Gratitude is a necessity in our relationship God. Unfortunately Being grateful is unnatural. Gratitude creates a happy life style and a health outlook. Ungratefulness is really a by product of dissatisfaction and lacking contentment. So how do we put on gratitude in our lives? You have to start simple! Breath, life, nature, all the beautiful things that God has created for you!
Psalms 19
David had the right perspective of who he was and who God is and how he fit in Gods creation. David was grateful and praise God. David was grateful for Gods word which allowed him to be grateful for the other things in his life! Look at the ways that David described Gods word! If your grateful for the word you read it, study it, and live it! David was also grateful for forgiveness. When you realize your forgiven it is easy to forgive others and gratefulness comes easy. When you know your forgiven your life changes. Nothing can rob you of joy!
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Sunday, November 26, 2017
The man with gratitude!
The man with gratitude!
Luke 17:11-19
Nine men obeyed Jesus and went away. They were not bad men. They were obedient and went an showed them selves to the priest. The samaritan was exceptional and the only one who came back and said thank you! To Jesus, gratitude was note worthy and worth talking about. The story's main theme is not about Jesus healing power but about the one man that came back and was grateful!
Romans 1:24-31
The man that has gone head long into the world and given themselves over to every sin the world has to offer. How does someone become like that? How do they get there? Romans 1:21-23
It begins with an unwillingness to be thankful for God! Lack of gratitude for God leads to a road of destruction that you may not be able to return from!
Gratitude is not just an act of courtesy but a necessary action that we must have in our hearts to have a relationship with God.
Why is it so hard to be grateful?
We allow ourselves to be the center of our universe. We think we deserve instead of thinking we do not deserve. When we come to expect something we no longer give thanks for it. How grateful can you be when you think you deserve everything?
How can we be more grateful? You open your eyes and see what God has done in your life. You focus on the blessings you have and not on the stuff you do not have!
Make a list of all the things that God has given you and see how it changes your perspective! Make a list of all the things you are thankful for on something and you will be grateful! Look at that list often and you'll stop focusing on all the things you do not have. We have so much to be grateful for!
Luke 17:19 why would Jesus say this to the one guy that came back? Did the other nine not get healed? Jesus says you don't just get a physical healing you get a spiritual one as well! The samaritans gratitude healed and made him well spiritually!
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Luke 17:11-19
Nine men obeyed Jesus and went away. They were not bad men. They were obedient and went an showed them selves to the priest. The samaritan was exceptional and the only one who came back and said thank you! To Jesus, gratitude was note worthy and worth talking about. The story's main theme is not about Jesus healing power but about the one man that came back and was grateful!
Romans 1:24-31
The man that has gone head long into the world and given themselves over to every sin the world has to offer. How does someone become like that? How do they get there? Romans 1:21-23
It begins with an unwillingness to be thankful for God! Lack of gratitude for God leads to a road of destruction that you may not be able to return from!
Gratitude is not just an act of courtesy but a necessary action that we must have in our hearts to have a relationship with God.
Why is it so hard to be grateful?
We allow ourselves to be the center of our universe. We think we deserve instead of thinking we do not deserve. When we come to expect something we no longer give thanks for it. How grateful can you be when you think you deserve everything?
How can we be more grateful? You open your eyes and see what God has done in your life. You focus on the blessings you have and not on the stuff you do not have!
Make a list of all the things that God has given you and see how it changes your perspective! Make a list of all the things you are thankful for on something and you will be grateful! Look at that list often and you'll stop focusing on all the things you do not have. We have so much to be grateful for!
Luke 17:19 why would Jesus say this to the one guy that came back? Did the other nine not get healed? Jesus says you don't just get a physical healing you get a spiritual one as well! The samaritans gratitude healed and made him well spiritually!
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Sunday, November 5, 2017
Making every effort!
Making every effort!
What is it to make every effort? What goes into "making every effort"?
Ephesians 4:1-3
Why did Paul say keep the unity? Is unity natural? It takes a constant effort to be unified! In order to have unity we must be prisoners of the Lord. Think about that? In prison you don't call the shots. You eat when they says it's time to eat, you sleep when they say you can sleep...etc.
What is your biggest struggle? Patience, humility, gentleness? What efforts are you making to overcome that struggle? What is God calling you to make more effort in?
Jesus is the reason we are unified! Jesus is the complete example of patience, humility, and gentleness. Unity provides a strength that you can provide on your own.
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What is it to make every effort? What goes into "making every effort"?
Ephesians 4:1-3
Why did Paul say keep the unity? Is unity natural? It takes a constant effort to be unified! In order to have unity we must be prisoners of the Lord. Think about that? In prison you don't call the shots. You eat when they says it's time to eat, you sleep when they say you can sleep...etc.
What is your biggest struggle? Patience, humility, gentleness? What efforts are you making to overcome that struggle? What is God calling you to make more effort in?
Jesus is the reason we are unified! Jesus is the complete example of patience, humility, and gentleness. Unity provides a strength that you can provide on your own.
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Saturday, November 4, 2017
The Church Building
The Church Building
Throughout the bible God has had special places of worship and special places of significance that gave a physical presence for God! For example, Genesis 26:16-18, Exodus 3:4-5. God is everywhere and yet some places are considered holy ground. There a places where you can go and feel the presences of God more freely, or a place where thousands of people chose to repent before you! Leviticus 16:3, 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Luke 17:20-21 Jesus recognized that God was not a physical being that is trapped in one location or another but that is all omnipotent! Even though God built holy places several times. Unlike God we do live in a physical word and God knows the importance of the visual and physical world and what how it matters to us.
Psalms 16:1-8 "a miktam" which basically means a treasure or a jewel. Several psalms are denoted as a miktam and this is one of the. Why? It's a beautiful song and poem that expresses David's heart! God is David's refuge! Two things that stand out. "Part from you I have nothing" and "in who is all my delight". David wrote these verses in very tough times when he was persecuted and facing death everyday!
Apart from God nothing is good! How is this be true for you? Many things are good but without God we view them as not as good! We value God above everything and having God makes any circumstances good. Apart from God we should not want any good thing!
What do you most delight in about God? Do you delight in the things that God delights in? Do you delight in Gods people? Do you look at the church, the bride of Christ, and delight in it or do you view the church with skepticism or criticism in your heart?
Learn to love what God loves!
Psalms 16:9-11, Acts 2:29-33 David traditional,y was not a prophet and yet because of the out poring of emotion to God and the great-full heart that David had for God and what he had done for him; David prophesied about the coming of Jesus.
Sent from my iPhone
Throughout the bible God has had special places of worship and special places of significance that gave a physical presence for God! For example, Genesis 26:16-18, Exodus 3:4-5. God is everywhere and yet some places are considered holy ground. There a places where you can go and feel the presences of God more freely, or a place where thousands of people chose to repent before you! Leviticus 16:3, 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Luke 17:20-21 Jesus recognized that God was not a physical being that is trapped in one location or another but that is all omnipotent! Even though God built holy places several times. Unlike God we do live in a physical word and God knows the importance of the visual and physical world and what how it matters to us.
Psalms 16:1-8 "a miktam" which basically means a treasure or a jewel. Several psalms are denoted as a miktam and this is one of the. Why? It's a beautiful song and poem that expresses David's heart! God is David's refuge! Two things that stand out. "Part from you I have nothing" and "in who is all my delight". David wrote these verses in very tough times when he was persecuted and facing death everyday!
Apart from God nothing is good! How is this be true for you? Many things are good but without God we view them as not as good! We value God above everything and having God makes any circumstances good. Apart from God we should not want any good thing!
What do you most delight in about God? Do you delight in the things that God delights in? Do you delight in Gods people? Do you look at the church, the bride of Christ, and delight in it or do you view the church with skepticism or criticism in your heart?
Learn to love what God loves!
Psalms 16:9-11, Acts 2:29-33 David traditional,y was not a prophet and yet because of the out poring of emotion to God and the great-full heart that David had for God and what he had done for him; David prophesied about the coming of Jesus.
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Monday, October 30, 2017
All In!
All In!
All in for Jesus because he was "all in" for us! How do we hold back? Do we just follow the rules or pour out our hearts? Are we giving up everything or holding on to a few things? Being all in means everything is about Jesus and he is Lord of all!
Luke 9:23 how are we at carrying our cross daily? It is a privilege to carry our cross and participate with Jesus in his sacrifice!
This is only a test. Genesis 22:1-2;12-16 God test us at time to see whether we are "all in" or not! Abraham was blessed without measure because he was proven to be "all in"! God uses these test to refine our faith. To make us stronger. To prepare us for future challenges...etc
What do you find your security in? That is your test. That is your Isaac and until you are willing to put it on the altar you will never be "All In"!
How many years have you been a Christian? How many years of growth have you had or have you repeated the same year over and over again multiple times without growing? Being "all in" leads to growth. If God did not test us we would not have a testimony. Testimonies are powerful because we are tested and through Jesus we prevail and pass the test!
2 Kings 19:19-21 Elisha had no plan B. He said good by to his old life and was fully committed to following Elijah. Are you "all In"? What do you need to sacrifice and burn? Retreat is not an option when you are "all in". Turning back is not an option.
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All in for Jesus because he was "all in" for us! How do we hold back? Do we just follow the rules or pour out our hearts? Are we giving up everything or holding on to a few things? Being all in means everything is about Jesus and he is Lord of all!
Luke 9:23 how are we at carrying our cross daily? It is a privilege to carry our cross and participate with Jesus in his sacrifice!
This is only a test. Genesis 22:1-2;12-16 God test us at time to see whether we are "all in" or not! Abraham was blessed without measure because he was proven to be "all in"! God uses these test to refine our faith. To make us stronger. To prepare us for future challenges...etc
What do you find your security in? That is your test. That is your Isaac and until you are willing to put it on the altar you will never be "All In"!
How many years have you been a Christian? How many years of growth have you had or have you repeated the same year over and over again multiple times without growing? Being "all in" leads to growth. If God did not test us we would not have a testimony. Testimonies are powerful because we are tested and through Jesus we prevail and pass the test!
2 Kings 19:19-21 Elisha had no plan B. He said good by to his old life and was fully committed to following Elijah. Are you "all In"? What do you need to sacrifice and burn? Retreat is not an option when you are "all in". Turning back is not an option.
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The Church Building
The Church Building
Throughout the bible God has had special places of worship and special places of significance that gave a physical presence for God! For example, Genesis 26:16-18, Exodus 3:4-5. God is everywhere and yet some places are considered holy ground. There a places where you can go and feel the presences of God more freely, or a place where thousands of people chose to repent before you! Leviticus 16:3, 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Luke 17:20-21 Jesus recognized that God was not a physical being that is trapped in one location or another but that is all omnipotent! Even though God built holy places several times. Unlike God we do live in a physical word and God knows the importance of the visual and physical world and what how it matters to us.
Psalms 16:1-8 "a miktam" which basically means a treasure or a jewel. Several psalms are denoted as a miktam and this is one of the. Why? It's a beautiful song and poem that expresses David's heart! God is David's refuge! Two things that stand out. "Part from you I have nothing" and "in who is all my delight". David wrote these verses in very tough times when he was persecuted and facing death everyday!
Apart from God nothing is good! How is this be true for you? Many things are good but without God we view them as not as good! We value God above everything and having God makes any circumstances good. Apart from God we should not want any good thing!
What do you most delight in about God? Do you delight in the things that God delights in? Do you delight in Gods people? Do you look at the church, the bride of Christ, and delight in it or do you view the church with skepticism or criticism in your heart?
Learn to love what God loves!
Psalms 16:9-11, Acts 2:29-33 David traditional,y was not a prophet and yet because of the out poring of emotion to God and the great-full heart that David had for God and what he had done for him; David prophesied about the coming of Jesus.
Sent from my iPhone
Throughout the bible God has had special places of worship and special places of significance that gave a physical presence for God! For example, Genesis 26:16-18, Exodus 3:4-5. God is everywhere and yet some places are considered holy ground. There a places where you can go and feel the presences of God more freely, or a place where thousands of people chose to repent before you! Leviticus 16:3, 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Luke 17:20-21 Jesus recognized that God was not a physical being that is trapped in one location or another but that is all omnipotent! Even though God built holy places several times. Unlike God we do live in a physical word and God knows the importance of the visual and physical world and what how it matters to us.
Psalms 16:1-8 "a miktam" which basically means a treasure or a jewel. Several psalms are denoted as a miktam and this is one of the. Why? It's a beautiful song and poem that expresses David's heart! God is David's refuge! Two things that stand out. "Part from you I have nothing" and "in who is all my delight". David wrote these verses in very tough times when he was persecuted and facing death everyday!
Apart from God nothing is good! How is this be true for you? Many things are good but without God we view them as not as good! We value God above everything and having God makes any circumstances good. Apart from God we should not want any good thing!
What do you most delight in about God? Do you delight in the things that God delights in? Do you delight in Gods people? Do you look at the church, the bride of Christ, and delight in it or do you view the church with skepticism or criticism in your heart?
Learn to love what God loves!
Psalms 16:9-11, Acts 2:29-33 David traditional,y was not a prophet and yet because of the out poring of emotion to God and the great-full heart that David had for God and what he had done for him; David prophesied about the coming of Jesus.
Sent from my iPhone
Sunday, October 15, 2017
I believe in God, but...not the christian God
I believe in God, but...not the christian God
Why would someone have this question? It starts with who is God? If God isn't a being with emotions like joy and pain then all paths can equally lead to him. A God like that cannot have a personal interest in your life. God is not just an entity.
Exodus 34:6-7 God is a being. A being that can be described. Full of passion and zeal. Full of emotion!
Romans 12:2 God posses a will. He has desires and a will that he wants done. Our world tries to mold into something that does not please God. The world presses in on us and intends to mold us into a pattern that goes against Gods will! The world wants us to think like it does. To solve problems the way the world does.
When you love God with all your heart you love the truth! John 14:6 we don't get to define what truth is. God did it already! We cannot define what love is either! 1 John 5:3. We don't get to define God by the pre eland thought of the day! James 1:17
Jesus is different! Jesus is not like any other prophet or religion. He is not just a good moral teacher! He is either a lunatic or he is what he says he is, the son of God! You don't claim to be the son of God and not either be true or a mad man.
When Gods plan was revealed to man without a parable and presented without mystery, mans reaction was to oppose it! Man could not have made up a story like this. It goes against our nature. To have an all powerful God who would chose to save is by suffering and i.e. ing for us. It makes no sense to man! Matthew 16:21-22 John 3:16
Grace and mercy are unique to Christianity. Every other man made religion has some element of good out weighing bad because that is how we think. When you do good you fill good about yourself and when you do something bad you feel unworthy. Grace and mercy says something different! Ephesians 2:8-9; Psalms 32:1-2; Romans 4:7-8
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Why would someone have this question? It starts with who is God? If God isn't a being with emotions like joy and pain then all paths can equally lead to him. A God like that cannot have a personal interest in your life. God is not just an entity.
Exodus 34:6-7 God is a being. A being that can be described. Full of passion and zeal. Full of emotion!
Romans 12:2 God posses a will. He has desires and a will that he wants done. Our world tries to mold into something that does not please God. The world presses in on us and intends to mold us into a pattern that goes against Gods will! The world wants us to think like it does. To solve problems the way the world does.
When you love God with all your heart you love the truth! John 14:6 we don't get to define what truth is. God did it already! We cannot define what love is either! 1 John 5:3. We don't get to define God by the pre eland thought of the day! James 1:17
Jesus is different! Jesus is not like any other prophet or religion. He is not just a good moral teacher! He is either a lunatic or he is what he says he is, the son of God! You don't claim to be the son of God and not either be true or a mad man.
When Gods plan was revealed to man without a parable and presented without mystery, mans reaction was to oppose it! Man could not have made up a story like this. It goes against our nature. To have an all powerful God who would chose to save is by suffering and i.e. ing for us. It makes no sense to man! Matthew 16:21-22 John 3:16
Grace and mercy are unique to Christianity. Every other man made religion has some element of good out weighing bad because that is how we think. When you do good you fill good about yourself and when you do something bad you feel unworthy. Grace and mercy says something different! Ephesians 2:8-9; Psalms 32:1-2; Romans 4:7-8
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Saturday, October 14, 2017
James 1:19-21
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you."
James 1:19-21 NIV
- Quick to listen and slow to speak! This goes against our very nature. We want to be heard and we worry that our point of view will over looked. We quarrel and fight because we refuse to take the time to listen.
- Slow to speak and slow to become angry! The more we refuse to listen and the more we speak the more we become angry. Controlling your temper starts with making a decision to listen and showing restraint when we want to speak! When we reach the point of anger it does not matter what we have said our point is lost!
- Our motivation should be to please God and we cannot please him with pride and anger in our hearts! Human anger only produces unrighteous behavior that opposes God. God desire humility.
- Humility is an effective tool for helping communication! Humility comes when we chose to get rid of the things that keep us from being righteous. Moral filth and evil desires will always lead to selfishness and pride. Moral filth and evil desires are all around us and apart of everyday life. We have to reject consciously reject them and replace them with the word of God!
- Left to our selves we are destined to be prideful angry people who never listen and are unable to please God! We can only be saved through Gods word! Being quick to listen starts with first listening to Gods word and humbly accepting his Word! Gods word = Salvation!
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James 1:19-21 NIV
- Quick to listen and slow to speak! This goes against our very nature. We want to be heard and we worry that our point of view will over looked. We quarrel and fight because we refuse to take the time to listen.
- Slow to speak and slow to become angry! The more we refuse to listen and the more we speak the more we become angry. Controlling your temper starts with making a decision to listen and showing restraint when we want to speak! When we reach the point of anger it does not matter what we have said our point is lost!
- Our motivation should be to please God and we cannot please him with pride and anger in our hearts! Human anger only produces unrighteous behavior that opposes God. God desire humility.
- Humility is an effective tool for helping communication! Humility comes when we chose to get rid of the things that keep us from being righteous. Moral filth and evil desires will always lead to selfishness and pride. Moral filth and evil desires are all around us and apart of everyday life. We have to reject consciously reject them and replace them with the word of God!
- Left to our selves we are destined to be prideful angry people who never listen and are unable to please God! We can only be saved through Gods word! Being quick to listen starts with first listening to Gods word and humbly accepting his Word! Gods word = Salvation!
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Wednesday, October 11, 2017
I Believe in God but...does he believe in me?
I Believe in God but...does he believe in me?
Does a big giant God believe in someone as small as me? Sometimes we question God in those terms based on the vast creation that he has created. How can a God who has existed for eternity and spans over an entire universe be interested or even notice us individually. Why would a God who all powerful and unmeasurable care about me?
Reasons we come up with...God doesn't believe in me because he is angry at my sin.
Genesis 4:2-8 God corrects Cain and Cain does not like to be corrected. Cain is left with a feeling of not being beloved in because God corrected him and God rejected his offering. To God correction is not a big thing and he does not respond in anger. To us correction is a bad thing and we respond with anger.
Reasons...God doesn't believe in me because I don't really matter to him. This is true in the world. Our world teaches us that unless your important you don't matter.
Judges 6:11-16
Gideon beloved that God was the God of Israel but had a hard time believing that God was also the God of Gideon. He had a hard time seeing that God beloved in him!
Reasons...God doesn't believe in me because I make too many mistakes. We believe that Gods patience with us runs out. There is truth to that and we will all be judged at some point; however we try to limit God patience to human limitations. Our patience runs out very quickly. Gods patience with us is beyond our understanding!
Luke 5:8-11 Peter felt like this. He recognized how bad he was in sight of God. He got over it and believed that God believed in him. Peter made many mistakes. Some small and some really big mistakes. Even betraying Jesus to his face and yet God forgave and restored their relationship. God gave Peter the keys to the kingdom!
John 21:2-3 Jesus showed Peter that even after you betrayed in Him and denied him that he still believes in you. Even after you make the biggest mistake in your life God still believes in you. And when you make a bigger mistake after that, God still believes in you!
Satan works so hard to convince us otherwise! But God works even harder to show us how much he believes in us!
Romans 5:6!
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Does a big giant God believe in someone as small as me? Sometimes we question God in those terms based on the vast creation that he has created. How can a God who has existed for eternity and spans over an entire universe be interested or even notice us individually. Why would a God who all powerful and unmeasurable care about me?
Reasons we come up with...God doesn't believe in me because he is angry at my sin.
Genesis 4:2-8 God corrects Cain and Cain does not like to be corrected. Cain is left with a feeling of not being beloved in because God corrected him and God rejected his offering. To God correction is not a big thing and he does not respond in anger. To us correction is a bad thing and we respond with anger.
Reasons...God doesn't believe in me because I don't really matter to him. This is true in the world. Our world teaches us that unless your important you don't matter.
Judges 6:11-16
Gideon beloved that God was the God of Israel but had a hard time believing that God was also the God of Gideon. He had a hard time seeing that God beloved in him!
Reasons...God doesn't believe in me because I make too many mistakes. We believe that Gods patience with us runs out. There is truth to that and we will all be judged at some point; however we try to limit God patience to human limitations. Our patience runs out very quickly. Gods patience with us is beyond our understanding!
Luke 5:8-11 Peter felt like this. He recognized how bad he was in sight of God. He got over it and believed that God believed in him. Peter made many mistakes. Some small and some really big mistakes. Even betraying Jesus to his face and yet God forgave and restored their relationship. God gave Peter the keys to the kingdom!
John 21:2-3 Jesus showed Peter that even after you betrayed in Him and denied him that he still believes in you. Even after you make the biggest mistake in your life God still believes in you. And when you make a bigger mistake after that, God still believes in you!
Satan works so hard to convince us otherwise! But God works even harder to show us how much he believes in us!
Romans 5:6!
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Righteous Men
The letters from Paul to Timothy were basically about how to be a righteous young man and lead Gods people and being a man in His church.
2 Timothy 2:14-15
Why is it important that we remind and warn each other? Because we forget. We need to be reminded that God is faithful, sin has consequences and many other things that keep us from being what God calls us to be! Paul charged Timothy to present himself as one approved by God and who correctly handles the truth! What does being a Workman mean? Much more than just a worker. A workman is a skilled laborer who has been trained and has become skilled in his trade.
How do you need to be more of a workman (learning and training) before you are presented to God as one approved? Skilled in Gods word. In leading my family. In avoiding the pitfalls of life. In humility. In loving unconditional...etc
Correctly handling the word of truth is for filled in several parts. Knowing the scripture, applying it to your own life and teaching it to others!
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2 Timothy 2:14-15
Why is it important that we remind and warn each other? Because we forget. We need to be reminded that God is faithful, sin has consequences and many other things that keep us from being what God calls us to be! Paul charged Timothy to present himself as one approved by God and who correctly handles the truth! What does being a Workman mean? Much more than just a worker. A workman is a skilled laborer who has been trained and has become skilled in his trade.
How do you need to be more of a workman (learning and training) before you are presented to God as one approved? Skilled in Gods word. In leading my family. In avoiding the pitfalls of life. In humility. In loving unconditional...etc
Correctly handling the word of truth is for filled in several parts. Knowing the scripture, applying it to your own life and teaching it to others!
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Friday, September 29, 2017
Matthew 11:28-30
""Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.""
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
- Life is so draining! Everyday can be filled with so much drama, worry, endless struggles, and countless burdens.
- Jesus wants us to cast all our troubles into him. He wants to be the source of our relief! He wants to give us rest!
- Jesus understands our struggles. He has experienced them first hand!
- We all wear a yoke. We have a choice each morning to choose which yoke we want to wear!
- The yoke of the world is heavy with sin and produce only regret. The yoke that Jesus provides is light and easy to manage. God does not give us more than we can handle. The world will unload on you and crush you.
- True rest, rest for your soul is only found in Jesus. We chase after many things to find rest and nothing of this world can truly satisfy us.
- Jesus is not going to force his yoke on us. We have to chose to pick it up. We have to let down the yoke of guilt and sin and pick up the yoke of Christ. You can't carry both.
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Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
- Life is so draining! Everyday can be filled with so much drama, worry, endless struggles, and countless burdens.
- Jesus wants us to cast all our troubles into him. He wants to be the source of our relief! He wants to give us rest!
- Jesus understands our struggles. He has experienced them first hand!
- We all wear a yoke. We have a choice each morning to choose which yoke we want to wear!
- The yoke of the world is heavy with sin and produce only regret. The yoke that Jesus provides is light and easy to manage. God does not give us more than we can handle. The world will unload on you and crush you.
- True rest, rest for your soul is only found in Jesus. We chase after many things to find rest and nothing of this world can truly satisfy us.
- Jesus is not going to force his yoke on us. We have to chose to pick it up. We have to let down the yoke of guilt and sin and pick up the yoke of Christ. You can't carry both.
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Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Psalms 46:1-11
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
Psalm 46:1-11
- Hymns of praise, celebrating deliverance from some great foe.
- Who or what are you battling without God? What great foe do you need rescuing from? We must turn to God for deliverance!
- Psalmist says that even if the world ends, we need not fear. In the face of utter destruction, God has the ability to save us.
- God is our refuge even in the face of total destruction. God is our eternal refuge and will provide strength.
- Never abandon your walk with God. Remember what God has done and have faith in what he will do!
-Be still and know that God is in control. He will fight the battle for us. Through his strength we will find victory!
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Psalm 46:1-11
- Hymns of praise, celebrating deliverance from some great foe.
- Who or what are you battling without God? What great foe do you need rescuing from? We must turn to God for deliverance!
- Psalmist says that even if the world ends, we need not fear. In the face of utter destruction, God has the ability to save us.
- God is our refuge even in the face of total destruction. God is our eternal refuge and will provide strength.
- Never abandon your walk with God. Remember what God has done and have faith in what he will do!
-Be still and know that God is in control. He will fight the battle for us. Through his strength we will find victory!
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Sunday, September 24, 2017
I believe in God but...not organized religion!
I believe in God but...not organized religion!
Our world loves the idea of community. Team building and team work is a focal point in corporate America. As a society we work together and believe in community on a number of things. Our recognizes that working together is a good thing. God values community and team work as well which is why he created his church! Sadly organized religion is not valued in the same way. Church is frowned upon by many and membership levels all over the country are declining!
Why do people reject organized religion? For one they are just against church in general. Why? Too often many churches have not been what God intended. People get hurt by the hypocrisy and division in most church's today! As a result people have given up on the idea of church! More harm than good has been done in the name of religion. Church has become more like a business than a house of God!
Why do people reject organized religion? Secondly, some are in favor of a solo relationship with God. A personal relationship with God is a good thing. But our relationship with God was never meant to be complete independent. 1 John 4:20. Solo Christianity means you pick the parts of Christianity you like and discard what you don't like. You determine your own theology and become your own moral campus.
Why did Jesus embrace organized religion? All he new was communal relationships with God and man. Community is fundamental to who God is. The trinity is a great example of this! We are desperately made in His image! Life in Jesus day was community. Prayer was done together. Scriptures were read in the synagogues and read together. Confession and repentance was public. They ate together and worshiped together!
Everything in the way Jesus lived was communal. His ministry and his teachings displayed a sense of community. How often do you pray and read with other people? Jesus rejected everyone of the flaws in religion. The corruption, legalism, hypocrisy, and bigotry! Jesus embrace the church that God intended!
1 Corinthians 12 -- the church is meant to be like a body! 1 Timothy 3:15 the church was intended to be a body but was also intended to be a family! Family is a beautify thing but families can be broken. The same with church. A house full of broken sinners coming together in the image of God! Jesus intended the church to be a family. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 what did Jesus intend the church to be? Ambassadors of Jesus. Reconciler's who work together to help other people reconcile with God!
Unity, sacrifice, love for one another...etc are not even possible without God and without community!
Sent from my iPad
Our world loves the idea of community. Team building and team work is a focal point in corporate America. As a society we work together and believe in community on a number of things. Our recognizes that working together is a good thing. God values community and team work as well which is why he created his church! Sadly organized religion is not valued in the same way. Church is frowned upon by many and membership levels all over the country are declining!
Why do people reject organized religion? For one they are just against church in general. Why? Too often many churches have not been what God intended. People get hurt by the hypocrisy and division in most church's today! As a result people have given up on the idea of church! More harm than good has been done in the name of religion. Church has become more like a business than a house of God!
Why do people reject organized religion? Secondly, some are in favor of a solo relationship with God. A personal relationship with God is a good thing. But our relationship with God was never meant to be complete independent. 1 John 4:20. Solo Christianity means you pick the parts of Christianity you like and discard what you don't like. You determine your own theology and become your own moral campus.
Why did Jesus embrace organized religion? All he new was communal relationships with God and man. Community is fundamental to who God is. The trinity is a great example of this! We are desperately made in His image! Life in Jesus day was community. Prayer was done together. Scriptures were read in the synagogues and read together. Confession and repentance was public. They ate together and worshiped together!
Everything in the way Jesus lived was communal. His ministry and his teachings displayed a sense of community. How often do you pray and read with other people? Jesus rejected everyone of the flaws in religion. The corruption, legalism, hypocrisy, and bigotry! Jesus embrace the church that God intended!
1 Corinthians 12 -- the church is meant to be like a body! 1 Timothy 3:15 the church was intended to be a body but was also intended to be a family! Family is a beautify thing but families can be broken. The same with church. A house full of broken sinners coming together in the image of God! Jesus intended the church to be a family. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 what did Jesus intend the church to be? Ambassadors of Jesus. Reconciler's who work together to help other people reconcile with God!
Unity, sacrifice, love for one another...etc are not even possible without God and without community!
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Luke 12:4-7
"I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
Luke 12:4-7 NASB
* There is no fear in death when you know where you are going. Trusting in God and being confident in your faith can lead a man to face any hardship or pain without fear.
* God cares for you! God is never too busy or he never has too many concerns. He cares about the little details in your life and his focus is on you and his will is to deliver you!
* When we realize how much we are worth to God and understand what he has in store for us, we can conquer any problem and face any challenge. Life and death only have meaning through God!
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Luke 12:4-7 NASB
* There is no fear in death when you know where you are going. Trusting in God and being confident in your faith can lead a man to face any hardship or pain without fear.
* God cares for you! God is never too busy or he never has too many concerns. He cares about the little details in your life and his focus is on you and his will is to deliver you!
* When we realize how much we are worth to God and understand what he has in store for us, we can conquer any problem and face any challenge. Life and death only have meaning through God!
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Thursday, September 21, 2017
1 Peter 1:3-4
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,"
1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV
1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV
- We were born destined for destruction. We were born hopeless. Praise God for Jesus! We don't deserve anything and yet through his mercy he has giving us the chance to rewrite our destiny!
- Reborn! Start over! Begin again! What have you be reborn into? What new life have you been given through Jesus? There should be noticeable change. From one being to another completely different being.
- There is power in Jesus's resurrection! The power to save and heal! Jesus conquered death and was raised to a new life. His death has enabled us to live a new life as well. We too must die. We must let go of our old self and die to our sinful nature and be raised to a new life with Christ!
- Our reward can never spoil nor fade and is everlasting. Nothing on earth can compare to what God has in store for us. God is waiting in heaven and longs to see us face to face! What mind can fathom the great riches that God has prepared for us in heaven? Any struggle, hardship or pain we may face on earth is a worthy price to pay for eternity with God!
Saturday, September 16, 2017
John 14:21
"Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.""
John 14:21 NIV
- Just like in any relationship love is so much more than a feeling. It's the same with God. He doesn't just want us to have feelings of affection. He wants the type of love that compels us to be obedient!
- Our relationship with God is reciprocal. He initiated the love by offering his Son. We in return love God back by offering our selves as a sacrifice.
- There is a chain reaction. We accept Jesus and love him and in return we receive a relationship with God. Everything starts with Jesus. We cannot claim to love God and not love Jesus.
- Jesus will reveal himself to us more and more overtime as we love him and love God the way he calls us too!
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John 14:21 NIV
- Just like in any relationship love is so much more than a feeling. It's the same with God. He doesn't just want us to have feelings of affection. He wants the type of love that compels us to be obedient!
- Our relationship with God is reciprocal. He initiated the love by offering his Son. We in return love God back by offering our selves as a sacrifice.
- There is a chain reaction. We accept Jesus and love him and in return we receive a relationship with God. Everything starts with Jesus. We cannot claim to love God and not love Jesus.
- Jesus will reveal himself to us more and more overtime as we love him and love God the way he calls us too!
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Monday, September 11, 2017
Communion
Communion
1 Corinthians 11:23-34
Do this in remembrance of me! We remember Jesus every week. We reflect on Christ sacrifice and we are looking forward to Jesus return! Communion is mor than a memorial. We must examine our selves! We reflect on the cross and make decision to change the areas in our lives that do not represent Jesus! Communion is the focal point of our worship service to God!
John 6:53-58
Unless we acknowledge Jesus death our religion is worthless. With out the cross we the message of Jesus is worthless. Participating in communion is participating in Jesus death. Eternal life is only found in Jesus and in His death!
1 Corinthians 11:27-32
We eat and drink judgement on our selves when we take communion in an unworthy manner. Communion is a time for us to repent. Taking communion with no intention of repenting is taking communion in an unworthy manner! This why we are able to take communion with glad and sincere hearts!
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1 Corinthians 11:23-34
Do this in remembrance of me! We remember Jesus every week. We reflect on Christ sacrifice and we are looking forward to Jesus return! Communion is mor than a memorial. We must examine our selves! We reflect on the cross and make decision to change the areas in our lives that do not represent Jesus! Communion is the focal point of our worship service to God!
John 6:53-58
Unless we acknowledge Jesus death our religion is worthless. With out the cross we the message of Jesus is worthless. Participating in communion is participating in Jesus death. Eternal life is only found in Jesus and in His death!
1 Corinthians 11:27-32
We eat and drink judgement on our selves when we take communion in an unworthy manner. Communion is a time for us to repent. Taking communion with no intention of repenting is taking communion in an unworthy manner! This why we are able to take communion with glad and sincere hearts!
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Friday, September 8, 2017
2 Kings 5:10-14
2 Kings 5:10-14
10 But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: "Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy."
11 But Naaman became angry and stalked away. "I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!" he said. "I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me!12 Aren't the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn't I wash in them and be healed?" So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.
13 But his officers tried to reason with him and said, "Sir,[a] if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn't you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, 'Go and wash and be cured!'" 14 So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed!
- Go wash in the Jordan seven times. Seems simple enough. When we have complex or hard to understand problems we think we need complex and hard solutions. That is never the case with God.
- Naaman was angry for a few reasons. He though the Jordan river was beneath him. The Jordan river is where peasants bathed. He also lacked faith that such an easy task would have a miraculous affect.
- Elisha could have chosen any rive. Elisha could have just said you are healed without any requirements. God used Elisha in the exact way he wanted and Naaman had to surrender to Gods will in order to be saved.
- The act of dipping in the Jordan river did not save him. Submitting to God saved him.
- This could also be Gods way of foreshadowing the baptism of salvation. The similarities are amazing. The act of getting baptized does not save you. Submitting to Gods will through accepting Jesus as Lord and getting baptized because God calls you to is what brings you into contact with the blood of Jesus.
- Naaman was not just healed. He was renewed. He came out of the Jordan better than he was before his desease!
- What has God been calling you to do to be healed that you have refused to submit to? Surrender to Gods will and allow true healing to take over your life!
Finding God in the Journey.
Finding God in the Journey.
Moses lived in a broken world, much like the broken world we live in today! There is a lot we can learn from the life of Moses. The Jews lifted Moses above the rest of the prophets and considered him the be the father of prophets. The Books of Moses are viewed to be superior to all the other books in the bible. What was Moses life like that made him into this man that was honored and loved for thousands of generations?
As Moses lived his life and went through the circumstances that he encountered he grew closer and closer to God!
Moses was born! Exodus 1:22 from the start his life was met with resistance! Exodus 2:1-10 Moses was Gods and intervened in his life the moment he was born! Same with us. God has intervened so many times in my life! The consequences of sins are harsh on children. Yet even in a horrible situation God delivered him and saved him at the same time he perfected his plan for Moses life!
Moses was born a Hebrew and raised in an Egyptian house. Which identity would Moses chose? Who are you? What identity have you adopted? The best way to answer "who are you" is to ask "whose are you". We are all Gods children and belong to him!
Hebrews 11:24-26 Moses refused to be defined by his upbringing and he refused to be defined by this world. Moses chose the life of a slave rather than a life of of comfort. Too many of us try to be a child of God and. Child of the world all at the same time! MosEs chose to not be apart of this world!
We need to understand our identity.
Exodus 2:11-15 Moses must have thought that closing Egyptian doors would lead to Hebrew doors opening for him and yet he was left without either! Moses wants to be accepted but ends up being rejected by both. In the end Moses chose an identity by looking ahead. He found his true identity in God!
Moses doesn't just chose God and then everything becomes easy. When you chose God, Satan goes on the attack. As soon as you chose God you become an enemy of Satan! Ephesians 6:12 we are in a spiritual battle. When we chose God we enter a spiritual war! Satan wants to convince us that our battle is with each other and against flesh and blood!
Ephesians 6:10-11 the faster we get our armor on the faster God is able to use us! It took Moses 40years in Median before he put on the Armor of God and was ready for battle! How long will it take you to put on your armor?
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Moses lived in a broken world, much like the broken world we live in today! There is a lot we can learn from the life of Moses. The Jews lifted Moses above the rest of the prophets and considered him the be the father of prophets. The Books of Moses are viewed to be superior to all the other books in the bible. What was Moses life like that made him into this man that was honored and loved for thousands of generations?
As Moses lived his life and went through the circumstances that he encountered he grew closer and closer to God!
Moses was born! Exodus 1:22 from the start his life was met with resistance! Exodus 2:1-10 Moses was Gods and intervened in his life the moment he was born! Same with us. God has intervened so many times in my life! The consequences of sins are harsh on children. Yet even in a horrible situation God delivered him and saved him at the same time he perfected his plan for Moses life!
Moses was born a Hebrew and raised in an Egyptian house. Which identity would Moses chose? Who are you? What identity have you adopted? The best way to answer "who are you" is to ask "whose are you". We are all Gods children and belong to him!
Hebrews 11:24-26 Moses refused to be defined by his upbringing and he refused to be defined by this world. Moses chose the life of a slave rather than a life of of comfort. Too many of us try to be a child of God and. Child of the world all at the same time! MosEs chose to not be apart of this world!
We need to understand our identity.
Exodus 2:11-15 Moses must have thought that closing Egyptian doors would lead to Hebrew doors opening for him and yet he was left without either! Moses wants to be accepted but ends up being rejected by both. In the end Moses chose an identity by looking ahead. He found his true identity in God!
Moses doesn't just chose God and then everything becomes easy. When you chose God, Satan goes on the attack. As soon as you chose God you become an enemy of Satan! Ephesians 6:12 we are in a spiritual battle. When we chose God we enter a spiritual war! Satan wants to convince us that our battle is with each other and against flesh and blood!
Ephesians 6:10-11 the faster we get our armor on the faster God is able to use us! It took Moses 40years in Median before he put on the Armor of God and was ready for battle! How long will it take you to put on your armor?
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The Storm is Passing Over
The Storm is Passing Over
Matthew 24:38-49
Natural disasters that happen all of a sudden help us to realize that everything is temporary. It foreshadows to what will come spiritually for those who do it God!
In Jesus day 1/2 of all children died before they lived to be 10yrs old. 1/3 would die before they turned 1yr old. When life is that harsh it is a constant reminder of how fragile and temporary our lives are.
Priorities change during life or death events. Things that don't matter fall to the back and we become focused on the most important things.
We are all made in the same image of the same God. In tragedy we come together and all forms of racism seem to disappear. Gods true power is displayed in humanity when we come together and are united in helping and serving each other.
Tragedy brings us clarity. Living each day as your last is not just a cliche but a very wise proverb. God expects us to live a focused life ready for Jesus return!
Luke 9:23
It is a daily struggle. What sins do I need to die to again? It's a daily decision that God calls us to make!
Luke 9:22 -- Jesus carried his cross everyday! He is not asking us to do anything that he has not done himself.
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Matthew 24:38-49
Natural disasters that happen all of a sudden help us to realize that everything is temporary. It foreshadows to what will come spiritually for those who do it God!
In Jesus day 1/2 of all children died before they lived to be 10yrs old. 1/3 would die before they turned 1yr old. When life is that harsh it is a constant reminder of how fragile and temporary our lives are.
Priorities change during life or death events. Things that don't matter fall to the back and we become focused on the most important things.
We are all made in the same image of the same God. In tragedy we come together and all forms of racism seem to disappear. Gods true power is displayed in humanity when we come together and are united in helping and serving each other.
Tragedy brings us clarity. Living each day as your last is not just a cliche but a very wise proverb. God expects us to live a focused life ready for Jesus return!
Luke 9:23
It is a daily struggle. What sins do I need to die to again? It's a daily decision that God calls us to make!
Luke 9:22 -- Jesus carried his cross everyday! He is not asking us to do anything that he has not done himself.
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Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Hebrews 11:6
"And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."
Hebrews 11:6
Hebrews 11:6
- My lack of faith keeps me from pleasing God. If I can't believe in God with out doubt and have faith in him then who am I serving?
- Intellectual belief is not faith. Faith causes action. Faith without deeds is dead. Faith in God is trusting in his power and entrusting ourselves to His will and His justice.
- You can be a good person and do good things and not be pleasing to God. You must believe in him and have faith in him.
- Believing that he rewards those who seek him seems simple; however, this reward is not material things here on earth. When tragedy strikes and the struggle becomes real; how do you respond? Do you blame God or do you keep your faith that your reward is in heaven and God will keep his promises?
- Seeking God is the key. Its a daily, hourly and even sometimes an minute by minute decision. Who are you seeking? What are you seeking? Where is your time and money invested?
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Matthew 6:19-21
19 "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
- We are natural hoarders. We naturally seek security in material wealth. No matter how much we have, we desire more and more stuff.
- God wants us to focus on our treasures in heaven. Heaven is a place waiting for us that is filled with things of real value. Complete paradise. No sin, no pain, no struggle, just the holiness of God and the opportunity for us to see him face to face!
- The things of this world were not meant to last. We were not meant to live forever and yet we try to hold on to life and material things as though they were meant to satisfy us in some way. They do satisfy us temporarily but God provides true happiness and complete satisfaction.
- When we put our treasures in heaven our hearts follow. We cannot have a heart for God and a heart for the things of this world. You must choose!
- Where are you storing your treasures? Where is your heart?
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Isaiah 43:1-4
Isaiah 43:1-4
But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom;
I gave Ethiopia[a] and Seba in your place.
4 Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom;
I gave Ethiopia[a] and Seba in your place.
4 Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you.
- When you have paid for something and own it you tend to take care of it. We are Gods possession and he paid a heavy price for each one of us.
- When he speaks we should listen and trust in his motives and believe his intentions.
- We will not be spared from troubling times. It say "when" and not "if" you go through deep waters, difficult rivers, and walk through fires.
- Although God allows us to go through tough times, God loves to deliver us. He loves to show his power and great love for us.
- God will not allow us to drown or be consumed by the fire. We can trust in God that he will not give us more than we can bear and will always be there for us.
- Vs 3-4 is past tense. Remember in years past how God delivered you. Look back see what God has done in your life and how he has spared you. Use those truths in your life to help build your faith going forward. God has proven time and time again that he will not forsake us.
- We are precious to God and honored in his sight. We must never forget that. Satan wants us to devalue ourselves but we must not allow him to convince us that we are not precious in Gods sight. Remember that you were bought and paid for with precious blood of Jesus.
- Regardless what happens in your life from that day forward you are blessed with salvation! Praise God!
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Romans 7:1-5
Romans 7:1-5
7 Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? 2 For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. 3 So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.
4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh,[a] the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
- Laws are a good until they are broken. The Old Testament laws were very cumbersome and the religious leaders put many extra burdens on the people as well.
- What a relief to know that God has done away with the legalism of the law and has provided grace and mercy through Jesus.
- I no longer have to live in fear of breaking the law. My motives to serve and love God are based in Jesus and not on trying to be perfect which is I am unable to do.
- What a burden that has been lifted!
- The law is still right and just but God has provided a new way for me to live out his laws without being condemned for one infraction.
- Under the law we are able to only produce fruit that leads to death.
- By serving in "the new way of the spirit" I am free from the law and free to bear spiritual fruit for God.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Hebrews 2:10-11
Hebrews 2:10-11
10 God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.
11 So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.
- God has chosen us as his children. His intention is to bring us into his glory to one day be with him.
- We cannot approach God the way we are. We need to be refined. Refined the way silver and gold are refined. Through the fire to remove all the impurities in our lives.
- Jesus was molded by God into the savior of the world by his suffering. How do I view suffering? Do I see it the way God intended it? As a tool to mold and refine my character so that I can be more like him.
- Jesus as my brother or sister. Think about that statement. Jesus is God and at the same time the Son of God. Jesus is the ultimate example of humility. By lowering himself to become human and also elevating us to the status of his equals by calling us brothers and sisters, He has set the ultimate example of humility
- Jesus is not ashamed of who we are. Are you ashamed of who Jesus is? Does your life profess Jesus as Lord? He is our savior and one true king and the whole world should hear his praise coming from our lips!
Repentance and supplication
Repentance and supplication
Repentance: sincere regret or remorse.
Supplication: the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or HUMBLY.
Luke 11:4 forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
God free forgives and yet he wants us to ask for forgiveness.
Vs 4 When we confess through prayer and ask for forgiveness it clears our hearts and sets our minds for action.
Vs 4 When you see and acknowledge how sinful you are it's easier to forgive others when they sin against you.
Let's focus our hearts and our minds towards repenting in the areas we need to grow and forgiving our brothers and sister around us as we pray...amen!
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Repentance: sincere regret or remorse.
Supplication: the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or HUMBLY.
Luke 11:4 forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
God free forgives and yet he wants us to ask for forgiveness.
Vs 4 When we confess through prayer and ask for forgiveness it clears our hearts and sets our minds for action.
Vs 4 When you see and acknowledge how sinful you are it's easier to forgive others when they sin against you.
Let's focus our hearts and our minds towards repenting in the areas we need to grow and forgiving our brothers and sister around us as we pray...amen!
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Friday, August 18, 2017
1 John 3:1-6
1 John 3:1-6
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. 6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.
- Children of God! As sinful as we are God still considers us his children. When a prince knows he is a prince he holds his head up high. He walks in confidence because he is the Kings son. Similarly we have received authority from the Almighty God and are heirs to His throne! As God's children we too should walk in confidence and appreciate what it truly means to call God father and to have him call us his sons and daughters!
- The world will never acknowledge us as God's children and that is okay. We are not seekers of the worlds approval. We live to honor and please God and knowing him calls us to give up our life of sin.
- We are trapped in our earthly bodies; however, there is coming a time when Jesus will return and we will be transformed into our true state. We should work to purify our selves and die to sin in the hope that we can be like Jesus here and now.
- By nature we are law breakers and sinners who have no hope of change. Through Jesus we are able to die to sin and live for him. In Jesus there is no condemnation for sin. Although we must strive to live pure lives and let go of our sinful desires, where we fall short, Jesus rescues us.
- Sin pulls us away from Jesus and keeps us from knowing God. This is why it is so important that we stay honest with ourselves about sin in our lives and confess to one another so that we can be held accountable and truly repent.
- What sins have been pulling you back into the world that you need to confess and repent of today?
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Romans 6:6-12
Romans 6:6-12
We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
12 Do not let sin control the way you live;[a] do not give in to sinful desires.
- Being crucified with Christ is a necessary step to your conversion. In order to live with Christ we must first die to our selves and die to the sins that have trapped us our entire lives. What sins have you been a slave to? What sins have controlled you for far too long? Put them to death!
- When we partake in Jesus's death and decide to crucify our selves and our sinful desires there is no power left in sin. Sin has no control over us.
- Living with Christ does not mean we are sin free. It means that we are no longer slaves to sin. There is a difference. When you are a slave to something you have no self control. You go where it wants you to go. You react the way it wants you to react. Being set free in Christ means sin no longer has that power over you.
- The fear of death is no longer a concern for someone who is alive in Christ. We know where we are going and what is waiting for us on the other side. When we were lost and filled with sin, death was an uncertain nightmare. Jesus has conquered death and has given us the power to conquer it as well!
- Jesus died once and for all. Jesus death was all inclusive and his resurrection gives us confidence to know that some day we will be with him in glory! The power of the resurrection has been passed on to us.
- Just as Jesus lives for the glory of God we too must lay down our lives and set aside our earthly desires and live for the glory of God in all that we do.
- Sinful desires will always remaining; however, the power to overcome and not be in slaved by them has been given to us! Praise God for providing the way of our redemption!
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Isaiah 9:6-7
Isaiah 9:6-7
"A child will be born to us. A son will be given to us. He will rule over us. And he will be called Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God. He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever and Prince Who Brings Peace. The authority of his rule will continue to grow. The peace he brings will never end. He will rule on David's throne and over his kingdom. He will make the kingdom strong and secure. His rule will be based on what is fair and right. It will last forever. The Lord's great love will make sure that happens. He rules over all."
Jesus was a gift from God given to all mankind!
God gave Jesus all authority and he rules over us. It's time to step off your throne and acknowledged Jesus as Lord! There can only be one King and Jesus is the perfect King who brings peace and rules out of love, grace and mercy!
His kingdom and authority will continue to grow and his dominion will never end. He brings everlasting peace and sets our hearts free from bondage! Jesus is worthy of our worship. There never has been or never will be a King like him before! His lineage is strong and his throne is undeniable! He is the rightful King and we should surrender our all to him!
Jesus is fair and just! He doesn't show favoritism or partiality! His love and mercy are free given and offered to all with out reservation!
His kingdom will be strong and secure. Fortified and built to last eternity! You can be secure in knowing the Jesus will never leave you and will always be there to protect you and defend you in times of trouble!
"A child will be born to us. A son will be given to us. He will rule over us. And he will be called Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God. He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever and Prince Who Brings Peace. The authority of his rule will continue to grow. The peace he brings will never end. He will rule on David's throne and over his kingdom. He will make the kingdom strong and secure. His rule will be based on what is fair and right. It will last forever. The Lord's great love will make sure that happens. He rules over all."
Jesus was a gift from God given to all mankind!
God gave Jesus all authority and he rules over us. It's time to step off your throne and acknowledged Jesus as Lord! There can only be one King and Jesus is the perfect King who brings peace and rules out of love, grace and mercy!
His kingdom and authority will continue to grow and his dominion will never end. He brings everlasting peace and sets our hearts free from bondage! Jesus is worthy of our worship. There never has been or never will be a King like him before! His lineage is strong and his throne is undeniable! He is the rightful King and we should surrender our all to him!
Jesus is fair and just! He doesn't show favoritism or partiality! His love and mercy are free given and offered to all with out reservation!
His kingdom will be strong and secure. Fortified and built to last eternity! You can be secure in knowing the Jesus will never leave you and will always be there to protect you and defend you in times of trouble!
Monday, August 14, 2017
Hebrews 9:12-14
Hebrews 9:12-14
12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
- The high priest could not enter the Holy of Holies without first cleansing himself. Jesus the ultimate high priest did not need to to do anything to enter the most holy place (Gods presence). Through his blood and sacrifice we too may enter freely.
- What freedom we have in Christ to commune with God directly and have a relationship with Him that is unencumbered. Freely we are able to go to God at any time and he will listen to us and accept us in his presence because of the blood of Jesus that makes us clean!
- Through Jesus, God released the requirements of the law and has allowed us to better serve God.
- As a priest, serving God consisted of many rituals that took a lot of time and effort just to be clean so that God could be near them.
- With all those rituals lifted and with Jesus's once and for all sacrifice; how much more time do we have to truly serve God in ways that directly impact the people around us.
- We can go to God in prayer immediately, serve God through loving our neighbor, carrying each others burdens, calling one another to righteousness, and holding each other accountable.
- This is now our acts of worship! Praise God and praise Jesus for making this all possible
- How am I spending my time?
- In what ways can I use the time and freedom that God has given me to serve him more?
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Sermon on the mount
Sermon on the mount
Matthew 7:28-29
When Jesus spoke there was power and authority behind it. It was his words and his commands. He was speaking for himself and God at the same time! When Jesus preached he also talked about what was relevant for the day. Jesus did not hide from any topic!
What are relevant topics for today? Jesus did not hide from any topics or social issue of the day. He also talked about things that were not on the minds of his listeners but were needed in their lives!
Jesus talked about Gods law in ways that were relevant to their day
Matthew 5:17-48
Jesus speaks to some of the Jews most well known commands. He speaks on topics that they had debated for centuries! He cleared up all the misconceptions and contradictions of the day! Jesus connected gods law to the hearts of men.
Jesus never treated Gods law like a list of rules! Our nature desires rules and we love break things down into a list of rules. We hate following rules but we love to enforce rules on other people. Jesus showed them gods heart behind each law.
When you look at the heart behind a law it advocates for grace! When you just make a list of rules there is no place for grace!
Jesus did not replace the law with conscience. The law is not a loose set of guidelines that are directed by your conscience. Jesus came to for fill the law. "Always let your conscience be your guide" was never Jesus intention! The law is the law and should be followed. Jesus said that he would not remove one pen stroke from the law. A clean conscience means nothing when your in disobedience to Gods word. Your conscience is not the moral authority of the world!
Jesus addressed the heart with out changing the law. He took the law to a deeper level of commitment. Jesus freed us from the law so that there is nothing holding us back. So that we could give everything, be freed from guilt, and love with the right intentions, without a check list. How do you view Gods law? Are just a set of guidelines or do you look at it as a tool to reveal and shape your heart?
Sent from my iPad
Matthew 7:28-29
When Jesus spoke there was power and authority behind it. It was his words and his commands. He was speaking for himself and God at the same time! When Jesus preached he also talked about what was relevant for the day. Jesus did not hide from any topic!
What are relevant topics for today? Jesus did not hide from any topics or social issue of the day. He also talked about things that were not on the minds of his listeners but were needed in their lives!
Jesus talked about Gods law in ways that were relevant to their day
Matthew 5:17-48
Jesus speaks to some of the Jews most well known commands. He speaks on topics that they had debated for centuries! He cleared up all the misconceptions and contradictions of the day! Jesus connected gods law to the hearts of men.
Jesus never treated Gods law like a list of rules! Our nature desires rules and we love break things down into a list of rules. We hate following rules but we love to enforce rules on other people. Jesus showed them gods heart behind each law.
When you look at the heart behind a law it advocates for grace! When you just make a list of rules there is no place for grace!
Jesus did not replace the law with conscience. The law is not a loose set of guidelines that are directed by your conscience. Jesus came to for fill the law. "Always let your conscience be your guide" was never Jesus intention! The law is the law and should be followed. Jesus said that he would not remove one pen stroke from the law. A clean conscience means nothing when your in disobedience to Gods word. Your conscience is not the moral authority of the world!
Jesus addressed the heart with out changing the law. He took the law to a deeper level of commitment. Jesus freed us from the law so that there is nothing holding us back. So that we could give everything, be freed from guilt, and love with the right intentions, without a check list. How do you view Gods law? Are just a set of guidelines or do you look at it as a tool to reveal and shape your heart?
Sent from my iPad
Best sermon every -- Sermon on the mount!
Best sermon every -- Sermon on the mount!
Matthew 7:28-29
It was not just Jesus words that made it the best sermon ever. It was his life behind those words that set him apart. He talked about real issues of the day that were current and relevant. Jesus spoke on the law and connected the actions of the law with what God wanted to produce in our hearts! He defined Gods intent with the law!
Jesus talked about salvation and who would be saved! Jesus's salvation was a new concept for the Jews. Prior to Jesus teaching the only way to obtain salvation was to be born a Jew. Jesus opened salvation to the entire world.
Matthew 7:13-14
Salvation was opened up to the entire world and yet only a few will find salvation. There is only one road or another. Many of us don't intentionally turn off the road to salvation but many of us make a 1 degree turn that is barely noticeable. 1 degree off of flush over 10 years becomes a 90 degree turn. Either your on the path or not. There is no alternate route regardless of how close you are to the path.
Matthew 12:33
There is no need to argue or speculate who is on the rights path or not. By their fruit you will know who is a disciple of Jesus and who is not! Your can argue doctrine but you cannot argue a changed life that has been impacted by Jesus! If your bearing bad fruit you are not apart of the good tree! That's a hard teaching to accept.
Matthew 7:21-22
Not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will be saved! Jesus is Lord is the most powerful statement we can make and yet just saying it will not bring salvation. Many people who are religious are not going to make it. Been religious is not Gods standard.
Matthew 7:24-25
Everyone who puts these words of mine into practice will be saved! Words that lead to action! The Jews were know for knowing Gods word and yet many of them had hearts and actions that were far from it! We have to be willing to put every word into practice. This should be our life long goal as a disciple of Jesus!
It's not about how good of a builder you are, it's about what you are building on! What is your foundation? What are you building your house on? Life is going to happen no matter what you build on. Building on the rock does not keep you from facing trials and hardships, but it will give you the foundation to whether any storm!
Sent from my iPad
Matthew 7:28-29
It was not just Jesus words that made it the best sermon ever. It was his life behind those words that set him apart. He talked about real issues of the day that were current and relevant. Jesus spoke on the law and connected the actions of the law with what God wanted to produce in our hearts! He defined Gods intent with the law!
Jesus talked about salvation and who would be saved! Jesus's salvation was a new concept for the Jews. Prior to Jesus teaching the only way to obtain salvation was to be born a Jew. Jesus opened salvation to the entire world.
Matthew 7:13-14
Salvation was opened up to the entire world and yet only a few will find salvation. There is only one road or another. Many of us don't intentionally turn off the road to salvation but many of us make a 1 degree turn that is barely noticeable. 1 degree off of flush over 10 years becomes a 90 degree turn. Either your on the path or not. There is no alternate route regardless of how close you are to the path.
Matthew 12:33
There is no need to argue or speculate who is on the rights path or not. By their fruit you will know who is a disciple of Jesus and who is not! Your can argue doctrine but you cannot argue a changed life that has been impacted by Jesus! If your bearing bad fruit you are not apart of the good tree! That's a hard teaching to accept.
Matthew 7:21-22
Not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will be saved! Jesus is Lord is the most powerful statement we can make and yet just saying it will not bring salvation. Many people who are religious are not going to make it. Been religious is not Gods standard.
Matthew 7:24-25
Everyone who puts these words of mine into practice will be saved! Words that lead to action! The Jews were know for knowing Gods word and yet many of them had hearts and actions that were far from it! We have to be willing to put every word into practice. This should be our life long goal as a disciple of Jesus!
It's not about how good of a builder you are, it's about what you are building on! What is your foundation? What are you building your house on? Life is going to happen no matter what you build on. Building on the rock does not keep you from facing trials and hardships, but it will give you the foundation to whether any storm!
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Repentance and supplication
Repentance and supplication
Repentance: sincere regret or remorse.
Supplication: the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or HUMBLY.
Luke 11:4 forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
God free forgives and yet he wants us to ask for forgiveness.
Vs 4 When we confess through prayer and ask for forgiveness it clears our hearts and sets our minds for action.
Vs 4 When you see and acknowledge how sinful you are it's easier to forgive others when they sin against you.
Let's focus our hearts and our minds towards repenting in the areas we need to grow and forgiving our brothers and sister around us as we pray...amen!
Sent from my iPhone
Repentance: sincere regret or remorse.
Supplication: the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or HUMBLY.
Luke 11:4 forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
God free forgives and yet he wants us to ask for forgiveness.
Vs 4 When we confess through prayer and ask for forgiveness it clears our hearts and sets our minds for action.
Vs 4 When you see and acknowledge how sinful you are it's easier to forgive others when they sin against you.
Let's focus our hearts and our minds towards repenting in the areas we need to grow and forgiving our brothers and sister around us as we pray...amen!
Sent from my iPhone
Sermon on the mount
Sermon on the mount
Matthew 7:28-29
When Jesus spoke there was power and authority behind it. It was his words and his commands. He was speaking for himself and God at the same time! When Jesus preached he also talked about what was relevant for the day. Jesus did not hide from any topic!
What are relevant topics for today? Jesus did not hide from any topics or social issue of the day. He also talked about things that were not on the minds of his listeners but were needed in their lives!
Jesus talked about Gods law in ways that were relevant to their day
Matthew 5:17-48
Jesus speaks to some of the Jews most well known commands. He speaks on topics that they had debated for centuries! He cleared up all the misconceptions and contradictions of the day! Jesus connected gods law to the hearts of men.
Jesus never treated Gods law like a list of rules! Our nature desires rules and we love break things down into a list of rules. We hate following rules but we love to enforce rules on other people. Jesus showed them gods heart behind each law.
When you look at the heart behind a law it advocates for grace! When you just make a list of rules there is no place for grace!
Jesus did not replace the law with conscience. The law is not a loose set of guidelines that are directed by your conscience. Jesus came to for fill the law. "Always let your conscience be your guide" was never Jesus intention! The law is the law and should be followed. Jesus said that he would not remove one pen stroke from the law. A clean conscience means nothing when your in disobedience to Gods word. Your conscience is not the moral authority of the world!
Jesus addressed the heart with out changing the law. He took the law to a deeper level of commitment. Jesus freed us from the law so that there is nothing holding us back. So that we could give everything, be freed from guilt, and love with the right intentions, without a check list. How do you view Gods law? Are just a set of guidelines or do you look at it as a tool to reveal and shape your heart?
Sent from my iPhone
Matthew 7:28-29
When Jesus spoke there was power and authority behind it. It was his words and his commands. He was speaking for himself and God at the same time! When Jesus preached he also talked about what was relevant for the day. Jesus did not hide from any topic!
What are relevant topics for today? Jesus did not hide from any topics or social issue of the day. He also talked about things that were not on the minds of his listeners but were needed in their lives!
Jesus talked about Gods law in ways that were relevant to their day
Matthew 5:17-48
Jesus speaks to some of the Jews most well known commands. He speaks on topics that they had debated for centuries! He cleared up all the misconceptions and contradictions of the day! Jesus connected gods law to the hearts of men.
Jesus never treated Gods law like a list of rules! Our nature desires rules and we love break things down into a list of rules. We hate following rules but we love to enforce rules on other people. Jesus showed them gods heart behind each law.
When you look at the heart behind a law it advocates for grace! When you just make a list of rules there is no place for grace!
Jesus did not replace the law with conscience. The law is not a loose set of guidelines that are directed by your conscience. Jesus came to for fill the law. "Always let your conscience be your guide" was never Jesus intention! The law is the law and should be followed. Jesus said that he would not remove one pen stroke from the law. A clean conscience means nothing when your in disobedience to Gods word. Your conscience is not the moral authority of the world!
Jesus addressed the heart with out changing the law. He took the law to a deeper level of commitment. Jesus freed us from the law so that there is nothing holding us back. So that we could give everything, be freed from guilt, and love with the right intentions, without a check list. How do you view Gods law? Are just a set of guidelines or do you look at it as a tool to reveal and shape your heart?
Sent from my iPhone
Monday, July 31, 2017
Gifts Are More Important Than Roles
Gifts are important over roles
1 Corinthians 12: 13-26
Every role is important in the body; every role is important.
Every part matters!!
- eagerly desire to grow our gifts!!
"In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 3:8-13 NIV
Love is Messy - Unconditional Love is Messier
Love is Messy - Unconditional Love is Messier
The concept of unconditional love is great and ideal for those of us that have proclaimed Christ as our Lord, but it can also be a daunting and quite perplexing at times.
Most of the time I don't realize how conditional my love for others is. And when I get hurt because my conditions have not been met, disappointment sets is, resentment and bitterness can quickly creep in. When I least expect it, i have shut down, and shut out the people I am supposed to "love" so much.
I then resort to self help books, seeking knowledge and self empowerment... and then I realize,
No amount of sacrifice, knowledge, power, money, etc., will ever bring peace that comes from true love... we may deceive ourselves into thinking that we've "gained" or attained something, but God reminds us that we gain "nothing" seeking out these things.
Scripture reminds us that true knowledge is attained only when we seek out God's heart -- "... God IS love." ~ 1 John 4: 8
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV
Here I Am Send Me
Here I Am Send Me - Philip
God truly is in control... Acts 6
- Make yourself AVAILABLE Acts 8: 5-8
We must make ourselves available: when the right opportunity presents itself, we have to be available!
Where is God wanting to send me this morning? How am I making myself available to be used by God?
Why did God use Philip to go reach out to this influential person?
God doesn't want titles, he wants a heart... he uses people that are willing to be used.
Acts 3:8 - we have to be willing to sit down with others and take time out of the business of life to help others.
- You must be FLEXIBLE
We should be ready when and for whatever God sends me.
John 12: 24 - sometimes we have to go through hard time in order for God to use us.
- You have to be Knowledgeable
We have to be in the word - talk about the word, and live it out!!
Read God's word, learn, apply!! Ask questions!!! Jesus was brilliant with the way he asked questions.
Philip asked questions if the eunuch, then led him to Jesus!!
Let's have the spirit of Philip "Here am I, send me!"
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