I was reading the book of James tonight.... Some great stuff in there.
I came across some great verses that stuck out to me.
James 3:10-11 - Out of the same mouth proceed blessing an cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?
James is talking about "the tongue". Also known as, "things we say".
I know i have trouble controlling mine on occassion (as many can testify to). I also know i'm not the only one out there with that problem...
James says: With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God (2:9).
Striking the difference, and the hypocrisy. I use my mouth to bless God - the fresh water - and i use it to say mean things about the people He created in His image - the bitter/salt water.
I am ashamed.
As soon as i read that verse i realized how easy it is to do. I realized that, unwittingly, i probably do just that more than once a day. I realized that i probably cut people down more often than i praise God.
I am very ashamed.
I can only pray that God will help me to see what i am thinking to say before i say it... and pray that God will help me control myself........ and eventually...... i will not even think up bad things to say. I take God at His word when He says: ...God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you... (James 4:6-8)
So i draw near.
October 17, 2005
October 05, 2005
In Need Of... Instantaneous relief!
I am so excited!!!!! My last blog outlined the dilemma and process of changing, this blog comments on the results!
Today, I was soooooo blessed! God is SO GOOD!
The day did not start as any other. The day started with me handing it over completely to God. Something that i have been neglecting to do in recent times.
This day is God's day. Every day is God's day. Every day, Jesus can move in my life and bring me closer to being the person he wants me to be :o)
I was almost sucked back into my vortex of inferiority, but in that instant, i realized what was happening.... I realized that i was fooling myself or being fooled..... I realized that if i didn't hand over those thoughts and RE-hand over my day, that frustration would continue.
So, on the way to the lunch room, i prayed. Not elaborately, but enough i guess. Considering i was instantaneously relieved of the feelings plaguing me.
Praise God for His goodness... For His ability to show us to ourselves... To teach us how to change... To guide us on the path that leads us into His arms.
Colossians 3:9-10 (NKJV) - ...You have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him that created him...
It's all about knowledge. About learning enough about God to show me my own self.
Today, I was soooooo blessed! God is SO GOOD!
The day did not start as any other. The day started with me handing it over completely to God. Something that i have been neglecting to do in recent times.
This day is God's day. Every day is God's day. Every day, Jesus can move in my life and bring me closer to being the person he wants me to be :o)
I was almost sucked back into my vortex of inferiority, but in that instant, i realized what was happening.... I realized that i was fooling myself or being fooled..... I realized that if i didn't hand over those thoughts and RE-hand over my day, that frustration would continue.
So, on the way to the lunch room, i prayed. Not elaborately, but enough i guess. Considering i was instantaneously relieved of the feelings plaguing me.
Praise God for His goodness... For His ability to show us to ourselves... To teach us how to change... To guide us on the path that leads us into His arms.
Colossians 3:9-10 (NKJV) - ...You have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him that created him...
It's all about knowledge. About learning enough about God to show me my own self.
In Need Of... a POWER source.
A few weeks ago, i started a new job... and a new inferiority complex.
NOT of GOD.
I have been having dreams about doing my job wrong, getting myself all worked up over whether or not i am capable of doing what i've been trained to do.
So i've tried my best to do my best so that i could give glory to God with my actions... And ended up warping what that verse was saying.
NOT of GOD.
I have been trying on my own strength. Trying to show them that i can do it. And by golly, it is NOT WORKING. I feel like i'm being examined under a microscope by almost every person i work with and i am found lacking.
NOT OF GOD!!!!!
SIT UP AND TAKE NOTICE. This is all wrong. I should not be operating on my own power.
Jesus is NOT just a backup battery. He is the POWER SOURCE. Better than the sun in the solar panels, the uranium in the nuclear reactor, the water in the niagara falls.........
I should be drawing my strength from Him, leaning on Him, KNOWING that i can't do it without Him.
Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ: it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
It should be Christ shining through me, working through me, building relationships with the people i work with THROUGH me... not through ME.
IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT ME! .... and that takes the pressure off!!!!!
Praise God for showing me that before i ran ragged into a nervous breakdown :o)
I had a lightbulb moment earlier with this verse...
II Corinthians 13:5 - Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?...
Didn't i know myself?? JESUS IS IN ME.
NOT of GOD.
I have been having dreams about doing my job wrong, getting myself all worked up over whether or not i am capable of doing what i've been trained to do.
So i've tried my best to do my best so that i could give glory to God with my actions... And ended up warping what that verse was saying.
NOT of GOD.
I have been trying on my own strength. Trying to show them that i can do it. And by golly, it is NOT WORKING. I feel like i'm being examined under a microscope by almost every person i work with and i am found lacking.
NOT OF GOD!!!!!
SIT UP AND TAKE NOTICE. This is all wrong. I should not be operating on my own power.
Jesus is NOT just a backup battery. He is the POWER SOURCE. Better than the sun in the solar panels, the uranium in the nuclear reactor, the water in the niagara falls.........
I should be drawing my strength from Him, leaning on Him, KNOWING that i can't do it without Him.
Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ: it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
It should be Christ shining through me, working through me, building relationships with the people i work with THROUGH me... not through ME.
IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT ME! .... and that takes the pressure off!!!!!
Praise God for showing me that before i ran ragged into a nervous breakdown :o)
I had a lightbulb moment earlier with this verse...
II Corinthians 13:5 - Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?...
Didn't i know myself?? JESUS IS IN ME.
July 05, 2005
In Need Of... Child-like-ness
Not the kind that screams "I NEED A TIMEOUT," but the kind that screams "I BELIEVE."
To be able to believe in things like: trust, a hiding place from bad things, goodness, safety, friendship, forgiveness. To react to life without cynicism. To speak without sounding jaded. To be able to get excited about things. To have FAITH.
Matthew 19:14 (NKJV) - ...Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Shake off the things this world has taught you.... Forget that you've "seen everything" or "been everywhere"..... God has things in store for you and for this world that you wouldn't be able to imagine.
Try to remember what it felt like to be new.
To be able to believe in things like: trust, a hiding place from bad things, goodness, safety, friendship, forgiveness. To react to life without cynicism. To speak without sounding jaded. To be able to get excited about things. To have FAITH.
Matthew 19:14 (NKJV) - ...Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Shake off the things this world has taught you.... Forget that you've "seen everything" or "been everywhere"..... God has things in store for you and for this world that you wouldn't be able to imagine.
Try to remember what it felt like to be new.
In Need Of... *PASSION*
Yes, PASSION.
I was walking down the road today grinning like an idiot... and then i was driving in my car grinning like an idiot..... and again, i'm sitting here writing this.... grinning like a... an alligator, let's say ;o)
Jesus loves me. God loves me. Passionately.
Romeo and Juliet got nuttin on me n' Jesus.
It's one thing to kill yourself cuz you can't stand to be without someone... But it's another thing to let Yourself be killed because You can't stand to have someone be without You.
God couldn't stand the fact that i might have to live without having Him in my life. So He sent Jesus to die for me, so that i can be with Him forever in the kingdom of Heaven.
That's PASSION.
God loves me so much that He is willing to be with me 24/7... I don't know ANYONE else willing to do that ;o) His Holy Spirit is living in me and guiding me and directing me and has only my best interests in mind. He comforts me, supports me, encourages me, LOVES me....
Paul likens the relationship between God and His children to a marriage between a husband and wife. (Ephesians 5:20-33) That was the closest he could get to describing the relationship we can have with Christ.
That sounds fairly passionate to me....
Ephesians 5:29 (NKJV): For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.
I was walking down the road today grinning like an idiot... and then i was driving in my car grinning like an idiot..... and again, i'm sitting here writing this.... grinning like a... an alligator, let's say ;o)
Jesus loves me. God loves me. Passionately.
Romeo and Juliet got nuttin on me n' Jesus.
It's one thing to kill yourself cuz you can't stand to be without someone... But it's another thing to let Yourself be killed because You can't stand to have someone be without You.
God couldn't stand the fact that i might have to live without having Him in my life. So He sent Jesus to die for me, so that i can be with Him forever in the kingdom of Heaven.
That's PASSION.
God loves me so much that He is willing to be with me 24/7... I don't know ANYONE else willing to do that ;o) His Holy Spirit is living in me and guiding me and directing me and has only my best interests in mind. He comforts me, supports me, encourages me, LOVES me....
Paul likens the relationship between God and His children to a marriage between a husband and wife. (Ephesians 5:20-33) That was the closest he could get to describing the relationship we can have with Christ.
That sounds fairly passionate to me....
Ephesians 5:29 (NKJV): For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.
June 26, 2005
In Need Of... Dedication.
I have recently felt some rather strong conviction about my study habits....
Actually... I've always felt strong conviction about my study habits.
That is... Studying the Bible and with school work and any other time i need to study.
I have no FOCUS. I just fly by the seat of my pants.... Which can be fun, but usually finds me wallowing in huge piles of paper (and guilt) at the last minute.
God has been abundantly gracious to me, making it possible for me to get this far... but i don't want it to be all about me slacking off and God picking up the slack.
So..... again..... feeling convicted.
So..... again..... trying harder.
So..... again..... just not making the cut.
What is it about "dedication" that is just so hard to do??
I have time, i have desire, but i just can't get it together.
I guess the answer is..... try harder, more oftener. :oP
Anyone have any ideas? I'm fresh out.
Actually... I've always felt strong conviction about my study habits.
That is... Studying the Bible and with school work and any other time i need to study.
I have no FOCUS. I just fly by the seat of my pants.... Which can be fun, but usually finds me wallowing in huge piles of paper (and guilt) at the last minute.
God has been abundantly gracious to me, making it possible for me to get this far... but i don't want it to be all about me slacking off and God picking up the slack.
So..... again..... feeling convicted.
So..... again..... trying harder.
So..... again..... just not making the cut.
What is it about "dedication" that is just so hard to do??
I have time, i have desire, but i just can't get it together.
I guess the answer is..... try harder, more oftener. :oP
Anyone have any ideas? I'm fresh out.
March 29, 2005
In Need Of... Hope.
I think everyone i know has at least one dream. More than likely, everyone i know has closer to 239487 hopes and/or dreams. Things that they look forward to... things that they wish would happen... things they pray for. Without hope, what would there be? What is life when you have no hope? I don't think i can answer that, because i've never been there. I don't think i'll ever be able to answer that. I just did a search in the concordance for "Hope". Have you ever done that? You may be surprised when you look up all the passages. Common trend among these passages... What did these passages say they hoped for? Salvation, most of them..... I hope for salvation.... Even when i know i have it. I gave my life to Jesus Christ, and i hope to be with Him one day.
Romans 5:5 - Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Romans 5:5 - Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
February 02, 2005
In Need Of Enduranccceeeee..................
Like Paul said... "...Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...(Hebrews 12:1 NKJV)"
Endurance: The capacity to withstand stress. Perseverance. (Courtesy of Webster's.)
I find that definition kinda funny... If you're anything like me, you'd think "endurance" meant "stamina"...? But "withstanding stress"..... that's different. Interesting thought... Don't really know where to go with that one! I wasn't expecting to see that when i opened up the dictionary! But God knows what He's about!
Well... after much contemplation, i think we have to see what the race is in order to know what the stress is.
The race that we are running is learning how to be like Jesus. It's a test of faith.
To win this race, we have to lay aside every weight and sin (Heb 12:1), that's the stuff that would be like carrying a 50lb knapsack while running a marathon. And we have to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and our hearts focused on wanting to be more like Him.
"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:2)"
So the stresses we are withstanding are all those things that we need to overcome on our way to becoming like Jesus, all the things of this world that are going to try to hold us back, and all the times when we mess up and need to be disciplined by God (continued in Heb. 12:3-11).
Endurance: The capacity to withstand stress. Perseverance. (Courtesy of Webster's.)
I find that definition kinda funny... If you're anything like me, you'd think "endurance" meant "stamina"...? But "withstanding stress"..... that's different. Interesting thought... Don't really know where to go with that one! I wasn't expecting to see that when i opened up the dictionary! But God knows what He's about!
Well... after much contemplation, i think we have to see what the race is in order to know what the stress is.
The race that we are running is learning how to be like Jesus. It's a test of faith.
To win this race, we have to lay aside every weight and sin (Heb 12:1), that's the stuff that would be like carrying a 50lb knapsack while running a marathon. And we have to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and our hearts focused on wanting to be more like Him.
"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:2)"
So the stresses we are withstanding are all those things that we need to overcome on our way to becoming like Jesus, all the things of this world that are going to try to hold us back, and all the times when we mess up and need to be disciplined by God (continued in Heb. 12:3-11).
January 24, 2005
In Need Of... Guts... (NOT the digesting kind.)
Yes, I said, "guts". And i meant it.
We, as a nation, have become gutless. We want everyone to be happy, we want everyone to love everyone, and we want everyone to like us - which in themselves, are not bad ideas.
What we do wrong is to try and accomplish these things by becoming "politically correct (PC)". In a Christian, PC does NOT work! And if it does, there's something SERIOUSLY wrong with that Christian walk.
Jesus is a "no compromise" kind of God. Do you think Jesus was practicing being PC when he overturned the tables in the temple (John 2:14-16)? He seriously upset some very important people in Jerusalem. Can you see anyone in our government being that un-PC? They'd probably make a law saying that it was okay... Our government would have arrested Jesus for that. And we call ourselves a "Christian Nation."
Why do we insist on allowing people to commit all manor of sins? Why do we allow people to be condemned to hell?? Because we want them to like us. And they won't like us if we are mean to them. They won't like us if we tell them they are wrong. They won't like us if we don't sugar-coat the truth. And the truth is: Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven.
So what do we tell people? We tell them nothing; we avoid the issue. We avoid telling gay people that the Bible says it is wrong to be gay... And now if we do say it, we could be charged fines and/or thrown in jail. And this is a "Christian Nation." And many of us call ourselves "Christians."
But on the opposite end of the spectrum, there are "Christians" who would mock gay people (or people committing any other sin). "Christians" who would spit in the face of sinners. This, i believe, is an equal offense. Christians must be able to love the sinner; Christians must hate the sin. The sinner is a person just like you and i... You and i ARE sinners. The difference is that As Christians you and i have accepted Jesus into our hearts - giving us a reason to get out of our sin. Paul says in Romans 10:13(KJV), "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." That's how close we are to gay people - just a "call" away.
Matthew 5:44(KJV), Jesus says - "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you..." In short, love people and don't kick them when they're down, but don't do what they do.
Revelation 3:15-16(KJV), Jesus says - "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth."
If i may take some liberty to paraphrase this into everyday english... Pick your side. And have the guts to stand up for it or God won't be able to stand you.
We, as a nation, have become gutless. We want everyone to be happy, we want everyone to love everyone, and we want everyone to like us - which in themselves, are not bad ideas.
What we do wrong is to try and accomplish these things by becoming "politically correct (PC)". In a Christian, PC does NOT work! And if it does, there's something SERIOUSLY wrong with that Christian walk.
Jesus is a "no compromise" kind of God. Do you think Jesus was practicing being PC when he overturned the tables in the temple (John 2:14-16)? He seriously upset some very important people in Jerusalem. Can you see anyone in our government being that un-PC? They'd probably make a law saying that it was okay... Our government would have arrested Jesus for that. And we call ourselves a "Christian Nation."
Why do we insist on allowing people to commit all manor of sins? Why do we allow people to be condemned to hell?? Because we want them to like us. And they won't like us if we are mean to them. They won't like us if we tell them they are wrong. They won't like us if we don't sugar-coat the truth. And the truth is: Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven.
So what do we tell people? We tell them nothing; we avoid the issue. We avoid telling gay people that the Bible says it is wrong to be gay... And now if we do say it, we could be charged fines and/or thrown in jail. And this is a "Christian Nation." And many of us call ourselves "Christians."
But on the opposite end of the spectrum, there are "Christians" who would mock gay people (or people committing any other sin). "Christians" who would spit in the face of sinners. This, i believe, is an equal offense. Christians must be able to love the sinner; Christians must hate the sin. The sinner is a person just like you and i... You and i ARE sinners. The difference is that As Christians you and i have accepted Jesus into our hearts - giving us a reason to get out of our sin. Paul says in Romans 10:13(KJV), "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." That's how close we are to gay people - just a "call" away.
Matthew 5:44(KJV), Jesus says - "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you..." In short, love people and don't kick them when they're down, but don't do what they do.
Revelation 3:15-16(KJV), Jesus says - "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth."
If i may take some liberty to paraphrase this into everyday english... Pick your side. And have the guts to stand up for it or God won't be able to stand you.
November 14, 2004
November 10, 2004
In Need Of... Defining?
Maybe this is one of the best definitions of what the Bible is...
Taken from an email i received, which was taken from the foreward of her Bible...
"The Bible contains:
The mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it tobe holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's character.
Here heaven is open and the gates of hell are disclosed.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure.
It is given to you here in this life, will be opened at judgement, and is established forever.
It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemn all who trifle with its contents."
For this reason, we also thank God without ceasing, because when you recieved the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of man, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe." 1 Thess. 2:13
Taken from an email i received, which was taken from the foreward of her Bible...
"The Bible contains:
The mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it tobe holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's character.
Here heaven is open and the gates of hell are disclosed.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure.
It is given to you here in this life, will be opened at judgement, and is established forever.
It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemn all who trifle with its contents."
For this reason, we also thank God without ceasing, because when you recieved the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of man, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe." 1 Thess. 2:13
November 02, 2004
In Need Of... humility
Psalm 113:5-6 (NKJV)
Who is like the Lord our God,
Who dwells on high,
Who humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?
Who is like the Lord? NONE. Noone is as powerful or merciful or mighty or loving... or just... or... the list goes on. And yet He is humble? How can someone so powerful be humble enough to kneel before a mere human and wash their feet (John 13:5-10)?
So many people think that God doesn't listen to them when they speak to Him. That He isn't watching their every move at every moment. That He doesn't hear what is in their hearts. But He does. He spent 42 chapters in the book of Job listening to Job and answering him. Jesus, the Son of God, spent many years on earth healing people and teaching them how to live life to the fullest. Jesus, the only Son of God, died on a cross... the same way common thieves and murderers did. If that isn't humility, i don't know what is.
If Jesus can lower Himself to listen to our every word, to number every hair on our heads (Matt. 10:30), to live among mere humans and love us, how much more should we humble ourselves to love other people? Can we say that we are better than others? Can we say that other people don't deserve things that we can do for them? Should we be able to look someone in the eyes and say "I hate you", when God is sitting on His throne and saying, "I LOVE YOU"....?
Who is like the Lord our God,
Who dwells on high,
Who humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?
Who is like the Lord? NONE. Noone is as powerful or merciful or mighty or loving... or just... or... the list goes on. And yet He is humble? How can someone so powerful be humble enough to kneel before a mere human and wash their feet (John 13:5-10)?
So many people think that God doesn't listen to them when they speak to Him. That He isn't watching their every move at every moment. That He doesn't hear what is in their hearts. But He does. He spent 42 chapters in the book of Job listening to Job and answering him. Jesus, the Son of God, spent many years on earth healing people and teaching them how to live life to the fullest. Jesus, the only Son of God, died on a cross... the same way common thieves and murderers did. If that isn't humility, i don't know what is.
If Jesus can lower Himself to listen to our every word, to number every hair on our heads (Matt. 10:30), to live among mere humans and love us, how much more should we humble ourselves to love other people? Can we say that we are better than others? Can we say that other people don't deserve things that we can do for them? Should we be able to look someone in the eyes and say "I hate you", when God is sitting on His throne and saying, "I LOVE YOU"....?
November 01, 2004
In Need Of... A Declaration!
How well David spoke in the Psalms!!
Psalm 22:22-23a - I will declare Your name to my brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. You who fear the Lord, praise Him!
WHY??
Psalm 22:24 - For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when he cried to Him, He heard.
Psalm 22:26 - The poor shall eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the Lord. Let your heart live forever!
How amazing is that?? How amazing is what God has done for each of us! It is amazing to look around and see what He has provided!
It amazes me every time i think of how often i can cry out to God and still be heard! Even for the smallest things, He answers. It may not always be the answer i'm looking for, but i shudder to think of the things i would have missed if i had been doing it my way.
Every time my heart is poor, He feeds me. Everytime my soul hungers, i praise the Lord and He fills it with good things!
To trust in the Lord and to belong to Jesus is truly to let your heart live forever!
Psalm 22:22-23a - I will declare Your name to my brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. You who fear the Lord, praise Him!
WHY??
Psalm 22:24 - For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when he cried to Him, He heard.
Psalm 22:26 - The poor shall eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the Lord. Let your heart live forever!
How amazing is that?? How amazing is what God has done for each of us! It is amazing to look around and see what He has provided!
It amazes me every time i think of how often i can cry out to God and still be heard! Even for the smallest things, He answers. It may not always be the answer i'm looking for, but i shudder to think of the things i would have missed if i had been doing it my way.
Every time my heart is poor, He feeds me. Everytime my soul hungers, i praise the Lord and He fills it with good things!
To trust in the Lord and to belong to Jesus is truly to let your heart live forever!
October 26, 2004
In Need Of... Recovery.
Praise God that recovery is possible!
Spiritual recovery, that is. Not that physical recovery from illness, etc, isn't important, but the life we live on this earth is nothing compared to the eternity we have to live after we leave.
God has given us a most excellent way.
When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He gave us hope. A man was hanging on a cross beside Him because he deserved to die. He spoke to Jesus...
Luke 23:42 - Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
And that was that. The condemned man received an eternity of blessing because he asked. He asked Jesus.
Jesus listened to a man who was sent to death row (Luke 23:39-43). Jesus listened to a woman who had five husbands and was living with a man she was not married to (John 4:7-42). Jesus listened to a man who denied Him three times (Luke 22:61). Jesus forgave the people who whipped Him, beat Him, nailed Him to a piece of wood, and watched Him die, and mocked Him during the process (Luke 23:33-34).
Noone has done too much to be forgiven. Praise God that it is so.
And Jesus said to His disciples...
Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV)
After this manner, therefore pray ye:
"Our Father which art in heaven,
"Hallowed be Thy name.
"Thy kingdom come.
"Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
"Give us this day our daily bread,
"And forgive us our debts
"As we forgive our debtors.
"And lead us not into temptation,
"But deliver us from evil:
"For Thine is the kingdom,
"And the power, and the glory
"For ever. Amen.
Spiritual recovery, that is. Not that physical recovery from illness, etc, isn't important, but the life we live on this earth is nothing compared to the eternity we have to live after we leave.
God has given us a most excellent way.
When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He gave us hope. A man was hanging on a cross beside Him because he deserved to die. He spoke to Jesus...
Luke 23:42 - Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
And that was that. The condemned man received an eternity of blessing because he asked. He asked Jesus.
Jesus listened to a man who was sent to death row (Luke 23:39-43). Jesus listened to a woman who had five husbands and was living with a man she was not married to (John 4:7-42). Jesus listened to a man who denied Him three times (Luke 22:61). Jesus forgave the people who whipped Him, beat Him, nailed Him to a piece of wood, and watched Him die, and mocked Him during the process (Luke 23:33-34).
Noone has done too much to be forgiven. Praise God that it is so.
And Jesus said to His disciples...
Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV)
After this manner, therefore pray ye:
"Our Father which art in heaven,
"Hallowed be Thy name.
"Thy kingdom come.
"Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
"Give us this day our daily bread,
"And forgive us our debts
"As we forgive our debtors.
"And lead us not into temptation,
"But deliver us from evil:
"For Thine is the kingdom,
"And the power, and the glory
"For ever. Amen.
October 25, 2004
In Need Of... Fellowship.
Strange how sometimes Christians think that other Christians are invincible. And they may not realize what they are doing.
As Christians we need to fellowship together. God has called us as individuals to become part of a body. One Christian cannot be a body alone.
When Paul spoke to the Corinthians about the body, he said, "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it (I Cor. 12:26)." Are we doing this for the rest of the body? Are we too wrapped up in ourselves to consider the other members of the body? As much as i may feel like i am being neglected sometimes, am i fulfilling MY duties as a member of the body?
Paul also expressed this to the Romans. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another... Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
God has provided us with many people to care for and to care for us.
As Christians we need to fellowship together. God has called us as individuals to become part of a body. One Christian cannot be a body alone.
When Paul spoke to the Corinthians about the body, he said, "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it (I Cor. 12:26)." Are we doing this for the rest of the body? Are we too wrapped up in ourselves to consider the other members of the body? As much as i may feel like i am being neglected sometimes, am i fulfilling MY duties as a member of the body?
Paul also expressed this to the Romans. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another... Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
God has provided us with many people to care for and to care for us.
August 03, 2004
In Need Of... Time Management
Praise God! He is so good!
My last blog was all about seeking God...
This blog is all about how that's going!!
Jesus said, in Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
I basically prayed that about my walk with God. I want to grow in Christ! I want to BE LIKE JESUS, and i know i can't do that on my own! It is so amazing to watch how fast God works!!
I hadn't really thought about that until i looked at the date on my last blog... July 19th is not so long ago, but it feels like years :o)
God, thru some great Georgians and a good week of discipleship, convicted me of some things that need to change in my Christian life. He pointed out many of my weaknesses, and some great ways to straighten out my path!
I've started in on a new book... "A Woman's Call To Prayer." So far, it's great. It's holding me accountable to my new commitment to God. I even have a prayer chart, cuz one thing i found was that i wasn't making a CONSCIOUS effort to spend a significant time with God EVERYDAY. So everyday that i meet my commitment, i check off the date box... and when i don't... i can't check off the box... (Empty boxes make for a big conviction... :oS )
I have already noticed a change in my thinking... I rush home from work to spend time with God... I spend time with Him on my lunch breaks... I pray WHILE i'm working... I make a conscious decision to spend time with GOD!
My last blog was all about seeking God...
This blog is all about how that's going!!
Jesus said, in Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
I basically prayed that about my walk with God. I want to grow in Christ! I want to BE LIKE JESUS, and i know i can't do that on my own! It is so amazing to watch how fast God works!!
I hadn't really thought about that until i looked at the date on my last blog... July 19th is not so long ago, but it feels like years :o)
God, thru some great Georgians and a good week of discipleship, convicted me of some things that need to change in my Christian life. He pointed out many of my weaknesses, and some great ways to straighten out my path!
I've started in on a new book... "A Woman's Call To Prayer." So far, it's great. It's holding me accountable to my new commitment to God. I even have a prayer chart, cuz one thing i found was that i wasn't making a CONSCIOUS effort to spend a significant time with God EVERYDAY. So everyday that i meet my commitment, i check off the date box... and when i don't... i can't check off the box... (Empty boxes make for a big conviction... :oS )
I have already noticed a change in my thinking... I rush home from work to spend time with God... I spend time with Him on my lunch breaks... I pray WHILE i'm working... I make a conscious decision to spend time with GOD!
July 19, 2004
In Need Of... A Seeking Heart...
Once upon a time i was discouraged. I was discouraged because i didn't feel like i had the same "heart for seeking after God". I felt like everyone around me was growing in leaps and bounds in their walk with Christ and that i was lagging behind...
But i came to realize that a "seeking heart" is something you have to work at. Because of the temptations of this world, the things that tend to grab your attention, you need to keep wrestling your thoughts away.
Yes, to some extent, God has put into us all the desire to know Him more. But it's a difficult thing for some to accomplish. As a friend of mine so aptly put it - As a living sacrifice, we tend to crawl off the altar. We have to keep climbing back on. (In reference to Romans 12:1 (KJV) - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.)
We have to continually deny the world the hold it has on our lives in order to seek God.
Another verse that caught my attention on this is:
Psalm 42:1 - As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul sants for You, O God.
That deer worked up a powerful thirst.
I need to work up a thirst for God. I think that one way to work up a thirst for God is to do His work. God's plans require supernatural strength... By working on these plans, i am working up a need for that strength... That is my thirst, a thirst for strength... The strength that only God can offer.
Another way i work up a thirst is by reading my Bible.
Like Einstein said, "The more I learn, the more I realize I know nothing."
When i read my Bible, i realize that i don't know anything about God. And that drives me to want to know more...
Isaiah 49:10 - They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.
Matthew 7:7 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
But i came to realize that a "seeking heart" is something you have to work at. Because of the temptations of this world, the things that tend to grab your attention, you need to keep wrestling your thoughts away.
Yes, to some extent, God has put into us all the desire to know Him more. But it's a difficult thing for some to accomplish. As a friend of mine so aptly put it - As a living sacrifice, we tend to crawl off the altar. We have to keep climbing back on. (In reference to Romans 12:1 (KJV) - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.)
We have to continually deny the world the hold it has on our lives in order to seek God.
Another verse that caught my attention on this is:
Psalm 42:1 - As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul sants for You, O God.
That deer worked up a powerful thirst.
I need to work up a thirst for God. I think that one way to work up a thirst for God is to do His work. God's plans require supernatural strength... By working on these plans, i am working up a need for that strength... That is my thirst, a thirst for strength... The strength that only God can offer.
Another way i work up a thirst is by reading my Bible.
Like Einstein said, "The more I learn, the more I realize I know nothing."
When i read my Bible, i realize that i don't know anything about God. And that drives me to want to know more...
Isaiah 49:10 - They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.
Matthew 7:7 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
July 06, 2004
In Need Of... Wisdom.
Webster's Dictionary says:
wisdom, n. knowledge; insight; sound judgment; common sense.
The Bible says:
...the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.(James 3:17)
I'd say, to get a Christian perspective on wisdom, we need to look at both of these definitions.
Personally, i know that i look at the word wisdom and know what it means without really knowing what it means. That's what the dictionary is for... To learn the meaning of those words. And then i look at the Bible to get God's expanded version of that definition.
Webster's is very concise. Breaking down the word. Giving synonyms for that word. The Bible gives the how-to's and the what-for's. God explains through the Bible how He expects you to act out "wisdom".
When you look at the two definitions, they compliment each other. The definition in the dictionary could describe many people... it's easy to get knowledge, right? The Bible tells us the more concise, Christian way of wisdom.
There's a difference between "worldly wisdom" and "the wisdom that comes from heaven". The difference lies in how you act out your wisdom... the motives behind your wisdom.
James 3:13 says, Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Doesn't sound like a worldly kind of wisdom... it doesn't sound like the "wisdom" spoken of in James 3:14-16 (But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, un-spiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.)
So...
James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
wisdom, n. knowledge; insight; sound judgment; common sense.
The Bible says:
...the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.(James 3:17)
I'd say, to get a Christian perspective on wisdom, we need to look at both of these definitions.
Personally, i know that i look at the word wisdom and know what it means without really knowing what it means. That's what the dictionary is for... To learn the meaning of those words. And then i look at the Bible to get God's expanded version of that definition.
Webster's is very concise. Breaking down the word. Giving synonyms for that word. The Bible gives the how-to's and the what-for's. God explains through the Bible how He expects you to act out "wisdom".
When you look at the two definitions, they compliment each other. The definition in the dictionary could describe many people... it's easy to get knowledge, right? The Bible tells us the more concise, Christian way of wisdom.
There's a difference between "worldly wisdom" and "the wisdom that comes from heaven". The difference lies in how you act out your wisdom... the motives behind your wisdom.
James 3:13 says, Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Doesn't sound like a worldly kind of wisdom... it doesn't sound like the "wisdom" spoken of in James 3:14-16 (But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, un-spiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.)
So...
James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
June 29, 2004
In Need Of... Reminding (of what i really am...?)
For those days when i'm tempted into believing that i know something...
For those days when i'm tempted into worrying about things i can't change...
For those days when i'm tempted...
I was listening to that song by Nickelback... "How You Remind Me" or something like that... The chorus says, "This is how you remind me of what i really am" (It's about the only line i know) And i was thinking... "What am i, really?"
And then i was thinking about that song by Downhere... "Great Are You" (To which i know all the words!) And the chorus says, "Because I'll never hold the picture/ Of the whole horizon in my view/ Because I'll never, rip the night in two/ It makes me wonder/ Who am I, Who am I, Who am I/ And great are You/ Great are You, Lord"
It blew me away... How does God remind us of what we really are??
By everything around us! By everything that He has created! By the fact that when i mess up, the world doesn't end!
People heard how Job was talking about God and they reminded him:
Job 35:6-7 -
If you've sinned, what effect can you have on God?
If you've done many wrongs, what can you do to Him?
If you're righteous, what can you give Him, or what can He get from you?
Job thought he was smarter than God; God reminded Job of what he really was:
Job 38:1,4-5,12,16,21,36 -
Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm.
...
"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me if you have such insight.
Who determined its dimensions? Certainly you know! Who stretched a measuring line over it?
...
"Have you ever given orders to the morning or assigned a place for the dawn...
...
"Have you gone to the springs in the sea or walked through the valleys of the ocean depths?
...
"You must know because you were b orn then and have lived such a long time!
...
"Who put wisdom in the heart or gave understanding to the mind?"
By reading about Job, I am reminded of what i really am.
Who am i?
I am created by God, for God's pleasure! My purpose on earth is to have a relationship with Him and to please Him.
My purpose is not to think i'm smarter than Him, or more powerful.
And when you think about that, it takes all weight off your shoulders. When you do something wrong, God is still right. When you do something unjust, God is still fair. When you are not able, God is.
James 1:17 - Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars.
For those days when i'm tempted into worrying about things i can't change...
For those days when i'm tempted...
I was listening to that song by Nickelback... "How You Remind Me" or something like that... The chorus says, "This is how you remind me of what i really am" (It's about the only line i know) And i was thinking... "What am i, really?"
And then i was thinking about that song by Downhere... "Great Are You" (To which i know all the words!) And the chorus says, "Because I'll never hold the picture/ Of the whole horizon in my view/ Because I'll never, rip the night in two/ It makes me wonder/ Who am I, Who am I, Who am I/ And great are You/ Great are You, Lord"
It blew me away... How does God remind us of what we really are??
By everything around us! By everything that He has created! By the fact that when i mess up, the world doesn't end!
People heard how Job was talking about God and they reminded him:
Job 35:6-7 -
If you've sinned, what effect can you have on God?
If you've done many wrongs, what can you do to Him?
If you're righteous, what can you give Him, or what can He get from you?
Job thought he was smarter than God; God reminded Job of what he really was:
Job 38:1,4-5,12,16,21,36 -
Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm.
...
"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me if you have such insight.
Who determined its dimensions? Certainly you know! Who stretched a measuring line over it?
...
"Have you ever given orders to the morning or assigned a place for the dawn...
...
"Have you gone to the springs in the sea or walked through the valleys of the ocean depths?
...
"You must know because you were b orn then and have lived such a long time!
...
"Who put wisdom in the heart or gave understanding to the mind?"
By reading about Job, I am reminded of what i really am.
Who am i?
I am created by God, for God's pleasure! My purpose on earth is to have a relationship with Him and to please Him.
My purpose is not to think i'm smarter than Him, or more powerful.
And when you think about that, it takes all weight off your shoulders. When you do something wrong, God is still right. When you do something unjust, God is still fair. When you are not able, God is.
James 1:17 - Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
