Friday, April 27, 2012
Contentment
So I think it is time I started blogging on here again. My first post will be short and simple....
For the past few months I've been trying to focus on contentment. Being content with where God places me in life. In my past, I have suffered from depression, with a large cause of it being dissatisfaction with my life and with who I was. Dissatisfied in my quest to achieve my "goals" for myself. I'm starting to learn more and more, that it isn't about what my plan for my life is, even if that plan is one that is full of noble tasks of helping lots of people. In the end, its about serving God every single day, even in the "smallest" ways and "smallest" situations. "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (Luke 16:10)
My focus needs to be on carrying out my actions in a God pleasing way every single day. I need to be focused on serving others and reaching out to the people directly around me, and not focused on the sadness for the people that I wish were in my life still but are no longer.
Contentment with God's present calling doesn't mean laziness. It doesn't mean apathy. It means you accept the situation you have been placed in and do your darndest to make the most of it. No task in God's name is too small. We may not all get the chance to part a sea or interpret dreams, but we can all praise God in whatever place in life we are in.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
In my past I have had delusions of grandeur at time, not delusions of wealth and power, but of serving God in some vast and amazing way. I'm learning more and more about what Paul is saying from the passage in Timothy. If I could but preach Christ in my everyday life, serve my fellow human, and live a simple life, I think that would be living my life rather amazingly for God. Even more amazing than parting a sea or interpreting a dream. I pray we can all live amazing lives.
(I would also like to say, with my new job, that I am extremely thankful to work with some wonderful people. I don't know how long I will work at Expedia. Maybe a year, 2 years, 10 years, forever. I don't know what tasks God has planned for me and how my professional life will fit in with it all, but I do know I am overwhelmingly blessed to have a good job and to work alongside good people. I'd like to specifically mention my cousins Charles and Alexa Coats, and Brad Worthy. Excellent people that keep me positive and keep me smiling).
For the past few months I've been trying to focus on contentment. Being content with where God places me in life. In my past, I have suffered from depression, with a large cause of it being dissatisfaction with my life and with who I was. Dissatisfied in my quest to achieve my "goals" for myself. I'm starting to learn more and more, that it isn't about what my plan for my life is, even if that plan is one that is full of noble tasks of helping lots of people. In the end, its about serving God every single day, even in the "smallest" ways and "smallest" situations. "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (Luke 16:10)
My focus needs to be on carrying out my actions in a God pleasing way every single day. I need to be focused on serving others and reaching out to the people directly around me, and not focused on the sadness for the people that I wish were in my life still but are no longer.
Contentment with God's present calling doesn't mean laziness. It doesn't mean apathy. It means you accept the situation you have been placed in and do your darndest to make the most of it. No task in God's name is too small. We may not all get the chance to part a sea or interpret dreams, but we can all praise God in whatever place in life we are in.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
In my past I have had delusions of grandeur at time, not delusions of wealth and power, but of serving God in some vast and amazing way. I'm learning more and more about what Paul is saying from the passage in Timothy. If I could but preach Christ in my everyday life, serve my fellow human, and live a simple life, I think that would be living my life rather amazingly for God. Even more amazing than parting a sea or interpreting a dream. I pray we can all live amazing lives.
(I would also like to say, with my new job, that I am extremely thankful to work with some wonderful people. I don't know how long I will work at Expedia. Maybe a year, 2 years, 10 years, forever. I don't know what tasks God has planned for me and how my professional life will fit in with it all, but I do know I am overwhelmingly blessed to have a good job and to work alongside good people. I'd like to specifically mention my cousins Charles and Alexa Coats, and Brad Worthy. Excellent people that keep me positive and keep me smiling).
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Ministry
So I was driving home after a long stressful day at work, and I just so happened to have Christian Radio on. I’m glad I did because I caught the tail end of a story. I wish I knew who the story was from so I could give them credit. I caught the part of the story where they asked, “What was ministry to Jesus?” The response came rather quickly and I wish I would have had more time to think about it before we left for church. The answer was so simple. “Ministry to Jesus is whoever was standing in front of Him.”
Think about it. How often do we go someplace in this world and we run into an obstacle. How often do we do whatever has to be done to go around, under, over or through it, without, of course, confronting it head on in a Christ-like manner? I know I do it way too often. So it made me think.
Then during our Lenten worship service this evening I thought of a great example of shining as a light of faith when an “obstacle” is present (confronting it head on).
Luke 10:25-37 is the example:
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[c]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[d]” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
I don’t really know where I am trying to go with this, but rather simply wish whoever reads this would think about it also. Think about how whoever Christ ran into He didn’t run away from, but rather wanted to help. Whoever He came into contact with He wanted to share the Word with. Whoever Christ came into contact with He touched in some way shape or form. Every single one of us can do the same thing. Ever wonder why God puts someone in your life? Whether it be for a second, minute, hour, day, months, or years? That person is there for some reason, you may not know what it is then but someday you may find out. I pray, that when you are put in someone’s life, even just for a split second, that they can realize that you are a child of God, and that you can shine the Light of Christ on them.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Week 4 Devotions
Devotion Sunday 2/13/11
Its Valentines Day eve. Have you made you arrangements? Do you have the chocolate and flowers bought? Has the singles awarness party been planned?
Even if we had it all figured out weeks ago, God still had us beat. He had us picked out as His Valentine before the world began. And He planned to send His son for us as the best Valentines gift we could ever get, a true testament of His perfect love. He spent eternity preparing that gift for us. What gift of love to we have to give back?
Prayer: Lord, remind us of how much you love us daily, and teach us to love as you do. Amen.
Its Valentines Day eve. Have you made you arrangements? Do you have the chocolate and flowers bought? Has the singles awarness party been planned?
Even if we had it all figured out weeks ago, God still had us beat. He had us picked out as His Valentine before the world began. And He planned to send His son for us as the best Valentines gift we could ever get, a true testament of His perfect love. He spent eternity preparing that gift for us. What gift of love to we have to give back?
Prayer: Lord, remind us of how much you love us daily, and teach us to love as you do. Amen.
Devotion Monday 2/14/11
Through Neil Harrington
Valentines day is the holiday of flowers, candy, teddy bears, secret admires, and just "love" in general. But what is love exactly? Is it a warm, fuzzy feeling inside that you get? Is just pure physical attraction. Not according to the bible. Love at times is choosing to do so and do things for others. It's not all about "me", it should be about others. Jesus is the perfect example of love. Of course dying on the cross for us was the ultimate gift, but I'm going to focus on one aspect of Jesus' character, which was compassion. If you notice in the gospels there are many accounts that say, Jesus felt compassion for the people or he felt pity on them, or felt compassion for them. What does compassion mean though? Compassion is defined as: a feeling of distress and pity for the suffering or misfortune of another, often including the desire to alleviate it
[from Old French, from Late Latin compassiō fellow feeling, from compatī to suffer with, from Latin com- with + patī to bear, suffer].
Luke 10 29:37 gives us a perfect example of love and compassion. Jesus teaches in a parable.
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus
said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[a] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” esus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Prayer for the day: Heavenly Father, help us to be more compassionate towards others and to love and to chose to love others even when it's difficult or even if we don't get along with that person. Help us to shine Your light and spread Your Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Happy Day of Love from all the devotional writers. May you feel God's love today!
The link below has a few examples of Jesus showing compassion to other people
http://dianagrayministries.net/bible/bso_compassion.html
Through Neil Harrington
Valentines day is the holiday of flowers, candy, teddy bears, secret admires, and just "love" in general. But what is love exactly? Is it a warm, fuzzy feeling inside that you get? Is just pure physical attraction. Not according to the bible. Love at times is choosing to do so and do things for others. It's not all about "me", it should be about others. Jesus is the perfect example of love. Of course dying on the cross for us was the ultimate gift, but I'm going to focus on one aspect of Jesus' character, which was compassion. If you notice in the gospels there are many accounts that say, Jesus felt compassion for the people or he felt pity on them, or felt compassion for them. What does compassion mean though? Compassion is defined as: a feeling of distress and pity for the suffering or misfortune of another, often including the desire to alleviate it
[from Old French, from Late Latin compassiō fellow feeling, from compatī to suffer with, from Latin com- with + patī to bear, suffer].
Luke 10 29:37 gives us a perfect example of love and compassion. Jesus teaches in a parable.
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus
said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[a] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” esus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Prayer for the day: Heavenly Father, help us to be more compassionate towards others and to love and to chose to love others even when it's difficult or even if we don't get along with that person. Help us to shine Your light and spread Your Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Happy Day of Love from all the devotional writers. May you feel God's love today!
The link below has a few examples of Jesus showing compassion to other people
http://dianagrayministries.net/bible/bso_compassion.html
Devotion Tuesday 2/15/11
By Joseph
Continuing with our Valentines Day love theme...
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)
Not many of us will be asked to die for a friend of ours, though I have many that I'm sure would do just that for me, and I know that I would for any of them. That is what Christ says there is no greater love than, to do just that.
What we can do is lay down our "lives" and our own desires and serve others, and so show our friends and familes this love. In the end, that's what it is all about, loving God and loving others.
As Jesus was saying this particular piece of Scripture, he was drawing that much closer to the death on the cross that he knew he must suffer. In this way it was almost like a prediction of his death in my mind. It was like him saying, there is no greater love than this, and guess what I am about to do for each of you...
Christ is also saying that same thing to you. He did it for you, because he loves you. Go and spread that love.
Prayer: Lord, help us to show love to those around us today and every day. Help us to remember the love you showed to us on the cross. Amen.
By Joseph
Continuing with our Valentines Day love theme...
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)
Not many of us will be asked to die for a friend of ours, though I have many that I'm sure would do just that for me, and I know that I would for any of them. That is what Christ says there is no greater love than, to do just that.
What we can do is lay down our "lives" and our own desires and serve others, and so show our friends and familes this love. In the end, that's what it is all about, loving God and loving others.
As Jesus was saying this particular piece of Scripture, he was drawing that much closer to the death on the cross that he knew he must suffer. In this way it was almost like a prediction of his death in my mind. It was like him saying, there is no greater love than this, and guess what I am about to do for each of you...
Christ is also saying that same thing to you. He did it for you, because he loves you. Go and spread that love.
Prayer: Lord, help us to show love to those around us today and every day. Help us to remember the love you showed to us on the cross. Amen.
Devotion Wednesday 2/16/11
By Joseph
Valentines Week Continues
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is no self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails... and now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13)
This verse in and of itself is a devotion. Talking with Lindsey Brummel, there is some disection that can occur from this verse. Patience should be placed in bold and all caps. Love does not always seem kind, but true love, love from God, love from family and friends, and love from a spouse all are. Love is about giving completely of oneself to the love receiver.
Love does not have a list that it checks twice, forgiveness is key. Love is like a protective shield, guarding, hoping, keeping on the keeping on. "Failure is not an option" for NASA in Apollo 13, nor is it an option for love.
Sure a lot of that there is just rambling, and not the best devotion I've ever written, but a little rewording of the classic love passage. Hopefully we can take a little lesson from it on what loving each other looks like. Thats the exact same love that God shows us.
Prayer: Help us to show each other love as you intended it to be, in all its pureness.
By Joseph
Valentines Week Continues
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is no self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails... and now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13)
This verse in and of itself is a devotion. Talking with Lindsey Brummel, there is some disection that can occur from this verse. Patience should be placed in bold and all caps. Love does not always seem kind, but true love, love from God, love from family and friends, and love from a spouse all are. Love is about giving completely of oneself to the love receiver.
Love does not have a list that it checks twice, forgiveness is key. Love is like a protective shield, guarding, hoping, keeping on the keeping on. "Failure is not an option" for NASA in Apollo 13, nor is it an option for love.
Sure a lot of that there is just rambling, and not the best devotion I've ever written, but a little rewording of the classic love passage. Hopefully we can take a little lesson from it on what loving each other looks like. Thats the exact same love that God shows us.
Prayer: Help us to show each other love as you intended it to be, in all its pureness.
Devotion Thursday 2/17/11
Through Cody Seidel
Love is such an important word, probably one of the more important ones. According to BibleGateway.com the word love is used 686 times in the Bible. Wow! I mean for such a simple word, it is used a lot. Granted it is not Jesus or God, but still that is quite a few times in my opinion. We all feel love for someone in our lives (parents, friends, significant others). First of all, our love shows others who we are and who we stand for, Christ. Secondly, when we show that love, we are much happier most of the time because we are living for our Savior. I love to show my love to others because it makes me happy, and I am living for the Lord. This is what we should all be trying to do in our lives while showing our love to others, not only our friends but also our enemies.
Prayer: Dear Lord thank you for giving us the wonderful gift of love. Please help us to live and love for you and help us show our love as Christians not only to friends but also to our enemies.
Through Cody Seidel
Love is such an important word, probably one of the more important ones. According to BibleGateway.com the word love is used 686 times in the Bible. Wow! I mean for such a simple word, it is used a lot. Granted it is not Jesus or God, but still that is quite a few times in my opinion. We all feel love for someone in our lives (parents, friends, significant others). First of all, our love shows others who we are and who we stand for, Christ. Secondly, when we show that love, we are much happier most of the time because we are living for our Savior. I love to show my love to others because it makes me happy, and I am living for the Lord. This is what we should all be trying to do in our lives while showing our love to others, not only our friends but also our enemies.
Prayer: Dear Lord thank you for giving us the wonderful gift of love. Please help us to live and love for you and help us show our love as Christians not only to friends but also to our enemies.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Batteries
I really enjoyed writing this particular devotion. I'm probably going to edit this and try to extend it, but we will see what happens. I hope you enjoy and can get something out of it.
Batteries
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Humans are a lot like batteries. In the beginning we are made full of life and energy. Throughout our battery life though, we are "drained" through the various activities we partake in. Sometimes we get put in the fridge because that apparently extends battery life, though at the time, we sit there and wonder why God is allowing us to be so cold. We can feel empty or lifeless. Some people are even spiritually "dead."
Thankfully we are rechareable batteries. We became dead and should've been cast in to the waste basket by God. Instead he sent His son Jesus as the battery recharger, he reconciled us to God so that we would no longer be "dead batteries."
Take some time today and this week to recharge your batteries, because the recharger is always available. Have a faith discussion with a friend, get into the Word, help someone else, spend time in prayer, etc. Get some of that battery life and gusto back.
I'm going to take the bold move and change some words in that initial Bible passage, because you see, God is in the recharging line of work. Let's see if you can notice the difference:
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new model has come: The old has gone, the new model is here! All this is from God, who recharged us with life us through Christ and gave us the ministry of recharging others: that God was recharging the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's lack of energy against them. And he has committed to us the message of recharging. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be recharged to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become full batteries to do the work of God.
Prayer: Lord, make us full, that we might share your fullness with others. Amen.
Batteries
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Humans are a lot like batteries. In the beginning we are made full of life and energy. Throughout our battery life though, we are "drained" through the various activities we partake in. Sometimes we get put in the fridge because that apparently extends battery life, though at the time, we sit there and wonder why God is allowing us to be so cold. We can feel empty or lifeless. Some people are even spiritually "dead."
Thankfully we are rechareable batteries. We became dead and should've been cast in to the waste basket by God. Instead he sent His son Jesus as the battery recharger, he reconciled us to God so that we would no longer be "dead batteries."
Take some time today and this week to recharge your batteries, because the recharger is always available. Have a faith discussion with a friend, get into the Word, help someone else, spend time in prayer, etc. Get some of that battery life and gusto back.
I'm going to take the bold move and change some words in that initial Bible passage, because you see, God is in the recharging line of work. Let's see if you can notice the difference:
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new model has come: The old has gone, the new model is here! All this is from God, who recharged us with life us through Christ and gave us the ministry of recharging others: that God was recharging the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's lack of energy against them. And he has committed to us the message of recharging. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be recharged to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become full batteries to do the work of God.
Prayer: Lord, make us full, that we might share your fullness with others. Amen.
Week 3 Devotions
Please feel free to comment on any of the devotions using the comment feature at the bottom of the post.
Devotion 2/6/11 Sunday
Through Joseph
Our comfort and our joy come not from this world. This world is topsy turvey. We can choose to rely on it and others, and even if they do not fail us, we place our trust and hope in vain. It is because the world we are living in is a broken one. This is not our home.
"I'm but a stranger here, heaven is my home," is the line of a beloved hymn of mine. "My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness," is another. We are wandering children, waiting for the day our Father calls us home to live forever. It is there that "he will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Rev 21:4).
Until that day arrives, we awake each morning with the joy that Christ saved us and we are His. There is no greater joy than that.
Prayer: Lord, flesh and blood pass away and let us down, but your mercy and love for us endures forever. Keep us in your love and care this coming week and in EVERYTHING we do, may we keep focus on you and glorify your name. Amen
Through Joseph
Our comfort and our joy come not from this world. This world is topsy turvey. We can choose to rely on it and others, and even if they do not fail us, we place our trust and hope in vain. It is because the world we are living in is a broken one. This is not our home.
"I'm but a stranger here, heaven is my home," is the line of a beloved hymn of mine. "My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness," is another. We are wandering children, waiting for the day our Father calls us home to live forever. It is there that "he will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Rev 21:4).
Until that day arrives, we awake each morning with the joy that Christ saved us and we are His. There is no greater joy than that.
Prayer: Lord, flesh and blood pass away and let us down, but your mercy and love for us endures forever. Keep us in your love and care this coming week and in EVERYTHING we do, may we keep focus on you and glorify your name. Amen
Devotion 2/7/11 Monday
By Joseph
A simple message for the start of this week. Whether you are facing pain or comfort, joy or sorrow, freedom or captivity, loneliness or large groups, or whatever it is that you run into, trust in the Lord your God. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Prov 3:5-6)
Sometimes we have great struggles, God never leaves us though. Trust in Him. Facing what I will this week, I will try to trust in Him alone daily and hourly. Let us all support each other in doing just that.
May the grace of God guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Seize our hearts, turn them your way. Amen.
By Joseph
A simple message for the start of this week. Whether you are facing pain or comfort, joy or sorrow, freedom or captivity, loneliness or large groups, or whatever it is that you run into, trust in the Lord your God. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Prov 3:5-6)
Sometimes we have great struggles, God never leaves us though. Trust in Him. Facing what I will this week, I will try to trust in Him alone daily and hourly. Let us all support each other in doing just that.
May the grace of God guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Seize our hearts, turn them your way. Amen.
Devotion 2/8/11 Tuesday
By Joseph
Batteries
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Humans are a lot like batteries. In the beginning we are made full of life and energy. Throughout our battery life though, we are "drained" through the various activities we partake in. Sometimes we get put in the fridge because that apparently extends battery life, though at the time, we sit there and wonder why God is allowing us to be so cold. We can feel empty or lifeless. Some people are even spiritually "dead."
Thankfully we are rechareable batteries. We became dead and should've been cast in to the waste basket by God. Instead he sent His son Jesus as the battery recharger, he reconciled us to God so that we would no longer be "dead batteries."
Take some time today and this week to recharge your batteries, because the recharger is always available. Have a faith discussion with a friend, get into the Word, help someone else, spend time in prayer, etc. Get some of that battery life and gusto back.
I'm going to take the bold move and change some words in that initial Bible passage, because you see, God is in the recharging line of work. Let's see if you can notice the difference:
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new model has come: The old has gone, the new model is here! All this is from God, who recharged us with life us through Christ and gave us the ministry of recharging others: that God was recharging the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's lack of energy against them. And he has committed to us the message of recharging. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be recharged to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become full batteries to do the work of God.
Prayer: Lord, make us full, that we might share your fullness with others. Amen.
By Joseph
Batteries
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Humans are a lot like batteries. In the beginning we are made full of life and energy. Throughout our battery life though, we are "drained" through the various activities we partake in. Sometimes we get put in the fridge because that apparently extends battery life, though at the time, we sit there and wonder why God is allowing us to be so cold. We can feel empty or lifeless. Some people are even spiritually "dead."
Thankfully we are rechareable batteries. We became dead and should've been cast in to the waste basket by God. Instead he sent His son Jesus as the battery recharger, he reconciled us to God so that we would no longer be "dead batteries."
Take some time today and this week to recharge your batteries, because the recharger is always available. Have a faith discussion with a friend, get into the Word, help someone else, spend time in prayer, etc. Get some of that battery life and gusto back.
I'm going to take the bold move and change some words in that initial Bible passage, because you see, God is in the recharging line of work. Let's see if you can notice the difference:
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new model has come: The old has gone, the new model is here! All this is from God, who recharged us with life us through Christ and gave us the ministry of recharging others: that God was recharging the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's lack of energy against them. And he has committed to us the message of recharging. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be recharged to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become full batteries to do the work of God.
Prayer: Lord, make us full, that we might share your fullness with others. Amen.
Devotion 2/9/11 Wednesday
Through Colten Highley
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" -Matthew 7:22-23.
Garbage in, garbage out. We have all seen this principle at work, whether in sports, schoolwork, jobs, friendships, etc. Sooner or later everyone's true character is revealed. All too often we tell ourselves that the tv shows we watch or the music we listen to won't have an effect on our lives. But it does have an effect, and we find ourselves focusing on satisfying sinful desires, instead of focusing on Christ and remembering our many blessings. Our light grows dim, and we find ourselves being filled with darkness and bitterness.
On the other hand, if we devote ourselves to studying the word and fix our eyes on Christ, then we will surely be filled with light. Paul explained this in Phillipians:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is 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. Whatever you have learned or recieved from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." -Phillipians 4:8-9
Prayer: Father, thank you for sending your Son to die for our sins, and for all your blessings that You have bestowed upon us. Lead us not into temptation, but instead help us to fix our eyes upon You, so that we may be filled with light. Help us to keep our lamps filled with oil, so that our light may shine before men. Amen.
Devotion Thursday
Through Cody
Adversity. Everyone deals with adversity in their lives. During the course of a sporting event, everyone involved will go through adversity. Players deal with all sorts of adversity throughout the course of the game. The most frustrating things to see are the times when players put their head down. This to me is a signal of defeat; yes, you will lose games. That does not mean you are defeated. Putting your head down is a sign of weakness, and to me it shows that you cannot persevere through adversity. You have given up and do not trust your teammates or coaches.
Some people get down on themselves and or others.
Our spiritual health will also face adversity. God will always be there for us, but the real question is: “Do we trust Him when the things actually do get tough? Do we remember to call on Him?” We should not feel bad for asking him for help in times of trouble because he tells us in Psalm 145:18: The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. We must trust in Him in the good times along with the bad. He is always there for us, and will lead us through times of adversity. The most important thing is how we respond to adversity. We cannot let ourselves be defeated because we are giving up. This also tells God that we do not trust in Him. Keep your heads lifted high, high on your Lord and Savior.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us your Savior who we can always trust in. Please help us to keep our eyes on you and to trust in you at all times. In your Holy name, Amen.
Devotion Friday 2/11/11
By Joseph Highley
Today is the start of pre-Valentines Day weekend, so from now until next Friday, the theme is love. Some of us are lonely during this time, others of us aren't. To be sure, I'm guessing that each of our Valentines Days will be a unique experience.
The simple reminder today, whether you have the love of a significant other in your life or not, is that God is the source of all. Love. I think the more we realize that, the more we will feel and give love to others in our daily lives.
There are literally hundreds of mentions of love in the Bible. Here is one: "God demonstrated his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom 5:8)
Make the conscious choice to reflect that same love to someone today.
Prayer: We love you Lord, because you first loved us. May we be reflections of your perfect love to others, so that they might see you through us. Amen
By Joseph Highley
Today is the start of pre-Valentines Day weekend, so from now until next Friday, the theme is love. Some of us are lonely during this time, others of us aren't. To be sure, I'm guessing that each of our Valentines Days will be a unique experience.
The simple reminder today, whether you have the love of a significant other in your life or not, is that God is the source of all. Love. I think the more we realize that, the more we will feel and give love to others in our daily lives.
There are literally hundreds of mentions of love in the Bible. Here is one: "God demonstrated his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom 5:8)
Make the conscious choice to reflect that same love to someone today.
Prayer: We love you Lord, because you first loved us. May we be reflections of your perfect love to others, so that they might see you through us. Amen
Devotion Saturday 2/12/11
Through Dan Schelp
Ever wonder what true love and attention feels like?
(The LORD said) "... I have called you by name; you are Mine!" Isaiah 43:1b
Ever feel like you are just a number? I know I do. Whether it be from a school, employee ID, a credit card or other group you are a part of you can often times feel as a number rather than as an actual person. Its very impersonal and often times doesn't come off very friendly.
Lucky for us, Christ has called us by name and has claimed us as His. He knows every hair on our head and knows everything about us before we are even born or before we even do it. Really, He knows you better than you know you. What a friend we have in Jesus!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for creating each and every one of us in our own unique way. And we thank you for assigning us names to be called by rather than numbers. Thank you for claiming us and providing us with the forgiveness we cannot live without.
Through Dan Schelp
Ever wonder what true love and attention feels like?
(The LORD said) "... I have called you by name; you are Mine!" Isaiah 43:1b
Ever feel like you are just a number? I know I do. Whether it be from a school, employee ID, a credit card or other group you are a part of you can often times feel as a number rather than as an actual person. Its very impersonal and often times doesn't come off very friendly.
Lucky for us, Christ has called us by name and has claimed us as His. He knows every hair on our head and knows everything about us before we are even born or before we even do it. Really, He knows you better than you know you. What a friend we have in Jesus!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for creating each and every one of us in our own unique way. And we thank you for assigning us names to be called by rather than numbers. Thank you for claiming us and providing us with the forgiveness we cannot live without.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Follow Me
Matthew 4: 19 “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”
What did you want to be when you were a kid? Our minds wander when we are younger; we want to be everything from a pro athlete, firefighter, dancer, farmer, artist, pastor, or maybe even a circus clown. Then you grow up and get to college and you go through the same scenarios. What degree am I supposed to get? What job will I take? What field will that job be in? Where in the world will my job locate me? The list goes on and on and our list gets expanded before ever getting narrowed down. The big question is though, are you doing what you thought you would be doing as a small child? What about as a college graduate? Are you studying what you thought you would study or did you change your mind?
When I turned 16 I started working at the grocery store, and never in my life did I think that I would still be with them 8 years later. There is nothing wrong with my job and I love what I do, but I just thought I would go to college get a degree (which I did) and then move on to a different profession. But then, while looking at the book of Matthew I realized that I’m not the only one doing something different than what I had planned. Peter and Andrew (brothers) were out fishing when Jesus called out to them. These brothers left everything and became fishers of men, sharing the faith with all those they came into contact with.
Now I realize that times are different now and that I haven’t left a job dropped everything and followed Christ. But what I do know is that He gives me the opportunity to be a fisher or men while I do other things. By that I mean He allows me to work at my job and show that I am a Christian to others, not only in the way I act, but the way I present myself. The hours I work and the reasoning for not wanting to work Sunday mornings, or Wednesday nights during Lent and Advent. He gives us the opportunity to share our faith all the time, in devotions, at church at work, in groups when going out. We don’t necessarily have to drop everything to be fishers of men. Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with that. I have friends who are missionaries and I have thought of becoming a pastor and who knows someday my calling may continue to lead me there. I just pray today that you let God lead you to share your faith with all people you come into contact with.
I pray that every day you allow God to lead you to share your faith. Be it as simple as bowing your head to pray before you eat, or helping out someone in need. And who knows where Christ will lead you. Below is an e-mail I received from a good friend. It’s different but another way to look at not doing what you had dreamed of doing, and how God will continue to shine through you anyway.
Three Trees:
“Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.'
-Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.'
-Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest Tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.'
-After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, 'and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
-At the second tree the woodsman said, 'This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy Because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
-When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, 'I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one,' and he cut it down.
-When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.
-The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.
-The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.
-The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.
-Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
-Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said 'Peace' and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
-Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
-The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.
-Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.
-We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.”
May your day be blessed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
