughts. Remember, the best antibiotic for Shoulda Woulda Coulda Syndrome is our Lord who counsels us away from negativity.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Fantastic Friday #286 - Burden
Burden
19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
20 Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death. Psalm 68:19-20
Do you have some heavy burdens to bear? How close have you really looked at your own life lately? When you look at your life, the people around you that are close to you and the people around you that are not so close to you, do sit around and start comparing burdens that you weigh you down? The noun form of burden means that which is carried, the verb form of burden is to load heavily. It sounds like when we have a burden, we do it to ourselves. We take on a burden instead of allowing it to be carried by someone else, or we load it heavily on our own backs. It is a lot easier to let our Father in Heaven carry our burdens for us. I think if we quit loading these heavy burdens on our own back, we could probably enjoy our life a bit more.
Have a great weekend.
19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
20 Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death. Psalm 68:19-20
Do you have some heavy burdens to bear? How close have you really looked at your own life lately? When you look at your life, the people around you that are close to you and the people around you that are not so close to you, do sit around and start comparing burdens that you weigh you down? The noun form of burden means that which is carried, the verb form of burden is to load heavily. It sounds like when we have a burden, we do it to ourselves. We take on a burden instead of allowing it to be carried by someone else, or we load it heavily on our own backs. It is a lot easier to let our Father in Heaven carry our burdens for us. I think if we quit loading these heavy burdens on our own back, we could probably enjoy our life a bit more.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Fantastic Friday #285 - Later
Later
24 A person’s steps are directed by the LORD.
How then can anyone understand their own way?
25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider one’s vows. Proverbs 20:24-25
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
How many of us sit around and say, "I'll take care of that later." If someone asks you to help them, do you say maybe later and then never do it. If a child asks you for help, do you say that you will help later and then never come back to help that child. Do you think God, when we look for help from Him, says maybe later? I would think his answers are more clear than that, in fact it is usually yes, no or not right now. The thing we need to avoid doing is committing to something and then backing out, or committing to something and saying, well maybe later. We as humans tend to have a very short term memory when there is something that does not serve our interests. Why not serve other's interests now instead of later, and then maybe later you can look back on how you fulfilled your vows.
Have a great weekend.
24 A person’s steps are directed by the LORD.
How then can anyone understand their own way?
25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider one’s vows. Proverbs 20:24-25
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
How many of us sit around and say, "I'll take care of that later." If someone asks you to help them, do you say maybe later and then never do it. If a child asks you for help, do you say that you will help later and then never come back to help that child. Do you think God, when we look for help from Him, says maybe later? I would think his answers are more clear than that, in fact it is usually yes, no or not right now. The thing we need to avoid doing is committing to something and then backing out, or committing to something and saying, well maybe later. We as humans tend to have a very short term memory when there is something that does not serve our interests. Why not serve other's interests now instead of later, and then maybe later you can look back on how you fulfilled your vows.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Fantastic Friday #284 - Deceit
Deceit
6 They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7 who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11 Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Acts 13:6:11
When you are waiting on an answer to a prayer, who and what do you listen to? Do you take the advice of someone who you know won't tell you the truth and give you what you want to hear, or do you simply rely on what you think you want to do? Do you take a poll where the only the choices to the questions are answers that get you what you want, or do you spend your time convincing the people around you that your decision is the right one? If you look at the first four things I have mentioned here, they all have to do with "I" and "me" and what "you" want to have happen. These things can also be led by the deceitful enemy just as Elymas above. The enemy uses this deceit to keep you from waiting on the answer to come. You, I or me cannot answer our own prayers because we are not in control. We all need to wait for the truthful answer by letting the Holy Spirit lead us through the darkness and guide our decisions. We don't need to spend our time convincing ourselves and others we have made the right decision, because if you have to convince yourself it probably isn't the right one.
Have a great weekend.
6 They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7 who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11 Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Acts 13:6:11
When you are waiting on an answer to a prayer, who and what do you listen to? Do you take the advice of someone who you know won't tell you the truth and give you what you want to hear, or do you simply rely on what you think you want to do? Do you take a poll where the only the choices to the questions are answers that get you what you want, or do you spend your time convincing the people around you that your decision is the right one? If you look at the first four things I have mentioned here, they all have to do with "I" and "me" and what "you" want to have happen. These things can also be led by the deceitful enemy just as Elymas above. The enemy uses this deceit to keep you from waiting on the answer to come. You, I or me cannot answer our own prayers because we are not in control. We all need to wait for the truthful answer by letting the Holy Spirit lead us through the darkness and guide our decisions. We don't need to spend our time convincing ourselves and others we have made the right decision, because if you have to convince yourself it probably isn't the right one.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Fantastic Friday #283- Forget
Forget
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
Do you find yourself forgetting things? And when you do remember things, what do you remember? Many times when I speak with people throughout the week, they tend to forget about the good that God has provided us and only remember bad things that have happened throughout the week. Why is it that people's minds focus on the bad before the good? That would be the influence of the enemy to pull us away from the Lord. It is important for us to forget the bad things of the past, remember the good things and focus on the excellent things of the future that our Lord will provide us.
Have a great weekend.
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
Do you find yourself forgetting things? And when you do remember things, what do you remember? Many times when I speak with people throughout the week, they tend to forget about the good that God has provided us and only remember bad things that have happened throughout the week. Why is it that people's minds focus on the bad before the good? That would be the influence of the enemy to pull us away from the Lord. It is important for us to forget the bad things of the past, remember the good things and focus on the excellent things of the future that our Lord will provide us.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Fantastic Friday #282- Pushed
Pushed
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
11 They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
12 They swarmed around me like bees,
but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation. Psalm 118:8-14
Do you sometimes feel that you have been pushed around when you have finished the day, or even pushed to your physical or emotional limits during the week. Sometimes I wonder if other people find it fun or enjoyable to push people around or to see how far they can push people past their physical limitations. I know this can be one of the tactics of the enemy to slowly wear us down and put doubt in our mind to see if we are actually who we say we are. One thing we need to remember on a daily basis is that we are who God created and not someone that can be pushed around. We are strong and can rely on the Lord to help keep us from falling into temptation or falling into that thought that we aren't who we were created to be. Don't be pushed around but push back with your strength from God to fight the enemy and his tactics.
Have a great weekend.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
11 They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
12 They swarmed around me like bees,
but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation. Psalm 118:8-14
Do you sometimes feel that you have been pushed around when you have finished the day, or even pushed to your physical or emotional limits during the week. Sometimes I wonder if other people find it fun or enjoyable to push people around or to see how far they can push people past their physical limitations. I know this can be one of the tactics of the enemy to slowly wear us down and put doubt in our mind to see if we are actually who we say we are. One thing we need to remember on a daily basis is that we are who God created and not someone that can be pushed around. We are strong and can rely on the Lord to help keep us from falling into temptation or falling into that thought that we aren't who we were created to be. Don't be pushed around but push back with your strength from God to fight the enemy and his tactics.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Fantastic Friday #281- Ridicule
Ridicule
1 I lift up my eyes to you,
to you who sit enthroned in heaven.
2 As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he shows us his mercy.
3 Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy on us,
for we have endured no end of contempt.
4 We have endured no end
of ridicule from the arrogant,
of contempt from the proud. Psalm 123
Have you seen someone make fun of another person this week, did they make fun of you or a family member. Or, is the situation reversed and did you take a moment to laugh at someone at their expense. Many times in our life there are those people that think that is OK to regularly belittle or harass someone to make themselves feel better, or maybe they just like to see people suffer. The problem with this kind of action is it does not build anyone up but only tears them down. The arrogant seem to rule our society in many ways as we can see regularly on TV, in the media, in politics and even sometimes in our church. There is one advantage that we have that we should be taking a good look at. We have the Lord our God to show mercy on us and protect us from those who don't value other people. In those times of ridicule, turn the Holy Spirit and let Him guide your thoughts and actions in a positive way. Our God values us, so let us value other people.
Have a great weekend.
1 I lift up my eyes to you,
to you who sit enthroned in heaven.
2 As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he shows us his mercy.
3 Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy on us,
for we have endured no end of contempt.
4 We have endured no end
of ridicule from the arrogant,
of contempt from the proud. Psalm 123
Have you seen someone make fun of another person this week, did they make fun of you or a family member. Or, is the situation reversed and did you take a moment to laugh at someone at their expense. Many times in our life there are those people that think that is OK to regularly belittle or harass someone to make themselves feel better, or maybe they just like to see people suffer. The problem with this kind of action is it does not build anyone up but only tears them down. The arrogant seem to rule our society in many ways as we can see regularly on TV, in the media, in politics and even sometimes in our church. There is one advantage that we have that we should be taking a good look at. We have the Lord our God to show mercy on us and protect us from those who don't value other people. In those times of ridicule, turn the Holy Spirit and let Him guide your thoughts and actions in a positive way. Our God values us, so let us value other people.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Fantastic Friday #280- Hardened
Hardened
22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22-24
I watched a brief 4 minute interview clip this week with a very famous individual who believes very strongly in the theory of evolution, and in his comments he surmised there was a .1% chance that there might be a God. He then related a couple of situations in his life of where his life was spared, but even after those close-to-death experiences he still doesn't believe in God. A friend of mine noted after watching the clip "how gracious of God to rescue him knowing that his heart would be hardened." Do you see your heart hardened when you don't acknowledge how God works in your life, or when you don't appreciate the creation God has placed us in. Or do you know someone whose heart is hardened and continues to resist the free gift of grace to all those who believe. Either way, God can soften your heart or theirs which can lead to glorifying God. Keep your eye on the Lord and through faith those hard hearts can turn soft.
Have a great weekend.
22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22-24
I watched a brief 4 minute interview clip this week with a very famous individual who believes very strongly in the theory of evolution, and in his comments he surmised there was a .1% chance that there might be a God. He then related a couple of situations in his life of where his life was spared, but even after those close-to-death experiences he still doesn't believe in God. A friend of mine noted after watching the clip "how gracious of God to rescue him knowing that his heart would be hardened." Do you see your heart hardened when you don't acknowledge how God works in your life, or when you don't appreciate the creation God has placed us in. Or do you know someone whose heart is hardened and continues to resist the free gift of grace to all those who believe. Either way, God can soften your heart or theirs which can lead to glorifying God. Keep your eye on the Lord and through faith those hard hearts can turn soft.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Fantastic Friday #279- Flee
Flee
1 May God arise, may his enemies be scattered;
may his foes flee before him.
2 May you blow them away like smoke—
as wax melts before the fire,
may the wicked perish before God.
3 But may the righteous be glad
and rejoice before God;
may they be happy and joyful.
4 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds[b];
rejoice before him—his name is the LORD. Psalm 68:1-4
Do you see people running away from God on a regular basis? It is kind of like us when we don't feel comfortable in a situation, we tend to flee from whatever is making us uncomfortable. When sin creeps in, do we flee the other direction or do we allow that little bit of sin into the opening to take hold of us? When we allow that sin through that opening, then we are actually fleeing from our Father in Heaven instead of growing closer. I don't know about you but I would rather flee from a fire and head towards our Father and be happy, than flee away from our Father into a scorched earth and perish. Fleeing from sin for Life Everlasting or Fleeing from God to Perish. What will your choice be?
Have a great weekend.
1 May God arise, may his enemies be scattered;
may his foes flee before him.
2 May you blow them away like smoke—
as wax melts before the fire,
may the wicked perish before God.
3 But may the righteous be glad
and rejoice before God;
may they be happy and joyful.
4 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds[b];
rejoice before him—his name is the LORD. Psalm 68:1-4
Do you see people running away from God on a regular basis? It is kind of like us when we don't feel comfortable in a situation, we tend to flee from whatever is making us uncomfortable. When sin creeps in, do we flee the other direction or do we allow that little bit of sin into the opening to take hold of us? When we allow that sin through that opening, then we are actually fleeing from our Father in Heaven instead of growing closer. I don't know about you but I would rather flee from a fire and head towards our Father and be happy, than flee away from our Father into a scorched earth and perish. Fleeing from sin for Life Everlasting or Fleeing from God to Perish. What will your choice be?
Have a great weekend.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Fantastic Friday #278-Say Something
Good Morning Men,
Say Something
22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:22-23
When it comes to your daily life, do you sit back and watch people lie, cheat, or steal and do nothing? Do you sit back and watch people that are lazy, inconsiderate, or gossip and say nothing? These seem to be two very large extremes between the two sets of actions, or is there? All six of these are sin if you really break it down. What about the Gospel? Do we sit and watch people who are lost, without a direction? In our silence do we hear people to say that they are fine and think they are a good person, and do we continue to let them think they don't need to hear about our Lord and Savior. Take a lesson from Paul and say something, for what will happen if you say nothing. We have been given the task of testifying to our Lord's grace, so Say Something.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Say Something
22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:22-23
When it comes to your daily life, do you sit back and watch people lie, cheat, or steal and do nothing? Do you sit back and watch people that are lazy, inconsiderate, or gossip and say nothing? These seem to be two very large extremes between the two sets of actions, or is there? All six of these are sin if you really break it down. What about the Gospel? Do we sit and watch people who are lost, without a direction? In our silence do we hear people to say that they are fine and think they are a good person, and do we continue to let them think they don't need to hear about our Lord and Savior. Take a lesson from Paul and say something, for what will happen if you say nothing. We have been given the task of testifying to our Lord's grace, so Say Something.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 26, 2011
Fantastic Friday #277- Correction
Good Morning Men,
Correction
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates correction is stupid.
2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD,
but the LORD condemns a crafty man.
3 A man cannot be established through wickedness,
but the righteous cannot be uprooted. Proverbs 12:1-3
How do you handle feedback or correction? Do you automatically brush it off as something you don't think you need, or do you listen carefully? Do you take in what is being said to you and then evaluate how you can do better? The enemy wants you to react with anger and frustration, because that draws a line between you and the Lord. If that line is drawn by you then wickedness can slip into your life, and that is exactly where the enemy wants you. I like the picture of taking feedback from my fellow brother to gain knowledge that will help me grow, rather than being condemned or stuck in wickedness. Ground yourselves in righteousness and allow that correction in your life so you won't look stupid.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Correction
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates correction is stupid.
2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD,
but the LORD condemns a crafty man.
3 A man cannot be established through wickedness,
but the righteous cannot be uprooted. Proverbs 12:1-3
How do you handle feedback or correction? Do you automatically brush it off as something you don't think you need, or do you listen carefully? Do you take in what is being said to you and then evaluate how you can do better? The enemy wants you to react with anger and frustration, because that draws a line between you and the Lord. If that line is drawn by you then wickedness can slip into your life, and that is exactly where the enemy wants you. I like the picture of taking feedback from my fellow brother to gain knowledge that will help me grow, rather than being condemned or stuck in wickedness. Ground yourselves in righteousness and allow that correction in your life so you won't look stupid.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 19, 2011
Fantastic Friday #276- Perserverance
Perseverance
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 2 Peter 1:3-9
As people on this earth do you ever find yourself thinking you are a powerful individual? What makes you powerful or think that you are powerful? Our minds can be caught in our world that tells us that with money comes power, or being larger than life/famous is powerful, or having a ton of followers can give you power. But looking at the above scripture, only the Lord has Divine Power, and through that power He gives us those promises when we have faith in Him and persevere. It is interesting how God shows that through His power we can increase our knowledge of Him and be productive. When you are productive we are powerful through Him and can show others where the true power lives. Persevere my dear friends, persevere.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Fantastic Friday #275- Shield
Shield
3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the LORD,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side. Psalm 3:3-6
What do you think of when you hear the word shield. Have you ever thought of what a shield is made of and what good it really is for someone? It all really comes down to being a protective device and in the past they have typically been made out of a strong metal to repel the attacks of another fighter. I really like how we can look at something so simple and see how we can view God and who He is for us. When you feel attacked by the evil one, or beat down by what the world has to offer, put your Faith in the Lord and let Him be the shield for you. He can repel any attack of the evil one, any feeling of inadequacy, any sadness and any general negative situation in our life. Use your Faith to raise up God to His place, and that is your strong protector.
Have a great weekend.
3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the LORD,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side. Psalm 3:3-6
What do you think of when you hear the word shield. Have you ever thought of what a shield is made of and what good it really is for someone? It all really comes down to being a protective device and in the past they have typically been made out of a strong metal to repel the attacks of another fighter. I really like how we can look at something so simple and see how we can view God and who He is for us. When you feel attacked by the evil one, or beat down by what the world has to offer, put your Faith in the Lord and let Him be the shield for you. He can repel any attack of the evil one, any feeling of inadequacy, any sadness and any general negative situation in our life. Use your Faith to raise up God to His place, and that is your strong protector.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Fantastic Friday #274- Prepared
Prepared
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:15-17
How prepared do you find yourself when someone asks you about what you believe and why? On many occasions it might be easy to overlook who we are in Christ, because we get distracted by the speed of our travels, getting a job done, or getting away from the question that is asked be cause we feel uncomfortable. It could be that we might find ourselves unsure of what we actually believe or hold value in, which causes us to be uncomfortable. I hold strongly to the belief that it is important to sit down and write what we believe and why we believe it, so it can be easier communicated when we are asked that question. It doesn't have to be some complex terminology that you have heard the pastor talk about, or a scripture you don't quite understand. It can be the simplest description or scripture of what gives you hope and what keeps you focused on God and not yourself. Remember, Christ paid the ultimate price for us, so we don't need to feel uncomfortable to talk about Him when He already suffered for us.
Have a great weekend.
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:15-17
How prepared do you find yourself when someone asks you about what you believe and why? On many occasions it might be easy to overlook who we are in Christ, because we get distracted by the speed of our travels, getting a job done, or getting away from the question that is asked be cause we feel uncomfortable. It could be that we might find ourselves unsure of what we actually believe or hold value in, which causes us to be uncomfortable. I hold strongly to the belief that it is important to sit down and write what we believe and why we believe it, so it can be easier communicated when we are asked that question. It doesn't have to be some complex terminology that you have heard the pastor talk about, or a scripture you don't quite understand. It can be the simplest description or scripture of what gives you hope and what keeps you focused on God and not yourself. Remember, Christ paid the ultimate price for us, so we don't need to feel uncomfortable to talk about Him when He already suffered for us.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Fantastic Friday #273- Consumed
Consumed
22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
When you wake up in the morning, is there something that consumes your thoughts which in turn changes into consuming your actions, which eventually consumes your entire day? What tends to consume our thoughts is typically a worry that shouldn't keep us from focusing on what God wants us to focus on daily. What God wants to remind us of is His compassionate love that always seems to be enough. While we always want more to keep us from being consumed by things we don't want, why not change your consumption to the Lord and what He wants for us. His faithfulness is always there and we need not be consumed with what direction we are heading next. He will provide.
Have a great weekend.
22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
When you wake up in the morning, is there something that consumes your thoughts which in turn changes into consuming your actions, which eventually consumes your entire day? What tends to consume our thoughts is typically a worry that shouldn't keep us from focusing on what God wants us to focus on daily. What God wants to remind us of is His compassionate love that always seems to be enough. While we always want more to keep us from being consumed by things we don't want, why not change your consumption to the Lord and what He wants for us. His faithfulness is always there and we need not be consumed with what direction we are heading next. He will provide.
Have a great weekend.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Fantastic Friday #272- Axhead
Axhead
1 The company of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to meet.”
And he said, “Go.”
3 Then one of them said, “Won’t you please come with your servants?”
“I will,” Elisha replied. 4 And he went with them.
They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees. 5 As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axhead fell into the water. “Oh no, my lord!” he cried out. “It was borrowed!”
6 The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. 7 “Lift it out,” he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it. 2 Kings 6:1-6
Do you have an Axhead in your life or better yet a burden that drags you down? Looking back at this week I was thinking of all the burdens that we tend to let weigh us down with a heavy heart or mind on a regular basis. The interesting thing about this story above is that the Axhead sank to the bottom of the Jordan and was completely unseen, but the guy who dropped it in the water knew it was still there. How many of us allow our axheads to be hidden from others, but at the same time we still know they are still there weighing down our heart and we feel helpless like there is nothing we can do to lift that axhead. Well, with the power of God, Elisha was able to make the iron axhead float and be recovered. How about we rely on the Holy Spirit, who is living in us, to raise our axheads so they don't weigh us down. This way we can keep from feeling helpless from what is pulling us down to the bottom.
Have a great weekend.
1 The company of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to meet.”
And he said, “Go.”
3 Then one of them said, “Won’t you please come with your servants?”
“I will,” Elisha replied. 4 And he went with them.
They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees. 5 As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axhead fell into the water. “Oh no, my lord!” he cried out. “It was borrowed!”
6 The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. 7 “Lift it out,” he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it. 2 Kings 6:1-6
Do you have an Axhead in your life or better yet a burden that drags you down? Looking back at this week I was thinking of all the burdens that we tend to let weigh us down with a heavy heart or mind on a regular basis. The interesting thing about this story above is that the Axhead sank to the bottom of the Jordan and was completely unseen, but the guy who dropped it in the water knew it was still there. How many of us allow our axheads to be hidden from others, but at the same time we still know they are still there weighing down our heart and we feel helpless like there is nothing we can do to lift that axhead. Well, with the power of God, Elisha was able to make the iron axhead float and be recovered. How about we rely on the Holy Spirit, who is living in us, to raise our axheads so they don't weigh us down. This way we can keep from feeling helpless from what is pulling us down to the bottom.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Fantastic Friday #271- Mountains
Good Morning Men,
Mountains
You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness,
O God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas,
who formed the mountains by your power,
having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the turmoil of the nations. Psalm 65: 5-7
What mountain are you climbing? Is it a physical mountain or a mountain of pain of suffering? Or do you think it is a mountain and it is really a small hill. Whatever that mountain is in your life, remember the One who created the larger mountains is there for you. If He could create something that large and beautiful, then surely He an help you with your mountain.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Mountains
You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness,
O God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas,
who formed the mountains by your power,
having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the turmoil of the nations. Psalm 65: 5-7
What mountain are you climbing? Is it a physical mountain or a mountain of pain of suffering? Or do you think it is a mountain and it is really a small hill. Whatever that mountain is in your life, remember the One who created the larger mountains is there for you. If He could create something that large and beautiful, then surely He an help you with your mountain.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, July 8, 2011
Fantastic Friday #270- Lonely
Lonely
4 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds;
rejoice before him—his name is the LORD.
5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
6 God sets the lonely in families,
he leads out the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalm 68:4-6
My family went to the lake this week and I stayed at home to take care of things and of course had to work. The first thought might be, wow you got some great quiet time or you sure had some time to yourself to do what you wanted. The answer to both those thoughts would be yes, but there was just one problem, I became lonely very quickly and realized of course how much I love being around my family. Just like God says above in verse 6, He sets the lonely in families. God created us for relationships and even if you don't have an immediate family, you do have those family members that are brothers and sisters in Christ who you can share life with. Don't be lonely but surround yourself with those who share your common bond.
Have a great weekend.
4 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds;
rejoice before him—his name is the LORD.
5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
6 God sets the lonely in families,
he leads out the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalm 68:4-6
My family went to the lake this week and I stayed at home to take care of things and of course had to work. The first thought might be, wow you got some great quiet time or you sure had some time to yourself to do what you wanted. The answer to both those thoughts would be yes, but there was just one problem, I became lonely very quickly and realized of course how much I love being around my family. Just like God says above in verse 6, He sets the lonely in families. God created us for relationships and even if you don't have an immediate family, you do have those family members that are brothers and sisters in Christ who you can share life with. Don't be lonely but surround yourself with those who share your common bond.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Fantastic Friday #269- Gloom
Gloom
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:8-10
I watched a group of 9 and 10 year old boys this week have a great time playing baseball and experiencing the laughter and joy of success and then most recently what could look like to most a seriously devastating loss. The funny thing is, just like most baseball players they played hard until the end and had forgotten about the loss before we left the stands. Do you humble yourself hard to the Lord or do you laugh off what the Lord can do for you? Do you focus on the Gloom and stay away from the Lord or during those tough times or do you come near the Lord and have Him lift you up. Take a moment to think about how you can take joy in the life you live, and how the Lord can take care of the gloom and doom you might feel.
Have a great weekend.
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:8-10
I watched a group of 9 and 10 year old boys this week have a great time playing baseball and experiencing the laughter and joy of success and then most recently what could look like to most a seriously devastating loss. The funny thing is, just like most baseball players they played hard until the end and had forgotten about the loss before we left the stands. Do you humble yourself hard to the Lord or do you laugh off what the Lord can do for you? Do you focus on the Gloom and stay away from the Lord or during those tough times or do you come near the Lord and have Him lift you up. Take a moment to think about how you can take joy in the life you live, and how the Lord can take care of the gloom and doom you might feel.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Fantastic Friday #268- View
View
24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth. Proverbs 17:24
This week, I am sure if you looked at it, had many ups and downs. My week had more ups than downs, but the struggles were so heavy, they weighed me down. I sit and reflect today on why those downs seemed to burden me and after a long week I realized that it was because of how I was viewing them. Maybe if I would have viewed the problems through a lens of wisdom, and focused less on why they were dragging me down, they wouldn't have seemed so burdensome. I think our view is skewed many times by the foolish ways of the world and how the world tells us we should handle things. Take some time the next time you have a down moment and pray for discernment from the Lord to look at the issue through a lens of wisdom.
Have a great weekend.
24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth. Proverbs 17:24
This week, I am sure if you looked at it, had many ups and downs. My week had more ups than downs, but the struggles were so heavy, they weighed me down. I sit and reflect today on why those downs seemed to burden me and after a long week I realized that it was because of how I was viewing them. Maybe if I would have viewed the problems through a lens of wisdom, and focused less on why they were dragging me down, they wouldn't have seemed so burdensome. I think our view is skewed many times by the foolish ways of the world and how the world tells us we should handle things. Take some time the next time you have a down moment and pray for discernment from the Lord to look at the issue through a lens of wisdom.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Fantastic Friday #267- Wick
Wick
18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
21 In his name the nations will put their hope.” Matthew 12:18-21
Candle wicks are very interesting if you think about it. The wicks sometimes can take a while to light if you don't have a good strong flame, because a match can quickly flame out. If you watch a wick while it is lit, it really does not burn that fast. In fact, it seems that it takes some time for the tip of the wick to burn down and the wax seems to control it if you look closely. And then when you blow the wick out or snuff it out, it really is still lit and smolders until it finally goes out on it's own. I think of Jesus as my candle that shines a light before me in my Christian walk, and a light that cannot be snuffed out. He is always there burning in my heart, and showing me how I can be a light to someone else. I know we can sometimes let our wick of our Christian Life smolder out on its own, and not shine brightly to others. Keep your wick burning strong and don't let evil allow you to be snuffed out.
Have a great weekend.
18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
21 In his name the nations will put their hope.” Matthew 12:18-21
Candle wicks are very interesting if you think about it. The wicks sometimes can take a while to light if you don't have a good strong flame, because a match can quickly flame out. If you watch a wick while it is lit, it really does not burn that fast. In fact, it seems that it takes some time for the tip of the wick to burn down and the wax seems to control it if you look closely. And then when you blow the wick out or snuff it out, it really is still lit and smolders until it finally goes out on it's own. I think of Jesus as my candle that shines a light before me in my Christian walk, and a light that cannot be snuffed out. He is always there burning in my heart, and showing me how I can be a light to someone else. I know we can sometimes let our wick of our Christian Life smolder out on its own, and not shine brightly to others. Keep your wick burning strong and don't let evil allow you to be snuffed out.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Fantastic Friday #266- Shift
Shift
15 Laziness brings on deep sleep,
and the shiftless go hungry.
15 Laziness brings on deep sleep,
and the shiftless go hungry.
16 Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life,
but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die. Proverbs 19:15-16
For those of you familiar with baseball, you know what a defensive shift is, and what kind of movement takes place. If you drive a car, you know that gears shift to get a car moving. When you are uncomfortable in your seat, you shift your body around to make yourself more comfortable. In your Christian walk, how much do you shift, or do you stand still and don't do anything to grow. There are times in my life that I don't feel the shift, but quickly the Holy Spirit reminds me that if I don't shift to following God's path for my life, I tend to grow hungry to better myself. It is important to shift towards a life God means for us to fulfill and not be a stagnant reed that only moves when the wind blows us to and fro.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Fantastic Friday #265 Fault
Fault
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. James 3:1-2
Today my son threw a baseball to me. I didn't catch it and it hit me in my big toe. As I look at it and see it swell and turn purple, I feel a lot of pain. Now who's fault was it that it hit my big toe. Well, my son thought it was his fault for throwing the ball too low. I thought it was the ball's fault for being hard, or was it really my fault for not getting the glove low enough to catch his throw. At times as Christians, people place us on a pitcher's mound of control and expect us to be perfect. When we do stumble off the mound and walk into sin, people see that loss of control and can judge us. We all know that we need to take a deep breath, reflect and look to the Lord for helping us control our pitches in life. We do not need think that we have all the control with that perfect pitch, because we all have faulty form. Learn to control your body through Christ and pitch that perfect game with His help, and try not to use your so-called perfect pitch because you know you don't have it.
Have a great weekend.
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. James 3:1-2
Today my son threw a baseball to me. I didn't catch it and it hit me in my big toe. As I look at it and see it swell and turn purple, I feel a lot of pain. Now who's fault was it that it hit my big toe. Well, my son thought it was his fault for throwing the ball too low. I thought it was the ball's fault for being hard, or was it really my fault for not getting the glove low enough to catch his throw. At times as Christians, people place us on a pitcher's mound of control and expect us to be perfect. When we do stumble off the mound and walk into sin, people see that loss of control and can judge us. We all know that we need to take a deep breath, reflect and look to the Lord for helping us control our pitches in life. We do not need think that we have all the control with that perfect pitch, because we all have faulty form. Learn to control your body through Christ and pitch that perfect game with His help, and try not to use your so-called perfect pitch because you know you don't have it.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Fantastic Friday #264-Shame
Shame
1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:1-2
Have you ever felt the emotion of shame? I am sure at one time or another you have for something you have done that is probably not right in the sight of God. Now, how do you feel about discussing God with someone else? Do you feel shame? My hope is that you wouldn't because certainly there is nothing to be ashamed of as a follower of Christ. It is amazing what the enemy can convince us of in this world, by his dark ways. He can tell us that God is not all what He is cracked up to be, or he can say God has left you unanswered for this long, so why bother. So, I say this, lift yourself above the shameful ways of this world and shine the light of Jesus to those around you. Discuss with passionate love and respect, and don't feel the despicable shame that the enemy wants you to feel. Rise above the shame and don't let the enemy put you in "The Box of Shame."
Have a great weekend.
1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:1-2
Have you ever felt the emotion of shame? I am sure at one time or another you have for something you have done that is probably not right in the sight of God. Now, how do you feel about discussing God with someone else? Do you feel shame? My hope is that you wouldn't because certainly there is nothing to be ashamed of as a follower of Christ. It is amazing what the enemy can convince us of in this world, by his dark ways. He can tell us that God is not all what He is cracked up to be, or he can say God has left you unanswered for this long, so why bother. So, I say this, lift yourself above the shameful ways of this world and shine the light of Jesus to those around you. Discuss with passionate love and respect, and don't feel the despicable shame that the enemy wants you to feel. Rise above the shame and don't let the enemy put you in "The Box of Shame."
Have a great weekend.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Fantastic Friday #263-Filled
Filled
8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.1 Peter 1:8-9
When I get an empty tank in my car, I take that most depressing trip to the gas station these days to fill her up. When she is full, she runs like a dream and I have not a worry in the world, however there is a great deal of pain I feel each time I see the amount of money I have to spend to fill her up. The great thing about having Christ in my life is that when I feel the pain of something in life, all I have to do is turn to Christ and the Holy Spirit who is always there, fills me up. It is an amazing feeling to filled with the Holy Spirit, because I know that I am secure. Remember, when your glass is half empty or half full, depending on if you are a pessimist or an optimist, you are actually completely full with the Lord in your life, because He fills the void in that glass of life, and He doesn't charge anything.
Have a great weekend.
8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.1 Peter 1:8-9
When I get an empty tank in my car, I take that most depressing trip to the gas station these days to fill her up. When she is full, she runs like a dream and I have not a worry in the world, however there is a great deal of pain I feel each time I see the amount of money I have to spend to fill her up. The great thing about having Christ in my life is that when I feel the pain of something in life, all I have to do is turn to Christ and the Holy Spirit who is always there, fills me up. It is an amazing feeling to filled with the Holy Spirit, because I know that I am secure. Remember, when your glass is half empty or half full, depending on if you are a pessimist or an optimist, you are actually completely full with the Lord in your life, because He fills the void in that glass of life, and He doesn't charge anything.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Fantastic Friday #262-Nature
Nature
13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
16 Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:13-20
When you hear the word nature what do you think of? The trees, the mountains, the lakes, the oceans, the beauty God created. Or, do you think of your own sinful nature that you have in your life. Why not look at God's nature, it is quite an amazing thing to look at if you take the time. God doesn't lie as the scripture clearly states, so what does that mean to us? We have the hope of eternal life that He has promised to reward those who follow Him and leave their previous lives behind. What else does He promise? He will not forget the work and the love you show to others. Now, the hard question, can you push back against the sinful nature and look to God's promises for a future with Him? I have the Hope and am greatly encouraged and I hope you feel the same.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Fantastic Friday #261- Blessing
Blessing
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Our eyes can often be veiled by our own desires, some of which are not led by the spirit. We look and see what we think we want or what the world tells us we want in our life. We tell ourselves that something seems to be missing, or we turn to things that we think will give us freedom from pain and suffering. In the end these things can end up in sin or drive us away from where the spirit wants to lead us. If we stop and think about where the spirit leads us now, and where our ultimate destination should be; the desires we have can ultimately be ignored by us as just another passing thought that the enemy wants us to believe we should follow. Look closely and carefully at the blessings you already have from God, and don't look at what blessings you think you should have. He has His hand on you and we should all hope to be transformed into His image.
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Our eyes can often be veiled by our own desires, some of which are not led by the spirit. We look and see what we think we want or what the world tells us we want in our life. We tell ourselves that something seems to be missing, or we turn to things that we think will give us freedom from pain and suffering. In the end these things can end up in sin or drive us away from where the spirit wants to lead us. If we stop and think about where the spirit leads us now, and where our ultimate destination should be; the desires we have can ultimately be ignored by us as just another passing thought that the enemy wants us to believe we should follow. Look closely and carefully at the blessings you already have from God, and don't look at what blessings you think you should have. He has His hand on you and we should all hope to be transformed into His image.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Fantastic Friday #260
Calling
Have a great weekend.
1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now this I know:
The LORD gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9 LORD, give victory to the king!
Answer us when we call! Psalm 20
Have a great weekend.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Fantastic Friday #259- Straight
Straight
21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,
but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,
but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:21-22
I played in a golf tournament this week, where I played on a team with 5 other individuals. We all had the same goal as a team, do our best and have fun doing it. The thing with golf is many times hoping to hit a long straight drive, or putt a long putt that you hope doesn't curve around the cup and out. The thing that was great about this golf tournament was that we all contributed to our team, and when a couple of people had the "Grief Shank" going(yes they named a shot after me), the other members picked them up. The same thing can be said about the Christian life and walk. Many of us can find ourselves veering off course, and shanking our shots off the narrow fairway. But the great thing about surrounding yourselves with other followers of Christ is that there is plenty of counsel and support you can receive to keep you straight. Don't hit those golf balls of the Gospel for Christ alone, but work as a team to pick each other up and celebrate what He has done for you.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Fantastic Friday #258- Time
Time
24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ Acts 17:24-28
Do you sometimes wonder what in the world you are doing with the time God has given? Do spend your time worrying about what your neighbor said about you, what the people at church think of you, or what that supposed friend is thinking even though they are not saying it? Is your time spent thinking more about how people can make a difference in your life than what difference you can make in other lives by supporting them? Or, do you think of how you are going to pay for the latest model of the latest "it" thing that is out there? When I read this scripture about God, one thing really stands out to me, and that is He "gives everyone life and breath and everything else." So nothing is ours and it reminds me how He so freely gives. So instead of worrying about those things that are not ours and we have no control over, why not focus more on seeking our Father and his plan for us. As the scripture says, He marks out our time in history, so He really has us where we are supposed be as long as we listen. This week let us think more about Glorifying God than Glorifying ourselves.
Have a great weekend.
24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ Acts 17:24-28
Do you sometimes wonder what in the world you are doing with the time God has given? Do spend your time worrying about what your neighbor said about you, what the people at church think of you, or what that supposed friend is thinking even though they are not saying it? Is your time spent thinking more about how people can make a difference in your life than what difference you can make in other lives by supporting them? Or, do you think of how you are going to pay for the latest model of the latest "it" thing that is out there? When I read this scripture about God, one thing really stands out to me, and that is He "gives everyone life and breath and everything else." So nothing is ours and it reminds me how He so freely gives. So instead of worrying about those things that are not ours and we have no control over, why not focus more on seeking our Father and his plan for us. As the scripture says, He marks out our time in history, so He really has us where we are supposed be as long as we listen. This week let us think more about Glorifying God than Glorifying ourselves.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Fantastic Friday #257-Diligent
Diligent
9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:9-12
What do you do with persevering attention in your life? This is what diligence means. Do you help others without complaining, do share the Gospel with a diligent heart? Or do find it easier to be lazy and just get by without a patient heart. When you think that God is silent or maybe isn't giving you the direction you think you need to head, God has you rest for the things that are more important later. As friends of ours begin on a journey of trusting God for their future, I know that their faith is strong and their friends can diligently help them in many ways. Don't be lazy but call on the diligent strength God has for you to support Him and those around you in His cause for this world.
Have a great weekend.
9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:9-12
What do you do with persevering attention in your life? This is what diligence means. Do you help others without complaining, do share the Gospel with a diligent heart? Or do find it easier to be lazy and just get by without a patient heart. When you think that God is silent or maybe isn't giving you the direction you think you need to head, God has you rest for the things that are more important later. As friends of ours begin on a journey of trusting God for their future, I know that their faith is strong and their friends can diligently help them in many ways. Don't be lazy but call on the diligent strength God has for you to support Him and those around you in His cause for this world.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Fantastic Friday #256- Compete
Compete
3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. 2 Timothy 2:3-5
This week I have observed and experienced the ultimate in competition. I umpired a baseball game between 9 and 10 year old boys, I watched my boys play baseball in a competitive setting for each of their age groups. I also observed the results of a science fair and art competition, and saw how each one of the kids was respectful to each other and humble in winning their awards. I saw a track meet between Christian schools, and the support my kid's school gave each other and other schools was fantastic. What did I learn from all this competition and what can you learn? In our lives we are in competition with the dark forces of this world that tries to get us to sidestep the rules and win at all costs. If we take a moment to be humble with what God has given us and remember that God is the one in control, we can have a fantastic influence on those don't know God. Endure your hardship and compete for God's Kingdom that was already won for you, but remember to follow the rules.
Have a great weekend.
3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. 2 Timothy 2:3-5
This week I have observed and experienced the ultimate in competition. I umpired a baseball game between 9 and 10 year old boys, I watched my boys play baseball in a competitive setting for each of their age groups. I also observed the results of a science fair and art competition, and saw how each one of the kids was respectful to each other and humble in winning their awards. I saw a track meet between Christian schools, and the support my kid's school gave each other and other schools was fantastic. What did I learn from all this competition and what can you learn? In our lives we are in competition with the dark forces of this world that tries to get us to sidestep the rules and win at all costs. If we take a moment to be humble with what God has given us and remember that God is the one in control, we can have a fantastic influence on those don't know God. Endure your hardship and compete for God's Kingdom that was already won for you, but remember to follow the rules.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Fantastic Friday #255- Sustain
Sustain
22 Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.
23 But you, God, will bring down the wicked
into the pit of decay;
the bloodthirsty and deceitful
will not live out half their days.
But as for me, I trust in you. Psalm 55:21-23
What do you use to get you through the day? Is it that first cup of Starbucks in the morning, a diet soda, a good lunch, that afternoon super energy drink, or a protein shake to keep your body moving. That might take care of the physical jump start or longer needs, but what about the need to mentally sustain you throughout the hectic days we live in? You might think that some of that Starbucks might jump start your mind, but the mind needs more than a jolt of caffeine. In this world of unending, crazy busyness that is full of worldly focuses and pressure and stress to succeed, there is nothing physical that can jump start our mind and sustain it. But, there is God and He is always there to sustain us as long as we focus on what He has for our lives and not what the world tells us to have for our lives. Jump start your day by visiting with God by praising Him and thanking Him for all He has provided you physically and mentally and then ask for His sustaining power to get you through your day.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Fantastic Friday #254- Bad Day
Bad Day
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD;
I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come. Psalm 71:16-18
I think I have heard this phrase from each of my children in the past week, and maybe from myself. "Today was a bad day." Now, if I would follow the advice of one of my friends who once said to me, "how can today be a bad day if the Lord made it" I would be pretty well off. However, it is very easy to forget this. Very wise words from a wise woman, but even wiser words can be seen from David here in this verse. If we sit and tell ourselves today is a good day because we are still alive, we have hope, we have grace, and there are so many other things to be thankful for, then maybe our bad day we think we had wouldn't look so bad. We need to remember to praise God for the good things He has given us and then look at what we think is "bad" and how God can make that good by teaching us something from that bad/good thing. God is always good and all comes from God, so how can anything in this life be bad.
Have a great day.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD;
I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come. Psalm 71:16-18
I think I have heard this phrase from each of my children in the past week, and maybe from myself. "Today was a bad day." Now, if I would follow the advice of one of my friends who once said to me, "how can today be a bad day if the Lord made it" I would be pretty well off. However, it is very easy to forget this. Very wise words from a wise woman, but even wiser words can be seen from David here in this verse. If we sit and tell ourselves today is a good day because we are still alive, we have hope, we have grace, and there are so many other things to be thankful for, then maybe our bad day we think we had wouldn't look so bad. We need to remember to praise God for the good things He has given us and then look at what we think is "bad" and how God can make that good by teaching us something from that bad/good thing. God is always good and all comes from God, so how can anything in this life be bad.
Have a great day.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Fantastic Friday #253-Children
Children
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:14-17
I looked at my children this week and observed a number of things. Most were good, a few rough moments, but the thing I noticed most is how much I love each and every one of them, and how unconditional that love is that I have for them. There were times when they cried out to me from across the house for one thing or another, and sometimes it sounded more like a kid yelling. I know there are some out there that don't have children or who have children that are grown, but you all are Children as well. Do you find yourself crying out to God asking for help? During our sufferings and times of need we cry out to God for this help and we can feel quite like a small child. One thing we can be secure of is that you are a child of God and if you have received Christ in your life you have the Spirit to guide you these moments of need. Remember, even the oldest child needs help and God is always there to help His children.
Have a great weekend.
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:14-17
I looked at my children this week and observed a number of things. Most were good, a few rough moments, but the thing I noticed most is how much I love each and every one of them, and how unconditional that love is that I have for them. There were times when they cried out to me from across the house for one thing or another, and sometimes it sounded more like a kid yelling. I know there are some out there that don't have children or who have children that are grown, but you all are Children as well. Do you find yourself crying out to God asking for help? During our sufferings and times of need we cry out to God for this help and we can feel quite like a small child. One thing we can be secure of is that you are a child of God and if you have received Christ in your life you have the Spirit to guide you these moments of need. Remember, even the oldest child needs help and God is always there to help His children.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Fantastic Friday #252- Reflect
Reflect
19 As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart. Proverbs 27:19
Looking in the mirror, how would you describe yourself? Would you utilize any of these words: Righteous, forgiven, chosen, justified, accepted, blessed or reconciled? Or are you hard on yourself and use other words that would completely be the opposite of the words listed above? Or are you living a life that doesn't quite come close to reflecting these words. There are times in our life when I am sure we can question whether we are forgiven or blessed due to our perceived circumstances, but if you look carefully at your reflection after you have accepted Christ all these words above and more are a part of you. You just need to look deep in your heart and let your heart reflect what Christ has given you through His sacrifice. If you haven't truly accepted Christ, then look at what is missing from your life. Now it is up to you to reflect Christ in your life, and show others how blessed and forgiven you truly are because of Him.
Have a great weekend.
19 As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart. Proverbs 27:19
Looking in the mirror, how would you describe yourself? Would you utilize any of these words: Righteous, forgiven, chosen, justified, accepted, blessed or reconciled? Or are you hard on yourself and use other words that would completely be the opposite of the words listed above? Or are you living a life that doesn't quite come close to reflecting these words. There are times in our life when I am sure we can question whether we are forgiven or blessed due to our perceived circumstances, but if you look carefully at your reflection after you have accepted Christ all these words above and more are a part of you. You just need to look deep in your heart and let your heart reflect what Christ has given you through His sacrifice. If you haven't truly accepted Christ, then look at what is missing from your life. Now it is up to you to reflect Christ in your life, and show others how blessed and forgiven you truly are because of Him.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Fantastic Friday #251- Stand
Stand
8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:8-11
I had a friend come up to me and show me a balance band that he was wearing and showed me how it worked. This balance band supposedly provides you balance to withstand the force someone is trying to use to tip you over into an unbalanced state. Now, I cannot confirm nor deny whether this band worked on me, but what I can tell you is that with only two legs, when someone pulls down on one side of your body you are going to tip over. That is where balance comes into play for us, or another way to look at is that a bike has a kickstand to help keep it propped up. Balance is our kickstand, and what happens when our life gets out of balance. Typically it is when the enemy attacks and pulls down on us, and what do we have to rely on. Certainly we don't have a kickstand, physically anyway. Well, I know that my true kickstand that keeps me balanced and standing against the devil's schemes is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let Him prop you up when you feel like you are falling over, He is strong and mighty to save.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Fantastic Friday #250- In His Time
In His Time
1 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:
Do you have the natural feeling or ability to help others? What about searching out for help from others, and maybe never receiving the help you are looking for that might get you to where you think you need to be. I imagine most of us can realize there are certain times that we need to turn for God for our help, because we know some things we can't handle on our own. In Abram's situation, he was looking for help from the Lord, but in the following chapter in Genesis you can see where maybe he was tired of waiting and tried to help God fulfill His promise by getting Hagar pregnant when his wife could not have a child. Maybe we need to think about Abram the next time we aren't getting the help we think we need from God. God fulfills His plans in His own time and He really doesn't need Our Help to make them happen. Don't try and Help the Lord, but let the Lord Help you fulfill what He has in store for you, In His Time.
Have a great weekend.
1 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:
“Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward"
2 But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
4 Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” Genesis 15:1-4Do you have the natural feeling or ability to help others? What about searching out for help from others, and maybe never receiving the help you are looking for that might get you to where you think you need to be. I imagine most of us can realize there are certain times that we need to turn for God for our help, because we know some things we can't handle on our own. In Abram's situation, he was looking for help from the Lord, but in the following chapter in Genesis you can see where maybe he was tired of waiting and tried to help God fulfill His promise by getting Hagar pregnant when his wife could not have a child. Maybe we need to think about Abram the next time we aren't getting the help we think we need from God. God fulfills His plans in His own time and He really doesn't need Our Help to make them happen. Don't try and Help the Lord, but let the Lord Help you fulfill what He has in store for you, In His Time.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Fantastic Friday #249- Broken
Broken
17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Romans 11:17-21
Do you feel broken sometimes? Does it feel like your walls of protection are falling down around you, allowing you to be crushed in spirit? If we have accepted Christ in our life, that doesn't mean we won't see challenges where we feel like we are broken. We need to remember that during those times where we feel broken, we are actually being supported by the strongest root there is in our life, and that is our Lord Jesus Christ. He is a loving God who wants His children to love him and grow strong in their faith. That is why he provides a nourishing sap to keep up us from being broken. Listen to what the Holy Spirit guides you to do and don't focus on the brokenness your enemy wants you to feel, but see how the faithful root holds us firmly in our position as followers of Christ.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Fantastic Friday #248- Home
Home
8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:8-10
This week because of God's plan many people have been home-bound and spent more time inside doing things they hadn't planned. One thing I continued to hear God say was that you are where you need to be. You need to be home with your family and you need to spend time focusing on your family and nothing else. I found myself spending a number of hours with things I normally wouldn't do during the week, and spending some extra time with God and looking at His faithfulness to Abraham. One thing that we often forget is that God is preparing us with this home for our eternal home. Spend some time today focusing on your home, your obedience to God, the faith that you have in His plan and how you can look forward to the home being built for us.
8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:8-10
This week because of God's plan many people have been home-bound and spent more time inside doing things they hadn't planned. One thing I continued to hear God say was that you are where you need to be. You need to be home with your family and you need to spend time focusing on your family and nothing else. I found myself spending a number of hours with things I normally wouldn't do during the week, and spending some extra time with God and looking at His faithfulness to Abraham. One thing that we often forget is that God is preparing us with this home for our eternal home. Spend some time today focusing on your home, your obedience to God, the faith that you have in His plan and how you can look forward to the home being built for us.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Fantastic Friday #247- Give In
Give In
36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels." Mark 8:36-38
You have all heard about throwing in the towel. It was a way to stop a fight from getting out of hand when a fighter really was quite injured. How many of us search the world for answers to our needs and find that it is time to throw in the towel because we have had enough? What happens when you throw in the towel? You give in to the fight and fall into submission to what the world has for you and a little bit of you is drawn away from the Lord. How about not looking to the world and the life you think you should have, but look to the Lord who can enter the ring for you and help you fight the battle for the life He wants you to have. Focus less on throwing in the towel, and more on wiping our brow with that towel after a difficult fight. You will be much better off and I would rather gain what my Father has in store for me than lose my soul.
Have a great weekend.
36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels." Mark 8:36-38
You have all heard about throwing in the towel. It was a way to stop a fight from getting out of hand when a fighter really was quite injured. How many of us search the world for answers to our needs and find that it is time to throw in the towel because we have had enough? What happens when you throw in the towel? You give in to the fight and fall into submission to what the world has for you and a little bit of you is drawn away from the Lord. How about not looking to the world and the life you think you should have, but look to the Lord who can enter the ring for you and help you fight the battle for the life He wants you to have. Focus less on throwing in the towel, and more on wiping our brow with that towel after a difficult fight. You will be much better off and I would rather gain what my Father has in store for me than lose my soul.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Fantastic Friday #246- Words
Words
6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.
9 To the discerning all of them are right;
they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:6-11
Do you ever struggle for Words to speak? Did you have a week where you questioned what to say to someone? Did you feel like if you said the wrong thing that you would step on someone's toes? Maybe it is time that the worry about what to say should be put behind you and you should focus more on what God is saying to you. A lot of times we think we need to say something to make something better, what we could say could make a difference with someone, or we need to say something to mend a broken relationship. There we go relying on our own words again. Maybe we should turn to God and allow Him to speak through us because the wisdom we have comes from His Word and not our own. Don't get yourself into that helpless situation where you feel like you can't speak, but let God lift you and speak for you. Maybe then we will realize that it is His Word that is more powerful and beautiful than our own words.
Have a great weekend.
6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.
9 To the discerning all of them are right;
they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:6-11
Do you ever struggle for Words to speak? Did you have a week where you questioned what to say to someone? Did you feel like if you said the wrong thing that you would step on someone's toes? Maybe it is time that the worry about what to say should be put behind you and you should focus more on what God is saying to you. A lot of times we think we need to say something to make something better, what we could say could make a difference with someone, or we need to say something to mend a broken relationship. There we go relying on our own words again. Maybe we should turn to God and allow Him to speak through us because the wisdom we have comes from His Word and not our own. Don't get yourself into that helpless situation where you feel like you can't speak, but let God lift you and speak for you. Maybe then we will realize that it is His Word that is more powerful and beautiful than our own words.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Fantastic Friday #245- Independence
Independence
10 It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. 1 Corinthians 11:10-12
I always joked that I lost my Independence on Independence Day back in 1998. Each year I relive that loss of Independence and also look back to what life was like before I joined a life of dependence with my bride. I always find it to be pretty boring and I really wasn't that Independent and depended on many things. I depended on my job to be there, I depended on my car to start in the morning, I depended on food to be there when I needed it, I depended on a good book every now and then, and I depended on some kind of change to come smoothly without any challenge. Reading this scripture reminds me of our daily walk when we can sometimes think we are so independent. Maybe our focus should be how the dependence on the Lord can make a difference on those close to us and extend to those further away from us. This dependence on the Lord can lay the job, our car, the food, and our changes in His hands to create a life of dependence on Him and not on the things we have no control over.
Have a great weekend.
10 It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. 1 Corinthians 11:10-12
I always joked that I lost my Independence on Independence Day back in 1998. Each year I relive that loss of Independence and also look back to what life was like before I joined a life of dependence with my bride. I always find it to be pretty boring and I really wasn't that Independent and depended on many things. I depended on my job to be there, I depended on my car to start in the morning, I depended on food to be there when I needed it, I depended on a good book every now and then, and I depended on some kind of change to come smoothly without any challenge. Reading this scripture reminds me of our daily walk when we can sometimes think we are so independent. Maybe our focus should be how the dependence on the Lord can make a difference on those close to us and extend to those further away from us. This dependence on the Lord can lay the job, our car, the food, and our changes in His hands to create a life of dependence on Him and not on the things we have no control over.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Fantastic Friday #244- Cursing
Cursing
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:9-12
How many of us said a bad word this week? How many of us thought a bad word this week? Were you nice to every single person you came in contact with, or did you struggle being around some people? Did you actually speak negatively about someone because you let those bad feelings get to your mouth? Yes, these are very harsh questions for those of you reading this, because the truth can be painful. The truth can also be eye opening, and make us realize some things about our own humanity. Remember, we are not perfect like God, but we are created in His likeness, so therefore we have it in each one of us to Love one another and not speak words of negativity. Why not use our same mouths to praise others like we Praise our Lord and Father. It will probably make a difference.
Have a great weekend.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:9-12
How many of us said a bad word this week? How many of us thought a bad word this week? Were you nice to every single person you came in contact with, or did you struggle being around some people? Did you actually speak negatively about someone because you let those bad feelings get to your mouth? Yes, these are very harsh questions for those of you reading this, because the truth can be painful. The truth can also be eye opening, and make us realize some things about our own humanity. Remember, we are not perfect like God, but we are created in His likeness, so therefore we have it in each one of us to Love one another and not speak words of negativity. Why not use our same mouths to praise others like we Praise our Lord and Father. It will probably make a difference.
Have a great weekend.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Fantastic Friday #243-Snow
Snow
15 But my brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams,
as the streams that overflow
16 when darkened by thawing ice
and swollen with melting snow,
17 but that stop flowing in the dry season,
and in the heat vanish from their channels.
24 “Teach me, and I will be quiet;
show me where I have been wrong. Job 6:15-17,24
What do you find dependable in your life? Do you have that person that you can count on, no matter what? A lot of our time is spent in this life trying to depend on ourselves to accomplish what we need to get done. This time of year is full of joy and happiness at the beginning of a new year and we always look to find ways to better our life. Maybe we should begin looking for that fellow Christian we can lean on during the good times and bad, and maybe we should look at developing those closer relationships with others that you can begin to count on. How about letting a bit of that snow build up and not melt away, by looking to our Lord who is firm snow that does not melt and always holds His shape, for He does not change.
15 But my brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams,
as the streams that overflow
16 when darkened by thawing ice
and swollen with melting snow,
17 but that stop flowing in the dry season,
and in the heat vanish from their channels.
24 “Teach me, and I will be quiet;
show me where I have been wrong. Job 6:15-17,24
What do you find dependable in your life? Do you have that person that you can count on, no matter what? A lot of our time is spent in this life trying to depend on ourselves to accomplish what we need to get done. This time of year is full of joy and happiness at the beginning of a new year and we always look to find ways to better our life. Maybe we should begin looking for that fellow Christian we can lean on during the good times and bad, and maybe we should look at developing those closer relationships with others that you can begin to count on. How about letting a bit of that snow build up and not melt away, by looking to our Lord who is firm snow that does not melt and always holds His shape, for He does not change.
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