Psalms 11:1-7
1 In the Lord I put my trust; How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain”? 2 For look! The wicked bend their bow, They make ready their arrow on the string,That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.3 If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do? 4 The Lord is in His holy temple, The Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. 5 The Lord tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. 6 Upon the wicked He will rain coals; Fire and brimstone and a burning wind Shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.
If the bestselling books accurately reflect what’s important to a great many people, then freedom is a top priority. Check a current list of the most popular “how to” titles and see how many deal with becoming free—in finances, health, work, attitudes, and relationships. Publishers know that in our relentless quest for a fulfilling life, hangups are out and personal freedom is in.
It’s no surprise, then, that one of the world’s most enduring bestsellers, the Bible, is all about emancipated living. But the Scriptures offer the unique perspective that true freedom is found by obeying Almighty God, not by living according to our own desires.
The psalmist celebrated God’s Word as the key to personal liberty. Within the Lord’s commands he found guidance and strength to move freely through life. One translation of Psalm 119:32 says, “I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.” Verse 45 proclaims, “I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts.”
Imagine what it would be like to be released from your greatest anxiety and to run free. It can happen. If you would like to find freedom today, obey God’s Word and let Him set your heart free. David McCasland
Our selfish ways imprison us—
We cry out to be free;
But if we will obey God’s Word,
We’ll find true liberty. —Sper
True freedom is not found by choosing our own way, but by yielding to God’s way.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Is Jesus Exclusive?
John 14:1-12
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
1“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4And where I go you know, and the way you know.”5Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
The Father Revealed
7“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”8Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
The Answered Prayer
12“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
I once saw Billy Graham’s daughter Anne Graham Lotz on a popular news talk program. The interviewer asked, “Are you one of those who believe that Jesus is exclusively the only way to heaven?” He added, “You know how mad that makes people these days!” Without blinking she replied, “Jesus is not exclusive. He died so that anyone could come to Him for salvation.”
What a great response! Christianity is not an exclusive club limited to an elite few who fit the perfect profile. Everyone is welcome regardless of color, class, or clout.
In spite of this wonderful reality, Christ’s claim in John 14:6 to be the only way to God continues to offend. Yet Jesus is the only way—the only option that works. All of us are guilty before God. We are sinners and cannot help ourselves. Our sin had to be dealt with. Jesus, as God in the flesh, died to pay the penalty for our sins and then rose from the dead. No other religious leader offers what Jesus provides in His victory over sin and death.
The gospel of Christ is offensive to some, but it is the wonderful truth that God loves us enough to come and take care of our biggest problem—sin. And as long as sin is the problem, the world needs Jesus! —Joe Stowell
No one could enter heaven,
Our many sins stood in the way;
So God in love sent Jesus,
For He alone sin’s debt could pay. —D. De Haan
Embrace the good news: Jesus is a nonexclusive Savior.
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
1“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4And where I go you know, and the way you know.”5Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
The Father Revealed
7“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”8Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
The Answered Prayer
12“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
I once saw Billy Graham’s daughter Anne Graham Lotz on a popular news talk program. The interviewer asked, “Are you one of those who believe that Jesus is exclusively the only way to heaven?” He added, “You know how mad that makes people these days!” Without blinking she replied, “Jesus is not exclusive. He died so that anyone could come to Him for salvation.”
What a great response! Christianity is not an exclusive club limited to an elite few who fit the perfect profile. Everyone is welcome regardless of color, class, or clout.
In spite of this wonderful reality, Christ’s claim in John 14:6 to be the only way to God continues to offend. Yet Jesus is the only way—the only option that works. All of us are guilty before God. We are sinners and cannot help ourselves. Our sin had to be dealt with. Jesus, as God in the flesh, died to pay the penalty for our sins and then rose from the dead. No other religious leader offers what Jesus provides in His victory over sin and death.
The gospel of Christ is offensive to some, but it is the wonderful truth that God loves us enough to come and take care of our biggest problem—sin. And as long as sin is the problem, the world needs Jesus! —Joe Stowell
No one could enter heaven,
Our many sins stood in the way;
So God in love sent Jesus,
For He alone sin’s debt could pay. —D. De Haan
Embrace the good news: Jesus is a nonexclusive Savior.
Monday, June 2, 2014
A Knightly Soldier
2 Timothy 1-4
1You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
Before he enlisted in the Union Army to fight during the US Civil War, Joshua Chamberlain was a quiet and unassuming college professor. In the crucible of military combat he distinguished himself for his heroism in holding the line on Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg. He was later awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. To recognize Chamberlain’s contribution to the Union victory, General Ulysses S. Grant designated him to receive the first flag of surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. The defeated troops of the South expected to be ridiculed and humiliated. Instead, Chamberlain showed them kindness and respect. For this, the Confederate commanding officer wrote in his memoirs that Chamberlain was “one of the knightliest soldiers of the Federal Army.”
As a committed Christian, Chamberlain reflected the grace of Christ. We too need to stand for what we believe but also to be kind to those with whom we disagree. Paul exhorted Timothy, “as a good soldier of Jesus Christ . . . be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition” (2 Tim. 2:3,24-25). In conflict and in reconciliation, our response should reflect the gracious heart of a knightly soldier of Christ. — Dennis Fisher
Oh, to be like Him, tender and kind,
Gentle in spirit, lowly in mind;
More like Jesus, day after day,
Filled with His Spirit now and alway. — Ellsworth
There is nothing so kingly as kindness; there is nothing so royal as truth.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Marriage: A Life's Journey
I was sick yesterday so here is my last entry for this series that I'm reading through.
Philippians 1:27
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
In Odyssey, Homer’s epic work, Odysseus encountered the mysterious Island of the Sirens. The creatures inhabiting the island possessed enchanting voices that distracted sailors from their journey, imprisoning them forever. As Odysseus’ crew passed by, the creatures sang their beautiful song. But Odysseus knew the dangers. He put wax in his crew’s ears and ordered that he be tied securely to the ship’s mast to prevent him from being lured away by their seductive melody. Odysseus also commanded they stay true to their course no matter how bad their circumstances seemed.
Marriages in our culture have become more transient. Too often we’ll throw out relationships at the first sign of trouble. But God created marriage to be a covenant – a deeply binding commitment designed to help us weather our most difficult circumstances. But it requires us to “tie ourselves to the mast.” You have to dismiss the voices that try to lure you away from your marriage or convince you that divorce is an easy answer to your troubles.
If your marriage is unhappy, it’s not too late. Commit your relationship to a course of growth and healing. With hard work and faithfulness to God, you and your spouse may discover the relationship you’ve always dreamed of.
Philippians 1:27
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Tie Yourself to the Mast
Are you unhappy in your marriage? If so, you might be interested to learn that two-thirds of unhappy couples who stay together say their relationship is significantly better within five years. To achieve that, it’ll require you and your spouse to “tie yourselves to the mast.”In Odyssey, Homer’s epic work, Odysseus encountered the mysterious Island of the Sirens. The creatures inhabiting the island possessed enchanting voices that distracted sailors from their journey, imprisoning them forever. As Odysseus’ crew passed by, the creatures sang their beautiful song. But Odysseus knew the dangers. He put wax in his crew’s ears and ordered that he be tied securely to the ship’s mast to prevent him from being lured away by their seductive melody. Odysseus also commanded they stay true to their course no matter how bad their circumstances seemed.
Marriages in our culture have become more transient. Too often we’ll throw out relationships at the first sign of trouble. But God created marriage to be a covenant – a deeply binding commitment designed to help us weather our most difficult circumstances. But it requires us to “tie ourselves to the mast.” You have to dismiss the voices that try to lure you away from your marriage or convince you that divorce is an easy answer to your troubles.
If your marriage is unhappy, it’s not too late. Commit your relationship to a course of growth and healing. With hard work and faithfulness to God, you and your spouse may discover the relationship you’ve always dreamed of.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Marriage: A Life's Journey
I missed my personal bible study time yesterday so today you are going to get a double dose. I hope that's alright with you?
Yesterday - 2/6/2014
Hebrews 13:4
"4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."(NKJV)
Epic Love in Marriage:
In the blockbuster movie Titanic, audiences were infatuated with the love story between the main characters, Jack and Rose. It was a romance of such epic proportions it could only exist in the movies, right? Well … not so fast.
Aboard the Titanic when it sank in the Atlantic Ocean’s frigid waters on April 15, 1912, there was a married couple. As the terror of that tragic journey unfolded, the couple knew that after forty years of marriage they were about to spend their last moments together. “Women and children first” was conventional protocol at the time, of course, which meant that the woman would have to leave behind her beloved husband. But when the moment came, she refused, saying, “As we have lived, so we will die … together.” Numerous accounts of that night indicate the couple then settled into deck chairs and held hands, waiting for the inevitable.
The phrase “‘til death do us part” lies at the heart of traditional marriage vows. Unfortunately, its meaning has become more of a romantic novelty than a sacred, God-honoring commitment. And that’s why few couples are able to have in real life the marriage they’ve so often dreamed about. You see, the amazing love illustrated in the lives of this couple doesn’t magically arise in a moment of crisis. It’s the result of a husband and wife living out their love for one another and honoring their marriage vows each and every day.
Today - 2/7/2014
Ephesians 4:15
"15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" (NKJV)
Loving the Stranger:
You wouldn’t marry a complete stranger, would you? Well – surprise! – if you’re married, that’s exactly what you’ve done.
On our wedding day, we all innocently believe the same myth: that we know and understand the person we’re marrying. But every newlywed eventually discovers that getting to know the depths of someone’s heart takes years. That’s the nature of relationship, especially one as intimate as marriage. So in that sense, we all marry a stranger. We’re in love with what little we know about our spouse, but we don’t know them. Not really.
Maybe that’s why Stanley Hauerwas defines a successful marriage as “learning how to love and care for the stranger to whom you find yourself married.” What does he mean? Simply this: In countless ways, the person we commit to on our wedding day will not be the same person five, ten, or twenty years from now. In fact, neither will we. Marriage changes us. So does raising children, careers, the aging process, and other significant events in our lives.
That’s why it’s important to understand that marriage is not a stopping point where we instantly know our spouse fully and completely. It’s a journey through life between a man and woman, both of whom continually grow and change across their years together. As one speaker said, “When people get married, they tend to believe they’ve found a finished statue, when in reality, they’ve merely found the block of marble from which their spouse will emerge.” Commit to loving your spouse and helping them grow more Christ-like each day.
Yesterday - 2/6/2014
Hebrews 13:4
"4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."(NKJV)
Epic Love in Marriage:
In the blockbuster movie Titanic, audiences were infatuated with the love story between the main characters, Jack and Rose. It was a romance of such epic proportions it could only exist in the movies, right? Well … not so fast.
Aboard the Titanic when it sank in the Atlantic Ocean’s frigid waters on April 15, 1912, there was a married couple. As the terror of that tragic journey unfolded, the couple knew that after forty years of marriage they were about to spend their last moments together. “Women and children first” was conventional protocol at the time, of course, which meant that the woman would have to leave behind her beloved husband. But when the moment came, she refused, saying, “As we have lived, so we will die … together.” Numerous accounts of that night indicate the couple then settled into deck chairs and held hands, waiting for the inevitable.
The phrase “‘til death do us part” lies at the heart of traditional marriage vows. Unfortunately, its meaning has become more of a romantic novelty than a sacred, God-honoring commitment. And that’s why few couples are able to have in real life the marriage they’ve so often dreamed about. You see, the amazing love illustrated in the lives of this couple doesn’t magically arise in a moment of crisis. It’s the result of a husband and wife living out their love for one another and honoring their marriage vows each and every day.
Today - 2/7/2014
Ephesians 4:15
"15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" (NKJV)
Loving the Stranger:
You wouldn’t marry a complete stranger, would you? Well – surprise! – if you’re married, that’s exactly what you’ve done.
On our wedding day, we all innocently believe the same myth: that we know and understand the person we’re marrying. But every newlywed eventually discovers that getting to know the depths of someone’s heart takes years. That’s the nature of relationship, especially one as intimate as marriage. So in that sense, we all marry a stranger. We’re in love with what little we know about our spouse, but we don’t know them. Not really.
Maybe that’s why Stanley Hauerwas defines a successful marriage as “learning how to love and care for the stranger to whom you find yourself married.” What does he mean? Simply this: In countless ways, the person we commit to on our wedding day will not be the same person five, ten, or twenty years from now. In fact, neither will we. Marriage changes us. So does raising children, careers, the aging process, and other significant events in our lives.
That’s why it’s important to understand that marriage is not a stopping point where we instantly know our spouse fully and completely. It’s a journey through life between a man and woman, both of whom continually grow and change across their years together. As one speaker said, “When people get married, they tend to believe they’ve found a finished statue, when in reality, they’ve merely found the block of marble from which their spouse will emerge.” Commit to loving your spouse and helping them grow more Christ-like each day.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Marriage: A Life's Journey
Proverbs 4:25-27
"25Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.26 Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."
Drifting in Marriage
Good marriages are like a relaxing canoe ride when the winds are calm and the lake water is as smooth as glass. You just have to be careful you don’t drift. I would consider my marriage a great marriage. We have our rough times and our great times. We do everything we can to allow God to be the center of our marriage. Is it easy? No, because we, our flesh, our personal wants and desires get in the way. Once we realize that God is guiding us as a couple, we start focusing on His wants and His desires and our marriage is strengthened by that. By having Him as the center point of your marriage, you will grow closer together instead of drifting apart. Trust me, that drawing closer has happened so many times because He has redirected our thinking on Him instead of the things of this world.
I had a roommate in college, his name was Craig. Craig decided to ditch classes one day and go canoeing. So Craig left, grabbed a canoe, and set off for a quiet day on the lake. That day there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and almost no breeze, so the water was completely still. Letting the canoe come to rest in the middle of the lake, it dawned on him: it was after hours, and no other boats were out. So he did the only sensible thing. With an extra life jacket for his pillow, he nestled in for a short nap. An hour later, he woke up to voices. Somehow his canoe had beached along the shoreline of a camping area. Craig realized there was a current in the water and a breeze in the air he hadn’t sensed.
They’d caused him to drift, and he ended up somewhere he never intended to be.
Like that canoe, marriages often drift. There’s no obvious conflict or struggle, just subtle distractions that lull spouses asleep. Couples hardly notice they’re losing interest in one another until they end up somewhere they never intended to be.
Fortunately, there’s an easy solution. Be intentional about the path your relationship is taking and keep your eyes focused on the Lord. It may not take as much effort as you think, but these small course corrections can change your marriage.
Marriage is important and not to be taken lightly. I love my wife and thank God for her each and every day. I know that at some point in time she will be reading this today so, Emily Plemons, I love you and I thank God for not allowing us to drift and for always bringing us closer together.
"25Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.26 Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."
Drifting in Marriage
Good marriages are like a relaxing canoe ride when the winds are calm and the lake water is as smooth as glass. You just have to be careful you don’t drift. I would consider my marriage a great marriage. We have our rough times and our great times. We do everything we can to allow God to be the center of our marriage. Is it easy? No, because we, our flesh, our personal wants and desires get in the way. Once we realize that God is guiding us as a couple, we start focusing on His wants and His desires and our marriage is strengthened by that. By having Him as the center point of your marriage, you will grow closer together instead of drifting apart. Trust me, that drawing closer has happened so many times because He has redirected our thinking on Him instead of the things of this world.
I had a roommate in college, his name was Craig. Craig decided to ditch classes one day and go canoeing. So Craig left, grabbed a canoe, and set off for a quiet day on the lake. That day there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and almost no breeze, so the water was completely still. Letting the canoe come to rest in the middle of the lake, it dawned on him: it was after hours, and no other boats were out. So he did the only sensible thing. With an extra life jacket for his pillow, he nestled in for a short nap. An hour later, he woke up to voices. Somehow his canoe had beached along the shoreline of a camping area. Craig realized there was a current in the water and a breeze in the air he hadn’t sensed.
They’d caused him to drift, and he ended up somewhere he never intended to be.
Like that canoe, marriages often drift. There’s no obvious conflict or struggle, just subtle distractions that lull spouses asleep. Couples hardly notice they’re losing interest in one another until they end up somewhere they never intended to be.
Fortunately, there’s an easy solution. Be intentional about the path your relationship is taking and keep your eyes focused on the Lord. It may not take as much effort as you think, but these small course corrections can change your marriage.
Marriage is important and not to be taken lightly. I love my wife and thank God for her each and every day. I know that at some point in time she will be reading this today so, Emily Plemons, I love you and I thank God for not allowing us to drift and for always bringing us closer together.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Marriage: A Life's Journey!
Matthew 19:6
"Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."
_____________________________________________________________________
Traditional marriage vows include the phrase, “Till death do us part.” Unfortunately, these words have become something of a ceremonial cliché rather than a statement of deep commitment to God and another human being.
Travel through our country’s small towns, and you’ll likely come across an array of honorable folks who still seal their agreements with a handshake and who consider their word an unbreakable bond. In the business world, contracts are much more formal, of course, crafted with highly detailed legal jargon that reads like a foreign language. Whatever form these commitments take, the purpose has always been the same – to offer protection, not when everything is running smoothly, but when things fall apart.
Commitment is perhaps no more important than when it comes to marriage. It provides strength and stability when a relationship encounters challenges. Unfortunately, many couples take an opposite approach when things turn sour – they run, rather than digging in their heels when commitment requires it the most.
As a married man myself, it's important to invest in things that will strengthening your marriage, not tear them down. Trust me, I understand that relationships can encounter serious difficulties that are not easily resolved and I will admit, I am at fault most of the time (and that's hard for me to fess up to), but it's true.
In looking at our society, we have the highest rate of divorce in the world and it's evident that most marriages rush too quickly toward marriage break-up instead of diligently working to restore a relationship back to health.
Commitment is foundational to surviving conflict. It enables us to focus on honoring God and serves as the fuel for us to work through our struggles with persistence and determination. The next time you find yourself in a heated disagreement with your spouse, commit to drawing closer together instead of running away.
"Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."
_____________________________________________________________________
Traditional marriage vows include the phrase, “Till death do us part.” Unfortunately, these words have become something of a ceremonial cliché rather than a statement of deep commitment to God and another human being.
Travel through our country’s small towns, and you’ll likely come across an array of honorable folks who still seal their agreements with a handshake and who consider their word an unbreakable bond. In the business world, contracts are much more formal, of course, crafted with highly detailed legal jargon that reads like a foreign language. Whatever form these commitments take, the purpose has always been the same – to offer protection, not when everything is running smoothly, but when things fall apart.
Commitment is perhaps no more important than when it comes to marriage. It provides strength and stability when a relationship encounters challenges. Unfortunately, many couples take an opposite approach when things turn sour – they run, rather than digging in their heels when commitment requires it the most.
As a married man myself, it's important to invest in things that will strengthening your marriage, not tear them down. Trust me, I understand that relationships can encounter serious difficulties that are not easily resolved and I will admit, I am at fault most of the time (and that's hard for me to fess up to), but it's true.
In looking at our society, we have the highest rate of divorce in the world and it's evident that most marriages rush too quickly toward marriage break-up instead of diligently working to restore a relationship back to health.
Commitment is foundational to surviving conflict. It enables us to focus on honoring God and serves as the fuel for us to work through our struggles with persistence and determination. The next time you find yourself in a heated disagreement with your spouse, commit to drawing closer together instead of running away.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Simple or Change?
Proverbs 1:22
22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge. (NKJV)
22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge. (NKJV)
SAY WHAT? Simple folk do simple stuff all the time, but this way of living is wrong. After all, fools don't like to learn. Let's break this down.
Change. Whether it's at school this week, at home today, or how we act in private when we think no one is looking or listening, we all know we have some things in our lives we need to change. Solomon is trying to get what he calls "simple" people to change. Are you simple? Have you taken the easy way out of life, always doing what your peeps do without really applying yourself? Today that ends. Don't be like the simple ones, or like the mockers who mocked the religion, or like the fools (great word choice) who hate knowledge. Change, Change and take everything to the top level. Be true to God's ways, and get knowledge as you go.
So how do we live it out? Stop doing what is easy for you. Stop working beneath your potential. Stop following those fake friends that are supposed to be "What's Hot" because they don't do homework, they cut school, they watch the wrong things on TV late at night (You know). Be your own person and CHANGE.
Today I want to make this my prayer and I hope you will to. Lord, help me today to live my life at the right level. Help me do what I am supposed to do and not just get by on what is easy so I can fit in with friends and peers. God help me to change for real. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Friday, June 21, 2013
True stars
Today is a day of anticipation and yet a day of waiting upon The Lord. There are so many thing that are happening in my life at this point in time that are overwhelming but great at the same time. God has His hand over all of that no matter what I try to DO. What I have to learn is to rely on that more and more everyday and grow within Him through that reliance.
With new opportunities comes new responsibilities. The responsibility of spreading the Gospel is the most important, in my opinion. I pray that through Gods leading I can accomplish everything that He asks of me. I think about Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. God is going to be with me and give me the courage and strength to whatever is needed to accomplish His will.
I read in Daniel 12:3 that "Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.Many people try to be stars in the world of entertainment, only to find their stardom temporary. God tells us how we can be eternal "stars"-by being wise and leading many to God's righteousness. If we share our Lord with others, we can be true stars-radiantly beautiful in God's sight!
This path that God has me and my family on I pray is a path that continues to glorify Him. Preaching and teaching His word is one thing but living it is another. I hope that my life is an example to other of what The Lord Jesus Christ has done for me. Living it out and striving to please Him and not man is what we are here to do. Praise be to God!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
New Horizons
It has been a while since I have been on and posted anything. I have been, you could say, up to my ears in stuff. Life stuff, work stuff, kids stuff, stuff upon stuff. There has been a lot of things that have gotten me down and picked me up. Stretched me thin and lined me out. Throughout everything I have been trying to see Gods hand through the fog of stuff. I have prayed and prayed and I know that God has heard me but it is His answer to those prayers that sometimes and most of the times I miss. Either because I am in the way or I am letting other things drag me down.
I read today about Daniel. I thought that was pretty cool. Daniel 6:10 says, "10 but when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God." Daniel stood alone. Although he knew about the law against praying to anyone except the king, he continued to pray three times a day as he always had. Daniel had a disciplined prayer life. Our prayers are usually interrupted not by threats, but simply by the pressure of our schedules. Don't let threats or pressures cut into your prayer time. Pray regularly, no matter what, for prayer is your lifeline to God.
I have noticed that I have been doing the opposite of Daniel. I have been praying and praying but the interruptions just keep getting bigger and bigger and greater and greater. I haven't allowed God to fully take full reign of my prayer life....until a few weeks ago!
In the midst of all the running around and trying to seek out His will for my life, my family's life, I heard Him. God opened a door and showed me a way. Now this way is not 100% open but it's a way. Towards Him and towards His plan for our lives. I don't know what is going to happen or how things are going to play themselves out but I know that God is in control and that He is leading no matter what I try to do. The good part about all of this is, is that as I pray now I know that there is nothing getting in the way of that prayer. I don't the details and I don't know the ins and outs but I know that God has His hand upon my family and the new beginnings and new things on the horizon are going to be exciting. No matter what takes place I know that we are in His will and there is nothing or no one that can take me out of His plan. As long as I am following Him, leading my family in His direction, and seeking His face everything else will fall into place. As the scripture says, "33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matt. 6:33.
Praise be to God!
I read today about Daniel. I thought that was pretty cool. Daniel 6:10 says, "10 but when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God." Daniel stood alone. Although he knew about the law against praying to anyone except the king, he continued to pray three times a day as he always had. Daniel had a disciplined prayer life. Our prayers are usually interrupted not by threats, but simply by the pressure of our schedules. Don't let threats or pressures cut into your prayer time. Pray regularly, no matter what, for prayer is your lifeline to God.
I have noticed that I have been doing the opposite of Daniel. I have been praying and praying but the interruptions just keep getting bigger and bigger and greater and greater. I haven't allowed God to fully take full reign of my prayer life....until a few weeks ago!
In the midst of all the running around and trying to seek out His will for my life, my family's life, I heard Him. God opened a door and showed me a way. Now this way is not 100% open but it's a way. Towards Him and towards His plan for our lives. I don't know what is going to happen or how things are going to play themselves out but I know that God is in control and that He is leading no matter what I try to do. The good part about all of this is, is that as I pray now I know that there is nothing getting in the way of that prayer. I don't the details and I don't know the ins and outs but I know that God has His hand upon my family and the new beginnings and new things on the horizon are going to be exciting. No matter what takes place I know that we are in His will and there is nothing or no one that can take me out of His plan. As long as I am following Him, leading my family in His direction, and seeking His face everything else will fall into place. As the scripture says, "33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matt. 6:33.
Praise be to God!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Love and Kindness
We are seven days into May and this is my first entry for this month. I have been busy and bombarded with things left and right. Still, no excuses. I am excited about what has been happening in my life right now. Absolutely nothing. I know that sounds weird but I mean it in a good way.
God is moving in my life and right now and even though I may not see ever hand movement or every footstep of His I know that He is moving in my life. We are at a point right now where all my wife and kids and I can do is wait and rely on Him. Seeking His face and waiting on answers is hard for me because I like to have everything planned out. I have come to find out that when it comes to time and being related to making plans, it's all in God's timing. That is perfectly fine with me but it is hard because I want answers and direction.
Last night my family and I had a wonderful night. We went and rented a movie and popped some popcorn and had a wonderful movie night. The phones were put away and the lights were off and nothing but the family curled up on the floor enjoying each others company and watching a movie. That's something that though it seems simple to a lot of people, is very important to me and I know it is to my wife. Family time together. I want the best for my family and I only can have that if I allow God to lead our lives. Right now is a waiting game for us. Waiting on and seeking after Gods direction is where we are at. I need Him to show me where He would have me to serve and to be placed. I need Him to show me His will for my life ever clearer than He has before. The only way that is going to happen is if I am obedient to Him and His word.
I read Proverbs 3:3 this morning. Here is what it says. "3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart," This is good for me to hear because this reminds me that God is always going to be there for me no matter what. God's mercy is bestowed upon me and my family and that gives me strength. Trust that comes from the word of God empowers me as a believer in Jesus Christ to strive to be more like Him each and every day.
Love and kindness are important character qualities. Both involve actions as well as attitudes. A loving person not only feels love; he or she also acts loyally and responsibly. A kind person works for justice for others. Thoughts and words are not enough-our lives reveal whether we are truly loving and kind. Do your actions measure up to your attitudes? Just something simple but powerful to think about. Praise be to God!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Gods Plans
Well, I think I have done it again. I think that I have let my ideas, goals, and plans get in the way of what God has planned. I want so many things, not just for me, but for my wife and my kids. I want them to have things better than I did. I think this is the cry of every parent.
Now being on one income in the family is hard. I see what needs to be taken care of in terms of bills and expenses and I think, Lord how can I do this. But I realize that in that moment that's where I go wrong. I try to do everything in my own power and in my own way. Sometimes I forget that God is there wanting to bless me and take care of these thing but I just get in the way.
Today's reading was great because it spoke to what I needed to hear for the past month. I have said before that it is hard not being in a church serving Him in the way that I want. But the more and more I think about it, God can use me no matter where I am I just have to put away the pride and allow Him to use me. I do want to serve in a church again but it has to be in His timing. I do want to lead worship with my wife by my side, but it has to be in His timing not mine.
8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Every person dreams and makes plans for the future. Then they work hard to see those dreams and plans come true. But to make the most of life, we must include God's plan in our plans. He alone knows what is best for us; he alone can fulfill his purpose for us. As you make plans and dream dreams, talk with God about them.
God knows my inner most being and He knows that I want to serve Him. Now only in His timing will that occur. I want my wife and kids to be happy and stand along side me and work with me as we serve Him together, but that will only take place when God allows. My prayer is that I would seek His face and His will before I make a move. Praise be to God!
Now being on one income in the family is hard. I see what needs to be taken care of in terms of bills and expenses and I think, Lord how can I do this. But I realize that in that moment that's where I go wrong. I try to do everything in my own power and in my own way. Sometimes I forget that God is there wanting to bless me and take care of these thing but I just get in the way.
Today's reading was great because it spoke to what I needed to hear for the past month. I have said before that it is hard not being in a church serving Him in the way that I want. But the more and more I think about it, God can use me no matter where I am I just have to put away the pride and allow Him to use me. I do want to serve in a church again but it has to be in His timing. I do want to lead worship with my wife by my side, but it has to be in His timing not mine.
Psalm 138:8 (NKJV)
8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
The ESV states it like this:
8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Every person dreams and makes plans for the future. Then they work hard to see those dreams and plans come true. But to make the most of life, we must include God's plan in our plans. He alone knows what is best for us; he alone can fulfill his purpose for us. As you make plans and dream dreams, talk with God about them.
God knows my inner most being and He knows that I want to serve Him. Now only in His timing will that occur. I want my wife and kids to be happy and stand along side me and work with me as we serve Him together, but that will only take place when God allows. My prayer is that I would seek His face and His will before I make a move. Praise be to God!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Illumination
Have you ever had a situation in your life to where you are waiting on God to speak and you can't wait to hear His voice? My life is there right now. I want Gods will to be done in my life right now so bad that I can hardly stand it. I want, I need, I have to have...does anyone else see a problem with this situation right now besides me? Even though I want things to happen and to come about I need to focus on God and who He is and what He is about. His word will show me everything that I need to do, to be, and what to expect.
My son is growing up and his vocabulary is soaring. My daughter is growing and running a much and having a great time doing it. I want them to see the man that God has called me to be. I can only be that man if I am in His word and seeking His face. I don't want them to grow up not knowing who the Lord is let alone not seeing their mom and dad be an example for Christ. That is the most important thought I have in the back of my mind everyday. I just want to be an example for Christ to and in front of my children. I want to be an encourager and a spiritual leader to my wife. The only way that I can do that is focusing on and loving God and allowing Him to lead my life.
Todays bible reading was very encouraging. I have read it before and read it many time over. In all my reading of the passage I have just read right over the fullness of the truth that is packed in this verse.
Psalm 119:105
(New King James Version)
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
To walk safely in the woods at night we need a light so we don't trip over tree roots or fall into holes. In this life, we walk through a dark forest of evil. But the Bible can be our light to show us the way ahead so we won't stumble as we walk. It reveals the entangling roots of false values and philosophies. Study the Bible so you will be able to see your way clear enough to stay on the right path.
I pray this for me and my family everyday. I want our lives to be filled with Gods word and His spirit. Having Him lead our lives and directing my path is what I desire. Dear Lord, I do ask that you would allow me to seek your face through studying your word and fervently praying to you. I ask that you would align my wants and desires up with your wants and desires. Help me to honor you and glorify your name. Amen.
Praise be to God!
My son is growing up and his vocabulary is soaring. My daughter is growing and running a much and having a great time doing it. I want them to see the man that God has called me to be. I can only be that man if I am in His word and seeking His face. I don't want them to grow up not knowing who the Lord is let alone not seeing their mom and dad be an example for Christ. That is the most important thought I have in the back of my mind everyday. I just want to be an example for Christ to and in front of my children. I want to be an encourager and a spiritual leader to my wife. The only way that I can do that is focusing on and loving God and allowing Him to lead my life.
Todays bible reading was very encouraging. I have read it before and read it many time over. In all my reading of the passage I have just read right over the fullness of the truth that is packed in this verse.
Psalm 119:105
(New King James Version)
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
To walk safely in the woods at night we need a light so we don't trip over tree roots or fall into holes. In this life, we walk through a dark forest of evil. But the Bible can be our light to show us the way ahead so we won't stumble as we walk. It reveals the entangling roots of false values and philosophies. Study the Bible so you will be able to see your way clear enough to stay on the right path.
I pray this for me and my family everyday. I want our lives to be filled with Gods word and His spirit. Having Him lead our lives and directing my path is what I desire. Dear Lord, I do ask that you would allow me to seek your face through studying your word and fervently praying to you. I ask that you would align my wants and desires up with your wants and desires. Help me to honor you and glorify your name. Amen.
Praise be to God!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Making time useful
So I get up this morning and realize that I have not done my bible study in a few days. I noticed that I have done a lot of other things though. I have mowed the yard, taken a weekend trip, enjoyed time with the family, but have not done my quiet time. What's wrong with me and what's wrong with this picture? Time!
Distractions, and being busy, and staying on the move are just a few things that I have found that keeps,me from spending time with my Lord. I have noticed that if I don't have my quiet time with The Lord on a daily basis then I am worthless for that day and not useful to anyone. This past weekend was great and I loved every bit it. God allowed me to have this precious time with my family and I didn't even thank Him. Everything that I do and say and even feel, God directs me. My family, myself, but God most of all deserves better and I want to give them the best of who I am but I can't do that if I'm not in His word.
If I didn't have God in my life living in me I wouldn't know where I would be or what I would be doing. My wife is so supportive and caring and she keeps me on track when I mess up or say or do things that I shouldn't. She deserves the same in return. The same support, the same love, the same spiritual guidance and I pray that God uses me to be that for her. Also for my kids. I can't raise them in a Godly manner if I'm not seeking His face. In all that I have said thus far I mean that I can't do anything and be what I have been called to be if I am not in Gods word but also if I'm not giving God the time that He deserves and expects.
If I allow things to interfere with my walk with Him, whether it be work, hobbies, and yes, even family, then what good am I for Him and His kingdom. I love my family and I know they understand that God has to come first in all things. My time in His word is vital and if that is not given to Him on a daily basis then I'm not growing and I can't be there to help my family grow spiritually either.
This is what I read today.
Psalm 109:4 (NKJV)
4 In return for my love they are my accusers,But I give myself to prayer.
David was angry at being attacked by evil people who slandered him and lied. Yet David remained a friend and a man of prayer. While we must hate evil and work to overcome it, we must love everyone, including those who do evil, because God loves them. We are called to hate the sin, but love the person. Only through God's strength will we be able to follow David's example.
I want to have a heart that allows me to think on this principle even more. I want to love the sinner and hate the sin. I don't want to judge and be condemning. I want The Lord to direct my thoughts and allow Him to do the judging. If we get to the people instead of their sin then more would come to know Christ because we love them and not judge their sin. I pray that through being in Gods word and spending more and more time with Him that I can have a heart and the strength as David did. Praise be to God!
Distractions, and being busy, and staying on the move are just a few things that I have found that keeps,me from spending time with my Lord. I have noticed that if I don't have my quiet time with The Lord on a daily basis then I am worthless for that day and not useful to anyone. This past weekend was great and I loved every bit it. God allowed me to have this precious time with my family and I didn't even thank Him. Everything that I do and say and even feel, God directs me. My family, myself, but God most of all deserves better and I want to give them the best of who I am but I can't do that if I'm not in His word.
If I didn't have God in my life living in me I wouldn't know where I would be or what I would be doing. My wife is so supportive and caring and she keeps me on track when I mess up or say or do things that I shouldn't. She deserves the same in return. The same support, the same love, the same spiritual guidance and I pray that God uses me to be that for her. Also for my kids. I can't raise them in a Godly manner if I'm not seeking His face. In all that I have said thus far I mean that I can't do anything and be what I have been called to be if I am not in Gods word but also if I'm not giving God the time that He deserves and expects.
If I allow things to interfere with my walk with Him, whether it be work, hobbies, and yes, even family, then what good am I for Him and His kingdom. I love my family and I know they understand that God has to come first in all things. My time in His word is vital and if that is not given to Him on a daily basis then I'm not growing and I can't be there to help my family grow spiritually either.
This is what I read today.
Psalm 109:4 (NKJV)
4 In return for my love they are my accusers,But I give myself to prayer.
David was angry at being attacked by evil people who slandered him and lied. Yet David remained a friend and a man of prayer. While we must hate evil and work to overcome it, we must love everyone, including those who do evil, because God loves them. We are called to hate the sin, but love the person. Only through God's strength will we be able to follow David's example.
I want to have a heart that allows me to think on this principle even more. I want to love the sinner and hate the sin. I don't want to judge and be condemning. I want The Lord to direct my thoughts and allow Him to do the judging. If we get to the people instead of their sin then more would come to know Christ because we love them and not judge their sin. I pray that through being in Gods word and spending more and more time with Him that I can have a heart and the strength as David did. Praise be to God!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Take care
Dear readers. It has been a while since I have been on here. I apologize but I have been really busy. We have picked up at work and things are going good and we are making money. But that is just an excuse and I talked about excuses in one of my earlier post. I have been slacking and lazy and allowing other things to get in my way of my time with God. Lord, first and foremost I ask forgiveness from you, but also to others that may be reading my blogs, I ask for forgiveness from you as we'll.
I have always been told that if the devil can't get to you in specific areas in your life, he will keep you busy. Not to say that I have not been allowing The Lord to lead my life, I just haven't been very obedient in giving Him every aspect of my life. God is molding me and shaping me right now.
This is, I want to say, the first time that I have not led or been in a leadership position in a church in a long time. My heart and my soul and my make up of who I am screams out to serve God. I know that I don't have to be working in a church per say to serve God but that's what I love. I enjoy it and I love leading people and ushering the, into the thrown room of God. Do I miss it yeah. Do I know God has a plan for my life, yeah. Do I need to be patient and wait for God to lead me and my family, most definitely. During this time I know that He has me and my family in this transition phase to grow us and to prepare us for something great and wonderful.
Psalm 103:13-14 (NKJV)
13 As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
We are fragile, but God's care is eternal. Too often we focus on God as Judge and Lawgiver, ignoring his compassion and concern for us. When God examines our lives, he remembers our human condition. Our weakness should never be used as a justification for sin. His mercy takes everything into account. God will deal with you compassionately. Trust him.
I know that God is going to take care of me and take cars of my needs and my family's needs. I just have to trust in Him and allow Him to move on and in Him timing not mine. I pray that I can get out of the way and allow God to work His plan and His will in my life so that He gets all the glory. Praise be to God.
I have always been told that if the devil can't get to you in specific areas in your life, he will keep you busy. Not to say that I have not been allowing The Lord to lead my life, I just haven't been very obedient in giving Him every aspect of my life. God is molding me and shaping me right now.
This is, I want to say, the first time that I have not led or been in a leadership position in a church in a long time. My heart and my soul and my make up of who I am screams out to serve God. I know that I don't have to be working in a church per say to serve God but that's what I love. I enjoy it and I love leading people and ushering the, into the thrown room of God. Do I miss it yeah. Do I know God has a plan for my life, yeah. Do I need to be patient and wait for God to lead me and my family, most definitely. During this time I know that He has me and my family in this transition phase to grow us and to prepare us for something great and wonderful.
Psalm 103:13-14 (NKJV)
13 As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
We are fragile, but God's care is eternal. Too often we focus on God as Judge and Lawgiver, ignoring his compassion and concern for us. When God examines our lives, he remembers our human condition. Our weakness should never be used as a justification for sin. His mercy takes everything into account. God will deal with you compassionately. Trust him.
I know that God is going to take care of me and take cars of my needs and my family's needs. I just have to trust in Him and allow Him to move on and in Him timing not mine. I pray that I can get out of the way and allow God to work His plan and His will in my life so that He gets all the glory. Praise be to God.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Looking back
Psalm 77:11-12 (NKJV)
11 I will remember the works of the Lord;Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.
Memories of God's miracles and faithfulness sustained Israel through its difficulties. The Israelite s knew that God was capable and trustworthy. When you meet new trials, review how good God has been to you, and this will strengthen your faith.
Day after day I struggle with this very aspect of trusting in God. I get into the mindset of, "I can do it on my own". Which in fact I can not do anything on my own. It is God who gives me the strength that I need to accomplish whatever it is that is placed in front of me.
There have been numerous situations where something has been needed, or a bill has needed to be paid, or one of us has needed to go to the doctor because of a sickness. I can't tell you how many time God has provided for me and my family in ways that are beyond measure. Those bills that needed to be paid were taken care of, the doctor visit that needed to be made wasn't unnecessary because the illness went away, etc. God provides and He wants us to remember those things and tell other about them and about how great He is.
The testimonies of what God has done in our lives prove to be an example of the love and grace that God wants to give each and every one of us. God loves us so much that He will provide for us as long as we ask Him. And the cool thing is He will do the same even if we don't just to show us How big and awesome He is. God does what He chooses to do but He wants us to tell others of the things that He has done for us. God is great and wonderful and throughout my life He has blessed me when I didn't even deserve it. By remembering the things that God has done for you it helps you to rely on Him and His word even more knowing that He is in control and going to take care of you no matter what.
Matthew 6:26 says, "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" Praise God that He loves us so much. Praise be to God!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Reach Out with Love
Psalm 72:12-14 (NKJV)
12 For He will deliver the needy when he cries, The poor also, and him who has no helper. 13 He will spare the poor and needy, And will save the souls of the needy. 14 He will redeem their life from oppression and violence; And precious shall be their blood in His sight.
God cares for the needy, the afflicted, and the weak because they are precious to him. If God feels so strongly about these needy ones and loves them so deeply, how can we ignore their plight? Examine what you are doing to reach out with God's love. Are you ignoring their plight or are you meeting their needs?
Everyday on my my way to work I see the poor and homeless throughout the streets. I often ask myself, "How did they end up in the situation that they are in?" You here stories of people taking advantage of that type of situation and profiting from it. Some stand on the corners and beg for money and then they get into a nicer car than I drive. Now what's with that? I want God to use me and I want to be available for God to be able to use me. Regardless of what I think or what my emotions are doing, I want to do what God wants me to do, the Godly thing, in those kind of situations.
Proverbs 28:27 says, "27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses." (NKJV) I want to do what God asks of me and I want to be generous in my life when God blesses me in abundance. I may not have a lot of money but I pray that when I come across someone in need, I may be able to meet their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs. Praise be to God.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Persistance
Psalm 69:13 (NKJV)
13 But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, Hear me in the truth of Your salvation.
What problems David faced! He was scoffed at, mocked, insulted, humiliated, and made the object of citywide gossip. But still he prayed. When we are completely beaten down, we are tempted to turn from God, give up, and quit trusting him. When your situation seems hopeless, determine that no matter how bad things become you will continue to pray. God will hear your prayer, and he will rescue you. When others reject us, we need God most. Don't turn from your most faithful friend.
I pray and pray and sometimes it feels as if it's only when things are going bad. Most of the time it feels that way. There are other times that life is going according to His will, in my mind, and I still pray to God during these times. Prayer is so essential to our lives as Christians. I remember times throughout my marriage, my wife and I would talk about habits and things that would pull us away from God. She said many times, and it's true, that it only takes three times to become a habit and to get you out of your normal routine. Whether that be reading your bible, going to church, or even praying. We have to make prayer a consistent aspect in our lives no matter what is going on at the present time.
I find it hard sometimes in the morning to pray just for the simple fact that I am still waking up, I'm not 100% alert, or I am still tired. These sound like what they are, EXCUSES! God doesn't want excuses, He wants consistency and faithfulness and obedience. I do my best to push through those excuses and pray and the next thing I know I have spent 30 to 45 mins. in prayer. It's just doing it and being faithful to God and who He is. James 5:16 says, " 16 Confess your trespasses[a] to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (NKJV) I love this verse. It keeps ringing in my when I pray. I want to be that righteous man for God and I want my prayers to be effective.
There have been many situations in my family's life over the past year that has rocked us and shaken us to the core. Without God, I don't know where we would be, how we would have gotten through it, or even if our family would have survived. The reason I say this is because God is the one who holds us all together and He is the one that we can lean on and trust in in times of trial and tribulations. Why would we not want to pray to Him and praise Him and talk to Him and ask Him to hold us in His hands. God is there no matter what, all we have to do is speak and He is faithful to listen if we humble ourselves before Him. Praise be to God.
Monday, April 1, 2013
I stand in awe
Psalm 68:34-35
New King James Version (NKJV)
34 Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, And His strength is in the clouds.
35 O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!
Nature surrounds us with countless signs of God's wonderful power. His unlimited power and unspeakable majesty leave us breathless in his presence. How fortunate we are that God cares for us. When we consider all God has done for us, we should feel an overwhelming sense of awe as we kneel before the Lord in his sanctuary.
I seek the Lord every day and thank Him for what He has done and what He is going to do in my life. There are a lot of things that I take for granted on a daily basis. Things like the air I breathe, the food I eat, and even the shirt on my back. Even though these things don't seem that trivial and complex, God has allowed them to be. I wouldn't have anything if it weren't because of Him.
I even think of my wife and kids. Some days I go through the normal routine and I get to bed at night, and it doesn't even cross my mind if I have allowed God to use me to touch my own family's lives. God's power and might, His mercy and grace is there for me to use and He is waiting on me to acknowledge Him and seek it out in my own life. As I look into each of my kids eyes, as crazy as they can be at time, I am blown away that God has formed this person, this little being and has entrusted me to and my wife to take care of them. God is in control of what goes on but He has allowed Emily and I to be apart of these children's lives and watch over them and to teach them about who He is and what He did for us. Wow. I have to stop and think, that is a big responsibility. And then I have to stop and think, "God am I able to do this and to do it well and according to how You want me to do it?" As I think of these questions God gives me the answers right away. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct[a] your paths."
I am thankful that God's power and might reaches far beyond anything that I could ever understand. That way it make me rely on Him and His word and guidance more than my own. I am thankful again for my wife and kids and everything that God has blessed me with and I do, as the scripture says, feel and get an overwhelming sense of awe in the presence of the Lord. My family and I were watching Louie Giglio and he was talking about the universe and How God made it so big. Louie said that in studying the stars and the galaxies that it gives you a sense of feeling small. Well He is right. The sense of feeling small is, I think, on purpose because God wanted us to see how great and majestic and powerful He is. This small feeling is a good thing because we then understand that God is the center and we are not and we need to serve Him instead of ourselves. Praise be to God.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Praise
Psalm 61:8 NKJV/NIV
| New King James Version (NKJV) |
New International Version (NIV)
8 Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day.
In my daily life I have found that no matter what kind of situation I am in, that I am in it for a reason. I have always believed and been taught that God has a reason for everything. No matter how hard or how easy something may seem, God is in control. The bible says that He is the author and finisher of our faith. God created all is in all. So why would we not want to praise Him.
Today is a day that some people look over and other praise. This is the day that our Lord and Savior was tried and mocked and beaten and placed on and nailed to a cross to die for you and me. Why? Did we deserve it? No! We deserved death period. Did He deserve it? No! He die for us because He loved us and He wanted to spend eternity with us and He knew that if He didn't die in our place we would still be in sin and there would be no way to the Father. But through His sacrifice and by taking our penalty He created a way through the Son to the Father. This day is a sad day but also a glorious day because if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you know that He didn't stay in the grave but on the third day He rose from the dead and conquered death. Amen!
That is why we can praise Him in all types of situations. We know that this life here on earth is just a mere vapor, a mere blink of an eye compared to eternity and we have that to look forward to. I do my best to praise God each and everyday for the things that He has done for me and the things that He has blessed me with. I am unworthy but because of what He did on the cross and what He did in my heart I am overjoyed to be called a child of God. Praise be to God.
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