Revelation 3:15-18 15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
The word for spit really means to vomit or gag uncontrollably because you are sick. If you ever had a stomach virus, or food poisoning, it is the same feeling God has toward those who are luke warm Christians. Does God get violently sick by the fact that I am not giving my all? I mean, something has to be better than nothing, right? Surely, He is pleased by the things I am doing as opposed to the things I am not doing, right?
1 John 2:3-4 3We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Matthew 16:24-25 24Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
These verses make it sound as if God is not alright with our half hearted attempts at being Christ Followers. It sounds as if Jesus wants us to give every part of our lives to Him and not just portions of it. I guess, just like the rich man, in Luke 18 that Jesus wants us to not just give up almost everything, but all of it.
If I am honest I give up things to God that I want to give up to Him. What if He asked me to give up something I was not really wanting to give up? What if He called me to do something no one else understood including myself? What if me following Christ cost me everything? Is that not what it should cost?
Honestly, I have given as much to Christ as I feel comfortable with.
If we go back to the revelations that John and Isaiah had,(Isaiah 6:2-4 and Revelation 4:7-9) would this indescribable God be worthy of everything? Of course the answer is yes and more, but how easy it is to grow comfortable in our Americanized Christianity. How easy it is to get distracted by the temporary things of life instead of with the awesomeness of God.
What am I not willing to give to Christ?
Who am I willing not to forgive for Christ?
What amount of money will I not spend for Christ?
What am I not willing to do for Christ?
Whatever those answers are shows what I value more than Christ. And whatever those things are,is why God vomits.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Tim Kizziar “ Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that really don’t matter.
So the question is: What does God find as success?
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 1If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Am I loving like I should? Am I investing in the things God would invest in? What is God really going to look at when everything is over? How much I had? How many people came to the church I was a part of? If I do not have love then I have nothing and I have invested a lot of time and energy into meaningless and unworthy task that God would not even consider worthy of sacrifice.
Malachi 1:7-8 "You place defiled food on my altar. "But you ask, 'How have we defiled you?' "By saying that the Lord's table is contemptible. 8 When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?" says the LORD Almighty.
How would seeking after love change everything about me? How I spend my time, money, and energy? Learn to love God and you will love what He loves. Love is what makes your sacrifice acceptable to Him, not the fact you accomplished a task.
What are you succeeding at? Is it worth it in God's eyes? Are you sure?
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 1If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Am I loving like I should? Am I investing in the things God would invest in? What is God really going to look at when everything is over? How much I had? How many people came to the church I was a part of? If I do not have love then I have nothing and I have invested a lot of time and energy into meaningless and unworthy task that God would not even consider worthy of sacrifice.
Malachi 1:7-8 "You place defiled food on my altar. "But you ask, 'How have we defiled you?' "By saying that the Lord's table is contemptible. 8 When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?" says the LORD Almighty.
How would seeking after love change everything about me? How I spend my time, money, and energy? Learn to love God and you will love what He loves. Love is what makes your sacrifice acceptable to Him, not the fact you accomplished a task.
What are you succeeding at? Is it worth it in God's eyes? Are you sure?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Who is Influencing You?
Every day we get thousands of messages telling us which way to go, what to buy and how to be happy. In the video series the "The Truth Project" they reported that we receive 60,000 audio and visual messages a day. In his book ReCreate, Ron Luce estimates that by the time that a student reaches 18 years of age they will have 75,600 minutes of school, 224,640 minutes of media and 2,002 minutes with a serious conversation with their parents. That means a parent only spends 3.5 minutes a week in serious conversation with their child while there is 72 hours of media each week received by their child.
1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 (New International Version)
5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
Have we fallen asleep? Have we bought into lies and do not even realize it because we have just bought into what we have been taught as truth? Have we heard the same messages over and over again that are not of God but we have bought into them because we heard them so many times? Knowing what we believe is important but also being alert is just as important. We can no longer sit back and listen to all the media messages without filtering them through the Bible. If we do then we will be lulled to sleep and headed on a collision course without even realizing it.
What happens is we become passengers on this road of life. Since the path is long we fall asleep trusting where we are headed by the one driving. Because the driver does not drive erratically we stay asleep.The driver heads off course just a little bit and before we know it we are not where we intended to be. This is how it is if we do not wake up and look at the things we believe and why we believe them.
What things do you believe that do not match with what the Bible says? What areas in life have you fallen asleep? What course adjustments will you need to make in order to get back on track? The first step is to wake up and realize you are being influenced.
1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 (New International Version)
5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
Have we fallen asleep? Have we bought into lies and do not even realize it because we have just bought into what we have been taught as truth? Have we heard the same messages over and over again that are not of God but we have bought into them because we heard them so many times? Knowing what we believe is important but also being alert is just as important. We can no longer sit back and listen to all the media messages without filtering them through the Bible. If we do then we will be lulled to sleep and headed on a collision course without even realizing it.
What happens is we become passengers on this road of life. Since the path is long we fall asleep trusting where we are headed by the one driving. Because the driver does not drive erratically we stay asleep.The driver heads off course just a little bit and before we know it we are not where we intended to be. This is how it is if we do not wake up and look at the things we believe and why we believe them.
What things do you believe that do not match with what the Bible says? What areas in life have you fallen asleep? What course adjustments will you need to make in order to get back on track? The first step is to wake up and realize you are being influenced.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Don't Go Breaking my heart
Some of us are old enough remember the hit song from the 70's that Elton John sang with Kiki Dee "Don't go breakin my heart". There have been numerous songs written about the heart and it being broken by others or actions people did. As you read this some of the songs about the heart might be coming into your mind.(Achy breaky heart, Listen to your heart) One of the things we hear from people is that their hearts have been broken by others. Every time a girl breaks up with a guy they say "He broke my heart" We all know what that means and many if not all of us have experienced the pain of a broken heart. The Bible gives us some advice for us to keep our hearts from breaking or being broken.
Ephesians 6:10-17 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
The Bible makes it clear that the thing that protects your heart is the Breastplate of Righteousness. Righteousness has such a negative sound to it because our first thought is this is how God wants us to act whether we like it or not.
First of all Righteousness is not attained by us, but through Christ and what He did on the cross.We would never be able to be in right standing with God because of our actions and so Christ became our righteousness for us. He made us appear righteous in God's sight.
1 Corinthians 1:30-31 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Secondly, Righteousness is not a negative because it will protect us from hurt and pain. So many have not followed what God has laid out for them to do and they have had their hearts broken and or pierced. If we followed what God tells us to do then Paul tells us that it is like wearing the Breastplate a Roman soldier would wear to protect themselves from harm.
How many times have we had our hearts broken because we went into the world and thought, "This one sin, this one time will not hurt me?" A Roman soldier would have never gone into battle and thought, "this breastplate is heavy and uncomfortable I think I will not wear it this time." If we are honest with ourselves, there are many times we say that righteous living is just a little to heavy and uncomfortable for us. Because we think this way, we leave the armor at home, or at church. The result is that we all know people whose lives, families and careers have been ruined because they chose not to walk in righteousness. One of the problems is we have gone out many times before and fought battles without the breastplate of righteousness and we did not see the damage or the damage was minimul. Our thoughts become relaxed toward righteousness and we think,"what harm is there? It only takes one time and your life is over or damaged, with a long recovery process, if recovery is possible. Yes, God will forgive your sin because of Jesus Christ, but why not avoid the destructive lifestyle and unncecessary pain in your life by listening to what He says in the first place?
Andy Stanley said in one of His messages "If you were God and you saw all the destruction to families, communities, and people, that sin was causing, what would you instruct people to do?" "Do you think if you were God you would tell people to say no to certain behaviors?" Stop looking at righteousness as a negative and see it as a positive in a world that can pierce and break your heart.
If you do not want your heart broken then know that God has a solution, and that solution is Righteousness. First found in Christ and secondly in our lives as we allow the Holy Spirit to grow and flourish inside of us. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Ephesians 6:10-17 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
The Bible makes it clear that the thing that protects your heart is the Breastplate of Righteousness. Righteousness has such a negative sound to it because our first thought is this is how God wants us to act whether we like it or not.
First of all Righteousness is not attained by us, but through Christ and what He did on the cross.We would never be able to be in right standing with God because of our actions and so Christ became our righteousness for us. He made us appear righteous in God's sight.
1 Corinthians 1:30-31 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Secondly, Righteousness is not a negative because it will protect us from hurt and pain. So many have not followed what God has laid out for them to do and they have had their hearts broken and or pierced. If we followed what God tells us to do then Paul tells us that it is like wearing the Breastplate a Roman soldier would wear to protect themselves from harm.
How many times have we had our hearts broken because we went into the world and thought, "This one sin, this one time will not hurt me?" A Roman soldier would have never gone into battle and thought, "this breastplate is heavy and uncomfortable I think I will not wear it this time." If we are honest with ourselves, there are many times we say that righteous living is just a little to heavy and uncomfortable for us. Because we think this way, we leave the armor at home, or at church. The result is that we all know people whose lives, families and careers have been ruined because they chose not to walk in righteousness. One of the problems is we have gone out many times before and fought battles without the breastplate of righteousness and we did not see the damage or the damage was minimul. Our thoughts become relaxed toward righteousness and we think,"what harm is there? It only takes one time and your life is over or damaged, with a long recovery process, if recovery is possible. Yes, God will forgive your sin because of Jesus Christ, but why not avoid the destructive lifestyle and unncecessary pain in your life by listening to what He says in the first place?
Andy Stanley said in one of His messages "If you were God and you saw all the destruction to families, communities, and people, that sin was causing, what would you instruct people to do?" "Do you think if you were God you would tell people to say no to certain behaviors?" Stop looking at righteousness as a negative and see it as a positive in a world that can pierce and break your heart.
If you do not want your heart broken then know that God has a solution, and that solution is Righteousness. First found in Christ and secondly in our lives as we allow the Holy Spirit to grow and flourish inside of us. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Monday, June 22, 2009
When God Says No
Too many times we base our faith in God on the answers we receive from Him. What if His answer is no? What if He sees fit for your prayer not to be answered?
Hebrews 11:32-39 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
This is a story of two groups of people who had faith, but in our worldly eyes one of the group's story did not end well. Too many times in our churches we say we do not believe a health and wealth gospel, but our actions would tell us otherwise. I have heard that if you follow Jesus that you will be on the "path of blessing." I agree we will be, but that blessing does not mean you get healed or that all your financial problems go away. God has blessed me so much, but what if He didn't? Would I still follow Him? Jesus was on the "Path of Blessing" and He died. The path God chooses for us is not about us, but it is about Him. God wants all people to come to a saving knowledge of Him. What if He chooses for you to suffer just so others can spend eternity with Christ? Is that not was Jesus did for us? Hebrews 2:8-10 says He tasted death for us. Jesus was on the "Path of Blessing" but the blessing was for others and not for ourselves.
In worship service we had a man who lost his arm to cancer give his testimony. One of the things that struck me was that he admitted that if it were not for the cancer that he would not be the person he is today. He also said that he felt like he was smiling before his surgery because he experienced the presence of the Lord with him as never before. Only eternity will tell the impact that God used this man for in the lives of others, but by faith he still walked through it. Did he have too little of faith? Some would say yes, of course, then they have to explain the last verses in Hebrews 11.
Am I more worried about my convenience or allowing my Savior to use me how He wants? Why did some followers get earthly blessings while others suffered? These questions may never be answered in this life other than God chose to use them each differently for His purposes (Acts 2:23, 13:36). Does God have the right to use me how He wants? Is this not what a Christ follower is? Even when you are asking for the cup to be passed from you, you do His will? Matthew 26:42
Hebrews 11:32-39 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
This is a story of two groups of people who had faith, but in our worldly eyes one of the group's story did not end well. Too many times in our churches we say we do not believe a health and wealth gospel, but our actions would tell us otherwise. I have heard that if you follow Jesus that you will be on the "path of blessing." I agree we will be, but that blessing does not mean you get healed or that all your financial problems go away. God has blessed me so much, but what if He didn't? Would I still follow Him? Jesus was on the "Path of Blessing" and He died. The path God chooses for us is not about us, but it is about Him. God wants all people to come to a saving knowledge of Him. What if He chooses for you to suffer just so others can spend eternity with Christ? Is that not was Jesus did for us? Hebrews 2:8-10 says He tasted death for us. Jesus was on the "Path of Blessing" but the blessing was for others and not for ourselves.
In worship service we had a man who lost his arm to cancer give his testimony. One of the things that struck me was that he admitted that if it were not for the cancer that he would not be the person he is today. He also said that he felt like he was smiling before his surgery because he experienced the presence of the Lord with him as never before. Only eternity will tell the impact that God used this man for in the lives of others, but by faith he still walked through it. Did he have too little of faith? Some would say yes, of course, then they have to explain the last verses in Hebrews 11.
Am I more worried about my convenience or allowing my Savior to use me how He wants? Why did some followers get earthly blessings while others suffered? These questions may never be answered in this life other than God chose to use them each differently for His purposes (Acts 2:23, 13:36). Does God have the right to use me how He wants? Is this not what a Christ follower is? Even when you are asking for the cup to be passed from you, you do His will? Matthew 26:42
Friday, June 19, 2009
Jesus called me fat.
How many lies do we believe every day? We think about things over and over again and they are just not true. If you are looking in the mirror and you are thinking you are ugly, fat, stupid or whatever, where do you think that is coming from? Is it coming from Jesus? Can you picture Jesus calling you fat? Maybe your are but would He say it that way? If Jesus would not talk to you that way then who is?
John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
One of the things that Satan traps us in is having these thoughts go through our minds that are not true. You can catch these lies by listening to your "Self Talk". Your "Self Talk" is when you hold these elaborate conversations in your head that sound so logical. Do you notice in your "Self Talk" that it is your own voice that gives the best advice?If in your "Self Talk" you are hearing yourself say, "I bet they are going to say this" or "I bet this is going to happen" that means that you are worried about things to come and not what is really going to happen.We can not know the future so why play out the scenario in our minds?
Philippians 4:6-7 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Of course part of planning is walking through scenarios and trying to think through details of what is going to happen so you can plan properly. A wise man counts the cost before he builds.What I am addressing is all the "Self Talk" that does not lead to the peace of God in your life. So ask yourself, is your mind at peace by what you are thinking about? If your "Self Talk" is not leading you to trusting Christ and leading your mind to peace then I would say it is not from God. Satan is whispering in your ear things that he knows will make you worry. When we worry about things we can not control then our focus is off of the things we should be doing.
Guard your "Self Talk" and make sure that it is from God and not from Satan. The simplest way to know is by a question you can always ask yourself. "Is it true?" Based on Philippians 4:8 if it is not True then you know it is from Satan because he only knows how to speak lies.
John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
One of the things that Satan traps us in is having these thoughts go through our minds that are not true. You can catch these lies by listening to your "Self Talk". Your "Self Talk" is when you hold these elaborate conversations in your head that sound so logical. Do you notice in your "Self Talk" that it is your own voice that gives the best advice?If in your "Self Talk" you are hearing yourself say, "I bet they are going to say this" or "I bet this is going to happen" that means that you are worried about things to come and not what is really going to happen.We can not know the future so why play out the scenario in our minds?
Philippians 4:6-7 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Of course part of planning is walking through scenarios and trying to think through details of what is going to happen so you can plan properly. A wise man counts the cost before he builds.What I am addressing is all the "Self Talk" that does not lead to the peace of God in your life. So ask yourself, is your mind at peace by what you are thinking about? If your "Self Talk" is not leading you to trusting Christ and leading your mind to peace then I would say it is not from God. Satan is whispering in your ear things that he knows will make you worry. When we worry about things we can not control then our focus is off of the things we should be doing.
Guard your "Self Talk" and make sure that it is from God and not from Satan. The simplest way to know is by a question you can always ask yourself. "Is it true?" Based on Philippians 4:8 if it is not True then you know it is from Satan because he only knows how to speak lies.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
"How many nights will we go home dry eyed, while the rest of the world cries themselves to sleep?" Jay Strack
How many people do we run into that are looking for the Hope that we have found in Jesus Christ, yet we remain silent about who He is and how they can know Him?
Have you ever thought that the people you run into are in front of you because God placed them there?
Acts 17:26-27 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
When you have to take your car into the shop for the fifth time, do you look at that as an inconvenience or an opportunity? Have you ever been stuck in a cell phone store for several hours dealing with cell phone issues? Have you ever thought that God did that on purpose? Do you look at those daily life problems as frustrations or opportunities? Would you walk up to a tow truck driver out of the blue and strike up a conversation? Would you walk up to a mechanic and hold a conversation with them for no reason? Would you walk into a cell phone store and sit for a couple of hours with someone and talk to them about their life? Although these might happen, if you are honest, it is not something you planned on doing that day.
Acts tells us that God puts us in exact places. God did not say He put you in comfortable places or even beneficial places to us, but exact places. God has you placed right where He wants you for the reasons He has for you,and He puts you with people He wants you to meet. Yes God is that big that He will use what we would consider interruptions in our day, as opportunities for someone to hear that Jesus loves them. Next time you are in a situation that seems like a frustration, look and see if God has you there for someone who needs the hope of Christ. Look at interuptions as opportunities and who knows, maybe if you would go ahead and share Jesus with your mechanic your car might just stop breaking down. (no guareentees)
Have you ever thought that the people you run into are in front of you because God placed them there?
Acts 17:26-27 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
When you have to take your car into the shop for the fifth time, do you look at that as an inconvenience or an opportunity? Have you ever been stuck in a cell phone store for several hours dealing with cell phone issues? Have you ever thought that God did that on purpose? Do you look at those daily life problems as frustrations or opportunities? Would you walk up to a tow truck driver out of the blue and strike up a conversation? Would you walk up to a mechanic and hold a conversation with them for no reason? Would you walk into a cell phone store and sit for a couple of hours with someone and talk to them about their life? Although these might happen, if you are honest, it is not something you planned on doing that day.
Acts tells us that God puts us in exact places. God did not say He put you in comfortable places or even beneficial places to us, but exact places. God has you placed right where He wants you for the reasons He has for you,and He puts you with people He wants you to meet. Yes God is that big that He will use what we would consider interruptions in our day, as opportunities for someone to hear that Jesus loves them. Next time you are in a situation that seems like a frustration, look and see if God has you there for someone who needs the hope of Christ. Look at interuptions as opportunities and who knows, maybe if you would go ahead and share Jesus with your mechanic your car might just stop breaking down. (no guareentees)
Monday, June 15, 2009
"I guess God did not see that coming" Vince Manna
Psalm 102:12
12 But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever;
your renown endures through all generations.
Think about eternity for a second. No start no end. Just forever. This is very difficult or really impossible to understand. We exist in time and God does not. He created time and so He is not affected by it. We on the other hand, are ruled by time. So many things to do, places to go and so forth.
It can be frustrating to try and figure out God. We try and wrap our brains around who He is and many debates and discussions ensue about who He is and how He acts. Although these are great discussions, and I agree we should have them, the main thing we should experience is comfort. Who wants a God who can be controlled by circumstances? or weaknesses? or any limitations? My friend Vince Manna, said to me one time,“I guess God did not see that coming” when something happened that frustrated me. His words ring in my ears every time I get upset about something that happens. God did you see what just happened? God is this going to turn out alright? Life is never out of control for God. It may seem like it is out of control, with our emotions or limited understanding, but He is a God that knows everything.
Revelation 13:8 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.
What a great passage that is also comforting. This passage tells us that God was not shocked by our sin and already had a plan in place before it even happened. WOW. How can we ever understand such a great God? I am not sure this side of heaven we will be able to. Us being able to understand God is like us going to the ocean and taking a cup and scooping up some of the water and describing God as what is in the cup. We might get part of it right but it does not even come close to understanding what a great God we have.
Next time you worry about something remember God saw it coming. He already has a plan and is not freaked out about it. You can remember Ecclesiastes 8:17 then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.
Just because we do not get what is going on, God does.
12 But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever;
your renown endures through all generations.
Think about eternity for a second. No start no end. Just forever. This is very difficult or really impossible to understand. We exist in time and God does not. He created time and so He is not affected by it. We on the other hand, are ruled by time. So many things to do, places to go and so forth.
It can be frustrating to try and figure out God. We try and wrap our brains around who He is and many debates and discussions ensue about who He is and how He acts. Although these are great discussions, and I agree we should have them, the main thing we should experience is comfort. Who wants a God who can be controlled by circumstances? or weaknesses? or any limitations? My friend Vince Manna, said to me one time,“I guess God did not see that coming” when something happened that frustrated me. His words ring in my ears every time I get upset about something that happens. God did you see what just happened? God is this going to turn out alright? Life is never out of control for God. It may seem like it is out of control, with our emotions or limited understanding, but He is a God that knows everything.
Revelation 13:8 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.
What a great passage that is also comforting. This passage tells us that God was not shocked by our sin and already had a plan in place before it even happened. WOW. How can we ever understand such a great God? I am not sure this side of heaven we will be able to. Us being able to understand God is like us going to the ocean and taking a cup and scooping up some of the water and describing God as what is in the cup. We might get part of it right but it does not even come close to understanding what a great God we have.
Next time you worry about something remember God saw it coming. He already has a plan and is not freaked out about it. You can remember Ecclesiastes 8:17 then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.
Just because we do not get what is going on, God does.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Jesus is Coming. Do I really care?
Matthew 24:36-42 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
42"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
Matthew 25:13 "Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.
Do I really live my life as if Jesus could stop by at any moment? What would He catch me doing? What would He catch me not doing? What would He see me focusing on?
How much time and energy do I give to things that will not matter once Jesus returns? How much stress do I have about things that Jesus does not even want me thinking about, not to mention stressing about? It seems that we focus so much of our time and energy on the wrong things, that when Jesus shows up will not matter. The focus seems to be on this world and what it has to offer instead of the world to come and the Savior we will be with for eternity.
I am alert just not for Jesus coming again. I am alert when someone does something wrong to me, when I do not get my way, and when any of my selfish wants are not met.If I could be as alert for Jesus coming back as I am for my selfish wants not getting met, I would be a totally different person.
Matthew 25:34-40 34"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink;I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me;I was in prison, and you came to Me.' 37"Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'40"The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you,to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'
These people that Jesus is talking about, served faithfully not realizing that Jesus was going to say that it was if they were serving Him personally. In fact they just served out of obedience. What about when I serve do I see those I am serving, as if I am serving Jesus? They were serving when Jesus came back, what will I be doing? Watching Sports? Deadliest Catch? Dirtiest Jobs? (Basically TLC and any sports channel)
So Jesus is coming, does that change your life? Your priorities? Actions speak louder than words, and what my life reflects speaks louder than my mouth. (Yes even louder than my mouth) How am I serving the Savior? Am I so in tune with the spirit of God that I do not even realize I am serving faithfully? Can I be like the people in Matthew 25 that just served and it became so much of who they were that they did not even notice they were doing it for Jesus. Those people were ready for Jesus to come back. I want to be a faithful servant, that no matter what the situation or circumstances, I am faithfully serving as if I am serving Jesus Himself.
On the other hand, Jesus gives some harsh words to those who are not ready. Read all of Matthew 24 and 25 for the whole story about what Jesus says when He comes back.
42"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
Matthew 25:13 "Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.
Do I really live my life as if Jesus could stop by at any moment? What would He catch me doing? What would He catch me not doing? What would He see me focusing on?
How much time and energy do I give to things that will not matter once Jesus returns? How much stress do I have about things that Jesus does not even want me thinking about, not to mention stressing about? It seems that we focus so much of our time and energy on the wrong things, that when Jesus shows up will not matter. The focus seems to be on this world and what it has to offer instead of the world to come and the Savior we will be with for eternity.
I am alert just not for Jesus coming again. I am alert when someone does something wrong to me, when I do not get my way, and when any of my selfish wants are not met.If I could be as alert for Jesus coming back as I am for my selfish wants not getting met, I would be a totally different person.
Matthew 25:34-40 34"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink;I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me;I was in prison, and you came to Me.' 37"Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'40"The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you,to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'
These people that Jesus is talking about, served faithfully not realizing that Jesus was going to say that it was if they were serving Him personally. In fact they just served out of obedience. What about when I serve do I see those I am serving, as if I am serving Jesus? They were serving when Jesus came back, what will I be doing? Watching Sports? Deadliest Catch? Dirtiest Jobs? (Basically TLC and any sports channel)
So Jesus is coming, does that change your life? Your priorities? Actions speak louder than words, and what my life reflects speaks louder than my mouth. (Yes even louder than my mouth) How am I serving the Savior? Am I so in tune with the spirit of God that I do not even realize I am serving faithfully? Can I be like the people in Matthew 25 that just served and it became so much of who they were that they did not even notice they were doing it for Jesus. Those people were ready for Jesus to come back. I want to be a faithful servant, that no matter what the situation or circumstances, I am faithfully serving as if I am serving Jesus Himself.
On the other hand, Jesus gives some harsh words to those who are not ready. Read all of Matthew 24 and 25 for the whole story about what Jesus says when He comes back.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Is it True?
“Our lives are the sum total of the large and seemingly small choices we make every day” Robert Jeffress
We make so many choices every day in fact one study says that we make over 200 choices about food every day. I am confident my number of choices about food is more than the average. With so many decisions to be made and some we make without even thinking about them, how can we make sure we are headed down the right path?
Ephesians 6: 11 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
The Greek word for "schemes" is Methodia where we get our word Method from. So we are told that the devil is methodically trying to get us off course. The main way he does this of course is by trying to get us to go away from God's plan and into a life that may lead to destruction.
Temptation is to entice to do evil with the promise of gain.
Satan knows that we will not fall for just any trick we need to know how it will benefit us. He used the same methods against Jesus in the desert when he tried to steer Jesus off course with deception and twisted truth. (Matthew 4)
No one is ever shown that in 20 years their sin will control them. Just one drink, just one look, just one smoke, what is the harm in that. And we have all been there and we all have survived the times when we have fallen victim to the lies. Ask the addict how they arrived at being an addict and I am sure you will hear how they started and thought they controlled the sin only to find out the sin controlled them.
James 1:13-15 13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Dragged away sounds like you no longer have control. James was using a hunting term when the animal would be so drawn to the bait that it was as if he was being dragged or pulled toward it. When we continue to give into sin, the lure of sin will get to the point that it will pull us toward a bait. Just like the animals who thought they had a meal only to meet their death, we to are promised something more but only find destruction and death.
So what is the sure way of knowing we are not being led astray?
Philippians 4:8 8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Because Satan uses our mind the question we need to ask ourselves before we make any decisions is "if it is true." It is a question that if we could answer before every decision we make would keep us from making the bad decisions that would eventually lead us to a place we never intended to be.
We make so many choices every day in fact one study says that we make over 200 choices about food every day. I am confident my number of choices about food is more than the average. With so many decisions to be made and some we make without even thinking about them, how can we make sure we are headed down the right path?
Ephesians 6: 11 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
The Greek word for "schemes" is Methodia where we get our word Method from. So we are told that the devil is methodically trying to get us off course. The main way he does this of course is by trying to get us to go away from God's plan and into a life that may lead to destruction.
Temptation is to entice to do evil with the promise of gain.
Satan knows that we will not fall for just any trick we need to know how it will benefit us. He used the same methods against Jesus in the desert when he tried to steer Jesus off course with deception and twisted truth. (Matthew 4)
No one is ever shown that in 20 years their sin will control them. Just one drink, just one look, just one smoke, what is the harm in that. And we have all been there and we all have survived the times when we have fallen victim to the lies. Ask the addict how they arrived at being an addict and I am sure you will hear how they started and thought they controlled the sin only to find out the sin controlled them.
James 1:13-15 13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Dragged away sounds like you no longer have control. James was using a hunting term when the animal would be so drawn to the bait that it was as if he was being dragged or pulled toward it. When we continue to give into sin, the lure of sin will get to the point that it will pull us toward a bait. Just like the animals who thought they had a meal only to meet their death, we to are promised something more but only find destruction and death.
So what is the sure way of knowing we are not being led astray?
Philippians 4:8 8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Because Satan uses our mind the question we need to ask ourselves before we make any decisions is "if it is true." It is a question that if we could answer before every decision we make would keep us from making the bad decisions that would eventually lead us to a place we never intended to be.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The wages of sin is death. "Yeah Right"
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
How serious do we take sin? As followers of Christ we know we have escaped the ultimate death which is Hell, but do we still view sin as something that will destroy us? Reading about Samson today, (Judges 16) it is evident that Samson thought he had total control over his sin. I think we start believing the lie, just like Samson, that a few sins does not effect our lives that much or even at all. We allow things to slip into our lives and we do see them as problem areas anymore, but just who we are. Samson made a lot of bad choices along the way until he woke up one day and realized he did not have the power he once possessed.
Judges 16:20 She said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" And he awoke from his sleep and said, "I will go out as at other times and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him.
Samson thought that one more time he could just shake himself free from his sin only to find out that now he was controlled by it. When you do not take sin seriously it will cost you. No matter how small of a sin you think it is. Of course we know that Jesus died for all sins so they had to be paid by death on the cross. I know that Jesus did not say, "I do not need to pay for that sin, it is just a little one, and really no big deal."
Galatians 6:-8 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Do you really believe your sin will destroy you? Are you like Samson who thought he could continue to sin with no consequences? Think of people you know whose lives were destroyed by sin. Do not judge them, because we all have the capability of making the wrong choices and winding up where we did not intend to be. The good news is we do not have to sin and if we did we have been forgiven. If you have committed your life to Christ then you have the power of God living inside of you, empowering you to live for Him.
Colossians 2:12 12having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
We have been given the same power to us, through Christ living in us, that it took to raise Jesus from the dead. Say no to sin, because as a believer in Christ you can.
How serious do we take sin? As followers of Christ we know we have escaped the ultimate death which is Hell, but do we still view sin as something that will destroy us? Reading about Samson today, (Judges 16) it is evident that Samson thought he had total control over his sin. I think we start believing the lie, just like Samson, that a few sins does not effect our lives that much or even at all. We allow things to slip into our lives and we do see them as problem areas anymore, but just who we are. Samson made a lot of bad choices along the way until he woke up one day and realized he did not have the power he once possessed.
Judges 16:20 She said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" And he awoke from his sleep and said, "I will go out as at other times and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him.
Samson thought that one more time he could just shake himself free from his sin only to find out that now he was controlled by it. When you do not take sin seriously it will cost you. No matter how small of a sin you think it is. Of course we know that Jesus died for all sins so they had to be paid by death on the cross. I know that Jesus did not say, "I do not need to pay for that sin, it is just a little one, and really no big deal."
Galatians 6:-8 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Do you really believe your sin will destroy you? Are you like Samson who thought he could continue to sin with no consequences? Think of people you know whose lives were destroyed by sin. Do not judge them, because we all have the capability of making the wrong choices and winding up where we did not intend to be. The good news is we do not have to sin and if we did we have been forgiven. If you have committed your life to Christ then you have the power of God living inside of you, empowering you to live for Him.
Colossians 2:12 12having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
We have been given the same power to us, through Christ living in us, that it took to raise Jesus from the dead. Say no to sin, because as a believer in Christ you can.
Monday, June 8, 2009
The real work happens when no one is looking
Every time you watch a performance or see a sporting event there is many hours that have gone into preparing for that one event. If you take a test you prepare for it, a presentation you work on it and go over it again and again. Before a big presentation, performance, test or game, there is one question that always seems to be asked,"Are you Ready"? People are asking if you feel confident about what you are getting ready to do. In every arena of life we do the work behind the scenes so that we are ready for game time or whenever we are called upon to accomplish a task.
1 Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being readyto make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
1 Peter asks us to be ready at all times because we do not always see the time coming when we will be called upon to give an answer for the hope we have. Any back up player or actor knows that they have to be ready just in case they are called upon to enter the game or show. The opportunity may or may not come but they still have to prepare just in case. So the question that you need to ask yourself every morning is "Am I ready"? Am I ready to go into the game even without warning? Am I ready for God to use me, even if I was not expecting Him to use me this way?
Just like when you show up to class and there is a pop quiz, life is full of pop quizzes and really pop test. There is no time to prepare, there is no mental preparation and you can not even cram for it. You have to be ready at all times no matter what. God wants to use us on a daily basis in every day situations, but are we prepared for that? What are you doing daily to prepare yourself for what God may bring your way? What are you doing daily that if God called on you, for whatever situation, you would be ready? If someone where to come up to you, and ask you to tell the reason why you are a Christ follower, what would you say? What verses would you use?
If you do not know, take time right now to think through and jot some notes down so you can be ready and so that God can use you even if you are not aware He is getting ready to. Set a daily routine of preperation in your spiritual life so that you are always growing and challanging yourself to do a little more than the previous day, month and year. In every other avenue of life we expect ourselves and others to be ready, why not in our spiritual lives? Be ready because God has some great things in store that you may not even be aware of.
1 Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being readyto make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
1 Peter asks us to be ready at all times because we do not always see the time coming when we will be called upon to give an answer for the hope we have. Any back up player or actor knows that they have to be ready just in case they are called upon to enter the game or show. The opportunity may or may not come but they still have to prepare just in case. So the question that you need to ask yourself every morning is "Am I ready"? Am I ready to go into the game even without warning? Am I ready for God to use me, even if I was not expecting Him to use me this way?
Just like when you show up to class and there is a pop quiz, life is full of pop quizzes and really pop test. There is no time to prepare, there is no mental preparation and you can not even cram for it. You have to be ready at all times no matter what. God wants to use us on a daily basis in every day situations, but are we prepared for that? What are you doing daily to prepare yourself for what God may bring your way? What are you doing daily that if God called on you, for whatever situation, you would be ready? If someone where to come up to you, and ask you to tell the reason why you are a Christ follower, what would you say? What verses would you use?
If you do not know, take time right now to think through and jot some notes down so you can be ready and so that God can use you even if you are not aware He is getting ready to. Set a daily routine of preperation in your spiritual life so that you are always growing and challanging yourself to do a little more than the previous day, month and year. In every other avenue of life we expect ourselves and others to be ready, why not in our spiritual lives? Be ready because God has some great things in store that you may not even be aware of.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
The Real enemy
Ephesians 6 :10-11 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
If you knew an enemy was waiting outside of your house trying to attack you, how would that change your approach to the day? If you looked at arguments with your family members as part of a design by one that wants to destroy you, how would that change your interaction with them. If you knew that bad thoughts and bad attitudes were planted in your mind by one that wanted you destroyed how would that change what you think about?
If we could learn anything from the Pink Panther movies is that Inspector Jacques Clouseau had Ito which would always keep him alert for the unexpected. He would always hide and drop in on him at unexpected times just so Clouseau would always be ready for the unexpected.
In scripture we are taught to always be alert for what we do not see because we have an enemy that is trying to destroy us.
1 Peter 5:8 8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Satan is looking for the right time to attack you. What comment puts you in a bad mood? What situations make you not want to trust God? Do you think those things just happen or do you think that it was planned? When you are weak you can be sure the attacks are coming because lions attack the weakest in the pack. Live each day with the thought in mind that someone is trying to destroy you, your family, and any other relationships you have.
If you can not remember to always be ready then hire yourself an Ito like Clouseau did, so that you will always be ready for any attack. If you can not think of someone then let me know and for a small fee I can show up time to time with surprise attacks just like Ito. (Of course there is a lot of disclaimer papers that have to be filled out)
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Undelieverable Gift
James 4:14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
How many times do we think we will have tomorrow to make that phone call, write that letter or go to lunch with someone only to receive that phone call where you will never get that chance?
Today marks the anniversary of the day I lost a friend that I never sent a gift to. I bought the gift, I got the address ready, just never got it in the mail. The phone call came and it was too late. I allowed the business of life to rob me of the things that are too important. My friend who served faithfully next to me in ministry making sure that all the trips were organized students and families were ministered to, never got the gift that she deserved. (actually she deserved much more than the gift I bought) Yes it was just a gift and compared to her standing before the Great God we serve it is nothing. But I needed to let her know one more time how much I appreciated her work and faithfulness but that conversation was not to happen.
Telling someone you love them later is never a guarantee. We are never promised tomorrow and we have no clue when that phone call will come that will change our day and even our lives but what we do know is that we can pick up the phone and tell others we love them right now. We can let them know more importantly that Jesus loves them. (John 3:16) We can take today and spend time with our children, spouses and friends.
The great news is, I will see my friend again in heaven. I am not sure if God will allow us to sing our made up words to old hymns again but who knows. I guess maybe in heaven I could tell her about the prepackaged bed, bath, and beyond gift I got her. (she was one that knew it was the thought that counted) What Gift do you have to deliver today? What call do you need to make? Go do it?
Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.
How many times do we think we will have tomorrow to make that phone call, write that letter or go to lunch with someone only to receive that phone call where you will never get that chance?
Today marks the anniversary of the day I lost a friend that I never sent a gift to. I bought the gift, I got the address ready, just never got it in the mail. The phone call came and it was too late. I allowed the business of life to rob me of the things that are too important. My friend who served faithfully next to me in ministry making sure that all the trips were organized students and families were ministered to, never got the gift that she deserved. (actually she deserved much more than the gift I bought) Yes it was just a gift and compared to her standing before the Great God we serve it is nothing. But I needed to let her know one more time how much I appreciated her work and faithfulness but that conversation was not to happen.
Telling someone you love them later is never a guarantee. We are never promised tomorrow and we have no clue when that phone call will come that will change our day and even our lives but what we do know is that we can pick up the phone and tell others we love them right now. We can let them know more importantly that Jesus loves them. (John 3:16) We can take today and spend time with our children, spouses and friends.
The great news is, I will see my friend again in heaven. I am not sure if God will allow us to sing our made up words to old hymns again but who knows. I guess maybe in heaven I could tell her about the prepackaged bed, bath, and beyond gift I got her. (she was one that knew it was the thought that counted) What Gift do you have to deliver today? What call do you need to make? Go do it?
Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Was creation really a big deal for God?
Psalm 19:1-4 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.a4 Their voice [b] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
Have you ever thought that God is so big that really all the things we marvel at about this universe were really no big deal to Him? Was all the creation He made difficult or something that He just put together easily? Yes I know He is a perfect God that designs and creates but who is to say that it was hard for Him. Have you ever been around someone who made something and you were amazed at what they did and how quickly they did it, yet they kept telling you it was really no big deal? I believe God is so big that even though everything we look at is so amazing compared to Him and His power it really was no big deal to create. If you think of that and if you watch any shows (no matter how wrong in their conclusions of how we got here) about how the earth was formed it will make you have even more awe or wow factor about God than ever before. If the heavens are declaring the Glory of God what will His Glory be like? The heavens give us a glimpse of God but seeing God for who He is must be beyond words.
Revelation 4:7-9 (New International Version)
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever,
Can you imagine? The only thing these creatures, (who if showed up in our houses would scare us to death), can say for all eternity is Holy, Holy, Holy. Wow, God is so magnificent that we will be blown away by what we see.
Pictures tell a thousand words but they still do not tell the whole story. I had the privilege of going to the Grand Canyon a few years ago(which Grand does not say enough) and when I took all these pictures home they did not do justice for the experience I had. I believe the same is true with John as he tried to in Revelation describe this awesome God who we serve. John did his best but the reality is he could not describe enough for us to get the full picture of who God really is. Next time you see something that wows you just think God created it and it was really no big deal for Him to do so. Also think about the God who we get to spend eternity with, will be constantly creating for eternity as we marvel at who He is.
Have you ever thought that God is so big that really all the things we marvel at about this universe were really no big deal to Him? Was all the creation He made difficult or something that He just put together easily? Yes I know He is a perfect God that designs and creates but who is to say that it was hard for Him. Have you ever been around someone who made something and you were amazed at what they did and how quickly they did it, yet they kept telling you it was really no big deal? I believe God is so big that even though everything we look at is so amazing compared to Him and His power it really was no big deal to create. If you think of that and if you watch any shows (no matter how wrong in their conclusions of how we got here) about how the earth was formed it will make you have even more awe or wow factor about God than ever before. If the heavens are declaring the Glory of God what will His Glory be like? The heavens give us a glimpse of God but seeing God for who He is must be beyond words.
Revelation 4:7-9 (New International Version)
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever,
Can you imagine? The only thing these creatures, (who if showed up in our houses would scare us to death), can say for all eternity is Holy, Holy, Holy. Wow, God is so magnificent that we will be blown away by what we see.
Pictures tell a thousand words but they still do not tell the whole story. I had the privilege of going to the Grand Canyon a few years ago(which Grand does not say enough) and when I took all these pictures home they did not do justice for the experience I had. I believe the same is true with John as he tried to in Revelation describe this awesome God who we serve. John did his best but the reality is he could not describe enough for us to get the full picture of who God really is. Next time you see something that wows you just think God created it and it was really no big deal for Him to do so. Also think about the God who we get to spend eternity with, will be constantly creating for eternity as we marvel at who He is.
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