“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.nlt
It's fascinating the greats from the Bible earned their reputation because of their faith. It's not surprising because faith in our father, letting the spirit of the Lord fill us, we are bound to make better choices and earn respect from all people. As Christians our reputation is everything. We don't need to be perfect, we are going to make mistakes but we are so much better with Jesus at the center of our lives.
This world needs us to value our own reputation. We need to care deeply about how we are perceived wether it is real or imagined. Our inward and outward appearances are equally important and when we are attacked, our response is so crucial. Many times we need to hold back our temptation to defend ourselves, to lash out in anger. Sometimes silence is our best response. Sometimes it is best to say and do nothing in defense of our reputation. Other times we need to vigorously defend ourselves with all aggression and passion. How do we know when? The indwelling of the Spirit will guide our response. I personally have experienced this guidance. I believe my reputation was protected through a recent attack exclusively by my own silence. It was not me. It was the power of God.
Dear Lord, protect our reputation so we can speak fully your message. Watch over us and give us guidance while we are under attack. Feed our minds and hearts with your words and actions. Help us to react in Love so that others can come to know you through us.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Monday, October 30, 2017
We need encouragers!
“For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.”
Romans 1:11-12 NLT
http://bible.com/116/rom.1.11-12.nlt
I long to be with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I love working with them, hearing about their challenges, and encouraging them. I value the art of encouragement more than any other skill I possess. I want to encourage my students to persevere. I want to encourage my family, friends, and ministry partners. They deserve it. As I spend time encouraging others, I am greatly encouraged. It's amazing what "positive talk" can do to everyone involved. Discouraging talk can also destroy everyone within ear shot. That's why I recommend, rather strongly, know who are your encouragers and who are open to encouragement. Avoid the negativity in others. It's harder to do that in families and work situations but for your own wellbeing you need to try. Over the past half year, I've been doing everything I can to avoid the "negative nellies" and spend time with the encouragers. I have also, for the past year, tried to post only positive posts on social media. Now, trust me, I know people can read "negativity" into anything so I'm sure my posts have not always been received as intended. People that disagree with me politically might not think of my posts as positive. They might not appreciate my thoughts, but they are only intended to lift up those they are posted for. We need more encouragers in this world.
Encouragement is a powerful force in the lives of people. We need to spend more time building people up and not tearing them down. Life is not a sports talk show. Life is not a news show filled with biases of politics and ideology. People are not encouraged though constant criticism and detailed analysis. People need to know you believe in them. You support them in tough times, and that you will be there for them. They just need someone to support them with a kind word. How tough can that be.
Romans 1:11-12 NLT
http://bible.com/116/rom.1.11-12.nlt
I long to be with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I love working with them, hearing about their challenges, and encouraging them. I value the art of encouragement more than any other skill I possess. I want to encourage my students to persevere. I want to encourage my family, friends, and ministry partners. They deserve it. As I spend time encouraging others, I am greatly encouraged. It's amazing what "positive talk" can do to everyone involved. Discouraging talk can also destroy everyone within ear shot. That's why I recommend, rather strongly, know who are your encouragers and who are open to encouragement. Avoid the negativity in others. It's harder to do that in families and work situations but for your own wellbeing you need to try. Over the past half year, I've been doing everything I can to avoid the "negative nellies" and spend time with the encouragers. I have also, for the past year, tried to post only positive posts on social media. Now, trust me, I know people can read "negativity" into anything so I'm sure my posts have not always been received as intended. People that disagree with me politically might not think of my posts as positive. They might not appreciate my thoughts, but they are only intended to lift up those they are posted for. We need more encouragers in this world.
Encouragement is a powerful force in the lives of people. We need to spend more time building people up and not tearing them down. Life is not a sports talk show. Life is not a news show filled with biases of politics and ideology. People are not encouraged though constant criticism and detailed analysis. People need to know you believe in them. You support them in tough times, and that you will be there for them. They just need someone to support them with a kind word. How tough can that be.
Friday, October 27, 2017
Rhoadzie's Daily Blog: I've learned a lot.
Rhoadzie's Daily Blog: I've learned a lot.: “So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversati...
I've learned a lot.
“So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.”
2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 MSG
http://bible.com/97/2th.2.15-17.msg
http://bible.com/97/2th.2.15-17.msg
It's great to know the Lord is always with us directing our steps, encouraging us, and invigorating our work. I can’t tell you the number of times these past 5 months I really wanted to give up. But the Holy Spirit has lifted me up. I have a new, quite surprising direction , which has instilled a hope missing at the end of May. While I still struggle with bouts of depression about the changes, God has been very active in his perfect love to assure me HE is in charge. I have been able to keep my head high even through the barrage of attacks. It’s not through my own will. It’s through Jesus.
I hold on to what I have been taught. Yes, I am constantly learning and my teacher is the Spirit of the Lord. I am constantly learning by the experiences of life, a life built by my loving God. When I asked Jesus into my life at the age of 12 years old, I asked him to direct my life and he has certainly done that. I have been encouraged and given confidence each step I have taken down the path. Praise God for his powerful hand. Praise God he cares so much about me and the life I lead.
2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 MSG
http://bible.com/97/2th.2.15-17.msg
http://bible.com/97/2th.2.15-17.msg
It's great to know the Lord is always with us directing our steps, encouraging us, and invigorating our work. I can’t tell you the number of times these past 5 months I really wanted to give up. But the Holy Spirit has lifted me up. I have a new, quite surprising direction , which has instilled a hope missing at the end of May. While I still struggle with bouts of depression about the changes, God has been very active in his perfect love to assure me HE is in charge. I have been able to keep my head high even through the barrage of attacks. It’s not through my own will. It’s through Jesus.
I hold on to what I have been taught. Yes, I am constantly learning and my teacher is the Spirit of the Lord. I am constantly learning by the experiences of life, a life built by my loving God. When I asked Jesus into my life at the age of 12 years old, I asked him to direct my life and he has certainly done that. I have been encouraged and given confidence each step I have taken down the path. Praise God for his powerful hand. Praise God he cares so much about me and the life I lead.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
I've been silent!
“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
I have been pretty quiet lately, especially at school. Really I am a very contemplative person. I'm a thinker and over the past several months I have been thinking a lot about what God has planned for me in the next phase of my life. While I'm thinking, contemplating, I just want to be alone. If I avoid communication with people maybe they will just leave me alone.
Theses verses are still true. God doesn't want us to stop telling about the things he has done for us. There is a time and a place to open up the floodgates of his grace and mercy. He want us to tell our story, but sometimes we need to stop talking and listen. We need to let the spirit of the Lord speak and we need to be quiet so we can hear him. God has been speaking. A plan is forming, not from my own thoughts and desires but his. I feel the Spirit of the Lord at work. I can see the path slowly take shape before me. While I wait to see the entire picture develop, I will continue to remain silent, listening for direction, praying, and spending time away from the crowds. If you wonder what's wrong with me? Nothing is wrong. Im just waiting on the Lord! I'm in a season where I greatly look forward to the Lord speaking and I want to hear less from the world.
Acts of the Apostles 4:19-20 NLT
http://bible.com/116/act.4.19-20.nlt
I have been pretty quiet lately, especially at school. Really I am a very contemplative person. I'm a thinker and over the past several months I have been thinking a lot about what God has planned for me in the next phase of my life. While I'm thinking, contemplating, I just want to be alone. If I avoid communication with people maybe they will just leave me alone.
Theses verses are still true. God doesn't want us to stop telling about the things he has done for us. There is a time and a place to open up the floodgates of his grace and mercy. He want us to tell our story, but sometimes we need to stop talking and listen. We need to let the spirit of the Lord speak and we need to be quiet so we can hear him. God has been speaking. A plan is forming, not from my own thoughts and desires but his. I feel the Spirit of the Lord at work. I can see the path slowly take shape before me. While I wait to see the entire picture develop, I will continue to remain silent, listening for direction, praying, and spending time away from the crowds. If you wonder what's wrong with me? Nothing is wrong. Im just waiting on the Lord! I'm in a season where I greatly look forward to the Lord speaking and I want to hear less from the world.
Friday, October 20, 2017
Patiently waiting!
“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
Psalms 27:14 NLT
http://bible.com/116/psa.27.14.nlt
My Achilles! My vulnerability! My Pure weakness!
Patience!
I am impatient with my family, friends, ministry, and YES, I am impatient with my wonderful Heavenly Father! I want to change everyone NOW! I want everyone to come to the Lord, NOW. I want to solve world hunger, injustice, poverty, illness, cancer, NOW! I want to retire NOW! But I know I have to be patient, Gods plans for me are perfect and sometimes they take time to bloom. I just need to wait patiently.
When it comes to patience I do not understand!
These verses help! Why? Because it shows me the Lord really understands. He understands our lack of patience. He offers us compassion when he implores us to be brave and courageous in the midst of our impatience. Life rarely progresses at a "satisfactory" pace for me! But I trust in the Lord and even though I have no patience, I can survive knowing the Lord is in charge of all things. I can endure the pain, the suffering, the sinfulness of this world because Jesus is with me! I feel his comfort. I feel his presence providing me bravery and courage. I could not survive without him. I am honored that regardless what I have done in my life, regardless of the sins I have committed or the grave mistakes I have made, he has never given up on me, HIS PATIENCE is perfect.
Psalms 27:14 NLT
http://bible.com/116/psa.27.14.nlt
My Achilles! My vulnerability! My Pure weakness!
Patience!
I am impatient with my family, friends, ministry, and YES, I am impatient with my wonderful Heavenly Father! I want to change everyone NOW! I want everyone to come to the Lord, NOW. I want to solve world hunger, injustice, poverty, illness, cancer, NOW! I want to retire NOW! But I know I have to be patient, Gods plans for me are perfect and sometimes they take time to bloom. I just need to wait patiently.
When it comes to patience I do not understand!
These verses help! Why? Because it shows me the Lord really understands. He understands our lack of patience. He offers us compassion when he implores us to be brave and courageous in the midst of our impatience. Life rarely progresses at a "satisfactory" pace for me! But I trust in the Lord and even though I have no patience, I can survive knowing the Lord is in charge of all things. I can endure the pain, the suffering, the sinfulness of this world because Jesus is with me! I feel his comfort. I feel his presence providing me bravery and courage. I could not survive without him. I am honored that regardless what I have done in my life, regardless of the sins I have committed or the grave mistakes I have made, he has never given up on me, HIS PATIENCE is perfect.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
I fail..... often!
“And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.”
John 13:14-15 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.13.14-15.
I should be more bold. I should be a better example. I should do more. I need to take all the pain and hurt of my friends and family and make it my own. Jesus did that for me. I need to be able to do it for others.
I have read and studied Jesus and his teachings my entire life. I should be better at taking his example and following it. I see his sacrifices and just haven't made that same commitment. He has loved me, sacrificed for me, held me accountable, and kept me from destroying myself through foolish choices. Simply put, I have failed if I can't do this for others. I have the full power of Jesus at my disposal. Why can't I use it?
Dear Lord, forgive me. I'm weak and need your power, strength, grace, mercy, and peace. I pray that I can follow your example and be there for my friends and family. The world surrounds us with sin and evil. We can not overcome it f we don't place you in the center of our lives and live like you did. We need you Lord. Amen!
John 13:14-15 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.13.14-15.
I should be more bold. I should be a better example. I should do more. I need to take all the pain and hurt of my friends and family and make it my own. Jesus did that for me. I need to be able to do it for others.
I have read and studied Jesus and his teachings my entire life. I should be better at taking his example and following it. I see his sacrifices and just haven't made that same commitment. He has loved me, sacrificed for me, held me accountable, and kept me from destroying myself through foolish choices. Simply put, I have failed if I can't do this for others. I have the full power of Jesus at my disposal. Why can't I use it?
Dear Lord, forgive me. I'm weak and need your power, strength, grace, mercy, and peace. I pray that I can follow your example and be there for my friends and family. The world surrounds us with sin and evil. We can not overcome it f we don't place you in the center of our lives and live like you did. We need you Lord. Amen!
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
"Take Courage. I am here"
“But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here! ””
Matthew 14:27 NLT
The older and older I get, the more I need Jesus. It's not that I DIDN'T need him when I was younger. I certainly did. But, the more life experiences I have the more I realize I can not do life alone. Trials and tribulations, unexpected tragedies, and loss can lead us to give up hope. The sin that surrounds us rips apart families, friends, and communities. We can live our life in great fear. Not with Jesus.
We, our nation, our world, and yes, little Garrett, Indiana, need the courage and hope of the presence of Jesus. We will not be overwhelmed when we turn to the Son of God. Right now, I need to remember this. I need to relive all the Jesus has done for me and all the "Life" he's gotten me through.
Dear Lord, please make your presence known in my life and the lives of my friends and family. We need you every day as we face the sin and pain that is so prevalent in our world. I praise you for all that you have done for me. It is only your grace that has brought me thus far. Praise God for his love. Amen!
Matthew 14:27 NLT
The older and older I get, the more I need Jesus. It's not that I DIDN'T need him when I was younger. I certainly did. But, the more life experiences I have the more I realize I can not do life alone. Trials and tribulations, unexpected tragedies, and loss can lead us to give up hope. The sin that surrounds us rips apart families, friends, and communities. We can live our life in great fear. Not with Jesus.
We, our nation, our world, and yes, little Garrett, Indiana, need the courage and hope of the presence of Jesus. We will not be overwhelmed when we turn to the Son of God. Right now, I need to remember this. I need to relive all the Jesus has done for me and all the "Life" he's gotten me through.
Dear Lord, please make your presence known in my life and the lives of my friends and family. We need you every day as we face the sin and pain that is so prevalent in our world. I praise you for all that you have done for me. It is only your grace that has brought me thus far. Praise God for his love. Amen!
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Change me
“Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.”
Matthew 4:19-20 NLT
http://bible.com/116/mat.4.19-20.nlt
We are all called by God to serve him. We are to serve sacrificially, leaving our old life and accepting new life through our service to him. Everything we do has lasting implications to our lives and the lives of the people around you. I need to continue to stay focused on the simple message. God loves us, he wants a relationship with us, so much so, that he sacrificed his on for us. We just need to accept that so we may be transformed into the person Jesus would have us to be.
Dear Lord, continue to change me, filling me with your spirit so I may walk in your light. I want to leave my old ways to follow only you. Change me Lord! Amen!
Matthew 4:19-20 NLT
http://bible.com/116/mat.4.19-20.nlt
We are all called by God to serve him. We are to serve sacrificially, leaving our old life and accepting new life through our service to him. Everything we do has lasting implications to our lives and the lives of the people around you. I need to continue to stay focused on the simple message. God loves us, he wants a relationship with us, so much so, that he sacrificed his on for us. We just need to accept that so we may be transformed into the person Jesus would have us to be.
Dear Lord, continue to change me, filling me with your spirit so I may walk in your light. I want to leave my old ways to follow only you. Change me Lord! Amen!
Monday, October 16, 2017
I'm trying
“The one thing I ask of the Lord — the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.”
Psalms 27:4 NLT
http://bible.com/116/psa.27.4.nlt
I'm trying, but life keeps distracting me!
I love the Lord with all my heart. I seek him and desire him more now than ever before. But I let my life get in the way of truly delighting in him and meditating on his word. So many distractions keep me from serving him continuously. It's me! It's Satan distracting me! It's my lack of focus that keeps me away from the father.
I want to serve the Lord with my life. I want his glory to be seen through me and his love to radiate from my words, my thoughts, and my actions. When those three things are not in tune with the Lord, I miss out on his wonderful blessings. It saddens me when I fall short. I know the gravity of it all. It could mean someone dies an eternal death if I don't serve, if I don't share the message, if I don't help them reach out to Jesus.
Dear Lord, I love you and praise you. I am honored that you have given me a week away to rest and relax. I need to stay focused on you through the distractions of a busy week. I need to stay focused on bringing others to you and eternal life. Thank you Lord for walking with me each day and loving me despite my failures and weaknesses. Amen!
Psalms 27:4 NLT
http://bible.com/116/psa.27.4.nlt
I'm trying, but life keeps distracting me!
I love the Lord with all my heart. I seek him and desire him more now than ever before. But I let my life get in the way of truly delighting in him and meditating on his word. So many distractions keep me from serving him continuously. It's me! It's Satan distracting me! It's my lack of focus that keeps me away from the father.
I want to serve the Lord with my life. I want his glory to be seen through me and his love to radiate from my words, my thoughts, and my actions. When those three things are not in tune with the Lord, I miss out on his wonderful blessings. It saddens me when I fall short. I know the gravity of it all. It could mean someone dies an eternal death if I don't serve, if I don't share the message, if I don't help them reach out to Jesus.
Dear Lord, I love you and praise you. I am honored that you have given me a week away to rest and relax. I need to stay focused on you through the distractions of a busy week. I need to stay focused on bringing others to you and eternal life. Thank you Lord for walking with me each day and loving me despite my failures and weaknesses. Amen!
Sunday, October 8, 2017
We have it all
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT
http://bible.com/116/2co.9.8.nlt
Another morning getting coffee ready for my biker friends. It's been a great weekend of service. That's why I love the ministry of CMA. The weekend started off with a vendor needing my generator. I also provided his gas. He really needed it. He and his wife slept in their car. They were around 70 years old and I found out through our conversations they were hurting for money. When a storm was predicted we all pitched in to help them tear down their booth quickly. It was fun to see people helping people.
During the day we were asked to pray for a baby born at 25 weeks. We serve! That's what Jesus wants us to do. We have everything we need and more. He just wants us to share all we have and share his message of love. We are getting ready to host a devotion this morning for the campers. They asked us to. God is good and he is blessing this ministry. I praise him every day for the opportunity.
2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT
http://bible.com/116/2co.9.8.nlt
Another morning getting coffee ready for my biker friends. It's been a great weekend of service. That's why I love the ministry of CMA. The weekend started off with a vendor needing my generator. I also provided his gas. He really needed it. He and his wife slept in their car. They were around 70 years old and I found out through our conversations they were hurting for money. When a storm was predicted we all pitched in to help them tear down their booth quickly. It was fun to see people helping people.
During the day we were asked to pray for a baby born at 25 weeks. We serve! That's what Jesus wants us to do. We have everything we need and more. He just wants us to share all we have and share his message of love. We are getting ready to host a devotion this morning for the campers. They asked us to. God is good and he is blessing this ministry. I praise him every day for the opportunity.
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Just me and a Barn Owl
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.”
John 14:16 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.14.16.nlt
I am all set up this morning with fresh coffee ready, serving at a Biker Event for ABATE of Indiana Region Zero. It's pretty quiet right now. I'm all alone except for a barn owl hooting to break up the silence. I love the times of quiet . I don't get much quiet, alone time. But as I sit here reading my bible I'm taken by the thought that I'm never really alone. Sitting in the stillness of this new day I am very aware of the presence of the Lord, the Holy Spirit, filling my heart. The truth is, that same spirit, is with me even in the chaos of a full day at school or a motorcycle event. I just don't take the time to feel his presence. That's a shame.
I need to be more aware of the presence of the Lord. If I wait until the quiet of a morning when it's just me and a barn owl, I am missing out on the many blessings that come through the Lord. I need to be aware of his guiding in tough decisions, his love through service and the joy that is missing in this world. The joy, the peace, It's all there but we are so busy it passes us by. Forgive me Lord for ignoring your presence in every moment of my life. I say I need thee every hour, but don't even take a second to feel your presence. Forgive me Lord. Amen!
John 14:16 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.14.16.nlt
I am all set up this morning with fresh coffee ready, serving at a Biker Event for ABATE of Indiana Region Zero. It's pretty quiet right now. I'm all alone except for a barn owl hooting to break up the silence. I love the times of quiet . I don't get much quiet, alone time. But as I sit here reading my bible I'm taken by the thought that I'm never really alone. Sitting in the stillness of this new day I am very aware of the presence of the Lord, the Holy Spirit, filling my heart. The truth is, that same spirit, is with me even in the chaos of a full day at school or a motorcycle event. I just don't take the time to feel his presence. That's a shame.
I need to be more aware of the presence of the Lord. If I wait until the quiet of a morning when it's just me and a barn owl, I am missing out on the many blessings that come through the Lord. I need to be aware of his guiding in tough decisions, his love through service and the joy that is missing in this world. The joy, the peace, It's all there but we are so busy it passes us by. Forgive me Lord for ignoring your presence in every moment of my life. I say I need thee every hour, but don't even take a second to feel your presence. Forgive me Lord. Amen!
Friday, October 6, 2017
I know Jesus
“We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life.”
1 John 1:1 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1jn.1.1.nlt
Have you ever dreamed about what it would have been like walking with Jesus? To see him, to hear him preach, to just be in his presence. This majestic verse makes me jealous of the first disciples. Yet, I can tell you, personally, that Jesus is just as real, just as active, today as he was when he walked this earth.
I know Jesus. He knows me.
Sure, I haven't been able to grab his hand, see his smile, or walk with him in the physical sense but I feel him just the same. I can see his gentle guidance in my life. His direction and wisdom are present in some of my decisions. When I look back at what I have done, I can see twists and turns in the direction of my life that are not just luck, coincidence, or by some brilliant plan I have devised. They are only by the hand of God.
I praise the Lord for his real presence in my life and the active role he plays. I love you Lord! I want nothing more than to serve you and bring others to this same relationship.
1 John 1:1 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1jn.1.1.nlt
Have you ever dreamed about what it would have been like walking with Jesus? To see him, to hear him preach, to just be in his presence. This majestic verse makes me jealous of the first disciples. Yet, I can tell you, personally, that Jesus is just as real, just as active, today as he was when he walked this earth.
I know Jesus. He knows me.
Sure, I haven't been able to grab his hand, see his smile, or walk with him in the physical sense but I feel him just the same. I can see his gentle guidance in my life. His direction and wisdom are present in some of my decisions. When I look back at what I have done, I can see twists and turns in the direction of my life that are not just luck, coincidence, or by some brilliant plan I have devised. They are only by the hand of God.
I praise the Lord for his real presence in my life and the active role he plays. I love you Lord! I want nothing more than to serve you and bring others to this same relationship.
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Isolation
“Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them.”
Luke 4:42 NLT
http://bible.com/116/luk.4.42.nlt
Sometimes the demands on our time is overwhelming. The world, the country, we live in is a demanding place. It's hard to get a break, a time to just spend with God. Jesus is our example. He found time. I need to find time. I try to do that each morning and each evening. It's hard to stay focused on God during that time. The thoughts of my day, the present news headlines, family stresses, all distract from my time with the Lord. Isolating ourselves from this world to focus on connecting with Jesus is critical to serving the kingdom.
My non-teaching friends have always given me a hard time about all my vacations. I don't apologize for those times. Mentally and spiritually, I need time away. Even the weekends provide time away. I use my motorcycle as an escape. I use cutting my lawn as an escape. I even find myself taking mini breaks often throughout my day to refocus on the Lord. If you don't find time to spend with the Lord, on a regular basis, how can we learn his heart and his will for our lives.
Life is demanding. We can't do "life" effectively without time away. That time away should be centered around Jesus. We need time to pray, study the word of the Lord, and reconnect with our savior. I praise the Lord for the times I have to escape. They are a blessing and I will never take them for granted.
Luke 4:42 NLT
http://bible.com/116/luk.4.42.nlt
Sometimes the demands on our time is overwhelming. The world, the country, we live in is a demanding place. It's hard to get a break, a time to just spend with God. Jesus is our example. He found time. I need to find time. I try to do that each morning and each evening. It's hard to stay focused on God during that time. The thoughts of my day, the present news headlines, family stresses, all distract from my time with the Lord. Isolating ourselves from this world to focus on connecting with Jesus is critical to serving the kingdom.
My non-teaching friends have always given me a hard time about all my vacations. I don't apologize for those times. Mentally and spiritually, I need time away. Even the weekends provide time away. I use my motorcycle as an escape. I use cutting my lawn as an escape. I even find myself taking mini breaks often throughout my day to refocus on the Lord. If you don't find time to spend with the Lord, on a regular basis, how can we learn his heart and his will for our lives.
Life is demanding. We can't do "life" effectively without time away. That time away should be centered around Jesus. We need time to pray, study the word of the Lord, and reconnect with our savior. I praise the Lord for the times I have to escape. They are a blessing and I will never take them for granted.
Monday, October 2, 2017
The Battle is on! Rise up men and women of God!
“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
Romans 12:21 NLT
http://bible.com/116/rom.12.21.
It just has to stop!
The hate in this world has to stop! But we can't stop it without the perfect love of Jesus. It's not going to come from a president, political party, government, or activist. We can only stop the hate with revival in this land. We need to focus on the word of the Lord, deep, consistent, continual prayer, and true worship.
We are trying to stem the tide of evil with human power, weak, sinful, human will power. It's not working. We need to bow to Jesus and honor him, well above any patriotic salute, or symbolic flag. We need to kneel before the cross and beg God to spare us from ourselves.
Christians need to forget politics and start preaching the love that surpasses all understanding. We need to pray for our enemies and love them more than we love ourselves. We need to stop dividing and start uniting the world under the cross. We need to go out and use our hands and feet to take real Love to a hurt and dying world. It's not good enough to spout Christian rhetoric. We have to put our words into action. The world can not survive with this much hate. Rise up men and women of God! The battle for the way, the truth, and the life is on!
Romans 12:21 NLT
http://bible.com/116/rom.12.21.
It just has to stop!
The hate in this world has to stop! But we can't stop it without the perfect love of Jesus. It's not going to come from a president, political party, government, or activist. We can only stop the hate with revival in this land. We need to focus on the word of the Lord, deep, consistent, continual prayer, and true worship.
We are trying to stem the tide of evil with human power, weak, sinful, human will power. It's not working. We need to bow to Jesus and honor him, well above any patriotic salute, or symbolic flag. We need to kneel before the cross and beg God to spare us from ourselves.
Christians need to forget politics and start preaching the love that surpasses all understanding. We need to pray for our enemies and love them more than we love ourselves. We need to stop dividing and start uniting the world under the cross. We need to go out and use our hands and feet to take real Love to a hurt and dying world. It's not good enough to spout Christian rhetoric. We have to put our words into action. The world can not survive with this much hate. Rise up men and women of God! The battle for the way, the truth, and the life is on!
Prayer
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
James 5:16 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jas.5.16.nlt
I'm not perfect. I'm a sinner like everyone else. I need prayer, just like everyone else. Will you pray for me? How many times have you told someone you would pray for them and didn't. Prayer is such a powerful tool and produces such great results here today. The suffering in this world is great but it is not so great that it can not be defeated by the powerful prayer of the righteous.
I am thankful for my time of prayer and have been amazed by the miracle answers to those prayers. It doesn't make me amazing, it makes my Lord amazing. Please join me in ferevent prayer for my family, friends, our nation and the world. We call on the Lord to heal us, to bring us together, to love each other. This world is a broken and dark place. We need the love of Jesus every day. We need his power of healing. We need his grace and mercy to fill our lives.
James 5:16 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jas.5.16.nlt
I'm not perfect. I'm a sinner like everyone else. I need prayer, just like everyone else. Will you pray for me? How many times have you told someone you would pray for them and didn't. Prayer is such a powerful tool and produces such great results here today. The suffering in this world is great but it is not so great that it can not be defeated by the powerful prayer of the righteous.
I am thankful for my time of prayer and have been amazed by the miracle answers to those prayers. It doesn't make me amazing, it makes my Lord amazing. Please join me in ferevent prayer for my family, friends, our nation and the world. We call on the Lord to heal us, to bring us together, to love each other. This world is a broken and dark place. We need the love of Jesus every day. We need his power of healing. We need his grace and mercy to fill our lives.
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