Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Faith rather than Performance
"Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on our own good deeds. It is based on our faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law." Romans 3:27-28
There are so many things in this world that are based on our performance. The most obvious are sports and business. Sometimes you can even find performance to be big in marriages, children, siblings, and even among Christians, and Churches.
This need to perform and be the best is a man-made thing. It can be crippling, devastating, and most often disappointing. What does it stem from? There are, I am sure, many answers to that question, but for me, right now those answers are too overwhelming.
This need to be the best, biggest, richest, prettiest, smartest etc. is more of what the world requires than what Jesus requires.
Could there be more freedom found in the fact that Jesus loves us just the way we are? He loves the relationship and faith we have in and with Him. He does not love us or accept us based on the deeds we do or the way we perform, but on our faith in Him.
The purest form of love is to be loved for who you are, and not for how you perform or what you do.
That love is only found in Jesus.
Just maybe this passage will give us a deeper desire to strengthen and grow in our faith rather than in the way we perform.
Jesus thank You for loving me for who I am and for my faith in You. As I allow these precious thoughts to seep in every pore of my body, I pray it will break down the insecurities and walls that have been built within me. Amen
Monday, June 18, 2012
Who Determines...
"If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." Galatians 5:25
Right now who is determining your worth, values, and standards?
Is it you, the world, your spouse, or the Lord?
Jesus this is a tough question and one many of us don't want to answer, especially when we look at our lifestyles through Your eyes. Help us to address this and allow the Holy Spirit to determine who we are and our worth. Amen
Right now who is determining your worth, values, and standards?
Is it you, the world, your spouse, or the Lord?
Jesus this is a tough question and one many of us don't want to answer, especially when we look at our lifestyles through Your eyes. Help us to address this and allow the Holy Spirit to determine who we are and our worth. Amen
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Altar Sunday
Will your knees find the altar today?
If the Spirit calls, won't you go?
Go to the altar. It might be just what you need to keep your fire burning.
If for no other reason, do it for our Father. Today is His day.
Happy Father's day Jesus. May today and every day from here on out, be all about You. Amen
If the Spirit calls, won't you go?
Go to the altar. It might be just what you need to keep your fire burning.
If for no other reason, do it for our Father. Today is His day.
Happy Father's day Jesus. May today and every day from here on out, be all about You. Amen
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Forgetting the Past
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:25
When the past is placed in front of you and the thoughts flood in, you have a choice.
You can either dig up what Christ has buried, or throw down the shovel and cling to Christ's forgiveness as you move forward to what lies ahead.
What is your choice?
"No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." Philippians 3:13
When the past is placed in front of you and the thoughts flood in, you have a choice.
You can either dig up what Christ has buried, or throw down the shovel and cling to Christ's forgiveness as you move forward to what lies ahead.
What is your choice?
"No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." Philippians 3:13
Friday, June 15, 2012
Jesus' Choice
"Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows[a] that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels.
He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. Isaiah 53
Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels.
He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. Isaiah 53
Thursday, June 14, 2012
To Love and Respect
"So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 6:33
Love and respect, the two things that make a marriage work. Jesus made the list so simple.
Could we go as far as to say that love and respect are the two most important things in a marriage?
I think so.
We have taken something so simple and turned it into a long list of this and that.
For women it's a list of 100 things and for men it's a list of, well, 3.
Why such a difference in the lists? Well men need only a few things, respect, live, and well we all known what the third one is.
Women "need" well actually they think they need a gazillion things but in reality, the thing we desire most is the one thing God listed. Love!
If a man loves His wife as Christ loves the church every other need listed will be met.
If a woman respects her husband every need of his will be met.
I know it's easier typed and said, than done right? Oh, how well I know the truth of that.
I also know Jesus made it simple and we make it so difficult.
If Jesus, whom is love is within us then we are able to do the very simplest command given in our marriages. Love and respect.
Could it be that more joy, life, compassion, commitment, and faithfulness could consume our marriages if we practiced love and respect the way Jesus tells us to?
We have "The Choice" to love and respect our spouses.
And though we have been given the choice, Jesus has also given us the command to love and respect. It was not a suggestion.
Jesus we have added to a list of two that You made simple. Help us see how love and respect fulfill every other need we have. Amen
Love and respect, the two things that make a marriage work. Jesus made the list so simple.
Could we go as far as to say that love and respect are the two most important things in a marriage?
I think so.
We have taken something so simple and turned it into a long list of this and that.
For women it's a list of 100 things and for men it's a list of, well, 3.
Why such a difference in the lists? Well men need only a few things, respect, live, and well we all known what the third one is.
Women "need" well actually they think they need a gazillion things but in reality, the thing we desire most is the one thing God listed. Love!
If a man loves His wife as Christ loves the church every other need listed will be met.
If a woman respects her husband every need of his will be met.
I know it's easier typed and said, than done right? Oh, how well I know the truth of that.
I also know Jesus made it simple and we make it so difficult.
If Jesus, whom is love is within us then we are able to do the very simplest command given in our marriages. Love and respect.
Could it be that more joy, life, compassion, commitment, and faithfulness could consume our marriages if we practiced love and respect the way Jesus tells us to?
We have "The Choice" to love and respect our spouses.
And though we have been given the choice, Jesus has also given us the command to love and respect. It was not a suggestion.
Jesus we have added to a list of two that You made simple. Help us see how love and respect fulfill every other need we have. Amen
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
The Choice
"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"
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"
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
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