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.