Following God on Purpose

Wow that was harsh. So glad my comments are set to moderated. What is sad is the person that left them knows what is going on in my life, yet they did not have the courage to sign their name. To the person that left those words, I forgive you.

Today I was reading in Mathew 26 and 27 about the arrest and crucification of Jesus when a portion of the passage really stuck out because it reminded me of another study I'd read recently.

Matthew 26:47-56

⁴⁷ While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. ⁴⁸ Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” ⁴⁹ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

⁵⁰ Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. ⁵¹ With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

⁵² “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. ⁵³ Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

⁵⁵ In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. ⁵⁶ But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Jesus was living his life ON PURPOSE. Nothing he did was going with the flow. Every situation was dealt with in accordance with scripture and what His Father wanted Him to accomplish. Jesus knew his task and he did it.

Those that know me know I am a shooter. I have firearms and I'm prepared to use them in defense of my life and of those that I love. Yet Jesus, the Son of God, allowed his creation to kill Him as he willing gave up is life to save us. He had more firepower at his disposal than I will ever have yet he willing refused to use it.

So now I examine my life. I challenge you to do the same. Are you going with the flow and allowing circumstances to dictate your actions or are you living you life with a purpose and eternity in view?

Blessings to you all.

Lessons from Mary.

Listening to Pastor Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill last night. He shared some insight from the Christmas story, that I'd like to share. Luke 1:26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. After being told what would happen, she willingly surrendered to God's plan for her life. Please note that she was between 14 and 16 years of age. She was from a poor town and probably illiterate. For her to be pregnant could cost her her marriage to Joseph. It would cost her her reputation. Yet her answer was "may your word to me be fulfilled". Oh that I would have such faith. Another thing is verse "37 For no word from God will ever fail." I've seen the bumper sticker, "God says it. I believe it. That settles it." It's cute, but incorrect. The truth is "God says it. That settles it." So I am applying this statement from Gabriel to my situation in the meatgrinder. I will cling to:

• God's promise of provision. Mathew 6:19-34


• His Soveriegnty and Omnipotence. Jeremiah 32:17


• His promise to lift me up. 1 Peter 5:6-7


• His promise of a plan. Ephesians 1:11


• His promise of peace. Philipians 4:5-7

Blessings to all.

Jesus wept.

John 11:35 (New International Version, ©2011)

³⁵ Jesus wept.

Shortest verse in the Bible. Popular with teens trying to win competitions at church for the most verses memorized. But why was Jesus weeping?

It was near Lazarus' tomb Mary and those with her were weeping. Jesus knew that Lazarus was dead and he knew what he was about to do. Yet he took the time to grieve with those that were at a loss.

Today I wept. Loud and long. I have not wept like this in a long time. My life is still in that meat grinder I mentioned in a previous blog, but that is not why I wept.

I've spent the morning listening to Pastor Steve Thompkins, Pastor James Harleman and Pastor Scott Thomas speak at Mars Hill Church during one of their mens conferences. There are four messages on our Pursuit, Passions, Performance and Heart. The Holy Spirit has moved in my heart and I have wept before God. The meat grinder I'm in is a machine of my own making.

I don't know what God's plans are for me, but for the first time I think I'm actually listening to him. I have felt the presence of the Holy Spirit this morning. I have a craving more of all that is God.

I praise God for tears. Some this morning have been bitter. Some have been surrender. Some have been repentance. Some have been joy. All have washed away some of the pain and grief I've been carrying.

I feel good.

Blessings.

Blessings from today's listening.

I'm listening to the Psalms this morning on my ipod. Just thought I'd share some verses that touched me today. No commentary.

Psalm 43:5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?

Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Psalm 49:16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich,

when the splendor of their houses increases;
¹⁷ for they will take nothing with them when they die,
their splendor will not descend with them.
¹⁸ Though while they live they count themselves blessed—
and people praise you when you prosper—
¹⁹ they will join those who have gone before them,
who will never again see the light of life.

²⁰ People who have wealth but lack understanding
are like the beasts that perish.

God Bless.

Is it a sin to worry?

I'm lying in bed last night and I could not sleep. My life is in a meat grinder right now and I have no idea what God has planned for me. So I lay in bed half praying half worrying and getting nowhere but frustrated. Suddenly I had the thought. Is it a sin to worry? I confess to God that I was worrying and very soon I was asleep.

The question still stands this morning. Is worry a sin. Let's dig in.

Mathew 6::25 Says "Therefore do not worry about your life..." I've been taught that when one sees a "Therefore" back up to see what it there for. So we'll begin with verse 19.

Matthew 6:19-34 (New International Version, ©2011)

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I am very materialistic. I want "the next best thing". I'm a movie collector and a shooter. So I want all the movies I can get my hands on and just about every pistol, rifle or shotgun used in any of the films I see. These at times become an obsession that makes everything else I think about second place. I've often spent money I don't have (credit) on these things that I don't need. There is joy in the aquisition, but it is very short lived.

Verse 20 talks of storing up in heaven and verse 21 talks about the treasure of the heart. I'm so wrapped up in the things of this world that the things of heaven take last place most of the time.

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

What am I taking in through the lamps in my body? What am I watching? That's what I get here.

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Serving me, man, money, lust or glutteny all come in conflict with serving God. I cannot serve God and continue to chase after this world. I think of how many hours I spend on movies, guns and facebook vs how many hours I spend in God's word, prayer or worship.

Now we come to the "therefore" in verse 25.

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I'm so busy with aquiring "stuff" that I don't take the time to look for God. To appreciate Him for who He is. I miss out on God's peace because I'm not grateful for what I have and want MORE. Philipians 4:6-8

I'm reminded of the story of the man that brought his deaf and mute son to Jesus saying "But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

Mark 9:23-25 (New International Version, ©2011)
23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

Help me overcome my unbelief dear God.

This morning I opened my e-mail to do my morning devotional. Today's passage is Revelation 5 I encourage you to take the time to read it. I was encouraged and reminded that THIS is the God in whom I was doubting last night. A humbling experience.

God Bless.

God is in Control

My life fell apart yesterday. I sat at 6am in Dunkin Donuts at a loss of what to do. I called three friends and my pastor. All of them responded. After a meeting with Pastor God provided in ways that I could not have imagined.

As my head finally hit the pillow I felt blessed at how quickly God and his people responded in my time of need. I could see his hand in the way everything fell into place.

When I arrived at work 10 pm Tuesday my devotional verse was:

Ephesians 1:11 (New International Version, ©2011)
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

Wow. The situation I'm in is not an accident. As my friend shared earlier in the day God is not wringing his hands not knowing what to do next in my life. God's will will be accomplished in the situation.

Well here it is a little after 4am and I check my e-mail to see if today's devo has arrived. It had.

Jeremiah 32:17 (New International Version, ©2011)
17 “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

Double Wow! I tend to forget how powerful God really is. My situation is not beyond his power.

I'm reminded again that I need to trust him and wait for his timing to work things out.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (New International Version, ©2011)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Have a blessed day folks.

Ouch!

Making my plans and remembered that I did not do my devo's yet. It was a real struggle and I had to FORCE myself to do it. Real glad I did because it's really what I needed for a refocus.

Ephesians 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Vs 15-16 says to be wise and make the most of every opportunity. It's got me thinking about how much time I waste each day. Time that I will never get back.

It also says the days are evil. I'm reminded that this world is not my home. I'm not to be comformed to this world, but be transformed. (Romans 12:2) If I really accept that fact that the days are evil, it will radically affect my attitude and behavior.

Vs 17 warns about foolishness and understanding what the Lord's will is. I'm convicted that though I know His will, I frequently don't care. It's not always an on purpose, malicious or willfull, but I do tend to ignore his will.

Got some things to work on today.

God Bless.

Selfish ambition.

This morning I saw a task the needed to be done. It was a task normally accomplished by my wife. A task that she did not have time for this morning. Something she would have gotten to eventually. She would not have said a thing if I'd left it for her. That task is dishes. I HATE doing dishes. She actually enjoys the task and finds it relaxing. (Yeah, I know. Wierd.)

So decide I'm going to love my wife by doing up the dishes on the counter and cleaning the kitchen. I "volunteered" Kylie to assist. My goal was to be done before Chrissie got back from dropping Alexa off at the school.

She got home before we finished and I was awaiting my praise. "Oh honey, thanks so much for doing the dishes. You're wonderful." It never came. I started to get annoyed. Here I was doing a chore I hate and there she is being an ingrate.

Enter the Holy Spirit. (Yeah, he's like that.)
Philippians 2:3-4
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Doh! Here I was, thinking I was doing for my wife, when in fact I was really doing for me. I did not tell my wife about this today, so honey if you're reading this, I love you and I'm still learning.

Then on the way to work I hear (I listen to the Bible on CD) from James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
AND
James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
AND
James 4:17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Got so work to do.

God Bless you all.

God is ever faithful.

So why was I so upset yesterday? Check out Why am I Concerned from yesterday and then read the verses that God has provided the past several days.

Matthew 7:7-11 (New International Version, ©2010)
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Psalm 55:16-22 (New International Version, ©2010)
16 As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me. 17 Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. 18 He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. 19 God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change— he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God.
20 My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. 21 His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.
22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Romans 5:1-5 (New International Version, ©2010)
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 15:4-6 (New International Version, ©2010)
4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:5-7 (New International Version, ©2010)
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version, ©2010)10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (New International Version, ©2010)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Matthew 28:20b (New International Version, ©2010)
20b And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

So last night I am on my way home (after the stuff I was so worried about was over) and I'm listening to the book of Mathew on the radio. I was as if Jesus was asking this very question dirrectly to me.

Matthew 14:29-31 (New International Version, ©2010)
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

I hope you may be blessed by His word.

Why am I concerned?

I have some personal stuff going on that has my mind working overtime. Today's Bible reading started with Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

So why am I still worrying about this? I know that Luke 12:25 says Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?

This past week I read 1 Peter 5:6-7 and I think the answer is found there.

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

I've never truely humbled myself before God. At least not entirely, I always held some back and now that bit of unblief is tearing me up.

Mark 9:24 (New International Version, ©2010)
24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Forgive me father. My nervous heart is a sin before you. Help my unbelief.

Hope in 2011

Proverbs 13:12 (New International Version, ©2010)
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

When our dreams and hopes are not fullfilled our hearts are broken. Yet when a dream comes true we are fullfilled.

What are your dreams for 2011? Is it for political party A to crush political party B? Or perhaps political party C come in and crush them all? Perhaps a better job with more money so you can get a bigger house or better car. Perhaps you want to lose weight or get out of debt. Some of you will want to quit smoking or swear off some habit they've been unable to shake.

Points to ponder:

1. What is the source of your hope?
2. How does God fit into your dreams for 2011?

Isaiah 40:28-31 (New International Version, ©2010)
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Your hope needs to be in the LORD. God did create government, but they are not to be the source of our hope. Governments will fail us. If you're relying on your own strength, it will eventually fail and your dreams with it.

Psalm 37:4-5 (New International Version, ©2010)
4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:

When you commit your way to the LORD, your desires will change. That bigger car becomes unimportant. The movie you "have to see" become secondary. All the stuff that the marketing industry has shoved down your throat as important will been seen for the tempory tripe that it is.

As we enter 2011, let's remember the words of Paul when he wrote to the church at Colossae. Only then will our hopes and dreams be fulfilled.

Colossians 3:1-3 (New International Version, ©2010)
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD.

2 Chronicles 12:12-14 (New International Version, ©2010)

12 Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the LORD’s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed, there was some good in Judah.
13 King Rehoboam established himself firmly in Jerusalem and continued as king. He was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel in which to put his Name. His mother’s name was Naamah; she was an Ammonite. 14 He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD.

This morning I was listening to the Bible on my ipod. Verse 14 struck me. Rehoboam did evil because he did not set his "heart on seeking the LORD". Wow! I have not set my heart on seeking the LORD. Sure I go to church, I give money, I teach Pioneer Club and I try to be a good person with varying degrees of success. However I don't SEEK the LORD that often. He get bits and pieces, here and there, when and if I have time or motivation.

In my meditation on this I'm reminded of Deut. 6:4-6, which is repeated by Jesus himself in Mathew 22:36-38 where he ads this is the GREATEST commandment. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

I take heart in verse 12 because when Rehoboam humbled himself, God was able to use him for good. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Confession means to agree with God that you have sinned. Admit you have broke His standard. You now repent and decide to turn from it. God will forgive.

I hope that someone may benefit from the lesson God taught me today from his Word.

Servanthood. What are your motives?

Philipians 2:3-4

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

This verse resides on my desk top. I put it there as a reminder to think of others as better than me. All too often I put ME on the throne of importance at the expense of relationships within my family.

This morning I reread the verses. The selfish ambition part is what struck me today. What are my motives. Is my humility real or just an act to save face infront of family, friends and church? My prayer is that it's real. My hope is the Holy Spirit will change me and teach me to love my family as I should.

After all this goes through my head, I read the following scripture for today's Bible study.

John 13:3-15 I encourage you to read the entire passage, but I only want to concentrate on the first three verses.

3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Verse 3: Jesus knew who he was. There was no question in His mind about his position with the disciples.

Verse 4: "so he got up" This tells me what is to follow is BECAUSE of who He is.

Verse 5: He washed and dryed their feet. In Bible times people wore sandles so feet got dirty fast in Isreal. Hosts would provide guests with water to wash or a servant of the house would wash the guest's feet. This was a menial task done by the lowest in the home.

Jesus. Master. Teacher. Rabbi. Son of God. Washed the disciple's feet to teach them that leaders must be servants. We as Fathers and Husbands are to serve our families. Not so we can get what we want, but to lead by Jesus' example.

I hope that someone will benefit from what the Lord is teaching me.

Submission

Proverbs 3:3-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Why don't we submit? We don't really trust that God's way is better.

I won't step off a cliff because I know that gravity will pull me down and though the fall might be fun, that sudden stop at the end is going to hurt and has the potential to kill me.

Hebrew 11:24-26 Sin too is fun, but only for a short time. The end of it hurts and leads to death. Romans 6:23 23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

As we enter this CHRISTmas season, ask yourself if you really trust God.

Where do you live?

Hebrews 11:1-16

This is the famous "faith" chapter. I want to focus on verse 13 through the end of the chapter.

13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.


When I read verse 13 I am humbled. These folks died having not received the promise, yet they knew it was coming and still had faith. They lived this life as a stranger here.

I think of my "instant" live. High speed internet is too slow. 65 miles an hour on the highway is too slow. I see something on the internet that I want, I buy it NOW with a credit card and then I am even tempted to spring for expedited shipping so I can have it NOW.

I am not living as a stranger in this world. My decisions are not based with eternity's values in view.

Consider this as we go through the CHRISTmas season. Start living as if this is not your home.

"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)

In this Christmas season many people are writing to Santa about what they want. Kids are telling parents and spouces are hinting to one another of what they want for Christmas. But it won't last.

Many toys will be broken before the 25th is over. The rest will lose their luster and fail to bring the promised joy after an all too finite period of time.

What does it mean to "Delight yourself in the Lord"? Marriage is an earthly image of the church's relationship with Jesus, so let's look at that relationship.

When you first met your spouce and an interest sparked, what did you do?

1. You did some research and found out their name. What are the names of God? What do they mean and say about his character?
2. You made time to spend with that person. When do you schedule time with God? Does he get what's left IF you feel like it?
3. You talked with them. How often do you pray? Are your prayer merely gimmie lists?

These are just a few ideas you get your juices flowing.

"and he will give you the desires of your heart." This does not mean that God becomes your own personal servant and that He must start meeting your demands. What it means is that as you spend time with him YOU will change. Your DESIRES will change. In fact you will only find satisfaction in Him.

Consider on this as we enter this CHRISTmas Season. You will only be content when you find yourself content with the Lord.

God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise

1 Cor 1:18-31

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

Using human logic the Christian faith is just not right. This CHRISTmas we celebrate and recognize the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Virgin birth? Foolishness. Impossible. On Good Friday we remember Christ's death ("normal"), but on Easter we celebrate that He is RISEN. Again, "foolishness to those who are perishing". It's not human logic though.

Isaiah 55:8-9 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.


20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

I just love verse 25. God foolishness is wiser than human wisdom. No comentary. Just like it.

26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him.

I grew up in a Christian home. Mom and Dad made their share of mistakes, but they were great examples for us kids and taught us to do right. As a result, from a human perspective, I was a "good kid". However being good is not good enough. We are born dead in sin. I know what I would be if Christ had not called me. I'd be lost. I'd be that guy you read about in the paper.

30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Christ is our righteousnes, holiness and redempton. It's not us. It's Him.

Add this to the list to praise God for as we enter this CHRISTmas season.

Overcoming the World.

1 John 5:1-5

"1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,"

Remember when you first fell in love? That person was WONDERFUL and could't believe that they actually love you. Nothing was too much. Everything and anything was possible.

Love songs are written about climbing mountains, crossing seas and valleys and deserts just to be with the one we love. Yet then as time moves on we take our eyes of the them and back on ourselves. That person becomes a burden. The slightest inconvienience becomes and issue.

I think that parrallels our relationship with God. When we first realize how sinful we are we can't believe that we are loved. But as time wears on our attitude becomes one of "What have you done for me lately?" God's commands become suggestions or something we'll do when we have time or feel like it. After all God knows "I'm busy."

"4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

All too often we are "busy" with the things of this world. We forget that God is GOD, and Jesus is his Son the Creator of all things. We're so wrapped up in work, school, hobbies and facebook that we don't have time for Him. We place ourselves above God. Only when we have faith in God and who He and who Jesus Christ is can we overcome the world.

Why can we overcome? Be Jesus did and our life is in him.

John 16:32-33
32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

In this busy CHRISTmas Season, remember Him in whom we put our faith.

Colossians 2:13-14

Colossians 2:13-14

Read today's verses. Read them again. Read them again. That's what I had to do today before todays lesson hit me.

"13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. "

We've all had a loved ones pass away. How many of them, AFTER they were dead, planned their own funeral? How many picked out the flowers and the hymns? How many of them picked out their tombstone? Did they drive to the church and then the cemetary? No! They were dead. They could do nothing by themselves.

I WAS DEAD. There was absolutely nothing I could do about my sin situation. Therefore God made me alive with Christ. It wasn't me. It was God.

"He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. "

Because of Christ, God forgave my debt. It has been nailed to the cross. It is dead and therefore it is now helpless.

Romans 8:1-2 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

If you have never accepted Christ's payment for your sin I encourage you to talk to him in your own word and tell him. Admit you have sinned and accept his forgiveness. He will make you alive. What a great way it would be for you moving into this CHRISTmas Season know Him personally.

Trust in the Lord

Isaiah 26:2-4

Verse 3 says "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

We live in a very uncertain world. Trials and temptations abound. However we have to decide if we really believe God is God and that he really is in control. When we worry we deny God's sovereignty.

I am reminded of James 1:2-8 where we are told in verse 5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. " But we are also warned in verses 6-8 "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."

So let's remember as were challenged in Isa 24:4 "Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. "

"The trick to life is not getting what you want, it's wanting what you've got."

Today on facebook I found the quote that has become the title of today's study. I found it ironic because I am currently selling stuff, that I bought to make me happy, so that I will have money to buy other stuff to make me happy. The joy in my stuff is always very short lived. I have hundreds if not thousands of dollars worth of stuff that just sits around taking up space because it no longer brings me joy.

As I was contemplating what to say here I thought about spouses cheating. Why? Because they are not content. They seek more to make them happy.

I thought about the debt that I'm in. Why? Well as Dave Ramsey put it, "People spend money they don't have to buy things they don't need to impress people they don't even like." I've purchased so many things that I did not know I "needed" until I was told.

I am now thinking of the fact that I'm over weight. Why? Simply because I always want MORE.

Philippians 4:10-12
10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Paul learned to be content. What is the secret?

Proverb 19:23
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

First we must fear the LORD. I don't think we really do this. Yes God is gracious. Yes He is full of mercy. However having grown up in the Church I have lost some of the awe and majesty of who God really is. I am not content to rest in God. So many of the troubles I deal with today are dirrect result of doing things "MY" way.

1 Timothy 6:3-10
3If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

I think of all the time and effort and money that I put into my stuff and my comfort. What happens to it all when I die? My kids get some of it and the tax man takes his chunk. However I leave it all behind. Sure I could chose to be buried with it, but I don't take it with me. The Pharoah's of Egypt thought they could but their stuff is either still buried or in museums around the globe.

Now I compare the above effort with the ammount of effort I put into godliness, which I will take with me to heaven. We are told in 1 Timothy 6:11-12 to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." and to "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called". I can't do this if I'm burying myself with stuff for my own pleasure.

Do I "pursue" godliness? Not often enough because I'm too busy pursuing what I want.

Hebrew 12:1-3
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 13:5
5Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

The last line is promise. Unlike human promises God won't break His. If you are His child He is right there waiting for you to turn to Him.

I hope God has blessed you with the lesson He has taught me today.

Do you forget what you look like?

James 1:23-25

23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

Sounds kind of silly, yet how many times do each one of us do something we know goes against God's word or principles? How often do we willfully chose to walk in the flesh and feed our own desires?

25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.

God's word gives us freedom. Freedom from sin. Freedom from following our lusts and desires. I'm drawing a line in the sand. I want to start applying God's principles right now.

Self-sufficiency is no prize; it is a trap.

The title is quote right for Charles Stanley's devotional this morning. It's interesting that once again God's grace is brought to my attention.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

No commentary today. God's still working on me with this passage.

Amazing Grace

Listening to Chris Tomlin's version of Amazing Grace on my way home today.

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

The words in bold really struck me. God's grace that should be so precious to me and yet how I all too often take it for granted.

^{Romans 3:21-26}

²¹But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. ²²This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, ²³for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. ²⁵God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— ²⁶he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Romans 5:1-2

¹Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ²through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

I hope you too may benefit from this lesson the Lord has taught me today.

Casting your cares

1 Peter 5:6-7

⁶Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Do you suffer from anxiety or worry? I sometimes do. 1 Peter 5:7 is one of the earliest verses I ever memorized. However, though true it is incomplete without verse 6. Until you humble yourself and place yourself under His hand you never will truly cast your cares. Trusting God is not and over night process. We may have to cast our cares to Him over and over again.

Humble yourself before God today and give him your burden.

Broken Dreams

As children bring their broken toys
With tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God
Because He was my friend.
But then instead of leaving Him
In peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help
With ways that were my own.

At last I snatched them back and cried,
"How could you be so slow"
"My child," He said, "What could I do?
You never did let go."

Robert J. Burdette

Woman who survived abortion

This is all I have to share today. Take 16 minutes and let the Lord touch your heart.

Gianna Jessen from LMF CAM on Vimeo.

Who are you when you are alone?

Today I'm working from home till my 11am meeting. The children are at school and my bride is off to her work and to help a friend. I'm alone. I can do whatever I want. My mind is flooded with the thing I USED to do. Then Psalm 139 comes to mind. Guess what. I'm not alone. God is here.

This is what is meant in Roman 12:1-2 when it speaks of renewing your mind. Scripture has shown me that the way of my past is not right. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 the old me is gone. The new me has come.

Short and sweet today folks. Have a blessed day.

Forgiveness

I was having a conversation with someone and explaining that I feel our relationship is a little onesided. I feel my forgiveness is being taken advantage of. The Holy Spirit, never wasting an opportunity to teach ME a lesson wispered, "What about how you treat me?"

The first verses to come to mind was Romans 6:1-3 1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

The very thing I was speaking to this person about I do to Christ daily.

1 Timothy 1:15-16 15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Christ has shown me MERCY and yet I was putting a quid pro quo status on a temporal relationship.

Mathew 6:9-15 9"This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us today our daily bread. 12Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' 14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Danger! Danger, Will Robinson! The level to which we forgive others is the standard to which God forgives us.

Think about "that person" you've been carrying a grudge against. Think about the family member with the quirk the makes you want to make their face look like a catchers mit. Think of that individual who has sinned against you for the 490th time for the same offense. You know that you were not supposed to count, but you did, because said individual does "it" CONSTANTLY.

If you are a follower of Christ, you must forgive...AGAIN...and AGAIN...and AGAIN...forever.

That's the lesson God had for me today. I hope you benefit from it.

Who is in charge of your life?

That was the final question asked by Charles Stanley this morning. The question dovetails nicely in with the message delivered by Richard Moskos in church on Sunday.

God has been dealing with me of late as I've been struggling with the "me" "mine" "my" syndrome. Let's look at the scripture Richard shared and I'll share with you the questions the Holy Spirit asked me. I won't share any answers. Those are between you and God.

Acts 20:22-24 ²²"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. ²³I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. ²⁴However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

"consider my life worth nothing."

• How does that fit into "my rights", "my time"and "my wants"?
• How much to I value "my life"?

"if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me."

• How does that fit in with "my plan" and "my schedule"?

"the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

• How often do I testify?
• Do I even think of spreading the gospel day to day?

Phil 3:7-11

⁷But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.

• What is "my profit"?
• What possition does it hold in "my life"?
• Does it compare with Christ?
• Have it become more important than Christ?

I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹and be found in him,

• Rubbish? Really? But I've got some pretty nice stuff.
• Does it really fulfill me?
• Am I content?

not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

• Righteousness not of my own.
• Faith.
• This is when I truly am content. This is where I find true fulfillment.

¹⁰I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

• Am I willing to suffer?
• Am I willing to give up "my rights", "my time"and "my wants"?

Galations 5:13-17

¹³You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

• What have I done with the freedom Christ has given me?
• Do I serve where I've been called to serve?

¹⁴The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." ¹⁵If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

• Do I love my neighbor?
• Do I make every effort to live in peace with them? Hebrews 12:14-15

¹⁶So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. ¹⁷For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

• Do I live in the Spirit or in the flesh?
• Do I even care?

I hope the lessons God is teaching me have been of some benefit to you.

Praying the Bible

I learned a long time ago that praying the Bible is a great way to pray. When we do, we are praying God's Word and not our own. Then we can confiendently claim his promises.

Today's message from John Piper reminded me of that truth. I'm only going to post the scripture he used and then quote him in the last paragraph. Read it through. If the Lord so leads, pray it through. I'm still trying to internalize this so I've got nothing to ad right now.

Psalm 119:36 "Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to gain."

Psalm 119:18 "Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law."

Ephesians 1:18 "That the eyes of your heart may be enlightened."

Psalm 86:11 "O Lord, I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name."

Psalm 90:14 "O satisfy us in the morning with Your loving kindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

Ephesians 3:16 "That God would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man."

Colossians 1:10 "That [we] will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord... bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

"To remember some of these prayers, I use an acronym - IOUS - almost every day in praying for those I love, asking God to give us an inclination to his Word and not to money or fame or power (Psalm 119:36), and to open our eyes to see wonderful things when we read his Word (Psalm 119:18), and to have hearts united in the fear of God rather than fragmented over a dozen concerns (Psalm 86:11), and to be satisfied in his steadfast love (Psalm 90:14)."
By John Piper. © Desiring God.
Website: www.desiringGod.org. Email: mail@desiringGod.org. Toll Free: 1.888.346.4700.

Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?

Luke 6:46-49

46 "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

One of the dangers in growing up in the "church" is learning the stories at a young age and then later in life thinking, "Oh that's a 'kid's' story. I've known that for years." And then proceed to ignore the lesson. This story falls into that category. I would probably have passed it buy with limited attention except the first verse caught my eye.

Why do I call Him Lord, if I do not do as he says? It's a fair question that I will not answer here. You should ask yourself the same.

The parable teaches us two things.

1. What we build our life on will have and effect on the quality of life.
2. Storms are coming.

Is your life built on the Rock of Jesus Christ? When times get tough he will always be there and help you stand even when trouble is all around you.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Isaiah 40:28-31 Read it. Let the Lord speak and then return.

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

How often I forget exactly who God is. The creator. I don't understand quantum physics. God created quantum physics. I don't understand brain chemistry. God created my brain. I don't understand the path that America is on. Yet God has a plan for me and promised that it would be for my good. It may not be what I want, but it will be for my good.

Think of the child that asks for a cookie. The parent who cares about his child may say no and give a piece of fruit or carrot sticks. It is not what was asked for, but it was for their good.

He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

God never gets tired. He's never going to say, "Daddy's tired. Come talk to me later."

As for God's understanding I am reminded of Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

I also am thinking of how God answered Job's questions in Job 38. 2 "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand.

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Thank Him for that. Many times have I just said, "God I can't do this. You need to get me through it." And he does. We serve an awesome God.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

I'm not such a youth any more, (39 and counting) but from the standpoint of a person that woke up at 2:15am today for reasons unknown, I can understand tired.

But there is another kind of tired. It comes from the running around trying to "do good" and please everyone at church, home and work. I've tried to "live the Christian life" and all I did was wipe out and then I'd beat myself up for failure.

Turns out the "Christian life" is a works that is not Biblical.

31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Have you ever seen and eagle soar? Does he beat his wings and work up a sweat? NO! He spreads his wings and rides the currents in the air. The wind lifts him up. That is the way we are supposed to live as Christians. The source of our power comes from him. It's not about the "doing" or "not doing".

John 15:1-6 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

Galations 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

I hope the Lord has blessed you with His word.

Examine yourselves.

Every doubt your salvation? Ever wonder why you keep doing the wrong thing. Do these words from the apostle Paul ring true in your life?

Romans 7:15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

News flash. Every believer at one point or another struggles with this very thing. Look at the quoted verse above. It's from the Apostle Paul. THE GREATEST EVANGELIST THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN. If he struggled with this, why should we believe we won't?

What do we do?

2 Corinthians 13:5-6 5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.

What is inside you? What do you believe? Where is your hope? These are the questions you need to ask yourselves.

What about when we sin?

1 John 1:9 Confess! God will forgive. Confession is NOT saying I'm sorry. Confession is admitting and AGREEING with God that you have violated his standards. God promises to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. We will be as if we never sinned.

But we keep on sinning the same stuff over and over.

Romans 5:7-9 We were still sinners when Christ died for us. There was nothing worthy about us that made God do this. We keep forgetting that the Christian walk is NOT a "do/don't list" . It's faith in what Christ has DONE for us and our faith is in HIS work.

I also think we humans limit God to our understanding. When people we care about offend us in the same way over and over our tendancy is to hold a grudge or not believe the person. That is why Jesus had to tell the disciples in Matthew 18:21-22 and Luke 17:3-5 to forgive as God forgives. We're not to count up to 7 or 490 and stop forgiving, that's not the point. We're to keep on forgiving. God knows your heart. If you truely confess over and over, he will forgive over and over.

Search the scripture.

2Timothy 2:15 15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)

2 Peter 1:3-5 3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Ps 119:11 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

We fill our lives with the garbage this world has offer through TV, RADIO, BOOKS, NEWS PAPERS and MAGAZINES and rarely take time to renew our minds with the word of God. Then we wonder why we doubt our salvation and stuggle in our walk with the Lord.

Sunday School and Church are great. Prayer service is great. Men's and women's Bible studies are great. Youth group is great. It's NOT ENOUGH. Get into his Word EVERY DAY. Examine yourself EVERY DAY. See that you are in the faith EVERY DAY.

This what the Lord had been showing me the past few weeks, I hope you benefit from it.

He knows our needs.

I really needed this today. I have copied Charles Stanley's devotional in it's entirety. I encourage anyone reading this to follow the links at the bottom of the page and sign up for this daily devotional.

September 8 On Eagle's Wings Isaiah 40:28-31
After I'd witnessed an eagle in flight, I understood why God used this bird to describe a relationship with Him. The eagle—which simply opens its wings and soars—is wholly dependent upon air currents to keep it aloft.
In contrast, we often beat our wings trying to be better Christians. We resolve to read the Bible more or to improve at keeping our temper. We strive to escape old habits and temptations. But instead of flying to the mountaintops, we remain on the valley floor with tired wings. This is because believers sometimes get confused about what a spiritually mature person looks like. The godly believer isn't someone who tries and tries to do well. I've been a believer long enough to know that I can't live the Christian life. This flesh of mine isn't a bit better today than it was the day I was saved.
Spiritual maturity means recognizing that we do not change ourselves. Flesh is corrupt, and its vices cannot be suppressed by any human means. But our omnipotent Father subdues believers' human impulses through His Spirit. For example, God's indwelling Spirit calms anger and wields His strength to weaken the lure of old temptations. While others tire from trying to be good, the mature believer relies upon God and will "mount up with wings like eagles" (Is. 40:31).
Isaiah reminds us that even young men stumble and grow weak. Anyone trying to change himself into a model Christian will burn out beating his wings against the world system and his own flesh. God didn't make these human bodies, minds, or spirits to fly solo. He created us to soar on His strength.
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Renewing your Mind

I've been thinking of late that I've been making poor decisions. Spiritually, emotionally, financially, physically and with my food intake. Just the other day I was thinking that it's time to "cut the crap" and do what I know to be right.

Several days ago my devotional from Charles Stanley was from Ephesians 4:20-24

²⁰You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. ²¹Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²²You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Verse 22 speaks of your former way of life. The way we used to be. 2 Corinthians 5:16-18 say those in Christ are a "new creation" "the old has gone, the new has come!". I get frustrated when Christians say "I'm just a sinner saved by grace." No! Romans 5:7-9 says You WERE as sinner Christ died for you. We were "justified by his blood". If I am "just a sinner" then I still under wrath. Since I am a new creation, I am under grace.

That bring us to vs 23 being made new in the attitude of our minds. Immediately I am reminded of Romans 12:2 about "being transformed by the renewing of you mind". And next logical question is, how?

How did you learn about the world? You watched its TV. You read its books and listened to its music. You just through birth immersed yourself in the world. Transforming your mind is no different.

Start with the word of God Ps 119:11: Psalm 1: Romans yeah, the whole book. I used to think this book was too deep to understand. This book is the greatest book in my heart. It is when I scratched the surface of the truth held here that I began to stop making excuses and started moving forward for Christ. The first 11 chapters talk of all that Christ did for us when we were not worthy and the fact that there is nothing we can do to earn it. Mind boggling.

Prayer. Talk to God. You do not need long eloquent prayers. Just pour out your heart to him and the Holy Spirit will help Romans 8:26-27.

I hope the Lord has spoken to you as he has to me through this study. With his help I know that better decisions can be made.