Tossed
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But
when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who
doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. James 1:5-7
Spending the week at an ocean has given me the chance to see many
things that I haven't really focused on in the past. How the ocean
waves roll in was one thing that has been particularly interesting. The
way the waves crash against the shore and bring in sea shells and other
life that reside in the ocean has made me think about our lives. We all
look for the answers to our issues in our lives and if we doubt our
Father, then like the waves that crash against the shore, we are tossed
around and our issues remain unresolved. We all need to believe and not
doubt in our God who is bigger than anything we can imagine, because our
faith in God will help us from being tossed around in the ocean of life
and allow us to ride on the wave to the shore.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
Fantastic Friday #372 - Enjoy
Enjoy
18 I also said to myself, “As for humans, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. 19 Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless. 20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?”
22 So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them? Ecclesiastes 3:18-22
If you are like me, when you are in the midst of trials and tests that God places before you, it is very hard to see the reason or the rationale behind it. The thing is God doesn't want us to see the reason or the rationale behind it. We all know that God wants us to trust Him and His plans for us during the test. However, we are all human and God reminds us that we will suffer death just like the animals. However, we have a promise that the animals don't have, and that is what is going to happen after we are obedient to God. So when we think that work isn't going in the direction we want it to, and we are tested at every corner with something that really makes us angry and question why; remember to enjoy your work, for it is where God has placed in you preparation for the next thing to happen. Just remember to enjoy, because within enjoy is the word joy, which everyone needs to experience.
Have a great weekend.
18 I also said to myself, “As for humans, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. 19 Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless. 20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?”
22 So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them? Ecclesiastes 3:18-22
If you are like me, when you are in the midst of trials and tests that God places before you, it is very hard to see the reason or the rationale behind it. The thing is God doesn't want us to see the reason or the rationale behind it. We all know that God wants us to trust Him and His plans for us during the test. However, we are all human and God reminds us that we will suffer death just like the animals. However, we have a promise that the animals don't have, and that is what is going to happen after we are obedient to God. So when we think that work isn't going in the direction we want it to, and we are tested at every corner with something that really makes us angry and question why; remember to enjoy your work, for it is where God has placed in you preparation for the next thing to happen. Just remember to enjoy, because within enjoy is the word joy, which everyone needs to experience.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Fantastic Friday #371- Field
Field
7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:7-9
Lately we as a family have been spending a lot of
time at and on baseball fields. These fields have kept us at times
away from our church family, and have given us limited access to worship
and messages each week at our church home. As the summer season
approaches and we see friends going to summer camps and mission trips, I
wonder am I really doing what I need to do to support God in building
His Kingdom. I was reminded by a friend this week that not every
mission field is at a summer camp or a country far away. Sometimes our
mission field is the field we play on. Maybe it is where we work or
even in our own town or neighborhood. For those who might feel guilty
about not raising money to go out of country, think about the
un-churched that are your neighbors. The playing fields around you are
full of people you can introduce Christ to, so don't feel like just
because your friends are following their gift by taking Christ to those
overseas, that you can't do something in your own ball field. For the
fields are really God's to groom and prepare for you to play on. Take a
step on the field and play hard and show those around you what it truly
means to play ball.7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:7-9
Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Fantastic Friday #370- Giving
Giving
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8
This week we experienced three significant issues with things we own. Within 48 hours the A/C at the house stopped working, my car broke down by dying three different times on the highway, and our other vehicle began having serious mechanical and A/C issues. So, the first thing my wife says to me after all of this craziness was, I think God is testing to see how you react to these issues. Thanks honey for the words of wisdom. At the time I was like, yeah right because I was really kind of mad. I was given some advice to go outside and scream, but instead I took her advice and trusted in God to provide clear direction and a way to get things fixed. Instead of providing immediate answers, he provided something else that was interesting. He provided friends who were giving and loving. Giving by providing portable A/C units so we could make an educated and well-thought out decision. Loving by providing transportation to and from work, baseball practice and other needed activities. So when I reflect on the last several days, it wasn't just the friends who were giving and loving, it was truly God who was giving several things. He was giving perspective on the important things in life. He was also giving His love through these friends, and He was giving me lessons on how should I act. While screaming wouldn't have been a bad thing, it was certainly not what He intended. While we have not resolved all of our issues yet, the perspective I have gained, far outweighs the issues we have faced this week. Remember to utilize your gifts and you might be shown something you weren't expecting.
Have a great weekend.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8
This week we experienced three significant issues with things we own. Within 48 hours the A/C at the house stopped working, my car broke down by dying three different times on the highway, and our other vehicle began having serious mechanical and A/C issues. So, the first thing my wife says to me after all of this craziness was, I think God is testing to see how you react to these issues. Thanks honey for the words of wisdom. At the time I was like, yeah right because I was really kind of mad. I was given some advice to go outside and scream, but instead I took her advice and trusted in God to provide clear direction and a way to get things fixed. Instead of providing immediate answers, he provided something else that was interesting. He provided friends who were giving and loving. Giving by providing portable A/C units so we could make an educated and well-thought out decision. Loving by providing transportation to and from work, baseball practice and other needed activities. So when I reflect on the last several days, it wasn't just the friends who were giving and loving, it was truly God who was giving several things. He was giving perspective on the important things in life. He was also giving His love through these friends, and He was giving me lessons on how should I act. While screaming wouldn't have been a bad thing, it was certainly not what He intended. While we have not resolved all of our issues yet, the perspective I have gained, far outweighs the issues we have faced this week. Remember to utilize your gifts and you might be shown something you weren't expecting.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Fantastic Friday #369 - Wisdom
Wisdom
11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing
and benefits those who see the sun.
12 Wisdom is a shelter
as money is a shelter,
but the advantage of knowledge is this:
Wisdom preserves those who have it. Ecclesiastes 7:11-12
Money is a huge discussion these days in churches, at work, in fellowship with other people and that is because money plays such a prominent role in our society. The funny thing is that money has always had its place in this world, and is discussed many times in the Bible. In fact Jesus at many points talks about money and even He states that you cannot serve money and God. But what about wisdom? Why do we not talk about wisdom and its impact on our lives? Wisdom can come from those who can share what they have learned in their lives. Are we not paying attention to those who have experienced life. Wisdom also comes from reading God's Word. Are we not reading what God has given us as a guidebook filled with wisdom? I am guessing that if we were to focus on wisdom and making wise decisions, that our lives would be improved. Maybe our lives would not be improved monetarily but spiritually for sure and definitely our lives could be more rewarding. I think about how money will be there for a while to shelter us as this scripture says, but think about how much shelter wisdom can provide. Preserving our lives with wisdom sounds a lot better than having a short-term shelter of money. Get wise and see where it can lead you.
Have a great weekend.
11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing
and benefits those who see the sun.
12 Wisdom is a shelter
as money is a shelter,
but the advantage of knowledge is this:
Wisdom preserves those who have it. Ecclesiastes 7:11-12
Money is a huge discussion these days in churches, at work, in fellowship with other people and that is because money plays such a prominent role in our society. The funny thing is that money has always had its place in this world, and is discussed many times in the Bible. In fact Jesus at many points talks about money and even He states that you cannot serve money and God. But what about wisdom? Why do we not talk about wisdom and its impact on our lives? Wisdom can come from those who can share what they have learned in their lives. Are we not paying attention to those who have experienced life. Wisdom also comes from reading God's Word. Are we not reading what God has given us as a guidebook filled with wisdom? I am guessing that if we were to focus on wisdom and making wise decisions, that our lives would be improved. Maybe our lives would not be improved monetarily but spiritually for sure and definitely our lives could be more rewarding. I think about how money will be there for a while to shelter us as this scripture says, but think about how much shelter wisdom can provide. Preserving our lives with wisdom sounds a lot better than having a short-term shelter of money. Get wise and see where it can lead you.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Fantastic Friday #368-Fewer
Fewer
2 Do not be quick with your mouth,
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few.
3 A dream comes when there are many cares,
and many words mark the speech of a fool. Ecclesiastes 5:2-3
We have all seen the AT&T commercials where the man sits with kids and talks about how faster is better, but I think we all need to take a close look at fewer is better. Do you find yourself getting worked up over something in your life that makes you rapidly fire off an email, make a telephone call, or just vent to someone? Think about how many words you use to describe what is going on, how much you are doing the talking/writing and what that other person is doing. Twitter is an amazing way to communicate, because it only allows you to type 140 characters. It really makes you think about what and how you say something which is posted for the world to see. Now think about how you come before God in prayer. God already knows your heart, so when you pray don't be hasty but be direct and careful in how you pray. You don't want to use too many words, because you definitely don't want to look like a fool. God loves you and in the case of prayer, most times fewer is better. Let your heart lead you in your communication and your relationship with God.
Have a great weekend.
2 Do not be quick with your mouth,
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few.
3 A dream comes when there are many cares,
and many words mark the speech of a fool. Ecclesiastes 5:2-3
We have all seen the AT&T commercials where the man sits with kids and talks about how faster is better, but I think we all need to take a close look at fewer is better. Do you find yourself getting worked up over something in your life that makes you rapidly fire off an email, make a telephone call, or just vent to someone? Think about how many words you use to describe what is going on, how much you are doing the talking/writing and what that other person is doing. Twitter is an amazing way to communicate, because it only allows you to type 140 characters. It really makes you think about what and how you say something which is posted for the world to see. Now think about how you come before God in prayer. God already knows your heart, so when you pray don't be hasty but be direct and careful in how you pray. You don't want to use too many words, because you definitely don't want to look like a fool. God loves you and in the case of prayer, most times fewer is better. Let your heart lead you in your communication and your relationship with God.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Fantastic Friday #367- Attention
Attention
17 Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,
I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,
so that you bring back truthful reports
to those you serve? Proverbs 22:17-21
Do you really pay attention to people around you or pay attention to your kids or spouse when they are speaking to you? I heard about someone that was told this week that they do not listen to people. It was kind of a shock to hear that about this person, and I think to myself, do I listen to people, or is it just idle chatter that I allow to go in one ear and out the other. Listening to people is a special gift at times, because people don't always say what they mean to say or they speak in some kind of hidden code. There are also those people who have been around for a while who speak in proverbs or other stories to get a message across, but I know that I can zone out after a couple of minutes with those stories. So what do we do? We take time to listen, especially to those who are wise with age and wisdom. We shut down everything else around us and focus on that person and no one else. The same thing applies with children or spouses. Stop what you are doing and give your full attention to them. Put down that laptop, iPad, iPhone, Galaxy tablet or other electronic device and give them what they deserve and that is your full and undivided attention. Oh, and what about God, are we truly paying attention to Him, or are we allowing the little things to distract us from His message. I tried something different this week, when I was performing a task at home for about 45 minutes, I shut off every electronic device and only focused on that task while talking to God. While it was a monotonous task, I felt I could focus more on God, however the only way to truly focus on God and pay attention is to spend quality time with Him. Pay attention to those around you and God this week, you might be amazed at what you are shown.
Have a great weekend.
17 Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,
I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,
so that you bring back truthful reports
to those you serve? Proverbs 22:17-21
Do you really pay attention to people around you or pay attention to your kids or spouse when they are speaking to you? I heard about someone that was told this week that they do not listen to people. It was kind of a shock to hear that about this person, and I think to myself, do I listen to people, or is it just idle chatter that I allow to go in one ear and out the other. Listening to people is a special gift at times, because people don't always say what they mean to say or they speak in some kind of hidden code. There are also those people who have been around for a while who speak in proverbs or other stories to get a message across, but I know that I can zone out after a couple of minutes with those stories. So what do we do? We take time to listen, especially to those who are wise with age and wisdom. We shut down everything else around us and focus on that person and no one else. The same thing applies with children or spouses. Stop what you are doing and give your full attention to them. Put down that laptop, iPad, iPhone, Galaxy tablet or other electronic device and give them what they deserve and that is your full and undivided attention. Oh, and what about God, are we truly paying attention to Him, or are we allowing the little things to distract us from His message. I tried something different this week, when I was performing a task at home for about 45 minutes, I shut off every electronic device and only focused on that task while talking to God. While it was a monotonous task, I felt I could focus more on God, however the only way to truly focus on God and pay attention is to spend quality time with Him. Pay attention to those around you and God this week, you might be amazed at what you are shown.
Have a great weekend.
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