Today was a rain run... (9 min x 9 P.U. x 9 S.U.).
Romans 6:6
6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin...
Through accepting Christ as our savior, we aren't just accepting the gift of eternal life in heaven. We are committing to follow Christ and to live by the standards that he has set for us. This is not an easy task. As the bible says, when we decide to follow Christ and make him our number one priority, we put to death our old selves. The old me that used to lived completely for the things of this world is no longer. Yes, I may falter and I may mess up, but the old mindset of having the freedom to do those things of the world is no longer. My new mindset and 'heartset' is devoted and committed to living by the Word.
Last night, my wife was watching the Oscar's and I happened to catch some of it. Halle Berry was interviewed and the questions were pertaining to what she enjoyed about Oscar night. She replied with the fact she loves to see everyone dressed up. That's completely fine...so far. The next line out of here mouth is what got me thinking. She said, "I really am a slave for fashion". Does anyone else find this alarming? The actors and actresses have such a great opportunity to live for what is right and be a positive example for those watching, instead I am even more convinced in Hollywood's corruptness and sinfulness.
Don't get me wrong, I screw up. I can waste time better than anyone when I want to. I can 'want' something that I know I can never have. However, we are instructed to no longer be slaves to sin. The hooks of hell and the grips of sinfulness are no longer our captors. We have been set free from that slavery that the world had us restrained by. There is even better news...
In Romans 6 it is also tells us that, "22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life."
This slavery is not the abusive, deathly slavery that we once we bound by in the world. This slavery is a duty in which our Master showers us with rich blessings and love. Our lives are geared towards holiness and the end result in trusting him as our Master and Savior is eternal life in heaven. We have a freedom that unbelievers cannot understand until they see it in our lives. If we don't live out our lives in the manner God has called us to live it, how can we expect others to cast aside the things of this world, such as fashion, drugs, TV, cars, etc, instead of trusting Christ with their lives?
I am a slave to God. I also know that I do not work as hard as I should for Him. I still have things of this world that try to grab me and pull me down to it's level. Sometimes, the world succeeds. Thankfully, Romans 3:23 and 24 explain that, "23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus". My mistakes are covered and cleansed in the blood of Christ. The world cannot offer what God has given us through His son!
This brings a whole new meaning to being a slave...
EXTRA CREDIT:
2.28.2011
2.27.2011
February 27 - Commitment
No video/exercise today.
------
James looked down from where he stood, balanced carefully at the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem. Far below, he could see that the streets were filled with people. It was Passover, and Jews from all over the known world had come to the Holy City.
A hand grabbed his arm, pulling him off balance, "Get on with it!" a voice threatened. Behind him, a safe distance from the dangerous ledge, stood the chief priest, scribes, and Pharisees. "Deny that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah! Before all these people, deny that Jesus was the Son of God and that He was resurrected from the dead," they demanded.
James was one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus. He was also one of Jesus' younger brothers, as was Jude. He had obviously known Jesus wand walked with Him for many years. He had seen Jesus alive again after His crucifixion and resurrection.
James risked another glance at the street below. Many of the people down there knew him. For thirty years, he had been the bishop of the church at Jerusalem, During that time, he wrote a book of the Bible, the Epistle of James. He had openly preached Jesus as the Messiah and the resurrected Son of God on almost every street corner. How could he deny what he had seen with his own eyes, heard with his own ears, and touched with his own hands: his risen Lord?
Through his preaching, his prayers, and his example, James converted many people to Christ. He was on his bare knees so often, worshipping God and praying for forgiveness for the sins of the people, that his knees became numb and calloused, like the knees of a camel. This also earned him the nickname of "James the Just." He was respected by everyone, even many who opposed what he taught and believed.
Feeling threatened by the rapid growth of the church, the chief priest, scribes, and Pharisees came up with a plan. They would force this well-known church leader to deny his faith before the multitude. But James refused to cooperate.
From his place at the top of the temple, he preached with more boldness than ever. Every person in the crowd below looked up as he proclaimed, "Jesus is the promised Messiah! He is sitting at the right hand of God, and shall come again in the clouds of heave, to judge the quick and the dead!"
When the crowd below saw his courage and heard his bold words, they loudly praised God and magnified the name of Jesus. Enraged, two or three of the religious leaders jumped forward and pushed James off the temple roof.
Miraculously, James was not killed by the fall; only his legs were broken. Then the priests, scribes, and Pharisees said, "Let's stone the 'just man' James." They picked up rocks to stone him to death. James kneeling on his broken legs, prayed, "Lord, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
One of the priests, when he heard James praying, begged the others to stop, saying, "What are we doing? 'The Just' is praying for us. Stop the stoning! Stop the stoning!
While he was shouting this, another man ran up with a big, heavy stick in his hand and struck James in the head. James died instantly from the blow, still in prayer.
From Jesus Freaks
Are you willing to follow by this example and the many others that have been martyred for the sake of Christ? If not, what would it take?
------
James looked down from where he stood, balanced carefully at the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem. Far below, he could see that the streets were filled with people. It was Passover, and Jews from all over the known world had come to the Holy City.
A hand grabbed his arm, pulling him off balance, "Get on with it!" a voice threatened. Behind him, a safe distance from the dangerous ledge, stood the chief priest, scribes, and Pharisees. "Deny that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah! Before all these people, deny that Jesus was the Son of God and that He was resurrected from the dead," they demanded.
James was one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus. He was also one of Jesus' younger brothers, as was Jude. He had obviously known Jesus wand walked with Him for many years. He had seen Jesus alive again after His crucifixion and resurrection.
James risked another glance at the street below. Many of the people down there knew him. For thirty years, he had been the bishop of the church at Jerusalem, During that time, he wrote a book of the Bible, the Epistle of James. He had openly preached Jesus as the Messiah and the resurrected Son of God on almost every street corner. How could he deny what he had seen with his own eyes, heard with his own ears, and touched with his own hands: his risen Lord?
Through his preaching, his prayers, and his example, James converted many people to Christ. He was on his bare knees so often, worshipping God and praying for forgiveness for the sins of the people, that his knees became numb and calloused, like the knees of a camel. This also earned him the nickname of "James the Just." He was respected by everyone, even many who opposed what he taught and believed.
Feeling threatened by the rapid growth of the church, the chief priest, scribes, and Pharisees came up with a plan. They would force this well-known church leader to deny his faith before the multitude. But James refused to cooperate.
From his place at the top of the temple, he preached with more boldness than ever. Every person in the crowd below looked up as he proclaimed, "Jesus is the promised Messiah! He is sitting at the right hand of God, and shall come again in the clouds of heave, to judge the quick and the dead!"
When the crowd below saw his courage and heard his bold words, they loudly praised God and magnified the name of Jesus. Enraged, two or three of the religious leaders jumped forward and pushed James off the temple roof.
Miraculously, James was not killed by the fall; only his legs were broken. Then the priests, scribes, and Pharisees said, "Let's stone the 'just man' James." They picked up rocks to stone him to death. James kneeling on his broken legs, prayed, "Lord, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
One of the priests, when he heard James praying, begged the others to stop, saying, "What are we doing? 'The Just' is praying for us. Stop the stoning! Stop the stoning!
While he was shouting this, another man ran up with a big, heavy stick in his hand and struck James in the head. James died instantly from the blow, still in prayer.
From Jesus Freaks
Are you willing to follow by this example and the many others that have been martyred for the sake of Christ? If not, what would it take?
2.26.2011
February 26 - Opposition
Beginning of week 9 (9 minute run - 9 push ups - 9 sit ups).
2 Timothy 2:24-26
24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
As Christians, when faced with opposition, we are instructed and encouraged to approach the opposition with kindness and gentleness. Christ never abusively attacked others physically or verbally in order to get his point across. We may not like it when someone says our God isn't real. We may hurt when someone says Christ wasn't really the Son of God. It may burn our cookies when someone says the Bible is nonsense...but, we must discipline ourselves to approach them with not only courage, but gentleness as well.
If we try to get our point across through yelling, pushing, shoving, and aggressiveness then our witness is shot and the door between you and that person is closed. The past few days, I have been dealing with some opposition and at times, it is difficult not to let anger take over. As I posted a couple of weeks ago though, in 1 Peter 2:23 Christ made no threats and did not retaliate when the people hurled insults at him. He entrusted himself to God, who judges justly. The same is true for us...
Don't let your light be dimmed by darkness...
2 Timothy 2:24-26
24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
As Christians, when faced with opposition, we are instructed and encouraged to approach the opposition with kindness and gentleness. Christ never abusively attacked others physically or verbally in order to get his point across. We may not like it when someone says our God isn't real. We may hurt when someone says Christ wasn't really the Son of God. It may burn our cookies when someone says the Bible is nonsense...but, we must discipline ourselves to approach them with not only courage, but gentleness as well.
If we try to get our point across through yelling, pushing, shoving, and aggressiveness then our witness is shot and the door between you and that person is closed. The past few days, I have been dealing with some opposition and at times, it is difficult not to let anger take over. As I posted a couple of weeks ago though, in 1 Peter 2:23 Christ made no threats and did not retaliate when the people hurled insults at him. He entrusted himself to God, who judges justly. The same is true for us...
Don't let your light be dimmed by darkness...
2.25.2011
February 25 - Messengers
John 15:18-19
18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world. That is why the world hates you..."
My friend Brandon, who I roomed with in college, is an amazing and outstanding guy. He's a solid Christian and is sold out for Christ. Today, I received a text from him and the above verses were attached. If this were any other day, I would probably have read them and thought on them for a moment and moved on. However, I have been feeling the pressure lately. The teenagers I am surrounded by everyday seem to be on the moral decline and any kind of positive influence I try to portray to them gets shattered by my frustrations. To add to it, I got into a "Youtube conversation", which I will probably never get involved in again. In simple terms and for the sake of time, I will consolidate the conversation into a question:
How do you convince someone that doesn't believe in God, Jesus, heaven, hell, creation of man, or faith, without using the Bible?
Try it. It's not so easy. There are people in the world who want to physically touch God and see Him before they will believe. Want to quote 2 Corinthian 4:18? Too bad, because that person hates the Bible and thinks it is fake. As Christians, we are founded upon the Word of God and the faith that we have in Him. To unbelievers and haters (the world), we are stupid and ignorant for believing in such insanity.
The text message this morning from Brandon was incredible, not in that it was a big pick me up, but I very rarely communicate with him. We text maybe one day out of 2 or 3 months. Brandon did not know anything about me feeling down about being around apathetic teenagers or having Youtube Conversations with a guy who doesn't even believe in himself. Could it be that God laid something so simple as those two verses on Brandon's heart to share with me, because He knew I was struggling? Our God is strong and powerful, but He is also intelligent. He knows everything, including our heartaches and our joys. Maybe it was a coincidence. I doubt it, but maybe. The bottom line is this:
We, as Christians, are hated for what we believe in. The world wants to see us fail and for us to be proved wrong.
We have a great opportunity to motivate and pick each other up, but it requires discipline and willingness to be used as a tool for God.
Psalm 14:1
1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God"...
In closing, consider this as for a defense in that Christ truly existed and lived on earth (as basis for truth in the Bible):
Did the Roman Empire exist?
If we can't touch or experience the Roman Empire in person, how do we know it existed? From literature, right?
The same is true with Christ or the existence of God...literature (the Bible).
How could Christ's birth and crucifixion be part of a history of a great empire, but yet still be "made-up"?
How can a ruler so real as Caesar Augustus be apart of putting to death a made-up, falsified man?
Questions to consider...
2.24.2011
February 24 - Paul
2 Corinthians 11:23-27
23b I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
Our troubles are mostly hangnails compared to what Paul went through for Christ. And we think we've got it bad...
2.23.2011
February 23 - Speech
Had some serious camera blurriness today...also had an angel sneak into my sit-up session...
James 3: 5-10
5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse me, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be...
Did you know that 50% of the bacteria in the mouth live on the surface of the tongue? The phrase potty mouth is popular among people who use specific four letter words to enhance their speech, but this gives it a whole new twist.
What we say can have tremendous effects on those around us. We can build our friends, co-workers, family members, and strangers up with what we say, but seconds later destroy the hearts of those same people with the words we use. James compares the tongue to a wildfire within a large forest. The tongue is also compared to animals, reptiles, and creatures of the sea, all of which are difficult to tame at times. The point of these comparisons are to show how possible it is to tame fire, snake, cats, fish, and so much more, but yet the tongue is an out of control body part that causes destruction and just like poison, death.
We do so many good things with our tongues: singing praises, communicate advice to our friends, taste the food we are blessed with, etc. We also do horrible things with our tongues: cursing, lying, mocking, and sometimes the worst of all is our denial to speak on behalf of our Savior when opportunities arise. God has made man in his own image. We are to treat our body as a temple of God. When we curse our friends or someone who cuts us off on the interstate, we are defacing God's temple, but not only that, we are defacing our witness for Christ. We have been called to worship God, take the good news to everyone on the planet, and be positive to those we are surrounded by. Our nature is to come up with our own way through our day, which unfortunately leads to messing up and hurting others (including God).
Today, a student dropped the 'F' bomb within 3 feet of me as if I were not even there. When I confronted the kid, he acted as if he hadn't done anything wrong. TV, radio, secular music, movies, video games, and even magazines have created a monster in not only teenagers, but in our society. The things you surround yourself with will ultimately show up in your own life.
If my goal is to live my life as a constant prayer, and I curse someone or something, I am ultimately cursing Christ. That hits home, to know that I am cursing the One who died for me.
2.22.2011
February 22 - Praise
98 Minutes of Exercise a day...definitely a cause for soreness and fatigue. I love it none the less...I am blessed to have the ability and the freedom to enjoy life. Glory to God...
Psalm 100
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Although this chapter in Psalms contains verses in which a couple of popular praise songs have been composed from, this chapter holds much truth. How many times can you yourself think of standing in church and just reading the words on the screen or from the hymnal, with no thought or emotion attached? I will confess, I have done it. If God were standing next to me in person and that's how I praised him, I would be embarrassed at the least. As Christians we are to:
1 - Express our joy in what God has done in our lives by taking the message to all corners of the earth...starting in our own backyards and workplaces. This is an invitation to praise God for what he has done.
2 - When we worship God, we are to do it out of gladness. If we are mad, it must be about something other than him, because he pours his love out on us everyday in every way. Our songs and our lifestyle should be of joy and contentment in him.
3 - God is so good. He has made everything...including you and me. We should be proud to be called his people and to be messengers of the good news. He tends to his flock...not leaving one behind.
4 - We are invited to enter God's gates and worship him. This is in reference to entering the doors of our public churches. We are to not only praise God for being strong, loving, protective, a provider, our creator, and so much more, but we are also to praise him for allowing us to have the privilege and freedom to worship him.
5 - The Lord's love is unconditional. Upon the day in which our lives are over, we will be judged accordingly. Our salvation rests in the acceptance or refusal of his Son, the one and only sacrifice for the cleansing of our sins and eternal life in heaven or hell. His love is constant and true. His promises and love has been genuine and pure since the beginning of time, as it is today.
God deserves so much from his people. The least we can do is smile when we sing praises to him on Sunday mornings. We should be joyful in all that he has done and will do in our lives.
Psalm 100
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Although this chapter in Psalms contains verses in which a couple of popular praise songs have been composed from, this chapter holds much truth. How many times can you yourself think of standing in church and just reading the words on the screen or from the hymnal, with no thought or emotion attached? I will confess, I have done it. If God were standing next to me in person and that's how I praised him, I would be embarrassed at the least. As Christians we are to:
1 - Express our joy in what God has done in our lives by taking the message to all corners of the earth...starting in our own backyards and workplaces. This is an invitation to praise God for what he has done.
2 - When we worship God, we are to do it out of gladness. If we are mad, it must be about something other than him, because he pours his love out on us everyday in every way. Our songs and our lifestyle should be of joy and contentment in him.
3 - God is so good. He has made everything...including you and me. We should be proud to be called his people and to be messengers of the good news. He tends to his flock...not leaving one behind.
4 - We are invited to enter God's gates and worship him. This is in reference to entering the doors of our public churches. We are to not only praise God for being strong, loving, protective, a provider, our creator, and so much more, but we are also to praise him for allowing us to have the privilege and freedom to worship him.
5 - The Lord's love is unconditional. Upon the day in which our lives are over, we will be judged accordingly. Our salvation rests in the acceptance or refusal of his Son, the one and only sacrifice for the cleansing of our sins and eternal life in heaven or hell. His love is constant and true. His promises and love has been genuine and pure since the beginning of time, as it is today.
God deserves so much from his people. The least we can do is smile when we sing praises to him on Sunday mornings. We should be joyful in all that he has done and will do in our lives.
2.21.2011
February 21 - Refresh
8x8x8
We said our goodbye's to Roby today, but he will always be alive and vibrant within our hearts and minds.
Acts 3:19
19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that time of refreshing may come from the Lord...
Such a powerful verse. I can only hope that we can take this seriously and whole-heartedly. Repentance is not a chore, but it is the cure. Whether it be small sins or big sins, they both hurt and go against God. Thankfully, He has made a way for us to be washed clean and given a second, third, and fourth chance at times. His forgiveness is true and runs deep. God will refresh, but we must go to Him humbly and ready to turn from our sins in this world. To revisit a past post I had composed quoting Romans 3:10...none of us are perfect or even close to perfection. We can't judge those around us, only ourselves. We all have vices. We all fall short. If you don't agree with that, you don't agree with the word of God. That in itself is another problem...
Maybe I should walk with a mirror in my hand all day to see all the stupid mistakes I make...repentance is the cure.
We said our goodbye's to Roby today, but he will always be alive and vibrant within our hearts and minds.
Acts 3:19
19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that time of refreshing may come from the Lord...
Such a powerful verse. I can only hope that we can take this seriously and whole-heartedly. Repentance is not a chore, but it is the cure. Whether it be small sins or big sins, they both hurt and go against God. Thankfully, He has made a way for us to be washed clean and given a second, third, and fourth chance at times. His forgiveness is true and runs deep. God will refresh, but we must go to Him humbly and ready to turn from our sins in this world. To revisit a past post I had composed quoting Romans 3:10...none of us are perfect or even close to perfection. We can't judge those around us, only ourselves. We all have vices. We all fall short. If you don't agree with that, you don't agree with the word of God. That in itself is another problem...
Maybe I should walk with a mirror in my hand all day to see all the stupid mistakes I make...repentance is the cure.
2.20.2011
February 20 - Legacy
What happens when your credit card or car gets stolen? Most people look for their card or car in the event of a theft. I think the same is true when we lose a friend or family member. We don't neccesarily look for them if the physical sense after they are gone, even though at times we do out of habit or hope, but we search for them in memories and experiences with that person. Our lives are shaped by our beliefs, but also with who you associate yourself with. Hearing some of the discussions in the last couple of days, I realize even more the impact and example we can leave for those around us to follow after we pass away, moving on to be with our Creator.
Seeing someone you love come to the end of their life is very difficult, but allowing others to see how that person has shaped your life while they were alive is a very vital part of carrying out their legacy and love.
We can coorelate this with the love of Christ. He did give up his life to save us and carry out God's will in the flesh. He resurrected to reside in heaven where one day, we will be with him. In the same sense, we are to carry out God's will and His instruction for our lives. Our goal as Christians is to please God with how we live our lives, returning love to Him as He has blessed us with.
2 Corinthians 4:18
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Seeing someone you love come to the end of their life is very difficult, but allowing others to see how that person has shaped your life while they were alive is a very vital part of carrying out their legacy and love.
We can coorelate this with the love of Christ. He did give up his life to save us and carry out God's will in the flesh. He resurrected to reside in heaven where one day, we will be with him. In the same sense, we are to carry out God's will and His instruction for our lives. Our goal as Christians is to please God with how we live our lives, returning love to Him as He has blessed us with.
2 Corinthians 4:18
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2.19.2011
February 19 - Who?
God is beautiful...in His love and his plans.
Isaiah 40: 21-25
21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? 22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. 23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. 24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. 25 "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
At what point do we begin thinking that we are responsible for everything in our lives? "Our job" makes "our money" to buy "our new TV" or "our new car". God is the creator of everything. God supplies our needs. I am not responsible for my job...God has given me the ability to breathe, speak, have knowledge, and work. At any point, those privileges could be provoked. There is only one Creator of this universe. No one matches His might, His love, His creativity, His knowledge, and His spirit. Anyone who says that their "god" can offer them eternal life is not wrong. Any other god, besides the Lord God found in the scripture of the Bible, can only offer eternal life in a burning hot hell. The God found in the 66 books can only give His children the gift of eternal life in heaven.
He has created mankind (some specifics: Adam, Moses, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, Philo Farnsworth, Ben Franklin, Bill Gates, etc), destroyed cities, rescued oppressed people, created all nations, provided a sacrifice to save us from hell, and has given us a reason to live for something greater than for this dying and corrupt world. The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit are bigger and greater than any person, place, thing, thought, desire, or drug. Buddha is not real. Hinduism will not reveal joy or truth. Hedonism is a path to destruction. The Koran is soaked in lies and false teachings. Without God, the Creator of this world, you and I are dust. A golden statue will not save you. Five pillars of Islam is not serving the same god as living a faithful life for the true God. Nowhere in the Bible does it instruct His people to repeat a prayer to Him five times a day...
So, my question is this...Who can compare to God and who is equal to Him?
Nobody.
Isaiah 40: 21-25
21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? 22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. 23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. 24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. 25 "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
At what point do we begin thinking that we are responsible for everything in our lives? "Our job" makes "our money" to buy "our new TV" or "our new car". God is the creator of everything. God supplies our needs. I am not responsible for my job...God has given me the ability to breathe, speak, have knowledge, and work. At any point, those privileges could be provoked. There is only one Creator of this universe. No one matches His might, His love, His creativity, His knowledge, and His spirit. Anyone who says that their "god" can offer them eternal life is not wrong. Any other god, besides the Lord God found in the scripture of the Bible, can only offer eternal life in a burning hot hell. The God found in the 66 books can only give His children the gift of eternal life in heaven.
He has created mankind (some specifics: Adam, Moses, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, Philo Farnsworth, Ben Franklin, Bill Gates, etc), destroyed cities, rescued oppressed people, created all nations, provided a sacrifice to save us from hell, and has given us a reason to live for something greater than for this dying and corrupt world. The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit are bigger and greater than any person, place, thing, thought, desire, or drug. Buddha is not real. Hinduism will not reveal joy or truth. Hedonism is a path to destruction. The Koran is soaked in lies and false teachings. Without God, the Creator of this world, you and I are dust. A golden statue will not save you. Five pillars of Islam is not serving the same god as living a faithful life for the true God. Nowhere in the Bible does it instruct His people to repeat a prayer to Him five times a day...
So, my question is this...Who can compare to God and who is equal to Him?
Nobody.
2.18.2011
February 18 - Celebration
Today there was a celebration...a celebration of love, happiness, family, friends, and life. It wasn't a pity party. No, it was a celebration. This was a homecoming celebration. There was no game, there was no loud music, there were no gifts being passed out. However, there was one gift. The love of one man who loved his family and friends very deeply and genuinely. Tears, laughter, sadness, and joy were all present. Hope even stopped by for a while and decided to stay awhile. Hope reminded us that there is life beyond this one...beyond the horizon. We were blessed with the life of one Roby J. Shelley. He will be missed...
Have you ever wanted to know a good place in which you might be able to strike up a conversation or "argument" about religion and salvation. I believe I came across a hot spot tonight. This evening we lost a very close member of our family. My wife's grandfather passed away tonight. Leaving the hospital, I overheard a conversation between a man and a couple just outside the ICU waiting room. I usually avoid eavesdropping, but when words like: God, Jesus, Bible, Hindu, Buddha, Hell, Muhammad, Koran, and Truth pop up, my attention has been captured.
In this conversation, imagine every argument and standpoint against Christianity being used. One man was speaking the truth and the other was fighting it, embracing every false teaching that has ever been known. The young man was educated in every religion it seemed, but a knowledge of those false religions will not love him or save him like the love of God. The couple that was speaking with the man about God and His word being the truth were right on. To be honest, my spirit wanted to join in and tag team that guy and get him on the ropes, but to be honest, I was physically and emotionally drained from the workday and from the given situation. I knew it probably wasn't the best time to get into it, but I felt okay knowing that what the older man was speaking the Truth and doing so in a calm, loving manner.
2 Corinthians 5:6-10
6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 We live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
We are trusted with one life. We can live that life our own way, or we can live it to serve a powerful, strong, loving, and perfect God. Tonight, the young man was saying that there's no way to know that the Bible is true and that it is only a book to guide people to do the right thing. Obviously, he didn't read too far into. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me..."
God gave his Son for us. Christ died for us. According to this man, Buddha "walked with God" and Buddhism is just a different religion with the same text as the Bible. He also said that the Koran is the same. How do people become so mixed up in that they cannot see the truth and love of God as if it were right in front of them? With our life, we are to take the message of truth, grace, love, and salvation to everyone we meet. I wish tonight would have been in different circumstances so I could have joined in that conversation and help lead that man in the direction of God's love. I also wish my family could have been in different circumstances tonight, but questioning the Lord's timing and call is not for us to consider. Hopefully a seed will be planted and a life will be changed with what was said between those people. Life is a precious gift. Eternal life is even more blessed and a beautiful gift given only through the blood of Christ Jesus and a relationship with him.
We've got one shot...
Have you ever wanted to know a good place in which you might be able to strike up a conversation or "argument" about religion and salvation. I believe I came across a hot spot tonight. This evening we lost a very close member of our family. My wife's grandfather passed away tonight. Leaving the hospital, I overheard a conversation between a man and a couple just outside the ICU waiting room. I usually avoid eavesdropping, but when words like: God, Jesus, Bible, Hindu, Buddha, Hell, Muhammad, Koran, and Truth pop up, my attention has been captured.
In this conversation, imagine every argument and standpoint against Christianity being used. One man was speaking the truth and the other was fighting it, embracing every false teaching that has ever been known. The young man was educated in every religion it seemed, but a knowledge of those false religions will not love him or save him like the love of God. The couple that was speaking with the man about God and His word being the truth were right on. To be honest, my spirit wanted to join in and tag team that guy and get him on the ropes, but to be honest, I was physically and emotionally drained from the workday and from the given situation. I knew it probably wasn't the best time to get into it, but I felt okay knowing that what the older man was speaking the Truth and doing so in a calm, loving manner.
2 Corinthians 5:6-10
6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 We live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
We are trusted with one life. We can live that life our own way, or we can live it to serve a powerful, strong, loving, and perfect God. Tonight, the young man was saying that there's no way to know that the Bible is true and that it is only a book to guide people to do the right thing. Obviously, he didn't read too far into. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me..."
God gave his Son for us. Christ died for us. According to this man, Buddha "walked with God" and Buddhism is just a different religion with the same text as the Bible. He also said that the Koran is the same. How do people become so mixed up in that they cannot see the truth and love of God as if it were right in front of them? With our life, we are to take the message of truth, grace, love, and salvation to everyone we meet. I wish tonight would have been in different circumstances so I could have joined in that conversation and help lead that man in the direction of God's love. I also wish my family could have been in different circumstances tonight, but questioning the Lord's timing and call is not for us to consider. Hopefully a seed will be planted and a life will be changed with what was said between those people. Life is a precious gift. Eternal life is even more blessed and a beautiful gift given only through the blood of Christ Jesus and a relationship with him.
We've got one shot...
2.17.2011
February 17 - Dependent
Psalm 24:1-2,5-6, 10
1 The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters...5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob...10 Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty- he is the King of glory.
I find myself forgetting exactly who God is and how big He is at times. Of course, I know that God is the Creator of this universe, but I become selfish and prideful at times. We take matters into our own hands, assuming that we can take care of all of our own problems. We assume what we own is truly our possessions and nobody else's. Everything belongs to God and every person was created individually for a purpose by God.
As a teenager, I would always assume that my mom would have dinner on the table for me when I would get home from school or basketball practice. She provided for me and made my search for food so much easier. She did this out of love and this is much like God's care for His people. If we had complete control over our own lives, we would totally wreck and destroy every good thing in it. Thankfully, God has ultimate control over what happens and the outcome in each and every circumstance. Granted, the Lord allows us to make decisions, but He can give and He can take...
He gives a lot of love...to those who seek His face.
2.16.2011
February 16 - Separation
Romans 8:35-39
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any power, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
During the early centuries after Christ, Egypt was predominantly Christian. In A.D. 969, the country was conquered by Jawhar al-Siqilli and Cairo founded as the new capital, but thankfully Egypt's Coptic Christian church never disappeared. Today, Egypt has the Middle East's largest Christian community, making up 14.2 percent of its people. However, the country's constitution gives preference to Muslims; and Christians are treated as second-class citizens, denied political representation, and discriminated against in employment. The government uses an 1856 Ottoman Empire law to keep any church from being built, repaired, or even repainted without the permission of Egypt's president. Christians are also susceptible to attacks by Muslim extremists, which often go unpunished by Egyptian authorities. Christian girls are sometimes raped and then forced to marry Muslim men. Others have been abducted and forced to convert to Islam.
It seems that Christians in Cairo and all of Egypt are worse off than we thought. As of recent, Cairo has been so bad, US citizens and Christians have been exported for safety. This goes back beyond the past 60 days. Christians are minorities in the Middle East. We have been blessed to have the ability to worship God in freedom, apart from fear of what someone might do to us. Are there attacks on Christians in the United States? Of course, but we have it so much better than our brothers and sisters in other countries. Some people are not going to like it when we stand up for what is right and true. We can be laughed at, spat upon, abused, and so much more, but as the word of God clearly says: nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God.
Continue to pray for Egypt. Pray for Christians in our local communities.
- Excerpt from Jesus Freaks
2.15.2011
February 15 - New
Long day...looking to get in bed very soon.
Ephesians 4:22-24
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
What's the new 'thing' that you want? I would love to have a 370Z or some gadget that folds my clothes and calls people for me. We are always attracted to the newest, biggest, shiniest, and popular things. Whether it's clothes, cars, sporting equipment, or gadgets, our eyes get big and it is embedded in our brain that we 'want' or even convince ourselves that we 'need' it. To the left you see a sign to win a NEW car, to the right you see a NEW home for just within your budget, and up ahead you see a NEW pair of jeans for half off. We are tempted and we want these things.
If the 'new', next big thing, is our focus, what happens to our 'old' things? We tend to send them out the door, donate them to Goodwill, or simply pack it away in some storage place somewhere. I find myself doing just the opposite with my life.
We are instructed to put off our old self, which is living in sin and for the world, and to put on the new self, living for God and strengthening our spirit. This is another instance in which we are instructed to be more like God in righteousness and holiness. I was created in God's image, but when I give in and follow my own path, I distort that image and show a false view of my Creator. We give attention to our new self and that we should do this and not do that, but it seems we like to dig up our past, getting caught up in our old sins and traps. Our 'new' self is not a 'want' by God...it is a 'need', a must have because it is essential to God's plan and will.
Sometimes our new self or new life gets flawed and spotted, but thankfully, Christ has rectified a way for us to become clean through mercy and forgiveness. How can we begin to desire a 'new' self like we desire a new car or bigger house? Everyday is a battle. You can fight that battle with your old and weak body that is broken and bruised by the sins of the world and grips of Satan, or you can fight with your new self with a positive attitude and confidence in that what you do is for the Lord, living for Him.
Revelation 21:5a
5 He who was seated on the throne said, " I am making everything new!"...
Ephesians 4:22-24
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
What's the new 'thing' that you want? I would love to have a 370Z or some gadget that folds my clothes and calls people for me. We are always attracted to the newest, biggest, shiniest, and popular things. Whether it's clothes, cars, sporting equipment, or gadgets, our eyes get big and it is embedded in our brain that we 'want' or even convince ourselves that we 'need' it. To the left you see a sign to win a NEW car, to the right you see a NEW home for just within your budget, and up ahead you see a NEW pair of jeans for half off. We are tempted and we want these things.
If the 'new', next big thing, is our focus, what happens to our 'old' things? We tend to send them out the door, donate them to Goodwill, or simply pack it away in some storage place somewhere. I find myself doing just the opposite with my life.
We are instructed to put off our old self, which is living in sin and for the world, and to put on the new self, living for God and strengthening our spirit. This is another instance in which we are instructed to be more like God in righteousness and holiness. I was created in God's image, but when I give in and follow my own path, I distort that image and show a false view of my Creator. We give attention to our new self and that we should do this and not do that, but it seems we like to dig up our past, getting caught up in our old sins and traps. Our 'new' self is not a 'want' by God...it is a 'need', a must have because it is essential to God's plan and will.
Sometimes our new self or new life gets flawed and spotted, but thankfully, Christ has rectified a way for us to become clean through mercy and forgiveness. How can we begin to desire a 'new' self like we desire a new car or bigger house? Everyday is a battle. You can fight that battle with your old and weak body that is broken and bruised by the sins of the world and grips of Satan, or you can fight with your new self with a positive attitude and confidence in that what you do is for the Lord, living for Him.
Revelation 21:5a
5 He who was seated on the throne said, " I am making everything new!"...
2.14.2011
February 14 - Society
Happy Valentine's Day. Never forget the source of love.
The other day, a piece of poetry from one of my favorite band's frontman popped into my head. I am not going to post any scripture here, but instead, read this and dwell on it.
Never forget that when they all love you there is something awry. Every scapegoat was once a star, and every start will soon fall. Let us never forget, again, that we all love to celebrate the failure of our heroes. We live in a world of scapegoats because we all want the same things in our evil, evil hearts. Let us never forget that the same crowd that cheers at your triumphant entry will be be the ones that crucify you in the end. And in the search for a moral, consider: The very thing that is worth dying for is the very thing they will hate you for.
Do you cheer Christ's triumphant entry in the morning and then turn your back on him as day breaks or as night falls?
Scapegoat - a person or group made to bear the blame for others or to suffer in their place.
Crowds welcome Him in Jerusalem, waving palm branches, giving their best, and saying his name and praising his name, but in the end of his physical life, he carries a cross through the same streets he entered triumphantly before, receiving beatings, being strung up on a cross, and being forsaken by his Father.
Is Christ worth dying for? We were obviously worth it to him. Everything He had was pushed aside and took death for our sins.
Society hates us for carrying out God's will, just as society hated Christ before they crucified Him.
Scripture reference: Mark 11:1-11 and Luke 23:26-49
Writing by Andrew Schwab from 'We Caught You Plotting Murder'.
The other day, a piece of poetry from one of my favorite band's frontman popped into my head. I am not going to post any scripture here, but instead, read this and dwell on it.
Never forget that when they all love you there is something awry. Every scapegoat was once a star, and every start will soon fall. Let us never forget, again, that we all love to celebrate the failure of our heroes. We live in a world of scapegoats because we all want the same things in our evil, evil hearts. Let us never forget that the same crowd that cheers at your triumphant entry will be be the ones that crucify you in the end. And in the search for a moral, consider: The very thing that is worth dying for is the very thing they will hate you for.
Do you cheer Christ's triumphant entry in the morning and then turn your back on him as day breaks or as night falls?
Scapegoat - a person or group made to bear the blame for others or to suffer in their place.
Crowds welcome Him in Jerusalem, waving palm branches, giving their best, and saying his name and praising his name, but in the end of his physical life, he carries a cross through the same streets he entered triumphantly before, receiving beatings, being strung up on a cross, and being forsaken by his Father.
Is Christ worth dying for? We were obviously worth it to him. Everything He had was pushed aside and took death for our sins.
Society hates us for carrying out God's will, just as society hated Christ before they crucified Him.
Scripture reference: Mark 11:1-11 and Luke 23:26-49
Writing by Andrew Schwab from 'We Caught You Plotting Murder'.
2.13.2011
February 13 - Love
The weather was outstanding today...I am definitely looking forward to this week.
1 Corinthians 13:3-8a
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails...
With Valentine's Day approaching within the next 4 hours, I can't help but look at these verses in 1 Corinthians, from three different viewpoints.
The first viewpoint is as a husband. Each of the characteristics of love listed above should be my everyday goals to reach. I should strive to be patient with my wife. I should show her kindness. I shouldn't envy or boast in my pride. I should be considerate to her feelings and needs and not be rude or short tempered. I shouldn't be selfish by all means, but in everything, putting her before me. I should seek and long for truth in our marriage. It is my responsibility to protect her life and our house.
The second viewpoint is as a person. I can see a need for application of these characteristics in my everyday life as a person. Whether I am in school teaching my students and interacting with other teachers, or I am out running errands, many of these areas need to be strengthened within my life. When working with teenagers, patience can be a hard thing to find and practice. When students are being rude to me, it is hard, almost impossible to not be somewhat rude or angry back at them. I feel like I am constantly being drenched in evilness when I am at work. I hear words I don't want to hear, I see things I don't want to see, and I receive poor attitudes from students who believe they have all of the answers. Even though I work in a negative environment, it is my responsibility to bring these characteristics of love into my classroom, or the restaurant that I am eating at.
The last viewpoint is as Christian. Christ has called us to love one another, but we are to also love Christ. It is a no-brainer that Jesus loves and cares for me. If you think this is false, Romans 5:8 can help you understand it more clearly. When I pray I often times am impatient. My actions sometimes are unkind and go against God's word, resulting in breaking God's heart. I envy those who have more than me at times, when I am too blind to see that God has blessed me with more than enough. When I boast, it is about myself and what I have done, even though everything I have (whether it be talents or possessions) comes from above. When I do something great or significant, I am prideful and I seek gratification from others, although God is responsible for giving me the capability to even breathe. If someone hurts me or crosses me, I don't think twice about returning the gesture back at them, but Christ gave up His life to save me from all the sins that I hide within. When things don't go right, I get mad at the instructions of the bookshelf I am putting together, all the while, God is understanding and patient in my mess-ups and failures. While I hold grudges against someone for some petty mistake, God lovingly wipes my trespasses and slate clean, no matter how many times I screw up. I can sit back and watch a violent movie with cursing, lust, aggressive behavior, destructions, and explosions, but God fixes His mind on things not of the world, but of heaven and of truth. If someone were attacking a stranger on the street, I would probably not intervene, but instead I would probably walk the opposite direction and turn a blind eye to it. God, however, would step in between the attacker and the victim, allowing the victim to escape unscathed. I break trust when I don't follow through with friends or family, but God trusts His people to carry out His will, even though He knows I am fully capable of dropping the ball. If I experience a bad day, I hang my head and complain about it. God always hopes and see's that there is opportunity for me to improve and get better. Christ suffered and persevered an agonizing death and brutal beatings to save me from spending my eternity in hell without the love of God.
Love never fails.
God never fails...
2.12.2011
February 12 - Marriage
Ecclesiastes 3:9-12
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
When I proposed to my wife and as we began those initial months of our engagement, I explained to her that I wanted our marriage to be made up of three parts, not two. The two obvious parts being, her and myself, but the most important part, God. Without God playing a crucial part in our relationship and marriage, we would be without a proper foundation and without meaning. We look to God for strength, guidance, leadership, and discipleship. We find it everyday. There is another side, however...what does God want from us?
God wants us to serve Him and to glorify Him in all that we do. He doesn't demand this, as we are human and at times we fail, but He does desire it of His people. Two are better than one. God brought us together in marriage for a purpose. We are to serve one another with loving hearts. Not out of fear or obligation. When we serve each other with a heart of compassion, humility, and love, we are essentially serving God.
If you are not married, remember that the relationship that you enter with God when accepting Christ as your savior, is a marriage. A binding spiritual agreement, that you are willing to serve the Lord with your life. Marriage is that same agreement with another person (only of the opposite sex...I strongly believe this). It is hard to have a healthy and strong marriage if that third element is not part of the union. Marriage without God is weak and fully capable of failing...
Two is company...three is better company.
2.11.2011
February 11 - Faith
Week 7 begins tomorrow...
Titus 3: 3-7
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous thing we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become hairs having the hope of eternal life...
Believing is the only way we can benefit from the generous gift that God gave us through his son. We are dirty. My spirit is filthy. God doesn't tell me in His word that I should clean myself up or that I am capable of wiping clean my transgressions. No, He makes it possible for us to be cleansed through this gracious gift. I am not perfect, nor am I expected to be perfect.
God wants us to believe and to recognize that we cannot be cleaned and live a spiritually strong life on our own. Our sin builds walls between God and us. Our sin separates and distances us from God. Our sin leads to death...sometimes physically, always spiritually. Trusting in God, we find Life. Trusting ourselves, we find death.
Now, if we believe in God and his sacrifice through His son...we believe the Word, because the Word is Christ. Our faith in this relationship that is founded in the bible, shouldn't have us sitting idle and stationary. We should be putting it into action and sharing it with a world that is dying. Where else can you find such an amazing gift as the one found in this passage in Titus? Nowhere. Money can't buy you eternal life. Fancy houses and cars cannot wash away your mistakes.
Commit to it...
2.10.2011
February 10 - Observations
Job 34:21
21 "His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step..."
Do you ever feel like you are being watched? Maybe you are sitting at a game or at dinner and you feel a set of eyes looking at you...watching your every move. You quickly glance and you catch someone averting their eyes away from you. Perhaps, they are watching you, or it could be that they are looking for someone or something in your direction. God is always watching you. He sees me when I sleep, when I eat, when I drive my car, when I am watching a movie.
God knows every move I make. If I curse at a trucker who cuts me off on the interstate, God hears me and sees my reaction. If I am apathetic towards helping someone in need, He watches me turn away. Every negative action I take is seen by my Creator and Lord. On the bright side, God sees every positive action that I do.
Our lives should be constant prayers and acts of worship to uplift Him everyday. When temptation comes around, it is hard to follow through with this commitment. It is our duty though...nobody ever said it would be easy.
2.09.2011
February 9 - GOD>me
Go Heels!
John 3:30
30 He must become greater; I must become less.
This is pretty simple to understand. God, the Creator, must increase. I, a sinner, must decrease. To make it even more simplistic:
GOD > me
Everything I do should reflect the blessing God has placed in my life. When I talk, the words I present to those around me should be uplifting and pleasing to the Lord. If I do not do this, God decreases, and so do I. Too many people are representing the world everyday: drugs, cursing, violence, tattoos, alcohol, lust, abuse, partying, affairs, idolatry, greed, and on and on. God wants His people to represent Him in our everyday lives through: prayer, love, compassion, patience, self-control, obedience, dedication, and more.
In order to increase your bank account you must put money into it. You can't take money out, while never depositing anything and expect to increase your bank account. Being a Christian is an investment. We are making efforts to increase God's glory. Anything else is selfish and withdrawing from God's will. This is not an easy task to take on...but the Lord promises us power as long as we are faithful.
What can you do to decrease yourself and to increase in the Sovereign ruler of this world and everything and everyone in it?
John 3:30
30 He must become greater; I must become less.
This is pretty simple to understand. God, the Creator, must increase. I, a sinner, must decrease. To make it even more simplistic:
GOD > me
Everything I do should reflect the blessing God has placed in my life. When I talk, the words I present to those around me should be uplifting and pleasing to the Lord. If I do not do this, God decreases, and so do I. Too many people are representing the world everyday: drugs, cursing, violence, tattoos, alcohol, lust, abuse, partying, affairs, idolatry, greed, and on and on. God wants His people to represent Him in our everyday lives through: prayer, love, compassion, patience, self-control, obedience, dedication, and more.
In order to increase your bank account you must put money into it. You can't take money out, while never depositing anything and expect to increase your bank account. Being a Christian is an investment. We are making efforts to increase God's glory. Anything else is selfish and withdrawing from God's will. This is not an easy task to take on...but the Lord promises us power as long as we are faithful.
What can you do to decrease yourself and to increase in the Sovereign ruler of this world and everything and everyone in it?
2.08.2011
February 8 - Sheep
The run today was frigid...a little too frigid.
Luke 15:1-7
1 Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
In college, I played in a Christian punk band with some of my friends. We played at churches and Christian coffee shops, but we also took our music and message to bars and pubs. What type of people hang out at churches? Christians. What type of people hang out at bars? Drunks. Yes, I know that not everyone who goes to a bar is an alcoholic, but some people who go seek thrills like sex, a pain relief (such as depression, emotional, or even physical), or just to get a high. What Christ is saying in this parable is that we should be concerned with the lives of other believers and those who don't believe. We shouldn't associate our lifestyle with these activities, but we shouldn't be hesitant to reach out and help.
It stands out to me that the Pharisees and law teachers critiqued Jesus and judged him and his company. The same people that he told this story to were all that one sheep who went astray. Christ fellowshipped with the best and the worst. He knew he was to share his love with everyone, no matter their race, occupation, wealth, or beliefs. We can be as good as we know how, but if we do not associate ourselves with the lowly, how will they know Christ? We are told not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our hearts and minds. Non-believers, killers, thieves, rapists, drunks, dealers, and many other types of "sinners" will most likely not go to church on their own terms. Christ needs us to take action and make the move to help these people. Even the Christian we work with who uses profanity in every sentence or the student who goes to FCA, but is known for drinking and sleeping around on the weekend, need to be carried back home.
Jesus is the Great Shepard. We are supposed to be like Christ.
Tend to the flock...
2.07.2011
February 7 - Desolation
Hoping for a snow delay...
Nahum 2:1-4, 9-10, 13
1 An attacker advances against you Ninevah. Guard your fortress, watch the road, brace yourselves, marshal all your strength! 2 The Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and have ruined their vines. 3 The shields of his soldiers are red; the warriors are clad in scarlet. The metal on the chariots flashes on the day they are made ready; the spears of pine are brandished. 4 The chariots storm through the streets, rushing back and forth through the squares. They look like flaming torches; they dart about like lightning.
9 Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold! The supply is endless, the wealth from all its treasures! 10 She is pillaged, plundered, stripped! Hearts melt, knees give way, bodies tremble, every face grows pale.
13 "I am against you," declares the Lord Almighty. "I will burn up your chariots in smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will leave you no prey on the earth. The voices of your messengers will no longer be heard."
So, I opened my Bible to the first page I came to and it fell open in the book of Nahum (which was bookmarked by one of my Troy Tulowitzki baseball cards). I began to read a little and realized that I never followed up from my posts about Jonah. Remember, Jonah was called to preach in Ninevah, which was a corrupt, wicked, and sinful city. In this passage, we find Ninevah in the middle of turmoil and attack again...in a way that seems suitable for an action film starring Bruce Willis and any other tough guy actor you can name.
God had warned Ninevah of their wickedness and how it would turn out. Through warnings and efforts by God to make reconciliation with Ninevah, but their hards stayed hard and they continued to turn away from God. He is patient and is not angered easily, but this continuation began the judgement action.
The city of Ninevah was about to get smashed by desolation, which was God's promise. There was also another promise...restoration. Sometimes God takes us down to the lowest place we could get to in order to humble us and open our eyes spiritually. When we sin over and over again, breaking God's will and his heart, he will seek restoration in our lives. No, God will most likely not send out an entire military outfit with weapons and fire. The sad thing is that when the Lord makes His strides to restore our hearts, we fight against Him and resist.
Those in Judah, who trusted in God, would be judged in a different manner, although their possessions and city would be laid to waste. Those who were wicked and resistant to God's command, would see an end to everything they knew. God is the only one who reserves the right to seek vengeance...in Nahum, he does so in order to bring His people back to him.
5 "I am against you," declares the Lord Almighty. "I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness and the kingdoms your shame. 6 I will pelt you with filth, I will treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle.
God is capable of all things, whether for blessing or punishment.
Nahum 2:1-4, 9-10, 13
1 An attacker advances against you Ninevah. Guard your fortress, watch the road, brace yourselves, marshal all your strength! 2 The Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and have ruined their vines. 3 The shields of his soldiers are red; the warriors are clad in scarlet. The metal on the chariots flashes on the day they are made ready; the spears of pine are brandished. 4 The chariots storm through the streets, rushing back and forth through the squares. They look like flaming torches; they dart about like lightning.
9 Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold! The supply is endless, the wealth from all its treasures! 10 She is pillaged, plundered, stripped! Hearts melt, knees give way, bodies tremble, every face grows pale.
13 "I am against you," declares the Lord Almighty. "I will burn up your chariots in smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will leave you no prey on the earth. The voices of your messengers will no longer be heard."
So, I opened my Bible to the first page I came to and it fell open in the book of Nahum (which was bookmarked by one of my Troy Tulowitzki baseball cards). I began to read a little and realized that I never followed up from my posts about Jonah. Remember, Jonah was called to preach in Ninevah, which was a corrupt, wicked, and sinful city. In this passage, we find Ninevah in the middle of turmoil and attack again...in a way that seems suitable for an action film starring Bruce Willis and any other tough guy actor you can name.
God had warned Ninevah of their wickedness and how it would turn out. Through warnings and efforts by God to make reconciliation with Ninevah, but their hards stayed hard and they continued to turn away from God. He is patient and is not angered easily, but this continuation began the judgement action.
The city of Ninevah was about to get smashed by desolation, which was God's promise. There was also another promise...restoration. Sometimes God takes us down to the lowest place we could get to in order to humble us and open our eyes spiritually. When we sin over and over again, breaking God's will and his heart, he will seek restoration in our lives. No, God will most likely not send out an entire military outfit with weapons and fire. The sad thing is that when the Lord makes His strides to restore our hearts, we fight against Him and resist.
Those in Judah, who trusted in God, would be judged in a different manner, although their possessions and city would be laid to waste. Those who were wicked and resistant to God's command, would see an end to everything they knew. God is the only one who reserves the right to seek vengeance...in Nahum, he does so in order to bring His people back to him.
5 "I am against you," declares the Lord Almighty. "I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness and the kingdoms your shame. 6 I will pelt you with filth, I will treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle.
God is capable of all things, whether for blessing or punishment.
2.06.2011
February 6 - Fortunes
No exercise today since it is Sunday. Tomorrow, I will continue into week six.
Proverbs 12:16,18
16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
18 Reckless word pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
King Solomon's words in the book of Proverbs are sometimes so simple, but yet they aren't so simple to live by. A lot of proverbs sound a lot like Chinese fortunes. There is one big difference between the two: fortune cookies are made by a manufacturing company in Brooklyn, NY called Won Ton Foods, while the Word of God is the package that we find God's promises and instructions in. A "writer" is paid to sit in an office and think up fortunes for the little slips of paper we find in the cookies we get at Chinese and Japanese restaurants. Yes, it may be uplifting to read a fortune that says, "you will soon receive large sums of money", or, "you will live a long, healthy life", but that slip of paper doesn't mean that it is going to happen. The proverbs delivered through Solomon give us instruction pertaining to every conceivable area of human life. There is comparison between a worldly way of living and a Godly perspective in which we mold and shape our lives.
This week, I am going to make efforts to lengthen my fuse, meaning that I will try to be more patient and understanding to those I come in contact with. This is especially hard when working with apathetic teenagers, but there are no exceptions to the instruction that God has placed before us in His word. I am also going to watch what I say to others. No, I don't struggle with profanity or cursing, but I could do so much better by lifting others up by offering kind comments and advice.
Will you live by fortunes or proverbs?
Proverbs 12:16,18
16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
18 Reckless word pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
King Solomon's words in the book of Proverbs are sometimes so simple, but yet they aren't so simple to live by. A lot of proverbs sound a lot like Chinese fortunes. There is one big difference between the two: fortune cookies are made by a manufacturing company in Brooklyn, NY called Won Ton Foods, while the Word of God is the package that we find God's promises and instructions in. A "writer" is paid to sit in an office and think up fortunes for the little slips of paper we find in the cookies we get at Chinese and Japanese restaurants. Yes, it may be uplifting to read a fortune that says, "you will soon receive large sums of money", or, "you will live a long, healthy life", but that slip of paper doesn't mean that it is going to happen. The proverbs delivered through Solomon give us instruction pertaining to every conceivable area of human life. There is comparison between a worldly way of living and a Godly perspective in which we mold and shape our lives.
This week, I am going to make efforts to lengthen my fuse, meaning that I will try to be more patient and understanding to those I come in contact with. This is especially hard when working with apathetic teenagers, but there are no exceptions to the instruction that God has placed before us in His word. I am also going to watch what I say to others. No, I don't struggle with profanity or cursing, but I could do so much better by lifting others up by offering kind comments and advice.
Will you live by fortunes or proverbs?
February 5 - Chickens
Beginning of week 6...what a beginning...
1 John 1:8-10
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Today our dog Kiya decided to go on a field trip. Literally, she ran through some fields and had a trip. The high winds blew our fence gate open today and it was a whole new world for her. Huskies naturally hunt and chase after smaller animals for fun and for food. Unfortunately, a nice family a little less than a mile down the road had to be on the receiving end of this lovely trait that Kiya possesses. The family raises chickens, both for show and for livestock. Disaster struck.
Their chickens run loose in their yard, which there is nothing wrong with that, until a hungry wolf picks up on their scent. Kiya did collateral damage and took out at least 7 chickens. I received a phone call from my dad who got the news from the owners, who got my parents number from Kiya's tag. The strange thing is, when my wife and I set out to look for her earlier, we drove passed this house and saw the chickens and I said, "I sure hope she doesn't come down here and see these chickens".
So damage was done. I felt so much remorse and guilt for what Kiya had done. Between my wife and I, I think we apologized over twenty times. Of course, that couldn't revive the chickens. We paid them for the loss, even though the amount we gave and what they asked for barely made up for it. The family who owned the chickens were so understanding and considerate, even though our dog had ambushed their pets, which we all know can be just like family (no matter what kind of animal it is).
What does this have to do with the scripture referenced in 1 John?
This is a perfect illustration of the love of Christ. When we sin, we break God's heart. He knows our sins, just as He knows our hearts. When we claim that we don't sin, we basically say that Christ died for nothing. That simply is not true. Christ took our sins upon himself and paid the fine. He gave everything he had for us.
Two ways to look at this situation:
1) To completely show correlation between God's sacrifice and the chicken story we could twist the story slightly. What if Kiya (who did wrong) still killed the chickens, but the owners of the chickens paid my wife and I money? How insane would that be? Here our dog is killing their pets and they are giving us their money and a lot of it. They are hurt by the damage done, but they want us to receive gifts for what our dog has done. To make it even more strange, the owners give Kiya milkbones, water, and a grooming session to clean up after the massacre.
This is just like the love that Christ has shown us. We killed him. We put him on the cross. We beat him. We sin against him. We deny him. Yet, he stills shows us grace and forgives us. It doesn't make sense does it? God's love is real. That makes sense.
2) What if the owners said, "you know what, these chickens are expensive, but we are going to ask you to just pay a little less than half of what they would cost". They also express that they know it wasn't our fault and sometimes things like this happen. They are understanding and caring.
I don't know whether or not the members of that family are Christians or not, but that is how we should strive to love our lives. My previous post was about controlling our anger and emotions. They could have been furious. They could have called the cops. They could have shot our dog. Many things could have happened, but they were forgiving and understanding through it all.
Christ died for something. Something big. You. And me.
2.04.2011
February 4 - Solitude
Last day of 5 minute runs, 5 push-ups, and 5 sit-ups. The next week should be a challenge with cold, wet weather moving in...
Genesis 1:18
18 The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him".
God has created every one of us for a reason. No one was born by mistake, whether some claim to have children by mistake or not. God is in control of everything and rightfully so since He created this entire world and everyone and thing in it. I am so grateful that God created my wife. I love her and am so satisfied to be loved by her.
Some people suffer from loneliness and depression because they "haven't found that special someone" or they have lost their love. To those people, I pray that you will understand that you are not alone. Christ is always near, while not in the physical sense, he is near spiritually.
Jesus never had a wife while on earth...
Genesis 1:18
18 The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him".
God has created every one of us for a reason. No one was born by mistake, whether some claim to have children by mistake or not. God is in control of everything and rightfully so since He created this entire world and everyone and thing in it. I am so grateful that God created my wife. I love her and am so satisfied to be loved by her.
Some people suffer from loneliness and depression because they "haven't found that special someone" or they have lost their love. To those people, I pray that you will understand that you are not alone. Christ is always near, while not in the physical sense, he is near spiritually.
Jesus never had a wife while on earth...
2.03.2011
February 3 - Vengeance
Tomorrow is the last day of week 5...I hope all is well in your life.
1 Peter 2:23
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
When someone you work with says something about you or you hear a friend insult you behind your back, do you get mad? I think we all would get upset. It's out human nature. Sometimes, we take that anger even further and seek retaliation and vengeance. It's so easy to put up a wall after a co-worker, classmate, or even a family member hurts us. Whether we are talking verbal insults, physical abuse, or any other type of attack, we all become defensive and angry. If we had the power and capabilities, we would probably inflict pain and suffering on our oppressors.
Christ received love and acceptance from many people in his lifetime. He also was on the receiving end of insults, mockery, abuse, and crucifixion. Could he have stopped people from calling him names and spitting on his face? Of course, but that wasn't the plan. Jesus has given us an example to follow. Grace has been shown to us through the love that Christ showed us on the cross. He took the pain because he loves us.
How can someone who is being murdered, love the murderer? It's simple. Grace. Christ loves us...the murderers. We could be punished and brutalized for what we do to him daily, but that's not what God has planned for his people. His promise was carried out to spare our lives. This is the ultimate example of how to deal with our emotions and anger.
The next time someone annoys you in a movie theater, or spills a drink on your new coat, or says you smell like rotten eggs and vinegar, think about the overall result of what they've done. Is it really worth getting upset over? Even if someone punches you in the back when you are walking down the street or steals your credit card, it's not the end of your life. For Christ, it was the end of his physical life here on earth. There was no rage or anger that was evident in his spirit. Even if we are faced with a life or death situation, remember that God is the judge of all things. For that I am thankful...
In God We Trust...
We've said it for so long in America and in our lives. It is time we lived it out now.
2.02.2011
February 2 - God
Being a positive example for others to follow is a serious struggle sometimes when teaching teenagers all day long...I need a patience boost!
John 1:1-5
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
Three things stand out to me in these few verses: 1) God's Word is eternal, 2) Jesus has existed since the beginning of time, 3) Everything I have belongs to God.
It's simply amazing to know that what we believe in, as Christians, and the foundation we base our lives upon are of eternal truths and principles. The God that created us has had a plan of action from the first word in the bible. Nothing has been a surprise to God and He hasn't had to change a word in the Word. We have a precise and perfect God given book that describes how to live on earth and how to receive His eternal gift of salvation. "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him" (Proverbs 30:5). The Word is eternal because God's promises are completed here on earth and they will be carried out when we reach heaven.
I was thinking today on my planning period, "How did people receive salvation and receive eternal life in heaven or hell before the life and death of Jesus Christ?". First of all, John 1:2 explains the foundation of this understand. In the New Living Translation the verse says, "He existed in the beginning with God". This means that even though Christ had a human body made of flesh and blood, he was with God since the beginning of everything. God promised everyone that He would deliver His son to the earth and provide a sacrifice for the sins of the entire human race. Revelation 13:8 explains that "All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast- all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world." So the sacrifice was made as a promise from creation, but God sent His son to carry out the physical and spiritual promise of sacrifice through Christ. Those who placed faith in this promise and live according to God's word were judged differently than those who were against God.
Since the creation of the world, God has depended on us, His children to portray His truths and love to the rest of the world. We have a responsibility to be the light in the darkness (as I posted about in January). That is not always easy when the temptations of the world are creeping up on us and trying to pull us down. The darkness does not understand the light. That phrase isn't very motivating to take the Word to non-believers. Faith in Christ is stronger than any other thing you can think of putting your faith in. God created each of us for a purpose.
God has blessed me with so much. I am sure you could say the same thing. A man I admire for his outlook, beliefs, and strong faith is our pastor. He was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and since then He has been such an amazing example to those who are struggling with physical ailments and spiritual problems. Through Christ, all things are made perfect. God's plan may include being diagnosed with cancer or being in a bad car accident. Do we really have the right to even begin to think about blaming God? No way! Think about every good gift that God has given you. If you can read this, consider yourself blessed. The small gifts like being able to breathe, walk, smell, taste, and think are blessing that God has given us. Not one person can justly blame God for a bad circumstance. Easier said than done though, right?
3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
I did not create myself. My parents did not create me. My parents did not create themselves. We trace it back to Adam and Eve and we find that God made them. The tree in your yard was not made by a human. Perspectives change in different situations, but this is one that we must understand clearly. Our lives are a gift from God. We have no right to end it on our own terms, nor do we assume we are in control. This is why strong faith is so important in crucial moments in life.
God loves His creation.
God is hurt by the perverse modifications man has made to His creation.
God doesn't break promises.
God is true.
John 1:1-5
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
Three things stand out to me in these few verses: 1) God's Word is eternal, 2) Jesus has existed since the beginning of time, 3) Everything I have belongs to God.
It's simply amazing to know that what we believe in, as Christians, and the foundation we base our lives upon are of eternal truths and principles. The God that created us has had a plan of action from the first word in the bible. Nothing has been a surprise to God and He hasn't had to change a word in the Word. We have a precise and perfect God given book that describes how to live on earth and how to receive His eternal gift of salvation. "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him" (Proverbs 30:5). The Word is eternal because God's promises are completed here on earth and they will be carried out when we reach heaven.
I was thinking today on my planning period, "How did people receive salvation and receive eternal life in heaven or hell before the life and death of Jesus Christ?". First of all, John 1:2 explains the foundation of this understand. In the New Living Translation the verse says, "He existed in the beginning with God". This means that even though Christ had a human body made of flesh and blood, he was with God since the beginning of everything. God promised everyone that He would deliver His son to the earth and provide a sacrifice for the sins of the entire human race. Revelation 13:8 explains that "All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast- all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world." So the sacrifice was made as a promise from creation, but God sent His son to carry out the physical and spiritual promise of sacrifice through Christ. Those who placed faith in this promise and live according to God's word were judged differently than those who were against God.
Since the creation of the world, God has depended on us, His children to portray His truths and love to the rest of the world. We have a responsibility to be the light in the darkness (as I posted about in January). That is not always easy when the temptations of the world are creeping up on us and trying to pull us down. The darkness does not understand the light. That phrase isn't very motivating to take the Word to non-believers. Faith in Christ is stronger than any other thing you can think of putting your faith in. God created each of us for a purpose.
God has blessed me with so much. I am sure you could say the same thing. A man I admire for his outlook, beliefs, and strong faith is our pastor. He was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and since then He has been such an amazing example to those who are struggling with physical ailments and spiritual problems. Through Christ, all things are made perfect. God's plan may include being diagnosed with cancer or being in a bad car accident. Do we really have the right to even begin to think about blaming God? No way! Think about every good gift that God has given you. If you can read this, consider yourself blessed. The small gifts like being able to breathe, walk, smell, taste, and think are blessing that God has given us. Not one person can justly blame God for a bad circumstance. Easier said than done though, right?
3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
I did not create myself. My parents did not create me. My parents did not create themselves. We trace it back to Adam and Eve and we find that God made them. The tree in your yard was not made by a human. Perspectives change in different situations, but this is one that we must understand clearly. Our lives are a gift from God. We have no right to end it on our own terms, nor do we assume we are in control. This is why strong faith is so important in crucial moments in life.
God loves His creation.
God is hurt by the perverse modifications man has made to His creation.
God doesn't break promises.
God is true.
2.01.2011
February 1 - Work
My body hurts. Not from the 5 minute run, but from the program we introduced to our PE classes. It's torture doing it 3 times a day. It's pretty awesome to see my students active and moving together in a new way...
Colossians 3:23
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
This is one of my favorite verses in the word. It's like Paul knew that we would be working jobs to just bring home the bacon and retire happily. It's also possible, that when people set out to plow a field or to work in the city walls complained and completed their work with a snarl, hating the thought of doing it again the next day. Things change, but the hearts of men and their desire for a "better job" and "higher pay" will continue to be an issue. Paul isn't necessarily limiting the "work" to our occupations and ways of making money.
Volunteer work, mission trips, and random acts of kindness, can all be done with a stone heart and negative attitude. The truth is, everything we have, whether talents, possessions, time, money, or the people we are with are all from one source...God. The Lord has blessed us with talents, opportunities, possessions that can help other people, but we refuse to show God our true appreciation and willingness to work for Him. For myself, there are mornings that I wish I could just stay in bed and sleep, but instead I have to go to work. It is hard to go to work when our heart is not in it. The problem, that I have experienced and still struggle with at times, is doing the work at my job for the Lord. Unhappy, grouchy, mean, arrogant, and repulsive are all characteristics that our co-workers, customers, employees, friends, and employers see in us when our heart isn't prepared to work for God at the beginning of the day.
Whether we are making money at the time, or helping others by using our time and talents, our hearts should be focused directly on one thing...the Creator our lives. We could worship money, TV, gossip, and possessions, but we gain nothing from that, and most importantly, God gets nothing from that. God deserves the glory for the abilities he has blessed us with. Believe it or not, when work is done correctly, is could be considered a form of worship for our Lord.
God is my employer...
Colossians 3:23
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
This is one of my favorite verses in the word. It's like Paul knew that we would be working jobs to just bring home the bacon and retire happily. It's also possible, that when people set out to plow a field or to work in the city walls complained and completed their work with a snarl, hating the thought of doing it again the next day. Things change, but the hearts of men and their desire for a "better job" and "higher pay" will continue to be an issue. Paul isn't necessarily limiting the "work" to our occupations and ways of making money.
Volunteer work, mission trips, and random acts of kindness, can all be done with a stone heart and negative attitude. The truth is, everything we have, whether talents, possessions, time, money, or the people we are with are all from one source...God. The Lord has blessed us with talents, opportunities, possessions that can help other people, but we refuse to show God our true appreciation and willingness to work for Him. For myself, there are mornings that I wish I could just stay in bed and sleep, but instead I have to go to work. It is hard to go to work when our heart is not in it. The problem, that I have experienced and still struggle with at times, is doing the work at my job for the Lord. Unhappy, grouchy, mean, arrogant, and repulsive are all characteristics that our co-workers, customers, employees, friends, and employers see in us when our heart isn't prepared to work for God at the beginning of the day.
Whether we are making money at the time, or helping others by using our time and talents, our hearts should be focused directly on one thing...the Creator our lives. We could worship money, TV, gossip, and possessions, but we gain nothing from that, and most importantly, God gets nothing from that. God deserves the glory for the abilities he has blessed us with. Believe it or not, when work is done correctly, is could be considered a form of worship for our Lord.
God is my employer...
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