Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. (Psalm 37:8 NIV)
I can tell I'm getting older every day. I enjoy watching the Andy Griffith show, Gunsmoke, and Bonanza. That should say it all. I'm more fascinated with the history channel than reality tv and Things that used to "Set me off" are few and far between. I am saddened more than angered. I also don't fret like I have in the past, even a year ago. I enjoy being bored and am more apt to take drives through the country than speed to my "appointment". I treasure an afternoon nap and thoroughly enjoy sitting with my wife, even though nothing much is said. I look forward to every moment with my daughters and grandkids as if they were my last. Yep, I'm getting old.
You know what?
I like life more this way.
God is continuing to work in me. His patience with me is amazing. It's taken 52 years for him to make headway. No, it's not really his fault. It's me! My sinful stubbornness has slowed the process considerably. But, after the hustle and bustle of my life, Bible verses like this are making more sense to me. I just wish it hadn't taken so long.
So, here's my advice, don't wait so long to listen to the word. Act on it now, slow down enjoy every day like its the best day of your life. Slowing down keeps you from rushing into sin and dealing with thoughtless mistakes. Take this advice from a guy who has finally realized what REAL life is about.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Stomp out Grudges!
“ ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:18 NIV)
Most people would agree with this verse. But, few live by it. Just look at the politics in our nation. No one can get along and fierce elections end up with both sides holding grudges. Therefore nothing gets done. But, Washington DC is not the only example. Our communities are filled with hate, discourse and turmoil. I see iteveryday at school between students, between teachers, coaches, parents and administrators. Very few take criticism well and even fewer try to walk in anothers shoes. Grudges are a part of daily life.
God is the only one with the power and authority to bear a grudge, yet he doesn't. His grace is perfect in that even though we sin greatly against him, he will instantly forgive at our request. Not only that, he will also forget that sin. If we could just love our neighbor like that, what a wonderful place this would be. Do something to erase a grudge. Heal the hurt, let go of the pain we have endured. Grant forgiveness and accept it of others. Life is too short to spend on grudges.
Most people would agree with this verse. But, few live by it. Just look at the politics in our nation. No one can get along and fierce elections end up with both sides holding grudges. Therefore nothing gets done. But, Washington DC is not the only example. Our communities are filled with hate, discourse and turmoil. I see iteveryday at school between students, between teachers, coaches, parents and administrators. Very few take criticism well and even fewer try to walk in anothers shoes. Grudges are a part of daily life.
God is the only one with the power and authority to bear a grudge, yet he doesn't. His grace is perfect in that even though we sin greatly against him, he will instantly forgive at our request. Not only that, he will also forget that sin. If we could just love our neighbor like that, what a wonderful place this would be. Do something to erase a grudge. Heal the hurt, let go of the pain we have endured. Grant forgiveness and accept it of others. Life is too short to spend on grudges.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Temples and Sodas!
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 NIV)
The courts have just turned down NYC Mayor Bloombergs ban on Super size sodas. I have to admit I am glad. I just don't like the idea of "Big Brother" trying to dictate what I do. I'm independent and feel I can make those decisions on my own. My best example of how it should be done is from the creator of the universe. God COULD tell us how to live. He knows how we like to harm ourselves. He knows the consequences of our poor choices. He knows the cost of our sin because he paid the price for it. Yet, he still gives us free choice. I know the argument that poor health costs all of us through insurance and health care costs. Sin costs all of us also. Your poor decisions affect you, your family, friends, and community. Yet, God still gives us free choice. He does everything he can to convince us to follow the right path, yet stops at the edge.
Just like you can't legislate healthy choices, you can't legislate morality. The consequences are severe, but we are given the choice. Take care of your body, your mind, and your spirit for it is pleasing to The Lord. YOU have to make the choice, he won't do it for you.
The courts have just turned down NYC Mayor Bloombergs ban on Super size sodas. I have to admit I am glad. I just don't like the idea of "Big Brother" trying to dictate what I do. I'm independent and feel I can make those decisions on my own. My best example of how it should be done is from the creator of the universe. God COULD tell us how to live. He knows how we like to harm ourselves. He knows the consequences of our poor choices. He knows the cost of our sin because he paid the price for it. Yet, he still gives us free choice. I know the argument that poor health costs all of us through insurance and health care costs. Sin costs all of us also. Your poor decisions affect you, your family, friends, and community. Yet, God still gives us free choice. He does everything he can to convince us to follow the right path, yet stops at the edge.
Just like you can't legislate healthy choices, you can't legislate morality. The consequences are severe, but we are given the choice. Take care of your body, your mind, and your spirit for it is pleasing to The Lord. YOU have to make the choice, he won't do it for you.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
My thoughts about the History Channel's "The Bible!"
It's not perfect. There is nothing better than the real thing. But, The Bible, on History Channel is pretty good. Like most Christians, I have seen my share of bible bashers to be skeptical, but on the first night I do not get any sense of bible bashing. On the contrary, I have seen great support from those who follow these things much closer than I. The producers are strong Christians and they have a hope this mini series can be used for Gods kingdom. Read this info, watch, and make up your own mind.
Roma Downey and Mark Burnett are bracing themselves for reaction to their ambitious, 10- hour History Channel adaptation of the Bible that launches this Sunday night (3/3) and runs through Easter. “I’m sure people will hurl what they want to hurl,” the “Touched by an Angel” actress told us. But, she added, the miniseries was made “with full hearts.” Certainly the Burnetts and the History Channel are putting their all into pulling viewers into “The Bible,” with a full court press of promotion including: advance screenings in theaters and sports arenas; plugs from faith leaders including Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, T.D. Jakes and Maya Angelou; a huge array of support materials available to churches and individuals; a webinar; a You Tube video in which Roma asks believers to pray for the miniseries; even a kit for hosing Bible viewing parties (http://www.outreach.com/campaigns/the-bible-resources). “We’ve had scholars and theologians help. »
Please pray God will use this miniseries in a powerful way. Pray that people will watch and their hearts soften to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I can't think of a better way to get in to the homes of millions of non-believers!
Roma Downey and Mark Burnett are bracing themselves for reaction to their ambitious, 10- hour History Channel adaptation of the Bible that launches this Sunday night (3/3) and runs through Easter. “I’m sure people will hurl what they want to hurl,” the “Touched by an Angel” actress told us. But, she added, the miniseries was made “with full hearts.” Certainly the Burnetts and the History Channel are putting their all into pulling viewers into “The Bible,” with a full court press of promotion including: advance screenings in theaters and sports arenas; plugs from faith leaders including Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, T.D. Jakes and Maya Angelou; a huge array of support materials available to churches and individuals; a webinar; a You Tube video in which Roma asks believers to pray for the miniseries; even a kit for hosing Bible viewing parties (http://www.outreach.com/campaigns/the-bible-resources). “We’ve had scholars and theologians help. »
Please pray God will use this miniseries in a powerful way. Pray that people will watch and their hearts soften to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I can't think of a better way to get in to the homes of millions of non-believers!
Friday, March 1, 2013
This is the winning side!
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV)
In all honesty, I don't feel like I'm in a battle. I have read, many times, that we Christians are in a battle with Satan. Some churches really emphasize our weaknesses and the battle of the flesh. Maybe I don't feel at war because the victory has already been won for me. The battle is not of this world and it is not fought with "traditional" weapons. Jesus Christ has won the battle for me and, even on this Earth, the power of evil has no hold on me. The divine power of the creator of the universe has demolished the enemy and I happen to be on the winning side! Praise God for his mercy, grace, and protection!
In all honesty, I don't feel like I'm in a battle. I have read, many times, that we Christians are in a battle with Satan. Some churches really emphasize our weaknesses and the battle of the flesh. Maybe I don't feel at war because the victory has already been won for me. The battle is not of this world and it is not fought with "traditional" weapons. Jesus Christ has won the battle for me and, even on this Earth, the power of evil has no hold on me. The divine power of the creator of the universe has demolished the enemy and I happen to be on the winning side! Praise God for his mercy, grace, and protection!
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