“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.1.1.nlt
What do I know about Jesus? In my daily bible study I was asked to reflect on what I learned about Jesus this past week. That is the first time I have ever been asked that question. What really is my purpose for studying the word of God? Why do I read, why do I study, am I learning anything that will help me live life?
I love studying the word, but my motives are important. It can't be just a ritual. I need to have a true desire to grow and to learn. I need to learn about my Heavenly Father. I need to know the personality and character of Jesus. I need to let the word fill me with the Holy Spirit and the purpose for my life. This relationship I have with God the Father, his Son, and Spirit is unique in life. But I need to treat it like its my earthly father, my kids, and my friends. I spend time with them and get to know them intimately. I need to spend time and get to know my Lord as well!
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
It's a tough battle.
““Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”Matthew 10:16 NLT. http://bible.com/116/mat.10.16.
This life of evangelism is not easy. Satan would like nothing more than to destroy our witness and to make us feel weak and inadequate as followers of Christ. We had a great sermon today pointing out this interesting verse. We are to go out into the world "shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves."
I think snakes are interesting creatures, my wife would not agree. It's amazing how disadvantaged they are yet they overcome their limitations and are extremely adept. No arms, no legs, limited communication skills, and live in pretty adverse conditions. They still thrive. They use everything they have to survive. They have a great sense of the world around them.
As an evangelist I need to do the same. I need to be sensitive of the people I'm with. I need to help soften their hearts. I need to love them. I need to serve them with every ounce of my being. I have no influence or power on my own. I need to rely on my real power, Jesus, to share his message. I need to serve with no strings and no judgment! That is what I am called to do. The enemy is against me. The world may be against me, but I need to persist. I have been given this mission. The world must know about Jesus.
This life of evangelism is not easy. Satan would like nothing more than to destroy our witness and to make us feel weak and inadequate as followers of Christ. We had a great sermon today pointing out this interesting verse. We are to go out into the world "shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves."
I think snakes are interesting creatures, my wife would not agree. It's amazing how disadvantaged they are yet they overcome their limitations and are extremely adept. No arms, no legs, limited communication skills, and live in pretty adverse conditions. They still thrive. They use everything they have to survive. They have a great sense of the world around them.
As an evangelist I need to do the same. I need to be sensitive of the people I'm with. I need to help soften their hearts. I need to love them. I need to serve them with every ounce of my being. I have no influence or power on my own. I need to rely on my real power, Jesus, to share his message. I need to serve with no strings and no judgment! That is what I am called to do. The enemy is against me. The world may be against me, but I need to persist. I have been given this mission. The world must know about Jesus.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Do people want what you have? Share it!
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””
Matthew 28:19-20 NLT
http://bible.com/116/mat.28.19-20.nlt
Evangelism, is it the focus of my life? It should be. I get to hang out with a lot of Christians. I rarely see someone brought to Christ. It is an amazing moment. I watched a Greg Laurie video that said 95% of Christians have never brought anyone to Christ. Wow! That's sad. He went on to say the reason is fear. We are afraid of looking dumb. We are afraid of ridicule.
We are afraid!
Why?
If I really search the answer, we have no rational reason to fear. My God is the most powerful , isn't he? I have nothing to fear when I am doing his will. I need to fulfill the great commission. I need to fear nothing and share all! We serve by building relationships, but it is also important to take the next step and help them accept Jesus.
The world is a crazy, sinful, place. We can't just sit passively while the lost perish. We need to take action, serve, and share! Do people want what you have? Do they know what you have? TELL THEM!
Matthew 28:19-20 NLT
http://bible.com/116/mat.28.19-20.nlt
Evangelism, is it the focus of my life? It should be. I get to hang out with a lot of Christians. I rarely see someone brought to Christ. It is an amazing moment. I watched a Greg Laurie video that said 95% of Christians have never brought anyone to Christ. Wow! That's sad. He went on to say the reason is fear. We are afraid of looking dumb. We are afraid of ridicule.
We are afraid!
Why?
If I really search the answer, we have no rational reason to fear. My God is the most powerful , isn't he? I have nothing to fear when I am doing his will. I need to fulfill the great commission. I need to fear nothing and share all! We serve by building relationships, but it is also important to take the next step and help them accept Jesus.
The world is a crazy, sinful, place. We can't just sit passively while the lost perish. We need to take action, serve, and share! Do people want what you have? Do they know what you have? TELL THEM!
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Passion
“Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.””
John 2:17 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.2.17.
How passionate are you for the Gospel? How passionate are you for worship? How passionate are you for witnessing and sharing with the lost?
Jesus passion was evident in so many ways. He demonstrated that perfect passion by destroying the market in the temple! He was passionate about confronting the Pharisees. He was passionate about prayer and service to others. He was so passionate for us he sacrificed his life!
Sometimes I just go through the motions of serving. It's that way sometimes at home. It's that way sometimes in school. It's that way sometimes in ministry. We need to share our passion for Christ. Why would others want to follow if we don't show the passion he has filled us with? The gospel should consume us with an everlasting passion. We should be exploding with the zest of life.
Dear Lord, fill me with your passion. I need your spirit to set my mind on you every waking moment. I beg your forgiveness when I just go through the motions. I beg your forgiveness when I let this world interfere with my passion for you and bringing others to know you. I truly love you and worship you. I am honored to be your child! Amen!
John 2:17 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.2.17.
How passionate are you for the Gospel? How passionate are you for worship? How passionate are you for witnessing and sharing with the lost?
Jesus passion was evident in so many ways. He demonstrated that perfect passion by destroying the market in the temple! He was passionate about confronting the Pharisees. He was passionate about prayer and service to others. He was so passionate for us he sacrificed his life!
Sometimes I just go through the motions of serving. It's that way sometimes at home. It's that way sometimes in school. It's that way sometimes in ministry. We need to share our passion for Christ. Why would others want to follow if we don't show the passion he has filled us with? The gospel should consume us with an everlasting passion. We should be exploding with the zest of life.
Dear Lord, fill me with your passion. I need your spirit to set my mind on you every waking moment. I beg your forgiveness when I just go through the motions. I beg your forgiveness when I let this world interfere with my passion for you and bringing others to know you. I truly love you and worship you. I am honored to be your child! Amen!
Friday, February 24, 2017
It's a miracle!
“Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over.”
John 2:7-9 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.2.7-9.nlt
Have you ever been witness or been directly involved in a miracle? I have witnessed several, personally. The problem is society doesn't recognize it. I was talking to a few students the other day, seniors, stressing about getting all their scholarships done. I shared how Stephanie and I went to school AFTER we had our family. We both went part time to college while maintaining a family, no scholarships, and working full time. I told those students if they want to go to college, they can go! My favorite part of our story is that we had to quit our part time jobs to finish our schooling. How we did that is God! Sure we had so much help from family and friends, but God made it happen. It wasn't me. It wasn't Stephanie. It was God with a hand directly in my life. While it was happening no one knew it was God. At this wedding, where Jesus turned the water into wine, only a few knew. It still was miraculous.
Maybe you have been a part of a miracle and you just didn't recognize it. My life is filled with unbelievable moments. These are moments that could NEVER have happened without the power of God. My 56 years of life experience have proven God is alive, he's active, he loves me, and he performs miracles all the time for those that follow him! Amen!
Turn your life to Jesus! Miracles will happen! Your life will change!
John 2:7-9 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.2.7-9.nlt
Have you ever been witness or been directly involved in a miracle? I have witnessed several, personally. The problem is society doesn't recognize it. I was talking to a few students the other day, seniors, stressing about getting all their scholarships done. I shared how Stephanie and I went to school AFTER we had our family. We both went part time to college while maintaining a family, no scholarships, and working full time. I told those students if they want to go to college, they can go! My favorite part of our story is that we had to quit our part time jobs to finish our schooling. How we did that is God! Sure we had so much help from family and friends, but God made it happen. It wasn't me. It wasn't Stephanie. It was God with a hand directly in my life. While it was happening no one knew it was God. At this wedding, where Jesus turned the water into wine, only a few knew. It still was miraculous.
Maybe you have been a part of a miracle and you just didn't recognize it. My life is filled with unbelievable moments. These are moments that could NEVER have happened without the power of God. My 56 years of life experience have proven God is alive, he's active, he loves me, and he performs miracles all the time for those that follow him! Amen!
Turn your life to Jesus! Miracles will happen! Your life will change!
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Weakness
“Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.””
John 1:45 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.1.45.nlt
Sometimes I just get disappointed in myself. I don't take advantage of opportunities to share Jesus. I also think my actions don't always point people to him. Philip went right to his friend and proclaimed Jesus. I want to be like Philip.
This weekend I had the honor of praying for a young biker and his family. The biker was in a motorcycle accident and had severe brain trauma. The family chose to turn his life over to God as they disconnected life support. Such a tough decision to make about an 18 year old family member. It's in moments like these when people are vulnerable, open to the power of God, that I love to share. But, do I truly know my impact. No way! I really am honored to be there to support the family. These times could occur more. Do I have to wait for tragedy to be forced into action? Why do I not feel as comfortable witnessing outside of tragedy. Lord help me to recognize the opportunities. Help me to step forward at your will. Fill me with your strength to share you at the right moment. I love you Lord. Forgive me for my weakness in serving you.
John 1:45 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.1.45.nlt
Sometimes I just get disappointed in myself. I don't take advantage of opportunities to share Jesus. I also think my actions don't always point people to him. Philip went right to his friend and proclaimed Jesus. I want to be like Philip.
This weekend I had the honor of praying for a young biker and his family. The biker was in a motorcycle accident and had severe brain trauma. The family chose to turn his life over to God as they disconnected life support. Such a tough decision to make about an 18 year old family member. It's in moments like these when people are vulnerable, open to the power of God, that I love to share. But, do I truly know my impact. No way! I really am honored to be there to support the family. These times could occur more. Do I have to wait for tragedy to be forced into action? Why do I not feel as comfortable witnessing outside of tragedy. Lord help me to recognize the opportunities. Help me to step forward at your will. Fill me with your strength to share you at the right moment. I love you Lord. Forgive me for my weakness in serving you.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
What a team!
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”
John 1:1, 3-5, 12 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.1.1,3-5,12.nlt
I am starting a new six week study of Jesus through John's eyes. I love this start to the book of John. It is such a wonderfully complete description of Jesus. It also reveals much about our Heavenly Father. I can't help but view God the Father and his Son, Jesus, as the perfect team. I have had the joy to coach some wonderful teams in both cross country and basketball at my high school. I've witnessed some great teams in all level of sports. I have also seen some pretty dynamic duos in business and family life. A team of people that complement each other, that push each other, and support each other is rare and special. God and Jesus are the ultimate team. They worked side by side on everything. I can visualize them as "Giddy" over their creation. It is amazing to know that the Father and Son, with their infinite power, care so deeply about me. Together they bring life to an otherwise dark world. I am blessed through that light, their love, and their joy to be a part of my life. I can't express the overwhelming excitement I feel as I grow in my faith in the Father and Son. I am humbled to be one of the children of God. They are the greatest team of all time.
Believe in them. Accept them. Ask them to guide your life and you will be transformed forever!
God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”
John 1:1, 3-5, 12 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.1.1,3-5,12.nlt
I am starting a new six week study of Jesus through John's eyes. I love this start to the book of John. It is such a wonderfully complete description of Jesus. It also reveals much about our Heavenly Father. I can't help but view God the Father and his Son, Jesus, as the perfect team. I have had the joy to coach some wonderful teams in both cross country and basketball at my high school. I've witnessed some great teams in all level of sports. I have also seen some pretty dynamic duos in business and family life. A team of people that complement each other, that push each other, and support each other is rare and special. God and Jesus are the ultimate team. They worked side by side on everything. I can visualize them as "Giddy" over their creation. It is amazing to know that the Father and Son, with their infinite power, care so deeply about me. Together they bring life to an otherwise dark world. I am blessed through that light, their love, and their joy to be a part of my life. I can't express the overwhelming excitement I feel as I grow in my faith in the Father and Son. I am humbled to be one of the children of God. They are the greatest team of all time.
Believe in them. Accept them. Ask them to guide your life and you will be transformed forever!
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
I'm draggin'
“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.”
Philippians 1:21 NLT. http://bible.com/116/php.1.21.nlt
This is the ultimate place for us to be. If we can get to the point where we love life, but are looking forward to dying even more, that is where God wants us to be.
Our greatest life is living for Christ. I need to focus on this more and more. This time of the year I suffer from the winter blahs in a big way. You would think with the wonderful weather yesterday, (it was 65 degrees and sunny), that I would be instantly cured. It's not just the weather that's got me down, it's the idea that two weeks of rest and relaxation is still over three weeks away. It's not that I hate what I'm doing, I love my life and my job. I give it all I have and when we are over half way through the year, I get tired. I know I still need to give 110%, but my energy level is down. My butt is dragging and I need a break.
Lord help me to rest.
Give me rest at home and joy every day. I am truly blessed and if I just look around me, I will clearly view those blessings. Help me to see the joy I have in living for you. Help me to focus more on living for you than the stresses of my daily routine. Bring me back to a daily life completely filled with your love and grace. The best is yet to come. I know that to be true and know you are here to see me through.
Praise God!
Philippians 1:21 NLT. http://bible.com/116/php.1.21.nlt
This is the ultimate place for us to be. If we can get to the point where we love life, but are looking forward to dying even more, that is where God wants us to be.
Our greatest life is living for Christ. I need to focus on this more and more. This time of the year I suffer from the winter blahs in a big way. You would think with the wonderful weather yesterday, (it was 65 degrees and sunny), that I would be instantly cured. It's not just the weather that's got me down, it's the idea that two weeks of rest and relaxation is still over three weeks away. It's not that I hate what I'm doing, I love my life and my job. I give it all I have and when we are over half way through the year, I get tired. I know I still need to give 110%, but my energy level is down. My butt is dragging and I need a break.
Lord help me to rest.
Give me rest at home and joy every day. I am truly blessed and if I just look around me, I will clearly view those blessings. Help me to see the joy I have in living for you. Help me to focus more on living for you than the stresses of my daily routine. Bring me back to a daily life completely filled with your love and grace. The best is yet to come. I know that to be true and know you are here to see me through.
Praise God!
Monday, February 20, 2017
Study
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
Hebrews 4:12 NLT. http://bible.com/116/heb.4.12.nlt
I really love reading the Bible. Each year I chose a method of study. I have, on many occasions, read through the entire bible. I have used different translations and enjoyed them all. Sometimes I attack, deeper, books instead of the entire Bible. sometimes I use devotionals, following the thoughts of bible scholars. It doesn't really matter! We just need to study the word of God. This is what it means to seek the Lord!
Prayer and study!
How does it change me! Why is it so valuable?
The word of a God has changed me. As I study, contemplate, and apply the principles, I have grown as a follower of Christ. I find decisions make more sense, relationships improve, and my life improves. It's not just about reading the words, it's about taking those words and meshing them within my life.
I praise God for the guidance I receive from his marvelous word!
Hebrews 4:12 NLT. http://bible.com/116/heb.4.12.nlt
I really love reading the Bible. Each year I chose a method of study. I have, on many occasions, read through the entire bible. I have used different translations and enjoyed them all. Sometimes I attack, deeper, books instead of the entire Bible. sometimes I use devotionals, following the thoughts of bible scholars. It doesn't really matter! We just need to study the word of God. This is what it means to seek the Lord!
Prayer and study!
How does it change me! Why is it so valuable?
The word of a God has changed me. As I study, contemplate, and apply the principles, I have grown as a follower of Christ. I find decisions make more sense, relationships improve, and my life improves. It's not just about reading the words, it's about taking those words and meshing them within my life.
I praise God for the guidance I receive from his marvelous word!
Friday, February 17, 2017
Positive Pete or Negative Nelly!
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIVhttp://bible.com/111/jhn.14.27
I have stayed away from the political fray on social media lately. I still read my news feed and try to stay up on both sides of the issues. But, I have to say I am missing something. Most of the media, posts on social media, and attitudes of those I see, are so pessimistic. I feel the negativity rising across our country and the world. I just don't get it. Cmon people!
I get to spend every day with the next generation. There is hope, there is passion, there is creativity. I spend time with a great group of people every day that have a wonderful passion for life and teaching kids. We laugh, we push each other, and we are a family. I also get to spend time with a great group of Christian brothers and sisters with my CMA family. My church is amazing. My family is wonderful. Life is good!
If your one of those negative people that can't get past the news of the day, if you are one of those people that have a cloud over your head every day and can't help but spread gloom and doom, you better turn to Jesus. My hope is in him. My peace is through him. There is nothing in this world to fear, NOTHING!
Praise God!
I have stayed away from the political fray on social media lately. I still read my news feed and try to stay up on both sides of the issues. But, I have to say I am missing something. Most of the media, posts on social media, and attitudes of those I see, are so pessimistic. I feel the negativity rising across our country and the world. I just don't get it. Cmon people!
I get to spend every day with the next generation. There is hope, there is passion, there is creativity. I spend time with a great group of people every day that have a wonderful passion for life and teaching kids. We laugh, we push each other, and we are a family. I also get to spend time with a great group of Christian brothers and sisters with my CMA family. My church is amazing. My family is wonderful. Life is good!
If your one of those negative people that can't get past the news of the day, if you are one of those people that have a cloud over your head every day and can't help but spread gloom and doom, you better turn to Jesus. My hope is in him. My peace is through him. There is nothing in this world to fear, NOTHING!
Praise God!
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Stop! Slow Down!
“Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.”
Psalms 90:12 NLT. http://bible.com/116/psa.90.12.
I feel like my life has been running 100mph. I think if I would look back at my posts I would see there have been many times in my life where that is true. I run from one meeting to the next. I feel my life is like a hit and run accident. Sadly the speed of our lives gets in the way of bringing people to know Jesus. You can't share Jesus in a 30sec. sound bite. We need to change, narrower our focus.
Life is brief. If we look at what we spend our time on, we will see much of it is frivolous. We need to reflect and pray on what we fill our lives with. How am I spending my brief moments on this earth? How much of my time is spent furthering the kingdom of God?
Stop! Slow Down! Hear the voice of God! Filter your activities through the wisdom of Jesus!
Psalms 90:12 NLT. http://bible.com/116/psa.90.12.
I feel like my life has been running 100mph. I think if I would look back at my posts I would see there have been many times in my life where that is true. I run from one meeting to the next. I feel my life is like a hit and run accident. Sadly the speed of our lives gets in the way of bringing people to know Jesus. You can't share Jesus in a 30sec. sound bite. We need to change, narrower our focus.
Life is brief. If we look at what we spend our time on, we will see much of it is frivolous. We need to reflect and pray on what we fill our lives with. How am I spending my brief moments on this earth? How much of my time is spent furthering the kingdom of God?
Stop! Slow Down! Hear the voice of God! Filter your activities through the wisdom of Jesus!
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
You don't always get what you want!
“All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.”Hebrews 11:39 NLT. http://bible.com/116/heb.11.39.
I think there is a song out there, from the past, that says "You don't always get what you want!" Even if you have wonderful faith, you are not going to get all your wishes. Don't get me wrong. You will always get what you need according to God's plan. Time is the variable and faith means you believe in God's timing. When you turn your life over to the Father, he is in charge and sometimes his plans are not yours.
I trust God, explicitly! I know how he has provided even when things looked bleak, impossible. Here I am and thriving completely. He knows all and sees all. His plans and his timing are perfect. Give him a chance, follow his lead! Relax! He's got this. Do you really trust him or are those just words?
I think there is a song out there, from the past, that says "You don't always get what you want!" Even if you have wonderful faith, you are not going to get all your wishes. Don't get me wrong. You will always get what you need according to God's plan. Time is the variable and faith means you believe in God's timing. When you turn your life over to the Father, he is in charge and sometimes his plans are not yours.
I trust God, explicitly! I know how he has provided even when things looked bleak, impossible. Here I am and thriving completely. He knows all and sees all. His plans and his timing are perfect. Give him a chance, follow his lead! Relax! He's got this. Do you really trust him or are those just words?
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
My friends in faith!
“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each otherʼs faith.”
Romans 1:11-12 NIV. http://bible.com/111/rom.1.11-12
I have such valuable friends in my life. My life is so much better because of those friendships. It starts with my best friend, my wife, Stephanie. It continues with so many people of faith. My hope is that I can be an encourager to them. I want to be a voice in their lives that directs them closer to God. I want to see there for them and I deeply need them to be there for me.
Life is not complete with out deep, spiritually based, firendships. Valentine's Day is about love. That love is not just for that one special person. Our love is to be shared with our family, friends, and colleagues.
Thank You Lord for blessing me with strong friends in faith. My relationship with you, Lord, is stronger because of those friends. Amen!
Romans 1:11-12 NIV. http://bible.com/111/rom.1.11-12
I have such valuable friends in my life. My life is so much better because of those friendships. It starts with my best friend, my wife, Stephanie. It continues with so many people of faith. My hope is that I can be an encourager to them. I want to be a voice in their lives that directs them closer to God. I want to see there for them and I deeply need them to be there for me.
Life is not complete with out deep, spiritually based, firendships. Valentine's Day is about love. That love is not just for that one special person. Our love is to be shared with our family, friends, and colleagues.
Thank You Lord for blessing me with strong friends in faith. My relationship with you, Lord, is stronger because of those friends. Amen!
Friday, February 10, 2017
We need to build bridges of love and kindness!
“But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.””
Acts of the Apostles 4:19-20 NLT
http://bible.com/116/act.4.19-20.nlt
It's been a little over a month since I posted a political post on social media. In some ways it's been the hardest thing to do and in other ways it has been the easiest.
I still have a passion for politics. I am very opinionated. But, I have been convicted by my faith in Jesus Christ to stop the "polarizing " political posts. I have been able to follow that commitment for a little over a month. I have had to fight the urge to jump in the battle. But I believe it is necessary to sit out the constant war of words in our country.
Why?
Our country is deeply divided like never before. Families, coworkers, friends, and aquaintences HATE each other because of their political beliefs. I found myself getting meaner and meaner with every post. I found myself wanting to destroy the other side regardless of who they were.
It's just not worth it.
I love my colleagues. I certainly love my family. I will NOT post anything that may divide us. if we want our politicians and leaders to work together, we better show them how. If we want solutions to our problems, we better show that we value each other above politics. Anger, resentment, and hate will not help spread the love of Jesus. We need to build bridges of love and kindness. We need to concentrate our lives on serving others even those we disagree with. I want to encourage all my Facebook and twitter families to stop ! Think before you post! Stop offending! Start loving, even your enemy!
Acts of the Apostles 4:19-20 NLT
http://bible.com/116/act.4.19-20.nlt
It's been a little over a month since I posted a political post on social media. In some ways it's been the hardest thing to do and in other ways it has been the easiest.
I still have a passion for politics. I am very opinionated. But, I have been convicted by my faith in Jesus Christ to stop the "polarizing " political posts. I have been able to follow that commitment for a little over a month. I have had to fight the urge to jump in the battle. But I believe it is necessary to sit out the constant war of words in our country.
Why?
Our country is deeply divided like never before. Families, coworkers, friends, and aquaintences HATE each other because of their political beliefs. I found myself getting meaner and meaner with every post. I found myself wanting to destroy the other side regardless of who they were.
It's just not worth it.
I love my colleagues. I certainly love my family. I will NOT post anything that may divide us. if we want our politicians and leaders to work together, we better show them how. If we want solutions to our problems, we better show that we value each other above politics. Anger, resentment, and hate will not help spread the love of Jesus. We need to build bridges of love and kindness. We need to concentrate our lives on serving others even those we disagree with. I want to encourage all my Facebook and twitter families to stop ! Think before you post! Stop offending! Start loving, even your enemy!
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Get a life!
“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
John 15:12-13 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.15.12-13.nlt
I love teaching and getting to know my students. My relationship with them is the most important part of my service as a teacher. I would do anything for them. Yes, if necessary I would lay down my life for them. But, I don't foresee that as something I will be asked to do. I feel it is safe to say that very few of us will be asked to lay our life down for a friend.
So why is this verse so important?
What if laying down our life for someone doesn't mean death? What sacrifice am I willing to make for my family, my friends, or my students? Am I willing to give up personal time to serve my students? Am I willing to give up leisure time to serve in ministry? Am I willing to do without in order to financially support my church or charity? In some ways it might be easier to give up your life than sacrifice time, money, or energy for the kingdom. The Lord needs us to give up ourselves, to give up our life, and replace it with service to others. We rarely are asked to make the ultimate sacrifice but we are constantly asked to live our lives for the kingdom instead of our selfish pursuits.
John 15:12-13 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.15.12-13.nlt
I love teaching and getting to know my students. My relationship with them is the most important part of my service as a teacher. I would do anything for them. Yes, if necessary I would lay down my life for them. But, I don't foresee that as something I will be asked to do. I feel it is safe to say that very few of us will be asked to lay our life down for a friend.
So why is this verse so important?
What if laying down our life for someone doesn't mean death? What sacrifice am I willing to make for my family, my friends, or my students? Am I willing to give up personal time to serve my students? Am I willing to give up leisure time to serve in ministry? Am I willing to do without in order to financially support my church or charity? In some ways it might be easier to give up your life than sacrifice time, money, or energy for the kingdom. The Lord needs us to give up ourselves, to give up our life, and replace it with service to others. We rarely are asked to make the ultimate sacrifice but we are constantly asked to live our lives for the kingdom instead of our selfish pursuits.
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