Just a thought or two...
Luke 1:26-38
Mary was the instrument God used to fulfill His promise.
Mary questioned the particulars, but she never questioned the promise.
Mary accepted the honor and the reproach both as God's will for her life.
God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
I'm glad God is a God who always keeps His promise!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Encourage Yourself
Last week my friend, Pastor Randy Snow, shared a devotion from 1 Samuel 30:6 which says, "And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."
I'm not going to recap Randy's devotional, just believe me when I say it was excellent.
Every since that day I've been thinking about the last part of that verse: "...but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."
There's a lot of stuff happening in my life right now, and I'm sure in your life too. Many days fly by and it seems we get little or nothing accomplished. Often it's easy to become discouraged.
1 Samuel 30 tells of an account where David and his men had been dealt a hard blow, and when the people became discouraged and afraid, they decided to take things out on their leader.
But notice David's response to his own discouragement and the threats of the people... "...but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."
He encouraged himself in the Lord. He found reasons to rejoice, to be happy, to trust in the Lord his God.
We must daily trust in the Lord. We must daily give Him praise, in good times and in bad.
I've also been thinking of the words of the prophet Habakkuk, Habakkuk 3:17-18 says, "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
The Joe Mayo translation, "Even though nothing is going right, even though I'm broke and not sure how things will work out, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
We must daily be encouraged in the Lord our God. He is our hope!
I heard a statement years ago that I think applies here, "If that don't light your fire, your woods wet!"
"David encouraged himself in the Lord... I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Maybe today has been one of "those" days for you. Maybe it's been one of those weeks, months or years.
Encourage yourself in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord.
Earlier today I listened to a sermon by Missionary Mark Buntain. At the end of the sermon he said, "I do not pray for an easy life. I do not ask for an easy road. I only pray for consistent, righteous, faithfulness, humility, honesty, sincerity and obedience to the divine Word of God."
Pretty powerful statement!
Be encouraged. God good, He is faithful and He is our hope.
Rejoice in Him.
I'm not going to recap Randy's devotional, just believe me when I say it was excellent.
Every since that day I've been thinking about the last part of that verse: "...but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."
There's a lot of stuff happening in my life right now, and I'm sure in your life too. Many days fly by and it seems we get little or nothing accomplished. Often it's easy to become discouraged.
1 Samuel 30 tells of an account where David and his men had been dealt a hard blow, and when the people became discouraged and afraid, they decided to take things out on their leader.
But notice David's response to his own discouragement and the threats of the people... "...but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."
He encouraged himself in the Lord. He found reasons to rejoice, to be happy, to trust in the Lord his God.
We must daily trust in the Lord. We must daily give Him praise, in good times and in bad.
I've also been thinking of the words of the prophet Habakkuk, Habakkuk 3:17-18 says, "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
The Joe Mayo translation, "Even though nothing is going right, even though I'm broke and not sure how things will work out, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
We must daily be encouraged in the Lord our God. He is our hope!
I heard a statement years ago that I think applies here, "If that don't light your fire, your woods wet!"
"David encouraged himself in the Lord... I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Maybe today has been one of "those" days for you. Maybe it's been one of those weeks, months or years.
Encourage yourself in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord.
Earlier today I listened to a sermon by Missionary Mark Buntain. At the end of the sermon he said, "I do not pray for an easy life. I do not ask for an easy road. I only pray for consistent, righteous, faithfulness, humility, honesty, sincerity and obedience to the divine Word of God."
Pretty powerful statement!
Be encouraged. God good, He is faithful and He is our hope.
Rejoice in Him.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
1910
Earlier this week, I recieved this as an e-mail from my friend Billy Ray.
Thanks Billy Ray!
1910 Ford Model R
THE YEAR IS 1910
This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine!
************ ********* ***********
The year is 1910
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for the Year 1910:
************ ********* ************
The average life expectancy for men was 47 years.
Fuel for this car was sold in drug stores only.
Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower !
The average US wage in 1910 was 22 cents per hour.
The average US worker made between $200 and $400 per year ..
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,
A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .
Ninety percent of all Doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard.'
Sugar cost four cents a pound.
Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.
The Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
The American flag had 45 stars ....
The population of Las Vegas , Nevada , was only 30!!!!
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet.
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write and
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school..
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores.
Back then pharmacists said, 'Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the
stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health' ( Shocking? DUH! )
Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help ....
There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A. !
I am now going to forward this to someone else without typing it myself.
From there, it will be sent to others all over the WORLD - all in a matter of seconds!
Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years.
IT STAGGERS THE MIND!
Thanks Billy Ray!
1910 Ford Model R
This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine!
************ ********* ***********
The year is 1910
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for the Year 1910:
************ ********* ************
The average life expectancy for men was 47 years.
Fuel for this car was sold in drug stores only.
Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower !
The average US wage in 1910 was 22 cents per hour.
The average US worker made between $200 and $400 per year ..
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,
A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .
Ninety percent of all Doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard.'
Sugar cost four cents a pound.
Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.
The Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
The American flag had 45 stars ....
The population of Las Vegas , Nevada , was only 30!!!!
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet.
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write and
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school..
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores.
Back then pharmacists said, 'Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the
stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health' ( Shocking? DUH! )
Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help ....
There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A. !
I am now going to forward this to someone else without typing it myself.
From there, it will be sent to others all over the WORLD - all in a matter of seconds!
Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years.
IT STAGGERS THE MIND!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Life is Precious.
Later today, I'll be attending the funeral of the mom of a 12 year old who was on my son's baseball team.
It's sad when a loved one is suddenly gone.
So many times we forget how precious life really is.
We rush through days and weeks, many times taking life for granted.
We get irritated and become impatient with friends and family members. Sometimes we get down right angry.
Never once thinking that we should make things right and part on good terms becausee that could be our last meeting together.
I am reminded of the scripture in James 4:14 that says, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
Life is short. Let's make the most of everyday we have with each other.
I'm thankful that death is not the end, but simply the beginning. The Apostle Paul reminds us that to be absent from the body is to be present with Christ. Paul also said, "O, death. Where is your victory?Where is your sting?"
Jesus Christ said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me even though he dies, yet will he live."
Death is not the end. It's just so cruel and difficult for us to deal with.
But Jesus told us in John 14:1-3 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am."
Just some wondering thoughts.
Enjoy your day. Make the most of every opportunity. Say "I love you" to the ones you love.
It's sad when a loved one is suddenly gone.
So many times we forget how precious life really is.
We rush through days and weeks, many times taking life for granted.
We get irritated and become impatient with friends and family members. Sometimes we get down right angry.
Never once thinking that we should make things right and part on good terms becausee that could be our last meeting together.
I am reminded of the scripture in James 4:14 that says, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
Life is short. Let's make the most of everyday we have with each other.
I'm thankful that death is not the end, but simply the beginning. The Apostle Paul reminds us that to be absent from the body is to be present with Christ. Paul also said, "O, death. Where is your victory?Where is your sting?"
Jesus Christ said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me even though he dies, yet will he live."
Death is not the end. It's just so cruel and difficult for us to deal with.
But Jesus told us in John 14:1-3 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am."
Just some wondering thoughts.
Enjoy your day. Make the most of every opportunity. Say "I love you" to the ones you love.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Worried?
Do you worry?
Why?
Silly questions, I know.
But seriously, why do we worry?
When we worry about things, we are saying we don't trust God to take care of things.
Remember Jesus words in Matthew 6:25-34?
Go ahead and take a minute to read this passage. I'll wait.....
Pretty clear, isn't it? Jesus simply said, "Don't worry."
We know this truth and yet some many of us still worry.
The other night as I went to bed, I was praying for my son, who I think is stressed and worried about the start of a new school year, and a new chapter in his life.
As I lay in bed praying for him, I prayed, "Lord I don't want him to be stressed or worried." As soon as I prayed those words, I heard the Lord respond to me, "Now you are seeing worry from my point of view. You worry many times and I do not want you to worry or be stressed. I want you to trust me."
Wow! I hadn't ever looked at worry through God's eyes.
Our loving heavenly Father, hurts when we hurt. And we we worry and stress over things. His desire for us is that we would not worry.
Notice what Jesus said in verse 27, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
All worry does is raise or blood pressure, give us a headache, cause other physical problems. But worry doesn't really change anything.
A few weeks ago I heard one of my pastor friends say, "We should hold everything before God with open hands." And then he said this, "When we worry and fret, it's because we've closed our hands on something."
Instead of worrying over things (jobs, promotions, finances, marriages, kids, etc) hold them before God with open hands. letting Him take care of all those things.
Trust him.
Trust means letting go!
"God, I pray today for each one who reads this blog. You know everything about them. You know everything that has them worried or stressed. Father, remind them who You are. Remind them of Your great love for them. And remind them how You have always been faithful and trust worthy. Thank You for never letting us go, but for always holding us in the palm of Your mighty hand. Let today be the end of worry and the start of holding everything before You with open hands and simply trusting You. Amen."
Why?
Silly questions, I know.
But seriously, why do we worry?
When we worry about things, we are saying we don't trust God to take care of things.
Remember Jesus words in Matthew 6:25-34?
Go ahead and take a minute to read this passage. I'll wait.....
Pretty clear, isn't it? Jesus simply said, "Don't worry."
We know this truth and yet some many of us still worry.
The other night as I went to bed, I was praying for my son, who I think is stressed and worried about the start of a new school year, and a new chapter in his life.
As I lay in bed praying for him, I prayed, "Lord I don't want him to be stressed or worried." As soon as I prayed those words, I heard the Lord respond to me, "Now you are seeing worry from my point of view. You worry many times and I do not want you to worry or be stressed. I want you to trust me."
Wow! I hadn't ever looked at worry through God's eyes.
Our loving heavenly Father, hurts when we hurt. And we we worry and stress over things. His desire for us is that we would not worry.
Notice what Jesus said in verse 27, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
All worry does is raise or blood pressure, give us a headache, cause other physical problems. But worry doesn't really change anything.
A few weeks ago I heard one of my pastor friends say, "We should hold everything before God with open hands." And then he said this, "When we worry and fret, it's because we've closed our hands on something."
Instead of worrying over things (jobs, promotions, finances, marriages, kids, etc) hold them before God with open hands. letting Him take care of all those things.
Trust him.
Trust means letting go!
"God, I pray today for each one who reads this blog. You know everything about them. You know everything that has them worried or stressed. Father, remind them who You are. Remind them of Your great love for them. And remind them how You have always been faithful and trust worthy. Thank You for never letting us go, but for always holding us in the palm of Your mighty hand. Let today be the end of worry and the start of holding everything before You with open hands and simply trusting You. Amen."
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Stand in Awe of God
It's been awhile since my last blog post.
It has been a busy summer. Someday, I've got to make blogging a daily habit.
The other day, a friend told me that she regularly read my blog. I was surprised. I didn't realize how many people were reading my blogs.
If you're someone who regularly reads this blog, please sign-up as a follower. Maybe seeing who actually reads my blog will inspire me to blog more.
Today's thought.
Yesterday during my quite time I read Habakkuk 3:2 which is part of a prayer that Habakkuk prayed.
By the way how would you like it if your name was Habakkuk? (Thanks mom for going with something simple like Joe!!)
Anyway, the verse says, "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy." (Hab. 3:2 NIV)
Have you heard of God's fame? Do you remember the great things He has done in the past?
Do you want to see Him do great things today?
God is still God! The greats things He has done are just the beginning. He is wanting to do greater things for us today. Perhaps He is just waiting for us to remember His fame, and for us to ask and expect Him to do great things.
I love what the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:20-21, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Today, stand in awe of God. Start praying like Habakkuk, "I stand in awe of Your deeds, O Lord.Renew them in our day..."
God is up to something great. Are you ready?
It has been a busy summer. Someday, I've got to make blogging a daily habit.
The other day, a friend told me that she regularly read my blog. I was surprised. I didn't realize how many people were reading my blogs.
If you're someone who regularly reads this blog, please sign-up as a follower. Maybe seeing who actually reads my blog will inspire me to blog more.
Today's thought.
Yesterday during my quite time I read Habakkuk 3:2 which is part of a prayer that Habakkuk prayed.
By the way how would you like it if your name was Habakkuk? (Thanks mom for going with something simple like Joe!!)
Anyway, the verse says, "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy." (Hab. 3:2 NIV)
Have you heard of God's fame? Do you remember the great things He has done in the past?
Do you want to see Him do great things today?
God is still God! The greats things He has done are just the beginning. He is wanting to do greater things for us today. Perhaps He is just waiting for us to remember His fame, and for us to ask and expect Him to do great things.
I love what the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:20-21, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Today, stand in awe of God. Start praying like Habakkuk, "I stand in awe of Your deeds, O Lord.Renew them in our day..."
God is up to something great. Are you ready?
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Expectations
Just got home from Kids Camp.
What an amazing 4 days hanging out with 8-12 year olds and watching God do amazing things in their lives.
One of the boys in my cabin taught me a huge lesson about expectations.
The other night during the altar time after service, he walked up to me crying and said, "Pastor Joe can you pray for me?"
I said sure, what for? He replied through his tears, "I don't know?"
Moments later as I simply prayed with this little guy, he began to be baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
For those of you doubting, yes God still baptizes people in the Holy Spirit and yes tongues in a real experience. (See Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 12:4-10, 28)
Anyway, as I was texting this little guys mom to let her know what her son had just experienced, she replied to my text by stating, "He went to camp on a mission. Before he left he said, Mom, camp is not just about the lake, water slides and fun, Camp is about getting closer to God."
Here's my thought, how often do we expect God to do something in us?
Tomorrow is Sunday, are you going to church out of habit or because you are expecting God to do something great in you?
What are your expectations?
Let's go to church tomorrow, expecting God to move and meet us there!
What an amazing 4 days hanging out with 8-12 year olds and watching God do amazing things in their lives.
One of the boys in my cabin taught me a huge lesson about expectations.
The other night during the altar time after service, he walked up to me crying and said, "Pastor Joe can you pray for me?"
I said sure, what for? He replied through his tears, "I don't know?"
Moments later as I simply prayed with this little guy, he began to be baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
For those of you doubting, yes God still baptizes people in the Holy Spirit and yes tongues in a real experience. (See Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 12:4-10, 28)
Anyway, as I was texting this little guys mom to let her know what her son had just experienced, she replied to my text by stating, "He went to camp on a mission. Before he left he said, Mom, camp is not just about the lake, water slides and fun, Camp is about getting closer to God."
Here's my thought, how often do we expect God to do something in us?
Tomorrow is Sunday, are you going to church out of habit or because you are expecting God to do something great in you?
What are your expectations?
Let's go to church tomorrow, expecting God to move and meet us there!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
10 Hard Questions
Getting ready to take some kids to Kids Camp. Thought I would clear out some of the e-mails still riding along in my Blackberry. As I was clearing them out I ran across this blog post from Perry Noble earlier this month. It was too good to read and delete, so I decided to share it with my blog readers.
One thing before you read Perry's post. Don't just read it, but find a way today to apply it to your life!
Perry Noble: 10 Hard Questions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Hard Questions
Posted: 03 Jun 2010 04:54 AM PDT
Too many times we believe that being busy is equal to being godly…when the Bible says quite the opposite.
Psalm 46:10 SLAYS me every time I read it…CONVICTED!
David said in Psalm 23 that the Lord makes him lie down in green pastures and leads him beside still waters.
The LONGEST, most detailed command in the 10 commandments is the one on rest.
Yet, all of us…especially those in the ministry…wrestle with this. One of our MAIN temptations is being busy…here are a few questions we can wrestle through to see how busy those of us in ministry are…
#1 – How many times a day do you check your email? Is there really any reason to check it as often as we do?
#2 – How many times a day do you check twitter?
#3 – How many times a day do you check your facebook page?
#4 – When you go home to do spend time with your family…or merely “tweet” about how you are spending time with your family?
#5 – Do you tell your kids you are too busy to go to their game…but then go to the game of the church members kid so you don’t get into hot water with them? (BTW…good luck explaining that one to your kids in 20 years!)
#6 – Do you have a time during the day when you turn off your cell phone so that you can uninterrupted study time, prayer time and time with your spouse?
#7 – Do you always have to have noise around you…such as do you always have to have the radio on in the car OR the TV on at home, even if you are not listening to/watching it?
#8 – How much time do you spend commenting on blogs and social media sites? (honestly, don’t know too many certified blog commenters that are actually changing the world!)
#9 – Are you accessible at any time of the day by anyone who needs you? (LOTS of pastors LOVE to make this claim…usually at the expense of their family and their own walk with God. If you want to walk with Jesus you can’t do it by always having a crowd around…you’ve got to have some time set aside.)
#10 – Are you willing to make the adjustments that you need to make based on the nine questions above? If not then you are most likely addicted to noise and being busy…which looks good to others but absolutely destroys our walk with God.
PSALM 46:10!
ONE MORE THING…this is absolutely the most convicting blog post I’ve ever written…He’s PRESSING into me to make some major adjustments in regards to the noise in my life, would appreciate your prayers as I try my best to fully obey Him.
Good stuff courtesy of Perry Noble. Leave a comment and let me know what you thought.
Well I'm off to Kids Camp!
One thing before you read Perry's post. Don't just read it, but find a way today to apply it to your life!
Perry Noble: 10 Hard Questions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Hard Questions
Posted: 03 Jun 2010 04:54 AM PDT
Too many times we believe that being busy is equal to being godly…when the Bible says quite the opposite.
Psalm 46:10 SLAYS me every time I read it…CONVICTED!
David said in Psalm 23 that the Lord makes him lie down in green pastures and leads him beside still waters.
The LONGEST, most detailed command in the 10 commandments is the one on rest.
Yet, all of us…especially those in the ministry…wrestle with this. One of our MAIN temptations is being busy…here are a few questions we can wrestle through to see how busy those of us in ministry are…
#1 – How many times a day do you check your email? Is there really any reason to check it as often as we do?
#2 – How many times a day do you check twitter?
#3 – How many times a day do you check your facebook page?
#4 – When you go home to do spend time with your family…or merely “tweet” about how you are spending time with your family?
#5 – Do you tell your kids you are too busy to go to their game…but then go to the game of the church members kid so you don’t get into hot water with them? (BTW…good luck explaining that one to your kids in 20 years!)
#6 – Do you have a time during the day when you turn off your cell phone so that you can uninterrupted study time, prayer time and time with your spouse?
#7 – Do you always have to have noise around you…such as do you always have to have the radio on in the car OR the TV on at home, even if you are not listening to/watching it?
#8 – How much time do you spend commenting on blogs and social media sites? (honestly, don’t know too many certified blog commenters that are actually changing the world!)
#9 – Are you accessible at any time of the day by anyone who needs you? (LOTS of pastors LOVE to make this claim…usually at the expense of their family and their own walk with God. If you want to walk with Jesus you can’t do it by always having a crowd around…you’ve got to have some time set aside.)
#10 – Are you willing to make the adjustments that you need to make based on the nine questions above? If not then you are most likely addicted to noise and being busy…which looks good to others but absolutely destroys our walk with God.
PSALM 46:10!
ONE MORE THING…this is absolutely the most convicting blog post I’ve ever written…He’s PRESSING into me to make some major adjustments in regards to the noise in my life, would appreciate your prayers as I try my best to fully obey Him.
Good stuff courtesy of Perry Noble. Leave a comment and let me know what you thought.
Well I'm off to Kids Camp!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Courage and Risk Taking
This past Sunday afternoon, as I was preparing for a board meeting and a special business meeting. I walked into my office grabbed my Zondervan Leadership Bible and prayed the following prayer, "Lord, I need something, please speak to me through Your Word."
Moments later I turned to Numbers 14:1-10. After reading these 10 verses, I then read the daily leadership lesson on courage/risk taking. Here is what I read:
It was one thing when the children of Israel murmured and complained about their provisions and their leadership during the first two years in the wilderness. It was far more serious when they decided they could no longer trust the Lord. The tragedy at Kadesh was not caused merely by grumbling, but by outright rebellion against the purposes of God. The Israelites had convinced themselves that their children would be killed if they attempted to take the promised land, and they therefore drew back in disbelief. Ironically, it was their children who later occupied the land under Joshua's leadership.
By pursuing a pain-avoidance strategy rather than trusting the Lord, the Israelites actually inflicted far more pain upon themselves. As a result of their lack of courage, the generation of the exodus was consigned to an additional thirty-eight years of wilderness wandering until they died and the new generation was ready to take the land.
Obedience to the precepts and principles of Scripture does in fact require significant risk, because to trust God is to pursue the invisible over the visible. But if we hedge our bets by resisting the prompting of the Spirit and chasing the promises of the world system, our growth will be stunted. "For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith" (Hebrews 4:2).
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). Knowing this, God asks his people to take a step of faith and trust in his presence. God is the ultimate source of empowerment; he is the eternal source of the godly leader's courage. The Leadership Bible, New International Version® © 1998 by the Zondervan Corporation
Good stuff, isn't it? It gets better!
Today when I checked the mail, I received a book mark from a Father's Day promotion company. In bold letters across the top it read: Men who walk with God never walk alone. The following scriptures were also on that bookmark:
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Isaiah 2:5 Come... let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Proverbs 4:11-12 I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.
Now I know to many this may seem like a coincidence. But if you only knew where God was leading me right now and the things He has been showing me, this would understand how incredible this is.
When you trust God and walk with Him, many times by faith. He gives you the courage to keep walking and keep trusting, even when what is before you seems impossible.
I know you have no idea what I'm referring to, but many of you do! And I promise, at a later time I will write about the whole story/journey that I have been on for the last two months. It's a good story and we're only at the beginning!
Have courage. Keep Trusting Him and walking by faith.
Moments later I turned to Numbers 14:1-10. After reading these 10 verses, I then read the daily leadership lesson on courage/risk taking. Here is what I read:
It was one thing when the children of Israel murmured and complained about their provisions and their leadership during the first two years in the wilderness. It was far more serious when they decided they could no longer trust the Lord. The tragedy at Kadesh was not caused merely by grumbling, but by outright rebellion against the purposes of God. The Israelites had convinced themselves that their children would be killed if they attempted to take the promised land, and they therefore drew back in disbelief. Ironically, it was their children who later occupied the land under Joshua's leadership.
By pursuing a pain-avoidance strategy rather than trusting the Lord, the Israelites actually inflicted far more pain upon themselves. As a result of their lack of courage, the generation of the exodus was consigned to an additional thirty-eight years of wilderness wandering until they died and the new generation was ready to take the land.
Obedience to the precepts and principles of Scripture does in fact require significant risk, because to trust God is to pursue the invisible over the visible. But if we hedge our bets by resisting the prompting of the Spirit and chasing the promises of the world system, our growth will be stunted. "For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith" (Hebrews 4:2).
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). Knowing this, God asks his people to take a step of faith and trust in his presence. God is the ultimate source of empowerment; he is the eternal source of the godly leader's courage. The Leadership Bible, New International Version® © 1998 by the Zondervan Corporation
Good stuff, isn't it? It gets better!
Today when I checked the mail, I received a book mark from a Father's Day promotion company. In bold letters across the top it read: Men who walk with God never walk alone. The following scriptures were also on that bookmark:
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Isaiah 2:5 Come... let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Proverbs 4:11-12 I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.
Now I know to many this may seem like a coincidence. But if you only knew where God was leading me right now and the things He has been showing me, this would understand how incredible this is.
When you trust God and walk with Him, many times by faith. He gives you the courage to keep walking and keep trusting, even when what is before you seems impossible.
I know you have no idea what I'm referring to, but many of you do! And I promise, at a later time I will write about the whole story/journey that I have been on for the last two months. It's a good story and we're only at the beginning!
Have courage. Keep Trusting Him and walking by faith.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Why Do We Worry?
The other day I read this incredible post by Pastor Perry Noble. It has challenged me in so many ways, so I had to post it for my readers!
Church leaders…we’re such hypocrites at times aren’t we?
We know what Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-34 by heart!
We tell people that God is Sovereign and that He reigns over their situation.
We recite I Peter 5:7 to people as they are completely stressing out in front of us.
I could go on…but you get the point…we know how to confront and encourage others when THEY worry…and yet…
We freak out about the sermon every week.
We are scared to death that the set list is not going to come together.
We stress out about attendance numbers.
We worry about the offering.
We lose our minds when we hear someone is upset.
We allow the voice of the enemy to convince us that everything is about to fall apart.
WE DO THIS…and we’ve got to stop! Reality is…
Jesus loves the church way more than we do!
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion! (Philippians 1:6)
He has SO MUCH MORE in store for your church than you could imagine! (Ephesians 3:20)
He will reveal WHAT we need to know…WHEN we need to know it!
He has a plan for our church…and He actually wants us to know it WAY MORE than we could imagine!
If it is HIS WILL then it is HIS BILL…what the KING wants the KING pays for!!!
He is at work right now…doing things that we are completely unaware of but will one day BLOW our mind!
He has placed us in this time and in this place to make a difference!
My prayer to overcome worry has consistently been to ask God to enlarge my view of Him…the larger HE becomes to me the smaller my problems and circumstances are.
He reigns…what HE started He will finish…
“Do not worry…” Jesus
Thanks Perry Noble (http://www.perrynoble.com/) for an amazing post.
Church leaders…we’re such hypocrites at times aren’t we?
We know what Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-34 by heart!
We tell people that God is Sovereign and that He reigns over their situation.
We recite I Peter 5:7 to people as they are completely stressing out in front of us.
I could go on…but you get the point…we know how to confront and encourage others when THEY worry…and yet…
We freak out about the sermon every week.
We are scared to death that the set list is not going to come together.
We stress out about attendance numbers.
We worry about the offering.
We lose our minds when we hear someone is upset.
We allow the voice of the enemy to convince us that everything is about to fall apart.
WE DO THIS…and we’ve got to stop! Reality is…
Jesus loves the church way more than we do!
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion! (Philippians 1:6)
He has SO MUCH MORE in store for your church than you could imagine! (Ephesians 3:20)
He will reveal WHAT we need to know…WHEN we need to know it!
He has a plan for our church…and He actually wants us to know it WAY MORE than we could imagine!
If it is HIS WILL then it is HIS BILL…what the KING wants the KING pays for!!!
He is at work right now…doing things that we are completely unaware of but will one day BLOW our mind!
He has placed us in this time and in this place to make a difference!
My prayer to overcome worry has consistently been to ask God to enlarge my view of Him…the larger HE becomes to me the smaller my problems and circumstances are.
He reigns…what HE started He will finish…
“Do not worry…” Jesus
Thanks Perry Noble (http://www.perrynoble.com/) for an amazing post.
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Necklace
This has always been on of my favorite stories, and a great picture of our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
The cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them, a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.
"Oh mommy please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?"
Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.
"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."
As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.
Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere, Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"
"Oh yes, daddy. You know that I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh, daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection, the one with the pink tail. Remember, daddy? The one you gave me. She's my very favorite."
"That's okay, Honey, daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"
"Daddy, you know I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."
"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you."
And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.
A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style.
As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.
"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"
Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, daddy; this is for you."
With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.
He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure. So it is, with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures.
The cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them, a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.
"Oh mommy please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?"
Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.
"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."
As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.
Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere, Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"
"Oh yes, daddy. You know that I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh, daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection, the one with the pink tail. Remember, daddy? The one you gave me. She's my very favorite."
"That's okay, Honey, daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"
"Daddy, you know I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."
"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you."
And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.
A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style.
As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.
"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"
Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, daddy; this is for you."
With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.
He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure. So it is, with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
He is Worthy!
This passage of scripture has really been challenging me this week.
Revelation 5:6-14
John spends a good deal of time describing the scene in the throne room of God which is amazing to think about. But then you get all the way down to verse 11 and he writes "Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand... 12 in a loud voice they sang: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'"
Now here's what has challenged me... if this is what it is like around the throne of God, angels declaring He is worthy, what should my life be like right now?
John goes on in verse 13 and writes, "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them singing: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever!'"
Wow! Every breath I take should declare that He is worthy. Everything I think, say and do should bring glory to God. Simply because He is worthy.
I don't think we have to wait until we are in the throne room of the heavenlies to worship and declare that He is worthy. I'm thinking we should be doing this now. The fact that Jesus is worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise should change the way I live right now!
No matter where I am or what I'm going through. No matter what I have accomplished or failed to complete.
He alone is worthy. And I must make sure that each day I am giving Him praise.
I guess a better title for this post would have been, "Joe's wandering mind". But I just had to put into words as best as I could what I've been thinking about lately.
Today is done. Did I give Him praise? Tomorrow will begin soon, will I acknowledge He is worthy of all praise, and will I praise Him all day long? Whether I do or not... He is Worthy!
Revelation 5:6-14
John spends a good deal of time describing the scene in the throne room of God which is amazing to think about. But then you get all the way down to verse 11 and he writes "Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand... 12 in a loud voice they sang: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'"
Now here's what has challenged me... if this is what it is like around the throne of God, angels declaring He is worthy, what should my life be like right now?
John goes on in verse 13 and writes, "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them singing: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever!'"
Wow! Every breath I take should declare that He is worthy. Everything I think, say and do should bring glory to God. Simply because He is worthy.
I don't think we have to wait until we are in the throne room of the heavenlies to worship and declare that He is worthy. I'm thinking we should be doing this now. The fact that Jesus is worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise should change the way I live right now!
No matter where I am or what I'm going through. No matter what I have accomplished or failed to complete.
He alone is worthy. And I must make sure that each day I am giving Him praise.
I guess a better title for this post would have been, "Joe's wandering mind". But I just had to put into words as best as I could what I've been thinking about lately.
Today is done. Did I give Him praise? Tomorrow will begin soon, will I acknowledge He is worthy of all praise, and will I praise Him all day long? Whether I do or not... He is Worthy!
Friday, April 2, 2010
7 Keys to Unlocking Growth Potential
A few days ago I attended a minister's meeting where Kendall Bridges, pastor of Freedom Life Church in Carrollton was the guest speaker.
His topic was 7 Keys to Unlocking Growth Potential.
Kendall started out by mentioning that growth is not equally comparable to someone elses growth. The same principles, ideas or systems someone else is using may not work in my world. Therefore we should always remember never to compare ourselves, our ministries, or our churches with anyone else!
Here are the 7 keys:
1. Passion - Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do must have compassion.
Passion is contagious.
2. Preparation - 2 Timothy 4:2
There is no excuse for not being prepared.
This applies both in the business world and in the church!
3. People - Acts 20:20
People matter.
4. Purpose - Colossians 2:2
Know your purpose. Show your purpose. Don't blow your purpose.
5. Prioritize - Luke 14:28
What is most important?
6. Pray - Jeremiah 33:3; Psalms 46:10
S - silent
T - time
I - inquire (make your need know)
L - listen
L - learn
7. Preach - 2 Timothy 4:2
Know your message.
Rehearse it. Rehearse it. Rehearse it.
Know your audience. (This is huge!)
Know your strengths and weaknesses.
Know how to give an altar call.
His topic was 7 Keys to Unlocking Growth Potential.
Kendall started out by mentioning that growth is not equally comparable to someone elses growth. The same principles, ideas or systems someone else is using may not work in my world. Therefore we should always remember never to compare ourselves, our ministries, or our churches with anyone else!
Here are the 7 keys:
1. Passion - Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do must have compassion.
Passion is contagious.
2. Preparation - 2 Timothy 4:2
There is no excuse for not being prepared.
This applies both in the business world and in the church!
3. People - Acts 20:20
People matter.
4. Purpose - Colossians 2:2
Know your purpose. Show your purpose. Don't blow your purpose.
5. Prioritize - Luke 14:28
What is most important?
6. Pray - Jeremiah 33:3; Psalms 46:10
S - silent
T - time
I - inquire (make your need know)
L - listen
L - learn
7. Preach - 2 Timothy 4:2
Know your message.
Rehearse it. Rehearse it. Rehearse it.
Know your audience. (This is huge!)
Know your strengths and weaknesses.
Know how to give an altar call.
Friday, March 26, 2010
How He Loves.
Our worship team sang this song and few weeks ago and every since that day, it's all I can think about.
Take a moment and just watch and listen to this video. I promise you that this will be the most powerful 8:52 of your day!
http://tinyurl.com/5qxkkb
Take a moment and just watch and listen to this video. I promise you that this will be the most powerful 8:52 of your day!
http://tinyurl.com/5qxkkb
Friday, March 19, 2010
Something to think about!
Yesterday my friend Nathan, who is also a missionary, posted the following quote for his facebook status:
"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply." - Missionary Hudson Taylor
Yesterday as I was preparing for my day, I was praying about somethings that are happening in my world. I remember saying something like, "What's up God I haven't heard from You in a couple of days. I am frustrated and confused."
To catch you up, for the last week everyday, God has been confirming something in my life. Everyday! It would be through a scripture, someone's story, just many different things were used to confirm what I felt God leading in my world. Thus the reason for yesterday's prayer/question.
Moments after praying this, I turned on my Blackberry and was clearing messages when a facebook message popped up. As it was loading I caught a glimpse of Nathan's post. As I read the Hudson Taylor quote I again found myself saying, "Thanks God I got it!"
Let me type that quote again,
"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply." - Missionary Hudson Taylor
Now that's a thought to think about!
"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply." - Missionary Hudson Taylor
Yesterday as I was preparing for my day, I was praying about somethings that are happening in my world. I remember saying something like, "What's up God I haven't heard from You in a couple of days. I am frustrated and confused."
To catch you up, for the last week everyday, God has been confirming something in my life. Everyday! It would be through a scripture, someone's story, just many different things were used to confirm what I felt God leading in my world. Thus the reason for yesterday's prayer/question.
Moments after praying this, I turned on my Blackberry and was clearing messages when a facebook message popped up. As it was loading I caught a glimpse of Nathan's post. As I read the Hudson Taylor quote I again found myself saying, "Thanks God I got it!"
Let me type that quote again,
"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply." - Missionary Hudson Taylor
Now that's a thought to think about!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Steering Through Chaos
Today I am reviewing Scott Wilson's new book, Steering Through Chaos. Scott Wilson has written an incredible book that every church leader should read. He uses his own experiences to help teach principles that are vital to navigating through transitions and changes that come at different seasons in every ministry.Back in October of 2009, I went to Red Oak and spent the day with Pastor Scott. He is an incredibly talented and anointed leader. Many of the principles he covers in Steering Through Chaos are prinicples that he shared with me that day. At the end of the day, I was somewhat overwhlemed but very encouraged and eager to read his new book.
This book is an incredible tool that I have purchased for my team. I have read every page, marking each principle and idea that personally challenged me. Reading Steering Through Chaos helped me realize
the season of change and transition that is affecting my own church.
Scott Wilson "hit the nail on the head" with Steering Through Chaos. I loved this book. It is not a book written to tell you how to be like Scott Wilson. It is a book written by a man accomplishing God's dream for his life, and sharing the principles he learned along the way.
I highly recommend this book to every church and ministry leader. Even if you're not a top level leader, you should read this book. Steering Through Chaos ignites passion and vision in your life and ministry.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ChurchZondervan?feature=mhw4#p/u/5/sBd2FUsAtw0
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Still Listening!
Recently God has been challenging me with somethings. Right now I can't sharee specifics, but a couple of people close to me told me I need to write everything down that God is saying, the challenges and what is happening as a result.
So today I decided to look back at what started me on this journey.
Before I begin though, in a conversation today I told someone that I felt like I was at the beginning of a great story. I feel like I am living out the introduction and the story is yet to be written. And everything within me tells me it is going to be an amazing story.
I know this is kind of cryptic, but the journey I'm on started with this video clip of Pastor Perry Noble.
Watch Perry Noble // Catalyst West '09 on Vimeo! http://vimeo.com/9304430
As Perry talked about "God doing great things through Noah" God began to stir in me that He also wanted to do great things through me and I needed to "pick up the hammer!"
That was Feb. 11, 2010. Since then I've been listening to and waiting on God. Today I am amazed at the opportunities that stand before me and all I have to go on is trust in God.
I cannot tell you specifically what I am feeling, partly because I'm not really sure. But I know God is up to something and I am thrilled to be a part of what God is doing.
Several years ago I learned that our prayers should not be, "God bless what I am doing", instead we should pray, "God let me be a part of what you are blessing". Every since I learned this principle and changed the way I pray, it has been incredible to watch as God works and let's me be involved.
I titled this post "Still listening" because that is what I am doing. Still listening, with the hammer in my hand, waiting for God to tell me what to do next.
Years ago there was a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that said something like "there's no better place on earth than the road that leads to heaven". I can honestly say, there is no better place to be than listening and waiting for God's directions as He accomplishes His dream for your life. As you wait and listen you begin to realize that you have the privilege of being a part of an epic story! God's story of your life!
So today I decided to look back at what started me on this journey.
Before I begin though, in a conversation today I told someone that I felt like I was at the beginning of a great story. I feel like I am living out the introduction and the story is yet to be written. And everything within me tells me it is going to be an amazing story.
I know this is kind of cryptic, but the journey I'm on started with this video clip of Pastor Perry Noble.
Watch Perry Noble // Catalyst West '09 on Vimeo! http://vimeo.com/9304430
As Perry talked about "God doing great things through Noah" God began to stir in me that He also wanted to do great things through me and I needed to "pick up the hammer!"
That was Feb. 11, 2010. Since then I've been listening to and waiting on God. Today I am amazed at the opportunities that stand before me and all I have to go on is trust in God.
I cannot tell you specifically what I am feeling, partly because I'm not really sure. But I know God is up to something and I am thrilled to be a part of what God is doing.
Several years ago I learned that our prayers should not be, "God bless what I am doing", instead we should pray, "God let me be a part of what you are blessing". Every since I learned this principle and changed the way I pray, it has been incredible to watch as God works and let's me be involved.
I titled this post "Still listening" because that is what I am doing. Still listening, with the hammer in my hand, waiting for God to tell me what to do next.
Years ago there was a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that said something like "there's no better place on earth than the road that leads to heaven". I can honestly say, there is no better place to be than listening and waiting for God's directions as He accomplishes His dream for your life. As you wait and listen you begin to realize that you have the privilege of being a part of an epic story! God's story of your life!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Are you listening?
God is doing amazing things. I know that is a hugely profound statement!
But hang on, really, the past few weeks I have been amazed to watch as God works all around me, even in and through me.
I'm reading Scott Wilson's book Steering Through Chaos (I'll be posting my review of this book on this blog next week!) and in one chapter he mentions that we need to "PLOW - pray, listen, obey, and God will send us the wow factor or answered prayer."
Now I already kenw this, but experiencing the things God has been saying to me and reading Pastor Scott's book and helped me amp up my desire to hear from God.
A few weeks ago I was praying about something, during my prayer time my Blackberry began buzzing due to an incoming e-mail. I usually ignore this during my prayer time, but on this day, for some reason I picked up my Blackberry and the e-mail instantly opened. What I read amazed me. It was another pastor's blog that I often read. He started his blog by saying, "These verse recently jumped of the page at me..." so I grabbed the nearest Bible and turned to the passage. It was like God was speaking directly to me. I had to read it again to make sure, and yep, these verses were a direct confirmation to what I was feeling and praying about AT THAT VERY MOMENT!
So guess what? Now I am making sure that I PLOW (pray, listen, obey, and wait for the wow) everyday. and I can honestly tell you that God talks, impresses, confirms something every time I am expecting to hear from Him.
So I guess my question for you today is.... Are you listening?
As I was writing this post I am listening to a Mercy Me song called "Word of God Speak". Kind of seemed appropriate! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74
He's speaking, are you listening?
But hang on, really, the past few weeks I have been amazed to watch as God works all around me, even in and through me.
I'm reading Scott Wilson's book Steering Through Chaos (I'll be posting my review of this book on this blog next week!) and in one chapter he mentions that we need to "PLOW - pray, listen, obey, and God will send us the wow factor or answered prayer."
Now I already kenw this, but experiencing the things God has been saying to me and reading Pastor Scott's book and helped me amp up my desire to hear from God.
A few weeks ago I was praying about something, during my prayer time my Blackberry began buzzing due to an incoming e-mail. I usually ignore this during my prayer time, but on this day, for some reason I picked up my Blackberry and the e-mail instantly opened. What I read amazed me. It was another pastor's blog that I often read. He started his blog by saying, "These verse recently jumped of the page at me..." so I grabbed the nearest Bible and turned to the passage. It was like God was speaking directly to me. I had to read it again to make sure, and yep, these verses were a direct confirmation to what I was feeling and praying about AT THAT VERY MOMENT!
So guess what? Now I am making sure that I PLOW (pray, listen, obey, and wait for the wow) everyday. and I can honestly tell you that God talks, impresses, confirms something every time I am expecting to hear from Him.
So I guess my question for you today is.... Are you listening?
As I was writing this post I am listening to a Mercy Me song called "Word of God Speak". Kind of seemed appropriate! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74
He's speaking, are you listening?
Friday, February 26, 2010
A Call to Action
Today I want to share Perry Noble's blog post (http://www.perrynoble.com/). I have been praying about some things and this weeks many times God has used others to confirm what He is telling me. This post by Perry Noble is kind of like the icing on the cake for me.
I hope it challenges you too!
A Call To Action
Posted: 26 Feb 2010 04:56 AM PST
Deuteronomy 1:7-8 jumped out at me the other morning…as I had this thought…
God has NEVER led anyone to the point of indecision…it’s NOT that we don’t know what to do most of the time…but rather we know EXACTLY what to do, but in order to obey it will cause us to break out of our comfortable routine and actually put forth some effort.
God had promised the Israelites the land they were going into…He had spent years preparing them for the takeover…but when it came time to make things happen He didn’t tell them “Sit here while I go do it all,” but rather, “Break camp and advance…”
Translation…
“Break camp…” – Get out of your place of comfort.
“Advance” – In other words…DON’T try to keep things the way they are…there are MUCH better things in store.
I love how God doesn’t call His followers to be passive…to sit back and do nothing. We serve a living and active God…which means if we seek to imitate Him then the same should be said of us.
So…any decision that you’ve been putting off that you KNOW He’s clearly spoken about?
“Break camp and advance…”
I hope it challenges you too!
A Call To Action
Posted: 26 Feb 2010 04:56 AM PST
Deuteronomy 1:7-8 jumped out at me the other morning…as I had this thought…
God has NEVER led anyone to the point of indecision…it’s NOT that we don’t know what to do most of the time…but rather we know EXACTLY what to do, but in order to obey it will cause us to break out of our comfortable routine and actually put forth some effort.
God had promised the Israelites the land they were going into…He had spent years preparing them for the takeover…but when it came time to make things happen He didn’t tell them “Sit here while I go do it all,” but rather, “Break camp and advance…”
Translation…
“Break camp…” – Get out of your place of comfort.
“Advance” – In other words…DON’T try to keep things the way they are…there are MUCH better things in store.
I love how God doesn’t call His followers to be passive…to sit back and do nothing. We serve a living and active God…which means if we seek to imitate Him then the same should be said of us.
So…any decision that you’ve been putting off that you KNOW He’s clearly spoken about?
“Break camp and advance…”
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Be Still.
It's been a really busy week. Sunday's are crazy but this past Sunday after doing two servics, we also had a board meeting and a workday for our upcoming Easter Eggstravaganza.
Then Monday started by running back and forth between two hospitals to be with families and check on two people having surgery at the same time. Then Tuesday was anbother busy day filled with a ministers meeting and hospital visits.
All of a sudden it is Thursday afternoon. I find myself sitting at my computer wondering where the week went and how will I get everything done that needs to be done for Sunday?
In the midst of my busyness, I began to think about Psalms 46:10 which says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Be still, he says. Do you ever think,"if only I could be still, that would be nice." Even in the midst of our busyness and accomplishing this and that, we must make tim to be stil and know God. Many times we rob ourselves by being "too busy to be still".
Why not try it right now. Just stop for a minute. Take a deep breath. And just say "God I'm listening, speak to me."
We could learn a lot by learning to take time each day to be still. How much do we miss because we're too busy? How much less stressed out would we be if we just took a moment to "be still"? As we make time for God, He is exalted. He wants to be the focus of our lives, and to focus you have to be still!
Let's stop the ride and focus for a moment. Be still and know He is God.
Then Monday started by running back and forth between two hospitals to be with families and check on two people having surgery at the same time. Then Tuesday was anbother busy day filled with a ministers meeting and hospital visits.
All of a sudden it is Thursday afternoon. I find myself sitting at my computer wondering where the week went and how will I get everything done that needs to be done for Sunday?
In the midst of my busyness, I began to think about Psalms 46:10 which says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Be still, he says. Do you ever think,"if only I could be still, that would be nice." Even in the midst of our busyness and accomplishing this and that, we must make tim to be stil and know God. Many times we rob ourselves by being "too busy to be still".
Why not try it right now. Just stop for a minute. Take a deep breath. And just say "God I'm listening, speak to me."
We could learn a lot by learning to take time each day to be still. How much do we miss because we're too busy? How much less stressed out would we be if we just took a moment to "be still"? As we make time for God, He is exalted. He wants to be the focus of our lives, and to focus you have to be still!
Let's stop the ride and focus for a moment. Be still and know He is God.
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Bait of Satan - part 4
Today is the last day of quotes from John Bevere's book "The Bait of Satan".
As you can tell, this is an incredible book. I personlly think everyone should read this book.
I have posted all these great things on my blog to minister and challenge my readers, but also for me. I read somewhere that if you re-teach the new things you have learned, you retain more of the knowledge you have gained. So this has been my way of re-teaching what I have learned through John Bevere's book.
Seriously, get yourself a copy of this book and read. You'll be glad you did!
Now for today's quotes from the book.
"The Bible does not record that Jesus reacted to any of the men who left Him. His only delight was to do the will of the Father. In doing so He would benefit the greatest number of people."
"When you live for the will of God, you will not fulfill the desires of men. As a result, you will suffer in the flesh."
"The way we forgive, release, and restore another person is the way we will be forgiven."
"Bitterness is a root. If roots are nursed - watered, protected, fed, and given attention - they increase in depth and strength."
"Our degree of maturity determines how well we will handle an offense without injury."
"We grow in tough times, not the easy times... If you choose to run from them, you will seriously hinder your growth."
"It takes maturity to walk in humility in order to bring reconciliation. But taking the first step is often harder on the one who is hurting. That's why Jesus told the person who cause the offense to 'go to him...'"
As you can tell, this is an incredible book. I personlly think everyone should read this book.
I have posted all these great things on my blog to minister and challenge my readers, but also for me. I read somewhere that if you re-teach the new things you have learned, you retain more of the knowledge you have gained. So this has been my way of re-teaching what I have learned through John Bevere's book.
Seriously, get yourself a copy of this book and read. You'll be glad you did!
Now for today's quotes from the book.
"The Bible does not record that Jesus reacted to any of the men who left Him. His only delight was to do the will of the Father. In doing so He would benefit the greatest number of people."
"When you live for the will of God, you will not fulfill the desires of men. As a result, you will suffer in the flesh."
"The way we forgive, release, and restore another person is the way we will be forgiven."
"Bitterness is a root. If roots are nursed - watered, protected, fed, and given attention - they increase in depth and strength."
"Our degree of maturity determines how well we will handle an offense without injury."
"We grow in tough times, not the easy times... If you choose to run from them, you will seriously hinder your growth."
"It takes maturity to walk in humility in order to bring reconciliation. But taking the first step is often harder on the one who is hurting. That's why Jesus told the person who cause the offense to 'go to him...'"
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Bait of Satan - part 3
This is day #3 of blogging quotes from John Bevere's book "The Bait of Satan".
"We will be judged according to fruit, not gifting. A gift is given. Fruit is cultivated."
"God never created us to live seperately and independently of each other... An isolated person seeks only his own desire, not God's. He recieves no counsel and sets himself up for deception."
"When God does instruct you to leave, you will go out with peace, no matter what the condtion of the minstry... Spiritual growth is a function of obedience... Our knowledge of Scripture is not the key. Obedience is... When God releases you in peace, you will not have pressure to justify your departure to others."
"The way you leave a church or a realtionship is the way you will enter into your next church or relationship."
"Many times God will allow people to run from situations He desires them to face if they are set on running from them in their hearts."
"How you react under pressure is how the real you acts."
"Trials in this life will expose what's in your heart - whether the offense is toward God or others. Tests either make you bitter toward God or others or stronger. If you pass the test, your roots will shoot down deper, stabilizing you and your future. If you fail, you become offended, which can lead to defilement with bitterness."
"Love is the bottom line in our relationship with the Lord - not love of principles or teachings but love for the Person of Jesus Christ."
"If you preach the truth you will offend people, and they will be uprooted and leave. Do not grieve over them, but rather continue to feed and nurture the ones God has sent you."
"Stay in your authority, or someone else will take it from you and use it against you."
"We will be judged according to fruit, not gifting. A gift is given. Fruit is cultivated."
"God never created us to live seperately and independently of each other... An isolated person seeks only his own desire, not God's. He recieves no counsel and sets himself up for deception."
"When God does instruct you to leave, you will go out with peace, no matter what the condtion of the minstry... Spiritual growth is a function of obedience... Our knowledge of Scripture is not the key. Obedience is... When God releases you in peace, you will not have pressure to justify your departure to others."
"The way you leave a church or a realtionship is the way you will enter into your next church or relationship."
"Many times God will allow people to run from situations He desires them to face if they are set on running from them in their hearts."
"How you react under pressure is how the real you acts."
"Trials in this life will expose what's in your heart - whether the offense is toward God or others. Tests either make you bitter toward God or others or stronger. If you pass the test, your roots will shoot down deper, stabilizing you and your future. If you fail, you become offended, which can lead to defilement with bitterness."
"Love is the bottom line in our relationship with the Lord - not love of principles or teachings but love for the Person of Jesus Christ."
"If you preach the truth you will offend people, and they will be uprooted and leave. Do not grieve over them, but rather continue to feed and nurture the ones God has sent you."
"Stay in your authority, or someone else will take it from you and use it against you."
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Bait of Satan - part 2
Yesterday I started blogging quotes that challenged me from John Bevere's book "The Bait of Satan".
Here are some more...
"God tests His servants with obedience. He deliberately places us in situations where the standards of religion and society would appear to justify our actions. He allows others, especially those close to us, to encourage us to protect ourselves. We may even think we would be noble and protect others by avenging ourselves. But this is not God's way. It is the way of the world's wisdom. It is earthly and fleshy."
"You are not the one who choses where you go to church. God does."(1 Cor. 12:18)
"Remember that, if you're in the place where God wants you, the devil will try to offend yo to get you out. He wants to uproot men and women form the place where God plants them. If he cannot get you will not budge, even in the midst of great conflict, you wil spoil his plans."
"When you're out of the will of God, you will not be a blessing or help to any church."
"Once you leave the place God has chosen for you, your root system begins to dwarf... You end up coming to the place where you have little or no strength to endure hardship or persecution."
Here are some more...
"God tests His servants with obedience. He deliberately places us in situations where the standards of religion and society would appear to justify our actions. He allows others, especially those close to us, to encourage us to protect ourselves. We may even think we would be noble and protect others by avenging ourselves. But this is not God's way. It is the way of the world's wisdom. It is earthly and fleshy."
"You are not the one who choses where you go to church. God does."(1 Cor. 12:18)
"Remember that, if you're in the place where God wants you, the devil will try to offend yo to get you out. He wants to uproot men and women form the place where God plants them. If he cannot get you will not budge, even in the midst of great conflict, you wil spoil his plans."
"When you're out of the will of God, you will not be a blessing or help to any church."
"Once you leave the place God has chosen for you, your root system begins to dwarf... You end up coming to the place where you have little or no strength to endure hardship or persecution."
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Bait of Satan
I just finished an incredible book by John Bevere, "The Bait of Satan".
This book was so incredible becuase I began reading it and then noticed how God was teaching me lessons in my own life as I read it.
The book deals with the issues of offense. Everyone has been offended or hurt by someone and the way we deal with that offense or hurt determines if we grow or become stagnant.
Just thought I would blog a few quotes from John Bevere that really challenged me.
"The knowledge of God's Word without love is a destructive force because it puffs us up with pride and legalism."
"A minister or a Christian is what he lives, not what he preaches."
"When you resist the temptation to be offended, Godbrings you great victory."
"Absolutely no man, woman, child, or devil can ever get you out of the will of God! No one but God holds your destiny."
"If you stay free from offense you will stay in God's will. IF you become offended you will be taken captive by the enemy to fulfill his own purpose and will."
There are many more quotes from this book that challenged me. Think about what I've already shared and I'll share more next time. Or hey, why not head out and pick up your own copy of "The Bait of Satan". I promise you it will challenge you too!
This book was so incredible becuase I began reading it and then noticed how God was teaching me lessons in my own life as I read it.
The book deals with the issues of offense. Everyone has been offended or hurt by someone and the way we deal with that offense or hurt determines if we grow or become stagnant.
Just thought I would blog a few quotes from John Bevere that really challenged me.
"The knowledge of God's Word without love is a destructive force because it puffs us up with pride and legalism."
"A minister or a Christian is what he lives, not what he preaches."
"When you resist the temptation to be offended, Godbrings you great victory."
"Absolutely no man, woman, child, or devil can ever get you out of the will of God! No one but God holds your destiny."
"If you stay free from offense you will stay in God's will. IF you become offended you will be taken captive by the enemy to fulfill his own purpose and will."
There are many more quotes from this book that challenged me. Think about what I've already shared and I'll share more next time. Or hey, why not head out and pick up your own copy of "The Bait of Satan". I promise you it will challenge you too!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Snow Day
Actually, I know He was listening because I know Him!
Remember Jesus words in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Did you catch that part? "You will find rest for your souls." God knows when life becomes to much to bear. He's waiting for us to come to Him and find rest for our souls. So may times we just keep on going, even when life becomes too much for us to bear on our own. The "P" word keeps us from going to Jesus to find rest. Yes I mean pride. Pride keeps us from admitting we can't handle things on our own. Many people think admitting you can't handle things is a sign of weakness. But the apostle Paul cried out to God and God told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." And then I love Paul's response, He says, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulities. For when I am weak, then I am storng." (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
So when life becomes too much to bear, run to God and tell Him you need a "snow day". He's waiting for you to come to Him so He can help you find rest for your soul.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wet Pants
I received this story in an e-mail from my good friend earlier today.
Perhaps we need to change the way we see people and situations!
"Come with me to a third grade classroom..... There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.
The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, 'Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat.'
He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been
discovered.
As the teacher is walking toward him, a class mate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.
The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, 'Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!'
Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher
rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful.
But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else - Susie.
She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. You've done enough, you klutz!'
Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, 'You did that on purpose, didn't you?' Susie whispers back, 'I wet my pants once too.'
May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good.
Perhaps we need to change the way we see people and situations!
"Come with me to a third grade classroom..... There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.
The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, 'Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat.'
He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been
discovered.
As the teacher is walking toward him, a class mate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.
The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, 'Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!'
Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher
rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful.
But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else - Susie.
She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. You've done enough, you klutz!'
Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, 'You did that on purpose, didn't you?' Susie whispers back, 'I wet my pants once too.'
May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A Pure Heart
Today is the 4th day of our annual week of prayer.
Each day we have a different prayer focus and an ongoing list of prayer request.Today's prayer focus is: Forgiveness and a Pure Heart.
I wanted to share some of the scriptures listed on today's prayer guide.
Psalms 24:3-6 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. 5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
Psalms 51:10-12 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalms 19:12-14 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Here a few things to help as you seek God for forgiveness and a pure heart:
• Pray that God would give you a pure and honest heart.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to search you and reveal any hidden or un-confessed sins.
• Pray that He would help you to purify your mind.
• Pray that God would help you to begin to desire the truth of His Word more than anything else.
• Pray that God would help you to offer forgiveness to those who have wronged you. Even if they haven’t asked.
A few additonal Scriptures: 1 Timothy 1:5; Philippians 4:8; Ezekiel 11:19-21; Matthew 5:8
I challenge you to make this your prayer not just today, but everyday.
Psalms 51:10-12 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalms 19:12-14 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Here a few things to help as you seek God for forgiveness and a pure heart:
• Pray that God would give you a pure and honest heart.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to search you and reveal any hidden or un-confessed sins.
• Pray that He would help you to purify your mind.
• Pray that God would help you to begin to desire the truth of His Word more than anything else.
• Pray that God would help you to offer forgiveness to those who have wronged you. Even if they haven’t asked.
A few additonal Scriptures: 1 Timothy 1:5; Philippians 4:8; Ezekiel 11:19-21; Matthew 5:8
I challenge you to make this your prayer not just today, but everyday.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
BHAG anyone?
At Christian Center, we sing this song called "God of the City". It has a part that says, "Greater things are yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city."
Are you expecting greater things? What is your dream or goal for this year, this decade, or simply this season in your life? Realize God's dream and destiny for you is bigger and better than you could ever imagine.
Paul tells us in Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work with in us,"
Think about what Paul is saying, God will not only do what we ask or desire, but even more than we could imagine.
As you dream and set goals for this new year, dream big. Don't just have a goal, have a BHAG! (Big Hairy Audacious Goal).
If your dreams are only big enough for you to accomplish on your own, you haven't dreamed big enough. We need to have a dream that is so big we can't accomplish it without God's help.
Greater things are yet to come!
Are you expecting greater things? What is your dream or goal for this year, this decade, or simply this season in your life? Realize God's dream and destiny for you is bigger and better than you could ever imagine.
Paul tells us in Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work with in us,"
Think about what Paul is saying, God will not only do what we ask or desire, but even more than we could imagine.
As you dream and set goals for this new year, dream big. Don't just have a goal, have a BHAG! (Big Hairy Audacious Goal).
If your dreams are only big enough for you to accomplish on your own, you haven't dreamed big enough. We need to have a dream that is so big we can't accomplish it without God's help.
Greater things are yet to come!
Monday, January 4, 2010
New Year! New Blog post!
Alright, we are 4 days into 2010 and I am finally updating my blog. My goal this year is to be more consistent with blog posts.
I haven't been able to get away from this scripture for a few days, so it seems like a good place to start this year.
"May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalms 19:14
Here's what the Lord has shown me through this verse. If I watch what I say and what I think about, I will do a better job of being who God wants me to be. Think about it. If every moment of every day we give consideration to our thoughts and our speech, and we allow the Holy Spirit to help us keep our speech and thoughts in line with the Word. We are beginning to live a life that pleases God. Remember Jesus said that out of the overflow of our heart, the mouth speaks (Matt. 12:34). So if I watch what I'm allowing into my heart and I watch what is coming out of my mouth, those are good indications of how I'm doing spiritually. If I don't like what is in my heart or coming out of my mouth, then I need to get alone with God and His Word and change what I'm allowing into my heart. Remember Paul's words in Philippians 4:8; "Finally, brothers, whatever true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
So make Psalms 19:14 your prayer today and watch what you say and think about!
I haven't been able to get away from this scripture for a few days, so it seems like a good place to start this year.
"May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalms 19:14
Here's what the Lord has shown me through this verse. If I watch what I say and what I think about, I will do a better job of being who God wants me to be. Think about it. If every moment of every day we give consideration to our thoughts and our speech, and we allow the Holy Spirit to help us keep our speech and thoughts in line with the Word. We are beginning to live a life that pleases God. Remember Jesus said that out of the overflow of our heart, the mouth speaks (Matt. 12:34). So if I watch what I'm allowing into my heart and I watch what is coming out of my mouth, those are good indications of how I'm doing spiritually. If I don't like what is in my heart or coming out of my mouth, then I need to get alone with God and His Word and change what I'm allowing into my heart. Remember Paul's words in Philippians 4:8; "Finally, brothers, whatever true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
So make Psalms 19:14 your prayer today and watch what you say and think about!
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