I woke up this morning with the thought of how much I appreciate beautiful things. Like mountains, oceans, my wife, our children. It always turns me to the Creator, to give credit where credit is due. I hate it when I take credit for something I literally had either nothing to do with, or very little to do with. Like the creation of a child, how little do we actually have to do with it. Like a farmer planting a seed. All the growth is The Lords. yes, we have to be faithful to always do what is right, but the shaping and forming is ultimately left to God. He alone gives breath, and life to substance, as well as the substance itself! It's always amazed me that all the plants come from tiny seeds, to me it is the miracle of creation. A corn stalk from a tiny seed, produces over 600 kernels! (University of OK, 1 seed can produce 600 kernels; http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/aitc/lessons/upper/cornmath.pdf) What can we produced when endued with the Holy Spirit. Imagine God "invested" (Literal meaning of endued) in us His power from on high (Luke 24:49) So after all, what is impossible with God?
Romans 8: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
"Lord, please help us to not walk in the flesh this year, this year of our Lord 2012. For we want to please You, and if we want to, we MSUT walk in The Spirit, in Jesus Name, amen."
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Never live in the too much.
"Lord please let me stop living in the too much. Too much food, too much money, too many clothes. too much stuff. Let these things not choke out Your words, You ways, Your life you'd have for me. Let me not go astray to find my own lusts, only to be trapped by it's demonic stronghold, in Jesus name, the mighty name to be praised, and honored, and glorified in every way, in everyday of the life that He made for me to live unto Him. Lord, let me live for you."
It's se strange. I was just outside for a little walk, and I could see no stars because of how over cast it was. Then about 20 minutes later, I went outside and I could see a sky full of the most beautiful stars you could imagine. 20 minutes change change a sky. 20 minutes can change a life too. When faced with death, or an abrupt change, like losing someone. Your entire perspective can alter forever. "Lord, let me life change forever. In Jesus Name, amen. "
It's se strange. I was just outside for a little walk, and I could see no stars because of how over cast it was. Then about 20 minutes later, I went outside and I could see a sky full of the most beautiful stars you could imagine. 20 minutes change change a sky. 20 minutes can change a life too. When faced with death, or an abrupt change, like losing someone. Your entire perspective can alter forever. "Lord, let me life change forever. In Jesus Name, amen. "
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Why don't we hear.
Why don't we hear may well be titled why don't we listen.
First, what we should hear.
John 8:47 John 10:27 18:37b
John 8:29b Jesus speaking, "...for I always do those things that please Him." I think we get so lost in the have to do's that we forget it's not about commandments, it's about a covenant that He made with us, like marriage is supposed to be a covenant, not a contract, and we enter into this covenant with God because we love Him, because he first loved us. So we do what we do not out of obligation, but out of love we want to do everything to please Him. So if we're not starting out with that, we're off on the wrong foot already.
8:31b & 32 " If you abide (Literal meaning to continue in a permanent state, because He doesn't want us up and down, in and out He wants us by His side at all times, because He knows the enemy) in My word, you are my disciples indeed. "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Jesus states it pretty plainly, there's no way to hear what the Father has for each of us unless we're abiding, listening, and believing, all through Jesus and what He did for us, and "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow after Me." (Luke 9:23)
Reasons we don't hear?
John 8:34b "...whoever commits a sin is a slave of sin." And notice He doesn't say is a slave to that sin, but simply a slave to sin. Sin wants to take root and grow, sin isn't happy to just take a little and be settled, it must have more and more until it gets all of us, and then we find ourselves hardening our hearts and not hearing Him any more, but it usually happens a little bit at a time, compromise by compromise.
There's two fathers, if Christ abides in us, He is our Father, if He does not abide in us, the devil is our father. John 8:37-58
Good news in verse 36; " Therefore if the Son makes you free you shall be free indeed." Then Jesus in verse 37b says of those who want to kill Him, they that don't know Him "because My word has no place in you." Then 38 defines the different voices, and who's father we are; " I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father." And in 41; "You do the deeds of your father." They claim their father is God, but Jesus replies in verse 42; "If God were your father you would love me." In 43; " Why do you not understand My speech" Because you are not able to listen to My word." 44: "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do." 45; "Because I tell you the truth you do not believe me." 47; "He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God."
That's it, if we're not of Him, we won't hear Him, and if we are abiding in Him, we will hear Him, because we are His sheep, and we will not listen to the voice of a stranger. (John 10)
John 10:1-5 The good shepherd comes in and leads His sheep and the sheep hear His voice; and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. And when He brings out His own sheep, He goes before them; and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.
Verse 9 says; "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved..."
The devil only comes to kill, steal and destroy, but He has come to give life, and that they might have it more abundantly! Which father do we want to serve?
I love verse 16b of chapter 10, "and there will be one flock and one shepherd."
That's what I want to see, One Shepherd, the Good Shepherd, and one flock, that wonderful Body of Christ, that one that only listens to the voice of the Father! Wouldn't that be wonderful to see!
First, what we should hear.
John 8:47 John 10:27 18:37b
John 8:29b Jesus speaking, "...for I always do those things that please Him." I think we get so lost in the have to do's that we forget it's not about commandments, it's about a covenant that He made with us, like marriage is supposed to be a covenant, not a contract, and we enter into this covenant with God because we love Him, because he first loved us. So we do what we do not out of obligation, but out of love we want to do everything to please Him. So if we're not starting out with that, we're off on the wrong foot already.
8:31b & 32 " If you abide (Literal meaning to continue in a permanent state, because He doesn't want us up and down, in and out He wants us by His side at all times, because He knows the enemy) in My word, you are my disciples indeed. "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Jesus states it pretty plainly, there's no way to hear what the Father has for each of us unless we're abiding, listening, and believing, all through Jesus and what He did for us, and "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow after Me." (Luke 9:23)
Reasons we don't hear?
John 8:34b "...whoever commits a sin is a slave of sin." And notice He doesn't say is a slave to that sin, but simply a slave to sin. Sin wants to take root and grow, sin isn't happy to just take a little and be settled, it must have more and more until it gets all of us, and then we find ourselves hardening our hearts and not hearing Him any more, but it usually happens a little bit at a time, compromise by compromise.
There's two fathers, if Christ abides in us, He is our Father, if He does not abide in us, the devil is our father. John 8:37-58
Good news in verse 36; " Therefore if the Son makes you free you shall be free indeed." Then Jesus in verse 37b says of those who want to kill Him, they that don't know Him "because My word has no place in you." Then 38 defines the different voices, and who's father we are; " I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father." And in 41; "You do the deeds of your father." They claim their father is God, but Jesus replies in verse 42; "If God were your father you would love me." In 43; " Why do you not understand My speech" Because you are not able to listen to My word." 44: "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do." 45; "Because I tell you the truth you do not believe me." 47; "He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God."
That's it, if we're not of Him, we won't hear Him, and if we are abiding in Him, we will hear Him, because we are His sheep, and we will not listen to the voice of a stranger. (John 10)
John 10:1-5 The good shepherd comes in and leads His sheep and the sheep hear His voice; and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. And when He brings out His own sheep, He goes before them; and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.
Verse 9 says; "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved..."
The devil only comes to kill, steal and destroy, but He has come to give life, and that they might have it more abundantly! Which father do we want to serve?
I love verse 16b of chapter 10, "and there will be one flock and one shepherd."
That's what I want to see, One Shepherd, the Good Shepherd, and one flock, that wonderful Body of Christ, that one that only listens to the voice of the Father! Wouldn't that be wonderful to see!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
In all our ways let us know Him!
The word Acknowledge here in verse 6 is yada, it means to know...we must in all our ways know Him, so he can guide our ways, direct our path, so that His Word can be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, in Jesus name!
1 My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,[b]
And strength[c] to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.
19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth;
By understanding He established the heavens;
20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up,
And clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
23 Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 For the LORD will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“ Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you.
29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.
30 Do not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy the oppressor,
And choose none of his ways;
32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD,
But His secret counsel is with the upright.
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.
34 Surely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools.
1 My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,[b]
And strength[c] to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.
19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth;
By understanding He established the heavens;
20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up,
And clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
23 Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 For the LORD will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“ Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you.
29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.
30 Do not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy the oppressor,
And choose none of his ways;
32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD,
But His secret counsel is with the upright.
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.
34 Surely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
The Word of God, walking in it!
Matthew 4
Satan Tempts Jesus
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”[a]
5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:
‘ He shall give His angels charge over you,’
and,
‘ In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”[b]
7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”[c]
8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you,[d] Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”[e]
11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
And James 1:14 & 15 14: "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."
It's sad, really sad, but He plainly says; "Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." and "You shall not tempt the Lord your God." and lastly; "You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only you shall serve."
These are clear commands, and yet I've broken each one. These are ways out of temptation, and yet I feed my own flesh anyway, and then I'm led away as James says, "Enticed by my own desires." "Lord forgive me for not following Your words, forgive me for giving into my own flesh and so being led away, from You, from Your sweetness. You are so kind, and yet I let my flesh lead me instead of Your sweet Holy Spirit. Why do I replace your Spirit with another, please forgive me, cleanse me, let me live again in Your Spirit. Let me serve You only.
Jesus I give my self to You.
In Jesus Name," Amen.
Satan Tempts Jesus
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”[a]
5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:
‘ He shall give His angels charge over you,’
and,
‘ In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”[b]
7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”[c]
8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you,[d] Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”[e]
11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
And James 1:14 & 15 14: "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."
It's sad, really sad, but He plainly says; "Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." and "You shall not tempt the Lord your God." and lastly; "You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only you shall serve."
These are clear commands, and yet I've broken each one. These are ways out of temptation, and yet I feed my own flesh anyway, and then I'm led away as James says, "Enticed by my own desires." "Lord forgive me for not following Your words, forgive me for giving into my own flesh and so being led away, from You, from Your sweetness. You are so kind, and yet I let my flesh lead me instead of Your sweet Holy Spirit. Why do I replace your Spirit with another, please forgive me, cleanse me, let me live again in Your Spirit. Let me serve You only.
Jesus I give my self to You.
In Jesus Name," Amen.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
In all our ways may we acknowledge You!
When we play in the flesh, or walk in the flesh, we are changing who God made us to be. Our flesh is never satisfied, it always wants more. We trade the natural for the un natural, we trade God's truth for a lie. We in effect give up what God has for us, and trade it in on our fleshly escapade. "Lord, help us not trade in Your truth for a lie. Let us not ignore Your Spirit when it tells us to stop. Let us in all our ways acknowledge You, so You can direct our paths. Those paths of righteousness that we are called to walk in for Your namesake. Let us be pleasing to You in our speech, thoughts and actions. Let us not leave Your Spirit behind in any way, in Jesus name, amen. "
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Defend the cause of the weak
Verse of the day today: Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Psalm 82:3-4
Oh Lord let us live this scripture, in Jesus name. Who else should we defend, oh Lord, save us, in Jesus name, amen.
Psalm 82:3-4
Oh Lord let us live this scripture, in Jesus name. Who else should we defend, oh Lord, save us, in Jesus name, amen.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Hanging on His every Word
We've heard the phrase hanging on His every Word, but we've never really applied it to God, until now! "Lord help me to hang on Your every Word. Every Word you speak, every Word You write, The Words You speak, let me hear, and follow, and obey." Imagine if we obeyed every Word He spoke, and imagine if we wanted too!
I woke up with a vision this morning of us hanging on every word of the Lord, and it looked like ledges build onto a hillside. The ledges jetted out, and you could walk on them and ascend. "Lord let us ascend, let us ascend to Your throne, The Throne of Glory, we want to dwell with You, we want to abide with You, spend our whole lives and every moment hanging on Your Words!
In Jesus name!
AMEN!
I woke up with a vision this morning of us hanging on every word of the Lord, and it looked like ledges build onto a hillside. The ledges jetted out, and you could walk on them and ascend. "Lord let us ascend, let us ascend to Your throne, The Throne of Glory, we want to dwell with You, we want to abide with You, spend our whole lives and every moment hanging on Your Words!
In Jesus name!
AMEN!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Outside the camp
Lepers were kept outside the camp, Jesus was crucified outside the camp. Some Christians today feel like the only place for them is outside the camp. The camp is the Body, a holy place that is this Body of Christ. Together being equipped by Christ to do the wonderful things He has equipped us to do. He alone is wise, He alone is God! God never intended us to be outside the camp, He wants us to be One even as He and the Father are One, that's what He intended! That's what He wants us to be, and who He made us to be. He is coming back for a bride without spot or wrinkle, and He is able to do this. Yes Lord, do this thing, please, in Jesus name.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Sunrise
Sunrise
I saw the sunrise this morning, wow. Just before that I was praying that God make me a great reflection of who He is. Then I saw that great sunrise. One that would make people stop and marvel at its wonder and majesty. "Lord, let us be that kind of a reflection that people take notice of You in our lives, they stop and wonder in amazement, wow, who did this, and we can point to You!
Nothing else is worthy of that kind of glory, Lord, let us reflect only You!" In Jesus Name, amen!
I saw the sunrise this morning, wow. Just before that I was praying that God make me a great reflection of who He is. Then I saw that great sunrise. One that would make people stop and marvel at its wonder and majesty. "Lord, let us be that kind of a reflection that people take notice of You in our lives, they stop and wonder in amazement, wow, who did this, and we can point to You!
Nothing else is worthy of that kind of glory, Lord, let us reflect only You!" In Jesus Name, amen!
Monday, May 23, 2011
The likeness of a painting
When a painting of a person is done, people talk about the likeness, how closely the painting resembles the actual person it is painted of. I want my likeness to be of Christ, and I want it to be as close as He can paint it. I don't want to resemble me, I want to resemble Him. I can't show Him, if I'm showing to much of me. 1 Cor 10:31b. Therefore whatever you do, do for the glory of God."
Monday, April 18, 2011
Doubled minded man unstable in all his ways
Am I a double minded man, unstable in all my ways? James 1: 2-8: 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Let patience have it's PERFECT work, that you may be PERFECT and COMPLETE lacking NOTHING, YES, that's what I need, "But Lord let me allow Your patience to permiate everythign I do, let Your Words wash over me, and complete me, Jesus save me, redeem me for Your works, in Jesus Name, amen!"
Let patience have it's PERFECT work, that you may be PERFECT and COMPLETE lacking NOTHING, YES, that's what I need, "But Lord let me allow Your patience to permiate everythign I do, let Your Words wash over me, and complete me, Jesus save me, redeem me for Your works, in Jesus Name, amen!"
Sunday, April 10, 2011
U-haul
I had this really weird thought about writing a song for Stephen Curtis Chapman to write, and then make a music video out of. It was of a hearse with a U-haul behind it. It's kind of a famous saying, "You never see a hearse with a U-haul behind it, because you can't take it with you," but this guy has one! Then at the end of the video the U-haul is opened and out come people, scads of family & friends, maybe even ones won to Christ...kinda of a neat idea!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
God's face
God wants to see His face in us, not one of our own making. I saw some women on my recent trip that made me wonder. That old school saying of a woman having to go put her face on took on new meaning for me. Some women spend hours in front of the mirror building up a facial facade that rivals the work at Mount Rushmore. One woman I noticed actually had almost a plastic like sheen to her face, it was amazing. We all know that they all must feel it makes them look better, but the false lie of what is pretty we have propagated to an epic proportion that no one can live up to.
We must become less so that He can be made more was echoed by John the bapist as his disciples were commenting on how popular Jesus was becoming and how it might effect what John himself was doing, and his response to his disciples questions; one of becoming less.
Is why we build ourselves up, to become more? Let us lay down our pretenses and instead lift up Christ, we're not fooling anyone anyway, they can see right through it, and those who can't are blind anyway.
God bless you, go in peace.
We must become less so that He can be made more was echoed by John the bapist as his disciples were commenting on how popular Jesus was becoming and how it might effect what John himself was doing, and his response to his disciples questions; one of becoming less.
Is why we build ourselves up, to become more? Let us lay down our pretenses and instead lift up Christ, we're not fooling anyone anyway, they can see right through it, and those who can't are blind anyway.
God bless you, go in peace.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Be holy, not heavy
I just met with a man who told me he doesn't wrestle with being good enough, that he believes that Christ died and took away all his sin. I do believe all that, and more. I do also believe that God wants us to be holy, in fact I believe He commands us too.
2 Cor. 6: Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you[b] are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“ I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”
17 Therefore
“ Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 “ I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the LORD Almighty.”
7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
But this is supposed to make us holy, not heavy. So many people seem to take this gospel as a heavy load, but God promises "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
It's weird, it's almost like we get heavy because we get so fleshly about being in the flesh! But our flight is not a fleshly fight; Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
It's almost like we war in our fleshly man with our fleshly understanding instead of warring in the Holy Spirit, tearing down spiritual strongholds, and not just in our lives, but in our friends, family, and whoever the Lord puts in front of us that needs to be delivered.
But we must be diligent, for "1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith..."
God calls us to this wonderful life and freedom of living in the Spirit, not the heaviness of the flesh, nor the burdens of our religious traditions, for they will not free us, only The Lord can do that, for He is able, with Him all things are possible (Matt 19)
(Thanks Biblegateway.com!)
2 Cor. 6: Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you[b] are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“ I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”
17 Therefore
“ Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 “ I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the LORD Almighty.”
7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
But this is supposed to make us holy, not heavy. So many people seem to take this gospel as a heavy load, but God promises "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
It's weird, it's almost like we get heavy because we get so fleshly about being in the flesh! But our flight is not a fleshly fight; Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
It's almost like we war in our fleshly man with our fleshly understanding instead of warring in the Holy Spirit, tearing down spiritual strongholds, and not just in our lives, but in our friends, family, and whoever the Lord puts in front of us that needs to be delivered.
But we must be diligent, for "1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith..."
God calls us to this wonderful life and freedom of living in the Spirit, not the heaviness of the flesh, nor the burdens of our religious traditions, for they will not free us, only The Lord can do that, for He is able, with Him all things are possible (Matt 19)
(Thanks Biblegateway.com!)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Eating what is lawful?
1 Cor 10:2323 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. 31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
It's too bad we don't take this all the way and glorify God with our appetites! ME,ME,ME!
It's too bad we don't take this all the way and glorify God with our appetites! ME,ME,ME!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Basketball days
I was just thinking about being able to play basketball as well as I could when I was younger. The twists, the spins, the ability to dunk....I'm 44. A pro can't play at that level at this age, but does that stop me, no. SO do I go out and play like crazy and get good again, no. Why? It hurts, it hurts real bad all over. Some of it because I played 6-8 hours a day some days. Some of it no matter how much I work out, it won't go away. (Though I do believe in miraculous healings, which I believe God will heal me)
It’s just neat to believe I can still do it. I can still get up there, I can still beat the best of them. Even if in reality I worked like mad to get there again, wherever there is, and still couldn’t do it, I think I can. I believe I could. And why not?
With God all things are possible right?
I believe they are.
It’s just neat to believe I can still do it. I can still get up there, I can still beat the best of them. Even if in reality I worked like mad to get there again, wherever there is, and still couldn’t do it, I think I can. I believe I could. And why not?
With God all things are possible right?
I believe they are.
His Word is true
What does God say about us, and do we believe it? Are His Words all the way true? Jesus is The Word of God, John chapter 1, He was in the beginning, and He is the Word. He also says of Himself; "I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life..." (John 14:6) So he calls our bodies the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor 6:19) If I live like I am my own, then I am calling God a liar. I must live according to His words and not the words of my own, they are not good enough, and may not even be true.
Imagine if you knew of a house that was built by God, can you imagine how cool that house would be, and how many people would want to go see it? Then imagine that same house being lived in by God, WOW, what would that be like, I'd go see it!
THAT'S YOU!!! You are that house of God, He dwells in you!!!
But do I treat my body as if it weren't mine, and were really His? NO!
"Lord, this body is Yours, it's all yours, it's NONE mine. I give it to you, as well as the rest of my life, my thoughts, my emotions, my everything, I gladly give to you, in Jesus name!
Some scriptures:"Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful." (Psalm 119:137-138)
Nehemiah 9:8b "...You have performed Your words, because You are righteous."
Imagine if you knew of a house that was built by God, can you imagine how cool that house would be, and how many people would want to go see it? Then imagine that same house being lived in by God, WOW, what would that be like, I'd go see it!
THAT'S YOU!!! You are that house of God, He dwells in you!!!
But do I treat my body as if it weren't mine, and were really His? NO!
"Lord, this body is Yours, it's all yours, it's NONE mine. I give it to you, as well as the rest of my life, my thoughts, my emotions, my everything, I gladly give to you, in Jesus name!
Some scriptures:"Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful." (Psalm 119:137-138)
Nehemiah 9:8b "...You have performed Your words, because You are righteous."
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
I have food you know not of
I have food that you know not of...My food is to do the will of My Father...I love those two verses. WHat's my food; chips, salsa...TV,. WHat do I feed on? What's important to me? WHat's on my plate?
"Lord help my food to be to do the will of my Father, in Jesus name! John 4
"Lord help my food to be to do the will of my Father, in Jesus name! John 4
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
No more boasting!
James 4:13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will[g] go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
How many of us would ever say a year from now...or longer, I know I have ! Are our words important? Do they reflect our Lord, or our pride? Do we think it boastful to say a year from now we will do this or that?
"Lord help us to see the way You do, help our minds to be renewed by Your Words, and not any of this world or the things of this world, in Jesus Name, amen."
17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
How many of us would ever say a year from now...or longer, I know I have ! Are our words important? Do they reflect our Lord, or our pride? Do we think it boastful to say a year from now we will do this or that?
"Lord help us to see the way You do, help our minds to be renewed by Your Words, and not any of this world or the things of this world, in Jesus Name, amen."
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