"You didn't choose me I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last." John 15:16
I am thinking of changing the name of my blog to "The Choice".
Why? Because the more I study God's Word the more I realize just how much choice Christ has given us, and that He made the first choice. I find "The choice" to be full of many emotions, responsibility, obedience, and faithfulness. I also know that with every choice comes a consequence that is either good or bad.
Take Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Paul, Mary, Moses, etc. They all had "The Choice" to follow Christ, to be obedient, to be faithful, and to live and serve Jesus.
He left the choice up to them and it began in Genesis.
Adam and Eve were told to never eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The choice: Eve listened to the serpent and chose to eat the fruit.
The consequence: their eyes were opeened and sin entered the world. Genesis 3
There are choices all around us, every second of the day. We are never free from the conflict. "The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your CHOICES are never free from this conflict." Galatians 5:17
There is also a reason why God gave us choices.
The most important reason, is because Jesus wants us to choose Him. Not because we are forced too, but because we love Him and want to obey Him. We choose Him because He chose us, died for us, and showers us with tons of mercy and grace.
Christ gives the command we make "The Choice"
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Do It For Yourself, God's called You Too
"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God."
People can't do for you what God has called you to do for yourself.
No one can love for you.
No one can be joyful for you.
No one can be content for you.
No one can fight your illness for you.
No one can overcome your addiction for you.
No one can place Jesus in your heart for you.
No one can be kind for you.
No one can be patient for you.
No one can read God's Word and learn it for you.
No one can exercise for you.
No one can heal for you.
No one can attend church and fellowship for you.
No one can tend to your heart for you.
No one can change for you.
And ...
NO ONE CAN CHOOSE LIFE, LOVE, JOY, or JESUS but YOU!
Don't wait or expect someone to do for you, what Christ has called you to do for yourself.
Jesus You created us to do fulfill a purpose, and no one else can fulfill another ones purpose. Help us to take charge and begin doing what You have called us to do. Our strength and ability comes from You, help us to draw from that and find joy in it. Amen
People can't do for you what God has called you to do for yourself.
No one can love for you.
No one can be joyful for you.
No one can be content for you.
No one can fight your illness for you.
No one can overcome your addiction for you.
No one can place Jesus in your heart for you.
No one can be kind for you.
No one can be patient for you.
No one can read God's Word and learn it for you.
No one can exercise for you.
No one can heal for you.
No one can attend church and fellowship for you.
No one can tend to your heart for you.
No one can change for you.
And ...
NO ONE CAN CHOOSE LIFE, LOVE, JOY, or JESUS but YOU!
Don't wait or expect someone to do for you, what Christ has called you to do for yourself.
Jesus You created us to do fulfill a purpose, and no one else can fulfill another ones purpose. Help us to take charge and begin doing what You have called us to do. Our strength and ability comes from You, help us to draw from that and find joy in it. Amen
Monday, June 11, 2012
"Do for others what you would like them to do for you." Matthew 7:12
Or do for others because of what Christ has done for you. Yes, it's hard. Especially when it's not reciprocated. But think about it from Jesus' standpoint. He did it even when it wasn't returned.
What does Jesus do for us?
He loves us because He wants that love in return.
He is kind to us because He wants us to be kind.
He is forgiving and wants us to be forgiving.
He is gentle and wants us to be gentle.
He is faithful and wants that faithfulness in return.
He is merciful and compassionate and wants us to be merciful and compassionate in return.
Christ saved us by dying on the Cross. He went above and beyond for us. He showed us real love. What if we started showing and doing for others what Christ did for us?
Are we able to do it? Can we do it?
Well...that is up to each of us. It's our choice!
Or do for others because of what Christ has done for you. Yes, it's hard. Especially when it's not reciprocated. But think about it from Jesus' standpoint. He did it even when it wasn't returned.
What does Jesus do for us?
He loves us because He wants that love in return.
He is kind to us because He wants us to be kind.
He is forgiving and wants us to be forgiving.
He is gentle and wants us to be gentle.
He is faithful and wants that faithfulness in return.
He is merciful and compassionate and wants us to be merciful and compassionate in return.
Christ saved us by dying on the Cross. He went above and beyond for us. He showed us real love. What if we started showing and doing for others what Christ did for us?
Are we able to do it? Can we do it?
Well...that is up to each of us. It's our choice!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Altar Sunday
Does the altar have the same impact and meaning on us today that it did in Jesus' day?
What impact has the altar made on your life?
What impact has the altar made on your life?
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Needed Change that Seems Impossible
"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:2
Is there change being made? Change in me, change in others because of Him in me? Is there change for His glory and His good?
OR
Is there no change, or change that is against Him?
What do you do when you feel like change has become stagnant?
I want Him and His Word to constantly be changing me, clear up to the day I reach Glory.
Is my heart indeed changing? So often I feel as though it has changed in the opposite direction.
It becomes a rut, an overwhelmingly thick muddy rut.
In that rut I see the things He desires me to change, yet it seems impossible to do so. It seems as though all I am able to do is see the needed changes, yet when I try nothing happens, because I look down and realize how stuck I am.
I could share some of these needed changes, but I am not there yet.
Lately is seems as though I have come to live with the fact that I will just be in a rut. But I know God speaks to me differently. Freedom is mine through Him. It's just the accepting and living in that freedom that I somehow can't get to.
Jesus lift me out of this rut and set my feet high upon the Rock. Amen
Is there change being made? Change in me, change in others because of Him in me? Is there change for His glory and His good?
OR
Is there no change, or change that is against Him?
What do you do when you feel like change has become stagnant?
I want Him and His Word to constantly be changing me, clear up to the day I reach Glory.
Is my heart indeed changing? So often I feel as though it has changed in the opposite direction.
It becomes a rut, an overwhelmingly thick muddy rut.
In that rut I see the things He desires me to change, yet it seems impossible to do so. It seems as though all I am able to do is see the needed changes, yet when I try nothing happens, because I look down and realize how stuck I am.
I could share some of these needed changes, but I am not there yet.
Lately is seems as though I have come to live with the fact that I will just be in a rut. But I know God speaks to me differently. Freedom is mine through Him. It's just the accepting and living in that freedom that I somehow can't get to.
Jesus lift me out of this rut and set my feet high upon the Rock. Amen
Friday, June 8, 2012
A Confident Heart
"My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises." Psalm 57:7
Is my heart truly confident in the Lord? Oh, this verse has brought lots of emotions with it.
Does my everyday life reflect a heart that is confident in the Lord?
Jesus fill my heart with such confidence that praise overflows. Amen
Is my heart truly confident in the Lord? Oh, this verse has brought lots of emotions with it.
Does my everyday life reflect a heart that is confident in the Lord?
Jesus fill my heart with such confidence that praise overflows. Amen
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Doing the Opposite
"He will never judge by appearance, false evidence, or hearsay." Isaiah 11:3
I can't get over this verse. As I seek to know more about Jesus I realize how much I want to be like Him, yet come up short everytime. Thank goodness He makes up the difference.
These are qualities I fail to posses, I think alot of us do. We are so quick to judge by appearance. I mean think of how many times you assumed something of someone based on appearance alone.
We spend hours and hours and lots of money trying to work on our own appearance. It's sad!
Let's not fail to mention how often we falsely accuse one another based on false or in accurate evidence, plus extremely poor hearsay.
We are quick to listen to gossip and assume something instead of finding the facts from both sides first.
If I am seeking to know Christ I am seeking to be like Christ and that means less judging by appearance, less believing in hearsay, and no more believing false evidence.
Would it be safe to say we do the complete opposite of what Jesus does?
Jesus shape and mold me to be more like You. Let me see what You see. Amen
I can't get over this verse. As I seek to know more about Jesus I realize how much I want to be like Him, yet come up short everytime. Thank goodness He makes up the difference.
These are qualities I fail to posses, I think alot of us do. We are so quick to judge by appearance. I mean think of how many times you assumed something of someone based on appearance alone.
We spend hours and hours and lots of money trying to work on our own appearance. It's sad!
Let's not fail to mention how often we falsely accuse one another based on false or in accurate evidence, plus extremely poor hearsay.
We are quick to listen to gossip and assume something instead of finding the facts from both sides first.
If I am seeking to know Christ I am seeking to be like Christ and that means less judging by appearance, less believing in hearsay, and no more believing false evidence.
Would it be safe to say we do the complete opposite of what Jesus does?
Jesus shape and mold me to be more like You. Let me see what You see. Amen
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Day 20-The Beatitudes
"God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs."
Matthew 5:7-10
Learn from them and be wise, brethren. I hope God's Word has impacted you over these 20 days. If so PLEASE share how you have been impacted. I would LOVE to hear!
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs."
Matthew 5:7-10
Learn from them and be wise, brethren. I hope God's Word has impacted you over these 20 days. If so PLEASE share how you have been impacted. I would LOVE to hear!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Day 19-The Beatitudes
"God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them." Matthew 5:5
"God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full." Matthew 5:6
Can I tell you brethren how hard it has been to not spill my guts about all God is speaking to me through these verses. But I will remain obedient to His instruction and finish up our 20 days of memorizing with only His Word.
God has a lot to say, I hope you are listening.
"God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full." Matthew 5:6
Can I tell you brethren how hard it has been to not spill my guts about all God is speaking to me through these verses. But I will remain obedient to His instruction and finish up our 20 days of memorizing with only His Word.
God has a lot to say, I hope you are listening.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Day 18-The Beatitudes-Godly Living is found in these
"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs." Matthew 5:3
"God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4
Though the first of 8, they ALL must be taken as a whole. We can't merely pick one or two and ignore the other's.
"God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4
Though the first of 8, they ALL must be taken as a whole. We can't merely pick one or two and ignore the other's.
Describing a Relationship
"I know the greatness of the Lord-that our Lord is greater than other god." Psalm 135:5
When was the last time someone came up to you and asked you what a relationship with Jesus was like?
If never, how about now? I am asking you today. What is a relationship with Jesus like?
Would you describe yours?
You should ask someone, it's a great way to start talking about Jesus. Besides, you never know what impact it might make.
When was the last time someone came up to you and asked you what a relationship with Jesus was like?
If never, how about now? I am asking you today. What is a relationship with Jesus like?
Would you describe yours?
You should ask someone, it's a great way to start talking about Jesus. Besides, you never know what impact it might make.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Day 17-A Verse to Live By
"Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him." Deuteronomy 13:4
Altar Sunday
When you approach the altar and need more than just visitation time. I don't know about you, but today I need a complete cleansing of my heart. I need Jesus to do some major demolition within me.
Jesus do what only You can do. Clean out my heart and fill it up with more of You. Please don't let me walk away the same. Change me to be more like You, loving and kind, patient and gentle. Faithful and trustworthy. Remove all of me so You can be seen. I know it will hurt, but i want less of me and more of You. Chisel away! Amen
Jesus do what only You can do. Clean out my heart and fill it up with more of You. Please don't let me walk away the same. Change me to be more like You, loving and kind, patient and gentle. Faithful and trustworthy. Remove all of me so You can be seen. I know it will hurt, but i want less of me and more of You. Chisel away! Amen
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Day 16
"Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil. Proverbs 16:6
Love does cover a multitude of sin.
Love does cover a multitude of sin.
Missed and Loved
There are so many of you that we love dearly and are so precious to us. We have been blessed to meet so many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ and though we have become distant, only by miles, we want you to know you are adored and loved by us.
We miss you terribly. We pray for you often. We wish we could take the time to call each one of you and visit. More than that, we wish we could come see each of you and squeeze your necks. We can relate to Paul. He had a longing in his heart to return to see so many of his brothers and sisters, and so do we.
There are pieces of G's heart and my heart, that have been left with each of you. It brings us great joy to know that though in this lifetime, being together might come far and few between, we know in heaven we will be with you forever.
We long for that day when we can rejoice with you at the feet of Jesus.
But in the meantime, in this day alone, know that you are immensely loved by all of us, Dax and Avery included.
You are adored by us but more so by the King of Kings.
Loving You through Him,
Garrett, Kristi, Avery and Dax
We miss you terribly. We pray for you often. We wish we could take the time to call each one of you and visit. More than that, we wish we could come see each of you and squeeze your necks. We can relate to Paul. He had a longing in his heart to return to see so many of his brothers and sisters, and so do we.
There are pieces of G's heart and my heart, that have been left with each of you. It brings us great joy to know that though in this lifetime, being together might come far and few between, we know in heaven we will be with you forever.
We long for that day when we can rejoice with you at the feet of Jesus.
But in the meantime, in this day alone, know that you are immensely loved by all of us, Dax and Avery included.
You are adored by us but more so by the King of Kings.
Loving You through Him,
Garrett, Kristi, Avery and Dax
Friday, June 1, 2012
Day 15-Kindness or Cruelty
"Your own soul is nourished when you are kind but you destroy yourself when you are cruel." Proverbs 11:17
Maybe we should spend two days memorizing this passage.
Maybe we should spend two days memorizing this passage.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Day 14-The Proper Clothing
"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Day 13- Three Things That Last Forever
"Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love- and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Day 12-A Committed Love
"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:7
Monday, May 28, 2012
Day 11
Love...
"It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out." 1 Corinthians 13:6
Without love...
we have nothing
"It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out." 1 Corinthians 13:6
Without love...
we have nothing
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