Looking Forward
11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as
you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will
bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements
will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with
his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth,
where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:11-13
We live our lives at a fast pace and look rarely to the future. Our
focus is probably always on the here and now if we are truly being
honest, however we probably need to take a moment to look at the future
of our Lord's arrival. If we look at how God wants us to live, then our
focus on the future should be one of joy and rejoicing, but many times
we tend to focus on ugliness that this sinful world has going on. While
we don't know when the day of our Lord will come, we do know He is
going to come, so we should live an honorable and holy life. This life
of honor should include things in the present that impact people
eternally. Focus on looking forward, but also zero in on how you can
make an impact eternally.
Have a great weekend.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Fantastic Friday #346- Weary
Weary
27 Why do you complain, Jacob?
Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord;
my cause is disregarded by my God”?
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:27-31
This last week I am sure many of us have become weary for many reasons. Whether it be for what is going on in the world with the sadness of the evil that is out there, the hustle and bustle of the world's view of Christmas, or just the pressure of work and school and the toll it can take on you or your family. We can all get weary and think to ourselves why does this stuff happen that drags me down where I don't want to push through. The enemy works hard to make us weary and drive negativity into our lives, but the promise of our Lord is more powerful than anything the enemy can throw at us. Our hope can bring about a strength that only the Lord can give us. Lean into Him and let Him help us soar.
Have a great weekend.
27 Why do you complain, Jacob?
Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord;
my cause is disregarded by my God”?
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:27-31
This last week I am sure many of us have become weary for many reasons. Whether it be for what is going on in the world with the sadness of the evil that is out there, the hustle and bustle of the world's view of Christmas, or just the pressure of work and school and the toll it can take on you or your family. We can all get weary and think to ourselves why does this stuff happen that drags me down where I don't want to push through. The enemy works hard to make us weary and drive negativity into our lives, but the promise of our Lord is more powerful than anything the enemy can throw at us. Our hope can bring about a strength that only the Lord can give us. Lean into Him and let Him help us soar.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Fantastic Friday #345- Praise
Praise
his love endures forever.
2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord
or fully declare his praise?
3 Blessed are they who maintain justice,
who constantly do what is right.
4 Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people,
come to my aid when you save them,
5 that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may share in the joy of your nation
and join your inheritance in giving praise. Psalm 106:1-5
High praises. The world is full of people giving and receiving praise to other people. Whether it be a Heisman Trophy winner, an academy award winner, a cooking champion, a sporting event champion, or even someone who did a good job raising money for a local charity or church. These praises can be as simple as a congratulatory remark, a trophy, a certificate, or even a large monetary prize. What's the problem with recognizing someone for doing something good? Nothing really, but really the problem is who gets the ultimate praise. Do we put these people on such a high pedestal that we forget who actually got them to the point of being praised? This can be difficult, especially for those like me who have the love language 'words of affirmation'. It can be very simple however if we take a moment to reflect on why we are receiving that praise. We need to remember that we are receiving praise by acting on our God-Given Gifts and Talents, and it is nothing we are doing on our own. I appreciate those who genuinely give God the Glory for their praises, and it makes me stop and think, do I give God the praise when things that are positive come my way. Taking that moment to remind myself that God deserves my best and most honorable praise, gives me the reminder I need to give God the praise for everything in my life, and not just the big times of recognition.
Have a great weekend.
1 Praise the Lord.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;his love endures forever.
2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord
or fully declare his praise?
3 Blessed are they who maintain justice,
who constantly do what is right.
4 Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people,
come to my aid when you save them,
5 that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may share in the joy of your nation
and join your inheritance in giving praise. Psalm 106:1-5
High praises. The world is full of people giving and receiving praise to other people. Whether it be a Heisman Trophy winner, an academy award winner, a cooking champion, a sporting event champion, or even someone who did a good job raising money for a local charity or church. These praises can be as simple as a congratulatory remark, a trophy, a certificate, or even a large monetary prize. What's the problem with recognizing someone for doing something good? Nothing really, but really the problem is who gets the ultimate praise. Do we put these people on such a high pedestal that we forget who actually got them to the point of being praised? This can be difficult, especially for those like me who have the love language 'words of affirmation'. It can be very simple however if we take a moment to reflect on why we are receiving that praise. We need to remember that we are receiving praise by acting on our God-Given Gifts and Talents, and it is nothing we are doing on our own. I appreciate those who genuinely give God the Glory for their praises, and it makes me stop and think, do I give God the praise when things that are positive come my way. Taking that moment to remind myself that God deserves my best and most honorable praise, gives me the reminder I need to give God the praise for everything in my life, and not just the big times of recognition.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Fantastic Friday #344- Hope
Hope
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:22-25
What an interesting word Hope is in our society, but think about how it is used in our vocabulary these days. I hope to get a good grade on my test, or I hope to get a good evaluation at work. I hope that I get what I asked for on my Christmas List, or I hope there is a good dessert tonight. If you think about how we Hope these days, a lot of times we Hope for things we already have but we always seem to want more. I think the Hope that we should be looking for is the Hope that we will one day be back in the arms of our Lord. Too often we forget about the sacrifice that was made for us because we spend too much time putting our Hope in the human beings or stuff around us. During these days, we need to put our Hope in the Lord, because He is the only thing we need.
Psalm 39:7 says: “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you." Let's put our Hope in Him and see how our life is completely transformed.
Have a great weekend.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:22-25
What an interesting word Hope is in our society, but think about how it is used in our vocabulary these days. I hope to get a good grade on my test, or I hope to get a good evaluation at work. I hope that I get what I asked for on my Christmas List, or I hope there is a good dessert tonight. If you think about how we Hope these days, a lot of times we Hope for things we already have but we always seem to want more. I think the Hope that we should be looking for is the Hope that we will one day be back in the arms of our Lord. Too often we forget about the sacrifice that was made for us because we spend too much time putting our Hope in the human beings or stuff around us. During these days, we need to put our Hope in the Lord, because He is the only thing we need.
Psalm 39:7 says: “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you." Let's put our Hope in Him and see how our life is completely transformed.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Fantastic Friday #343- Turmoil
Turmoil
5 You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,
God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas,
6 who formed the mountains by your power,
having armed yourself with strength,
7 who stilled the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the turmoil of the nations.
8 The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy. Psalm 65:5-8
When we are in turmoil, we turn to prayer to ease our suffering. When we are overwhelmed by sin, we turn to prayer to look for forgiveness. When we look for blessings, we turn to our God in prayer to help us in our time of need. Every time we turn to God in these situations, we expect clear answers but it most times we don't get the answer we think we want. The question is, are we really listening to His answers that He provides. If you look at this passage, we see a reminder of how powerful God is and how we need to be in awe of His wonders. We can all take a moment to view how wonderful His world is that He created for us and probably do this daily. How come we wait until we are in turmoil, sin, or seek blessings to praise him and allow Him to answer us? We need to be in awe of God, not just when we are in turmoil, but when we wake up every morning. We should take a moment to reflect how powerful God is to relieve us from our turmoil, before it even begins. I encourage you to remember to praise God each day and listen to his answers to your prayers, they might be more clear if you spend more quality time in a relationship with Him.
Have a great weekend.
5 You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,
God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas,
6 who formed the mountains by your power,
having armed yourself with strength,
7 who stilled the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the turmoil of the nations.
8 The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy. Psalm 65:5-8
When we are in turmoil, we turn to prayer to ease our suffering. When we are overwhelmed by sin, we turn to prayer to look for forgiveness. When we look for blessings, we turn to our God in prayer to help us in our time of need. Every time we turn to God in these situations, we expect clear answers but it most times we don't get the answer we think we want. The question is, are we really listening to His answers that He provides. If you look at this passage, we see a reminder of how powerful God is and how we need to be in awe of His wonders. We can all take a moment to view how wonderful His world is that He created for us and probably do this daily. How come we wait until we are in turmoil, sin, or seek blessings to praise him and allow Him to answer us? We need to be in awe of God, not just when we are in turmoil, but when we wake up every morning. We should take a moment to reflect how powerful God is to relieve us from our turmoil, before it even begins. I encourage you to remember to praise God each day and listen to his answers to your prayers, they might be more clear if you spend more quality time in a relationship with Him.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Fantastic Friday #342-Leaf
Leaf
29 Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise. Proverbs 11:28-29
As we were camping this week, it was interesting to see all the dead leaves and how they would fall to the ground and be blown at the will of the wind. It reminded me of if we do not hold firm to our Lord, how we can be left swaying and rolling through life with no direction. We can also see how people might see this time of the year to trust in their money to get the newest best thing, instead of trusting in the Lord to provide only what you need in your life. I encourage you at this time of the year not to trust in something that is only here for a brief time, only to be tossed around by the wind, but to trust in the Lord who is always there and holds firm to us and doesn't allow us to blow around at the will of the wind.
Have a great weekend.
28 Those who trust in their riches will fall,
but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
and the fool will be servant to the wise. Proverbs 11:28-29
As we were camping this week, it was interesting to see all the dead leaves and how they would fall to the ground and be blown at the will of the wind. It reminded me of if we do not hold firm to our Lord, how we can be left swaying and rolling through life with no direction. We can also see how people might see this time of the year to trust in their money to get the newest best thing, instead of trusting in the Lord to provide only what you need in your life. I encourage you at this time of the year not to trust in something that is only here for a brief time, only to be tossed around by the wind, but to trust in the Lord who is always there and holds firm to us and doesn't allow us to blow around at the will of the wind.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Fantastic Friday #341- Conscious
Conscious
19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:19-21
Although this passage is from Peter talking about slaves submitting to their masters, I see some very important correlations in our lives as I read through this message. How many of us are conscious of God when we are doing something that we shouldn't be doing? A lot of times we put God at the far reaches of our mind and push the Holy Spirit's promptings away from our head. Then, once we have done what we shouldn't have done, Christ is put to the forefront of our mind and we are reminded how he suffered for us. We need to be humble before God and before we do something we shouldn't, we need to lay our thoughts and requests at His feet. We need to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and consider that our suffering should be for God and not for something we have done. I encourage you to live a life that follows in God's steps, be conscious of God and not try to create our own steps.
Have a great weekend.
19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:19-21
Although this passage is from Peter talking about slaves submitting to their masters, I see some very important correlations in our lives as I read through this message. How many of us are conscious of God when we are doing something that we shouldn't be doing? A lot of times we put God at the far reaches of our mind and push the Holy Spirit's promptings away from our head. Then, once we have done what we shouldn't have done, Christ is put to the forefront of our mind and we are reminded how he suffered for us. We need to be humble before God and before we do something we shouldn't, we need to lay our thoughts and requests at His feet. We need to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and consider that our suffering should be for God and not for something we have done. I encourage you to live a life that follows in God's steps, be conscious of God and not try to create our own steps.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Fantastic Friday #340- Spirit
Spirit
4 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 8:4-17
This scripture really needs no story or explanation to help us understand who we should be. We must be led by the Spirit of God and not be dragged down by the evil spirits in this world. If we focus on being led by the Spirit of God then we are God's children as the scripture says, and what a wonderful thing to be a Child of God. When we do make mistakes in our lives, God is right there to pick us back up again and show us what He is capable of doing. Lean into the Spirit of God as children of Him.
Have a great weekend.
4 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 8:4-17
This scripture really needs no story or explanation to help us understand who we should be. We must be led by the Spirit of God and not be dragged down by the evil spirits in this world. If we focus on being led by the Spirit of God then we are God's children as the scripture says, and what a wonderful thing to be a Child of God. When we do make mistakes in our lives, God is right there to pick us back up again and show us what He is capable of doing. Lean into the Spirit of God as children of Him.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Fantastic Friday #339- Season
Season
19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said:
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.” Daniel 2:19-23
We all go through different seasons of life. Sometimes those seasons are hard, and sometimes these seasons are refreshing. It is interesting that when we go through these seasons, how we can try and control what is going on our life. The same thing happens in our society with leaders; we go through many changes when a leader is elected, and sometimes these seasons can be very hard for many people. One thing we need to remember is that God is in charge of the changing seasons. Just like our earth changes from summer, to fall, to winter, to spring(some people say we actually have two seasons in Texas, summer and the 2 weeks in between), we also change personally during the seasons of our life. The picture of going from something hard to something refreshing is a great visual of the great reward God wants for us. So remember, as you look at the leaders in our country and the seasons we go through personally, God is in control of this season and will eventually reveal His glory.
Have a great weekend.
19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said:
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.” Daniel 2:19-23
We all go through different seasons of life. Sometimes those seasons are hard, and sometimes these seasons are refreshing. It is interesting that when we go through these seasons, how we can try and control what is going on our life. The same thing happens in our society with leaders; we go through many changes when a leader is elected, and sometimes these seasons can be very hard for many people. One thing we need to remember is that God is in charge of the changing seasons. Just like our earth changes from summer, to fall, to winter, to spring(some people say we actually have two seasons in Texas, summer and the 2 weeks in between), we also change personally during the seasons of our life. The picture of going from something hard to something refreshing is a great visual of the great reward God wants for us. So remember, as you look at the leaders in our country and the seasons we go through personally, God is in control of this season and will eventually reveal His glory.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Fantastic Friday #338- Beside
Beside
22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. ACTS 27:22-25
Do you often think about the person that is sitting beside you at work or school, or maybe the person that is standing beside you in line somewhere? What about the person at church who is sitting beside you? I sometimes wonder if that person beside me has a relationship with Jesus Christ, and if they do, I wonder if they have someone that is connected to them to stand beside them as a friend or even a brother or sister in Christ. We often can have times where we can slip and fall into a rut and need that person to stand beside us and lift us up in prayer or support. Christ came to earth and if you notice He did not stand alone, he stood with several beside him. We cannot be on an island by ourselves and expect that we can have an impact on others, or that others can impact us if we don't have others beside us. Paul was not standing alone, but had an angel stand beside him. Why not be like Christ and have those stand beside you, and then allow Christ to stand beside you in your time of need. Just like Paul had the angel, we have with Christ.
Have a great weekend.
22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. ACTS 27:22-25
Do you often think about the person that is sitting beside you at work or school, or maybe the person that is standing beside you in line somewhere? What about the person at church who is sitting beside you? I sometimes wonder if that person beside me has a relationship with Jesus Christ, and if they do, I wonder if they have someone that is connected to them to stand beside them as a friend or even a brother or sister in Christ. We often can have times where we can slip and fall into a rut and need that person to stand beside us and lift us up in prayer or support. Christ came to earth and if you notice He did not stand alone, he stood with several beside him. We cannot be on an island by ourselves and expect that we can have an impact on others, or that others can impact us if we don't have others beside us. Paul was not standing alone, but had an angel stand beside him. Why not be like Christ and have those stand beside you, and then allow Christ to stand beside you in your time of need. Just like Paul had the angel, we have with Christ.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Fantastic Friday #337- Talking
Talking
13 A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. Proverbs 11:3
28 A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends Proverbs 16:28
19 A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid anyone who talks too much. Proverbs 20:19
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts. Proverbs 26:22
We all probably all have experienced gossip on either end of the spectrum at some time in our life. Maybe your reputation has been tarnished by something someone falsely said about you. Maybe you spoke about someone and it has come back to you completely different or exactly how you had discussed and it wasn't very uplifting. Words as we all know can be very powerful, but if we are not careful the words we say can be changed into something which completely goes against what we were meaning to say or shouldn't have said. Three words that are prominent above verses are betray, conflict, and morsels. Betray and conflict are obvious words that we are familiar with and how they can tear friendships apart, but morsels? If you think of the smallest morsel being a bite of a chocolate chip cookie and the path that it takes to get to your stomach, you can imagine how it changes over its trip. Gossip doesn't build individuals up in any way, it really tears people down like the morsel on its trip. Watch your words and avoid those who work to turn people into morsels.
Have a great weekend.
13 A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. Proverbs 11:3
28 A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends Proverbs 16:28
19 A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid anyone who talks too much. Proverbs 20:19
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts. Proverbs 26:22
We all probably all have experienced gossip on either end of the spectrum at some time in our life. Maybe your reputation has been tarnished by something someone falsely said about you. Maybe you spoke about someone and it has come back to you completely different or exactly how you had discussed and it wasn't very uplifting. Words as we all know can be very powerful, but if we are not careful the words we say can be changed into something which completely goes against what we were meaning to say or shouldn't have said. Three words that are prominent above verses are betray, conflict, and morsels. Betray and conflict are obvious words that we are familiar with and how they can tear friendships apart, but morsels? If you think of the smallest morsel being a bite of a chocolate chip cookie and the path that it takes to get to your stomach, you can imagine how it changes over its trip. Gossip doesn't build individuals up in any way, it really tears people down like the morsel on its trip. Watch your words and avoid those who work to turn people into morsels.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Fantastic Friday #336 - Influence
Influence
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:1-4
Is there something about ourselves that gives us the inclination to focus only on what we need at times? I look around and see the me-me culture, and I wonder how it has progressively gotten to the point that several in our society think only about what they are getting and not how they are influencing others. I spoke with a friend this week about decisions in the work place and how it seems like a lot of times we have to do so much in order to make a change. They talked about how there is a certain point in our immediate surroundings where we control what is going on and then we can influence others, but we can only influence to a certain extent and then it is in someone else's hands to address. After this conversation it made me think that our focus should probably not be on ourselves, but the influence we can create for others and then let our Lord and Savior take it from there. We cannot have a circle of influence without God guiding us.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Fantastic Friday #335- Renew
Renew
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:3-7
Do you ever feel like you are running on all cylinders, and everything is moving past you at the speed of light. Your body begins to wear down thinking you have to prove yourself, or get the job done at all costs. Many people around us have this type of lifestyle that begins to affect their family life, friends and close loved ones because they can't slow down. It is amazing to think that we don't have to do several things to grasp the love of our Lord. I know that I would fall short every time if I had to prove myself to my Father in Heaven. I feel quite renewed when I slow down enough to realize that all this craziness, fast paced work in my life is not going to get me closer to my Lord. I have confidence that the Grace He has afforded me will Renew my spirit any time I stop and think about what has already been accomplished. Be renewed this week, slow down and realize you don't have to perform any special ritual to be close to our Father in Heaven, but spend time with Him.
Have a great weekend.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:3-7
Do you ever feel like you are running on all cylinders, and everything is moving past you at the speed of light. Your body begins to wear down thinking you have to prove yourself, or get the job done at all costs. Many people around us have this type of lifestyle that begins to affect their family life, friends and close loved ones because they can't slow down. It is amazing to think that we don't have to do several things to grasp the love of our Lord. I know that I would fall short every time if I had to prove myself to my Father in Heaven. I feel quite renewed when I slow down enough to realize that all this craziness, fast paced work in my life is not going to get me closer to my Lord. I have confidence that the Grace He has afforded me will Renew my spirit any time I stop and think about what has already been accomplished. Be renewed this week, slow down and realize you don't have to perform any special ritual to be close to our Father in Heaven, but spend time with Him.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Fantastic Friday #334
Clothes
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? James 2:1-4
There is a friend of mine that I work with, and for some reason we always end up dressing in very similar color, if not the exact same color shirts. After the razzing from the various entities in our suite each time we dress alike, I think about how interesting it is that two people from seemingly separate backgrounds, living very different lives, dress alike and how people view that situation. It is amazing in our society how much we look at other people's appearances, and then begin to automatically start putting a picture together of who that person is, whether they are good looking, messy, or have a proficiency for style. We can be very judgmental which is not a good thing, but it can be controlled. If we think about looking at people through Christ's eyes, then we can begin to see things that we normally wouldn't see. I always think that if you look closely at a person that you can truly tell their heart. We should stop focusing so much on the clothes of people and more on the internal clothing of individuals and who they truly are in this world. This is the first step to loving others.
Have a great weekend.
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? James 2:1-4
There is a friend of mine that I work with, and for some reason we always end up dressing in very similar color, if not the exact same color shirts. After the razzing from the various entities in our suite each time we dress alike, I think about how interesting it is that two people from seemingly separate backgrounds, living very different lives, dress alike and how people view that situation. It is amazing in our society how much we look at other people's appearances, and then begin to automatically start putting a picture together of who that person is, whether they are good looking, messy, or have a proficiency for style. We can be very judgmental which is not a good thing, but it can be controlled. If we think about looking at people through Christ's eyes, then we can begin to see things that we normally wouldn't see. I always think that if you look closely at a person that you can truly tell their heart. We should stop focusing so much on the clothes of people and more on the internal clothing of individuals and who they truly are in this world. This is the first step to loving others.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Fantastic Friday #333- Blessings
Blessings
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:3-6
Blessings; they come into our lives every single day, from the moment you wake up to the moment you lie down you are blessed. Now, why do we just sit around to think and wonder where the blessings are in our lives. Are we so caught up in what we can get and what we can do, that we forget about the simple blessings we have in our lives? The enemy works on us by letting us think that we need God to do something big in our life to really make a difference, when in reality we don't need that. We are already blessed and can rejoice in the blessings we receive from our Lord and Savior. Maybe it is the way we look at blessings being small ones, medium ones, large ones, and extra-large ones. Isn't every blessing from God an extra-large blessing? I think it is in our perception and maybe we need to view these blessings as something that God predestined for us. The moment we put God in a Box with blessings, is the moment God stops being God. Praise God for who He is and know that He provides the blessings which are all always extra large.
Have a great weekend.
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:3-6
Blessings; they come into our lives every single day, from the moment you wake up to the moment you lie down you are blessed. Now, why do we just sit around to think and wonder where the blessings are in our lives. Are we so caught up in what we can get and what we can do, that we forget about the simple blessings we have in our lives? The enemy works on us by letting us think that we need God to do something big in our life to really make a difference, when in reality we don't need that. We are already blessed and can rejoice in the blessings we receive from our Lord and Savior. Maybe it is the way we look at blessings being small ones, medium ones, large ones, and extra-large ones. Isn't every blessing from God an extra-large blessing? I think it is in our perception and maybe we need to view these blessings as something that God predestined for us. The moment we put God in a Box with blessings, is the moment God stops being God. Praise God for who He is and know that He provides the blessings which are all always extra large.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Fantastic Friday #332- Learn
Learn
3 For the ear tests words
as the tongue tastes food.
4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right;
let us learn together what is good. Job 34:3-4
There is so much to learn in our life. From the moment we entered this world, to the moment we began speaking, to the moment we began reading, to the moment we began cognitive thinking, to the moment we utilized problem solving skills, to our every day life, we are always learning. Some learning is easy and some learning can be very hard. The easy things we do are picked up fairly quickly and the more complex things take time to learn. One thing that God reminds us of is that we don't know everything and we need to learn what it means to follow Him. God knows that we hear things that test us, and see things that tempt us. But God also knows that He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us discern what is good. We learn the hard way some days, but also have that chance to learn the easy way. Spend some time with God and His Word and I promise you that you will learn something new. Keep learning, for learning only makes you stronger.
Have a great weekend.
3 For the ear tests words
as the tongue tastes food.
4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right;
let us learn together what is good. Job 34:3-4
There is so much to learn in our life. From the moment we entered this world, to the moment we began speaking, to the moment we began reading, to the moment we began cognitive thinking, to the moment we utilized problem solving skills, to our every day life, we are always learning. Some learning is easy and some learning can be very hard. The easy things we do are picked up fairly quickly and the more complex things take time to learn. One thing that God reminds us of is that we don't know everything and we need to learn what it means to follow Him. God knows that we hear things that test us, and see things that tempt us. But God also knows that He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us discern what is good. We learn the hard way some days, but also have that chance to learn the easy way. Spend some time with God and His Word and I promise you that you will learn something new. Keep learning, for learning only makes you stronger.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Fantastic Friday #331- Rest
Rest
27 So you delivered them into the hands of their enemies, who oppressed them. But when they were oppressed they cried out to you. From heaven you heard them, and in your great compassion you gave them deliverers, who rescued them from the hand of their enemies.
28 “But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.
29 “You warned them in order to turn them back to your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, of which you said, ‘The person who obeys them will live by them.’ Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and refused to listen.
30 For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you warned them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. 31 But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God. Nehemiah 9:27-31
This week I wanted to rest my body so bad, instead I had work and work and do more work; and it seemed like it was never going to end. Within all this work that swallowed me was my little human side falling into doubt about why all this work was so difficult and super challenging after many months of planning. Why did I doubt my God and the fact that He is big enough for me and my small little problems. Maybe because the rest I had fallen into was a rest without Him. We can so easily fall into a restful state that doesn't involve Him and what He is doing and has done. What we do is fall into a restful state where we think we are in control of this state. But what we don't realize at times is how loving our Lord and Savior is to our needs. Don't rest alone, rest in Him and let Him show His mercy and grace.
Have a great weekend.
27 So you delivered them into the hands of their enemies, who oppressed them. But when they were oppressed they cried out to you. From heaven you heard them, and in your great compassion you gave them deliverers, who rescued them from the hand of their enemies.
28 “But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.
29 “You warned them in order to turn them back to your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, of which you said, ‘The person who obeys them will live by them.’ Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and refused to listen.
30 For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you warned them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. 31 But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God. Nehemiah 9:27-31
This week I wanted to rest my body so bad, instead I had work and work and do more work; and it seemed like it was never going to end. Within all this work that swallowed me was my little human side falling into doubt about why all this work was so difficult and super challenging after many months of planning. Why did I doubt my God and the fact that He is big enough for me and my small little problems. Maybe because the rest I had fallen into was a rest without Him. We can so easily fall into a restful state that doesn't involve Him and what He is doing and has done. What we do is fall into a restful state where we think we are in control of this state. But what we don't realize at times is how loving our Lord and Savior is to our needs. Don't rest alone, rest in Him and let Him show His mercy and grace.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Fantastic Friday #330- Fame
Fame
the Holy One from Mount Paran.
His glory covered the heavens
and his praise filled the earth. Habakuk 3:2-3
There are quite a few people in this world that are considered famous. Maybe they are a famous actor, a politician, or an athlete. But the question is, what have they done to become famous? In our society, a lot of people these days are famous for doing things that might not be what God intended for us to do, and sometimes these people are worshiped for their fame. There are many people who are talented and do good things, but most time these people are forgotten once someone else comes along that does something to make themselves more famous. Jesus was famous for stepping outside the norms of society and bring the Gospel. I would say He embodies the fullness of what being famous is all about. So maybe our view of being famous is skewed, and we need to stand in awe of our God and remember to worship Him and not those other so-called famous people who are really just like us.
Have a great weekend.
2 Lord, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.
Repeat them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.
3 God came from Teman,I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.
Repeat them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.
the Holy One from Mount Paran.
His glory covered the heavens
and his praise filled the earth. Habakuk 3:2-3
There are quite a few people in this world that are considered famous. Maybe they are a famous actor, a politician, or an athlete. But the question is, what have they done to become famous? In our society, a lot of people these days are famous for doing things that might not be what God intended for us to do, and sometimes these people are worshiped for their fame. There are many people who are talented and do good things, but most time these people are forgotten once someone else comes along that does something to make themselves more famous. Jesus was famous for stepping outside the norms of society and bring the Gospel. I would say He embodies the fullness of what being famous is all about. So maybe our view of being famous is skewed, and we need to stand in awe of our God and remember to worship Him and not those other so-called famous people who are really just like us.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Fantastic Friday #329- Something
Something
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. Galatians 6:1-5
I asked this question today, do you ever feel like you want to do something different? If you look at sin carefully and the people who sin, the people are pretty much doing the same thing. They aren't doing anything different from each other and they are living very similar sin driven lives. What do you notice about those who are truly Christ followers? These are the people that are living differently than the world around them, they are the ones that stand out because they are living in the light of Christ. However those who are Christ followers should be careful not to compare their actions to the actions of others around them, as the scripture states, lest they fall into temptation themselves. We need to remember that we should be doing "something" and that "something" is something different. Different than the norm, different than our neighbor, different than what the enemy wants us to be. Praise God for being a person that does something different.
Have a great weekend.
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. Galatians 6:1-5
I asked this question today, do you ever feel like you want to do something different? If you look at sin carefully and the people who sin, the people are pretty much doing the same thing. They aren't doing anything different from each other and they are living very similar sin driven lives. What do you notice about those who are truly Christ followers? These are the people that are living differently than the world around them, they are the ones that stand out because they are living in the light of Christ. However those who are Christ followers should be careful not to compare their actions to the actions of others around them, as the scripture states, lest they fall into temptation themselves. We need to remember that we should be doing "something" and that "something" is something different. Different than the norm, different than our neighbor, different than what the enemy wants us to be. Praise God for being a person that does something different.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Fantastic Friday #328- Crying
Crying
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:3-5
In the last week I have seen many people cry. There was joyful crying that showed how happy someone was to see their son. Their was a weeping that had a deep emotional pull on the person I observed. There was a crying I saw where someone was not very happy to see someone leave them after spending several days with them. And then there was the eye watering crying that I observed by watching the Olympics, and yes all three of my kids turned around to see if my eyes were watering. Maybe not everyone is an emotional person and experiences crying, but everyone has some level of emotion when they feel like they might not be where they need to be, or something just isn't happening right for them. I so look forward to the day when we don't have to have these sad, crying, emotional responses to our life and have our Lord and Savior sitting on that throne for us to worship. We don't have to wait on that day, especially if we continue to realize the hope we have is in the return of our Lord and Savior. Emotion is something God gave us, we just need to remember not to let it overtake our lives. Let hope overturn our sadness, our crying and our emotions.
Have a great weekend.
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:3-5
In the last week I have seen many people cry. There was joyful crying that showed how happy someone was to see their son. Their was a weeping that had a deep emotional pull on the person I observed. There was a crying I saw where someone was not very happy to see someone leave them after spending several days with them. And then there was the eye watering crying that I observed by watching the Olympics, and yes all three of my kids turned around to see if my eyes were watering. Maybe not everyone is an emotional person and experiences crying, but everyone has some level of emotion when they feel like they might not be where they need to be, or something just isn't happening right for them. I so look forward to the day when we don't have to have these sad, crying, emotional responses to our life and have our Lord and Savior sitting on that throne for us to worship. We don't have to wait on that day, especially if we continue to realize the hope we have is in the return of our Lord and Savior. Emotion is something God gave us, we just need to remember not to let it overtake our lives. Let hope overturn our sadness, our crying and our emotions.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Fanatastic Friday #327- Strength
Strength
4The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
11 The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:4,11
Strength is something that we see quite often in many people. Whether is the strength we see in athletes, the strength we see in people's personality, the strength we see through someone suffering an illness, or the strength that we see in someone's faith. How many times have you heard someone say that I am not strong enough, or I don't have the strength to endure this hardship? There are really two kinds of strength if you think about it, one is physical and the other is spiritual. These both work hand-in-hand in people's lives and I am not sure how much they can be separated. The thing we need to remember is that it is not our strength that makes us strong, it is the strength of our Heavenly Father that He gives to us to get is through those times when we need it. As long as we take what He gives and use it wisely, our spiritual strength grows, however if we only use that strength to get on to the next task and don't focus on where that strength came from, our spiritual strength can easily weaken. Remember where your strength comes from, for with this strength comes spiritual growth.
Have a great weekend.
4The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
11 The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:4,11
Strength is something that we see quite often in many people. Whether is the strength we see in athletes, the strength we see in people's personality, the strength we see through someone suffering an illness, or the strength that we see in someone's faith. How many times have you heard someone say that I am not strong enough, or I don't have the strength to endure this hardship? There are really two kinds of strength if you think about it, one is physical and the other is spiritual. These both work hand-in-hand in people's lives and I am not sure how much they can be separated. The thing we need to remember is that it is not our strength that makes us strong, it is the strength of our Heavenly Father that He gives to us to get is through those times when we need it. As long as we take what He gives and use it wisely, our spiritual strength grows, however if we only use that strength to get on to the next task and don't focus on where that strength came from, our spiritual strength can easily weaken. Remember where your strength comes from, for with this strength comes spiritual growth.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Fantastic Friday #326- Edge
Edge
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.
When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”
46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”
47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Luke 8:42b-48
Is there time throughout your life where you feel like you are on the edge of something? Maybe you are on the edge ready to teeter over and fall off the ledge? If you look closely, we all live on the edge of something. Either we are living too close to sin, or we are skirting the edge of doubt. Maybe we are sitting on the edge of a relationship that we can't seem to pull in off the ledge. This is what I love about this story in Luke. A woman who had been teetering on the edge of her health, no one can heal her and she is then healed by her Faith in Jesus. What if we took that faith into our daily walk and relied on God's power rather than living on the edge waiting to fall off. Don't teeter on the edge, rely on God for moving you further away from your doubts and sin.
Have a great weekend.
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.
When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”
46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”
47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Luke 8:42b-48
Is there time throughout your life where you feel like you are on the edge of something? Maybe you are on the edge ready to teeter over and fall off the ledge? If you look closely, we all live on the edge of something. Either we are living too close to sin, or we are skirting the edge of doubt. Maybe we are sitting on the edge of a relationship that we can't seem to pull in off the ledge. This is what I love about this story in Luke. A woman who had been teetering on the edge of her health, no one can heal her and she is then healed by her Faith in Jesus. What if we took that faith into our daily walk and relied on God's power rather than living on the edge waiting to fall off. Don't teeter on the edge, rely on God for moving you further away from your doubts and sin.
Have a great weekend.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
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, July 27, 2012
Fantastic Friday #325- Doubt
Doubt
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. 22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. Romans 14:22-23
Doubt is a word that is one way to describe some on a regular basis. I can have doubts about my abilities, doubts about whether I am going to be good enough, doubts about where my strengths lie. What is missing from this picture of doubt is the faith I have in my Lord. Faith can be easily swallowed by doubt, because it is sin. We can't sit around doubting whether things are going to turn out ok, or whether God is going to take care of us. God is there for us and we cannot destroy His work in us that he has planned all along. We need to let go and let Him work out His plan, and we need to strengthen our Faith in Him who does everything in His time.
Have a great weekend.
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. 22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. Romans 14:22-23
Doubt is a word that is one way to describe some on a regular basis. I can have doubts about my abilities, doubts about whether I am going to be good enough, doubts about where my strengths lie. What is missing from this picture of doubt is the faith I have in my Lord. Faith can be easily swallowed by doubt, because it is sin. We can't sit around doubting whether things are going to turn out ok, or whether God is going to take care of us. God is there for us and we cannot destroy His work in us that he has planned all along. We need to let go and let Him work out His plan, and we need to strengthen our Faith in Him who does everything in His time.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Fantastic Friday #324- Strife
Strife
but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:9-11
Did you have a struggle with anyone this week? Do you find times when strife is taking place, you don't want to back down because you know that you are right? Not backing down can be considered sin, if you let pride take over a situation. It is very easy to slip into this type of sin because many of us typically feel strongly about whatever we believe in and aren't willing to let go. We should be a light that shines brightly in these situations and gain wisdom by listening to those around us as the scripture says. Many of us probably don't think we can learn anything when we have strife, but God has plenty for us to learn. We don't need to slip into strife, but we need to be humble and respect those around us. God has placed individuals in our path so we can grow by listening and not letting pride take over.
Have a great weekend.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10 Where there is strife, there is pride,but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:9-11
Did you have a struggle with anyone this week? Do you find times when strife is taking place, you don't want to back down because you know that you are right? Not backing down can be considered sin, if you let pride take over a situation. It is very easy to slip into this type of sin because many of us typically feel strongly about whatever we believe in and aren't willing to let go. We should be a light that shines brightly in these situations and gain wisdom by listening to those around us as the scripture says. Many of us probably don't think we can learn anything when we have strife, but God has plenty for us to learn. We don't need to slip into strife, but we need to be humble and respect those around us. God has placed individuals in our path so we can grow by listening and not letting pride take over.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Fantastic Friday #323- But & Rise
But & Rise
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48
When you rise in the morning, do you think much about who you are going to deal with, or do you have someone you really don't want to deal with today? A lot of times I think we can focus quite a bit on avoidance, or how we can get back at that person you had a problem with. That comes from sin and maybe we need to think about what is said in the first verse. Jesus was pretty blunt and straight-forward with what His expectations were with loving our neighbor. A lot of us will see this verse and use the "but" excuse. But that person was rude. But that person was mean. But that person was dishonest. But that person was negative. I don't think Jesus' "but" in verse 44 is the same kind of "but" most of us use or see daily. In verse 45 He notes that God loves everyone, and He doesn't focus just on the "good" people. If we are focusing just on the "good" people or looking down on the people who are rude or mean to us, then we are doing the exact opposite of what Jesus commanded. We need to Rise up and focus on loving our neighbor and enemies, and head toward that perfection that He speaks about.
Have a great weekend.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48
When you rise in the morning, do you think much about who you are going to deal with, or do you have someone you really don't want to deal with today? A lot of times I think we can focus quite a bit on avoidance, or how we can get back at that person you had a problem with. That comes from sin and maybe we need to think about what is said in the first verse. Jesus was pretty blunt and straight-forward with what His expectations were with loving our neighbor. A lot of us will see this verse and use the "but" excuse. But that person was rude. But that person was mean. But that person was dishonest. But that person was negative. I don't think Jesus' "but" in verse 44 is the same kind of "but" most of us use or see daily. In verse 45 He notes that God loves everyone, and He doesn't focus just on the "good" people. If we are focusing just on the "good" people or looking down on the people who are rude or mean to us, then we are doing the exact opposite of what Jesus commanded. We need to Rise up and focus on loving our neighbor and enemies, and head toward that perfection that He speaks about.
Have a great weekend.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Fantastic Friday #322- Spotless
Spotless
13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 2 Peter 13-15
Camping in the camper this week, most of our morning was spent cleaning up and policing the campsite and inside the camper. The funny thing is that when we were cleaning, things were so peaceful and ended up pretty clean, for a few hours anyway. With all the kids and all the animals, it didn't take long for us have little messes here and there. The campsite is kind of like us and how we are constantly trying to keep ourselves clean. There is only one spotless individual in our lives and His cleanliness covers us, but that doesn't mean that we don't need to work on our cleanliness. Take those moments to sit back and see where you can work on being spotless and blameless in order to be where He is, in heaven.
Have a great weekend.
13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 2 Peter 13-15
Camping in the camper this week, most of our morning was spent cleaning up and policing the campsite and inside the camper. The funny thing is that when we were cleaning, things were so peaceful and ended up pretty clean, for a few hours anyway. With all the kids and all the animals, it didn't take long for us have little messes here and there. The campsite is kind of like us and how we are constantly trying to keep ourselves clean. There is only one spotless individual in our lives and His cleanliness covers us, but that doesn't mean that we don't need to work on our cleanliness. Take those moments to sit back and see where you can work on being spotless and blameless in order to be where He is, in heaven.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Fantastic Friday #321- Three
Three
5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 1 John 5: 1-8
You have probably heard that old saying that things come in threes, whether good or bad. Three is a very powerful number and if you never have looked at the way three is used in the Bible, it would probably be a worthwhile task to study. This week I had a day where not 1, not 2, but 3 major things happened that really affected my attitude and the way I responded. Lets just say I wasn't the most pleasant soul to be around at work when these things occurred. We all have experiences that we wish we could have changed how we reacted or acted out in response to those challenges, but one thing I didn't do in my circumstances was think about the most powerful number 3 there is, and that is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I need to continue to remind myself that our Lord put us here, and if we believe in Him, He has provided us with the power to overcome. Three are better than one, especially when I am one because I know I cannot do it by myself.
Have a great weekend.
5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 1 John 5: 1-8
You have probably heard that old saying that things come in threes, whether good or bad. Three is a very powerful number and if you never have looked at the way three is used in the Bible, it would probably be a worthwhile task to study. This week I had a day where not 1, not 2, but 3 major things happened that really affected my attitude and the way I responded. Lets just say I wasn't the most pleasant soul to be around at work when these things occurred. We all have experiences that we wish we could have changed how we reacted or acted out in response to those challenges, but one thing I didn't do in my circumstances was think about the most powerful number 3 there is, and that is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I need to continue to remind myself that our Lord put us here, and if we believe in Him, He has provided us with the power to overcome. Three are better than one, especially when I am one because I know I cannot do it by myself.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Fantastic Friday #320 - Deep
Deep
1 Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.
9 So justice is far from us,
and righteousness does not reach us.
We look for light, but all is darkness;
for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
10 Like the blind we grope along the wall,
feeling our way like people without eyes.
At midday we stumble as if it were twilight;
among the strong, we are like the dead. Isaiah 59:1-2;9-10
Do sometimes find yourself walking in the dark in the daylight or see yourself in a deep pit of despair? Do you find that God seems distant or do you think He is just letting you slide down further into darkness away from the light? Before many of us were Christians, we were separated from God and that was reasonable to feel this way. During the time of this Old Testament period, people at times felt like you might feel today, but we have one advantage that they didn't have during this period. Now, we have that connection, that bridge through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Each time one of us thinks we are slipping into the deep darkness of despair, we need to remember that God is right there and whatever we have done, our sin does not keep us in the darkness because of what Christ has already done. While we have Christ, we should not continue to sin, but we should continue to realize that He is there for us to keep us from walking in the deep shadows. Walk in the light that you already have according to scripture and rely on God's Spirit to help brighten that light.
Have a great weekend.
1 Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.
9 So justice is far from us,
and righteousness does not reach us.
We look for light, but all is darkness;
for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
10 Like the blind we grope along the wall,
feeling our way like people without eyes.
At midday we stumble as if it were twilight;
among the strong, we are like the dead. Isaiah 59:1-2;9-10
Do sometimes find yourself walking in the dark in the daylight or see yourself in a deep pit of despair? Do you find that God seems distant or do you think He is just letting you slide down further into darkness away from the light? Before many of us were Christians, we were separated from God and that was reasonable to feel this way. During the time of this Old Testament period, people at times felt like you might feel today, but we have one advantage that they didn't have during this period. Now, we have that connection, that bridge through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Each time one of us thinks we are slipping into the deep darkness of despair, we need to remember that God is right there and whatever we have done, our sin does not keep us in the darkness because of what Christ has already done. While we have Christ, we should not continue to sin, but we should continue to realize that He is there for us to keep us from walking in the deep shadows. Walk in the light that you already have according to scripture and rely on God's Spirit to help brighten that light.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Fantastic Friday #319 - Block
Block
3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 2 Corinthians 6:3-4
This week during a tournament baseball game, the shortstop on the other team would stand completely in front of the base and obstruct the base runner from getting back to the base. In one case he blocked the base so well the runner couldn't get back to the base and was tagged out. The umpire didn't call obstruction, instead when our coach politely inquired about the kid blocking the base, he said it was alright for our players to push him out of the way, which in reality is not the correct way to handle the play if you think about it. When you are traveling through your daily walk with Christ, what is out there that obstructs you from walking with Christ and instead pushes you to walk with the world. I am sure you can think of a number of things that block your path, but there is one thing that we need to remember. We have a special gift that travels with us that allows us to break through that obstruction and that is the Holy Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit guide you through whatever tries to block you.
Have a great weekend.
3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 2 Corinthians 6:3-4
This week during a tournament baseball game, the shortstop on the other team would stand completely in front of the base and obstruct the base runner from getting back to the base. In one case he blocked the base so well the runner couldn't get back to the base and was tagged out. The umpire didn't call obstruction, instead when our coach politely inquired about the kid blocking the base, he said it was alright for our players to push him out of the way, which in reality is not the correct way to handle the play if you think about it. When you are traveling through your daily walk with Christ, what is out there that obstructs you from walking with Christ and instead pushes you to walk with the world. I am sure you can think of a number of things that block your path, but there is one thing that we need to remember. We have a special gift that travels with us that allows us to break through that obstruction and that is the Holy Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit guide you through whatever tries to block you.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Fantastic Friday #318 - Point
Point
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:1-8
When you are trying to make a point to someone about the life they are leading, do you turn to Bible or to your own experience? Or do you just point out people's issues with no corrective action. Pointing a finger is probably not the best way to handle a person, because it can be construed as I am better than you and you just need to fly straight. Maybe we should gently point out what we feel is an issue, and this scripture has the perfect model of how you should handle these situations. By pointing out the Godly way we should be training ourselves, for the next life, it can paint a clearer picture of what we are actually striving for in our physical bodies. While the physical training gets us to a certain point here on earth, how is it going to help us if we are not mentally training ourselves for the next life? Make a point to focus on how we should train ourselves and how you can gently point out to others a righteous path; and focus less on pointing out the flaws of people in a negative way.
Have a great weekend.
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:1-8
When you are trying to make a point to someone about the life they are leading, do you turn to Bible or to your own experience? Or do you just point out people's issues with no corrective action. Pointing a finger is probably not the best way to handle a person, because it can be construed as I am better than you and you just need to fly straight. Maybe we should gently point out what we feel is an issue, and this scripture has the perfect model of how you should handle these situations. By pointing out the Godly way we should be training ourselves, for the next life, it can paint a clearer picture of what we are actually striving for in our physical bodies. While the physical training gets us to a certain point here on earth, how is it going to help us if we are not mentally training ourselves for the next life? Make a point to focus on how we should train ourselves and how you can gently point out to others a righteous path; and focus less on pointing out the flaws of people in a negative way.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Fantastic Friday #317 - Alive
Alive
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
When you think of being alive, do you think of eating, breathing, working, and sleeping? Or do you think of being alive in a very different way? Oftentimes the most simple thoughts enter our mind when we hear the word alive, but what does alive really mean? If you look deeply into God's word, being alive includes much more than the things listed above, especially if you have Christ residing in you. If you are alive, you also have more responsibilities to live a life that is reflective of Christ. As you are alive, you need to think of His work He completed for us when He was alive here on earth and when He died for us. How can you be more alive? Does it involve just being in Christ or is it going beyond what you think you need to do? As we walk with Christ, we should feel more alive because we are no longer dead. We are alive with Him in us and His influence in our daily walk. Let yourself be alive and don't let those who are asleep around you sit with no hope. Give them the hope of being alive by showing them how Christ lives in you.
Have a great weekend.
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
When you think of being alive, do you think of eating, breathing, working, and sleeping? Or do you think of being alive in a very different way? Oftentimes the most simple thoughts enter our mind when we hear the word alive, but what does alive really mean? If you look deeply into God's word, being alive includes much more than the things listed above, especially if you have Christ residing in you. If you are alive, you also have more responsibilities to live a life that is reflective of Christ. As you are alive, you need to think of His work He completed for us when He was alive here on earth and when He died for us. How can you be more alive? Does it involve just being in Christ or is it going beyond what you think you need to do? As we walk with Christ, we should feel more alive because we are no longer dead. We are alive with Him in us and His influence in our daily walk. Let yourself be alive and don't let those who are asleep around you sit with no hope. Give them the hope of being alive by showing them how Christ lives in you.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Fantastic Friday #316 - Time
Time
2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. 1 Corinthians 4:2-5
Does time haunt you? Do you find yourself occasionally short on time? Why do we put ourselves through all the hoops to get things done that we think need to be done? I think it is because sometimes people think they have to keep up with everyone else, and meet a certain standard. If we don't meet that standard then we feel like we are being overly judged by others or we judge ourselves. A lot of times we are our own worst critic. If you look at this scripture, why should we worry about being judged by others when there is only one Judge. If we are going through life in the time God has given us, it is His time and not ours we should be focusing on daily. In His time we will be judged, and our heart will be an open book. Don't let the worries about getting as much as you can done in a certain amount of time drag you down, but focus on what you can do in the time God has given to you.
Have a great weekend.
2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. 1 Corinthians 4:2-5
Does time haunt you? Do you find yourself occasionally short on time? Why do we put ourselves through all the hoops to get things done that we think need to be done? I think it is because sometimes people think they have to keep up with everyone else, and meet a certain standard. If we don't meet that standard then we feel like we are being overly judged by others or we judge ourselves. A lot of times we are our own worst critic. If you look at this scripture, why should we worry about being judged by others when there is only one Judge. If we are going through life in the time God has given us, it is His time and not ours we should be focusing on daily. In His time we will be judged, and our heart will be an open book. Don't let the worries about getting as much as you can done in a certain amount of time drag you down, but focus on what you can do in the time God has given to you.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Fantastic Friday #315- Dwell
Dwell
16 This is what the Lord says—
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
17 who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
20 The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21 the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise. Isaiah 43:16-21
Are you one of those people that tells other people not to dwell on the past but to look at the future? Or, are you one of those that dwells on the past and keeps looking back at mistake after mistake? For those of you who tell people not to dwell, is there something in you that dwells just a little bit on the past because you just can't let go? This scripture is a beautiful description of God looking forward and reminding His people not to dwell on the past. He is doing a New Thing which is the reason why it is such a great scripture. Now, is He doing a New Thing in you or are you allowing Him to be able to do a New Thing in you. If you are dwelling on the past, then most likely you are suppressing what God wants for you and spending your time dwelling too much. Focus on God's New plan for you, which really isn't new because He has already had a plan for you and is now just implementing this New Thing in you. God is faithful in what He has created, and will continue to be faithful to you. Don't dwell.
Have a great weekend.
16 This is what the Lord says—
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
17 who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
20 The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21 the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise. Isaiah 43:16-21
Are you one of those people that tells other people not to dwell on the past but to look at the future? Or, are you one of those that dwells on the past and keeps looking back at mistake after mistake? For those of you who tell people not to dwell, is there something in you that dwells just a little bit on the past because you just can't let go? This scripture is a beautiful description of God looking forward and reminding His people not to dwell on the past. He is doing a New Thing which is the reason why it is such a great scripture. Now, is He doing a New Thing in you or are you allowing Him to be able to do a New Thing in you. If you are dwelling on the past, then most likely you are suppressing what God wants for you and spending your time dwelling too much. Focus on God's New plan for you, which really isn't new because He has already had a plan for you and is now just implementing this New Thing in you. God is faithful in what He has created, and will continue to be faithful to you. Don't dwell.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Fantastic Friday #314- Plans
Plans
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:7-11
Do you start out your week with a plan? I typically have my week mapped out pretty clearly on what has to happen and what I have to get done. Then Monday hits, and the plan gets blown to pieces, mainly because life happens. Now, I am not saying we shouldn't plan, but maybe we should look at our life through a different lens. When our plans get thwarted for some unknown reason, we should be less likely to question why if we pay attention to God's Word. Look at who God is and how He has planned things with His creation of the heavens and the earth. There were clearly many well-thought-out plans, including us being here on this earth. God has a plan for each and every one of us, and we just need to remember that it is His plan and not ours. Earlier in this Psalm verses 4 and 5 state this:
4 For the word of the Lord is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.
It is very clear that God is Faithful and the Psalm bookends this statement by making sure it is clear to us that His plans stand firm forever. Just remember that when you are planning out your day, week or month and things don't exactly work out how you thought they should, that God planned them already.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jar;
he puts the deep into storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the people of the world revere him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations; their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jar;
he puts the deep into storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the people of the world revere him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:7-11
Do you start out your week with a plan? I typically have my week mapped out pretty clearly on what has to happen and what I have to get done. Then Monday hits, and the plan gets blown to pieces, mainly because life happens. Now, I am not saying we shouldn't plan, but maybe we should look at our life through a different lens. When our plans get thwarted for some unknown reason, we should be less likely to question why if we pay attention to God's Word. Look at who God is and how He has planned things with His creation of the heavens and the earth. There were clearly many well-thought-out plans, including us being here on this earth. God has a plan for each and every one of us, and we just need to remember that it is His plan and not ours. Earlier in this Psalm verses 4 and 5 state this:
4 For the word of the Lord is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.
It is very clear that God is Faithful and the Psalm bookends this statement by making sure it is clear to us that His plans stand firm forever. Just remember that when you are planning out your day, week or month and things don't exactly work out how you thought they should, that God planned them already.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, May 4, 2012
Fantastic Friday #313 - Argument
Argument
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
I participated in two discussions this week where the individuals on the other side of the discussion wanted to argue. How could you tell do you ask? Well both groups of people had a look on their face, you know the look. They both had a body posture that was confrontational. And they both had steam coming out of their ears, well maybe that last part wasn't right, but they looked like they could have had steam coming out of their ears. I took the stance of listening and diffusing the individuals hope of arguing by remembering who I am and who was with me. I didn't let the world take hold of me, which was very important in both of these situations. How often do we let the world take hold of us, instead of being obedient to Christ and diffusing these situations. Take a stand of not waging war with people, but by diffusing arguments through the love of Christ.
Have a great weekend.
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
I participated in two discussions this week where the individuals on the other side of the discussion wanted to argue. How could you tell do you ask? Well both groups of people had a look on their face, you know the look. They both had a body posture that was confrontational. And they both had steam coming out of their ears, well maybe that last part wasn't right, but they looked like they could have had steam coming out of their ears. I took the stance of listening and diffusing the individuals hope of arguing by remembering who I am and who was with me. I didn't let the world take hold of me, which was very important in both of these situations. How often do we let the world take hold of us, instead of being obedient to Christ and diffusing these situations. Take a stand of not waging war with people, but by diffusing arguments through the love of Christ.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Fantastic Friday #312- Moving
Moving
13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14
This week was a constant moving target full of meetings, deadlines, events, practices, and preparation. What tends to happen when you are constantly moving is you forget to see what you need to see. You tend to focus only on the moving that you have to do and not think about how you are getting through all these things in life. Frustration can build up and cause a complete distraction of where you need to be focused. Fear then can enter your thoughts as you move quickly through the day and worry about not completing the many things that you think you need to finish. While we don't have to worry about the Pharaoh chasing us, the impact of all these things in our life can cause us anxiety unless we realize we need to be still, and let the Lord fight for us. Slow down your movement and let the Lord deliver you.
Have a great weekend.
13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14
This week was a constant moving target full of meetings, deadlines, events, practices, and preparation. What tends to happen when you are constantly moving is you forget to see what you need to see. You tend to focus only on the moving that you have to do and not think about how you are getting through all these things in life. Frustration can build up and cause a complete distraction of where you need to be focused. Fear then can enter your thoughts as you move quickly through the day and worry about not completing the many things that you think you need to finish. While we don't have to worry about the Pharaoh chasing us, the impact of all these things in our life can cause us anxiety unless we realize we need to be still, and let the Lord fight for us. Slow down your movement and let the Lord deliver you.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Fantastic Friday #311- Press
Press
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
2 Let Israel say:
“His love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say:
“His love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the LORD say:
“His love endures forever.”
5 When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD;
he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies. Psalm 118: 1-7
I was thinking today about my shirts that I wear to work each day. Every week I press the shirts to get the wrinkles out, so they are a smooth, clean-cut shirt. Do you find yourself being pressed like and iron on a shirt. Maybe you feel the heat, or the pressure from other people to perform. If you think about the space between an iron and a shirt, it is a very small space that has a lot of heat produced to smooth out the shirt. If you read this passage you can see how the Lord can bring you out of the tight space that you can find yourself in sometimes. The Lord puts you into a spacious place, where you won't feel hard-pressed by the people around you. Count on Him, because as the scripture says, the Lord's love endures forever and He is your helper.
Have a great weekend.
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
2 Let Israel say:
“His love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say:
“His love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the LORD say:
“His love endures forever.”
5 When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD;
he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies. Psalm 118: 1-7
I was thinking today about my shirts that I wear to work each day. Every week I press the shirts to get the wrinkles out, so they are a smooth, clean-cut shirt. Do you find yourself being pressed like and iron on a shirt. Maybe you feel the heat, or the pressure from other people to perform. If you think about the space between an iron and a shirt, it is a very small space that has a lot of heat produced to smooth out the shirt. If you read this passage you can see how the Lord can bring you out of the tight space that you can find yourself in sometimes. The Lord puts you into a spacious place, where you won't feel hard-pressed by the people around you. Count on Him, because as the scripture says, the Lord's love endures forever and He is your helper.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Fantastic Friday #310- Spin
Spin
1 Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.
3 For your hands are stained with blood,
your fingers with guilt.
Your lips have spoken falsely,
and your tongue mutters wicked things.
4 No one calls for justice;
no one pleads a case with integrity.
They rely on empty arguments, they utter lies;
they conceive trouble and give birth to evil.
5 They hatch the eggs of vipers
and spin a spider’s web.
Whoever eats their eggs will die,
and when one is broken, an adder is hatched.
6 Their cobwebs are useless for clothing;
they cannot cover themselves with what they make.
Their deeds are evil deeds,
and acts of violence are in their hands.
7 Their feet rush into sin;
they are swift to shed innocent blood.
They pursue evil schemes;
acts of violence mark their ways.
8 The way of peace they do not know;
there is no justice in their paths.
They have turned them into crooked roads;
no one who walks along them will know peace. Isaiah 59:1-8
No, you didn't read incorrectly, I said spin not sin. It is interesting how closely the words are related, one has just one more letter than the other. Do you sit back and see how some people can spin things in their favor, even if it does look wrong. Sometimes people can spin something in so many directions that they make it sound right and correct. That is the thing with sin, you can try to spin it in many different ways, but in the end it is still sin. If you think about the spider who spins his web, that is the just like the enemy trying to trap us in sin with his spinning of evil things to make them look good. The nice thing about this passage in the Old Testament, it shows there is hope to those who can avoid the spin.
21 “As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,” says the LORD. Isaiah 59:21
While we may not live in Old Testament times like in this Isaiah passage, we can still avoid the spin and rely on our Lord's spirit, because He is always here.
Have a great weekend.
1 Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.
3 For your hands are stained with blood,
your fingers with guilt.
Your lips have spoken falsely,
and your tongue mutters wicked things.
4 No one calls for justice;
no one pleads a case with integrity.
They rely on empty arguments, they utter lies;
they conceive trouble and give birth to evil.
5 They hatch the eggs of vipers
and spin a spider’s web.
Whoever eats their eggs will die,
and when one is broken, an adder is hatched.
6 Their cobwebs are useless for clothing;
they cannot cover themselves with what they make.
Their deeds are evil deeds,
and acts of violence are in their hands.
7 Their feet rush into sin;
they are swift to shed innocent blood.
They pursue evil schemes;
acts of violence mark their ways.
8 The way of peace they do not know;
there is no justice in their paths.
They have turned them into crooked roads;
no one who walks along them will know peace. Isaiah 59:1-8
No, you didn't read incorrectly, I said spin not sin. It is interesting how closely the words are related, one has just one more letter than the other. Do you sit back and see how some people can spin things in their favor, even if it does look wrong. Sometimes people can spin something in so many directions that they make it sound right and correct. That is the thing with sin, you can try to spin it in many different ways, but in the end it is still sin. If you think about the spider who spins his web, that is the just like the enemy trying to trap us in sin with his spinning of evil things to make them look good. The nice thing about this passage in the Old Testament, it shows there is hope to those who can avoid the spin.
21 “As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,” says the LORD. Isaiah 59:21
While we may not live in Old Testament times like in this Isaiah passage, we can still avoid the spin and rely on our Lord's spirit, because He is always here.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Fantastic Friday #309- Finished
Finished
29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:29-30
Do you find yourself asking if this or that finished? Do you look forward to the work week being finished? Have you ever sat down and thought about what being finished actually means? We are never quite finished with what is going on in our lives, except for one thing. Christ finished what we could not do as human beings and finished God's plan of covering our sins with His son's sacrifice. So, take a moment and look at starting something for God and not focusing so much on us. God's plan has already been finished and we need to focus on finishing our race to get back to our Father and not finishing the little things. Look around and see where you can start to have an influence on others.
Have a great weekend.
29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:29-30
Do you find yourself asking if this or that finished? Do you look forward to the work week being finished? Have you ever sat down and thought about what being finished actually means? We are never quite finished with what is going on in our lives, except for one thing. Christ finished what we could not do as human beings and finished God's plan of covering our sins with His son's sacrifice. So, take a moment and look at starting something for God and not focusing so much on us. God's plan has already been finished and we need to focus on finishing our race to get back to our Father and not finishing the little things. Look around and see where you can start to have an influence on others.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Fantastic Friday #308 - Lift
Lift
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. Psalm 3:3-4
Did you need a lift this week? Do you have those days when you feel like all the weight is on your shoulders, pushing you down so you don't feel like getting up to do anything? All of us need that little lift every now and then or even a huge lift due to the enemies schemes. Look carefully at these two verses. Our Lord is a shield of protection around us to keep the enemy from pressing down on us, and making us feel like no one can help us. Our Lord has the ultimate strength and ability to lift us up from anything that is attempting to hold us down. How does that happen? We just have to ask, and He will answer. I hope this Lifts you up, but don't rely on me, rely on Him. The Lifter of all.
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. Psalm 3:3-4
Did you need a lift this week? Do you have those days when you feel like all the weight is on your shoulders, pushing you down so you don't feel like getting up to do anything? All of us need that little lift every now and then or even a huge lift due to the enemies schemes. Look carefully at these two verses. Our Lord is a shield of protection around us to keep the enemy from pressing down on us, and making us feel like no one can help us. Our Lord has the ultimate strength and ability to lift us up from anything that is attempting to hold us down. How does that happen? We just have to ask, and He will answer. I hope this Lifts you up, but don't rely on me, rely on Him. The Lifter of all.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Fantastic Friday #307- Quite
Quite
14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. 15 Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:14-16
Language is a funny thing. Do you ever think of the words that you use and what they actually mean? I was going to finish reading that, but I am not "quite" finished. I was going to make it, but something "quite" unexpected happened to me. I am not "quite" prepared to take that test or present that project tomorrow. When you look at the word "quite", it really means completely, wholly, or entirely. How prepared are you? The scripture states "because of the grace God gave me." This is a reminder that I know I am "quite" ready for what He has next for me, are you? When we commit our lives to God, he gives you the tools to "quite" boldly do His work. So take a moment to remind yourself that God made you for who you need to be. Quite Amazing.
Have a great weekend.
14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. 15 Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:14-16
Language is a funny thing. Do you ever think of the words that you use and what they actually mean? I was going to finish reading that, but I am not "quite" finished. I was going to make it, but something "quite" unexpected happened to me. I am not "quite" prepared to take that test or present that project tomorrow. When you look at the word "quite", it really means completely, wholly, or entirely. How prepared are you? The scripture states "because of the grace God gave me." This is a reminder that I know I am "quite" ready for what He has next for me, are you? When we commit our lives to God, he gives you the tools to "quite" boldly do His work. So take a moment to remind yourself that God made you for who you need to be. Quite Amazing.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Fantastic Friday #306- Speaking
Speaking
14 For God does speak—now one way, now another—
though no one perceives it.
15 In a dream, in a vision of the night,
when deep sleep falls on people
as they slumber in their beds,
16 he may speak in their ears
and terrify them with warnings,
17 to turn them from wrongdoing
and keep them from pride,
18 to preserve them from the pit,
their lives from perishing by the sword. Job 33:14-18
Can you think back this week to when God was speaking to you? God doesn't speak the way He did during Old Testament times, so we must be careful to listen. God uses the Holy Spirit and takes many moments to get His point across to us. One big way that God speaks to us is through experiences where we have to rely on Him. I learned a big lesson this week about God's faithful protection. The flesh side of me had doubt and a real lack of faith that He would protect this situation that we were dealing with as a family. Some 24 hours later He showed Himself and once again made me wonder why I even questioned His faithfulness. We have to remember that God speaks to us and we need to listen, because He is our Father and He is faithful.
Have a great weekend.
14 For God does speak—now one way, now another—
though no one perceives it.
15 In a dream, in a vision of the night,
when deep sleep falls on people
as they slumber in their beds,
16 he may speak in their ears
and terrify them with warnings,
17 to turn them from wrongdoing
and keep them from pride,
18 to preserve them from the pit,
their lives from perishing by the sword. Job 33:14-18
Can you think back this week to when God was speaking to you? God doesn't speak the way He did during Old Testament times, so we must be careful to listen. God uses the Holy Spirit and takes many moments to get His point across to us. One big way that God speaks to us is through experiences where we have to rely on Him. I learned a big lesson this week about God's faithful protection. The flesh side of me had doubt and a real lack of faith that He would protect this situation that we were dealing with as a family. Some 24 hours later He showed Himself and once again made me wonder why I even questioned His faithfulness. We have to remember that God speaks to us and we need to listen, because He is our Father and He is faithful.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Fantastic Friday #305- Whisper
Whisper
5 “The dead are in deep anguish,
those beneath the waters and all that live in them.
6 The realm of the dead is naked before God;
Destruction lies uncovered.
7 He spreads out the northern skies over empty space;
he suspends the earth over nothing.
8 He wraps up the waters in his clouds,
yet the clouds do not burst under their weight.
9 He covers the face of the full moon,
spreading his clouds over it.
10 He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters
for a boundary between light and darkness.
11 The pillars of the heavens quake,
aghast at his rebuke.
12 By his power he churned up the sea;
by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces.
13 By his breath the skies became fair;
his hand pierced the gliding serpent.
14 And these are but the outer fringe of his works;
how faint the whisper we hear of him!
Who then can understand the thunder of his power?” Job 26:5-14
Do you stop and listen for God to see if you can hear Him? When I read this passage, I reflect more on who He is and what He has created. When you walk in the light, do you notice the darkness? Is the darkness there for the light to shine bright or is it there to prove that we need the light? Maybe the darkness in your life is sin, or it could be a deep chasm that you need filled by God. If God has the power to mark the horizon, churn the sea, and hold the earth in place, how much more is He there for you to fill your darkness and chasm with His light. If you think about His works being these huge acts, his power is not fathomable and we need to hear His whisper, because His thunder is seen every day.
Have a great weekend.
5 “The dead are in deep anguish,
those beneath the waters and all that live in them.
6 The realm of the dead is naked before God;
Destruction lies uncovered.
7 He spreads out the northern skies over empty space;
he suspends the earth over nothing.
8 He wraps up the waters in his clouds,
yet the clouds do not burst under their weight.
9 He covers the face of the full moon,
spreading his clouds over it.
10 He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters
for a boundary between light and darkness.
11 The pillars of the heavens quake,
aghast at his rebuke.
12 By his power he churned up the sea;
by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces.
13 By his breath the skies became fair;
his hand pierced the gliding serpent.
14 And these are but the outer fringe of his works;
how faint the whisper we hear of him!
Who then can understand the thunder of his power?” Job 26:5-14
Do you stop and listen for God to see if you can hear Him? When I read this passage, I reflect more on who He is and what He has created. When you walk in the light, do you notice the darkness? Is the darkness there for the light to shine bright or is it there to prove that we need the light? Maybe the darkness in your life is sin, or it could be a deep chasm that you need filled by God. If God has the power to mark the horizon, churn the sea, and hold the earth in place, how much more is He there for you to fill your darkness and chasm with His light. If you think about His works being these huge acts, his power is not fathomable and we need to hear His whisper, because His thunder is seen every day.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Fantastic Friday #304- Rely
Rely
7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. Galatians 3:7-9
When you rely on something, what does that mean to you? Do you count on someone to do what they say they are going to do, or do you lean on someone who you need in times of struggle? A word that I see relating to the word "rely" is "trust." Trust is a funny word in today's society, because the enemy has his way with so many people, there are those who cannot be trusted or relied upon. So, you might find yourself asking, who can I trust or rely on to help me in my needs? I believe trust is built in someone through our own faith in our Lord and Savior. I am not saying just because we have faith in Christ that you are going to be able to trust every person that comes into your life, but what I am saying is that if you have that faith, I think it is much easier to discern who these people are and if you can rely on them. Clearly in the scripture it talks about those who have faith are blessed. I think being blessed allows you to see things that the enemy tries to hide from you. Faith brings about a strength and clarity we wouldn't have otherwise. So Rely on Him first, before you rely on your fellow man.
Have a great weekend.
7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. Galatians 3:7-9
When you rely on something, what does that mean to you? Do you count on someone to do what they say they are going to do, or do you lean on someone who you need in times of struggle? A word that I see relating to the word "rely" is "trust." Trust is a funny word in today's society, because the enemy has his way with so many people, there are those who cannot be trusted or relied upon. So, you might find yourself asking, who can I trust or rely on to help me in my needs? I believe trust is built in someone through our own faith in our Lord and Savior. I am not saying just because we have faith in Christ that you are going to be able to trust every person that comes into your life, but what I am saying is that if you have that faith, I think it is much easier to discern who these people are and if you can rely on them. Clearly in the scripture it talks about those who have faith are blessed. I think being blessed allows you to see things that the enemy tries to hide from you. Faith brings about a strength and clarity we wouldn't have otherwise. So Rely on Him first, before you rely on your fellow man.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Fantastic Friday #303- Discouraged
Discouraged
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9
Have you walked through your week and found discouragement along the way. Maybe it was something your boss said to you that made you question your usefulness, or a friend didn't give you an encouraging word when you desperately needed it because they were too busy. Maybe you felt ignored by your spouse or significant other, when it really wasn't the case. We all feel discouragement at times, but that is a major tool of the enemy. He constantly will break you down and make you weak so you think that you are discouraged, when in reality you have nothing to be discouraged about in your life. As long as you have the Lord in your life, He has given you the strength, encouragement and His Word to be who He wants you to be in life. Be Strong and Courageous my friends.
Have a great weekend.
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9
Have you walked through your week and found discouragement along the way. Maybe it was something your boss said to you that made you question your usefulness, or a friend didn't give you an encouraging word when you desperately needed it because they were too busy. Maybe you felt ignored by your spouse or significant other, when it really wasn't the case. We all feel discouragement at times, but that is a major tool of the enemy. He constantly will break you down and make you weak so you think that you are discouraged, when in reality you have nothing to be discouraged about in your life. As long as you have the Lord in your life, He has given you the strength, encouragement and His Word to be who He wants you to be in life. Be Strong and Courageous my friends.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Fantastic Friday #302-Internalize
Internalize
1 I said, “I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
while in the presence of the wicked.”
2 So I remained utterly silent,
not even saying anything good.
But my anguish increased;
3 my heart grew hot within me.
While I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Show me, LORD, my life’s end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure.
6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
without knowing whose it will finally be.
7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you. Psalm 39:1-7
Tongues being spoken that seemed to lash out, and in silence I sat there and listened. Have you ever felt this way? Then, have you walked away from the situation and began to completely internalize the whole one-sided conversation. Questioned why you had to go through it, whether you deserved it or not, and was the situation really in your control. It could be that maybe you even had a fire burn in you that pulled you away from what your focus needed to be, and made you keep thinking about the conversation. Well, David seemed to nail it on the head with these verses. He realized something that we sometimes really fall short on in our walk. We are only here for a limited time on this earth and we need to focus on the hope that we have. We shouldn't spend time internalizing the things that don't mean anything for us or for God, but we should focus on the things that do mean something and help us grow closer to our Lord.
Have a great weekend.
1 I said, “I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
while in the presence of the wicked.”
2 So I remained utterly silent,
not even saying anything good.
But my anguish increased;
3 my heart grew hot within me.
While I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Show me, LORD, my life’s end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure.
6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
without knowing whose it will finally be.
7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you. Psalm 39:1-7
Tongues being spoken that seemed to lash out, and in silence I sat there and listened. Have you ever felt this way? Then, have you walked away from the situation and began to completely internalize the whole one-sided conversation. Questioned why you had to go through it, whether you deserved it or not, and was the situation really in your control. It could be that maybe you even had a fire burn in you that pulled you away from what your focus needed to be, and made you keep thinking about the conversation. Well, David seemed to nail it on the head with these verses. He realized something that we sometimes really fall short on in our walk. We are only here for a limited time on this earth and we need to focus on the hope that we have. We shouldn't spend time internalizing the things that don't mean anything for us or for God, but we should focus on the things that do mean something and help us grow closer to our Lord.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Fantastic Friday #301- Mindset
Mindset
15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Phillipians 3:15-21
Do you have a certain mindset going into the work week, or even the weekend for that matter? When I look at the work week, sometimes there are so many things that I am thinking about or anticipating things that I have to get done for my job, I don't take the time to think about my future. I definitely know going into the weekend, I usually have it in my mind of exactly what I am going to do and what has to get done at home. How many times do I reach completion of those things during the week and on the weekend? It all depends on my mindset and what direction I give myself. If I find myself focused on the things of this world that don't have much of an impact on who I am, then it is really easy for me to beat myself up for not completing the tasks I sat out to do. But, if I focus on Who I Am and where I AM Going, then it can be somewhat more enjoyable and less stressful to complete the work I set out to accomplish. If we work for a passion for the Lord and what He wants us to do, then our mind will be in the right place and we can enjoy what we have completed or accomplished. Get your mindset right for any work and remember why and for Who you are doing the work.
Have a great weekend.
15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Phillipians 3:15-21
Do you have a certain mindset going into the work week, or even the weekend for that matter? When I look at the work week, sometimes there are so many things that I am thinking about or anticipating things that I have to get done for my job, I don't take the time to think about my future. I definitely know going into the weekend, I usually have it in my mind of exactly what I am going to do and what has to get done at home. How many times do I reach completion of those things during the week and on the weekend? It all depends on my mindset and what direction I give myself. If I find myself focused on the things of this world that don't have much of an impact on who I am, then it is really easy for me to beat myself up for not completing the tasks I sat out to do. But, if I focus on Who I Am and where I AM Going, then it can be somewhat more enjoyable and less stressful to complete the work I set out to accomplish. If we work for a passion for the Lord and what He wants us to do, then our mind will be in the right place and we can enjoy what we have completed or accomplished. Get your mindset right for any work and remember why and for Who you are doing the work.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Fantastic Friday #300- Place
Place
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the LORD
and put their trust in him.
4 Blessed is the one
who trusts in the LORD,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:1-5
Can you remember the place you were last week where needed the Lord and he picked you up, or a year ago, or even several 100 weeks ago? There are places in our lives when we need desperate help from the Lord and they are usually very vivid experiences that will mark a prominent place in our lives. If have you accepted Christ as your Savior, that is a place some of us can pinpoint very clearly. How many of us can pinpoint where God picked us up out of the muck and mire in our most recent days and weeks? I love the picture that this scripture gives us as David patiently waits for the Lord and once the Lord comes, He sets David on a firm place. David recognizes that firm place the Lord has provided and rejoices in the Lord. David knows that there are too many places God has taken care of things for him to list. I can remember 301 weeks ago something that a good friend Kevin showed me through God's guiding hand which has allowed my heart, words, and God's Word to hopefully bless those around me. Take a moment and try to find those places where God has rescued you and praise and thank Him for the blessings He has provided.
Have a great weekend.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the LORD
and put their trust in him.
4 Blessed is the one
who trusts in the LORD,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:1-5
Can you remember the place you were last week where needed the Lord and he picked you up, or a year ago, or even several 100 weeks ago? There are places in our lives when we need desperate help from the Lord and they are usually very vivid experiences that will mark a prominent place in our lives. If have you accepted Christ as your Savior, that is a place some of us can pinpoint very clearly. How many of us can pinpoint where God picked us up out of the muck and mire in our most recent days and weeks? I love the picture that this scripture gives us as David patiently waits for the Lord and once the Lord comes, He sets David on a firm place. David recognizes that firm place the Lord has provided and rejoices in the Lord. David knows that there are too many places God has taken care of things for him to list. I can remember 301 weeks ago something that a good friend Kevin showed me through God's guiding hand which has allowed my heart, words, and God's Word to hopefully bless those around me. Take a moment and try to find those places where God has rescued you and praise and thank Him for the blessings He has provided.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Fantastic Friday #299-Happy
Happy
13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13
I heard something on a television show that had me laughing for quite some time the last day and a half. The guy said something like, Happiness is like Birthday Cake, if you have too much of it you can get sick of it. While funny, I am not sure it is quite true. If you look around at people who are happy, there is always something about their face that glows and gives a look of special cheer. If you take a good look at people that aren't happy, their face is wrinkled up into a frown and the rest of their body gives off a vibe of negativeness. If we choose happiness over heartache, our spirit can be lifted and we can have a much more positive affect on those around us. Practice being cheerful and thank the Lord for giving you the power to be Happy.
Have a great weekend.
13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13
I heard something on a television show that had me laughing for quite some time the last day and a half. The guy said something like, Happiness is like Birthday Cake, if you have too much of it you can get sick of it. While funny, I am not sure it is quite true. If you look around at people who are happy, there is always something about their face that glows and gives a look of special cheer. If you take a good look at people that aren't happy, their face is wrinkled up into a frown and the rest of their body gives off a vibe of negativeness. If we choose happiness over heartache, our spirit can be lifted and we can have a much more positive affect on those around us. Practice being cheerful and thank the Lord for giving you the power to be Happy.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Fantastic Friday #298- Respect
Respect
8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. Hebrews 12:8-10
I saw a father this week that I know whose son and daughter were showing him a great deal of respect and it made me reflect and think about what brought those kids to that point of respect. I also saw several kids this week who were not respectful to parents and other adults and I wondered why the kids were this way. What I put together after reviewing this scripture was that respect comes from discipline and discipline comes from a loving hand who cares about us. If we had parents or other adults who cared enough about us to have disciplined us, then this probably helped us develop that respect for them. How much more do we need to pay attention to God's discipline for us, which should result in a Holy Respect of our Father in Heaven. Don't look at the struggles we have as punishment, but look at these things as discipline which only strengthens our respect for our Father.
Have a great weekend.
8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. Hebrews 12:8-10
I saw a father this week that I know whose son and daughter were showing him a great deal of respect and it made me reflect and think about what brought those kids to that point of respect. I also saw several kids this week who were not respectful to parents and other adults and I wondered why the kids were this way. What I put together after reviewing this scripture was that respect comes from discipline and discipline comes from a loving hand who cares about us. If we had parents or other adults who cared enough about us to have disciplined us, then this probably helped us develop that respect for them. How much more do we need to pay attention to God's discipline for us, which should result in a Holy Respect of our Father in Heaven. Don't look at the struggles we have as punishment, but look at these things as discipline which only strengthens our respect for our Father.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Fantastic Friday #297- Prudence
Prudence
15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
but terror to evildoers.
16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence
comes to rest in the company of the dead. Proverbs 21:15-16
Have you walked through your week and heard this statement? "That would not be prudent." I don't think many people use that type of vocabulary these days, although it is in our Constitution. So obviously it was an important enough word to have people remember. But what actually does being prudent look like? Maybe it is using a different word rather than a profane one. Maybe it is watching or listening to something more fulfilling than what the world is putting out these days. Maybe it is treating your family members with a higher level of love and respect, than just focusing on yourself. Maybe it is involving yourself in a community of believers in Christ, rather the individuals who only talk badly about others and who think that God isn't needed in their life. God thought it was an important enough word that He used it in His Word. If you look closely at verse 16, a lack of good judgment puts us in a place I know I would rather not be. It would be prudent for us to pay attention to God and what He says.
Have a great weekend.
15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
but terror to evildoers.
16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence
comes to rest in the company of the dead. Proverbs 21:15-16
Have you walked through your week and heard this statement? "That would not be prudent." I don't think many people use that type of vocabulary these days, although it is in our Constitution. So obviously it was an important enough word to have people remember. But what actually does being prudent look like? Maybe it is using a different word rather than a profane one. Maybe it is watching or listening to something more fulfilling than what the world is putting out these days. Maybe it is treating your family members with a higher level of love and respect, than just focusing on yourself. Maybe it is involving yourself in a community of believers in Christ, rather the individuals who only talk badly about others and who think that God isn't needed in their life. God thought it was an important enough word that He used it in His Word. If you look closely at verse 16, a lack of good judgment puts us in a place I know I would rather not be. It would be prudent for us to pay attention to God and what He says.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Fantastic Friday #296- Timely
Timely
23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
and how good is a timely word! Proverbs 15:23
Did you find some word or instance where God was timely this week? Many times we look for words of wisdom, words of advice, techniques or thoughts from our closest friends. Many times those words can be helpful and sometimes not so helpful. We also at times try to talk ourselves into something that maybe we don't need, or shouldn't do because it is what everyone else is doing it or has it in their possession, especially if we are listening to the wrong people. One way to avoid this pitfall is think about God and His character. The fantastic thing about God is that He is Perfect. His Word is Perfect, His guidance is Perfect, and He has a Perfect timeliness that is always right on time. It may not be on our schedule, but it is on His perfect schedule. Keep your hearts open for His perfect timing.
Have a great weekend.
23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
and how good is a timely word! Proverbs 15:23
Did you find some word or instance where God was timely this week? Many times we look for words of wisdom, words of advice, techniques or thoughts from our closest friends. Many times those words can be helpful and sometimes not so helpful. We also at times try to talk ourselves into something that maybe we don't need, or shouldn't do because it is what everyone else is doing it or has it in their possession, especially if we are listening to the wrong people. One way to avoid this pitfall is think about God and His character. The fantastic thing about God is that He is Perfect. His Word is Perfect, His guidance is Perfect, and He has a Perfect timeliness that is always right on time. It may not be on our schedule, but it is on His perfect schedule. Keep your hearts open for His perfect timing.
Have a great weekend.
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