Christian Journey

Do I have enough courage?

2012-01-22T12:52:00.001-05:00

This is something I have been thinking about for almost a year – ever since my daughter went to Honduras. I had no idea what she was going to experience while she was there and it was a good thing I didn’t know. I may not have been as supportive had I known that she was going to be going places with armed guards.

As parents we want to protect our children. In fact, I contend that we overprotect them. We have been told that real Christians are blessed materially, have automatic protection from God, and are always safe. Our young people today don’t believe this. They are not searching for safety. They are not nearly as interested in materialistic things as their parents. They are seeking to use their lives to make an impact. They are aching for a life that has meaning and not just things.

As a parent, I want my child to live a long happy secure life. I’m not looking for her to take risks. However, that is not necessarily how God is leading her.

Matthew 16:25 says “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” As a parent, am I able to embrace this truth for my child. Do I trust God with her care?

I have a biblical responsibility to nurture my child, to bring her up in a godly and safe environment. However, my fear about her safety is not an excuse for not preparing her to be used by God and it is not an excuse for not letting her go in the direction that she feels God is leading her.

It is my responsibility as her parent to pray for her. I need to pray for her safety. John 17:15 says “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” Do I have the courage to pray this for my child? Do I really want her “in the world”? Or, do I secretively just want her removed from all possibility of danger?

What if God is preparing her for great adventures in His name? What if she feels called fulltime to missions – am I prepared for that? Is my preoccupation with her safety interfering with what God might be calling her to do? Am I willing to stand by her and support her in all God has planned for her?

My daughter is preparing for her third mission trip this spring. She will be spending a week in Guatemala. I am praying that God will keep the group safe and allow them to complete the tasks that lay before them. I am also praying that God will use this time in my child’s life to draw her into a closer relationship with Him. I want her to seek God’s will for her life and then have the courage to follow Him in it. That’s a tough prayer for me to pray … Do I have the courage to pray for that and to let go and let God work in her life?

The Long and Winding Road

2012-01-10T22:31:00.001-05:00

I wrote yesterday about looking back on my life and seeing stepping stones. Seeing all the places God has led me in order for me to get the experiences I needed to be effective in the position I am in today. God has always been faithful to lead me and provide for me.

What struck me today was the idea that the path has not always been straight. Sometimes it seems like it was three steps forward and two steps back. Sometimes the road was very crooked and wound around. Sometime I took the long way to get where God wanted me to be. Sometimes the path got rocky but that just caused me to trust God more. The main idea here is that you have to keep your eye on God and trust that He knows what is best for you.

Habakkuk 3:19 “The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”

Isaiah 40:31 “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”

Stepping Stones

2012-01-09T22:56:00.001-05:00

There have been many times in my life when I’ve been able to look back and see God’s hand on my life. I’ve been able to see how God led me to different jobs and how each one was needed to move me to the next one. It is easy to see the stepping stones looking back.

I am now at a time in my life where I don’t know where God is leading me. I know that my family is packing up everything we have and moving to rural PA when school is out. I know that I must immediately have a job. I know that my husband must immediately have a job. I know that I have a condo and a house to sell in GA before I can think about buying a house in PA. I know that my daughter is starting college in PA in the fall.

What I don’t know is how it is all going to work out. As I look forward there are no stepping stones in sight. I am sticking out my foot and taking a step in faith that there will be stone under my foot when I set it down.

I am confident that the Lord knows what is going on. I am confident that he will provide for my family. I know that God loves me and wants the best for me and my family. I am confident that God is leading and directing us in this journey.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

We are committed to living our lives in a way that would please God. We walk by faith in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Proverbs 3:5-6
“ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight. “

Trusting is hard. I want to see the stepping stones laid out in a path in front of me.

Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths   (Ps 25:4).
Direct my steps by Your Word (Ps 119:136).
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;   (Ps 32:8).
God's word is the lamp unto your feet and a light to your path   (Ps 119:105)

Be Afraid but Don’t Live in Fear

2011-12-04T10:51:00.001-05:00

Hmm. With a title like this you are probably thinking I am crazy. In the words of Lucille Ball, “Let me explain.”

I think Christians have lost sight of the idea that God is holy and that he cannot and will not tolerate sin. We live with the philosophy that we can do anything we want and just confess it later. We don’t have a healthy fear of God. In Deuteronomy 5:29 God tells us to fear Him and to keep his commandments. The relationship that you entered with God when accepted Christ as your Savior should be one of love but also one of obedience, reverence and fear.

Psalm 19:9 “The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.”

Psalm 33:18 “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him”

Psalm 34:7-11 “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”

I could list a lot more verses like those above. It seems very apparent to me that Christians have lost sight of the power of God, the holiness of God, and the idea that God is to be feared.

I know that some of you are thinking that this was just for the Old Testament people and not for today. After all doesn’t Jesus love me? Shouldn’t that remove the fear I have? The writers of the New Testament continue the theme of fearing God.

Acts 9:31 “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.”

Acts 10:34-35 “Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.”

Paul writes this in 2 Corinthians 5:11 “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.”

In Philippians, Paul tells us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

I’m afraid that today’s Christians do not fear God. They do not fear Jesus. They do not fear the Holy Spirit. They come to Jesus for what He can do for them. They come for what they can get out of it. It is a need-based relationship. That kind of gospel will attract lots of people but it will not transform their lives. It is not until people realize the holiness of God and their need to fear and reverence him that their lives change.

Now let me balance that with a few other ideas. I don’t think God wants us to live in fear of the future or of others.

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

We conquer fear in our lives with the Word of God. When the devil tempted Jesus, Jesus simply quoted scripture.

Hebrews 4:2 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword”

Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?”

Let me wind this up by saying, study who God is. Understand his character and his attributes. When you begin to understand who God is, you can’t help but fear Him. In that fear, you will also develop a great love for Him. In his perfection and holiness, He loves us – his fallen creation. How He can love someone like me is something I will never understand. I live by faith in the God. I love him and I trust him to go before me and to take care of me. However, I must never lose sight of his holiness and his character and that demands my obedience and worship.

You Lost Me

2011-11-10T20:25:00.001-05:00

I am reading the book You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church…and Rethinking Faith.

The main idea I have gotten from the book so far is that the problem is a disciple-making problem. The church is not adequately preparing young people to follow Christ faithfully in their rapidly changing culture. “Teenagers are the most religiously active group in America. American twentysomethings are the least religiously active group.” What has happened to them? Why have they not remained faithful.

Young Christians are describing Christianity as hypocritical, judgmental, too political, and out of touch with reality.

Survey of Protestant young people ages 18 – 29

Ever dropped out of attending church, after going regularly - 61%
Ever personally been significantly frustrated about your faith – 51%
Compared to age 15, less spiritual today – 31%
Compared to age 15, less active in church today – 58%
Went through a period when you significantly doubted your faith – 41%
Went through a period when you felt like rejecting your parents’ faith – 35%

The author (David Kinnaman) breaks this group of “lost” young people into three groups.

Nomads – walk away from church engagement but still consider themselves Christians
Prodigals – lose their faith; describing themselves as “no longer Christian”
Exiles – are still invested in their Christian faith but feel stuck between culture and the church

These lost young people have a favorable view of Jesus but they aren’t personally committed to the faith. Many have not lost faith in Christ but have lost faith in the church. They see the church as not culturally relevant.

“They read and respect the Bible (for information) but they do not perceive that its words lay claim to their obedience (wisdom).”

I will continue to pray for our young people. They are our hope for the future.

I’m a Quitter

2011-10-30T21:05:00.001-04:00

I have been working long hard days this year. Most have been 10 – 12 hour days and lots of nights and weekends. I’m exhausted but that is what is required for me to do a good job at my work. Now we are working a man short and so instead of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, all I see is more long nights and weeks. I am frustrated. I am tired. I can’t keep going …

I searched my life for things I could eliminate in order to make more space. I needed to find some relief. I know my decision is not a good one for the long term but for the short term, it is what it is. I quit church choir. I love to sing and choir is usually an enjoyable time for me. However, practices are at 4:45 on Sunday afternoons. I would get home from church, change clothes, eat lunch, do dishes, and it was time to go back to church. I had to make some free time in my life. Now I am taking Sunday nights for some “me” time. Is that selfish? Time to read a book or take a nap. Time to catch my breath before starting the next hard week.

I know that I need to be involved in ministry and I know that I am not currently doing much – outside of working with my students at school. My quitting was not because I had my feelings hurt. Quitting was not because I was mad. I am not quitting church, just the choir.

Is this a lack of commitment on my part or is it just necessary for my survival? Am I justified in this decision or am I letting others down who were counting on me?

I am still committed to the Lord and I am still committed to my church. I just need a break for a while. Am I taking the easy way out? Why do I feel guilty?

Steve Jobs is dead …..

2011-10-10T12:26:00.001-04:00

Steve Jobs is dead at the age of 56. His death was a global news story. He is known for impacting the world through Apple computer. He is largely responsible for the creation and evolution of the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. He had great wealth and vision. What did he do that will affect eternity? How did he spend his time? What can we learn from this man?

Steve Jobs was an amazing man. God gifted him with creativity, drive, ambition, and a vision for the future. He changed the way people interact with each other and with the world. He was a college drop-out but a genius . After dropping out of required college courses, he “dropped in” on the ones that interested him. Courses like graphic design and art. His understanding of aesthetics and his love for art and calligraphy greatly impacted the technology that we have today. Do all of his accomplishments mean that the world is better off today? We have unprecedented access to information but do we have greater understanding? I don’t think so. Mankind still struggles with the same things they have since the beginning of time.

Below is an excerpt from Steve Jobs’ 2005 Commencement Address at Stanford.

“No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

While I have seen no evidence that Steve was a believer, ultimately that is between Steve and God. We have no idea what went on in Steve’s heart, especially in his last days as he faced his own mortality. It is important for us to know that it is possible to lead a successful life, to be the creator of incredible inventions, to impact the world and the way they communicate, and yet that none of these accomplishments can earn him one minute in heaven.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. “ Ephesians 2:8-9

Let Steve’s life and words remind us that life is short. Don't waste it on things that don’t matter. Pray that God will help you know what does matter. Pray that the Lord will help order your steps and your priorities.

Be thankful to God for giving us Steve Jobs. There is no doubt that he had many gifts and talents. Be thankful to God that he used those talents to provide us with wonderful tools and gadgets. Then seek ways to use those tools to impact the world around you.

Being a parent is a tough job …

2011-10-04T20:56:00.001-04:00

“Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it. “ - Proverbs 22:6

We have worked hard to bring up our daughter in the ways of the Lord. We’ve taken her to Sunday school and church. She did AWANA when she was younger. She’s been in Christian school since kindergarten.

She accepted Christ when she was five years old. She’s been an easy child. She has always wanted to do the right thing. We’ve never really struggled with her breaking rules or being defiant. She is now 18 and a half years old. She is a senior in high school and struggling to be independent. She wants to make her own decisions and we are trying to allow her to do that.

She has been going to Passion City Church on Sunday nights with some of her friends from school. We’ve encouraged this. We were excited she was choosing to be in church. She loves this church. She said she gets a lot more out of the message and the worship than she does from our “home” church.

Now here comes the hard part, she has asked permission to go to Passion on Sunday mornings. There is a part of us that wants to tell her that she needs to be in church with her family. You know, lay down the law. As long as you live under our roof you will be in church with us. Then there is the other part of us that is so excited that she has found a church that preaches the Word and meets her needs. She loves the Lord. She’s been on two mission trips and is going on her third one this spring. Should we allow her to choose a church that she wants to attend? She will be getting ready to go off to college soon and making all of her own decisions. Is this a decision that we should allow her to make now? She has a peer group there. Our home church is small and there isn’t anyone else her age.

She has done everything right. She respectful asked our permission to go. She was honest and upfront with us. She gave her reasons and they were good ones. I desperately want her to be with us but I know I should encourage her to go where she feels the Lord is leading her. Anyone have any thoughts?

Grace is not cheap

2011-09-05T20:40:00.001-04:00

Years ago I read the book “The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I was reminded of this book in church on Sunday morning when our pastor spoke about people taking for granted what Jesus did for us on the cross. He spoke about people wanting salvation on their terms. They want the salvation without repentance, sacrifice, or a changed life.

Here’s what Bonhoeffer says "cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline. Communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ."

Cheap grace is belief without obedience. It is hearing without doing. It is intellectual agreement without life changing commitment.

Cheap grace says that you don’t have to worry about purity or holiness. Jesus did everything for you and so you don’t have to do anything. This is far from the truth. Jesus died for us so that we could then live our lives for Him.

God’s grace enables is to have a relationship with Him. It is His grace that makes us a new creation. His grace makes us a child of God. Cheap grace can never do any of this.

Cheap grace has you trying to justify your behavior. Cheap grace will have you focusing on things in your life instead of God. Cheap grace does not require that you die to sin or to yourself.

Grace was not cheap to Jesus. It cost him his life. The sinless son of God was beaten and crucified for our sin. It cost Jesus his pride, security, friends, and his connection with the Father. Yet He lives to make intercession with the Father for us.

Jesus warned, however, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).

Obedience is an expression of a right relationship with God. It's a relationship of love. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). If one really knows and loves Christ, it's bound to show in their actions. When someone doesn’t live his life in obedience to God, there is ever reason to question whether that person is truly a Christian.

Paul taught, “"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:9-10).

Without question, we are saved by grace through faith alone in Jesus and what he did on the cross for us. However, a genuine conversion experience results in good works -- obedience to what God commands us to do.

Anything else is just cheap grace. And cheap grace is no grace at all.

Blessings

2011-09-01T00:11:00.001-04:00

I’ve had a hard month. Sometimes I wonder why things happen. Listen to the lyrics …

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching(s) of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Lessons from the Three Little Pigs

2011-08-29T21:21:00.001-04:00

Watch the whole way to the end …

You are more ....

2011-05-17T05:49:00.000-04:00

I've heard the song before but this video tells a deeper different story ...

Where are your friends?

2011-04-20T19:12:00.001-04:00

Do you have a couple of special friends that you believe will stand with you no matter what happens. Jesus had friends like that or a least he thought he did. Jesus was tight with Peter, James, and John. They went a lot of places together. They were together at the transfiguration. Jesus called on his friends when he went to the Garden of Gethsemane. He was at a low point in his earthly life. He needed the support of his friends. He needed them to be with him and to pray for him. As they entered the garden, he asked them to wait and to pray as he went on. When Jesus came out, what did he find? He found his closest friends had fallen asleep. They couldn't even stay awake and pray for him for an hour. Jesus was upset. He felt left down by his closest friends.

Two thoughts immediately come to my mind.

1. Would my friends stay awake and pray for me if I asked them to? Have I chosen good friends that can be counted on? Do I have friends with that kind of relationship with God?

2. Would I have fallen asleep when Jesus was counting on me? Do I spend time praying for the needs of others? Can I be counted on?

What about you? Think about who your friends are? Have you ever had to go to them and ask them to pray? Who is the best prayer warrior you know?

How much time do you spend praying for others?

Can’t see God

2011-03-29T08:12:00.001-04:00

God is always there. God is always good. God loves you.

Sound familiar?

Do these kind of sayings comfort you?

Sometimes I feel like I can’t see God. I can’t feel his presence. Guess whose fault that is?

When I can’t see God, it is because I have closed my eyes. It is because I have refused to look. God is all around me all the time. His creation shows his majesty.

The world teaches me things like – “I am the most important thing.” “It’s all about me.” “There’s nothing you can’t accomplish if you put your mind to it.”

All of that sounds good but is not true. It’s a form of humanism. It’s no wonder when we encounter problems that we try immediately to solve them ourselves instead of turning to God.

The Bible is full of stories about men and women who thought they had all the answers. Then they discovered they couldn’t make it on their own. God’s hope for all of us is that we will will eventually realize that we need him.

I don’t have to look far to see faithlessness. I simply need to look at my own life. I need to trust fully in God’s presence in my life and his love for me. I need to seek immediate and constant help from God.

The Bible describes faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:11)

Get to know God. Get to know his character. Then cling to tightly to the promises that he has given you. He who has promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

Now to press on with the journey. I am sure lots of opportunities will present themselves along the way. Opportunities to show my faith. Opportunities to choose to see God and to seek his plan and his wisdom. Help me keep my eyes open and see God in the midst of everything.

Grace

2011-03-08T21:11:00.001-05:00

I’ve been giving some thought to the idea of God’s grace. I’ve heard about grace for my entire life but I am not sure I really grasp it completely.

I’ve heard the definition that grace is God’s unmerited favor. Something we get that we don’t deserve…like a gift. Grace then ties into forgiveness and eternal life.

It is through the death of Jesus on the cross that we obtain eternal life. Do I really understand what Jesus did for me? Do I grasp that Jesus willingly gave up his life on the cross for me. He never sinned and didn’t do anything to deserve death.

Take a look at what Paul has to say to Timothy:

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 2 Timothy 1:9-10

We are saved because of his grace! What does that mean to me? Am I thankful for grace? Do I live like I am thankful? Do I extend grace to others? Just like I need grace from God and forgiveness, others need me to extend grace to them.

Today’s challenge is to look at your life and see who you can extend grace to.

K.I.S.S.

2011-03-07T22:08:00.001-05:00

K.I.S.S. stands for “keep it simple stupid”.

I am some times guilty of making things too complicated. The Christian life isn’t meant to be complicated. We make it complicated with our systems of rules.

Every moment of every day, my life goes on. I need to make the most of it. Don’t spend my life waiting for the next thing to happen. Don’t waste a single moment. Make plans and goals but live in the present. However, my plans and goals are important as they help give direction to my life.

Seek God every moment of every day. Make the most of the opportunities I have , Find ways to love and serve others. Be thankful as I live my life. Delight myself in your journey.

Simplifying your life is not about how much money your do or don’t have. It’s not about the stuff you have or don’t have. It has nothing to do with material things. It really has to do with learning to have my needs met in Christ.

It’s hard to keep my life simple because I am constantly hit with the idea that I need more, more, more stuff. Do I have the best iPod, iPad, iPhone, XBox, Wii, Kindle, Nook, etc… Americans are the ultimate consumers. We buy and buy and buy, thinking that these purchases will make us happy.

When I feel like my life is out of control, I need to look at the details of my life and find a way to simplify.

I need to live humbly before God.
I need to trust God to meet my needs.
I need to ask God to help me identify my real needs.
I need to look for beauty and value in everything around me.
I need to do my best at whatever I do.
I need to accept where I am in my life and try to see God’s plan.
I need to love my family all the time.
I need to give away anything that is in my life that is keeping my attention away from God.
I need to focus on things that help me in my walk with Christ.
I need to remember that I am on a journey that ends in heaven. I am not long for this world.

Does that help you to think about how to simplify?

Are you afraid to die?

2011-02-26T09:20:00.001-05:00

I’ve been pretty quiet on the blog lately. We lost Aunt Dorothy just over two weeks ago. Aunt Dorothy was more like my mother-in-law than an aunt. My husband’s mother died before we were married and so I never really had a mother-in-law. Aunt Dorothy was who filled that role in my life.

It’s hard to lose a loved one. We miss her dearly. She was a Christian and so we mentally know that she is in a better place. It is that human part of us that misses her that makes it hard.

For the Christian who dies, it is a wonderful thing. It is to be with Jesus. It is the end of the race, achieving the goal we have been living here for. Jesus told the thief on the cross “Today you shall be with me in paradise".” (Luke 23:43) Paul said that he desired to depart this life and be with Christ (Philippians 1:23). He said that would be far better.

In 2 Corinthians 5:8, Paul writes that “to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.” This refers to being in the presence of the Lord.

It is important for each of us to come to grips with our own mortality. I have really been thinking about this a lot lately. Perhaps because I am approaching 50 years old and so I know that I have more years behind me than ahead of me. I don’t think I am afraid of being dead. The process of dying can be a little scary. Also, I worry about the people I would leave behind. People who need me. I think that was what Pail was referring to in Philippians chapter 1.

Death is a part of life. From the moment you are born, you are on a path that leads to death. It comes quicker for some than for others but all of us will reach that end sometime. The best thing we can do is prepare for our death by accepting Christ. Everyone dies and there are only two choices at that moment…. eternity in heaven or eternity in hell. What you do now determines what happens then. I have chosen to place my faith in Christ. So did Aunt Dorothy.

Grief is painful. Jesus grieved. I don’t feel sorry for Aunt Dorothy. She has finished her journey and earned her reward. I feel sorry for Uncle Robert. Going on without her will be very difficult. I feel sorry for my husband. It was like losing his mother all over again.

I see death as a transition point. It is the transition between serving the Lord here on earth and now serving Jesus in heaven. I hope there is a big piano in heaven and Aunty Dorothy can once again use her musical gifts to play praise songs for the King of Kings.

Tough Day

2011-02-07T17:32:00.001-05:00

Listen to the kid

2011-02-01T23:48:00.001-05:00

My daughter is a junior in high school and is beginning to look at colleges. We’ve been looking at state schools. She wants to study biology. She will probably get a teaching degree. She told me last week that she thinks a Christian college would be a good idea. I immediately thought about cost. I don’t know how we will afford the tuition at a Christian college.

So I asked the obvious question – Why do you think a Christian college would be the best? Keep in mind that we’ve been paying tuition for Christian schools since she was in kindergarten. She thought of something that I never thought of. She said she knows that studying biology means she will have to study evolution. She doesn’t want to go to a college that will make her compromise her faith in creation just to pass a test. Pretty good reasoning for a 17 year old!

If Christians were more concerned about staying away from things that would make them compromise their faith and beliefs, I think we’d all have a better reputation in society. One of the major problems that exist today is that Christians don’t look or speak differently than the world around them. They don’t take a stand on the issues. They are willing to do or say whatever is necessary in order not to cause a problem.

My kid continues to amaze me with her faith. I can’t thank God enough for her.

How big is your God?

2011-01-30T22:45:00.001-05:00

I have been struggling with making myself write the last couple of weeks. I’ve given quite a bit of thought lately to how “big” is my God. Do I act like He can do anything? Do I pray like I believe He can do anything? Or, do I pray like even He has limits. Or that perhaps He is too busy for me? Do I really cast all my cares on Him. Do I treat Him like he owns the cattle on a thousand hills? Do I really understand how much He loves me? Do I trust him for things I can’t just handle on my own?

I think a lot of people (me included) only pray for things we can actually accomplish ourselves. With these kinds of prayers we never really see what God can do. We never really see His power.

We’ve got a lot going on in our family right now and we really need God to intervene. My husband has a very special aunt who is intensive care following a stroke. She’s been in a coma like state for a week and they can’t waken her. They can’t get the pressure down in her head enough to wake her up. If and when they do waken her, we are told she won’t be the same. We are praying for a miracle from God. I believe that He can choose to heal to her completely. That is something completely out of our hands. Do you have anything going on in your life that is completely out of your hands?

Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Needed a Break

2011-01-18T22:57:00.001-05:00

I haven’t written for a couple of weeks. I felt like I needed a break from writing. It was becoming too much of a “to do” and was lacking passion on my part. I needed to take a couple of weeks and just read the Word and try to soak it in.

Have you ever felt like you just wanted to read and read the Word? Psalm 1 talks about meditating on the Word day and night.

Spending time in the Word should be an important part of every Christian’s life. Soak it in and let it affect every area of your life. The Word contains everything we need to know for living our lives.

Psalm 119:105 – “Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.”

Hebrews 4:12 says – “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Isaiah 40:8 - “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”

2 Timothy 3:16 - “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T13:24:00.001-05:00

I’ve thought about writing and have just not done it.

I finished my graduate degree. I finished my semester at school. I enjoyed a week in PA over Christmas visiting my parents. I enjoyed a week at home over New Years. Soon it will be back at the routine of life.

How is 2011 going to be different for me than 2010? I really don’t know. I am hoping and praying that we sell our property on St Simons Island. That is the only thing standing between us and our plans to move. I am hoping and praying that my daughter will finish her junior year strong and make her decision on a college major and a school. We will be preparing our home to be put up for sale in about a year. So, lots of “big” changes coming up for us as a family.

New Years is a common time for people to think about change. As I am sitting here today I am thinking about things I need to improve. Some of those are “no brainers.” I need to improve my fitness level. Now that my foot is getting better, I need to start a walking regimen.

I need to improve how I spend my free time. I have stacks of books that I’d like to read. Now that I am finished with grad school I have time to read.

I need to continue to work on quality time with God. I think this will remain on my list for years to come. Not just time but quality time. I need to set aside time when I am alert. Too many times my time with God is when I am exhausted. When I have nothing left to give to anyone else, that’s when I sit down and pick up my Bible. Isn’t God worth more than that?

What about you? What are you resolving to change in your life this next year?

One thing I intend to do in the next day or so is to set specific goals in how I am going to accomplish these resolutions. Without a specific plan, these are just words.

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

Christian Comedy

2010-12-14T21:35:00.001-05:00

I just discovered this comedian. Give him a few minutes. I think he will make you laugh.

Meet Michael Jr

Jesus’ LIttle Brother

Over Saved

Pray with your neighbor

Church Choir Christmas Program

2010-12-13T16:46:00.001-05:00

Our choir presented a multimedia program at church this past Sunday. My daughter and I were both singing. Here’s a couple of videos from the service.

Hope these blessed you today.

New way to play music

2010-12-11T16:09:00.001-05:00

This video is from a church in the Atlanta area. I have several friends who attend this church and they sent me this link. The worship team is playing music on their iPads and iPhones. It is really amazing to see.

A Tribute to Matt Diaz

2010-12-08T22:33:00.001-05:00

I am a big Braves fan and my favorite player has been Matt Diaz. Matt was not resigned for the 2011 season. I will miss him greatly. Matt knows how to play the game. He plays hard and always does his best. He is a leader on and off the field. He’s the kind of man that we want our children to look up to. He’s a man of character and integrity. He never complained about playing time. He was always ready to go when it was his turn to contribute.

In a day and age when athletes are constantly in the news for drugs, guns, cheating on their wives, rape, etc., Matt, you’ve showed us the way professional athletes are supposed to behave. You are a class act.

Matt, thanks for five wonderful years in Atlanta. We respect you and we love you. We will miss you but we wish you well as you go to Pittsburgh.

Feeling disrespected and hurt

2010-12-06T21:50:00.001-05:00

An event occurred at work last week where I felt extremely disrespected. I was given some news and I sat in shock as I heard it. I tried not to react. I left feeling like I had just been slapped in the face. I don’t think it was intended that way but that’s the way it came across.

I knew I needed to be careful not to react from the flesh. (Although I did go home and have a good cry about it.) I knew I needed to take it to God and leave the situation in His hands. That is really hard because I really wanted to tell these people exactly what I thought.

I am still struggling with this. I think it is because I work with these people every day and I thought they appreciated me and respected me. Right now I need to get past this. Forgiveness is easy when you are writing about it and telling someone else to practice it. It’s hard when you are the one needing to forgive someone.

Living the Christian life isn’t always easy. Being committed to doing the right thing is hard. Not reacting when you are feeling hurt is hard. Letting situations in God’s hands and praying for a just outcome is hard.

No one said that living the Christian life was going to be easy…

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. “ Ephesians 4:31-32

“An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.” Proverbs 29:22

“He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.“ Proverbs 14:29

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

“A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.” Proverbs 19:11

“Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Ephesians 4:26

Depraved Indifference

2010-12-02T09:01:00.001-05:00

A friend sent me the link to this video. It will really grip your heart.

"God is looking for more than the money of saints. He's looking for the entirety of their lives to be spent for the weak."

If you have trouble playing it from my blog, go here - http://ellerslie.com/Depraved_Indifference.html

Cell Phone Message

2010-11-30T23:28:00.001-05:00

On Saturday night, my teenage daughter received a voice mail on her cell phone. The caller had a creepy voice and called her by name and said “In seven days, I am going to kill you. I’m going to bring my big machete knife and come in your house. I’m going to put a pillow over your face and stab you to death. See you in seven days”

Needless to say we were quite shaken up about this. My daughter was absolutely freaked out. She didn’t want to go into her bedroom alone. She slept in my bed the last couple of nights. We couldn’t imagine who would do this to her.

She’s a quiet kid. She’s just pretty average. She’s an A/B student. Solid but not top of her class . She’s not a star athlete. She’s a manager for the marching band. She’s a good kid who has never been in trouble and is known for helping others.

We suspected a student(s) from school had done this as a prank and so we went the the dean of students at her school on Monday. He was very helpful and got right on it. As much as we brainstormed, we couldn’t come up with anyone who might do this to her.

The school has some Gwinnett County policemen who work on campus each day. They had me file a police report. Then the officer went to Sprint and got them to release the phone number who made the call. It had come in as a private number. He took the number to Verizon and got them to release the name of the person on the account. (They wanted us to wait 10 days!)

The officer called the number a couple of times and finally got someone to answer on the other end. It turns out that the phone belongs to a teenager who lives about an hour from us. She and some of her friends were dialing random phone numbers Saturday night and when they got a voice mail, her male friend was leaving these threatening messages. They thought they were being funny.

What they didn’t realize was that leaving threatening messages like this is a felony. That is a felony count for each message. The officer talked to the mother of this young lady and she convinced him that she would deal with her daughter about this and that she would call the parents of the young man who left the message.

Then the police officer called us and wanted to know if we are going to press charges. We decided that we didn’t want to ruin these kids lives. They made a stupid mistake. We really just wanted to know that this was a prank and nothing to really fear.

What would you have done? Would you have pressed charges? Our daughter was scared to death from Saturday night until Tuesday night. She hasn’t slept. She hasn’t been able to concentrate on her school work.

We prayed a lot for God’s protection and for God to allow the officer to quickly figure this all out. We also prayed for the person who made the call. We are thankful for answers to our prayers.

All we could think of tonight was how grateful we were that she is OK. We are relieved that the whole ordeal is over. We are thankful that the dean of students and the Gwinnett County police officer at our school were really on top of this incident and cleared it up so quickly. We are thankful that it was just a stupid prank and that there is nothing to worry about. There really is so much to give thanks for.

Do the right thing … all the time

2010-11-19T21:41:00.001-05:00

A teenager made this statement to me: “I did the right thing and I still got in trouble.” What would you say? I was taken back for a few minutes.

I finally told the young lady that as a Christian we are responsible to do the right thing all the time. That doesn’t mean everything will go in our favor. We are not responsible for what others do or how they react to what we do. We are only responsible for our actions. We are not responsible for the actions (or reactions) of others.

What do you think the Bible has to say about this?

My thoughts tonight went to the book of Esther. If you recall the story, Haman had issued a decree that he would annihilate the Jews on a set day. Mordecai sent word to Esther. He sent her a copy of the decree and explained that she had to try to talk to the King in order to stop the killing of the Jews.

At first, Esther thought no way am I doing that! She thought the king would kill her when she went before him without being summoned. However, Mordecai convinced her that she had an obligation to God to try to save the Jews.

After she was convinced to to do it, she said, ““Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Because Esther acted and did the right thing and didn’t give in to her fear, the Jewish nation was saved.

The biggest lesson we can take from this story is to always do the right thing and let the outcome in God’s hands. He loves you and will take care you. If any fallout comes from doing the right thing, leave that in God’s hands as well. He will reward you in due time.

Unthankful …. Thankful

2010-11-18T22:47:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving will soon be upon us. This is the time of year that we often stop and think about all the things we have to be thankful for. Are you feeling thankful today? Or are there things in your life that you are not thankful for?

It is easy to complain. It is easy to have an unthankful spirit. However, when we are unthankful we reveal a lot about our character. It is a sin to be unthankful. No one wants to be around an ungrateful person.

How do you feel when you do something for someone else and they act like it meant nothing to them? Their actions tell you that they don’t really care about you and that hurts.

Jesus know better than anyone what it feels like to sacrifice for someone and then find them unthankful. He committed no sin and yet was crucified for ours. He went around constantly doing good. He lived a perfect life and then willingly gave it up for the forgiveness of our sins.

Colossians 3:15 tells us to be thankful.

1 Thessalonian 5:18 tells us to give thanks in all circumstances.

We are not supposed to keep that thanksgiving to ourselves but we need to express that to each other.

Matthew chapter 17 talks about the 10 lepers that Jesus cleansed. Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests. When they obeyed and went, they were healed. Out of the 10 that Jesus healed, only 1 returned to say thank you. What do you think Jesus thought? Jesus knew only 1 would return to give thanks and yet he healed all 10. I might have been tempted to undo the healing of the other 9 ungrateful lepers.

Everything we have is a gift from God. We don’t deserve any of it. Are we thankful? in all things …. Or are we some times arrogant, prideful, boastful, and unthankful?

We should be thankful to God for all the talents, gifts, abilities, jobs, income, and opportunities that we have. We need to remember that everything that exists belongs to God and that what we currently have came from God. Everything we have is to be used to God’s glory.

Ephesians 5:20 “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything”

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Hebrews 13:15 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. “

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Earlier this week I wrote about instant gratification. Our society today is used to getting everything they want exactly when they want it. One of the biggest dangers we face today is that we have so much that we take it all for granted. Most of us have never really seen hard times. If you have always had and never really been in need, then it is easy to forget to be thankful.

One last thought is that as we are thankful we are to look out for the needs of others. Giving to others helps remind you of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

God has been so good to me that I can’t begin to count my blessings. What about you …….

Instant gratification

2010-11-16T23:21:00.001-05:00

I was giving some thought to the fact that we are raising a generation of kids today that are very used to instant gratification. If they want something, they are used to getting it. And they usually get it as soon as they want it. This is true even of adults today. With the overuse of credit cards, no one waits for anything any more.

This is not new but a problem that has been growing in our society for the last 50 years. People are no longer interested in self-discipline. No one wants to wait for anything. Hence the advent of TV dinners, the microwave, the computer with instant messaging, and texting on cell phones.

This lifestyle of the quick and easy can have a detrimental effect on our walk with Christ. It makes us want instant answers to hard problems. We need to remember that some situations require regular prayer and waiting on the Lord.

We need to spend time daily in the Word seeking the Lord. We need to really know the Word and there’s no quick way to do that. It’s not a “quick read” and you are done. There’s no weekend retreat that is a substitute for daily study.

If we have an instant gratification approach to our Christian life then we are bound to be frustrated. It takes a long time to grow spiritual fruit. If we get frustrated, we may quit on our way to spiritual growth. Do we think that prayer takes too long to produce results? Do think studying the Bible is boring?

The Bible tells us over and over that we need to be patient. Patience is a fruit of the spirit. While the world tells us that the most important thing is the here and now, the Scriptures tell us to focus on eternity. We need to devote ourselves to a life of seeking Christ first. Pray, study the Bible, and serve the Lord with your gifts and talents. Keep your focus on things that are eternal.

There is no instant solution to godliness.

Are you as confused as I am …

2010-11-10T19:11:00.001-05:00

Ok – now I think I am confused.

Last night I talked about lightening up and really living life. I mentioned enjoying the journey as I walk with God. I warned against meaningless habits :

“He (the devil) tries to get me to be religious – with meaningless rituals instead of communing with the living God. He tries to get me to look at things like church as habits. He tries to get my mind to wander and not to engage with God”

On July 30th I wrote about spiritual discipline. I encouraged godly habits.

“You can develop godly habits. As you execute those habits you will grow in Christlikeness. As time passes on you will discover that the things that were hard to remember to do will gradually become easier. They become part of your routine. You discipline yourself to time in prayer, time in the Word, and time in fellowship. As these become a habit, you begin to look forward to these activities. You long to spend time with Christ. You miss it when it doesn’t happen.”

Aren’t these two ideas in conflict which each other? How can both be true?

I think there are two things to think about here. The first one is to have balance in your life while serving Christ. You want to reach out and be a blessing to others but you don’t want to get so exhausted that you can’t take care of your own relationship with Christ.

The second thing I am reminded of is that not all habits are meaningless. Habits can be good things. The key is when you are in church or Bible study, be sure to focus on God, on meeting with God, on developing a meaningful relationship with God. Doing these things just to do them, will gain you nothing.

I am reminded tonight of one of my favorite verses.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Confusion gone for now. Feel free to comment on how you balance the ideas of joyful living and spiritual discipline.

Are you skipping through life?

2010-11-09T21:25:00.001-05:00

Some people skip through life. Some people walk through careful and calm. While others drag their feet the whole way. I think I am the careful calm one.

I have a purposeful, planned approach to life. Yet, somehow it is getting more difficult to fit everything into a day that needs to get done. Sometimes I am too serious and don’t enjoy each day the Lord has given me. I’m going through life but not really living.

Time flies by. Each year goes faster. I remember being young and how slow each year went. It took forever to get to another birthday or another Christmas. I remember as a youth thinking that someone in their 30s was old. Funny - but 50s are seeming pretty young now.

Life is busy – too busy. I think this is one of the devils schemes. He tries to get me off-track. He tries to get me to waste the time God has given me. He tries to get me to be religious – with meaningless rituals instead of communing with the living God. He tries to get me to look at things like church as habits. He tries to get my mind to wander and not to engage with God.

I need to focus on God’s love for me and my love for Him. When you love someone, you delight in what they delight in. It’s easy to serve someone you love. It’s easy to spend time with someone you love.

I need to focus on strengthening my relationship with God – that can happen anywhere and any time – and everywhere and all the time. It’s not a ritual, it’s a relationship.

I’m not getting any more time. Once a day has passed, it is gone forever. So as time marches on, perhaps I should consider lightening up and skipping through life.

Don’t just go through life but really live it. Live it hand-in-hand with the God of the universe and enjoy the journey.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-08T20:35:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is coming up in just over 2 weeks. It is time again to start to focus on all the things in my life that I am thankful for. I did a post similar to this a couple of years ago. It really helped me focus on counting my blessings.

I am thankful for my health. While it still isn’t great, it is much better than this time last year. A year ago I was struggling with a really sore foot and I was scheduled for some female surgery. My foot is much better and the surgery was a success.

I am thankful for my family. I have a great kid. She loves the Lord. She is constantly putting others needs in front of her own. She’s has a real servant’s heart.

I am thankful for godly parents who raised me in a Christian home. I am thankful that they were able to sell their farm this summer and move into an adult community. I am thankful that they are both healthy. Mom was really sick most of last winter and had me really worried.

I am thankful for a good job. I work at a really good school and I work with some really great people.

I am thankful for my church. It is a great place to worship and we have pastors who are not afraid to preach the truth.

I am thankful for heat. It has been cold at night for a couple of weeks and our furnace was broken for about three weeks.

Be sure in this upcoming Thanksgiving season that you pause and give thanks for all the blessings you have in your life.

Fake Christians

2010-11-06T00:59:00.001-04:00

I read an article tonight titled “More teens becoming ‘fake’ Christians". It was an interesting description of teenagers today.

Summary of the article:

More American teenagers are embracing what the author calls "moralistic therapeutic deism." Translation: It's a watered-down faith that portrays God as a "divine therapist" whose chief goal is to boost people's self-esteem.

She goes on to say that a lot of this is why teenagers abandon church just as soon as they can.

The author interviewed 3300 teenagers between 13 and 17. Her study included all kinds of Christians from Catholics to Protestants of both conservative and liberal denominations. 3 out of 4 teenagers claim to be Christians but fewer than 50% of those practice their faith. Most can’t talk coherently about their beliefs.

Many teenagers thought that God simply wanted them to feel good and do good.

Adults don’t expect much from youth pastors. They really just want them to keep their kids off drugs and away from premarital sex.

The author said that churches share the blame for the religious apathy that is displayed by teenagers. She says that pastors often preach a “safe” message that can bring in the most people. They are preaching a gospel of “niceness.” Meaning that God rewards those who are nice. This doesn’t teach teens (or anyone) how to face problems or tragedies.

As a church we are doing our kids a huge disservice if we don’t teach them how to deal with the problems of life. Things can and will go wrong and they need to know how to handle it.

My Thoughts:

“What does it really mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ?"

Are our churches reaching out to the lost? Are we engaging them in thought provoking discussions? Or, are we boring them to death. Are we so concerned that they won’t come back that we fail to challenge them?

Are we, as a church, seeking to involve all people by using each person’s gifts and talents? Everyone should be involved in the church. Everyone should be a contributor.

Are we praying and believing God can change not only others, but us. Do we really want a revival or are we comfortable with our church exactly the way it is? Do we really want a personal revival or are we content with who we are? Are we afraid of change?

What if a new family started coming and they “took the seat you always sit in”? Would you be mad because they took your seat or would you be excited to see a new family coming to church?

Are we, as a church, supporting and encouraging one another? Are we fellowshipping together? Are we joyful? Are we worshipping?

Are we reaching out into the community and inviting others in? Are our lives any different than the lost in the community? Is there anything about your life that would attract others to Christ?

Are we taking care of the elderly, the shut-ins, and the widows?

Are we preaching the Word? Are we discipling believers? Are we loving each other? Are we standing up for truth and righteousness?

Not many answers today. Just lots of questions to think about. Perhaps more tomorrow….

Casting Crowns – Until the Whole World Hears

I’ll pray for you

2010-10-30T23:53:00.001-04:00

I’ve been thinking this week about the seriousness of telling someone else that you will pray for him/her. When people have told you that they would pray for you, have you ever wondered if they really did? What if they didn’t? I’m not saying their intentions weren’t good…

Is the phrase, “I will pray for you,” just that….. a phrase?

A survey I found online said that only 74% of people who said they would pray for someone else actually did.

I think these words are sometimes used by people who don’t even have a relationship with God. Can the prayers of a non-Christian matter any way?

Is saying my thoughts are with you the same as I’ll pray for you. I don’t think my thoughts will help anything. However, taking your need to the throne of God and praying can make a difference.

We should never take prayer lightly. God hears all our prayers. Prayer makes a difference. When you tell someone you will pray for them, that’s like making a promise.

So, how do we keep our verbal commitment to pray? I think the best way is to go ahead and pray for that person immediately. Whatever you are doing, stop, take a minute and pray for that person or situation.

What the Word of God says about prayer:

James 5:15 “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.”

Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Matthew 21:22 “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Proverbs 15:29 “The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”

1 Peter 3:12 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”

What does it mean to pray in Jesus’ name?

2010-10-24T21:13:00.001-04:00

John 14:13-14 “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

Do you end your prayers with “In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Do you do it quickly without thinking about it? Is it kind of like a “good-bye” to God? Sort of a “so long”, “see you later”, or “over and out.” Do you really think about what it means to pray in Jesus’ name?

It’s not a magic formula that you have to add in order to get what you want. It’s not a way of saying, “I’m done praying now.” They are the words that communicate everything about what gives us the right to pray to God.

When we pray in Jesus’ name we are putting our whole faith for the answers to our prayers in His hands. It has nothing to do with who we are or what we’ve done; it’s totally about who Jesus is and what He’s done.

Praying in Jesus’ name means praying with Jesus’ authority and asking God (the Father) to answer our prayers because we come in the name of His Son.

Praying in Jesus’ name means praying according to God’s will.

1 John 5:14-15 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”

When you seek the Lord with your whole heart, your prayers will line up with His will.

He Chose to Do It

2010-10-21T08:02:00.001-04:00

No time to write this morning but I read this yesterday on Facebook and thought about it quite a bit..

"When life doesn’t make sense and things aren’t going your way - always return to who you are. You are a one-time-only, creative expression of a God who would rather die than live without you."

It still amazes me that the God of the Universe would lower himself to become a man. That He came and walked this earth with His creation. That He would willingly allow himself to be crucified on the cross for us. He didn’t have to do it. He chose to do it.

The above is quoted from Kevin and Talyor’s Facebook – 104.7 The Fish.

Be Prepared

2010-10-18T20:51:00.001-04:00

After giving the faculty devotion at the all staff meeting the beginning of October, the headmaster asked me to repeat that devotion for the October school board meeting. The day finally came for me to do that. As usual, when asked to speak in public, I got really nervous.

However, as I stated in a previous blog, it is a privilege to talk about God. Even if public speaking isn’t your gift, when given the opportunity, you need to take advantage of it and speak up for God.

1 Peter 3:15 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

If you were asked to give the reason for the hope you have, how would you answer? Would you share it willingly? Would you know what to say? Can you verbalize your testimony or the plan of salvation?

Peter wrote these verses to Jewish Christians who were being persecuted. Those of us who live in areas where we can freely share our faith need to be ready to do that and we need to take every opportunity to share. Never shy away from telling others about Jesus – no matter how nervous you get. Trust God, and “just do it.”

How are you running?

2010-10-17T20:27:00.001-04:00

In church tonight the pastor was speaking from 2 Samuel 18:18-28.

The story is about a battle that the Israelites won but in winning Absalom was killed. Absalom was King David’s son. David was anxiously awaiting news from the battlefield. Ahimazz begs Joab to let him run and tell David that they won the battle.

Ahimazz is seen by the watchman from a distance. He is recognized by the way he runs. David replies “He’s a good man. He comes with good news.”

How do people see me? Does how I live my life give credibility to my testimony? When people see me do they say I am a good person? Am I trustworthy in everything? Am I always truthful? Do I always do the right thing? Do I always do my best?

What we do and how we live will affect our reputation and that will affect our testimony. Would you be recognized by how you run? How are you running the race?

1 Corinthians 9:24 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”

Swearing

2010-10-14T20:55:00.001-04:00

I read a blog that is written by a public school superintendent. He says that one of the things he has had to deal with lately is the language being used by children as young as first grade. He says
six-year olds now use the “f bomb” frequently.

What has our society come to if our children don’t know how to speak without using four letter words. The blogger states that he doesn’t think these first graders even know it is a bad word and that they are less and less afraid of the consequences.

How did this happen? It has taken time but it is has gradually filtered down from adults to teenagers to middle school students and now it has infected our first graders.

Are Christians also involved in this? Do Christians think it is wrong to swear? I’ve heard plenty of them do it.

I think there are three main reasons why people swear.

1) They get really angry at their spouse, mom. child, boss, etc., and they just let it fly.

2) They are really insecure and in order to make themselves look tough, they hide behind curse words.

3) It’s a habit. They swear without even considering a different adjective.

I think swearing is wrong and here are my reasons:

1. Instead of swearing, we need to spend time building each other up. Ephesians 4:29- "Let nothing unwholesome come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up others, so that it might help those who listen."

2. It damages our testimony. The word Christian mean Christ-like. Unbelievers watch our conduct, attitude, and speech to see it all of that really lines up with our profession of faith.

3. Matthew 12:34 “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” If the heart is clean, how can curse words come out? If a holy God has taken up residence in your life, how can you use language that is unpleasing to Him?

4. James 1:26 “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”

5. Our words can have either a positive or a negative impact on those around us. We should be spending our time blessing instead of cursing. Psalm 34:1 “I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”

6. Ephesians 5:4 “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”

7. 1 Peter 2:1 “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”

There are other things that some people do who wouldn’t dream of swearing. Some people don’t think twice about gossiping, back-biting, telling confidential information, or using their words to cut others down. These individuals are just as wrong as the person who cusses.

Remember that you reap what you sow. Sow blessings in other peoples lives and you will be blessed.

May God richly bless you……

No Whiners

2010-10-07T22:47:00.001-04:00

How do you react when things don’t go the way you expect them to? Are you someone who steps up and puts on a positive attitude or are you a complainer? It is really easy to whine and complain.

We all have been that complainer. It is hard to always keep upbeat. It is easy to complain. It is easy to make excuses.

Is it wrong to complain? Does your complaining show an ungrateful or bitter attitude? What do you think God thinks? Can complaining lead to a worse problem? I think it causes you to lose sight of all the good things God has done for you. If you focus on negative things it will not only affect your relationship with Christ but will make you completely ineffective as a witness for Christ.

Things will go wrong in your life. That one you can bet on. You can let that thing take your eyes off of God or you can look to find a way to make things better. Focus on God’s love for you. Remember all the times God has provided for you. Keep a positive attitude and pray that God will use this situation for good in your life.

Figure out what it is in your life that brings out your “grouch” or your “whiner”? Concentrate on these areas and determine not to let that complaining spirit rear up its ugly head.

Focus on the blessings in your life. Focus on God’s love for you.

Have a great week filled with God’s love and grace.

Philippians 2:14 “Do everything without complaining or arguing,”

Ephesians 4:29 - “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Philippians 4:8-9 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:11 – 13 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Step Out in Faith

2010-10-06T19:05:00.001-04:00

I was given the “privilege” of giving the devotion at our faculty and staff meeting. (about 150 people) I used the word privilege and I do mean privilege. I am not a good public speaker. I get very nervous. However, anytime we have the opportunity to talk about God and His love for us, we need to do that.

I was a wreck. I didn’t sleep much the night before. You might be wondering why this would bother me so much. I really don’t know why it bothers me, I just know it does.

I believe that God gives us each gifts and talents and we need to use those to serve Him. I also believe that God can use us when we are outside our comfort zone – when we are doing things we aren’t necessarily gifted to do. These are the times we are driven to our knees. These are the times we show our faith in Christ when we step out in faith and believe that God will accomplish the task through us.

Want to see God work? Then attempt something that you can’t do on your own. Something you have to trust God to get you through. Step out in faith trusting God to get you through and then look back afterwards and give Him thanks. He won’t let you down.

Good Leaders are Humble

2010-09-29T21:47:00.001-04:00

I’m taking a graduate class from Liberty and we are focusing a lot on leadership. I’ve been thinking about leaders I have known and which ones were most effective. I’ve tried to think about what a good leader should be like.

One big trait that needs to be present in a good leader is humility. Humility is not understood or admired by our culture. Our culture doesn’t want a leader to look weak. Being humble and helping others is seen as a sign of weakness. Most leaders view themselves as being there to be served. They think they will lose the respect of their subordinates and their superiors if they stoop down to help others.

We say we appreciate humility in others but we rarely want it for ourselves. After all, humility is not what gets us ahead in life. We like humble people because they don’t threaten our position. They are safe to be around.

Humility is not the result of low self-esteem. If you think about Jesus, he didn’t feel inferior. Jesus never struggled with insecurity. Jesus was our model for humility.

True humility comes from inner security. Genuinely humble people are aware of their gifts, their training, their experience, and all the attributes that make them successful at what they do. That humble assessment gives them the security they need to be humble.

Humble people are so concerned with the needs of others that they don’t even notice themselves.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

What’s your thorn

2010-09-25T09:25:00.001-04:00

I was involved in a conversation this week about learning disabilities. We talked about some famous people who had learning disabilities like Alexander Graham Bell, Albert Einstein, George Patton, etc. We talked about how these people changed the world. Then a statement was made something like – think what they could have done it they hadn’t had a learning disability.

I want to tie that idea into what I was reading this morning in 2 Corinthians 12. Paul talks about his thorn in the flesh. No one really knows what this was but we know that Paul prayed repeatedly for God to take it away and yet God didn’t.

Here are verses 7 – 10.

“there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

It seems pretty apparent here that Paul believes that his thorn in flesh was to keep him dependent on God. It was to keep him humble and keep him focused. It was to remind him that he wasn’t in control of his life. It was to force him to his knees in prayer.

The end of this passage talks about Christ’s power being made perfect in our weaknesses. This is how we can thank God for the problems in our lives. Like Paul, each of us has something in our lives that we wish we didn’t have. Something that forces us to trust God. We need to be thankful for those thorns. They keep us from being prideful and arrogant. They force is to lean on God’s grace and power.

What would Paul have been like without his “thorn?” No one can really say but it is possible that he wouldn’t have been the great apostle and missionary that he was. It is possible that he wouldn’t have gone in his missionary journeys. It is possible that he could have become self-reliant rather than totally dependent on God. Remember, all of these are guesses. The point is God allowed Paul to have this “thorn” for a reason. Paul focused on God and his grace and because of that God used him in a mighty way.

Now, how does all that tie back into our discussion on learning disabilities? Each child is a unique creation by God. Each one was created exactly according to God’s plan. Each one is loved by God and has a purpose in life.

As a parent of a child with a learning disability, it is easy to pray for God to take that away. What is hard is accepting that she is that way because God created her to be that way. Accepting that God doesn’t make mistakes and that her disability is there for a reason. That reason may be unbeknownst to me but is known by God.

Her learning disability is a part of who she is. It will affect what she does and who she becomes. I believe that God has given that to her so that he can mold her into exactly who He wants her to be. So that she can accomplish His purposes for her life.

I believe that His ways are better than my ways.

⁸ "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

⁹ "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

So what is your “thorn?” Is it a learning disability, an illness, an injury? Is it unemployment, a family conflict, a bad habit?

It doesn’t really matter what it is, it is there to keep you humble. It is there to force you to rely on God and experience His power. It is there so you can experience his peace and his grace.

It is also there so that you remember Christ’s thorns. He, who was God, willingly went to the cross for you. He paid for your sin. He wore the crown of thorns and had blood running down his face for you. He endured all of that so that you could experience forgiveness and grace.

Be thankful for your thorns and for the Savior who loves you enough to let you have them.

Spiritual Discipline

2010-09-24T19:44:00.001-04:00

We are studying spiritual disciplines at school this year. The school has assigned a different discipline to each month. We look at them as a faculty and we emphasize those with our students each month.

So I got to thinking, what is discipline. Discipline is something that no one likes but that everyone admires in someone else. Discipline is hard work done for the sake of excellence.

It takes discipline to study for a test. It takes discipline to exercise each day. (please don’t go there right now!) It takes discipline to eat correctly.

Athletes exert discipline in their practice. Musicians discipline themselves to practice. It is as they practice that they get better at their sport or their music.

Do you know anyone who you really respect for their scripture memory or their walk with God. That just didn’t happen. It came with discipline.

Paul tells Timothy “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;” (1 Timothy 4:7)

Godliness is different than athletics or music. No one may know about our disciplining ourselves in godliness. It is usually done in secret and has no public performance. It’s just between you and God.

Remember that our end goal is to know God intimately.

“[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]” Philippians 3:10 Amplified Version

More thoughts on prayer

2010-09-20T20:23:00.001-04:00

I am continuing to think about the discipline of prayer. Here are some of my thoughts today …

God is never too busy, never sleeps, never ignores me, never turns His back on me, never has His mind so occupied with running the universe that He will not hear me.

I need to remember that an answer to prayer doesn’t mean He will solve my problems the way I want them to be solved. But He does hear my requests and He does respond with solutions – sometimes those solutions are quite surprising. These solutions not only address my concerns but deepen my faith in HIs wisdom and love. They strengthen my confidence in His sovereignty.

God wants good things for me. God wants to bless me. However, He can’t do that at the expense of His holiness. He may choose to deny my request for one blessing, if that refusal makes the way for a greater blessing.

The goal in prayer is not just to make my daily life easier or better or more enjoyable, but it is to lead me to intimacy with Christ. Seek intimacy with Christ and I will have everything I really need in life – including things I didn’t even know I needed.

(Notice the key word above is need not want.)

Have a great night.

More Ideas on Prayer

2010-09-18T22:57:00.001-04:00

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)

To make it simple, Paul said worry about nothing. Pray about everything.

God’s not saying “Don’t worry. Be happy.” He’s not saying that I am not supposed to care. He’s saying as I care, turn those cares over to Him. Trust Him to take care of it. He knows that troubles will come my way. It is His desire that I turn those troubles over to Him. Determine now how I am going to face the next crisis.

If I am worried, then I need to pray. If after praying I am still worried, then I need to pray some more. I need to pray until I feel the peace of God ruling my heart and mind.

Worrying is wrestling with problems on my own. Sometimes the hardest part is leaving my problem with God. I’ve prayed about it but waiting for God to answer is sometimes hard. I want to fix it myself. Giving up control over the problem it tough.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells me to pray without ceasing. I need to start my day with prayer. I need to pray throughout the day. I need to pray at each break. I need to pray at lunch. I need to pray before class and before meetings. Pray when I am disappointed. Pray when I am frustrated. Pray when I get surprised. Pray in the midst of bad news. Pray in good times. Pray about everything and all the time.

My heavenly Father loves me. He wants the best for me. He wants me to trust Him and lean on Him. He wants me to bring everything to him.

Prayer

2010-09-15T22:43:00.001-04:00

Graduate school is killing me. I work on papers every night. That has eaten up the time I usually use to write my blog. I finish my degree by Christmas. Then I feel like I will get my life back. Prayer is probably a topic I really need to think about and study. I need all the prayer I can get!

Prayer is simply talking to God. It can be audible or silent. It is collaborating with God in order to accomplish His goals in your life. This is something I sometimes forget. It is not to get God to do what I want but to change my heart towards what He wants.

When praying, I should be seeking God’s will for my life. My prayers should be God-centered. Even with praying for others or confessing sin, it should come from a heart that longs for God and His will. Prayer time should also include time for listening. I need to hear from God.

Prayer is not a bargaining session. It’s not magical. I can’t manipulate God. When I reduce prayer to a cheap marketing scheme I insult a holy and righteous God. Prayer is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Prayer is not giving God a wish list like I would a genie. Prayer is not to be painful. I should enjoy spending time with God. Prayer should not involve meaningless repetition. I am not trying to impress God with my spirituality or works. I am to seek His plan for my life and then adjust my will to match His.

Well, that’s about it for tonight. More thoughts on prayer coming soon.

Leadership Principles from the life of Moses

2010-09-07T23:16:00.001-04:00

I’ve been working on a paper on the life of Moses and what leadership principles we can gain from his life. Here’s my rough copy. Take a look and let me know what you think.

This paper on the life of Moses will reveal how God worked in him to develop him into an effective leader. Moses was born when the Israelites were living in slavery in Egypt. The Pharaoh was afraid that the Israelite population was growing too large and so he ordered all the male children to be killed. Moses’ mother places him in a basket and leaves him in the reeds along the river banks. Pharaoh’s daughter finds him and adopts him. Therefore, Moses’ gets raised in Pharaoh’s house.

As Moses grows up, he becomes distressed over the treatment of his people by the Egyptians. One day Moses sees an Egyptian beating one of the Hebrew men and he becomes so angry that kills the Egyptian. Moses flees Egypt to the desert and lives there for forty years.

The first principle of leadership is that God places a desire in a person’s heart to lead. Moses felt an emotional attachment to the Hebrew man even though he had been raised in Pharaoh’s palace. Moses’ desire to help the Israelites was placed in his heart by God.

Moses spends his next forty years in the wilderness. He had lots of time to think, reflect on his life, and pray. God hears the cries of his people in slavery in Egypt. He chooses Moses to be the one who will go to Egypt and deliver his people from Pharaoh. When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, Moses was ready to hear him. Oftentimes leaders today are too busy to take time alone with God. Without the quietness, you can’t hear God speak.

Moses has also learned humility and honesty during his time in the desert. God tells Moses to approach Pharaoh and ask for the release of his people. He also tells Moses that Pharaoh is not going to let them go on his first request. He tells Moses that if Pharaoh doesn’t let them go then He will stretch out His hand and strike Egypt with all His wonders. God tells Moses that after He stretches out His hand against Pharaoh, then Pharaoh will let them go. (Exodus 3) After receiving all his instructions from God, Moses still has a few questions. He asks God what to do if they won’t listen to him. God then has Moses pick up a serpent by the tail and it turns into a rod. Good leaders ask questions and then act on the answers. It took a great deal of faith for Moses to pick up a serpent by the tail. God gives Moses a few other signs he can use to show Pharaoh that Moses is speaking for God.

The next thing Moses does is question God’s calling on his life. He gives the excuse that he doesn’t speak well. God responds with the idea that it doesn’t matter who you are, I am with you. Moses really struggled with feeling inferior. He compared himself to others, including his brother, Aaron. Moses’ questioning angers God. God tells Moses that Aaron can go with him and be the spokesman to the people. There are two leadership principles to look at in this section. The first is when God calls you to a task; he will equip you for that task. The other is if a leader has a known weakness, then find someone who can help in that area. A leader should be surrounded by people who complement his weaknesses and who share the same vision.

Moses is eighty years old when he and his eighty-three year old brother, Aaron, go into Egypt on a rescue mission. Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh and tell him to let the Israelites go. As God predicted, Pharaoh says no. God then begins what is known as the 10 plagues that strike Egypt. The first five plagues are actually done with the rod by Aaron. God tells Moses what to tell Aaron to do. Aaron does it and Moses watches. The sixth plague Moses and Aaron work together on. The last four plagues Moses completes while Aaron watches. God uses Aaron during this time to help build Moses’ self-confidence. From now on, Moses takes the lead in everything. Leadership principle seen here is leaders sometimes have to be grown and groomed for leadership. When developing a leader, be patient but have a plan for growth.

The tenth plague finally breaks Pharaoh and he agrees to let the Israelites go. The Bible says they have been in bondage for 430 years. The Israelites start to leave but Pharaoh changes his mind and the Egyptian army is chasing them and they get stuck in front of the Red Sea. They have nowhere to go. Moses steps up, believes God, and parts the Red Sea. The Israelites cross on dry ground and then Moses stretches his hand out over the Red Sea and the waters come back and drown the army. In Exodus 14:13, Moses speaks with calmness in the midst of the crisis. “And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.” Good leaders take charge in a crisis and are a calming presence.

Exodus chapter 15 is about the celebration that followed their successful escape. Good leaders celebrate the victories with their people. Good leaders also recognize God’s hand of protection. God decides to take the Israelites on a journey that will take them a long time to complete. God is testing their patience and their faithfulness. The Israelites are barely gone from Egypt when they start to complain. They complain about food and God supplies manna for them. Then they complain about water and Moses strikes the rock. Again, God provides for their needs as water flows from the rock. Good leaders don’t let whiners and complainers frustrate them. Also, good leaders trust God to provide for them.

During their time in the wilderness, God wanted to see if His people would keep His laws and commandments. So God calls Moses to come to the top of Mount Sinai and meet with Him. No one else is permitted to come. God tells Moses what the Ten Commandments are going to be. Moses delivers that news to the people and then goes back up on the mountain for forty days and nights. During this time, God writes the commandments on stone tablets. He also gives Moses some specific directions for building the tabernacle. During this time, the people grow impatient and start complaining again. Then they build the golden calf. God’s becomes furious and wants to wipe them out. Moses pleads to God on their behalf. Moses comes down the mountain and sees the golden calf and now he becomes furious. Moses breaks the stone tablets. Then he destroys the golden calf. Moses speaks to the people and tells them to choose a side to stand on. God kills everyone who doesn’t choose to stand on his side. Moses goes back up the mountain and gets replacement tablets. While Moses is up on the mountain this time, God passes by him and allows Moses to see His back. The leadership principles here include God desires intimacy from his people but especially those who lead. Leaders must take some time to separate themselves from the crowd. Leaders are watched and analyzed by the public. Leaders must stand for what is right even if everyone else is on the other side.

The saddest part of the story of Moses is that he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. The Bible says that the reason Moses could not enter the promised land was because he struck the rock when God to him to speak to the rock to bring forth water. Striking the rock was disobedience to a specific command by God. The leadership principle here is when God gives you a specific command, do exactly what you are told. Disobedience causes people to miss out on blessings.

References

Bradley, M. (2008). Lessons from the story of Moses. Bible-Knowledge.com, retrieved from http://www.bible-knowledge.com/lessons-from-the-story-of-moses/

Maxwell, J. & Elmore, T. (Eds.). (2007). The maxwell leadership bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

I wish …

2010-08-31T22:28:00.001-04:00

I fell into the trap of the “I wishes “ today. This is a trap that Satan uses to defeat Christians. It causes us to focus on things that either can’t happen or aren’t currently happening. It wastes our time and makes us inefficient. It makes us be discontented with where the Lord has us today. Our focus is on ourselves and not on the Lord.

Philippians 4:12 –13 ”I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

To be content means to be satisfied with what I am and what I have. My life is completely in God’s control. He is all knowing, all powerful, all present, and all loving. I can trust God and I can trust that He wants the best for me.

It’s hard to keep all that in mind when bad stuff happens. I don’t understand why some things happen to me and not to others. I also don’t understand why some things happen to others and not to me. How does God choose who He spares? How does He decide who gets cancer? Who gets hit by a drunk driver? These are all things I don’t understand and I may never understand.

All I know is I trust that God loves me and wants the best for me.

So, when the “I wishes” come along, I need to replace them with I am satisfied, I am content, I am trusting God.

Good night.

Phil 2: 1-4

2010-08-29T22:44:00.001-04:00

I don’t usually use The Message but I found this interpretation of these verses to be refreshing.

“If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” Philippians 2:1-4 The Message

Have a great week.

Burn Out or Rust Out

2010-08-28T23:53:00.005-04:00

.
I had a hard week at work. Lots and lots to do. Three days this week I stayed at school for about 12 hours. By the time I got to Friday, there wasn’t much left to give. I struggled just to get through the day.

I was reminded of a sermon I heard one time that revolved around Romans 12:11 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” The pastor made the statement that the Christian may burn out but he must not rust out. He was trying to motivate people to get involved in ministry.

However, as I thought about that this week, I realized that was terrible advice. Whether you burn out or rust out, you are out. Out of what --- out of the race, out of your pursuit to become Christlike, you've lost your ability to make a difference. (You have not lost your salvation.) When you burn out from exhaustion, you are tense, angry, demanding, and resentful. You end up doing more harm than good for the kingdom.

So again, I am back to the need for pulling away and finding some solitude. Jesus did it. I need to do it.

As I looked at my schedule it was hard to find time. I started walking my dog at 6:00 am (before I leave for work). It’s good for him. It’s good for me – both physically and spiritually. It’s quiet and peaceful and starts my day out with calmness.

Take care of yourself. You can’t minister to others if you are burned out.
.

Still trying to “Be Still”

2010-08-23T20:23:00.001-04:00

I am continuing to look at the idea of “being still” or in other words silence. What happens when we are silent?

Proverbs 2 tells about all the things that if we cease, God will reveal.

The opposite is also true. If I refuse to “be still”, then I may gain some knowledge about God but I will not “know” God. It is through times of silence and stillness that He speaks and reveals Himself.

Romans 8:16 (The Message) “God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children”

Proverbs 4:23 (The Message) “Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts.”

Above everything else, guard my heart. Preserve it and keep it sensitive towards the Lord. From it will come decisions and characteristics that will define who I am and what I want to do. God will transform my heart to be more like Him and to more fully reflect His character. Sustained periods of quietness are necessary in order for that to happen.

My responsibility is to find time away from the TV, the computer, the iPod, and everything else that makes “noise” in my life. Alone and quiet in stillness and solitude, listen and wait for God to lead.

As I am still before God, the problems that weighted me down become smaller and smaller before God. He calms my spirit. He frees me from worry. He gives a sense of peace.

Most people are afraid of silence. They see it as empty and hollow. It is like a great hole that they have fallen into. They count the seconds until the silence will be over.

These kinds of people are shallow. They have no depth to their lives. As a Christian, we need that depth. We need to be deeply and intimately known by God. It is from this depth that ministry flows. You can’t reach out to others unless you have something to give.

Make an effort to find time to “be still”. You won’t regret it.

What would you do?

2010-08-20T22:20:00.001-04:00

There are some things that I am very skeptical about. One of those is people who approach me and ask me for money. I had taken my daughter to the pet store after school today to get some supplies. When we exited the store, a lady approached me. She seemed nice but sad and depressed. She was probably in her mid-30s. She said that she was $5 short on her rent at the Extended Stay across the road. She said that she and her 11 year old were not going to have any place to stay if she couldn’t come up with $5. She apologized for bothering us but said she didn’t know what to do.

I looked in her eyes and I believed her. I dug out my wallet and I asked her if she was sure the money was going to go for rent. She assured me that it was. I gave her all I had - $7. ( I never carry much cash.) She was very grateful. I thought she was going to cry. As we walked to our car and made our way across the parking lot, I watched her walk across the road and back to the Extended Stay.

I have no way of knowing if she was being honest with me or not. I don’t know if she needed rent money or if she was just panhandling. I only know that I did what I thought was right.

You never know who God will put in your path to help. Look for them and look for opportunities to bless others.

Eternity

2010-08-18T00:37:00.001-04:00

Couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d blog. Why do I blog….some reasons are to keep a record of what God has been teaching me, reminding me, reinforcing in my life. So I can read it and be encouraged and so I can share those thoughts and ideas with others.

I’ve had a lot of thoughts about eternity this week. School started on Monday but it was also Monday when we lost one of our fellow teachers to cancer. We also lost one of our school’s alumni this week to a tragic accident. So, lots of news and none of it would be considered good news.

Everyone has to make their decision on what they believe about eternity. I think it is this belief that determines how people live while here.

The Bible doesn’t give a lot of details about heaven. We know it is a wonderful place. We know we want to go there. What else do I know…

Here’s a few things I know about eternity.

** As a believer, I can face death without fear

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57
Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

** As a believer, I will enter the Lord’s presence at death.

2 Corinthians 5:8
Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.

Philippians 1:22-23
But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.

** As a believer, I will dwell with God forever.

Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

** As a believer, Jesus is preparing a special place for me in heaven.

John 14:1-3
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

** As a believer, heaven will be a better place for me than earth.

Philippians 1:21
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Revelation 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!”

** As a believer, I will receive a crown in heaven.

2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

I’m sure I’ve left out a few things. What do you think of when you think of eternity or heaven?

You are God Alone

2010-08-17T21:25:00.001-04:00

I had this song on my mind today… Listen to the music but pay attention to the words.

God is unchangeable, unshakeable, unstoppable.

Conversation with God

2010-08-14T09:38:00.001-04:00

Saturday morning is not a normal time for me to write. I love sleeping in on Saturday mornings. I look forward to it all week. I stay up too late and get up too early throughout the week and so Saturday is my time to “catch up” on my rest.

This morning I woke up about 7:30 with all kinds of things racing through my mind that I needed to get done. I couldn’t believe that I was awake. I’ve been putting in long hard days the last two weeks at work. The last thing I wanted to do was get up early on Saturday.

However, as I laid in bed and thought of all I needed to accomplish, another thought kept coming in my mind. That was, “Be Still.” God does not speak to me in audible voices and yet I knew this was God trying to get me to focus.

If it had been an audible conversation, here’s how it would have gone:

Be still

I don’t have time to be still. I have the laundry to do, my kitchen is a mess, and the house needs cleaned.

Be still

Beth needs highlighters. I need to take her and make sure she has all her school supplies.

Be still

Oh, yeah. I have to reorder her shoes today. They came and they were too big.

Be still

I forgot to set up the calendars on the network for the teachers to sign up to use the lab. I’ve got to log onto the network and get that done today. Oh, yeah - lesson plans. I need to work on those. Wonder what else I am forgetting to do for Monday.

Be still

God, I don’t have time to be still. Obviously, I woke up early so I could get more done today. I need to go shopping and find some new school clothes and I need a haircut.

Be still

We need groceries. I wonder what Randy wants to eat this week. I could cook some stuff today and we could eat leftovers each night. It’s going to be hectic week.

Be still

I will “be still” later, God. Right now I need to make a “to do” list. I have a lot to accomplish today. I really need to get up and get going.

BE STILL

Okay, you don’t need to yell. You’ve got my attention.

As I began to focus on God, He began to impress on my mind the need to “be still” not just with my body but with my mind and my heart. Being still shows my faith and trust are in God. God is in control of my situation. God is my source of strength. Relax. Be quiet. Quit worrying. Do nothing. Don’t panic. Cease everything. Listen to God. Quiet my heart……

Focus on God. Draw strength from Him. Allow him to shoulder my burdens and prioritize my life. I still have things to do today but none of them more important than my time with God. I shouldn’t allow any of my “to do” list to stress me out. Things really aren’t as urgent as they seem. This does not mean I don’t still need to take care of my household responsibilities. It just means, relax, breathe deep, and let God walk with me through the day.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

Going Through the Motions

2010-08-10T20:38:00.001-04:00

Proverbs 2: 1 – 5

¹My son, if you will receive my words
         And treasure my commandments within you,
²Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
         Incline your heart to understanding;
³For if you cry for discernment,
         Lift your voice for understanding;
⁴If you seek her as silver
         And search for her as for hidden treasures;
⁵Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
         And discover the knowledge of God.

I added the bold to the above words. All of these point to our responsibilities. If you do these things. If you are willing to pay the price. If you are willing to do the hard work.

Then, and only then, you will see what the knowledge of God means. Then you will understand what it means to know God. What it means to be in an intimate relationship with the infinite God.

We are to search with diligence and be ready to see whatever it is that God has to show us. We need to ask God to open our eyes and allow us to see all the things He has for us.

Now let me go back to the verse I looked at last time “progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him,” (Philippians 3:10)

How do I do this? I go to church. I go to Sunday School. I take notes on the sermons. I have notebooks full of the notes I’ve taken. I sing the worship songs. Isn’t all that enough?

Actually, no. that’s not enough. Going through the motions is not the same as intimacy with Christ. I need to prioritize my life so that everything I do puts Jesus first. I have responsibilities in this relationship. I need to seek God with my whole heart. I need to keep my mind and heart open to what God wants for me.

The lyrics in the video below talk about this idea of just Going Through the Motions

Continually Transformed

2010-07-30T21:10:00.001-04:00

I was thinking some more about spiritual discipline. I am an organized person. I make lists about everything and then work to complete those tasks. You can’t really do that with God.

You can’t put godliness on a schedule. You can develop godly habits. As you execute those habits you will grow in Christlikeness. As time passes on you will discover that the things that were hard to remember to do will gradually become easier. They become part of your routine. You discipline your self to time in prayer, time in the Word, and time in fellowship. As these become a habit, you begin to look forward to these activities. You long to spend time with Christ. you miss it when it doesn’t happen.

Remember the verse I looked at the last time I wrote. Philippians 3:10:

“¹⁰[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death”

Notice the words continually transformed that I bolded above. Becoming like Christ is a journey not a destination. Plan on the journey taking a lifetime to accomplish and try to enjoy the process.

What’s your purpose?

2010-07-28T21:00:00.001-04:00

I went to the dentist yesterday. I hate going to the dentist but it is one of those necessary things that you have to do. No cavities – that was the good news. However, he said I don’t floss enough. Rats – didn’t think he’d notice that I’d been a little lax on that this summer. I didn’t notice. It’s one of those details that can escape my attention. It’s a discipline.

Discipline – what an ugly word. No one likes to talk about discipline. It takes discipline to do those things we really need to do but don’t really feel like it all the time.

Seeking intimacy in my relationship with God also requires discipline. It takes determination. If I want to live my life as Christ-intends then I have to make some hard choices, do some hard work, but it yields the joy that comes from walking with Christ.

1 Tim 4:7 talks about “training ourselves for godliness.” It is like an athlete preparing for competition. It takes conditioning and preparation. Also – no one else can do it for you.

If I am training for godliness – what is godliness? How do I define it? I need to know what the goal is. I think the best way to describe godliness is to be Christlike. Not that we can be perfect – we can’t. We can seek to make our actions and attitudes match Christ’s.

Keep in mind that there is nothing you can do to make you more accepted by the Father. Once you have accepted Christ into your life, you are loved and accepted. He has already done it all for you.

So what’s the discipline for…. Philippians 3:10 talks about our purpose being to know Christ. Below is this verse from the Amplified Version:

So I want to be more like Christ…. that won’t happen by just hanging around a church, or thinking lofty thoughts, or memorizing more scripture. I will take more than that. It will take determination. It will take discipline. It will take focused thinking. It will take modeling the life of Christ. It will take hard work. It will involve mistakes, heart-ache, and yet will yield immeasurable joy.

Want to join me and make it your purpose to really know Christ…

Want more of the fruits ….

2010-07-27T19:55:00.001-04:00

Do you ever read about the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5 and think something like – yeah right – who could be like that?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Gal 5:22

Do you exhibit these in your life? Do you have more self-control than the non-Christians you know? Are you more faithful than the Mormons you know? (They are always going door-to-door in our neighborhood.)

Do you know what it is like to be filled with joy? Do you experience peace in every day life? Do you respond with kindness to others, no matter how they treat you?

I got mad in rush hour traffic this afternoon because as we waited to turn left at a light, dozens of cars were going past us and then cutting in. It probably cost us an extra 10 minutes on our commute. I was really angry – yet did it really matter? So I was 10 minutes later getting home – big deal.

Does it bother you that God lives in you (if you are a Christian) and yet your life is not much different than the world around you?

How can I make it different? I can’t make myself love more. I can’t make myself more patient. I can’t do it myself.

That’s why they are called fruits of the Spirit. They are the result of a life that is completely turned over to Christ. Spend time in prayer and talk to the Father about it. As you develop that relationship and focus on that, the fruits will come. Spend time with the one you want to model your life after. The more time you spend with Him, the more like Him you will become.

Want more of the fruits ….. spend time with the fruit giver.

Which person are you?

2010-07-25T18:20:00.001-04:00

There are people who accept Christ but really don’t want to live for him. They are just afraid of hell. So they say the prayer, ask Jesus in to their heart, receive their get-out-of-hell-free card, and then continue doing whatever they want.

They want just a little bit of Jesus. Enough to “spiritualize” their lives. However, they don’t want anything about their lives to change.

These people haven’t genuinely repented. Repentance involves acknowledging that you have sinned and desiring to change your life. People who just want to “add a little God” to their lives don’t understand what God requires. We are called to give up everything and follow Christ. Jesus didn’t die on the cross to follow us. He died on the cross for us to follow Him.

If all I am seeking to do is live a moral life and go to church somewhat regularly, then I don’t really need the power of God to do that. You only need the power of God if you desire to live a life of obedience. You can’t live a changed obedient life on your own power. When you seek to do everything He has commanded, you will need Christ’s power living in you. When you want to turn your back on sin and selfishness, and seek to walk with Christ, he will be there to help you.

Do you see the difference in these two kinds of lives? One wants to use God for his purposes. The other wants to be used by God for His purposes.

Which person are you?

Never alone

2010-07-24T11:42:00.001-04:00

I’ve been reading the book Forgotten God by Francis Chan. It has caused me to think about a couple of things. Here’s one idea - we sometimes forget that when we have accepted Christ, the Spirit of God indwells us. I’ve heard that lots of times but I don’t usually think a lot about it.

Stop now and take a minute and consider it - God chooses to live in you. You are a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.

As I go through each day, I need to remember that God lives in me. When I get tired and stressed, remember God lives in me. My situation doesn’t have to define me. I have the power of God living in me.

I know this sounds really trivial but it is crucial to my walk with God. I am never alone. He is always with me and living in me. I am a temple of the Holy Spirit.

God Surprised Me

2010-07-23T18:58:00.001-04:00

If you have been following my blog for any length of time, you will know that I have had a lot of problems with my foot. These problems have been ongoing for about three years. I have tried several pairs of new shoes, at least 4 different types of orthotic inserts, a night splint, exercises, a walking cast (twice), a cast, and a wheel chair. All the treatments also had to take into account the fact that I am diabetic and have to be careful with my feet.

Around Christmas, our seventeen year-old daughter started talking to us about taking a vacation this summer. She really wanted to go to New England. We had talked about it a couple of years ago but couldn’t seem to make the details work out for the trip. We discussed it and talked about how fast she is growing up and it won’t be long before she won’t want to go with us or won’t be able to go with us.

So, I started praying that God would allow my foot to get better by summer. I really didn’t want anything to interfere with our fun. In May, my podiatrist tried a new orthotic in my shoe. When I went back in the first week of June, my foot was greatly improved. She told me to test it and start walking more – on soft surfaces. I was excited.

We left for New England on June 27th and I was walking. I was able to do everything we had planned – including a hike that was about 3 miles long. (That was the longest walk I had been able to take in about 3 years.) We went to the Baseball Hall of Fame, The Norman Rockwell Museum, Franconian Notch State Park, Acadia National Park, whale watching, a wildlife park, Bunker Hill Monument (I didn’t hike the stairs but they did), USS Constitution, toured Fenway Park, Boston’s Science Museum, Old North Church, Plimouth Plantation, Cape Cod, and the Marine Biology Lab at Wood’s Hole. Lots of fun but lots of walking.

All of that is to say that I prayed for my foot to get well in time to do all of this. It did ---- and I was surprised. Why was I surprised? Was it a lack of faith? Why didn’t I pray for it to get better sooner?

I still have to be careful with the foot. It doesn’t hold up well when I walk on cement floors – like Walmart or Home Depot. A trip there can be a real killer.

So my advice, when you pray for something, have faith, trust God, and don’t be surprised when He answers you. He loves you and wants the best for you..

My Life is too Loud!

2010-07-22T21:09:00.001-04:00

I work in technology. Everyone in my line of work has a cell phone. My phone can make calls, send and receive email from three different accounts, and send and receive text messages. I can go on the internet, update my Facebook and Twitter accounts on it and use it as a GPS. I can view and update my calendar and my to-do list on it. It’s an amazing device. When I’m done with all of that, I have snail mail from home and work to deal with. This is very typical of the world we are living in. It is hard to focus. It is hard to pay attention to anything or anyone without being distracted.

This problem can affect my spiritual life. It is hard to really get alone and “Be Still” before God. It is hard to close out everything around me. No music, no TV, no PC, no phone, etc… It is hard to intentionally take myself away from all of these things and focus on prayer, on Bible Study, on meditating on Scripture.

Jesus didn’t have all these things interfering in his life. However, he did have multitudes of people always fighting for a minute of his time. Somehow he was able to remove himself from the distractions to spend quality time with the Father. He was able to do this because He chose to. He made it a priority. We can do the same thing. We just have to choose to unplug ourselves from the world.

It is a spiritual discipline to be still, to listen, and to cut off all the distractions in my life. It is in the stillness that I can develop intimacy with my Father. Quiet my mind. Quiet my heart. Not think about work. (That one is hard for me.) Focus on God. Focus on His love for me. Focus on His faithfulness.

Try it. I will.

I’m back and I have questions ….

2010-07-21T21:24:00.004-04:00

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I wasn’t planning to take a break for that long but I guess it was good. I had a great summer.

Here’s some questions I have been thinking about:

1. Is my life too safe and too easy?

It is in the hard times that I have seen God work.

2. Is there a difference between knowing God and being known by God?

Would God say I know Carol Horner? What would he say about me? Am I confident that God would say, “She’s my daughter and I love her.” Is my relationship with God that intimate or is it just on the surface.

3. Do I believe that I live not for my own pleasure but to help people know Jesus? Do I live like this?

Many people like to “show off” what God is doing in their lives because it makes them look good. It is self-glorification and pride. Matthew 5:16 says to let your light shine before others so they will see your good works and give the glory to God.

4. Am I truly seeking Christ with my whole heart and desiring to grow in obedience to Him?

How would you answer these questions?

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Lukewarm Christians

2010-06-11T23:19:00.001-04:00

I’ve been reading “Crazy Love” by Francis Chen. I have been challenged by some ideas on Lukewarm Christians.

The following are excerpts from that book:

Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe “good Christians” do, so they go.

Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church … as long as it doesn’t impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so.

Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives.

Lukewarm people don’t usually want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don’t genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don’t really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one.

Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not assume such action is for “extreme” Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call “radical” what Jesus expected of His followers.

Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion.

Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and He is indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn’t allowed to control their lives.

Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn’t really possible for the average person; it’s only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.

Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached.

Lukewarm people will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give.

Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often that eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today’s to-do list, this week’s schedule, and next month’s vacation. Rarely, if ever. do they intently consider the life to come.

Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. They are quick to point out, “Jesus never said money is the root of all evil, only the love of money is.” Untold numbers of lukewarm people feel “called” to minister to the rich; very few feel “called’ to minister to the poor.

Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to do the bare minimum, to be “good enough” without it requiring too much of them.

Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God.

Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church. made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America.

Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don’t have to trust God if something unexpected happens – they have their savings account. They don’t need God to help them – they have their retirement plan in place. They don’t genuinely seek out what life God would have them live – they have life figured and mapped out. They don’t depend on God on a daily basis – their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn’t much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God.

Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren’t very different from your typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness, but they couldn't be more wrong.

Are you feeling challenged yet?

If you want to read more on these ideas, read the book – Crazy Love.

John Wooden

2010-06-05T22:01:00.001-04:00

The world lost a good man when John Wooden died. He is best known for leading UCLA to ten national basketball championships. Wooden focused on teaching lessons of character and doing things the right way.

Below is a video that was recorded in 2001. Listen to his wise words. He was amazing. He was about 90 years old when he recorded this interview.

Love God, or Fear God?

2010-06-02T22:58:00.001-04:00

Which is it – fear God or Love God …..

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)

“Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.” (Deuteronomy 10:20)

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)

The fear that is spoken of in the Bible is to have a reverential awe of God.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:7)

We need to understand who God is so that we can develop a reverential fear of Him. Without that fear, we can’t have true wisdom. That wisdom comes only from knowing that God is holy, just, and righteous.

“And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,” Deuteronomy 10:12

Fear of God is the basis for loving him. Fear of God leads us to serve God. Fear of God also includes understanding how much God hates sin. It means understanding that God is a just God and that He has to hold people accountable for their actions.

As a believer, we have no reason to be scared of God. We know that He loves us. We know that Jesus’ blood is payment for our sins. We know that nothing can separate us from the love of God. We know that He will never leave us or forsake us.

Fearing God should impact the way we live our lives. We need to live lives of obedience and respect.

To fear God is to love God. To love God is to fear God. They go hand in hand.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
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Take up your cross

2010-05-18T23:11:00.001-04:00

What does it mean to “take up your cross?”

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

For the disciples. the cross was not a necklace. It was not an ornament. It was not even a symbol. It was a lifestyle. It was the willingness to follow Jesus in every thing and in every area of their lives.

For us to do that, we must surrender our lives completely to Christ. We must set aside our desires and put others first. It means getting rid of selfishness.

We must have complete faith in Christ and loyalty to Him – no matter what it costs us.

“taking up our cross” is a total buy-in to the lifestyle and way of Jesus. It is making our character match the character of Jesus. It is considering what He would do in every situation. It is being completely “sold out” to Christ.

When Jesus used the phrase “pick up your cross”, he was letting us know that following him won’t be easy. There will be times that you are going to want to quit, deny him, run away, etc… There are going to be times in your life when not following Him would be much easier.

Day by day, moment by moment, make a consistent, constant choice to follow Him. Cutting corners, little white lies, “going with the flow” are simply not acceptable.

God calls us to a life of obedience and self-sacrifice but the rewards will be great.

To Wesleyan’s Class of 2010

2010-05-13T21:27:00.001-04:00

I sat and looked through the yearbook. I reminisced about a lot of you. I met many of you during your freshman year. You entered high school with high hopes and dreams. Many of you struggled with the transition to high school but you persevered and made it through.

As I looked at each picture I did not think about what you have accomplished or how you have performed. In fact, I taught many of you but I have no memory of what your grades were. That’s not what remains important in my mind. My thoughts are based simply on who you are. What values do you represent? As a Wesleyan graduate, you should be a person of integrity, honor, joy, and purpose. If you haven’t picked up those values, then you’ve missed what Wesleyan is all about.

God has a specific and special plan for each one of you. He has his hands on your lives. As a class you are blessed with a lot of great abilities and talents. Hold each other up and accountable as you move forward.

Remember to keep balance in your lives. Studies are important but they aren’t everything.

Never forget to give back to others. Be a servant. Bring joy to the lives of the people around you.

You are abundantly blessed. You come from great families. Families that loved you enough to send you to Wesleyan. A lot of your families did that at great sacrifice. Never forget that they love you and want the best for you.

As you move on with a new chapter in your lives, I pray that you will abound more and more in the true knowledge of God and His Word. I pray that you will grow in discernment so that you will make the wisest choices and decisions. And my final prayer for you is that you would live your lives to bring honor and glory to God. After all, that’s what really matters. (Philippians 1:9-11)

May God richly bless you.

Congratulations Class of 2010!

Leaving a Legacy

2010-05-09T19:03:00.001-04:00

Wow – I can’t believe it has been 10 days since I last posted something. Things have been really busy. In the last 2 weeks my husband had a birthday, I had a birthday, today is Mother’s Day, I had an MRI, and I spent 2 days out of town visiting some other schools.

I’m reading a book for graduate school. It is not one of my favorites and I am struggling to get through it.

Life is just really busy. I haven’t had trouble carving out time to read my Bible but I haven’t really taken the time to really meditate on what I’ve read. It is in that meditating, thinking, researching, cross referencing that I learn the most. I also digest it as I write about it. I need to write this blog – it is really for my growth.

So – what am I going to write about today.

I have been thinking about leaving a spiritual legacy. What can I do that will effect future generations.

This week a former student left me a birthday wish on my facebook and said “you are part of the reason that I am a teacher today.” I can’t begin to tell you what that meant to me. He was an amazing young man when he was in high school. I was his high school algebra 2 teacher. He worked hard but struggled. I spent a lot of extra time with him that year and we got through it. I am sure he is an excellent teacher as he understands how hard some kids have to work to learn.

Proverbs 13:22 talks about leaving an inheritance for your children and their children. There are different things you can do to leave a legacy.

- talk to your children about Jesus
- live a godly life (all the time)
- build your life upon Scriptural principles
- let your good deeds shine forth and touch the people around you
- share your faith in Christ with others
- share the wisdom you have gained through the years with others. Spend time with young people.
- Be involved in your local church. Do what you can to make it a beacon of truth in your community.
- be a blessing to the people in your community

Now the big question – how do I find time to do this?

That’s the one I am struggling to find the answer to.

How can God forget?

2010-04-29T23:18:00.001-04:00

God is perfect. God is infinite. God is all knowing. How can God forget?

"Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." (Hebrews 10:17)

"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” (Isaiah 43:25)

How can God forget? Actually the Bible says that He will remember our sins no more. That is an act of His will. He chooses not to remember.

When we confess our sins, we are forgiven by God. It is as if they never happened. He promises that He will throw them as far as the east is from the west and never again remember them. (Psalm 103:12)

God is eternal. He is not limited by time or space. God already knows the beginning and the end. He know my entire life – past, present, and future. When I accepted Christ as my Savior, the blood of Christ was applied to my life and it covered all my sin – past, present, and future. It became like they never happened.

God can remove them from his memory – after all nothing is too difficult for God. He purposefully chooses not to remember my sin.

I can be assured that my slate is wiped clean. He will never go back and bring up something that I asked forgiveness for. He won’t throw them back in my face. He won’t hold them over my head. They are forgiven and He treats me like they never happened.

“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” (Psalm 32:1)

Do you have any thoughts on this subject?

Who is worse – Tiger or Ben

2010-04-24T20:29:00.001-04:00

I overheard a conversation where they were trying to decide who was worse – Ben or Tiger. Tiger had multiple affairs as a married man. Yes – he cheated on his wife but he didn’t force people to have sex with him. Ben, while not married, forced young ladies to have sex with him. How do you judge which is worse?

Neither is worse. Both are sins in the eyes of God. Sin carries the same consequence. Sin separates us from God. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death…” Every sin will lead us to hell if we don't have the grace and forgiveness of Jesus.

“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” James 2:10

Every sin can also be forgiven. 1 John 1:7 tells us “The blood of Jesus purifies us from every sin.”

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

So the only conclusion I can draw is that both Ben and Tiger need to commit their lives to Christ. Only then can they receive forgiveness of their sin and move on with their lives.

Ben Roethlisberger

2010-04-22T22:50:00.001-04:00

I have been a Steeler fan my entire life. I have always appreciated the fact that they are a “classy” organization. They don’t put up with guys who don’t behave themselves.

For that reason, it is time for them to say good-bye to their all star quarterback. Ben has disgraced the city, the game, the fans, the NFL, and himself.

The fact that he is not being charged in a crime is irrelevant to me. There seems to be plenty of evidence that he is guilty of sexual assault and rape. This seems to be true not just in Milledgeville, GA but other places, as well.

This is not the place to recount all that he has done and who said what. I can say that the Bible says that we are to avoid even the appearance of evil. A multi-millionaire super star needs to be very careful with everything he does. He cannot believe that it won’t come out. He is always in the spot light.

We should all live like we are in the spot light. After all God sees all that we do. There’s nothing we can hide from him.

Live above reproach. Live in a way that represents the Savior well. Live like you know God is watching your every step. Be an example to the world around you. You are to be salt and light to a crooked an evil generation.

For all these reasons, please Mr. Rooney, trade Ben. Select someone worthy of the admiration of our children. We need men with strong character to cheer for. We need to be proud of the lifestyles of our players. We should be proud for our kids to wear their jerseys and look up to them. Dump Ben and get us a real man.

“Avoid every kind of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 )

“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (Ephesians 4:1)

The amazing blood

2010-04-20T20:55:00.001-04:00

I usually have some idea of what my post is going to develop into when I start. Tonight I’m not sure. We had a discussion in our Sunday School class about the blood of Christ and that got me thinking about the topic quite a bit.

Blood = life

We can’t live without blood. physically or spiritually

The blood cleanses, nourishes, and allows for growth. (both physically and spiritually)

Blood is what makes the Scriptures come alive. “For the word of God is living and active.” (Hebrews 4:12)

It was the blood of the sacrifice that made the atonement in the Old Testament.

“For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life.” (Leviticus 17:11)

The animals which they killed as offerings for sin had to be spotless - without blemish (Ex. 12:5; Lev. 1:3,10 ). These pointed forward to Christ, "a lamb without blemish" (1 Peter 1:19).

The blood of those animals therefore represented that of Christ. They were accepted as sacrifices for sin insofar as they pointed forward to Christ's perfect sacrifice, which God knew he would make.

Adam sinned and that tainted his blood. He was now going to die. He passed that tainted blood on to his offspring. It has been passed on to all people through all generations.

“Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.” (Romans 5:18)

The virgin birth was a necessity because otherwise sin would have been passed on to Jesus. He had to have pure blood, be free from sin, in order to sacrifice his life for us. Without the virgin birth, there is no forgiveness of sin.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

The thing that continually amazes me is how God had it all planned from the beginning of time. He created Adam knowing he would have to send Jesus to save us. He knew from the beginning of time that Jesus would have to shed His blood and it was that blood that would save us and provide eternal life. The fact that God loves me that much that he would allow me to be created knowing what it would cost. How do you comprehend that love?

“Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!” (Romans 5:9)

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace” (Ephesians 1:7)

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)

“and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:20)

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19)

No one ever spoke this way

2010-04-19T22:06:00.001-04:00

"No one ever spoke the way this man does," the guards declared (John 7:46)

What were the wild things that Jesus said that caused the temple guard not to bring him in?

Perhaps these were some of the sayings …..

“All power is given to me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18)

"I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (John 3:7)

“unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (Luke 13:3)

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” (Matthew 5:44)

"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Matthew 16:15)

“In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

No one else spoke like this. No one else could. What do you think about what Jesus said? Do you believe them? Do they effect your life? What will you do with what Jesus said?

Ideas came from a sermon by Mark Davis – Yellow River Baptist Church

It’s a done deal

2010-04-16T22:25:00.001-04:00

Forgiveness is a real need for a lot of people today.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

The kind of people that Jesus was talking about were those who felt burdened by the effort that they believe it takes to attain salvation. Jesus offers rest in place of feeling “weary and burdened.” We find that rest by coming to Him, which means believing in Him.

That’s all we need to do – believe. Everything else has already been completed. That’s the reason Jesus could say that His yoke is “easy” and His burden is “light”. It’s because He has accomplished the work of salvation for us. It’s a done deal. He took the burden of sin upon himself. The blood of Jesus covers all our sin. There’s nothing we can possibly add to that. Salvation is a gift from God, it does not come by anything we can do.

We follow a God that is gentle and humble in heart. He wants everyone to come to believe in him. He is slow to anger and is not willing that any should perish.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15)

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Who’s in Control

2010-04-09T09:34:00.001-04:00

I am an organized take-charge kind of person. I am a wife and a mother. I keep our household running, keep the bills paid, make sure everyone has something to eat and wear, and I keep up with everyone’s schedule.

I am a school administrator. I run my department, manage projects, manage a budget, and take care of all kinds of issues. I am an intelligent and hard working woman.

I am organized. I am scheduled. I like to keep lists of things to do to stay on track. I am in in charge. I am in control.

This week I have been thinking about how stupid that assumption is. I am only in control as God permits me to be. God is ultimately in control of everything. It is really arrogant of me to think that I am in control. I have no right to take on that responsibility. I have no reason to worry about some of the fundamental things of my life.

“So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:31-35

This doesn’t give me a license to live irresponsibly. I still need to “take care of business”. However, it does remove the stress when I think about God being there all the time to see me through. I can make decisions with the confident assurance that if things don’t work out the way I planned, that God has a better plan in place.

I need to go back to the 2 greatest commandments. Am I loving God with all my mind, heart, and soul? Am I loving my neighbor as myself? Am I placing a priority on relationships? Am I ascribing to God the power that is His alone? Am I taking care of myself – my body and mind are a gift from God.

Lots to think about ………..

“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

“The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;” Psalm 24:1

“Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

Resting and Reflecting

2010-04-06T22:35:00.001-04:00

I was struggling with thinking through some topics to write about and so I took a break for a few days. Not a break from Scripture or thinking but just a break from writing.

I am back in two shoes – that’s good news. However, my foot still hurts each evening and morning. In case you haven’t been reading my blog, I’ve struggled with plantar fasciitis. I’ve gone through splits, shots, exercises, walking boot, and a cast with a wheel chair. It is good to walk and it teaches you to count your blessings for some of the small things in your life that you take for granted each day.

Lots of good things here. The weather is beautiful. Baseball season has started and the Braves won their opener. My daughter’s soccer season is almost over.

Take some time to focus on the small details in your life. There are so many things to be thankful for. Rest, reflect, give thanks. That’s always good advice.

God is good all the time.

Not an Accident

2010-04-01T07:44:00.001-04:00

As we are approaching Easter I have been thinking about the death of Christ and the resurrection.

The cross was not an accident. It didn’t take Jesus by surprise. It wasn’t the result of a world plummeting toward destruction. It wasn’t a stop-gap measure. It was anything except unexpected.

The cross was all part of the Master plan. It was a calculated choice. It had been planned since the Garden of Eden. The cross was always part of the deal.

Reading the Old Testament and all the prophecies about the death of Christ, you have to know that God, who sees the beginning and the end, knew that Jesus would have to suffer and die when he created Adam. It was the plan.

They (the trinity) choose to create man knowing that it was that creation that would cause Jesus to have to suffer and die.

Jesus was in on it from the beginning and yet Jesus choose to create you knowing what it would cost him.

Genesis 1:26 “ Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

Once Saved, Always Saved

2010-03-28T20:42:00.001-04:00

This is something I thought I figured out years ago. I was settled in my heart with what I believed. We’ve been discussing this in our Sunday School class and I find myself rethinking my position. (And I was in agreement with our church’s position.)

Let me clarify the question before I get started on the post. The question is once a person is a Christian (has accepted Christ) can he lose his salvation?

Salvation is Believing in Jesus - “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." (John 3:36)

Not Saved by Works - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2: 8-9)

Salvation is a Free Gift from God – There’s nothing we can do to earn our salvation and nothing we can do to keep it. - “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23)

If you could lose your salvation then he didn’t give you eternal life – that in itself describes something that never ends.

Salvation happens at a point in time – not a process. “For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

When you accept Christ, you become a child of God. (1 John 3:2 and Romans 8:15)

Nothing can separate us from our Father. Nothing can “undo” your spiritual birth. It is the difference between relationship and fellowship. You can turn your back on your parents and never talk to them again but they will still be your parents. You will be out of “fellowship” with them but the relationship is still intact. The same is true with your heavenly Father.

“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.” (John 10:29)

Jesus will never leave us - “"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrew 13:5) How could Jesus make this claim if there was a possibility that you could lose your salvation?

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20

When the Bible talks about eternal life, it talks about it in the present tense - something we already have. If we could lose it, how could we already have it? If we had to do anything to keep it, how could we already have it?

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life" (John 3:36)

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24)

That all sounds really convincing but what about the person who turns his back on Christ after believing. He will lose rewards in heaven but he will be saved. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

Even if we choose not to believe, we are already a child of God. “if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13)

If salvation is a free gift from God and I know that God will never take it back, can I give it back? What if I turn my back on God? I was reading Hebrews 6:4-6 and started to struggle with these Scriptures but I think I have come to a conclusion that makes sense to me.

“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.” (Hebrews 6:4-6)

This is actually throwing out a hypothetical situation. It says if they fall away. It doesn’t say when they fall away. It says if we could lose our salvation then Jesus would have to die all over again for us to get it back. That’s not only impossible but also ridiculous. He dies once for all.

Can you lose your salvation from sin in your life? If so, what kind of sin and how much sin? There’s no verse in the Bible that tells us. We are told that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness – this implies that all sin can be forgiven as there were no conditions placed on this promise. Hebrews chapter 12 tells us that all Christians sin. It states that instead of a loss of salvation, sin brings God’s chastening. He disciplines us as a father would his children.

If a Christian is once saved, always saved, should he care about how he leads his life? Does it matter how he lives? Paul addressed this issue in Romans chapter 6. We would never say, so ahead and sin because after all you accepted Christ and are saved. If you are not willing to live for Christ, how can you say that you were sincere when you asked Him to save you?

In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul tells us to “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” Were you sincere, did you really commit your life to Christ. If you did, it will be evidenced by a changed life.

Our security rests in God’s unchanging love and grace and the sufficiency of Christ’s death on the cross to pay for our sins.

Let me close with Romans 5:8-10

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”

Paul uses past tense verbs – have been justified and have been reconciled. You can’t undo it – it’s a done deal.

I think I have just re-convinced myself of my original position.

I welcome your thoughts.

Words

2010-03-25T22:58:00.001-04:00

I read today that the average person speaks 10,000 words a day. If we are talking that much, our words probably have a purpose or an effect. What effect do your words have on others?

According to Bible, words have power.

“The tongue has the power of life and death,” Proverbs 18:21

The words we speak are extremely important. Jesus said,” But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:36-37)

This makes me think long and hard about some of the things I say. Have you ever said anything and wished you could have the words back? Once something is said, you can never take it back. You can apologize for things but you can never undo it.

James gives us some insight into how we should react to each other. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” (James 1:19)

We are to be eager to listen. Better listeners, understand better. They work better with others. They are better spouse and better colleagues. Try using your ears twice as much as you use your tongue.

Our words can be destructive or constructive. They can bless and build up or they can hurt and destroy. It is our choice to use our words to encourage others.

So how are you going to use your 10,000 words today?

Psalm 27

2010-03-23T23:07:00.001-04:00

“The LORD is my light and my salvation;
          whom shall I fear?
     the LORD is the strength of my life;
          of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

One thing I noticed in the above Scripture is that it doesn’t say that the Lord gives light. It also doesn’t say that the Lord provides strength. It says the Lord is light and the Lord is strength.

When you accept Christ, the Holy Spirit lives inside you. From inside you, the Lord is light and strength. He takes care of you from the inside out.

Not even Goliath scared David because David knew that the battle was already won.

Just in case you think your life is harder than David’s was, read the next couple of verses.

“When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.” Psalm 27:2-3

Saul’s entire army was out to get him. One man versus one army – that doesn’t seem like very good odds.

The Lord was David’s strength. He was confident in what God could and would do through him. It seems like in this situation there would be a lot of things I would ask the Lord for. David’s focus was on one thing only – his relationship with the Lord. Look at the next verse.

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” Psalm 27:4

David is not showing fear. He is confident in what the Lord was going to do. He knew the Lord would protect him.

No matter how tough we have it, I think David probably had it worse. So no matter what you are going through, look to the Lord. Seek a relationship with Him. Be confident that the Lord loves you and that He is light and strength inside you.

Waiting

2010-03-20T20:48:00.001-04:00

This is a continuation from yesterday’s post.

Psalm 62:1-2; 5-8

“¹My soul waits in silence for God only;
From Him is my salvation.
²He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.

⁵My soul, wait in silence for God only,
         For my hope is from Him.
⁶He only is my rock and my salvation,
         My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
⁷On God my salvation and my glory rest;
         The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
⁸Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
         God is a refuge for us.”

Wait and persevere.

Waiting involves trusting. Waiting includes praying. Waiting implies resting. We simply need to trust and wait in Him.

“While I Am Waiting” by John Waller

Perseverance

2010-03-19T21:08:00.001-04:00

I don’t seem to be persevering very well and so this may be a topic I shouldn’t write about. Then again, because I don’t think I am doing it well, perhaps something I write will help me. This blog is suppose to be about what I am learning and thinking.

A long time ago I read a book titled “Three Steps Forward Two Steps Back.” I was thinking today that my life feels more like Two Steps Forward Three Steps Back. I don’t feel like I am making any progress in some areas of my life – especially where my foot is concerned. I’ve had problems with this foot for over a year and a half now. I just want to be able to walk without pain. Enough whining, let me continue on with my blog for today.

Psalm 62:1-2

“My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.

He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.”

David is talking to himself. He is telling himself to stop and wait for God. Wait for God to direct my steps. He is my rock. Wait on Him to provide for my needs. Have you ever talked to yourself like this? I talk to myself lots of times.

Verse 1 also talked about waiting in silence. Sometimes I just need to shut up and listen. Stop speaking. Close my eyes. Meditate on who God is. Meditate on what His Word is saying to me. Listen deeply. Listen to my heart. Hebrews 8:10 says that God will inscribe His law….His will ….upon my heart and mind.

Have confidence. Verse 2 of Psalm 62 says that God is my rock and my stronghold. It is because of the confidence I have in God that allows me to wait quietly for Him.

Finally know that Romans 5:3 says that perseverance produces character. Perhaps that is what God had in mind for me all along ….

Are You Content?

2010-03-18T21:10:00.001-04:00

I have had a particularly frustrating week. I was anxious to return to the foot doctor on Tuesday. I was hoping to get the cast off my foot. I thought I was really lucky because the doctor did remove the cast. She put me in a removable walking cast and told me to wean myself off my crutches over the next week.

My foot is stiff. The ankle is sore. The heel still hurts some. I could deal with all of this, but somehow because of the funny way I was walking, I hurt my back. This was not what I needed this week. It is so sore that I can barely move.

So I sat here tonight to read my Bible and I was feeling fairly frustrated and what did I turn to ….

Philippians Ch 4. Isn’t it bad enough that it is telling me to rejoice in everything but it is also telling me to be content in all circumstances. This was what I needed to hear, but not what I wanted to hear.

God’s Word seems to continually meet me where I am and minister to my needs. I am not feeling content. The chapter goes on to say that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. It also says that He will meet all my needs. It really comes down to whether I trust Christ or not.

It’s all about choices. Choosing to rejoice. Choosing to pray about everything. Choosing to be content. Choosing to trust.

What will you choose?

Forgiveness

2010-03-15T22:51:00.001-04:00

I’m reading the book “Amish Grace”. It’s about the Amish peoples’ response to the shooting of ten schoolgirls at the the Nickel Mines School on Pennsylvania in 2006.

The book tells about how the Amish people almost immediately forgave the shooter. They supported his family. They sent food to his family. They attended his funeral. They donated money to his widow. Granting forgiveness was a natural action for them. It was not an option, just a normal part of living for the Amish.

A father of one of the girls who had been killed stated “ Our forgiveness is not in our words, it’s in our actions; it’s not what we said, but what we did. That was our forgiveness.” Forgiveness is an integral part of the Amish culture.

One Amish man quoted a sign seen on a church and said we try to “preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words.”

Do our lives reflect this kind of forgiveness? Am I guilty of holding a grudge? Is there someone I need to forgive?

Mission Trip

2010-03-12T21:24:00.001-05:00

I’ve spent the week helping my daughter. She is leaving tomorrow morning to go on a missions trip for the next week. She and 16 other girls from her school are going to New Mexico. They will be working on a Navajo reservation for a week. Some of their jobs will be painting a church, delivering food to the elderly and working with teen Moms.

This is a tremendous opportunity for her. She will get to see a part of the country that she hasn’t been in before. She will be working with people in another culture. She will spend her week helping others.

Why would she want to do something like this? Why would we want her to do this?

She feels like this is what God wants her to do with her spring break. If she feels that way, then her Dad and I will encourage her to follow where the Lord leads her. She is almost 17 and able to start making decisions for herself.

I heard this quote a long time ago and it has stuck with me. “The safest place to be is within the will of God.”

I have prayed for her since before she was born. I have prayed that she would love the Lord and want to serve Him. She accepted Christ when she was 5 years old. She has always loved learning about God. Now she has a chance to apply all that she has learned.

I am excited to hear how God uses her and her team. I am also excited to hear how God works in her life as she serves others for the next week. It could be a life changing event for her.

Will you join me in praying for her and her team?

Made in the Image of God

2010-03-10T16:56:00.001-05:00

Last week I blogged some stuff about being made in the image of God. I’ve given that some more thought and tried to come up with some applications of that idea.

Since I am an educator, I think like an educator and these ideas come from that perspective.

Education must impact the student or it serves no purpose. In order to really impact students, we have to consider the whole child – mind, body, and spirit. We have to see our students as unique creations of God. Every one is different and yet all are created in His image.

Keep in mind there is a huge difference between being made like God and being God. God’s attributes are infinite and perfect. Ours are finite and imperfect. We are the reflection of a living God. A reflection is not the real thing but displays what the real thing looks like. Our lives should reflect what God is like.

God is an active and purposeful God. He is not just sitting back waiting to see how events will unfold. Ephesians 1:11 tells us that God makes things happen according to His will and good purpose. God is busy trying to reach out to the lost – not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Psalm 135:6 says that the Lord does whatever pleases him. He brought the Israelites out of Egypt. He was responsible for the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms. The point being made is that God has been purposefully acting since the creation of the world.

We should also be purposefully acting. I guess the key is what is your purpose. Since we are made in the image of God we are purposeful beings. Therefore our purpose should be aligned with God’s purpose and not a self-centered purpose. The students in our classes are acting with a purpose. The children who we see as doing nothing as also acting with a purpose. Their purpose doesn’t always align with our purpose and that’s were problems arise.

God is a rational God. He is a thinking, evaluating, problem-solving, logical God. He operates according to rules and not according to chaos. That’s why the world makes sense. That’s why mathematics always works. That’s what holds the universe together.

When we think our way through a problem to a logical solution, we are reflecting God’s character. Thinking is built into our existence. All our efforts to make sense of this world involve thinking. Our students are thinking all the time. Our goal is to guide their thinking, to keep them on track, to help them solve their problems through a Biblical worldview.

God is a creative God. This is clearly seen in Genesis. God takes delight in His creation. God pronounced that His creation was good – he gave it value.

As a reflection of God’s character we are continually creating things. Then we often decide whether we think they are “good”. We labor to produce the item and then we delight in it. When I think about this my mind immediately goes to art work but this idea has far reaching applications. Our creations could be books, science theories, technological items, movies, or even families. One thing that I see in schools is that creativity is often squelched in students. So much of education is geared towards “the right answer” that children are not challenged to create their own solutions. Children are afraid to step outside the acceptable response and offer alternatives. We need to encourage the creative thinker. After all, they could be the next Thomas Edison.

When thinking about God’s character, I think of morality or in other words a standard of what is right and what is wrong. Things like loving mercy, hating evil, being selfless, those things are right. They are right because they align with God’s laws. Someone higher than us has to determine right and wrong. These things are not arbitrary or relative.

Psalm 119:30 says “I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.” We make choices and decide what we are going to do. Our actions display our choices and our heart. (Mark 7:21) God’s law is the standard and we expected to “do justly” (Micah 6:8) and therefore reflect God’s character.

God is a social being. Even before creation, He existed as a trinity. Genesis 1:26 says “Let us make man in our image.” This indicates a joint effort. Isaiah 6:8, God asks “Who will go for us?” God wanted us to get involved in ministry.

God created us with a need for two kinds of relationships. We have a created need to have a relationship with God. 1 Corinthians 1:9 talks about our need for fellowship with Jesus. We also have a need for relationships with other people. Think about the relationship between David and Jonathan. Or how about Paul and Timothy. Our relationships should be characterized by love and support. Our students need these kinds of relationships. How can we encourage and foster these? Sometimes in our effort to “do school”, we stifle their efforts to communicate and to develop those deep long lasting friendships.

God acts freely and according to His purposes. He makes choices according to His will. He chose to create the universe. He created us with that same free will.

We make choices all the time. Sometimes good choices and others are not so good. We are accountable for those choices. (We reap what we sow.) Freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other. As an educator, I must give my students the opportunity to make choices. Then they need to accept the consequences, whether good or bad, for those choices. We cannot simply keep telling our students what to do and what to believe.

There are many more attributes that I could write about but I think I will quit here. The main point is that we are to reflect God’s character. When people look at my life, something should point them to God. It may be my actions, my purpose, or my standards for right and wrong. It could be how I show love, justice, and mercy to others. It could be how I relate and communicate with others.

Think about how others see you. Would they be pointed toward God? Are you looking at others like they are unique creations of God. Do you remember that God loves them, too? (even if they fail your test) Are you conscious that each child has a special and God-given purpose? (Even the ones that annoy you.) Treat people the way that God would want you to treat them. When they mess up, cut them some slack – you mess up sometimes too.

Thanks for reading. Have a great day.

A lot of these thoughts come from things I learned years ago from Dr. Graham at Covenant College. Thanks Dr. Graham for the impact you had on my life.

Sacrifice

2010-03-07T23:01:00.001-05:00

Our pastor today talked about the idea that a sacrifice isn’t really a sacrifice unless it costs you something. He used 2 Samuel 24:24 as his text for this idea.

The story goes like this, there was a plague on Israel and tens of thousands of people died. David went to build an altar so he could offer a sacrifice to the Lord. Araunah offered to give his threshing floor and oxen to David to use as his sacrifice. David insisted on paying him. He understood that the sacrifice had to cost him something in order for it to have meaning.

Then the pastor related that to the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for us and what that cost the Father.

I’ve been thinking on this throughout the day. Sacrifices are dead. However, Paul tells us we are to be living sacrifices. (Romans 12:1-2)We are to be dead to our own selfish desires. Yet somehow we are to be alive?

We must sacrifice our body to be transformed from a life of sin to a life that is conformed to God’s will. We are a special people – a royal priesthood. (1 Peter) We are to offer praise and thanksgiving as a form of spiritual sacrifice. Everything we do should be aligned with God’s will for our lives

What are you going to sacrifice? Are you going to sacrifice that extra sleep in the morning so you can spend time reading the Word? Perhaps give up that TV show so you can have a prayer time.

What’s it going to be?

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Psalm 51:!7 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

Ephesians 5:1-2 “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Hebrews 13:15-16 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Splitting Image

2010-03-04T22:58:00.001-05:00

Someone told me today that my daughter looks just like me. She used the term “splitting image”.

I was thinking about how we are made in God’s image. (Genesis 1:27) We are a reflection of his character. We were made to resemble God.

Man was created as a rational, volitional being. We can reason and make choices. This is a reflection of God’s intellect and freedom. When a man uses his artistic ability to create a beautiful work of art, he is reflecting God’s creativity. When a man writes a computer program, he is reflecting God’s logic. Anytime a man writes a book, enjoys good music, names an animal, or does a calculation, he is showing God’s image.

Morally we were created in righteousness and were a reflection of God’s holiness. God looked at His creation and called it very good. Whenever someone praises good behavior or feels guilty, he is confirming that he is made in God’s image.

Man is a social being and was created for fellowship. This is a reflection of the trinity. God made women because it wasn’t good for man to be alone.

While we are image bearers of God, we also bear the marks of sin. The good news is that through the grace of God we can be redeemed from the sin that separates us from God. Through Christ we are a new creation.

“and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:24

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

Are you lazy-minded?

2010-03-02T14:48:00.001-05:00

I am reading the book, “The Pattern of God’s Truth: The Integration of Faith and Learning.” In chapter 2 Gaebelein states, “Many Christians today are lazy-minded. Too often the Protestant layman relies solely upon his minister for the understanding and even the reading of his Bible.”

We need a personal encounter with God’s Word. We need to allow God’s Word to mold and shape our lives, our attitudes, our thoughts, and our actions. It can’t do that if we don’t have first-hand knowledge of what it says. It is great to read commentaries and Christian books but they are not God’s Word. They are not inerrant. They are not spirit-filled. There is an over-reliance on what others think about God and on other peoples’ opinions of the Word. We need a fresh look at God’s Word.

The Bible has authority and power. God said His Word can change you. His Word won’t return void. “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)

God will never change and His Word will never change. (Exodus 3:14)

God’s Word will never pass away. (Mark 13:31)

The Bible is the final authority for all matters of faith, religion, and morals. Those are things I am interested in. I want, need, desire to know more. These things affect every area of my life every day.

So what’s it going to be……. are you lazy-minded or are you going to dig into the Bible and let God speak fresh and new to you today?

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:15–17)

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2

Conflicted

2010-02-28T20:21:00.001-05:00

One of the ladies I work with made a comment on Friday that has stuck with me. She asked how I could keep smiling and have such a good attitude and have my foot in a cast and have to use wheelchair.

I have been purposely trying to have a good attitude. I have been trying to practice Philippians 4:4 which says “Rejoice in the Lord always.” I have also given some thought to Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Yes somewhere down inside I am really frustrated. When I am home in the evening, it drives me crazy. I know I want my foot to get better. I know that this gives me a good chance. I also know that hobbling around on crutches and using a wheelchair are a big pain. I can’t do what I want to do. I am dependent on others. That isn’t the way I like to live.

So am I a liar? I give the appearance at work that all is well. I try to have a good attitude. I try to paste on the smile and stay positive. Yet that isn’t the way I really feel.

How do I resolve this conflict?

Have you ever felt like this?

Laura Story

2010-02-26T21:54:00.001-05:00

Laura Story spoke and sang at our school during chapel today. She was amazing.

If you don’t know who Laura is, see the video below.

Elton John – part 2

2010-02-23T08:10:00.001-05:00

I don’t think I did a great job on my post about Elton John. (see 2 days ago) I was thinking some more about it today and was reminded about something I studied a long time ago. I studied these ideas when I was on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ back in the 1980s….

When considering Jesus and his life, he left you only three choices. Liar, Lunatic, or Lord.

Jesus didn’t leave room for anyone to say he was just a great moral teacher. That simply isn’t an option. Jesus made the most astonishing claims, about God, about society and ethics, and about himself. He claimed to have authority to forgive sins. He claimed that he had come to die in order to reconcile man to God. He claimed to be the only way for mankind to attain salvation.

Looking at these claims there are three things we could conclude. Either all his claims were false and he knew it, or all his claims were false and he didn’t know it, or his claims were true.

None of these options leaves you with the choice that he was just a great moral teacher.

In the first scenario that states that all his claims were false and he knew it. that would make him a liar. Liars are not great moral teachers. If he deliberately set out to deceive people then he was one of the worst teachers to walk the earth.

In the second scenario that states that all his claims were false and he didn’t know it, he must have been a real lunatic. Any normal person who believes himself to be God incarnate, is insane. Again, he would not be considered to be a great moral teacher.

The third scenario that states that all his claims were true leaves us with just one conclusion. Jesus is God.

There is no way to look at all the facts and come up with the conclusion that Jesus was just a great moral teacher. He was either much less than that or much more.

If you are interested in more of these kinds of ideas, I believe most of this can be found in Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell.

As far as Elton John’s claims that Jesus was gay, that is ludicrous. The Bible is very clear on its stance about homosexuality.

Leviticus 18:22 - "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable."

Leviticus 20:13 - "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads."

Rom. 1:26-28, "For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper."

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."

Jesus would never have been something that was so clearly prohibited by Scripture. There’s not one piece of evidence that he was gay. There’s not one verse in the Bible that approves of that lifestyle.

Mary MacKillop

2010-02-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

“A nun who was once excommunicated by the Roman Catholic Church for insubordination is to become Australia's first saint.”

Mary MacKillop, who died in 1909, will be canonized in Rome on Oct. 17. The pope announced at the Vatican this week.

The church has to attribute two miracles to a person before they can become a saint. In 1995, she is said to have cured a woman of terminal leukemia. In December, another woman with incurable lung cancer prayed to Mary MacKillop for healing. She is said to now be cured even though she has not taken any treatments.

Here’s link to the news article.

I have a huge problem with this whole idea of praying to dead people and saints. That problem comes from 1 Timothy 2:5.

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,”

I pray to God. Jesus is the only mediator between me and God. He sits at God’s right hand and lives to make intercession for me. (Romans 8:34)

Prayer is an act of worship and should only be offered to God. Prayer should never be offered to any created thing. To do this would be to offer worship and that would be an act of idolatry.

I’ll also add that no where in the Word are we told to pray to saints. We are commanded to pray to God. Surely if this were something we were suppose to do, God would have included it in His Word.

So, getting back to the news article. I can’t explain why these people got well. I know that God knows. I don’t believe it was because they prayed to Mary MacKillop.

Elton John

2010-02-21T20:36:00.001-05:00

Elton John was recently interviewed for Parade magazine. He made this statement, “I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems".

Wrong answer Elton John. He may be a brilliant song writer and singer but he got this one wrong.

If you were interviewed, who would you say Jesus was (is)?

Think it through carefully. This is the most important question you will answer in your lifetime.

Jesus was 100% man

John 1:14 tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The Word is referring to Jesus. In Hebrews 4:15, it talks about Jesus being tempted just like we are. He was totally human. He was born and lived a human life. The difference is He lived a sinless life. (1 John 3:5) His physical death was necessary in order to take away our sins.

Jesus was 100% God.

John 1:1-3 talks about Jesus existing from the beginning. He was with God and He was God. He performed miracles. He lived a sinless life. He fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies. He rose from the dead. This is what makes it possible for us to have forgiveness form sin and a relationship with God.

John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.”

You can’t work your way to heaven. You have to accept Christ. You have to accept his work on the cross as payment for your sins.

Acts 4:12 makes it really clear. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.""

Elton John may be one of the greatest singers of all time but he is completely wrong in his views about Jesus.

Investigate the claims of Christ for yourself. Don’t take what anyone else says as truth. Read the Word and pray that God would clearly show you who Jesus is. We each have to come to our own decision on this question and it is the most important question you will ever answer.

Christian Journey

Do I have enough courage?

The Long and Winding Road

Habakkuk 3:19 “The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”

Stepping Stones

Proverbs 3:5-6 “ Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. “

Be Afraid but Don’t Live in Fear

You Lost Me

I’m a Quitter

Steve Jobs is dead …..

Being a parent is a tough job …

Grace is not cheap

Blessings

Lessons from the Three Little Pigs

You are more ....

Where are your friends?

Can’t see God

Grace

K.I.S.S.

Are you afraid to die?

Tough Day

Listen to the kid

How big is your God?

Needed a Break

Happy New Year

Christian Comedy

Church Choir Christmas Program

New way to play music

A Tribute to Matt Diaz

Feeling disrespected and hurt

Depraved Indifference

Cell Phone Message

Do the right thing … all the time

Unthankful …. Thankful

Instant gratification

Are you as confused as I am …

Are you skipping through life?

Thanksgiving

Fake Christians

I’ll pray for you

What does it mean to pray in Jesus’ name?

He Chose to Do It

Be Prepared

How are you running?

Swearing

No Whiners

Step Out in Faith

Good Leaders are Humble

What’s your thorn

Spiritual Discipline

More thoughts on prayer

More Ideas on Prayer

Prayer

Leadership Principles from the life of Moses

I wish …

Phil 2: 1-4

Burn Out or Rust Out

Still trying to “Be Still”

What would you do?

Eternity

You are God Alone

Conversation with God

Going Through the Motions

Continually Transformed

What’s your purpose?

Want more of the fruits ….

Which person are you?

Never alone

God Surprised Me

My Life is too Loud!

I’m back and I have questions ….

Lukewarm Christians

John Wooden

Love God, or Fear God?

Take up your cross

To Wesleyan’s Class of 2010

Leaving a Legacy

How can God forget?

Who is worse – Tiger or Ben

Ben Roethlisberger

Proverbs 3:5-6
“ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight. “