“Are they ashamed of these disgusting actions? Not at all—they don’t even know how to blush! Therefore, they will lie among the slaughtered. They will be brought down when I punish them, says the Lord.”
Jeremiah 8:12 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jer.8.12.nlt
Sometimes the news is just hard to watch. The latest headlines contain a massive amount of sexual harassment charges. Our political leaders, the powerful men who are charged with representing us, can't contain themselves. They act like a bunch hormone crazed school boys experiencing girls for the first. The power has gone to their heads. I am disgusted by their actions. There is absolutely no humility in any of them. I wish we knew how to genuinely blush. I was so proud of our Vice President this past year when he talked about staying away from those temptations. Of course, the media ridiculed him ruthlessly. He has it right. We all need to take a lesson from him. Avoid opportunity to sin with all your heart and soul.
My advice,
Humble yourselves before your constituents and, more importantly, before the Lord. You obviously need to ask forgivenesss, plead for your career and show genuine disgust and sadness about what you have done. Not just because you were caught, but because you genuinely repent, you should come before the Lord begging his mercy. All of us need to promote purity in our relationships with others. As men we need to show honor and respect to women. We need to fight for them and protect them from evil. Words are cheap. Our actions will show reveal hearts. We can not tolerate any words, actions, or thoughts that do not honor women in our society. Dear Lord forgive us!
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Monday, November 27, 2017
Who's your flock
“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.”
Jeremiah 3:15 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jer.3.15.nlt
The use of Shepherd's to talk about our faith is throughout the Bible. So many of the greats throughout history were Shepherd's. The Lord is our Shepherd. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. So it makes sense to compare our selves, to model our lives after the Shepherd's. Simple put we are to watch over, protect, and serve our flock.
Who exactly is our flock?
In my days growing up the church was talked about as the flock. That symbolism works but I would look at this a different way. The Bible talks about the flock in larger terms. For each of us, our families, friends, and coworkers are all within our flock. We are here to serve them. We are to lead them, guide them, and just love on them. To do the best job shepherding our flock we must listen to the Good Shepherd. We need to follow his direction and search for his wisdom. We need to lead by our example. We need to demonstrate unshakable love. We need to provide stability through good times and the storms that pound us on a regular basis. As leaders in the faith we need to serve as a true Shepherd. We need to love as Jesus loved us, our wonderful Good Shepherd.
Jeremiah 3:15 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jer.3.15.nlt
The use of Shepherd's to talk about our faith is throughout the Bible. So many of the greats throughout history were Shepherd's. The Lord is our Shepherd. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. So it makes sense to compare our selves, to model our lives after the Shepherd's. Simple put we are to watch over, protect, and serve our flock.
Who exactly is our flock?
In my days growing up the church was talked about as the flock. That symbolism works but I would look at this a different way. The Bible talks about the flock in larger terms. For each of us, our families, friends, and coworkers are all within our flock. We are here to serve them. We are to lead them, guide them, and just love on them. To do the best job shepherding our flock we must listen to the Good Shepherd. We need to follow his direction and search for his wisdom. We need to lead by our example. We need to demonstrate unshakable love. We need to provide stability through good times and the storms that pound us on a regular basis. As leaders in the faith we need to serve as a true Shepherd. We need to love as Jesus loved us, our wonderful Good Shepherd.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Soon! Very Soon!
“Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT
http://bible.com/116/isa.40.28-31.nlt
I'm ready for Thanksgiving!
This is ABSOLUTELY my favorite holiday of the year!
Spending time with family is the best way to spend a holiday. Good food, good fun, are all the perfect recipe for a holiday AND this holiday is also the kickoff to the celebration of the birth of my loving savior.
Having this break from school is much needed. I need these times to renew my strength and help this weary man get much needed rest. Our society is packed with nonstop activity. We take no time to slow down and really appreciate our wonderful lives. Stephanie and I are really working to slow down in the very near future. We are working at simplification of our complicated lives. We are looking to spend time in ministry, spend time with family, and spend time with each other. We're not like God, we DO grow weary, our strength falters, and we fall to exhaustion. We need to cut out all the frivolous activities that zap our energy and fill the extra time with the Lord. We need to have time for rest, renewal, and peace.
Soon! Very Soon!
Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT
http://bible.com/116/isa.40.28-31.nlt
I'm ready for Thanksgiving!
This is ABSOLUTELY my favorite holiday of the year!
Spending time with family is the best way to spend a holiday. Good food, good fun, are all the perfect recipe for a holiday AND this holiday is also the kickoff to the celebration of the birth of my loving savior.
Having this break from school is much needed. I need these times to renew my strength and help this weary man get much needed rest. Our society is packed with nonstop activity. We take no time to slow down and really appreciate our wonderful lives. Stephanie and I are really working to slow down in the very near future. We are working at simplification of our complicated lives. We are looking to spend time in ministry, spend time with family, and spend time with each other. We're not like God, we DO grow weary, our strength falters, and we fall to exhaustion. We need to cut out all the frivolous activities that zap our energy and fill the extra time with the Lord. We need to have time for rest, renewal, and peace.
Soon! Very Soon!
Monday, November 20, 2017
I sincerely love my wife!
“You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way.”
Song of Songs 4:7 NLT
http://bible.com/116/sng.4.7.nlt
I have the best wife in the world. Nope, I didn't get in trouble and trying to get out of the doghouse. Nope, I'm not getting ready to ask for a big Christmas present. I'm sincerely saying, with no hidden agend, God has blessed me with a great life companion. She is a faithful, loving servant of the Lord. She has sacrificed so much for her family, her students and yes, for her crazy husband. She is beautiful inside and out. I'm ashamed to say I don't let her know that enough. The great news? She has passed down that greatness to my lovely daughters and they have passed it to theirs. Her legacy of love will go on for generations. I love spending time together and am blessed to also get to work with her each day. I praise you Lord for this perfect example of your grace. I just don't deserve her.
Who have you neglected in your life? Who have you taken for granted? We are so selfish and blind to those that mean the most to us! Our schedules are so busy we forget to praise people in our lives. We also forget to praise God. We treat him like we do our wives. We ask the world and give nothing in return. When life goes poorly we blame him instead of our sinfulness and poor choices. We ignore him and take full credit when life is good. We just aren't nice and do little to defend our savior when he is attacked by others. Yep, we treat him like our spouse. Forgive me Lord!
Stephanie, I love you from the bottom of my heart. Praise God he loved me so much that he placed you in the center of my life!
Song of Songs 4:7 NLT
http://bible.com/116/sng.4.7.nlt
I have the best wife in the world. Nope, I didn't get in trouble and trying to get out of the doghouse. Nope, I'm not getting ready to ask for a big Christmas present. I'm sincerely saying, with no hidden agend, God has blessed me with a great life companion. She is a faithful, loving servant of the Lord. She has sacrificed so much for her family, her students and yes, for her crazy husband. She is beautiful inside and out. I'm ashamed to say I don't let her know that enough. The great news? She has passed down that greatness to my lovely daughters and they have passed it to theirs. Her legacy of love will go on for generations. I love spending time together and am blessed to also get to work with her each day. I praise you Lord for this perfect example of your grace. I just don't deserve her.
Who have you neglected in your life? Who have you taken for granted? We are so selfish and blind to those that mean the most to us! Our schedules are so busy we forget to praise people in our lives. We also forget to praise God. We treat him like we do our wives. We ask the world and give nothing in return. When life goes poorly we blame him instead of our sinfulness and poor choices. We ignore him and take full credit when life is good. We just aren't nice and do little to defend our savior when he is attacked by others. Yep, we treat him like our spouse. Forgive me Lord!
Stephanie, I love you from the bottom of my heart. Praise God he loved me so much that he placed you in the center of my life!
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Do not compromise!
“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!”
Psalms 119:1-5 NLT
http://bible.com/116/psa.119.1-5.nlt
There is nothing I value more than integrity. I am constantly evaluating my own actions to see if they match my faith. It saddens me when I do or say something contrary to my faith. But I constantly pursue the level of integrity that the Lord demands. We are charged to keep the commands and decrees of the Lord. It's not easy but so important. We can not expect our faith to spread if we do not have people of integrity pushing that faith.
Our world does not value integrity as much as it does power, fame, and money. We vote for politicians even after they have proven to be unethical. We give passes to the powerful that we would never give the "normal" people of our world. As Christians we need to promote the value of integrity and we need to be on the forefront in showing how it needs to be done. Search your heart, constantly.
Lord, we need you. We need you help in showing others how to live. We need to defeat the sinful flesh and listen to your spirit at fills our hearts. Amen!
Psalms 119:1-5 NLT
http://bible.com/116/psa.119.1-5.nlt
There is nothing I value more than integrity. I am constantly evaluating my own actions to see if they match my faith. It saddens me when I do or say something contrary to my faith. But I constantly pursue the level of integrity that the Lord demands. We are charged to keep the commands and decrees of the Lord. It's not easy but so important. We can not expect our faith to spread if we do not have people of integrity pushing that faith.
Our world does not value integrity as much as it does power, fame, and money. We vote for politicians even after they have proven to be unethical. We give passes to the powerful that we would never give the "normal" people of our world. As Christians we need to promote the value of integrity and we need to be on the forefront in showing how it needs to be done. Search your heart, constantly.
Lord, we need you. We need you help in showing others how to live. We need to defeat the sinful flesh and listen to your spirit at fills our hearts. Amen!
Friday, November 17, 2017
Perfect protection!
“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.”
Psalms 57:1 NLT
http://bible.com/116/psa.57.1.nlt
Do you feel the protection of the Lord in the midst of attacks? In the middle of personal arracks it is so easy to get focused on the assault or more likely the direction the attack is coming from. That's the first place I go. My defenses go up and my natural response is to return fire. But, as I get older and rely on the Lord more, I find it easier not to respond. I find it easier to let the Lord repel the attacks. I find I am more comfortable turning inward and turning to the Lord. Although I think words CAN harm you, when you seek the spirit of the Lord for your protection, words lose their sting!
I am thankful the Lord protects me through even the most vile situations. His perfect protection in my life is real. There are so many times I feel like lashing out but don't. Every bone of my body wants to go on the attack and then a peace settles over me, the Holy Spirit takes over and the Lord wins. Praise God for his presence in my life! His protection comes in many forms and I am more aware of it in this wonderful life he has built for me!
Psalms 57:1 NLT
http://bible.com/116/psa.57.1.nlt
Do you feel the protection of the Lord in the midst of attacks? In the middle of personal arracks it is so easy to get focused on the assault or more likely the direction the attack is coming from. That's the first place I go. My defenses go up and my natural response is to return fire. But, as I get older and rely on the Lord more, I find it easier not to respond. I find it easier to let the Lord repel the attacks. I find I am more comfortable turning inward and turning to the Lord. Although I think words CAN harm you, when you seek the spirit of the Lord for your protection, words lose their sting!
I am thankful the Lord protects me through even the most vile situations. His perfect protection in my life is real. There are so many times I feel like lashing out but don't. Every bone of my body wants to go on the attack and then a peace settles over me, the Holy Spirit takes over and the Lord wins. Praise God for his presence in my life! His protection comes in many forms and I am more aware of it in this wonderful life he has built for me!
Thursday, November 16, 2017
No worries? Yeah right!
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”
Psalms 23:1 NLT
http://bible.com/116/psa.23.1.nlt
It would be wrong to say I have everything I need. I have so much more than that. The Lord has provided.
So, why do I worry so much. I worry about everything. I take on the weight of the world, at times. I fret, I stew, and I mull over the future and the past.
Why?
I really have no reason to worry. God provides everything I need and if I can keep this thought in the front of my mind, instead of worrying, my entire life will be spent in peace. I really believe my life is hurt, intensely, by my worry and fret. Those thoughts keep me from following God's will. Those mental struggles keep me captive to my old ways and fearing new adventures. In my 57 years of life, God has provided everything I need and so much more. I have never gone without. I have always had an abundance. Most people I know have more than they need. I have NO reason to doubt he will take care of me.
Dear Lord, I am so thankful for your love. You truly have been my shepherd and have taken care of me in deep and powerful ways. I have everything I need. Please forgive me for my worry. Forgive me that I act like you are not big enough to watch over me and my family. I re-dedicate my life to you and turn over complete control to you. I am humbled to serve you and want nothing more than to follow your will in my life Amen!
Psalms 23:1 NLT
http://bible.com/116/psa.23.1.nlt
It would be wrong to say I have everything I need. I have so much more than that. The Lord has provided.
So, why do I worry so much. I worry about everything. I take on the weight of the world, at times. I fret, I stew, and I mull over the future and the past.
Why?
I really have no reason to worry. God provides everything I need and if I can keep this thought in the front of my mind, instead of worrying, my entire life will be spent in peace. I really believe my life is hurt, intensely, by my worry and fret. Those thoughts keep me from following God's will. Those mental struggles keep me captive to my old ways and fearing new adventures. In my 57 years of life, God has provided everything I need and so much more. I have never gone without. I have always had an abundance. Most people I know have more than they need. I have NO reason to doubt he will take care of me.
Dear Lord, I am so thankful for your love. You truly have been my shepherd and have taken care of me in deep and powerful ways. I have everything I need. Please forgive me for my worry. Forgive me that I act like you are not big enough to watch over me and my family. I re-dedicate my life to you and turn over complete control to you. I am humbled to serve you and want nothing more than to follow your will in my life Amen!
Monday, November 13, 2017
Don't sweat STUFF
“So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.”
Nehemiah 6:15-16 NLT
http://bible.com/116/neh.6.15-16.nlt
I had a great conversation this weekend with some of my CMA Chapter leaders. I have been in their shoes. They are wanting to serve and they want more Chapter members willing to serve also. It's not that they want an army of CMA members to help. But, they see such great possibilities if they have the people to serve. I get it. If you let yourself you can really work yourself into an anxiety attack stressing about things which you have little control.
I just have two questions: Is your God big enough? And is God still in control?
We can't let Satan convince us that things are hopeless or that we are on our own. This needs to be especially true in areas of ministry and service. I believe God has appointed CMA to service. Therefore nothing man can do will destroy it. God is in charge of our ministry and all I have to DO is listen to his call, his guidance, and his instruction to serve. If he wants our ministry small, it will be small. If he wants us overwhelmed with members, it will be done. Anything in between is possible. We just need to listen to him!
We all have anxious mementos about our lives. We worry. We fret. We dwell on things we can not control. Have we turned our lives over to the Lord? Do we trust him? In all things we need to focus on the Lord. We need to draw closer to him and make sure we are in his will. Nothing else matters.
Nehemiah 6:15-16 NLT
http://bible.com/116/neh.6.15-16.nlt
I had a great conversation this weekend with some of my CMA Chapter leaders. I have been in their shoes. They are wanting to serve and they want more Chapter members willing to serve also. It's not that they want an army of CMA members to help. But, they see such great possibilities if they have the people to serve. I get it. If you let yourself you can really work yourself into an anxiety attack stressing about things which you have little control.
I just have two questions: Is your God big enough? And is God still in control?
We can't let Satan convince us that things are hopeless or that we are on our own. This needs to be especially true in areas of ministry and service. I believe God has appointed CMA to service. Therefore nothing man can do will destroy it. God is in charge of our ministry and all I have to DO is listen to his call, his guidance, and his instruction to serve. If he wants our ministry small, it will be small. If he wants us overwhelmed with members, it will be done. Anything in between is possible. We just need to listen to him!
We all have anxious mementos about our lives. We worry. We fret. We dwell on things we can not control. Have we turned our lives over to the Lord? Do we trust him? In all things we need to focus on the Lord. We need to draw closer to him and make sure we are in his will. Nothing else matters.
Friday, November 10, 2017
Trafficking in unlived Truth
“This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.”
Ezra 7:10 NLT
http://bible.com/116/ezr.7.10.nlt
Study - Obey - Teach , that should be our mission. Ezra had it right. I read a devotion where Dwight L. Moody was credited with saying "....... the greatest tragedy of his day was that Christian leaders attempted to traffic in unlived truth." Unfortunately this is still true today. I know I'm not perfect but I am trying to live what I study. I spend some time, nearly every day, studying and reflecting on the word of the Lord. That means absolutely nothing if I don't actually live what I study. I can't say how much time people spend reading the Bible but I can see if they are living it and the can see if I'm doing the same thing. It might be even worse if I don't try to teach others and share my experience in living my life of Christ .
The Lord has done wonderful things for me, All of which I don't deserve. He has blessed me with family, friends, career, and fun in my life. He has led me through tragedy. He has led me through joyous celebration. He has led me through stress and calm. He has walked with me and YES spoken to me through his words. I treasure the times I have spent studying the word of the Lord. I look forward to those messages showing up in the things I do every day. I need to continue to live his word, be an example to others, and share his impact on my life. I need to follow the example of Ezra everyday.
Ezra 7:10 NLT
http://bible.com/116/ezr.7.10.nlt
Study - Obey - Teach , that should be our mission. Ezra had it right. I read a devotion where Dwight L. Moody was credited with saying "....... the greatest tragedy of his day was that Christian leaders attempted to traffic in unlived truth." Unfortunately this is still true today. I know I'm not perfect but I am trying to live what I study. I spend some time, nearly every day, studying and reflecting on the word of the Lord. That means absolutely nothing if I don't actually live what I study. I can't say how much time people spend reading the Bible but I can see if they are living it and the can see if I'm doing the same thing. It might be even worse if I don't try to teach others and share my experience in living my life of Christ .
The Lord has done wonderful things for me, All of which I don't deserve. He has blessed me with family, friends, career, and fun in my life. He has led me through tragedy. He has led me through joyous celebration. He has led me through stress and calm. He has walked with me and YES spoken to me through his words. I treasure the times I have spent studying the word of the Lord. I look forward to those messages showing up in the things I do every day. I need to continue to live his word, be an example to others, and share his impact on my life. I need to follow the example of Ezra everyday.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
We don't need it all
“In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord his God, as his father, David, had been.”
1 Kings 11:4 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1ki.11.4.nlt
Why would someone that was so wise, had been blessed in so many ways, turn away from the Lord? The Lord was so active in his life, but the call of the world was greater. The power, the wealth, and the popularity convinced Solomon all he had was due to HIS greatness. He lost sight of the Lord and focused on the world.
We need to guard our hearts. As I spend time in prayer I constantly ask for wisdom. I want to make the right choices in life and I want to know the will of the Lord. Contrary to what I've said before, knowledge and wisdom are not the ultimate goal. Drawing closer to the Lord, being in his presence is my only real goal. Letting him use HIS wisdom, power, and might in my life is so much more important than having ME gain wisdom, power, and might. Most of us could not handle the type of power given to Solomon. Yet our world drives us to acquire more wealth and power to build our happiness. Everything we read and see tells us that more is better. That just isn't true. We need to be content where we are, with what we have, and where we are going. The need for more and more is not the answer. In fact, we should strip away all that we have and concentrate only on what we need. We need to simplify and get back to the basics. Just look at Solomon, he had everything, yet in the end had nothing when he lost the Lord.
1 Kings 11:4 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1ki.11.4.nlt
Why would someone that was so wise, had been blessed in so many ways, turn away from the Lord? The Lord was so active in his life, but the call of the world was greater. The power, the wealth, and the popularity convinced Solomon all he had was due to HIS greatness. He lost sight of the Lord and focused on the world.
We need to guard our hearts. As I spend time in prayer I constantly ask for wisdom. I want to make the right choices in life and I want to know the will of the Lord. Contrary to what I've said before, knowledge and wisdom are not the ultimate goal. Drawing closer to the Lord, being in his presence is my only real goal. Letting him use HIS wisdom, power, and might in my life is so much more important than having ME gain wisdom, power, and might. Most of us could not handle the type of power given to Solomon. Yet our world drives us to acquire more wealth and power to build our happiness. Everything we read and see tells us that more is better. That just isn't true. We need to be content where we are, with what we have, and where we are going. The need for more and more is not the answer. In fact, we should strip away all that we have and concentrate only on what we need. We need to simplify and get back to the basics. Just look at Solomon, he had everything, yet in the end had nothing when he lost the Lord.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Lord, we need your help!
“Solomon had answers for all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her.”
1 Kings 10:3 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1ki.10.3.nlt
I love teaching kids. I have the privilege to work with students who ask a lot of questions. They are so curious and work hard at their learning. I am pretty good at math. There aren't too many times when I can't answer there questions or help them learn Math. When you start getting into other subjects like History, English, and Science, I try, but there are times when I just don't know the answer. I know the limits of my wisdom. I know my strengths.
There are so many times in life I just don't know the answer. I don't understand the thoughts that drive a man to kill 26 people worshipping the Lord. I don't understand a man planning to murder people a concert. I don't understand the need to take the life of an unborn child. I don't understand people discriminating based on faith, color of skin, or any other predetermined criteria. I don't understand how we ignore the poor and the real slaughter of people in our big cities. I want to fix these things, but I just don't know how. We need help! We can't fix these things on our own. We need the power of the Lord. We need more people to come to the Lord and ask him for wisdom and guidance. We need to bow our heads, drop to our knees, and plead for him to intervene in this wild and crazy world. Come Lord Jesus!
Dear Lord, we need you now more than ever. Please Lord make your presence known to the people of Sutherland Texas. Comfort the families, comfort this small community, comfort our country as we mourn the loss of theses people as they gathered to worship you. We need your wisdom in how to solve the issues of hate and violence in our country. We are all deeply affected and deeply saddened by this tragedy. Amen!
1 Kings 10:3 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1ki.10.3.nlt
I love teaching kids. I have the privilege to work with students who ask a lot of questions. They are so curious and work hard at their learning. I am pretty good at math. There aren't too many times when I can't answer there questions or help them learn Math. When you start getting into other subjects like History, English, and Science, I try, but there are times when I just don't know the answer. I know the limits of my wisdom. I know my strengths.
There are so many times in life I just don't know the answer. I don't understand the thoughts that drive a man to kill 26 people worshipping the Lord. I don't understand a man planning to murder people a concert. I don't understand the need to take the life of an unborn child. I don't understand people discriminating based on faith, color of skin, or any other predetermined criteria. I don't understand how we ignore the poor and the real slaughter of people in our big cities. I want to fix these things, but I just don't know how. We need help! We can't fix these things on our own. We need the power of the Lord. We need more people to come to the Lord and ask him for wisdom and guidance. We need to bow our heads, drop to our knees, and plead for him to intervene in this wild and crazy world. Come Lord Jesus!
Dear Lord, we need you now more than ever. Please Lord make your presence known to the people of Sutherland Texas. Comfort the families, comfort this small community, comfort our country as we mourn the loss of theses people as they gathered to worship you. We need your wisdom in how to solve the issues of hate and violence in our country. We are all deeply affected and deeply saddened by this tragedy. Amen!
Monday, November 6, 2017
Life and Death
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.1.21.
Life is so simple. It's supposed to be simple. We make it so complicated. Sin makes it so complicated. Why do I do what I do? I always need to reflect on my life. I need to examine myself to see if my actions match this simple verse. Am I living my life for Christ? Am I living my life with Christ's purpose showing through in my daily words, thoughts, and actions? My life needs to reflect Christ. If I can do this so that people see what I have, then they too will see death as gain. They will see death as a beginning not an end. But, if I don't live my life for Christ, if they see my Christian walk as hypocrisy, they will be repelled away from him. They will not see eternal life. The difference between life and death is Christ alone.
Dear Lord, Test me. Search me. Help me to see my motives and direct my life so I can truly live for you. I want to serve you and only you. Please, Lord, fill me with your plan. Fill me with your spirit so I can lead others to the cross and ultimately eternal life. Destroy the sin in my life and help me to overcome the challenges in front of me. I want to be an example for others. I want them to see you in me. Amen!
Philippians 1:21 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.1.21.
Life is so simple. It's supposed to be simple. We make it so complicated. Sin makes it so complicated. Why do I do what I do? I always need to reflect on my life. I need to examine myself to see if my actions match this simple verse. Am I living my life for Christ? Am I living my life with Christ's purpose showing through in my daily words, thoughts, and actions? My life needs to reflect Christ. If I can do this so that people see what I have, then they too will see death as gain. They will see death as a beginning not an end. But, if I don't live my life for Christ, if they see my Christian walk as hypocrisy, they will be repelled away from him. They will not see eternal life. The difference between life and death is Christ alone.
Dear Lord, Test me. Search me. Help me to see my motives and direct my life so I can truly live for you. I want to serve you and only you. Please, Lord, fill me with your plan. Fill me with your spirit so I can lead others to the cross and ultimately eternal life. Destroy the sin in my life and help me to overcome the challenges in front of me. I want to be an example for others. I want them to see you in me. Amen!
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Peace in midst of attacks
““I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.14.27.nlt
I think it's pretty safe to say we have all been through tough times. I feel satan has been attacking me on all sides for nearly 6 months. At home, with family, at school, there have been constant attacks and trials. Yet, when I sit down at the end of each day I have felt at peace. I know the Lord is with me and I have never felt closer than I do right now. Not only do I feel at peace, I feel a real focus about where I am and where I'm going. My prayer life is stronger than ever. I feel God's presence as I meditate on his word and feel those words clearly speak to my heart. Even through life's trials I am thrilled about life and look at my future with great joy!
Dear Lord, You are amazing. You are here protecting me, loving me, and walking me every moment of my day. I do not deserve your Love. I have not earned my joy and peace. You give it freely and abundantly. I praise you Lord and can't wait to see your plans for me and my life on this Earth. Praise God I am not troubled and I am not afraid to face the day. Amen!
John 14:27 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.14.27.nlt
I think it's pretty safe to say we have all been through tough times. I feel satan has been attacking me on all sides for nearly 6 months. At home, with family, at school, there have been constant attacks and trials. Yet, when I sit down at the end of each day I have felt at peace. I know the Lord is with me and I have never felt closer than I do right now. Not only do I feel at peace, I feel a real focus about where I am and where I'm going. My prayer life is stronger than ever. I feel God's presence as I meditate on his word and feel those words clearly speak to my heart. Even through life's trials I am thrilled about life and look at my future with great joy!
Dear Lord, You are amazing. You are here protecting me, loving me, and walking me every moment of my day. I do not deserve your Love. I have not earned my joy and peace. You give it freely and abundantly. I praise you Lord and can't wait to see your plans for me and my life on this Earth. Praise God I am not troubled and I am not afraid to face the day. Amen!
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Life's Short
“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.nlt
It's funny to think that life as brief. I'm at 57 years of "brief" life on this Earth. In the grand scheme of things my life is just beginning. I am excited about life in eternity. But, before I get there I still have some living to do here, right now. Even though I am further along in my life than many, I have a lot to learn. I love pursuing knowledge and gaining wisdom. I love my life because it has always been filled with purpose and my direction has been clear. Even through adversity my Lord has given me wisdom and direction. I am so blessed to know where I've been and where I am going.
Dear Lord, I am so blessed to live for you. For 57 years, I have felt your guidance and direction. Even though my life direction has changed several times, I know you have called me to serve others and to share your love in everything I do. Lord, help me fulfill your purpose for my life, may I always be willing to follow your plan and not my own. I praise you for your patience, your mercy, and the grace you have given me. I love you Lord, Amen!
Psalms 90:12 NLT
http://bible.com/116/psa.90.12.nlt
It's funny to think that life as brief. I'm at 57 years of "brief" life on this Earth. In the grand scheme of things my life is just beginning. I am excited about life in eternity. But, before I get there I still have some living to do here, right now. Even though I am further along in my life than many, I have a lot to learn. I love pursuing knowledge and gaining wisdom. I love my life because it has always been filled with purpose and my direction has been clear. Even through adversity my Lord has given me wisdom and direction. I am so blessed to know where I've been and where I am going.
Dear Lord, I am so blessed to live for you. For 57 years, I have felt your guidance and direction. Even though my life direction has changed several times, I know you have called me to serve others and to share your love in everything I do. Lord, help me fulfill your purpose for my life, may I always be willing to follow your plan and not my own. I praise you for your patience, your mercy, and the grace you have given me. I love you Lord, Amen!
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