Because we never lay hold of our nothingness before God, and consequently, we never enter into the deepest reality of our relationship with Him. But when we accept ownership of our powerlessness and helplessness, we acknowledge that we are paupers at the door of God's mercy, then God can make something beautiful out of us.
- The Ragamuffin Gospel
7.29.2011
July 27 - Rally
I've been with my beautiful and caring wife for 2 years and 1 month. That's what's up!
July 26 - Affection
Noticed tonight while reading through Titus and 1 John...love is a valuable and important role in the Christian life. Love goes a long way with our friends, family, strangers, and co-workers. Most importantly, love is crucial in a healthy and strong relationship with God!
7.27.2011
July 25 - Treason
"Even the slightest sin does violence to God's holiness, to His glory, and to His righteousness. Every sin, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is truly an act of treason against the cosmic King.
7.24.2011
July 23 - Belief
If a random sampling of one thousand Christians were taken today, the majority would define faith as belief in the existence of God. In earlier times it did not take faith to believe that God existed - almost everybody took that for granted. Rather, faith had to do with one's relationship to God - whether one trusted in God. The difference between faith as "belief in something that may or may not exist" and faith as "trusting in God" is enormous. The first is a matter of the head, the second a matter of the heart. The first can leave us unchanged; the second intrinsically brings change.
- Brennan Manning
- Brennan Manning
July 22 - He
Psalm 91:14-16
14 "Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.
God is strong, loving, dependable, constant, and so much more. His promises for our lives will be fulfilled as long as we live by faith and not by our own understanding. When we start to explore and live on our own accord, we fall further and further away from God. The good life is not drinking beer, partying in the late night hours, and driving the most expensive cars in your community. The good life is living faithfully for the Lord, because then he will always provide, care, protect, and give love.
14 "Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.
God is strong, loving, dependable, constant, and so much more. His promises for our lives will be fulfilled as long as we live by faith and not by our own understanding. When we start to explore and live on our own accord, we fall further and further away from God. The good life is not drinking beer, partying in the late night hours, and driving the most expensive cars in your community. The good life is living faithfully for the Lord, because then he will always provide, care, protect, and give love.
7.22.2011
July 21 - Answers
When we try to avoid suffering by sinning, we end up sinning ourselves into suffering.
7.21.2011
July 19 - Heartache
John 14:1
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
We all have problems and burdens to bear. When disaster strikes and we lose possessions, loved ones, jobs, friends, or anything else, it is difficult not to let our emotions take over. We then experience anger, depression, anxiety, rage, apathy, sadness, and other feelings that tend to come out through our lives. Christ instructs us on how to handle these situations.
First of all, he understands that we will experience hardships. He knows that the natural reaction for us as humans is to become weary and troublesome. We feel heartache when our girlfriend breaks up with us. We feel pain when a loved one passes away. We even feel weary when we lose money when our investments go down. God understands this.
Secondly, since he knows that we will experience situations like this, he has devised a way for us to deal with them. He recognizes our burdens, our heartaches, our pains, our struggles, and our turmoil and he offers to take them away and give us relief.
Lastly, the offer is on the table and God wants to know what we want to do with our pain. We can hang on to it, mull over it and continue to be depressed...or we can hand it over to him and place ALL of our trust in his power to make life better. Through trust in the Lord, we can truly experience life the way that God had planned from the beginning.
If you have heartache...hand it over to God.
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
We all have problems and burdens to bear. When disaster strikes and we lose possessions, loved ones, jobs, friends, or anything else, it is difficult not to let our emotions take over. We then experience anger, depression, anxiety, rage, apathy, sadness, and other feelings that tend to come out through our lives. Christ instructs us on how to handle these situations.
First of all, he understands that we will experience hardships. He knows that the natural reaction for us as humans is to become weary and troublesome. We feel heartache when our girlfriend breaks up with us. We feel pain when a loved one passes away. We even feel weary when we lose money when our investments go down. God understands this.
Secondly, since he knows that we will experience situations like this, he has devised a way for us to deal with them. He recognizes our burdens, our heartaches, our pains, our struggles, and our turmoil and he offers to take them away and give us relief.
Lastly, the offer is on the table and God wants to know what we want to do with our pain. We can hang on to it, mull over it and continue to be depressed...or we can hand it over to him and place ALL of our trust in his power to make life better. Through trust in the Lord, we can truly experience life the way that God had planned from the beginning.
If you have heartache...hand it over to God.
7.19.2011
July 18 - Diligence
2 Timothy 2:15
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.
Being a Christian is the pinnacle of life. God may be invisible and unseen in the physical, but through faith we can reveal Him to those who see Him in us. It is our responsibility to strive to be more and more like Him, through our mistakes and our successes.
We mess up. He forgives.
We turn away. He calls us back.
We give minimal time to Him. He is always giving time and attention.
We become careless. He continues to protect.
We spend our money unwisely. He provides our necessities.
We must live for Him, because there is no other life to live.
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.
Being a Christian is the pinnacle of life. God may be invisible and unseen in the physical, but through faith we can reveal Him to those who see Him in us. It is our responsibility to strive to be more and more like Him, through our mistakes and our successes.
We mess up. He forgives.
We turn away. He calls us back.
We give minimal time to Him. He is always giving time and attention.
We become careless. He continues to protect.
We spend our money unwisely. He provides our necessities.
We must live for Him, because there is no other life to live.
7.16.2011
July 16 - Low
Putting your face on the floor in prayer is definitely a quick way to get back with God.
July 15 - Handles
"Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith."
- Henry Ward Beecher
- Henry Ward Beecher
7.15.2011
July 14 - Jewels
Ran 5 miles today in place of running the Crazy 8's tonight in Kingsport. It feels so good to be home with my wife at 10:00 at night and $50 in our pocket. I did improve by about 4 minutes on my 5 mile time from last year on an even harder route.
Proverbs 20:15
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
Saving up money and possessions are good, especially with the economy the way it is. However, having and nurturing a knowledge AND understanding of God's Word is far more important. Life is more meaningful and worthwhile when abiding in the purpose of God's will. Everything we need to know is within the 66 books of the Bible and from there, we are to share it with others. God's love and word is a fine jewel...we can either store it away and never let it shine...or we can reveal to others that His love and word are bigger and better than anything we could ever put in our wallet or deposit box.
Bling.
7.13.2011
July 12 - Opposites
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
-Martin Luther King Jr.
-Martin Luther King Jr.
7.11.2011
July 11 - Facts
Within the first 48 hours of being on the street, one in three children are lured into prostitution.
The average age of entry into U.S. sex trafficking for girls and boys ranges from 11-14.
The sale of child pornography has become a $3 billion industry.
8 million women undergo abortions every year in China.
Every day, 190 children are abducted in China.
Pray for missions.
Pray for our country.
Pray for children in single-parent and foster homes.
Pray for other countries.
The average age of entry into U.S. sex trafficking for girls and boys ranges from 11-14.
The sale of child pornography has become a $3 billion industry.
8 million women undergo abortions every year in China.
Every day, 190 children are abducted in China.
Pray for missions.
Pray for our country.
Pray for children in single-parent and foster homes.
Pray for other countries.
July 10 - Suffering
Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.
- Helen Keller
Daniel 12: 1-3,13
1 "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people - everyone whose name is found written in the book - will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the starts for ever and ever.
13 "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."
- Helen Keller
Daniel 12: 1-3,13
1 "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people - everyone whose name is found written in the book - will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the starts for ever and ever.
13 "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."
7.10.2011
July 9 - Trust
Isaiah 2:22
Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?
Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?
7.09.2011
July 8 - Management
"Lack of prayer says you've bought into the lie that life is manageable and you've got everything under control."
7.08.2011
July 7 - Discovery
In the past 2 days I have had two opportunities to take someone else's money blindly and/or gain merchandise that was left unattended. If I have not been tested in the last couple of days, I'm not sure what this is.
At a major home improvement store, I noticed on my way out to the parking lot when returning my shopping cart, that someone had left a value pack of about 24 AA batteries in a shopping cart. There was no receipt, no one nearby to claim them or spot me taking them, or any cameras watching me. I had two basic options: 1) I could take the batteries home with me and use them over the course of the next 2 years or 2) I could leave them/return them to the store.
Without hesitation, I took the batteries inside and told one of the cashiers that someone had left them in a shopping cart outside. He replied with a shocked and confused look on his face, "Thank you".
At a fast food restaurant today on my way home from a great trip with a friend to catch a Braves game, I had to break a large bill in order to pay for my lunch. The cashier gave me $20 too much and didn't even think twice. Again, no cameras watching me, nobody to see this mistake, and no other evidence. It would be an easy $20 made. I had two options: 1) I could stick the change in my wallet like everything is normal and become $20 richer or 2) I could bring it to the cashier's attention and return it.
Without hesitation again, I brought it to the young cashier's attention. I said, "Mam, I believe you gave me one too many twenties". She replied, "oh, okay".
Here I am saving this girl's job by being honest and she replies with "oh, okay". I was more blown away by the fact she didn't say thank you than the fact she couldn't come up with correct change from $100.
Nonetheless, in both situations, I was given two options:
1) Do the right thing.
2) Do the wrong thing.
Some people might say, how is it wrong if it is the mistake of another person? The answer: because we all make mistakes. As Christians, we are to help those who stumble and mess up by being honest, caring, truthful, and examples of Christ.
If I had kept that $20, that cashier would have either lost her job at the end of the day or she would have been chewed out. Sure, she didn't do her job well, but maybe this was a learning experience that she will use to become a better cashier.
Stealing is a sin. If it's not yours and you know it belongs to someone else, don't take it. Too many people easily talk themselves into doing things they shouldn't. There are no excuses for sinning. We all fall...but we don't possess the right to make it seem okay.
DO WHAT IS RIGHT...
At a major home improvement store, I noticed on my way out to the parking lot when returning my shopping cart, that someone had left a value pack of about 24 AA batteries in a shopping cart. There was no receipt, no one nearby to claim them or spot me taking them, or any cameras watching me. I had two basic options: 1) I could take the batteries home with me and use them over the course of the next 2 years or 2) I could leave them/return them to the store.
Without hesitation, I took the batteries inside and told one of the cashiers that someone had left them in a shopping cart outside. He replied with a shocked and confused look on his face, "Thank you".
At a fast food restaurant today on my way home from a great trip with a friend to catch a Braves game, I had to break a large bill in order to pay for my lunch. The cashier gave me $20 too much and didn't even think twice. Again, no cameras watching me, nobody to see this mistake, and no other evidence. It would be an easy $20 made. I had two options: 1) I could stick the change in my wallet like everything is normal and become $20 richer or 2) I could bring it to the cashier's attention and return it.
Without hesitation again, I brought it to the young cashier's attention. I said, "Mam, I believe you gave me one too many twenties". She replied, "oh, okay".
Here I am saving this girl's job by being honest and she replies with "oh, okay". I was more blown away by the fact she didn't say thank you than the fact she couldn't come up with correct change from $100.
Nonetheless, in both situations, I was given two options:
1) Do the right thing.
2) Do the wrong thing.
Some people might say, how is it wrong if it is the mistake of another person? The answer: because we all make mistakes. As Christians, we are to help those who stumble and mess up by being honest, caring, truthful, and examples of Christ.
If I had kept that $20, that cashier would have either lost her job at the end of the day or she would have been chewed out. Sure, she didn't do her job well, but maybe this was a learning experience that she will use to become a better cashier.
Stealing is a sin. If it's not yours and you know it belongs to someone else, don't take it. Too many people easily talk themselves into doing things they shouldn't. There are no excuses for sinning. We all fall...but we don't possess the right to make it seem okay.
DO WHAT IS RIGHT...
7.07.2011
July 6 - Words
Proverbs 12: 16-18
16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
17 A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.
18 Reckless word pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
17 A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.
18 Reckless word pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
7.05.2011
July 5 - Grudges
If forgiveness has truly set us free, why do we hold onto so many grudges?
Ephesians 4:31-32
31 Get rid of all bitterness rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32
31 Get rid of all bitterness rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
July 4 - Freedom
July 4th is always a reminder of the freedom that we have and have had in America. Our history goes back and tells tale after tale about young men who gave their lives at the forefront of battle to secure freedom for the families in this country. Even today, men and women are fighting on foreign soil as well as working here at home to continue to secure this freedom...
Unfortunately, there is a problem that is growing in our country. That problem is called politics...dirty politics.
The politics that we see now in the United States are not what was envisioned by the founding father or even the people in the United States 50 years ago. Everything is becoming more and more corrupt and moral values are diminishing daily.
2 Corinthians 3:14-18
14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
The only thing that is going to reconstruct America is faith in the word of God and turning back to him. Life looks a lot different today than it did on July 4th, 1776. We have come a long way in many positive strides, such as in the medical field, with technology, and so much more. Global government and currency is on the verge of becoming the norm. We must realize the negative steps we are taking though and modify how we are living and how this country is being directed.
The United States of America needs prayer...
Enjoy your freedom, but fight for it and keep it pure and clean, as it is from God above.
Finally, "If you don't love America, get out."
:)
Unfortunately, there is a problem that is growing in our country. That problem is called politics...dirty politics.
The politics that we see now in the United States are not what was envisioned by the founding father or even the people in the United States 50 years ago. Everything is becoming more and more corrupt and moral values are diminishing daily.
2 Corinthians 3:14-18
14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
The only thing that is going to reconstruct America is faith in the word of God and turning back to him. Life looks a lot different today than it did on July 4th, 1776. We have come a long way in many positive strides, such as in the medical field, with technology, and so much more. Global government and currency is on the verge of becoming the norm. We must realize the negative steps we are taking though and modify how we are living and how this country is being directed.
The United States of America needs prayer...
Enjoy your freedom, but fight for it and keep it pure and clean, as it is from God above.
Finally, "If you don't love America, get out."
:)
7.03.2011
July 3 - Glory
A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, "darkness" on the walls of his cell.
- C.S. Lewis
- C.S. Lewis
7.02.2011
July 2 - Satan
The devil drives a tan Ford Expedition.
As my wife and I made our way back from our great vacation in South Carolina, we hit a major traffic jam in the hills leading into Asheville. To make matters worse, we were low on gas. The gauge was flashing and we were a few miles away from the nearest gas station. So, in desperation I pulled over into the emergency lane and began to pass other drivers stuck in traffic...UNTIL...
the devil decided to pull in front of us. Yes, this upstanding citizen decided to take it upon himself the role of blocking people from driving in the emergency lane. Here I am trying to communicate to this man in every way positive I know how that my fuel tank is almost dry and I need to get to the nearest exit, but it didn't matter. His objective was to keep anyone from passing him, no matter what. Through his hand gestures, his driving behavior, and his presence on the road with other drivers, this guy was bad news.
Here's the question:
How do you deal with someone like this person when you are in a stressful situation?
The answer:
The same way you deal with the devil when he throws temptations and traps in your path.
There are people in the world that seek out negativity on others. By this I mean, these people thrive on the failure or suffering of other people.
2 Timothy 2:23-26 says:
23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 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 they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
So, when faced with resistance and fighting back seems like the best and easiest option, apply these verses to the situation. Should I have called this man an idiot, even with the windows up? No. Should I have honked my horn that one time? No. Instead I should have simply entrusted that God would take care of the situation and get us to the gas station without harm...
...just as he did today.
As my wife and I made our way back from our great vacation in South Carolina, we hit a major traffic jam in the hills leading into Asheville. To make matters worse, we were low on gas. The gauge was flashing and we were a few miles away from the nearest gas station. So, in desperation I pulled over into the emergency lane and began to pass other drivers stuck in traffic...UNTIL...
the devil decided to pull in front of us. Yes, this upstanding citizen decided to take it upon himself the role of blocking people from driving in the emergency lane. Here I am trying to communicate to this man in every way positive I know how that my fuel tank is almost dry and I need to get to the nearest exit, but it didn't matter. His objective was to keep anyone from passing him, no matter what. Through his hand gestures, his driving behavior, and his presence on the road with other drivers, this guy was bad news.
Here's the question:
How do you deal with someone like this person when you are in a stressful situation?
The answer:
The same way you deal with the devil when he throws temptations and traps in your path.
There are people in the world that seek out negativity on others. By this I mean, these people thrive on the failure or suffering of other people.
2 Timothy 2:23-26 says:
23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 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 they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
So, when faced with resistance and fighting back seems like the best and easiest option, apply these verses to the situation. Should I have called this man an idiot, even with the windows up? No. Should I have honked my horn that one time? No. Instead I should have simply entrusted that God would take care of the situation and get us to the gas station without harm...
...just as he did today.
7.01.2011
July 1 - Five
5 Great Things:
1) Family
2) Salvation
3) Health
4) Forgiveness
5) Love
Make your list now. Include these things in your prayer life.
1) Family
2) Salvation
3) Health
4) Forgiveness
5) Love
Make your list now. Include these things in your prayer life.
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