I read a sign this week that caused me to think much.....
"Why wait for the storm to be over... Learn to Dance in the rain"
Oh, how true this is....guess what, I am learning to dance a new dance...and HE is taking the lead.... at least, i am allowing HIM to lead...
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Change comes
One of the greatest and also frustrating things in life is how to live out each and everyday. Each one of us has a set of core values, those which we live by, seen and unseen, heard and unheard and some of it is affected in each one of us as we struggle with why change happens.
We each have our own pet theories of how the world works, different people can look at the same situation, and come to completely different conclusions about what's likely to happen next. With this said, there are concepts that for some may be real or truth while for others they are not…one has to make the decision of how ONE will live their own life.
As I process through change in my life, here are some of the battles I currently face, believe me or not, I don’t care, they are real….maybe you can identify with it, you are entitled to your opinion, why change happens, how you deal with it and whom in the end is in control of the outcome of your change…..Happy living….well …..LIVE
There are many theories of change you can find, there are some that I have put down in my own world… (There may be others: the list changes with new information, and one should always open to suggestions.) Almost any theory you can name can be sorted into one (or, occasionally, more) of these bins:
1. Progress. Change happens because humans want to improve their condition, apply new methods of living and add good problem-solving to create progress.
2. Development. Change happens because people want to build a decent life, which leads us towards specialization and complexity. We as individuals don't have much control over this process.
3. Technology. Change happens because humans are motivated to solve problems, which requires the creation of new technologies, which in turn drive progress and social change.
4. Ideas. Change happens when culture changes through the dissemination of new ideas. One good idea has the potential to change the world. As individuals adopt new ideas, they participate in the creation of change, and experience personal growth as well.
5. Cycles. Change happens according to predictable patterns, which can be discerned by studying history. These patterns are usually seen as cycles or waves, with periods of great change alternating with periods of rest and recovery.
6. Conflict. Change happens when groups of people engage in a struggle to improve their lot. People succeed in creating change only if they're willing to fight for it, and progress occurs when we pursue our own interests to the fullest.
7. Power. Change happens when powerful people and groups decide to alter the status quo to further increase their power.
8. Evolution. Change happens when the physical environment changes, and organisms adapt in response to those changes.
9. Chaos & Complexity. They describe behavior that appears to be non-rational and random; but becomes somewhat comprehensible when you understand the larger system at work. Nobody can really understand all the variables at work; but those who take the time to study a system and its interactions may get an upper hand -- or, at least, be prepared for the extreme behavior the system can deliver.
It is just my simple struggle of defining where I am in the middle of change, only ONE knows what is ahead, you and I can not turn the page and see ahead, but are we willing to trust the ONE who knows what it is in the end….
Until then, I hate change….but am glad for the UNCHANGED ONE even though in the eye of the storm, I am aware of my own limitations…..
CHANGE MUST HAPPEN
We each have our own pet theories of how the world works, different people can look at the same situation, and come to completely different conclusions about what's likely to happen next. With this said, there are concepts that for some may be real or truth while for others they are not…one has to make the decision of how ONE will live their own life.
As I process through change in my life, here are some of the battles I currently face, believe me or not, I don’t care, they are real….maybe you can identify with it, you are entitled to your opinion, why change happens, how you deal with it and whom in the end is in control of the outcome of your change…..Happy living….well …..LIVE
There are many theories of change you can find, there are some that I have put down in my own world… (There may be others: the list changes with new information, and one should always open to suggestions.) Almost any theory you can name can be sorted into one (or, occasionally, more) of these bins:
1. Progress. Change happens because humans want to improve their condition, apply new methods of living and add good problem-solving to create progress.
2. Development. Change happens because people want to build a decent life, which leads us towards specialization and complexity. We as individuals don't have much control over this process.
3. Technology. Change happens because humans are motivated to solve problems, which requires the creation of new technologies, which in turn drive progress and social change.
4. Ideas. Change happens when culture changes through the dissemination of new ideas. One good idea has the potential to change the world. As individuals adopt new ideas, they participate in the creation of change, and experience personal growth as well.
5. Cycles. Change happens according to predictable patterns, which can be discerned by studying history. These patterns are usually seen as cycles or waves, with periods of great change alternating with periods of rest and recovery.
6. Conflict. Change happens when groups of people engage in a struggle to improve their lot. People succeed in creating change only if they're willing to fight for it, and progress occurs when we pursue our own interests to the fullest.
7. Power. Change happens when powerful people and groups decide to alter the status quo to further increase their power.
8. Evolution. Change happens when the physical environment changes, and organisms adapt in response to those changes.
9. Chaos & Complexity. They describe behavior that appears to be non-rational and random; but becomes somewhat comprehensible when you understand the larger system at work. Nobody can really understand all the variables at work; but those who take the time to study a system and its interactions may get an upper hand -- or, at least, be prepared for the extreme behavior the system can deliver.
It is just my simple struggle of defining where I am in the middle of change, only ONE knows what is ahead, you and I can not turn the page and see ahead, but are we willing to trust the ONE who knows what it is in the end….
Until then, I hate change….but am glad for the UNCHANGED ONE even though in the eye of the storm, I am aware of my own limitations…..
CHANGE MUST HAPPEN
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
God Loves You
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? . . . Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? - Romans 8:31-35
It took me a long time to learn that God wants to bless our lives. I always pictured Him as somewhat reluctant to pour out His blessing. As in, "Okay, I guess you can have a little more." But I was so wrong. God wants to lavish all the fullness of heaven on us. He doesn't promise that everything will always be perfect or that He won't sometimes allow difficulty, but He does promise to be the Giver of good gifts to His children. He did absolutely everything He could to find us, to reach us, and to forgive us. Why? Because He loves us, as the following verses tell us.
John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son."
Romans 5:8 says, "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
First John 4:8 says, "God is love."
Romans 8:31-32 says, "If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all."
If you've ever wondered if God cares about you, look at what He did for you in His Son, Jesus Christ. God "did not spare his own Son." Question: Did not spare Him what?
Because God loves you, He did not spare His Son the humiliation of becoming a man. Jesus became a human being. Imagine the downgrade.
Because God loves you, He did not spare His Son the degradation of His atoning work. The mocking, the torture, the crown of thorns were all laid on the precious Son of God because your heavenly Father loves you.
And because God loves you, He did not spare His Son crucifixion. Jesus became "obedient to the point of death," Philippians 2:8 says, "even death on a cross"—the most humiliating, torturous way for a person to die. But why did God not spare His own Son?
Because He loves you. He gave the best for the worst. He gave the highest for the lowest. He did the most for the least. That is God's message of love to you and me!
It took me a long time to learn that God wants to bless our lives. I always pictured Him as somewhat reluctant to pour out His blessing. As in, "Okay, I guess you can have a little more." But I was so wrong. God wants to lavish all the fullness of heaven on us. He doesn't promise that everything will always be perfect or that He won't sometimes allow difficulty, but He does promise to be the Giver of good gifts to His children. He did absolutely everything He could to find us, to reach us, and to forgive us. Why? Because He loves us, as the following verses tell us.
John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son."
Romans 5:8 says, "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
First John 4:8 says, "God is love."
Romans 8:31-32 says, "If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all."
If you've ever wondered if God cares about you, look at what He did for you in His Son, Jesus Christ. God "did not spare his own Son." Question: Did not spare Him what?
Because God loves you, He did not spare His Son the humiliation of becoming a man. Jesus became a human being. Imagine the downgrade.
Because God loves you, He did not spare His Son the degradation of His atoning work. The mocking, the torture, the crown of thorns were all laid on the precious Son of God because your heavenly Father loves you.
And because God loves you, He did not spare His Son crucifixion. Jesus became "obedient to the point of death," Philippians 2:8 says, "even death on a cross"—the most humiliating, torturous way for a person to die. But why did God not spare His own Son?
Because He loves you. He gave the best for the worst. He gave the highest for the lowest. He did the most for the least. That is God's message of love to you and me!
Monday, November 17, 2008
He Restores My Soul
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. Psalm 23:2-3
God does two things to get our attention:
First the crisis: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”
Then the process: “He leads me beside still waters” (v.2).
Summary statement: “He restores my soul” (v.3).
Did you notice that He makes you lie down in green pastures? It literally means the tender grass. This is not the mature grass that’s ready for mowing. It’s the early, nutrient-rich sprouts of grass. In sheep terms, it’s the best grass has to offer. Usually when the grass gets brown the shepherd has to lead them to new fields. This grass is so rich that the sheep never needs to move to be satisfied. This picture is of the Lord’s plentiful supply in one place, always. Green pastures—it’s where God restores your soul.
What should you do in these intimate places with God? You don’t run or pace; you lie down. Take the concept or idea physically lying down in humility and dependence, prostrate before the Lord. If you want God to restore your soul, begin by finding a place to meet with Him all by yourself and on your face.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. I think this part is puzzling. It doesn’t say, “He helps you lie down” or “He suggests that lying down in green pastures would be a good idea if you could find time.” Clearly it says: God makes you lie down. Now God is more than capable of making you lie down. You think, “I’ll just press on.” That may work for a while, but the Lord loves you and He knows how desperately you need time with Him. You cannot neglect your relationship with Him for long without a major collapse. He also wants that time and intimacy with you. If you neglect it, the day is coming when He will make you lie down.
You say, “Well I’m lying down, but it’s not very green where I am.” Maybe your green pastures are only green from God’s perspective because of the good they could produce. Maybe your green pasture is a hospital bed. Maybe you’ve recently been to a funeral or you’re in your boss’s office with a pink slip in your hand. Maybe your green pasture is a penetrating loneliness or a painful relationship with a child or your spouse. Maybe it’s a persistent financial need and God has made you lie down in that green pasture. That’s the crisis of soul restoration.
Here’s the process. “He leads me beside still waters” (v.3). This is the place where God continually restores your soul. Shallow waters run fast and make a lot of noise. A fast verse of Scripture in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other doesn’t produce depth. But still waters run very deep. Jesus, our Shepherd, leads you to that deep place and brings quietness to your soul. Our Shepherd will restore your soul beside the still waters.
Do you need that today? “I know I need my soul restored when . . .
• Little things put me over the edge. “Why was I so upset about that?
• I can’t turn off the day and I’m fearful of starting a new one.
• My plate is too full and my heart is too empty.
• I can’t find my Bible and I’m not praying about anything specifically.
• I have no self-control over temptation.
You can’t miss the fact that Christ repeatedly got alone. There were times when He said, “Sorry. Not today.” He left a group of people on the shore. He walked away from a crowd standing in a field. He removed Himself from the disciples. He woke up before daylight and went to a solitary place to pray. And if Jesus—God, the very Son of God—could not live on this earth without walking beside still waters, without lying down in green pastures, then how arrogant of us to think that we can get by without doing the same.
I want to challenge you to move from being just a hearer of the Word to actually doing it (James 1:22). Make a decision that before this week is over, you will spend three separate hours alone with the Lord. Plan it right now:
•Choose a time—one hour, three separate times between now and Sunday night.
•Choose a place where you can be by yourself—even if it’s in your car.
•Choose a passage of Scripture. I would recommend John 15-21. Start with a prayer of invitation. Maybe some worship, He loves your voice. Read and reflect. Write down what He says to you and pray.
If you’re saying, “I need that, I want that, and I’m willing to take that challenge,” make the commitment to do it—three hours alone with Him beside the still waters. Let the restoration begin.
God does two things to get our attention:
First the crisis: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”
Then the process: “He leads me beside still waters” (v.2).
Summary statement: “He restores my soul” (v.3).
Did you notice that He makes you lie down in green pastures? It literally means the tender grass. This is not the mature grass that’s ready for mowing. It’s the early, nutrient-rich sprouts of grass. In sheep terms, it’s the best grass has to offer. Usually when the grass gets brown the shepherd has to lead them to new fields. This grass is so rich that the sheep never needs to move to be satisfied. This picture is of the Lord’s plentiful supply in one place, always. Green pastures—it’s where God restores your soul.
What should you do in these intimate places with God? You don’t run or pace; you lie down. Take the concept or idea physically lying down in humility and dependence, prostrate before the Lord. If you want God to restore your soul, begin by finding a place to meet with Him all by yourself and on your face.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. I think this part is puzzling. It doesn’t say, “He helps you lie down” or “He suggests that lying down in green pastures would be a good idea if you could find time.” Clearly it says: God makes you lie down. Now God is more than capable of making you lie down. You think, “I’ll just press on.” That may work for a while, but the Lord loves you and He knows how desperately you need time with Him. You cannot neglect your relationship with Him for long without a major collapse. He also wants that time and intimacy with you. If you neglect it, the day is coming when He will make you lie down.
You say, “Well I’m lying down, but it’s not very green where I am.” Maybe your green pastures are only green from God’s perspective because of the good they could produce. Maybe your green pasture is a hospital bed. Maybe you’ve recently been to a funeral or you’re in your boss’s office with a pink slip in your hand. Maybe your green pasture is a penetrating loneliness or a painful relationship with a child or your spouse. Maybe it’s a persistent financial need and God has made you lie down in that green pasture. That’s the crisis of soul restoration.
Here’s the process. “He leads me beside still waters” (v.3). This is the place where God continually restores your soul. Shallow waters run fast and make a lot of noise. A fast verse of Scripture in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other doesn’t produce depth. But still waters run very deep. Jesus, our Shepherd, leads you to that deep place and brings quietness to your soul. Our Shepherd will restore your soul beside the still waters.
Do you need that today? “I know I need my soul restored when . . .
• Little things put me over the edge. “Why was I so upset about that?
• I can’t turn off the day and I’m fearful of starting a new one.
• My plate is too full and my heart is too empty.
• I can’t find my Bible and I’m not praying about anything specifically.
• I have no self-control over temptation.
You can’t miss the fact that Christ repeatedly got alone. There were times when He said, “Sorry. Not today.” He left a group of people on the shore. He walked away from a crowd standing in a field. He removed Himself from the disciples. He woke up before daylight and went to a solitary place to pray. And if Jesus—God, the very Son of God—could not live on this earth without walking beside still waters, without lying down in green pastures, then how arrogant of us to think that we can get by without doing the same.
I want to challenge you to move from being just a hearer of the Word to actually doing it (James 1:22). Make a decision that before this week is over, you will spend three separate hours alone with the Lord. Plan it right now:
•Choose a time—one hour, three separate times between now and Sunday night.
•Choose a place where you can be by yourself—even if it’s in your car.
•Choose a passage of Scripture. I would recommend John 15-21. Start with a prayer of invitation. Maybe some worship, He loves your voice. Read and reflect. Write down what He says to you and pray.
If you’re saying, “I need that, I want that, and I’m willing to take that challenge,” make the commitment to do it—three hours alone with Him beside the still waters. Let the restoration begin.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Are you ready to Rumble
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. Psalms 91:15
Did you know that there are times that you must stay in the fight? The word "deliver" in Psalm 91:15 means to equip for the fight. God will equip you for the battle. There are situations in your life in which He is simply not going to move you anywhere; He is not going to lift you up and carry you off anywhere; but He is going to give you the equipment to slug it out right where you are and win. That is why you must get before God to find out how He wants to deliver you in a particular situation. His will is to deliver you. You just need to ascertain from the Spirit how God wants to do it.
Many times we get tired of the people we work with, or tired of the job, or tired of the house we live in. Then we make decisions based on what we feel we should do. It very well may be that God wants you to stand right where you are. He wants to equip you to slug it out and win right there. But He will not leave you to do it alone.
He said clearly that He would be with you in trouble. God will be there with supernatural anointing: the anointing that removes whatever is a burden to you, and destroys whatever is a yoke to you. With that you have the ability to stay there and slug it out until the devil high tails it and runs.
Look in Deuteronomy 28. It says your enemies will come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. Picture it. If your enemies are coming against you, and then fleeing in seven different directions, what are you doing? You are standing ? not running ? but standing. You're not being removed. You are standing. You are so equipped because you have a covenant with God, and you whipped that situation so bad in the Holy Ghost that the enemy is going in every direction trying to get away from you. That is why you need to find out if this is the time to stay and fight. It is not an anti-Christian act to stay and fight. It depends on what the Lord said to do.
So, find out in your prayer time before God what His direction is for you whenever you face a difficult situation. You can be confident in God that when He says to stay, that means He will equip you with all you need to win the battle. In God, you are the triumphant church. That means that you win every time.
I'm ready to RUMBLE>>>>>>>
Did you know that there are times that you must stay in the fight? The word "deliver" in Psalm 91:15 means to equip for the fight. God will equip you for the battle. There are situations in your life in which He is simply not going to move you anywhere; He is not going to lift you up and carry you off anywhere; but He is going to give you the equipment to slug it out right where you are and win. That is why you must get before God to find out how He wants to deliver you in a particular situation. His will is to deliver you. You just need to ascertain from the Spirit how God wants to do it.
Many times we get tired of the people we work with, or tired of the job, or tired of the house we live in. Then we make decisions based on what we feel we should do. It very well may be that God wants you to stand right where you are. He wants to equip you to slug it out and win right there. But He will not leave you to do it alone.
He said clearly that He would be with you in trouble. God will be there with supernatural anointing: the anointing that removes whatever is a burden to you, and destroys whatever is a yoke to you. With that you have the ability to stay there and slug it out until the devil high tails it and runs.
Look in Deuteronomy 28. It says your enemies will come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. Picture it. If your enemies are coming against you, and then fleeing in seven different directions, what are you doing? You are standing ? not running ? but standing. You're not being removed. You are standing. You are so equipped because you have a covenant with God, and you whipped that situation so bad in the Holy Ghost that the enemy is going in every direction trying to get away from you. That is why you need to find out if this is the time to stay and fight. It is not an anti-Christian act to stay and fight. It depends on what the Lord said to do.
So, find out in your prayer time before God what His direction is for you whenever you face a difficult situation. You can be confident in God that when He says to stay, that means He will equip you with all you need to win the battle. In God, you are the triumphant church. That means that you win every time.
I'm ready to RUMBLE>>>>>>>
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Faith in the Night
"And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." - Matthew 14:24-27
Why is it that problems always seem bigger in the middle of the night? In the hours between the days, our fears loom larger and burdens grow heavier. Your mind seems to reek havoc on your entire system, sleepless night, imaginations, your heart is about to come out of your chest….
It was between three and four o'clock in the morning when the disciples fought the storm on the Sea of Galilee. In Matthew 14 we hear about how their imaginations whipped around like a wild wind. And just when the storm was taking them under for the last time, Jesus walked by—on the water! Crazy!
Just look at their response.
"And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."
Why do you doubt? He asked him. I'm right here.
We painfully identify with the disciples' fear. When we're out here on our own, our hearts become filled with fear. Overwhelmed by circumstances, we forget who You are. You're God. You're in control.
Our Christian life is a life of faith. In faith you can say, God has made some promises and I believe Him. I don't always understand His ways, but I trust Him. He's in charge. This is a difficult path to walk but as we venture out in faith, to trust HIM in all HIS ways is the key. Faith is stepping out in the dark, knowing HIS hand will be there to guide us.
God has given you some assurances so that you can walk by faith while you're waiting for Him to work. You don't have to take your view your life from what you see happening right in front of you. Living by faith and holding onto God's promises gives stability and strength to life.
Why is it that problems always seem bigger in the middle of the night? In the hours between the days, our fears loom larger and burdens grow heavier. Your mind seems to reek havoc on your entire system, sleepless night, imaginations, your heart is about to come out of your chest….
It was between three and four o'clock in the morning when the disciples fought the storm on the Sea of Galilee. In Matthew 14 we hear about how their imaginations whipped around like a wild wind. And just when the storm was taking them under for the last time, Jesus walked by—on the water! Crazy!
Just look at their response.
"And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."
Why do you doubt? He asked him. I'm right here.
We painfully identify with the disciples' fear. When we're out here on our own, our hearts become filled with fear. Overwhelmed by circumstances, we forget who You are. You're God. You're in control.
Our Christian life is a life of faith. In faith you can say, God has made some promises and I believe Him. I don't always understand His ways, but I trust Him. He's in charge. This is a difficult path to walk but as we venture out in faith, to trust HIM in all HIS ways is the key. Faith is stepping out in the dark, knowing HIS hand will be there to guide us.
God has given you some assurances so that you can walk by faith while you're waiting for Him to work. You don't have to take your view your life from what you see happening right in front of you. Living by faith and holding onto God's promises gives stability and strength to life.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Ever feel like...
Have you woken up, had thoughts run through your head and just go.......
1. The early bird still has to eat worms.
2. I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loose fitting
clothing--if I HAD any loose fitting clothing, I wouldn't have signed up in the first
place!!!
3. The worse thing about accidents in the kitchen is having to eat them.
4. Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.
5. Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we messed up our life we could simply press "Ctrl Alt Delete" and start all over?
6. Stress is when you wake up screaming and then you realize you haven't fallen asleep yet.
7. Why is it that our children can't read a Bible in school, but they
can in prison?
8. If raising children was going to be easy, it never would have started with something called labor!
9. Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever.
1. The early bird still has to eat worms.
2. I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loose fitting
clothing--if I HAD any loose fitting clothing, I wouldn't have signed up in the first
place!!!
3. The worse thing about accidents in the kitchen is having to eat them.
4. Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.
5. Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we messed up our life we could simply press "Ctrl Alt Delete" and start all over?
6. Stress is when you wake up screaming and then you realize you haven't fallen asleep yet.
7. Why is it that our children can't read a Bible in school, but they
can in prison?
8. If raising children was going to be easy, it never would have started with something called labor!
9. Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Trinitarian Songs
In recent conversations with our pastor, a point was raised about the songs we sing each week. What is out there, what are the songs about that we call “worship” I realized that there are not many worship songs that mention the Trinity, our worship should be Trinitarian, about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
I found this song to help in the understanding….your thoughts….
The song is not a traditional Trinity song, with 3 verses about the Father, Son and Spirit, but if you look through the lyrics the Trinity is clearly there. The verses explore the different roles of the Son and the Spirit in leading us to the Father and the chorus is a simple refrain of praise to the Father, because he is worthy to be praised!
Father God we come
Song written by Andy Irons (Heb 2:12; Heb 4:16; Eph 3:12)
Father God, we come with confidence through faith.
Father God, we stand before your throne of grace.
We can only come, stand before your throne,
because Christ has made the way;
shed his precious blood as a sacrifice,
so we offer you our praise.
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!
The way is open to the Father, hallelujah!
Father God, we come, invited to draw near.
Father God, we stand before you without fear.
We are welcomed in, to your presence, Lord,
as the Spirit leads the way.
We will join with Christ, we will join with heav’n,
as we offer you our praise.
Father God, we come, hallelujah.
I found this song to help in the understanding….your thoughts….
The song is not a traditional Trinity song, with 3 verses about the Father, Son and Spirit, but if you look through the lyrics the Trinity is clearly there. The verses explore the different roles of the Son and the Spirit in leading us to the Father and the chorus is a simple refrain of praise to the Father, because he is worthy to be praised!
Father God we come
Song written by Andy Irons (Heb 2:12; Heb 4:16; Eph 3:12)
Father God, we come with confidence through faith.
Father God, we stand before your throne of grace.
We can only come, stand before your throne,
because Christ has made the way;
shed his precious blood as a sacrifice,
so we offer you our praise.
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!
The way is open to the Father, hallelujah!
Father God, we come, invited to draw near.
Father God, we stand before you without fear.
We are welcomed in, to your presence, Lord,
as the Spirit leads the way.
We will join with Christ, we will join with heav’n,
as we offer you our praise.
Father God, we come, hallelujah.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
What about Peace
"…let the peace of God rule in your hearts…." Colossians 3:15
Have your asked yourself these questions; Is my heart troubled? Anxious? Agitated? So many of us walk around with a smile on our face but the reality is this, we are anxious, troubled, agitated, in fear. Here is today thought...
Let peace rule today. Jesus told us we could. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
Unfortunately, for many people, living in strife, anxiety, agitation & fear is a way of life. Peace is the oddity. Jesus wants to turn that around in your life.
The ability to live in peace can be a way of life. In fact, we can get so used to living in peace – it's an oddity to experience anxiety, a troubled heart, strife or fear.
Sometimes, we'll have to "force" ourselves to surrender to peace. We have to choose to "let peace rule" – because at times our minds are filled with fear, overload, frustration and any number of "peace robbers."
Peace comes from keeping our minds on the Lord and His Word. "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3)
If you need Jesus' peace to rule your heart today, set your mind on Him. Don't allow any thought that is contrary to His character and His Word to have any place in your mind. So what is the result of focusing on His peace? God's perfect peace will rule!
Make this your prayer today:
"Father, I choose to surrender all of my anxious, fear-filled, and contrary thoughts to You right now. I fix my mind on Jesus. You are good, You can be trusted, and You are bigger than anything I am facing. Peace…rule my heart! Thank you for YOUR PEACE! In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Have your asked yourself these questions; Is my heart troubled? Anxious? Agitated? So many of us walk around with a smile on our face but the reality is this, we are anxious, troubled, agitated, in fear. Here is today thought...
Let peace rule today. Jesus told us we could. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
Unfortunately, for many people, living in strife, anxiety, agitation & fear is a way of life. Peace is the oddity. Jesus wants to turn that around in your life.
The ability to live in peace can be a way of life. In fact, we can get so used to living in peace – it's an oddity to experience anxiety, a troubled heart, strife or fear.
Sometimes, we'll have to "force" ourselves to surrender to peace. We have to choose to "let peace rule" – because at times our minds are filled with fear, overload, frustration and any number of "peace robbers."
Peace comes from keeping our minds on the Lord and His Word. "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3)
If you need Jesus' peace to rule your heart today, set your mind on Him. Don't allow any thought that is contrary to His character and His Word to have any place in your mind. So what is the result of focusing on His peace? God's perfect peace will rule!
Make this your prayer today:
"Father, I choose to surrender all of my anxious, fear-filled, and contrary thoughts to You right now. I fix my mind on Jesus. You are good, You can be trusted, and You are bigger than anything I am facing. Peace…rule my heart! Thank you for YOUR PEACE! In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Monday, August 25, 2008
Just thoughts...
On my usual readings, surfing and the like, I ran across the following “commandments”. Just random thoughts that make you go “hmmmmm”. As YaYa and I read some of the things put on church signs, we have a tendency to laugh and wonder what other people think of.
Here are a few that may make you think….maybe not laugh, or just may go…ouch…!!!!
The Twenty Commandments"
1. If you feel far away from God, guess who moved?
2. Fear knocked. Faith answered. No one was there.
3. What you are is God's Gift to you. What you become is your gift to God.
4. We can never really go where God is not, and where He is, all is well.
5. No matter what is happening in your life, know that God is Waiting for you with open Arms.
6. God Promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
7. God has a Purpose and Plan for me that no one else can fulfill.
8. The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
9. We are responsible for the effort, not the outcome.
10. We set the sail; God makes the wind.
11. Begin to weave and God will Give you the thread.
12. When God says "no", it's because He has something better in store for you.
13. The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
14. Prayer: don't bother to give God instructions, just report for duty.
15. It's my business to do God's Business, and it's His Business to take care of my business.
16. Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.
17. How come you're always running around looking for God? He's not lost.
Author Unknown
Here are a few that may make you think….maybe not laugh, or just may go…ouch…!!!!
The Twenty Commandments"
1. If you feel far away from God, guess who moved?
2. Fear knocked. Faith answered. No one was there.
3. What you are is God's Gift to you. What you become is your gift to God.
4. We can never really go where God is not, and where He is, all is well.
5. No matter what is happening in your life, know that God is Waiting for you with open Arms.
6. God Promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
7. God has a Purpose and Plan for me that no one else can fulfill.
8. The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
9. We are responsible for the effort, not the outcome.
10. We set the sail; God makes the wind.
11. Begin to weave and God will Give you the thread.
12. When God says "no", it's because He has something better in store for you.
13. The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
14. Prayer: don't bother to give God instructions, just report for duty.
15. It's my business to do God's Business, and it's His Business to take care of my business.
16. Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.
17. How come you're always running around looking for God? He's not lost.
Author Unknown
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Berkley Paige
One of my dearest friends just recently had a baby girl. To know Berkley's mom is to know a young woman full of passion for life. What ever she does, is done, loud, big, huge, chunky, well lets just say, everyone knows.
Her senior year in high school she had a goal, to bring 100 of her friends to our church and would you know it, by graduation, she had single handedly, brought a few over her goal.
Today, she is a new mom. What a sight to see! 1:40 AM on this past Sunday was the arrival of our little angel. Gorgeous girl, huge eyes, and the excitement she brings, just WAAAYYYYY over the top.
To go for months without knowing the name of the little angel and then finding out as dad (Joel) puts the card with her name and we all find out "Berkley Paige"... what a great one. Berkley (the school of music???? what) i remember laughing about this months ago, wow, the gift handed down to the daughter from mother.... I hope i am still able to play my guitar or bass or something as she may lead us into HIS presence just as mom has for so long......
Berkley Paige, i am excited to see you with us, I will do everything in ability to live our worship of the King in front of you and can't wait to hear you sing.... in years to come....
With all my heart.... I love ya, your uncle Mario
(mom & dad, grandparents).... u too....
Her senior year in high school she had a goal, to bring 100 of her friends to our church and would you know it, by graduation, she had single handedly, brought a few over her goal.
Today, she is a new mom. What a sight to see! 1:40 AM on this past Sunday was the arrival of our little angel. Gorgeous girl, huge eyes, and the excitement she brings, just WAAAYYYYY over the top.
To go for months without knowing the name of the little angel and then finding out as dad (Joel) puts the card with her name and we all find out "Berkley Paige"... what a great one. Berkley (the school of music???? what) i remember laughing about this months ago, wow, the gift handed down to the daughter from mother.... I hope i am still able to play my guitar or bass or something as she may lead us into HIS presence just as mom has for so long......
Berkley Paige, i am excited to see you with us, I will do everything in ability to live our worship of the King in front of you and can't wait to hear you sing.... in years to come....
With all my heart.... I love ya, your uncle Mario
(mom & dad, grandparents).... u too....
Monday, August 11, 2008
Unforgiveness
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors . . . For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-16
Nothing will cut devastation across your soul like unforgiveness. It is the absolute opposite of the life God calls you to live. I know someone has hurt you or you have been hurt and I'm sincerely sorry for that but you don't have to prove you were right. You don't have to demonstrate the superiority of anything.
You've got to let it go. Yes, I said it, as a matter of fact, I have heard it told to me more times than I can count. But as I read over and over again what we find in one of the most important prayers that we read in Matthew 6:14-15 says, "If you don't forgive, my Father won't forgive you."
Living in unforgiveness is a barren, tortured existence. Even those of us who have experienced God's love and forgiveness need to be reminded about what we have received. It's so easy to slide into a self-centered mess of unforgiveness.
Contrary to what some might think, unforgiveness isn't private. People will seethe in silence, insisting, “this is just between me and him”. But that's not true. It's also destructive to innocent people around you. How many people in your life have suffered because of an unforgiveness issue in your heart that has absolutely nothing to do with them? It seeps into the tone of all your conversations. It leaks out in your impertinence and impatience, your short temper and rashness. People who you love, who have done nothing wrong, suffer because of the unforgiveness that you're holding over someone else. Unforgiveness is sin. It will eat away at your being until you choose the crisis and commit to the process of forgiveness. But that can all change.
This could be an awesome day--you have the choice to change. You have the chance to choose. I wonder if heaven is leaning over you and wondering what choice you are going to make. Your destiny depends on it.
Let’s make it clearer; you are not saved by forgiving, but forgiving is what saved people do. This is one of the litmus tests for reality. Making the choice to forgive is one of the things that prove you truly belong to God.
Father, forgive me for my pride, my anger, and the pointed comments that reveal the woundedness in my heart. Cover me with Your love. Let Your grace displace all that is ugly and angry and unforgiving in me. By Your grace, I choose to forgive.
LIVING LIFE!!!
Nothing will cut devastation across your soul like unforgiveness. It is the absolute opposite of the life God calls you to live. I know someone has hurt you or you have been hurt and I'm sincerely sorry for that but you don't have to prove you were right. You don't have to demonstrate the superiority of anything.
You've got to let it go. Yes, I said it, as a matter of fact, I have heard it told to me more times than I can count. But as I read over and over again what we find in one of the most important prayers that we read in Matthew 6:14-15 says, "If you don't forgive, my Father won't forgive you."
Living in unforgiveness is a barren, tortured existence. Even those of us who have experienced God's love and forgiveness need to be reminded about what we have received. It's so easy to slide into a self-centered mess of unforgiveness.
Contrary to what some might think, unforgiveness isn't private. People will seethe in silence, insisting, “this is just between me and him”. But that's not true. It's also destructive to innocent people around you. How many people in your life have suffered because of an unforgiveness issue in your heart that has absolutely nothing to do with them? It seeps into the tone of all your conversations. It leaks out in your impertinence and impatience, your short temper and rashness. People who you love, who have done nothing wrong, suffer because of the unforgiveness that you're holding over someone else. Unforgiveness is sin. It will eat away at your being until you choose the crisis and commit to the process of forgiveness. But that can all change.
This could be an awesome day--you have the choice to change. You have the chance to choose. I wonder if heaven is leaning over you and wondering what choice you are going to make. Your destiny depends on it.
Let’s make it clearer; you are not saved by forgiving, but forgiving is what saved people do. This is one of the litmus tests for reality. Making the choice to forgive is one of the things that prove you truly belong to God.
Father, forgive me for my pride, my anger, and the pointed comments that reveal the woundedness in my heart. Cover me with Your love. Let Your grace displace all that is ugly and angry and unforgiving in me. By Your grace, I choose to forgive.
LIVING LIFE!!!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Here with YOU!!!
Psalm 139(1-3) begins with this… “You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and you know all about me. You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts. You notice everything I do and everywhere I go”
God is here, involved, and directing traffic in every area of our life. It gladdens me that I have a personal relationship with the Artist and Creator of the world, and I pause to say, "Thanks." In my mental imaging, God smiles at the results of a glorious creation.
Have you ever thought of the concept of the immanence of God. It gives me a sense of the closeness, the care, and the protective hand of God in my life. If you read this Psalm again, the writer tries to examine every aspect of his life, and in so doing, realizes God is part of all of it. Before he speaks, God knows what he's going to say (v. 4); God protects him (v. 5); no matter where he goes, he's never out of God's sight (v. 7-12).
It should give us great joy and pleasure to know that God is being part of everything that happens in our life and He is beside us wherever we go.
God is here, right now. Everyplace we are can be a holy place because of God's presence. With this in mind, what of your prayer life? How many of us have the idea that prayer only has to be bended knees and with closed eyes. That's one way to pray. But when I contemplate the Immanent God, I can pray anytime and anywhere.
You are with me, God. WOW, what peace and joy!!!
You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and you know all about me. – Ps. 139:1
Jesus said "…I will be with you always, even until the end of the world." – Matt. 28:20b
God is here, involved, and directing traffic in every area of our life. It gladdens me that I have a personal relationship with the Artist and Creator of the world, and I pause to say, "Thanks." In my mental imaging, God smiles at the results of a glorious creation.
Have you ever thought of the concept of the immanence of God. It gives me a sense of the closeness, the care, and the protective hand of God in my life. If you read this Psalm again, the writer tries to examine every aspect of his life, and in so doing, realizes God is part of all of it. Before he speaks, God knows what he's going to say (v. 4); God protects him (v. 5); no matter where he goes, he's never out of God's sight (v. 7-12).
It should give us great joy and pleasure to know that God is being part of everything that happens in our life and He is beside us wherever we go.
God is here, right now. Everyplace we are can be a holy place because of God's presence. With this in mind, what of your prayer life? How many of us have the idea that prayer only has to be bended knees and with closed eyes. That's one way to pray. But when I contemplate the Immanent God, I can pray anytime and anywhere.
You are with me, God. WOW, what peace and joy!!!
You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and you know all about me. – Ps. 139:1
Jesus said "…I will be with you always, even until the end of the world." – Matt. 28:20b
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Faith Is a Verb
One time in the Gospels it says that Jesus couldn’t do much in a town “because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:58). Wouldn’t that be an awful thing to have said about your home, about your family, about you? Jesus couldn’t do much in or through you because you just didn’t believe Him. Lord, why don’t You do more in our church? Could it be because of people’s unbelief? Why do you make good things happen so often in my friend’s life, but not in mine? Could it be because your friend believes God more?
Faith is the key. God’s promises are activated by faith. Faith is not passive—it’s an action verb. Don’t say, “Well, I’m just waiting over here. Maybe God will work; maybe He won’t.” What are you doing about it? “Well, not much,” you say.
• It’s like the sick guy who needs to get better but doesn’t go to the doctor. That’s foolishness. You’ve got to do what you can.
• Like the person who’s filled with concerns and wants to have hope but has never read the Bible.
It’s God's promises that give us hope. How many Scriptural promises do you know? How many promises have you memorized? How many are on the tip of your tongue? Not a lot? Well, no wonder you’re filled with anxiety! No wonder you don’t have any hope! You’re not holding onto anything.
Get your heart around some of the exceedingly great and precious promises of God! Hold on to what God has said in His Word. Someday you’re going to be in a difficult situation and the enemy will try to pull you down, but you’ve got God’s Word hidden in your heart. His words will flood you with courage and fill your life with faith.
Faith has to be active to be real. Remember the guy in 2 Kings 5 who had leprosy and God told him he had to go dip in the river? In faith, he had to do what he could. Like the woman in poverty in 2 Kings 4 who had to collect containers to hold all that oil God was giving her—she did what she could. Like a warrior heading into battle—he has to pick up his weapon.
Put some action behind what you believe and watch God work.
Faith is the key. God’s promises are activated by faith. Faith is not passive—it’s an action verb. Don’t say, “Well, I’m just waiting over here. Maybe God will work; maybe He won’t.” What are you doing about it? “Well, not much,” you say.
• It’s like the sick guy who needs to get better but doesn’t go to the doctor. That’s foolishness. You’ve got to do what you can.
• Like the person who’s filled with concerns and wants to have hope but has never read the Bible.
It’s God's promises that give us hope. How many Scriptural promises do you know? How many promises have you memorized? How many are on the tip of your tongue? Not a lot? Well, no wonder you’re filled with anxiety! No wonder you don’t have any hope! You’re not holding onto anything.
Get your heart around some of the exceedingly great and precious promises of God! Hold on to what God has said in His Word. Someday you’re going to be in a difficult situation and the enemy will try to pull you down, but you’ve got God’s Word hidden in your heart. His words will flood you with courage and fill your life with faith.
Faith has to be active to be real. Remember the guy in 2 Kings 5 who had leprosy and God told him he had to go dip in the river? In faith, he had to do what he could. Like the woman in poverty in 2 Kings 4 who had to collect containers to hold all that oil God was giving her—she did what she could. Like a warrior heading into battle—he has to pick up his weapon.
Put some action behind what you believe and watch God work.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The Right Path
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Life knocks on your front door every morning with offers to go in more directions than you sometimes even think you are would go. Here are a few thoughts about where some of those opportunities to take paths, where we might end up at, maybe you may even agree with me…
Some paths are obviously wrong and lead to very bad places. Go very far down one of those trails and you’ll wake up one day and say, “What am I doing over here? You chose that path with a thousand small decisions, and it led you to that predictable spot. You thought you’d beat the odds, but it’s a losing proposition from the start.
Some paths appear to be right; yet they’re still wrong. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way [a path] that seems right to a man, but its end is the way [the path] to death.” That maze doesn’t lead you anywhere good.
Other paths are right, but only for awhile. You might actually be on a very good path when God changes your life and sends you in a different direction.
If your heart is to get your life on the right path, then your ears ought to perk up a little bit when Psalm 23 says, “He leads me in paths of righteousness.” Literally it means “into life’s right paths.”
God is very interested that you and I are following the right ways-the paths that lead to joy, to peace, and to blessing. Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way [or his path].” God Himself orders our paths.
Don’t you want to be on the pathway that leads to life and blessing? Psalm 16:11 reminds us that, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.”
Its simple, we must remember to follow God’s lead, we will step confidently in the right direction. Now, it might not be our preferred direction, but in the end it’ll take you where you want to go.
Happy Trails……
Life knocks on your front door every morning with offers to go in more directions than you sometimes even think you are would go. Here are a few thoughts about where some of those opportunities to take paths, where we might end up at, maybe you may even agree with me…
Some paths are obviously wrong and lead to very bad places. Go very far down one of those trails and you’ll wake up one day and say, “What am I doing over here? You chose that path with a thousand small decisions, and it led you to that predictable spot. You thought you’d beat the odds, but it’s a losing proposition from the start.
Some paths appear to be right; yet they’re still wrong. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way [a path] that seems right to a man, but its end is the way [the path] to death.” That maze doesn’t lead you anywhere good.
Other paths are right, but only for awhile. You might actually be on a very good path when God changes your life and sends you in a different direction.
If your heart is to get your life on the right path, then your ears ought to perk up a little bit when Psalm 23 says, “He leads me in paths of righteousness.” Literally it means “into life’s right paths.”
God is very interested that you and I are following the right ways-the paths that lead to joy, to peace, and to blessing. Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way [or his path].” God Himself orders our paths.
Don’t you want to be on the pathway that leads to life and blessing? Psalm 16:11 reminds us that, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.”
Its simple, we must remember to follow God’s lead, we will step confidently in the right direction. Now, it might not be our preferred direction, but in the end it’ll take you where you want to go.
Happy Trails……
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
I Hate Ticks
After a grueling week of running, setting up, praying for the rain to move on, studying and standing in line for food while the kids are getting the best and hot meal, I have found one thing about doing camp. I HATE TICKS!!!!
In this process of camping, you realize many things not only about yourself but about the people you are with. But, I STILL HATE TICKS!!!
TICKS,
They are small
You don’t know where they have been before they get on you
They burrow under your skin
They suck your blood (little vampires!!! Hahahahahahh!(Sesame Street)
You pull them off, but they leave little parts of them if you are not careful
I HATE TICKS
This is where friendship comes in. Not that they are ticks, although, some of them I have, could be ticks, they are needed for the many aspects of life, and yes, even camping.
Will I not do camp again, no; this is what I have learned.
1. There are many things in life we never try for wrong reasons. Maybe we had a bad experience in the past, but as time goes on we change (or forget why we didn't like something initially).
2. Relationships can cause us to try new things. Most of the time when I try something I never have before it is because someone introduced me to the idea or encouraged, challenged, even dared me to do it.
This is a good reason to have close friends, they influence us more than we can imagine. Not always for the good. Proverbs 13:20 reminds us, He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."
Until the next time camping, maybe a better camp ground, maybe in the winter, see you all next year, but
I STILL HATE TICKS
In this process of camping, you realize many things not only about yourself but about the people you are with. But, I STILL HATE TICKS!!!
TICKS,
They are small
You don’t know where they have been before they get on you
They burrow under your skin
They suck your blood (little vampires!!! Hahahahahahh!(Sesame Street)
You pull them off, but they leave little parts of them if you are not careful
I HATE TICKS
This is where friendship comes in. Not that they are ticks, although, some of them I have, could be ticks, they are needed for the many aspects of life, and yes, even camping.
Will I not do camp again, no; this is what I have learned.
1. There are many things in life we never try for wrong reasons. Maybe we had a bad experience in the past, but as time goes on we change (or forget why we didn't like something initially).
2. Relationships can cause us to try new things. Most of the time when I try something I never have before it is because someone introduced me to the idea or encouraged, challenged, even dared me to do it.
This is a good reason to have close friends, they influence us more than we can imagine. Not always for the good. Proverbs 13:20 reminds us, He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."
Until the next time camping, maybe a better camp ground, maybe in the winter, see you all next year, but
I STILL HATE TICKS
Monday, May 19, 2008
God and flowers
There is a kind of effusiveness about God, an overflowing quality.
Augustine spoke of this in a passage in his great The City of God. Augustine spoke of the “plentitude” of God. Augustine mentioned the effusiveness whereby God created all of the flowers in the world. We might have stopped creating flowers after one or two beautiful specimens. But God didn’t stop, God kept creating multitudes of flowers, all in different shapes and colors and kinds. Not only are they beautiful, but the glory of how they will turn their heads toward the sun, bending towards the light. We might have been content, as humans, with just a few flowers and their beauty. God didn’t stop with a few, because God is effusive, overflowing with love and creativity. There is a plentitude there.
We don’t have one Gospel, we have four. Four Gospels! One might have thought that we could have stopped with one, saying to ourselves, “Matthew fairly well got it right, let’s all go with Matthew.” But no, an effusive, ubiquitous, plenitudinous, and overflowing God requires at least four Gospels to talk about God and Christ.
One of the church fathers said that, “When we talk about the Trinity, we must forget how to count.” He was simply recognizing that, at first glance, the Trinity is a mathematical impossibility. After all, how can one equal three?
Boy, does this make you think….an overflowing GOD, that NEVER STOPS giving…loving…etc
Augustine spoke of this in a passage in his great The City of God. Augustine spoke of the “plentitude” of God. Augustine mentioned the effusiveness whereby God created all of the flowers in the world. We might have stopped creating flowers after one or two beautiful specimens. But God didn’t stop, God kept creating multitudes of flowers, all in different shapes and colors and kinds. Not only are they beautiful, but the glory of how they will turn their heads toward the sun, bending towards the light. We might have been content, as humans, with just a few flowers and their beauty. God didn’t stop with a few, because God is effusive, overflowing with love and creativity. There is a plentitude there.
We don’t have one Gospel, we have four. Four Gospels! One might have thought that we could have stopped with one, saying to ourselves, “Matthew fairly well got it right, let’s all go with Matthew.” But no, an effusive, ubiquitous, plenitudinous, and overflowing God requires at least four Gospels to talk about God and Christ.
One of the church fathers said that, “When we talk about the Trinity, we must forget how to count.” He was simply recognizing that, at first glance, the Trinity is a mathematical impossibility. After all, how can one equal three?
Boy, does this make you think….an overflowing GOD, that NEVER STOPS giving…loving…etc
Monday, May 12, 2008
Do Not Be Afraid! Is. 7:1-14
Fear is a common struggle for us all on some level. Every was has had its heroes; Men or women who overcame their fears and accomplished some great feat. Fear stops us from not just from greatness, but most of us, from just living life with peace and security.
In Is. 9:6, we find that there is some of “Ahaz” in all of us.
Leaders and their people can be shaken by fear
1. Past battles can lead to fear
2. Power brokers can lead to fear (King Rezin of Syria in this case)
3. The boasting of an enemy can lead to fear
But God speaks (Adonai) The “name” of the Lord (YHWH) is “adonai”—He is the
supreme authority.
This is why we are reminder time and again not to fear other humans but to only fear God (Adonai).
1. We must “stand firm” (end of vs. 9)
If God is not our strong tower or firm foundation; then we will fall!
2. Faith overcomes fear (Heb. 11:7)
For Ahaz, this was believing that God would take care of him and the nation in spite of the army of Aram.
A The Sign - Signs are hard things. Sometimes God takes our asking for them as a lack of faith; at other times He tells us to ask for them. The issue is faith and not fear.
1. God wanted Ahaz to ask for a sign to build his faith.
This sign had a double meaning as most do.
1. It was for Ahaz and birth of a son
2. It was for us in the future; Jesus (Immanuel) from Mary. (Gen. 3:15; Mt. 1:20-25;
II Cor 9:15)
The virgin birth is a mystery in the truest God sense of the meaning. God could make himself visible in all kinds of ways; but in this way we have a “God who would be like us.” (Heb. 4:15; 9 & 10)
My fears about God are overcome by His love demonstrated in becoming “like me.” Jesus was flesh and lived like I have and offered himself as my redeemer. God entered the human condition.
In Is. 9:6, we find that there is some of “Ahaz” in all of us.
Leaders and their people can be shaken by fear
1. Past battles can lead to fear
2. Power brokers can lead to fear (King Rezin of Syria in this case)
3. The boasting of an enemy can lead to fear
But God speaks (Adonai) The “name” of the Lord (YHWH) is “adonai”—He is the
supreme authority.
This is why we are reminder time and again not to fear other humans but to only fear God (Adonai).
1. We must “stand firm” (end of vs. 9)
If God is not our strong tower or firm foundation; then we will fall!
2. Faith overcomes fear (Heb. 11:7)
For Ahaz, this was believing that God would take care of him and the nation in spite of the army of Aram.
A The Sign - Signs are hard things. Sometimes God takes our asking for them as a lack of faith; at other times He tells us to ask for them. The issue is faith and not fear.
1. God wanted Ahaz to ask for a sign to build his faith.
This sign had a double meaning as most do.
1. It was for Ahaz and birth of a son
2. It was for us in the future; Jesus (Immanuel) from Mary. (Gen. 3:15; Mt. 1:20-25;
II Cor 9:15)
The virgin birth is a mystery in the truest God sense of the meaning. God could make himself visible in all kinds of ways; but in this way we have a “God who would be like us.” (Heb. 4:15; 9 & 10)
My fears about God are overcome by His love demonstrated in becoming “like me.” Jesus was flesh and lived like I have and offered himself as my redeemer. God entered the human condition.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Cinco De Mayo
Today is a celebration in
The "Batalla de Puebla" came to represent a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism. With this victory,
146 years later, a young man shares his passion for what he has learned through the oral tradition of the story, as a young man, a Mexican, more specifically, a proud “Poblano”. Not being afraid to share his story with a new friend as they travel to
Diego, our new friend, shares how a brave few, confronted the strong “invincible” troops of the French but in his mind, as was told by those in his family and handed down , it was a great VICTORY and reason to celebrate, 1 century and a half later.
What do you and I celebrate….daily? Diego shared that he has no problem in sharing this part of history with anyone who would give him an opportunity to listen, the story of a great victory his family was a part of. But here is the real reason for joy…
He proceeded to share of a greater victory in his life that happened only 5 months and 5 days ago….. His COMPLETE and FULL change brought on by a greater Victor!!! He was transformed by the power of the cross as he gave his life completely, fully and without holding back to his Savior, always and everywhere willing to share the Story he has been awakened to, realizing that one has come and poured out his blood for not just him but all of humanity…Jesus Christ.
And the story went on….for the next 2 hours as we arrived into Mexico City, as we looked at the great volcano of Popocapetl and the surrounding mountains, dodging traffic racing to the airport and getting ready to continue on in our journey.
Thank you Diego for reminding me of the great Victory…..Christus Victor!!!! And we should celebrate EVERYDAY not just on the 5th of May…
Viva Cristo !!!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Worth
In an age where stolen identities are becoming more and more common, one begins to wonder how much are you really worth? After constant battle to make sure that no one is using your identity, your social security number or pertinent information, my thoughts have run all day to Eschatology or the study of the end times.....
Premillennialism* The Rapture *Dispensationalism * pre-trib * post-trib * mid-trib * Partial Rapture *Amillennialism * Postmillennialism * Preterism * No Millennialism.
You can get lost in all of this jargon, your head hurts and you begin to wonder...wow, is it the end times, my credit is shot, every one is trying to conform to ONE way, payments, accounts, thoughts, church, currency, what else?
Time to begin to look at yourself, evaluate what is it that i am wasting today, where am i putting my finances, my time, my creativity... who is getting all that i am?
I know who in WHOM i have believed in...... you?????
Monday, April 14, 2008
You Are.....
We have heard and even said to some that "you are what you eat". True statement, lets just ad d this "you are what you speak". Words are so powerful and the content of our conversations make a huge impact.
If this rings true, then some of what we say, is what we believe. But that is hard to define...for some.... Here are a few thoughts.....
I believe . . .
that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I believe . . .
that true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I believe . . .
that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I believe . . .
that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I believe . . .
that you should always leave loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you see them.
I believe . . .
that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I believe . . .
that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I believe . . .
that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.
I believe . . .
that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I believe . . .
that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I believe . . .
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many
birthdays you've celebrated.
I believe . . .
that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.
I believe . . .
In God the Father.....Creator of Heaven and earth
In Jesus Christ ... His only son
The Holy Spirit ..... the holy catholic church,
The communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
If this rings true, then some of what we say, is what we believe. But that is hard to define...for some.... Here are a few thoughts.....
I believe . . .
that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I believe . . .
that true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I believe . . .
that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I believe . . .
that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I believe . . .
that you should always leave loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you see them.
I believe . . .
that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I believe . . .
that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I believe . . .
that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.
I believe . . .
that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I believe . . .
that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I believe . . .
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many
birthdays you've celebrated.
I believe . . .
that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.
I believe . . .
In God the Father.....Creator of Heaven and earth
In Jesus Christ ... His only son
The Holy Spirit ..... the holy catholic church,
The communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Monday, March 31, 2008
The Cross of Christ
"For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21After spending some time researching of The Apostle's Creed for our upcoming series, I spent a few hours on a topic that many may take for granted. So here is a few things I pondered....
The cross of Jesus Christ is the signature symbol of the central event in the history of civilization. Yet, today the cross is depicted as common. From teacups to T-shirts, rings to earrings, people have used the cross to corner the market on crassness. Merchandisers manufacture this symbol of unlimited atonement into fuzzy things for our rearview mirrors or decorations for our gardens. The cross itself has become big business, but it was never intended to be some lucky trinket. Is it any surprise we have lost the wonder of what happened on
The resurrection of Christ was the event that accomplished salvation and verified Christ's victory over death, but it was the cross of Jesus Christ that showed us the grace of God. Everything that God wants us to know about Himself comes together in those crossbeams.
Our entire purpose in life is to elevate the Cross. Think on Jesus Christ there. In your mind's eye, picture Him stretched out against the sky. What's He doing up there? Answer: He's subbing for you and me. He's taking God's wrath for your sin. He's satisfying the just demands of a holy God. He's paying the price that God's holiness requires so that you and I can be forgiven. In the place where our blood should have stained the ground, Jesus hung as our substitute.
You can't understand the Gospel until you understand this idea of substitution. Jesus’ death was in the place of every person who has ever lived. I am in that line. You are too. Each of us deserves to die in payment for our own sin, but Jesus stepped in and took that penalty for each of us.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
One letter Difference
Great note I read that i would like to pass on to each of you....It is amazing what a difference one little letter can make. Do you remember when people still typed letters on typewriters; a church secretary typed the same form letter to the dozens of folks who visited each Sunday. The letter was SUPPOSED to begin with this sentence: "It was a joy to have you and your family worship with us yesterday"
One day, a letter came back with a humorous note from a good-natured person (who eventually joined the church). He pointed out there was just one little letter that was different in the letter he got. In her haste, the secretary had typed: "It was a job to have you and your family worship with us yesterday" Just one little letter, but a big difference in meaning!
In I Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul wrote to the church about a critical. The physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some were teaching a heresy in the Corinthian church that Jesus did not really rise from the dead. Paul sought to nip that false teaching in the bud, and to do so, he contrasted two little words that were separated by just one little letter.
They both begin with the letter "i" and contain only two letters. One of those words is "if" and the other "is." Paul begins by saying "if" the Christ is not raised from the dead, then the following things are true:
Our labors for the gospel are useless
Our faith is in vain
We are false witnesses of God
We are still in our sins
The dead in Christ are lost
We are among men most miserable (some versions say, "we are to be pitied more than all men.")
But then he alters just one little letter and declares in verse 20, "But now is Christ risen and has become the first fruits of those that are asleep!"
Because Christ is risen, our labors for Him yield eternal results, our sins are forgiven, and we have the assurance of eternal life for ourselves and for our deceased loved ones who trusted in Him. We will see them again, because Christ is risen.
Just one little letter, but a big difference, not just in meaning, but in action.
Monday, March 17, 2008
What's really behind the "green"
Today is the celebration of St. Patrick's Day. For so many it is just about the GREEN, the beer, the avoiding of being pinched. But did you know, he was a missionary to Ireland!. He had a strong desire to share the love of Christ to all. Prayer became a huge part of his life.
In his short confession he described it this way: "Many times a day I prayed. The love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. In a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many in the night. I used to get up for prayer before daylight whatever the weather--snow, frost, rain-- without suffering any ill effects. The spirit within me was fervent."
Today, i am reminded of his prayer life and the gift he leaves all Christians to pray.... as you celebrate today, wear the green (or drink it, if that's your liking) will you take a moment and remember this prayer.......
May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
- Against the snares of the evil one.
May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us, Christ be over all!
May Thy Grace, Lord, Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen.
In his short confession he described it this way: "Many times a day I prayed. The love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. In a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many in the night. I used to get up for prayer before daylight whatever the weather--snow, frost, rain-- without suffering any ill effects. The spirit within me was fervent."
Today, i am reminded of his prayer life and the gift he leaves all Christians to pray.... as you celebrate today, wear the green (or drink it, if that's your liking) will you take a moment and remember this prayer.......
May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
- Against the snares of the evil one.
May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us, Christ be over all!
May Thy Grace, Lord, Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen.
Monday, March 10, 2008
God is Good; Even When Life is Bad
Daniel 1:3-9; Matt 11:17-44
When things are going smoothly in your life, you might not find it hard to believe that God is good. But if life takes a bad turn & something devastating happens, you might ask, “How could a good God allow this?” So many people i encounter who have no living knowledge of God, this seems to be their big statement or question. If you know that kind of pain, you possibly can empathize with Daniel, from the Old Testament.
Daniel’s life from teenager to old man, you can write “God is Good or God at Work.” God was directing his life whether he saw it at the time or not. And HE is doing the same in each of us.
Do you know his story? Daniel was just a teenager when he was captured as a POW, ripped away from everything warm and familiar. And as the old saying..."you know the rest of the story"
Had Daniel decided what God was like by looking at his circumstances, he would have become a disillusioned, confused and as today's kids 'angry'. Forced from what was familiar to him, Daniel’s eyes were still on God. Imagine the suffering connected with his circumstances, yet Daniel went through the fire . . . successfully. This certainly gives us hope that we can make it through our firestorm, too.
Maybe you are in a painful situation or one comes to mind right now from either your past or the present. You may wonder how a God of love could have allowed some devastating injustice. Yet I would bet on the fact that you’ve not yet come full circle. There will be a day when you will look back and see how God’s sovereign hand was at work. Truth is, He is in the center of the situation that troubles your heart right now. He’s right in the middle of it. Just because you can’t see Him, doesn’t mean He isn’t there and working all things together for good.
If not, ask Lazarus..... he knew it well, let's say, Mary and Martha helped.... Jesus had it all in his hand.Monday, March 3, 2008
Stories that break your heart
In reading some stuff this week, I was hit with the following story and the brutal reality of a brutal humanity that can be careless, heartless, and in the dark. This caused me to think of what we "Children of Light", the ones with a 're-created heart' should be like, be praying for and be about.... Don't let the following destroy your day but pray, how can i can a difference and where.... it could be in your very own city or community.
Taken from United Nations Refugee Agency magazine (UNHCR):
Sitting in front of her empty tent in Yemen's Kharaz refugee camp, Aysha is trying to move on with life. But holding two young children in her arm, the thought of her three year old son keeps haunting her.
"He was sick and cried a lot", she said, ten days after crossing the Gulf of Aden to Yemen. "The smugglers did not like it. They grabbed him - I begged them not to. Then they threw him overboard."
"I saw him disappear into the deep dark water".
I don't care whether she was a refugee or a migrant. I don't care whether her motivations were good or bad. And even though I don't understand what conditions must be like to force someone to take such drastic steps to leave their home country, it does not matter at this point.
Today, I have these thoughts running in my head... how miserable is it that one human being could do such an appalling thing to another. Especially to one so vulnerable, so helpless, and so in need. It sickens me, .... what do I do...... what do WE do....
God - change our hearts...
Taken from United Nations Refugee Agency magazine (UNHCR):
Sitting in front of her empty tent in Yemen's Kharaz refugee camp, Aysha is trying to move on with life. But holding two young children in her arm, the thought of her three year old son keeps haunting her.
"He was sick and cried a lot", she said, ten days after crossing the Gulf of Aden to Yemen. "The smugglers did not like it. They grabbed him - I begged them not to. Then they threw him overboard."
"I saw him disappear into the deep dark water".
I don't care whether she was a refugee or a migrant. I don't care whether her motivations were good or bad. And even though I don't understand what conditions must be like to force someone to take such drastic steps to leave their home country, it does not matter at this point.
Today, I have these thoughts running in my head... how miserable is it that one human being could do such an appalling thing to another. Especially to one so vulnerable, so helpless, and so in need. It sickens me, .... what do I do...... what do WE do....
God - change our hearts...
Monday, February 11, 2008
Stick With Today
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? . . . But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6: 25-27, 33
How often do you wake up in the middle of the night with burdens on your heart that keep you from going back to sleep? It has been happening to for the past few weeks. The clock said, 4:10 a.m. and I was wide awake.
Baggage from yesterday and worries about tomorrow weighed heavily on my mind. What Jesus said in Matthew 6:34 is true. “Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Do you start the day thinking, “I don’t have enough on my mind today. I’m going to borrow trouble from tomorrow and make up some new problems”? Yeah, me neither. The word trouble means adverse circumstances, problems, hardship. And for certain, each day has enough of its own.
Jesus says, “Let’s compartmentalize here. You can’t carry the weight of the past-that’s what forgiveness is for. You can’t carry all the uncertainties of the future-that’s what faith is for; you must focus on today. Let’s deal with what we can.”
We weren’t made for anxiety. The manufacturer’s specifications do not allow for worry. It’s no different than if someone poured sugar in your gas tank or introduced a virus to your computer. Worry does that to the human spirit. When you gather up in your mind on a regular basis a list of all the unknowns of the future and repeatedly review and extrapolate, the uncertainties become so large that it will crush you. Everything gets sideways when you’re on the anxiety program.
You were not fashioned for fear. You were not wired for worry. You were made to live today-“Sufficient for the day is its own trouble”-to focus on the things that you can affect, to work on the things that you can improve that are right in front of you.
You and I have limited capacity. We can’t carry yesterday or our imagined tomorrow. We’ve got to trust the Lord today, from one day’s 4 a.m. to the next.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Where I Belong
But within a few days or weeks to come, most if not all, will lapse back into old behaviors, old attitudes, old patterns. That goes for Christians, too.
No matter how passionately you feel about pleasing God right now, living a holy life in ‘08 will depend on a few key decisions.
1: Will I live my life in the power of God’s Spirit and not in my own strength or willpower.
2: Will my personal life be determined by God’s Word and will I apply it?
Between me and God-I will live according to what He has said is right. The bible describes this as a holiness-being "set apart; separate." The word actually means “to mark off a boundary.”
Separation is holiness in action. It’s drawing a line in the sand and saying, “I don’t go there; I don’t look at that; I won’t tolerate that in my life. I’ve made a choice and by God’s grace I’m not going back.”
Living a holy life begins with building convictions and living within those boundaries. Today is the best time to make that decision, before you’re in the heat of the moment, apart from the pressure of the choice.
Have you drawn protective, preventative lines around your life? If you haven’t established your own convictions based on God’s Word, you’re going to fail. You might do O.K. for a season, but if you don’t hear God’s call to come out and be separate, you’ll waffle right back into that old pattern of defeat.
If you’re ready to break the cycle, start here. I’m doing it God’s way. I belong to Him.”
Maybe you’ve tolerated your rationalized behavior a long time and the Spirit of God wants your attention about the compromises you’ve been excusing. Before you make a choice you can’t reverse and reap a whirlwind of consequences, heard the piercing word saying, “Come out from that and be separate.”
There’s joy and blessing waiting for you in 2008 when you live in the protective boundaries of God’s holy call on your life.
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