Well, first off I apologize for not posting sooner. Blogger hasn't let me get on my account, and the week before this I went to church camp.
Every year our youth group goes to a camp in the middle of nowhere (for my views on youth groups and church camps, contact me). But, hey! You can get closer to God in the middle of nowhere too!
But, last week was very cool. The Justin Cofield Band led worship for all of the services, and Brandon Barnard was the speaker. Both had great focus on God, and brought what he wanted them to. I know they both spoke to my heart through the messages and worship.
I could go on for days about church camp. But, I'll just give little snippets of what God gave me, and what, no doubt I will be posting on in the near future.
~Our God is a consuming fire. Fire for Him in our lives may consume things that are there now.
~God doesn't want us to surrender our stuff. He wants us to surrender ourselves.
~Live for eternity. Life is way too short to focus on.
~Store up treasures in heaven. You will be blessed when you can cast them at Jesus's feet when you get there.
~Many people think they've found something better than Jesus. Impossible!
~May you be covered in the dust of your Rabbi. Let the rabbi be Jesus.
~You have to pursue God. He will pursue you, but you have to pursue him too.
~It's not reckless abandon to God. It's actually very calculated.
~Sin is sin. It's all even in God's sight.
~Many times we apologize for what we do, not for who we are.
~Where sin is concerned, people just mumble now. (this is talking about specifically confessing your sin)
~To confess means to own up to the fact that our behavior wasn't just the result of bad parenting, bad genes, and chemical inbalances caused by twinkies. But, somewhere you made a bad choice in the mix. -Sorry, I didn't catch his name
~Take responsibility for everything you do. Every bad decision, every time you mess up. You live in a generation of irresponsible people. Be responsible!
~You don't just offend people with sin, you offend God!
~True confession brings change in your life.
~You don't follow your own rules with Jesus.
~It doesn't mean thinking less of yourself. It means thinking of yourself less.
~Don't be training to be good. Train to be godly.
~Aim at nothing and you'll hit it everytime.
~Training:Here's what you do:
1. Eat right- Learn to have a steady diet of scripture. Consume the spirit. It isn't enough to read God's word. Let God's word read you.
2. Excercise- Excercise your faith. You have to get in shape. We have some overstuffed Christians. Change, then practice. Learn, try it out and practice.
~God will never give up on you.
~God is a consuming fire. He is all that remains.
~The Israelites had to cover the doorway in blood to be saved. We have to go through Jesus's blood to be saved.
~You have to be willing to die to follow Jesus.
To be continued...
(note: I have MANY more pages of notes to condense and type in. This is just a very small portion. But, please ponder these thoughts, and ask any questions you might have.)
Showing posts with label I. Show all posts
Showing posts with label I. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Whatever You Do....
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will recieve an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24)
Whatever. Whatever you do. Whether that means unloading the dishwasher, cleaning your room, or cooking dinner, this verse tells us we should do it as unto God.
What does that mean? Well, it means that our approach toward doing any work at all should be that we are doing it to Christ, for Christ. Would you clean God's room better than you do yours? With a better attitude? Maybe, faster, and more in depth? If the answer is yes, you need to change your heart toward work. Don't think, "Okay, how can I get away with less work?" And, don't pretend that you don't think that way. Everyone does at some point or another. Instead, think, "How can I do this to honor God? How can I serve him by doing this?"
The HCSB version puts it like this:
Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord—you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)
This version sheds a little more light on this subject. It says to do it "enthusiastically."
Dictionary.com provides this definition: full of or characterized by enthusiasm; ardent: He seems very enthusiastic about his role in the play.
Synonyms listed are: eager, fervent, zealous, passionate, vehement, fervid, impassioned
So we need to be cheerful, eager, even passionate about working for God. That doesn't fit with the classic teengage look that is disinterested, surly, and rebellious. Our lost friends will judge Christianty by you, whether you want them to, or not. So, have a good attitude and cheerful heart about work. Do it for the Lord!
Whatever. Whatever you do. Whether that means unloading the dishwasher, cleaning your room, or cooking dinner, this verse tells us we should do it as unto God.
What does that mean? Well, it means that our approach toward doing any work at all should be that we are doing it to Christ, for Christ. Would you clean God's room better than you do yours? With a better attitude? Maybe, faster, and more in depth? If the answer is yes, you need to change your heart toward work. Don't think, "Okay, how can I get away with less work?" And, don't pretend that you don't think that way. Everyone does at some point or another. Instead, think, "How can I do this to honor God? How can I serve him by doing this?"
The HCSB version puts it like this:
Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord—you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)
This version sheds a little more light on this subject. It says to do it "enthusiastically."
Dictionary.com provides this definition: full of or characterized by enthusiasm; ardent: He seems very enthusiastic about his role in the play.
Synonyms listed are: eager, fervent, zealous, passionate, vehement, fervid, impassioned
So we need to be cheerful, eager, even passionate about working for God. That doesn't fit with the classic teengage look that is disinterested, surly, and rebellious. Our lost friends will judge Christianty by you, whether you want them to, or not. So, have a good attitude and cheerful heart about work. Do it for the Lord!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
God Gave Her the Gift of...Encouragement
I have a lot of really good friends. But, I have a few who are really special. One of them has the special gift of encouragement. She seems to know just when I'm down, and sends something encouraging, whether it be a good job, or a long email about how glad she is we're friends. I truly appreciate what she does.
Barnabas, in the Bible, means "Son of Encouragement." And he truly was an encourager. The gift of encouragement is given to all, yet few use it.
Everyone loves to be told something nice. Even the meanest person you can think of has some good quality. So many times we're down in the dumps and all we need to lift us out is a kind word. Think of how you would feel. Think of what you would want someone to say to you.
Be an encourager. Use the wonderful gift God gave you and tell someone today how wonderful they are to you.
Barnabas, in the Bible, means "Son of Encouragement." And he truly was an encourager. The gift of encouragement is given to all, yet few use it.
Everyone loves to be told something nice. Even the meanest person you can think of has some good quality. So many times we're down in the dumps and all we need to lift us out is a kind word. Think of how you would feel. Think of what you would want someone to say to you.
Be an encourager. Use the wonderful gift God gave you and tell someone today how wonderful they are to you.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
But, I Just Can't See Him Working Here
In the movie Facing the Giants, (which I highly recommend) Coach Taylor says to Mr. Bridges. "But, I just can't see him working here...." Mr. Bridges replied, "Coach Taylor, I heard a story once about two farmers. There was a drought. Both prayed and asked God for rain, but only one prepared his fields. Which one are you?" (or, something to that effect)
So many times in my life I can't see what's going to happen next. You tell God, I'll trust you forever, and it's similar to jumping of a cliff and not knowing how high it was. Then, you suddenly find, that God is holding you in his hand, and promises to never let you go. God has a plan for your life, but a lot of the time it is just so hard to see. The phrase "You can't see the forest for the trees." is actually more profound than you think at first glance. Just wrap your mind around that for just a minute. Sometimes we're in God's plan so that we can't even see us.
Honestly, the Isrealites make me laugh when I read about them. I'm just saying that from our point of view they look, well, unintelligent. We can't see it as they truly saw it, or we might make the same choices. But, the Israelites knew God had a plan for them. Why else would he bring them out of Egypt? But, time and time againt they chose to rebel against God. If we truly want what God wants, we will try to stay in the word, and close to him, and know that he will bring it all about in his timing.
So many times in my life I can't see what's going to happen next. You tell God, I'll trust you forever, and it's similar to jumping of a cliff and not knowing how high it was. Then, you suddenly find, that God is holding you in his hand, and promises to never let you go. God has a plan for your life, but a lot of the time it is just so hard to see. The phrase "You can't see the forest for the trees." is actually more profound than you think at first glance. Just wrap your mind around that for just a minute. Sometimes we're in God's plan so that we can't even see us.
Honestly, the Isrealites make me laugh when I read about them. I'm just saying that from our point of view they look, well, unintelligent. We can't see it as they truly saw it, or we might make the same choices. But, the Israelites knew God had a plan for them. Why else would he bring them out of Egypt? But, time and time againt they chose to rebel against God. If we truly want what God wants, we will try to stay in the word, and close to him, and know that he will bring it all about in his timing.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
God, I Will Go Wherever You Want....Except There!
So many times we tell God we'll follow him forever, and wherever he wants us to...Except for that one place. Think of the worst place on Earth and then imagine God telling you to go there! Wow! How many would actually go?
On the way to the Promised Land the Israelites sent out spies into the land of Canaan. Eight of the spies came back with the report that the people were giants, and there was no way they could conquer it. Only two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, brought back a good report about the land. They acknowledged that the people were big, but they knew with God on their side they could win. The people went with the eight spies report and decided not to go into the Promised Land. They later repented, but it was too late. They had to wander in the desert for forty more years.
Looking back on it, the Israelites don't look too bright. There was a wonderful land waiting for them, and they didn't take it because they were scared. How many times have we missed out on what God truly wanted for our lives, because we were scared? How many times has something wonderful been prevented because we didn't think that it was the best thing for us?
We have to have faith and step out and do what God wants us to do. But, we have to make sure that it is truly God speaking to us. I'm not saying go jump off a cliff because you think that God wants you to. Pray, seek scripture, and then step out in faith.
On the way to the Promised Land the Israelites sent out spies into the land of Canaan. Eight of the spies came back with the report that the people were giants, and there was no way they could conquer it. Only two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, brought back a good report about the land. They acknowledged that the people were big, but they knew with God on their side they could win. The people went with the eight spies report and decided not to go into the Promised Land. They later repented, but it was too late. They had to wander in the desert for forty more years.
Looking back on it, the Israelites don't look too bright. There was a wonderful land waiting for them, and they didn't take it because they were scared. How many times have we missed out on what God truly wanted for our lives, because we were scared? How many times has something wonderful been prevented because we didn't think that it was the best thing for us?
We have to have faith and step out and do what God wants us to do. But, we have to make sure that it is truly God speaking to us. I'm not saying go jump off a cliff because you think that God wants you to. Pray, seek scripture, and then step out in faith.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
In His Steps By Charles Sheldon
I recently read In His Steps by Charles Sheldon, and really enjoyed it. This book is (as the publisher says) a novel, but not to be read as such. It is to be read with prayer, and thought.
This is a powerful story of Raymond, a small town in America, where many people decide to do exactly what they think (can interpret from scriptures and wise teaching) Jesus would do in their shoes for a year. You follow all of the characters as some fall, some continue, and the town changes- and with the town, follow the impact as it spreads. I highly recommend this book to any person at any age (though some very young readers may have trouble understanding and reading the whole book).
But, many thoughts crossed my head while I read this book, and thought about what it meant for my life. What would Jesus do if he were here, in this situation? It is a question I think every person needs to ask themselves. So many times, we are simply following our own inclinations, and God cannot use us as he would wish. We need to simply let go of the control panel, and let God take us where he will. But, asking yourself W.W.J.D.? (What Would Jesus Do?) will change your entire life, your aspect on things, and the way you handle certain situations and people. As simple a question as it is, it can change your life. So, today, ask yourself: What Would Jesus Do?
This is a powerful story of Raymond, a small town in America, where many people decide to do exactly what they think (can interpret from scriptures and wise teaching) Jesus would do in their shoes for a year. You follow all of the characters as some fall, some continue, and the town changes- and with the town, follow the impact as it spreads. I highly recommend this book to any person at any age (though some very young readers may have trouble understanding and reading the whole book).
But, many thoughts crossed my head while I read this book, and thought about what it meant for my life. What would Jesus do if he were here, in this situation? It is a question I think every person needs to ask themselves. So many times, we are simply following our own inclinations, and God cannot use us as he would wish. We need to simply let go of the control panel, and let God take us where he will. But, asking yourself W.W.J.D.? (What Would Jesus Do?) will change your entire life, your aspect on things, and the way you handle certain situations and people. As simple a question as it is, it can change your life. So, today, ask yourself: What Would Jesus Do?
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Refreshment By Elisabeth Elliot
He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed(Prv 11:25).
"If you...satisfy the needs of thewretched...the Lord will satisfy your needs" (Is58:10,11 NEB).
Do you often feel like parched ground, unable to produce anything worthwhile? I do. When I am in need of refreshment, it isn't easy to think of the needs of others. But I have found that if,instead of praying for my own comfort and satisfaction, I ask the Lord to enable me to give to others, an amazing thing often happens--I find my own needs wonderfully met. Refreshment comes in ways I would never have thought of, both for others, and then, incidentally, for myself.
Lord,
be as the dew to me today, as You were to Israel, that I may "flower like the lily"(Hos14:5 NEB).
*This is from Elisabeth Elliot's book: A Light For My Feet
"If you...satisfy the needs of thewretched...the Lord will satisfy your needs" (Is58:10,11 NEB).
Do you often feel like parched ground, unable to produce anything worthwhile? I do. When I am in need of refreshment, it isn't easy to think of the needs of others. But I have found that if,instead of praying for my own comfort and satisfaction, I ask the Lord to enable me to give to others, an amazing thing often happens--I find my own needs wonderfully met. Refreshment comes in ways I would never have thought of, both for others, and then, incidentally, for myself.
Lord,
be as the dew to me today, as You were to Israel, that I may "flower like the lily"(Hos14:5 NEB).
*This is from Elisabeth Elliot's book: A Light For My Feet
P.U.S.H.
I actually got this off of Kaitlin's blog (http://missionamare.blogspot.com). But, it is well worth reproducing here. This is a great reminder. Read on!
A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might.
This the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing it with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore, and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.
Since the man was showing signs of discouragement, the adversary decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man's weary mind: "You have been pushing against this rock for a long time, and it hasn't budged. Why kill yourself over this? You are never going to move it." Thus giving the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure.
These troubled thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. "Why kill myself over this? I'll just put in my time, giving just the minimum effort and that wil be good enough." And that is what he planned to do until one day he decided to make it a matter of prayer and take his thoughts to the Lord.
"Lord" he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do which you have asked. Yet after all this time, I have not even been able to budge that rock. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"
The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to my with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown, your hands are calloused from constant pressure, and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. Yet you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in my wisdom. This you have done. I, my friend, will now move the rock."
At times when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what he wants, when actually what God wants is simple obedience and faith in him...By all means exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves mountains.
****************************************************************
P.U.S.H (Pray Until Something Happens)
When everything seems to go wrong,...just P.U.S.H.
When the job gets you down,...just P.U.S.H.
When people don't react the way you think they should,...just P.U.S.H.
When money is short and bills are due,...just P.U.S.H.
When people just don't understand you,...just P.U.S.H.
When the pressure of school is too much,...just P.U.S.H
A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might.
This the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing it with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore, and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.
Since the man was showing signs of discouragement, the adversary decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man's weary mind: "You have been pushing against this rock for a long time, and it hasn't budged. Why kill yourself over this? You are never going to move it." Thus giving the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure.
These troubled thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. "Why kill myself over this? I'll just put in my time, giving just the minimum effort and that wil be good enough." And that is what he planned to do until one day he decided to make it a matter of prayer and take his thoughts to the Lord.
"Lord" he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do which you have asked. Yet after all this time, I have not even been able to budge that rock. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"
The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to my with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown, your hands are calloused from constant pressure, and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. Yet you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in my wisdom. This you have done. I, my friend, will now move the rock."
At times when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what he wants, when actually what God wants is simple obedience and faith in him...By all means exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves mountains.
****************************************************************
P.U.S.H (Pray Until Something Happens)
When everything seems to go wrong,...just P.U.S.H.
When the job gets you down,...just P.U.S.H.
When people don't react the way you think they should,...just P.U.S.H.
When money is short and bills are due,...just P.U.S.H.
When people just don't understand you,...just P.U.S.H.
When the pressure of school is too much,...just P.U.S.H
Monday, April 09, 2007
Sing 'Em...Mean 'Em
I love to sing -though I'm not good at it- but, lately, I've noticed some things. On Sunday mornings I sing in the choir, and I look down at all the people from the choir loft. The expressions are funny- some blank, some asleep, but there are a few who seem to be worshipping and awake. But, most don't seem to mean what they sing. Do you?
It wasn't until lately that I actually started noticing the words, and what they meant. I mean, I sing along with the radio all the time, but I sing and don't pay attention to the words. We need to either mean the words we sing or don't sing at all.
Why? Well, just singing meaningless words doesn't give glory to God. But, if you sing worshipful lyrics, and really mean them, you are glorifying God through your songs. And, you don't have to just sing three hymns in church on Sunday-you can sing all the time. The Bible says, "Let my mouth continually sing your praises." (or something to that effect). We don't have to sing all the time, but when we do, let's sing for God's glory.
It wasn't until lately that I actually started noticing the words, and what they meant. I mean, I sing along with the radio all the time, but I sing and don't pay attention to the words. We need to either mean the words we sing or don't sing at all.
Why? Well, just singing meaningless words doesn't give glory to God. But, if you sing worshipful lyrics, and really mean them, you are glorifying God through your songs. And, you don't have to just sing three hymns in church on Sunday-you can sing all the time. The Bible says, "Let my mouth continually sing your praises." (or something to that effect). We don't have to sing all the time, but when we do, let's sing for God's glory.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Maybe if You Had A Son...
Joseph, a troubled carpenter, has a very sick son, and doesn't know where to turn. God doesn't seem to hear him, or listen if he's even there! He's looking for someone to turn to, someone who can help.
"Maybe if you had a son, you would understand." Joseph prays to God at one point, pleading for his small son's life. What Joseph later found out is that God did have a son, and he did understand.
You see, God sent his only son. His son that he loved. He sent him to die for you. I don't know many Moms that would give up their son-even for you.
Think about the cross. It wasn't easy for Jesus to suffer it. He prayed for God to take this cup from him if there was another way, but there wasn't. Crucifixtion is, I believe to this day, one of the absolute worst ways to die.
The prisoner was first scourged until he was barely alive, and chunks of their body would be torn off when the whip (or whatever you like to call it) wrapped around the body and lashed back. After this, Jesus had a purple robe (a sign of royalty) thrown around him and was spit upon and hit. After a while, they would be stripped of their clothes and be marched of to Golgotha carrying their cross. The cross itself was probably extremely heavy, and these people were barley alive. Then they would be nailed to the cross, and lifted up and set down. Now, they weren't set down gently-they were dropped down, and all they had to support them was the nails in their hands and feet.
Jesus knew he would go through all this-yet he did it anyway. And he did it for you. Even if only would person would have been saved, he still would have done it.
But, Jesus didn't stay dead. You see, he rose again three days later! He conquered death and the grave, there on the cross. He defeated the devil, and defeated death so that we don't have to face it. Everyone will die a natural death, but now Jesus offers you eternal life with him forever. You don't have to die in your sin for all eternity.
Accept Jesus today!
**Contact me if you want details on recieving Christ, or questions.
"Maybe if you had a son, you would understand." Joseph prays to God at one point, pleading for his small son's life. What Joseph later found out is that God did have a son, and he did understand.
You see, God sent his only son. His son that he loved. He sent him to die for you. I don't know many Moms that would give up their son-even for you.
Think about the cross. It wasn't easy for Jesus to suffer it. He prayed for God to take this cup from him if there was another way, but there wasn't. Crucifixtion is, I believe to this day, one of the absolute worst ways to die.
The prisoner was first scourged until he was barely alive, and chunks of their body would be torn off when the whip (or whatever you like to call it) wrapped around the body and lashed back. After this, Jesus had a purple robe (a sign of royalty) thrown around him and was spit upon and hit. After a while, they would be stripped of their clothes and be marched of to Golgotha carrying their cross. The cross itself was probably extremely heavy, and these people were barley alive. Then they would be nailed to the cross, and lifted up and set down. Now, they weren't set down gently-they were dropped down, and all they had to support them was the nails in their hands and feet.
Jesus knew he would go through all this-yet he did it anyway. And he did it for you. Even if only would person would have been saved, he still would have done it.
But, Jesus didn't stay dead. You see, he rose again three days later! He conquered death and the grave, there on the cross. He defeated the devil, and defeated death so that we don't have to face it. Everyone will die a natural death, but now Jesus offers you eternal life with him forever. You don't have to die in your sin for all eternity.
Accept Jesus today!
**Contact me if you want details on recieving Christ, or questions.
Monday, April 02, 2007
What Do You Bring to the Table?
What do you contribute to your fellow believers in Christ? Do you do nothing, sitting silently in a corner, always listening? Or, do you try to give God your all and get involved?
Mary, Lazarus's sister, brought Jesus a great gift: she annointed him with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair. The Bible says that the perfume was worth a year's wages. Today, that would be, on average, $30,000 to $35,000 (or somewhere in there). Would you sacrifice everything you would earn for a year, just to be rubbed on somebody's feet? Well, to be honest, I don't think most of us would. But, if it is Jesus's feet, that is a very different matter. But, still, who would? I could say that I would, but would I? I hope I would, but I haven't been in that situation yet. We need to give God our best, and we can't do that in a corner. We have to be in the action, right in the middle of whatever is happening.
But, really, how are you serving God? Are you serving him boldly, and with a purpose? Or, are you too ashamed to attend church openly? Serve God boldly, he didn't die in secret for you. He died in the open, for all to see. Serve him openly and boldly, but don't flaunt it, or boast about what you are doing for God. I am not saying you shouldn't serve God behind the scenes, in fact, I am saying to serve God and not be ashamed of it, and don't try to hide it. If you don't get recognition, that's okay. Those already rewarded with the praise of men have been rewarded. But, those who haven't will be rewarded by God (who wouldn't want to be?).
Bring things to the table, seen or unseen. Serve Jesus without any shame!
Mary, Lazarus's sister, brought Jesus a great gift: she annointed him with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair. The Bible says that the perfume was worth a year's wages. Today, that would be, on average, $30,000 to $35,000 (or somewhere in there). Would you sacrifice everything you would earn for a year, just to be rubbed on somebody's feet? Well, to be honest, I don't think most of us would. But, if it is Jesus's feet, that is a very different matter. But, still, who would? I could say that I would, but would I? I hope I would, but I haven't been in that situation yet. We need to give God our best, and we can't do that in a corner. We have to be in the action, right in the middle of whatever is happening.
But, really, how are you serving God? Are you serving him boldly, and with a purpose? Or, are you too ashamed to attend church openly? Serve God boldly, he didn't die in secret for you. He died in the open, for all to see. Serve him openly and boldly, but don't flaunt it, or boast about what you are doing for God. I am not saying you shouldn't serve God behind the scenes, in fact, I am saying to serve God and not be ashamed of it, and don't try to hide it. If you don't get recognition, that's okay. Those already rewarded with the praise of men have been rewarded. But, those who haven't will be rewarded by God (who wouldn't want to be?).
Bring things to the table, seen or unseen. Serve Jesus without any shame!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Give God your Best and Your All
What are you offering God? Are you singing, "I surrender most. I surrender most. Most of it to Jesus, I surrender. I surrender most."? Well, yes, that would be hard to fit with the melody, but is that your mindset? Do you mean what you sing? What's more, do you even pay attention to the words? So often, I get caught up in singing that I don't even think about what the song is really trying to say.
But, are you offering God your best? Or are you giving Him the leftovers of your time, your money, your energy? Many times we pour ourselves into school, work, play, or whatever else you do. And then, after pouring yourself out, there isn't any leftover for God. Put God first.
Read your Bible first thing in the morning. Don't wait till the evening when you don't have any time leftover, and can't keep your eyes open. I have heard many people say, "Give God all the years when you're single. When you get married, you can't be as completely lost in God." Most of you are single. I am (and am planning to be for some time!). The years when you don't have a spouse to be immersed in, immerse yourself in God! He is (or should be) the love of your life, while others will come and go!
Devote your time to God. Granted, you can't spend all day in front of your Bible (well, you can but, it's kind of impractical). But, you can live a lifestyle of worship. What is that? A lifestyle of worship is a life that is devoted to glorifying God and honoring him in everything that you do. Live like there isn't a tomorrow, because there might not be one! You don't know how long you'll live. You might live for five more minutes, or fifty more years (or the rapture might happen). Devote this vapor of a life to God, giving it all to him.
Give it all to God. Everything. My Dad said when preaching about this, "Some mornings I get out there, and I say 'God, your Taurus [our smaller car] won't start this morning.'" It's true. Some mornings I just want to yell! But, it isn't even yours. Just tell God it's his, and surrender it all to him. Life might not be better, but its simpler. You just have to think about what God can do (anything, right?). He can help you with that test, that problem, or that friend. Give all of it to him, and step back and let him work (however, I am not saying we shouldn't be willing tools! We should be!).
Give it all to God. It'll be so much safer with him.
But, are you offering God your best? Or are you giving Him the leftovers of your time, your money, your energy? Many times we pour ourselves into school, work, play, or whatever else you do. And then, after pouring yourself out, there isn't any leftover for God. Put God first.
Read your Bible first thing in the morning. Don't wait till the evening when you don't have any time leftover, and can't keep your eyes open. I have heard many people say, "Give God all the years when you're single. When you get married, you can't be as completely lost in God." Most of you are single. I am (and am planning to be for some time!). The years when you don't have a spouse to be immersed in, immerse yourself in God! He is (or should be) the love of your life, while others will come and go!
Devote your time to God. Granted, you can't spend all day in front of your Bible (well, you can but, it's kind of impractical). But, you can live a lifestyle of worship. What is that? A lifestyle of worship is a life that is devoted to glorifying God and honoring him in everything that you do. Live like there isn't a tomorrow, because there might not be one! You don't know how long you'll live. You might live for five more minutes, or fifty more years (or the rapture might happen). Devote this vapor of a life to God, giving it all to him.
Give it all to God. Everything. My Dad said when preaching about this, "Some mornings I get out there, and I say 'God, your Taurus [our smaller car] won't start this morning.'" It's true. Some mornings I just want to yell! But, it isn't even yours. Just tell God it's his, and surrender it all to him. Life might not be better, but its simpler. You just have to think about what God can do (anything, right?). He can help you with that test, that problem, or that friend. Give all of it to him, and step back and let him work (however, I am not saying we shouldn't be willing tools! We should be!).
Give it all to God. It'll be so much safer with him.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Lottie Moon
After doing the Annie Armstrong post earlier, (and after persistent comments) I decided to go ahead and post about Lottie Moon.
Charlotte Diggs Moon was born on December 12, 1840 in Virginia. In 1858, she dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized. She was the first lady to receive a master's degree, which she did in 1861. Lottie became a missionary in 1873, with her sister Edmonia, to Tengchow, China. Lottie served 39 years as a missionary to China. She died December 24, 1912 in a harbor in China (many believe that, as this was a time of famine, she died of starvation, because she gave others all her food). She was on her way back to America for the first time since she left when she died.
To read more about Lottie Moon go to:
http://ime.imb.org/LottieMoon/default.asp
http://www.trailblazerbooks.com/books/Moon/Moon-bio.html
http://www.tlogical.net/biolmoon.htm
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lottie_Moon
**Note**: Soli Deo Gloria is not affiliated to the IMB or any of its ministries in any way.
Charlotte Diggs Moon was born on December 12, 1840 in Virginia. In 1858, she dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized. She was the first lady to receive a master's degree, which she did in 1861. Lottie became a missionary in 1873, with her sister Edmonia, to Tengchow, China. Lottie served 39 years as a missionary to China. She died December 24, 1912 in a harbor in China (many believe that, as this was a time of famine, she died of starvation, because she gave others all her food). She was on her way back to America for the first time since she left when she died.
To read more about Lottie Moon go to:
http://ime.imb.org/LottieMoon/default.asp
http://www.trailblazerbooks.com/books/Moon/Moon-bio.html
http://www.tlogical.net/biolmoon.htm
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lottie_Moon
**Note**: Soli Deo Gloria is not affiliated to the IMB or any of its ministries in any way.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Keep On
This is a poem a friend of mine wrote. I thought it really described how a lot of us feel a lot of the time!
“Keep On”
You know you’re different,
They do too.
You don’t know why,
But they look at you.
They wonder why you’re like that,
They think that you are odd,
I know sometimes it’s tempting,
But do not follow the crowd.
I know it hurts sometimes,
Keep on fighting.
I know it’s hard sometimes,
Keep on trying.
I know you’re trying to find
the reason why you’re here,
But just trust God,
He understands your fear.
You know the truth, but still it hurts.
He’s made you who you are for a reason,
You know but you don’t understand.
He’s placed you where you are in this season.
I know it hurts sometimes,
Keep on fighting.
I know it’s hard sometimes,
Keep on trying.
You wonder, is it worth it?
Or should I just be like them?
Yes, I guess I’m happy,
But I’m also suffering.
Don’t do it.
Don’t give in.
It will be worth it
In the end.
I know it hurts sometimes,
Keep on fighting.
I know it’s hard sometimes,
Keep on trying.
And yes, you’ll get questions.
And yes, you get ridiculed,
But just ignore them,
And a stronger relationship with God you’ll build.
For His opinions are the ones that matter,
So don’t worry about what they think.
God will make you stronger,
Link by link.
I know it hurts sometimes,
Keep on fighting.
I know it’s hard sometimes,
Keep on trying
Wow! What an awesome poem, and what's more an awesome challenge as well! Let's keep on keeping on! Soli Deo Gloria!
“Keep On”
You know you’re different,
They do too.
You don’t know why,
But they look at you.
They wonder why you’re like that,
They think that you are odd,
I know sometimes it’s tempting,
But do not follow the crowd.
I know it hurts sometimes,
Keep on fighting.
I know it’s hard sometimes,
Keep on trying.
I know you’re trying to find
the reason why you’re here,
But just trust God,
He understands your fear.
You know the truth, but still it hurts.
He’s made you who you are for a reason,
You know but you don’t understand.
He’s placed you where you are in this season.
I know it hurts sometimes,
Keep on fighting.
I know it’s hard sometimes,
Keep on trying.
You wonder, is it worth it?
Or should I just be like them?
Yes, I guess I’m happy,
But I’m also suffering.
Don’t do it.
Don’t give in.
It will be worth it
In the end.
I know it hurts sometimes,
Keep on fighting.
I know it’s hard sometimes,
Keep on trying.
And yes, you’ll get questions.
And yes, you get ridiculed,
But just ignore them,
And a stronger relationship with God you’ll build.
For His opinions are the ones that matter,
So don’t worry about what they think.
God will make you stronger,
Link by link.
I know it hurts sometimes,
Keep on fighting.
I know it’s hard sometimes,
Keep on trying
Wow! What an awesome poem, and what's more an awesome challenge as well! Let's keep on keeping on! Soli Deo Gloria!
Monday, February 26, 2007
It's Not a Choice, It's a Child
I don't believe abortion is permissible by any means. Why should we kill children who have yet to be born when we were once just like them? Who gave us permission to kill a child if it is "unwanted"?
There is a very sweet couple in our church who have always wanted a baby. After many miscarriages they decided to adopt. Now, they have an energertic two-year-old. If his mother hadn't decided to give her baby up to be adopted, he might have been aborted. There are so many families that want these little babies that are killed every day.
Many people say that life begins at birth. But, in a story on Baptist Press News (www.bpnews.net) they share the story of a baby girl born at 23 weeks. Most babies are born between 37 and 40 weeks. The death rate for babies born that early is 70%. Everyone around her has pronounced her an absolute miracle. Baptist Press said, "“Instead, it’s time to see human life as a continuous thread beginning at conception and entitled to protection at all stages,” said Buckley, a fellow of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission’s Research Institute. “As Dr. Seuss used to say, ‘A person’s a person, no matter how small.’”" I highly agree with Dr. Seuss. A baby, though it may still be in the womb, is a person.
Elisabeth Elliot in her book, On Asking God Why says this about a premature baby at a hospital, "...Who is it that makes the "selections"? Who may determine which tiny person is acceptable and maybe permitted to be born (and if necessary, hovered over, cradled in a sterile temperature controlled incubator to assist his survival), and which is unacceptable and may betreated as a cancer or a gangrenous growth and surgically or chemically removed? What perverted vision of "life enhancement" warrants such a choice?" Indeed, who is to make that choice? If God so blesses you with a baby, do you have a choice of depriving it of life?"
God is the giver of life, and it must grieve him to know that we are ready and, in some cases, willing to destroy it. Isaiah 66:9 says, "Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth?" says the LORD; "shall I, who cause to bring forth, shut the womb?" says your God."
God clearly says gives us life. Should he? Should he 'shut the womb'? Many women today are doing this artificially using pills and other means that actually abort babies.
Many people are ready to adopt if the parent (or parents) do not believe they are capable, or simply don't want the baby (Which, personally I don't understand. I love babies!). Romans 8:16 says, "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" We have been adopted by God, and we can follow his example if he leads us to do so.
That baby isn't a choice. It isn't a little glob of tissue. It is a child that God designed and breathed life into.
There is a very sweet couple in our church who have always wanted a baby. After many miscarriages they decided to adopt. Now, they have an energertic two-year-old. If his mother hadn't decided to give her baby up to be adopted, he might have been aborted. There are so many families that want these little babies that are killed every day.
Many people say that life begins at birth. But, in a story on Baptist Press News (www.bpnews.net) they share the story of a baby girl born at 23 weeks. Most babies are born between 37 and 40 weeks. The death rate for babies born that early is 70%. Everyone around her has pronounced her an absolute miracle. Baptist Press said, "“Instead, it’s time to see human life as a continuous thread beginning at conception and entitled to protection at all stages,” said Buckley, a fellow of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission’s Research Institute. “As Dr. Seuss used to say, ‘A person’s a person, no matter how small.’”" I highly agree with Dr. Seuss. A baby, though it may still be in the womb, is a person.
Elisabeth Elliot in her book, On Asking God Why says this about a premature baby at a hospital, "...Who is it that makes the "selections"? Who may determine which tiny person is acceptable and maybe permitted to be born (and if necessary, hovered over, cradled in a sterile temperature controlled incubator to assist his survival), and which is unacceptable and may betreated as a cancer or a gangrenous growth and surgically or chemically removed? What perverted vision of "life enhancement" warrants such a choice?" Indeed, who is to make that choice? If God so blesses you with a baby, do you have a choice of depriving it of life?"
God is the giver of life, and it must grieve him to know that we are ready and, in some cases, willing to destroy it. Isaiah 66:9 says, "Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth?" says the LORD; "shall I, who cause to bring forth, shut the womb?" says your God."
God clearly says gives us life. Should he? Should he 'shut the womb'? Many women today are doing this artificially using pills and other means that actually abort babies.
Many people are ready to adopt if the parent (or parents) do not believe they are capable, or simply don't want the baby (Which, personally I don't understand. I love babies!). Romans 8:16 says, "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" We have been adopted by God, and we can follow his example if he leads us to do so.
That baby isn't a choice. It isn't a little glob of tissue. It is a child that God designed and breathed life into.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Jesus Freaks
Okay, well I'm sorry if some of you don't use that word. Trust me, it isn't original. It actually comes from a very cool website called (guess what?!) Jesus Freaks! This website was made by DC Talk after they published their books Jesus Freaks and Jesus Freaks II. A Jesus Freak is a person willing to die for their faith, and ultimately their God. This is a very cool website and I highly encourage to visit it. Here is statement available on the site to those who want to be a Jesus Freak:
Commit Yourself to Being a Jesus Freak... From this day forward!
I will make a difference.
Jesus, I thank you that You suffered and died for me on the
cross to pay for my sins.
Father, I thank You that You raised Jesus from the dead to be my living Lord and Savior.
Holy Spirit, I thank you that You will lead me to do the right thing and change my world.
Today, Lord, I want to make you a promise.
I will not be ashamed of Your name or Your Gospel.
I will do what I can for those who are persecuted and pray for them.
I will look enemies in the eye and love them with Your love.
I will pray for them and love
them—no matter the consequences.
I will follow Your voice wherever You lead me, unafraid, for I know You will be with me.
If I should stumble, if I fall, if I should deny Your name, if I should feel guilty that I did not
pray or forgot to do something You’ve asked me not to do, I will not quit.
I will not wallow in guilt. I will turn back to You, confess my sin, and do what You called me to do, because that is why You died for me.
I will stand with You and my brothers and sisters around the world, because no matter
what happens, no matter what I face or how it looks, in the end, we will be victorious—
we will inherit eternity and heaven with You.
I can do nothing else, because …I am a Jesus Freak.
Wow! Pretty powerful isn't it? Well, all I have to say is this: Are you a Jesus Freak? Do you want to be?
PS Here is the link to the site: https://www.jesusfreaks.net
You can get a printable version of the commitment above that you can sign and date.
Commit Yourself to Being a Jesus Freak... From this day forward!
I will make a difference.
Jesus, I thank you that You suffered and died for me on the
cross to pay for my sins.
Father, I thank You that You raised Jesus from the dead to be my living Lord and Savior.
Holy Spirit, I thank you that You will lead me to do the right thing and change my world.
Today, Lord, I want to make you a promise.
I will not be ashamed of Your name or Your Gospel.
I will do what I can for those who are persecuted and pray for them.
I will look enemies in the eye and love them with Your love.
I will pray for them and love
them—no matter the consequences.
I will follow Your voice wherever You lead me, unafraid, for I know You will be with me.
If I should stumble, if I fall, if I should deny Your name, if I should feel guilty that I did not
pray or forgot to do something You’ve asked me not to do, I will not quit.
I will not wallow in guilt. I will turn back to You, confess my sin, and do what You called me to do, because that is why You died for me.
I will stand with You and my brothers and sisters around the world, because no matter
what happens, no matter what I face or how it looks, in the end, we will be victorious—
we will inherit eternity and heaven with You.
I can do nothing else, because …I am a Jesus Freak.
Wow! Pretty powerful isn't it? Well, all I have to say is this: Are you a Jesus Freak? Do you want to be?
PS Here is the link to the site: https://www.jesusfreaks.net
You can get a printable version of the commitment above that you can sign and date.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
My Testimony
Well, I thought that it would be interesting to share my testimony with you all.
I have been in church my whole life. I think I've attended steadily since I was two weeks old. :) Church is kind of like a second home to me. Anyways, we had a service on July 4 one year. I was four or five and I thought "Hey! It would make Daddy happy if I told him I got saved!" So I did. I told my parents and brothers I had gotten saved. I even got baptized! Well, the only problem there was I didn't understand what I needed to understand and I really hadn't gotten saved. Three or four years later we were at Kid's Camp. I wasn't old enough to be there but, Daddy is a pastor so we all went. (he was a counselor and we got a cabin) On Thursday night, Bro. Shannon Caudle was preaching. When he asked us to come forward if we wanted to be saved, I wanted to so bad. But, come on! I was a pastor's daughter! Besides, everyone already thought I was saved! But, I went. I knew God wanted me, so I went. I went with another counselor, but he didn't understand what I was trying to say, so I went and talked with my Mom. She talked to me, and prayed with me. I remember afterwards going to meet up with the rest of our group and being so exicted. I didn't even know some of these people, but I told them I got saved anyways!
I think that one of the most memorable things about getting saved is the joy. I wish I still had that, and to some extent I do. But, we can't expect our joy to just remain forever. You have to ask God and seek him and you will find joy as you do.
I have been in church my whole life. I think I've attended steadily since I was two weeks old. :) Church is kind of like a second home to me. Anyways, we had a service on July 4 one year. I was four or five and I thought "Hey! It would make Daddy happy if I told him I got saved!" So I did. I told my parents and brothers I had gotten saved. I even got baptized! Well, the only problem there was I didn't understand what I needed to understand and I really hadn't gotten saved. Three or four years later we were at Kid's Camp. I wasn't old enough to be there but, Daddy is a pastor so we all went. (he was a counselor and we got a cabin) On Thursday night, Bro. Shannon Caudle was preaching. When he asked us to come forward if we wanted to be saved, I wanted to so bad. But, come on! I was a pastor's daughter! Besides, everyone already thought I was saved! But, I went. I knew God wanted me, so I went. I went with another counselor, but he didn't understand what I was trying to say, so I went and talked with my Mom. She talked to me, and prayed with me. I remember afterwards going to meet up with the rest of our group and being so exicted. I didn't even know some of these people, but I told them I got saved anyways!
I think that one of the most memorable things about getting saved is the joy. I wish I still had that, and to some extent I do. But, we can't expect our joy to just remain forever. You have to ask God and seek him and you will find joy as you do.
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