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.
Friday, July 13, 2012
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.
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