Stand
16 This is what the Lord says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Jeremiah 6:16
How many of you stand still for any period of time? When you stand still, what do you look at or think about? Many of you know what things in this world cause you not to stop and stand still, and it usually is because you are running from one place to another. If you listen to the Lord, does he tell you to run from here to there, and not slow down? No, he tells you things like are in this scripture. Stand and look. Stand up. Stand firm. Stand against. Why do you think God wants us to stand? Maybe because when we stand we are still and we can focus on what's ahead of us or things stay in focus. Think about when you walk somewhere fast or run somewhere, can those things stay in focus? Probably not, so take a moment to Stand and see the path God wants you to walk in.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, April 28, 2017
Friday, April 21, 2017
Fantastic Friday #572 - Prepare
Prepare
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:1-2
How do you prepare for the day? Do you start the night before or are you a morning last minute preparation individual? Everyone prepares for their day in different ways, and there are certain routines in our life that we find ourselves doing over and over again. Is one of those routines prayer? God wants us to be prepared to preach the word through our actions and opportunities, but if we don't prepare with prayer, how do you think that will work. I have friends who can be quite impatient with others and how they act, but I know that if they prayed for that patience daily that God would give it to them and would probably reveal a whole new side of them. The thing is, we all have to prepare and need to make sure that we do so in the right way, by humbly bowing before God and giving Him the praise He deserves. Prepare by praying, I know you will see a difference.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
How do you prepare for the day? Do you start the night before or are you a morning last minute preparation individual? Everyone prepares for their day in different ways, and there are certain routines in our life that we find ourselves doing over and over again. Is one of those routines prayer? God wants us to be prepared to preach the word through our actions and opportunities, but if we don't prepare with prayer, how do you think that will work. I have friends who can be quite impatient with others and how they act, but I know that if they prayed for that patience daily that God would give it to them and would probably reveal a whole new side of them. The thing is, we all have to prepare and need to make sure that we do so in the right way, by humbly bowing before God and giving Him the praise He deserves. Prepare by praying, I know you will see a difference.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, April 14, 2017
Fantastic Friday #571 - Living
Living
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,
1 Peter 1:3-4
Are you living, or are you living? There are really three types of living if you closely look at life. Many people these days are living in the world with the evil and debauchery that pulls them away from the true living that God wants for us. There are many who are living around the world, trying not to enter the evil that surrounds us, but they can slip into living lives not completely devoted to God. Then there are those who are Living for the Lord and all that he wants for us. It is amazing how much better our life is when we focus on Living for the Lord instead of all the distractions that we face. Jesus died for us, was resurrected for us and provided a way for us to live with Him again. What a joyful life we can lead knowing this.
Have a great weekend.
Are you living, or are you living? There are really three types of living if you closely look at life. Many people these days are living in the world with the evil and debauchery that pulls them away from the true living that God wants for us. There are many who are living around the world, trying not to enter the evil that surrounds us, but they can slip into living lives not completely devoted to God. Then there are those who are Living for the Lord and all that he wants for us. It is amazing how much better our life is when we focus on Living for the Lord instead of all the distractions that we face. Jesus died for us, was resurrected for us and provided a way for us to live with Him again. What a joyful life we can lead knowing this.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, April 7, 2017
Fantastic Friday #570 - Path
Path
9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.
Proverbs 9-10
Walking across campus this week I was using a sidewalk that was clearly the path meant to walk on, had a specific direction and was smooth and comfortable. Looking off to my right as I walked on this sidewalk I noticed a path down this hill that had been developed, a supposed shortcut that had a couple of twists and turns, many rocks and a hole in the path. While this path looked like it was a shortcut, it seemed challenging and somewhat dangerous. I continued my walk on the straight sidewalk that did have a bump or two, but it ended up at the same place as the shortcut, however I had an easier time walking on the sidewalk because it was clear of debris. With God's path to righteousness, we know there is only one way and not a shortcut to get to Him. Why then do people wander off the straight path? Is it because they think there is an easier way, something that doesn't require as much effort? Or is it the enemy encouraging them to deviate from the path? We need to remember that while our path may not always be easy, we need to remain on that straight and narrow path, because the discipline may not come now, but it will eventually. Make good decisions and stay on the path that God provides.
Have a great weekend.
9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.
Proverbs 9-10
Walking across campus this week I was using a sidewalk that was clearly the path meant to walk on, had a specific direction and was smooth and comfortable. Looking off to my right as I walked on this sidewalk I noticed a path down this hill that had been developed, a supposed shortcut that had a couple of twists and turns, many rocks and a hole in the path. While this path looked like it was a shortcut, it seemed challenging and somewhat dangerous. I continued my walk on the straight sidewalk that did have a bump or two, but it ended up at the same place as the shortcut, however I had an easier time walking on the sidewalk because it was clear of debris. With God's path to righteousness, we know there is only one way and not a shortcut to get to Him. Why then do people wander off the straight path? Is it because they think there is an easier way, something that doesn't require as much effort? Or is it the enemy encouraging them to deviate from the path? We need to remember that while our path may not always be easy, we need to remain on that straight and narrow path, because the discipline may not come now, but it will eventually. Make good decisions and stay on the path that God provides.
Have a great weekend.
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