Fullness
8 See to it that no one takes you
captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human
tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:8-10
Sometimes I hear people say they are empty or feel like they aren't
full. Some people even say they are running on empty. These sayings
can have many meanings, both physically and spiritually. I think that
the physical and spiritual are truly tied together. If someone is
physically drained where they can't possibly do anything else, I believe
it affects more than just their physical nature. When we are weak
physically, our mental capabilities can be weakened as well, and the
enemy finds these moments and tries to exploit them. So what do we do
about these times when we feel we are running on empty? We certainly
don't look to the world to pull us out of the emptiness, we give our
fullness to Christ who has already given His fullness to us. I know
that when I turn my physical and spiritual nature over to God, things
that make me feel empty typically don't exist and I feel fuller and have
more energy. Maybe if we filled our bodies with the spiritual food God
provides, our physical bodies would stay on track and we wouldn't feel
the emptiness that drags people to the enemy. You aren't just half full
with God in your life, you have been given the fullness of Christ to
make you a completely full individual.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Fantastic Friday #354- Commit
Commit
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
I have heard of quite a few friends this week going through some trials that are painful, and there are others with some uncertainty in their lives. This suffering is not easily explainable at times. We all tend to have these periods of trial that we deal with, and it is all in how we handle it as to how we are going to come through it. Are we focused so much on the trial that we cannot think about what Christ did for us, or can we not focus on what He has in store for us? Maybe it has to do with commitment. If we are committed to a deeper stronger relationship with our Lord and Savior, these trials may not seem so daunting and insurmountable. I challenge you to look at how you commit to the Lord daily and what things you can do to strengthen that commitment. Without commitment, the sin that can so easily overtake us can sneak in and pull us away. Commit to the Lord and continue to do good as the scripture says.
Have a great weekend.
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to
God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and
continue to do good. 1 Peter 4:12-19what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
I have heard of quite a few friends this week going through some trials that are painful, and there are others with some uncertainty in their lives. This suffering is not easily explainable at times. We all tend to have these periods of trial that we deal with, and it is all in how we handle it as to how we are going to come through it. Are we focused so much on the trial that we cannot think about what Christ did for us, or can we not focus on what He has in store for us? Maybe it has to do with commitment. If we are committed to a deeper stronger relationship with our Lord and Savior, these trials may not seem so daunting and insurmountable. I challenge you to look at how you commit to the Lord daily and what things you can do to strengthen that commitment. Without commitment, the sin that can so easily overtake us can sneak in and pull us away. Commit to the Lord and continue to do good as the scripture says.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Fantastic Friday #353- Encourage
Encourage
12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:12-13
We can all be hardened by bad circumstances in our lives if we continue to allow those circumstances to control our feelings. I had an interesting week where on two different occasions I allowed the circumstances I was going through to control my feelings. I was the furthest away from being Christ-like. On one occasion I allowed my anger to fester and I did not handle myself like I normally would have. The thing is, I had no reason to act in a negative emotion-filled way and I should not have allowed the enemy to enter into my path. We all have those moments where we wish we would have handled things differently, and said things differently. I received an encouraging note from a friend this week who reminded me who I was in Christ, and I think we need those jump starts every now and then to remind us how important we are to God and others. You all are very important to God and to me, and I appreciate all of you. Take a moment to encourage someone this week, and see how it affects your emotions and your walk.
Have a great weekend.
12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:12-13
We can all be hardened by bad circumstances in our lives if we continue to allow those circumstances to control our feelings. I had an interesting week where on two different occasions I allowed the circumstances I was going through to control my feelings. I was the furthest away from being Christ-like. On one occasion I allowed my anger to fester and I did not handle myself like I normally would have. The thing is, I had no reason to act in a negative emotion-filled way and I should not have allowed the enemy to enter into my path. We all have those moments where we wish we would have handled things differently, and said things differently. I received an encouraging note from a friend this week who reminded me who I was in Christ, and I think we need those jump starts every now and then to remind us how important we are to God and others. You all are very important to God and to me, and I appreciate all of you. Take a moment to encourage someone this week, and see how it affects your emotions and your walk.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Fantastic Friday #352- Structured Faith
Structured Faith
12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. 14 We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. 15 Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, 16 so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory. 17 But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:12-18
Measuring is always taking place by people today. What do you have that I don't have? What can I do that you can't? What can I gain to keep me ahead of you? Comparison is a sticky type of lifestyle, because it can lead to boasting and bragging and a life that God doesn't want us to live. Some of you probably say, but I don't really boast and brag, but do you think about the times when you might discuss the Lord's work you are doing with others? Are you sharing the Gospel and looking for affirmation, or are you looking for a pat on the back when you lead someone to Christ? Are you looking for the head nod after you have prayed, or waiting for that firm handshake telling you that you are living a Godly life? Our commendation should not come from others but should come from the Lord as verse 18 states. The way we can avoid the boasting and bragging today is by living a life of Structured Faith. First, by following the path God sets out for you, and letting Him lead you instead of the world is a good start. Second, by giving God your time through worship in the many ways you can acknowledge our Lord. Finally, sharing the Gospel with God in forefront and the salvation He offers is a good way strengthen your faith. While it is nice to receive affirmation, the affirmation we should looking for should come from our God through the blessings He provides. Live a life of Structured Faith and the commendations will come.
Have a great weekend.
12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. 14 We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. 15 Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, 16 so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory. 17 But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:12-18
Measuring is always taking place by people today. What do you have that I don't have? What can I do that you can't? What can I gain to keep me ahead of you? Comparison is a sticky type of lifestyle, because it can lead to boasting and bragging and a life that God doesn't want us to live. Some of you probably say, but I don't really boast and brag, but do you think about the times when you might discuss the Lord's work you are doing with others? Are you sharing the Gospel and looking for affirmation, or are you looking for a pat on the back when you lead someone to Christ? Are you looking for the head nod after you have prayed, or waiting for that firm handshake telling you that you are living a Godly life? Our commendation should not come from others but should come from the Lord as verse 18 states. The way we can avoid the boasting and bragging today is by living a life of Structured Faith. First, by following the path God sets out for you, and letting Him lead you instead of the world is a good start. Second, by giving God your time through worship in the many ways you can acknowledge our Lord. Finally, sharing the Gospel with God in forefront and the salvation He offers is a good way strengthen your faith. While it is nice to receive affirmation, the affirmation we should looking for should come from our God through the blessings He provides. Live a life of Structured Faith and the commendations will come.
Have a great weekend.
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