Real Faith And Rappelling
There are a lot of definitions of faith. What is real faith in God? Some would say it involves believing what the Bible says about God, but that's just partial faith. You can believe everything the Bible says is true and not have real faith. So, how?
Well, last year my son took me rappelling. I don't like open air heights, but he set the ropes, put me in the harness, said he'd hold the ropes from the ground, and I just needed to jump off a 70-foot cliff backwards and everything would be fine. Did I believe the ropes were strong enough to hold me? Yes. Did that mean I had real faith?
No. It wasn't until I jumped and entrusted my life to the sureness of the ropes and the dependability of my son that I had faith. Now, that's real faith.
We can believe everything in God's Word is true, but until we completely entrust our life, and our hope for salvation, into the hands of Jesus Christ, it's not real saving faith.
Watch the TV Spot "Leap of Faith"
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
forgiveness
Do you sometimes struggle with feelings of bitterness and resentment? Perhaps when a person at work gets a promotion you feel like you deserved, or when a friend or spouse betrays you, feelings of bitterness and resentment creep in.
Let me tell you about a person who had every reason to be bitter. He was accused of being a troublemaker, and He only told the truth. One of His closest aides betrayed Him and turned Him in to the authorities. At His trial, people made up lies about Him. He was beaten by the prison guards. He was sentenced to death by a judge responding to a lynch mob. While He was being executed and people were making fun of Him, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing."
I'm talking about Jesus Christ, the Person who had every reason to feel bitter, but chose to forgive. Let Jesus Christ be your model to follow. Ask God to help you forgive that person who has wronged you, and you'll feel free at last.
Let me tell you about a person who had every reason to be bitter. He was accused of being a troublemaker, and He only told the truth. One of His closest aides betrayed Him and turned Him in to the authorities. At His trial, people made up lies about Him. He was beaten by the prison guards. He was sentenced to death by a judge responding to a lynch mob. While He was being executed and people were making fun of Him, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing."
I'm talking about Jesus Christ, the Person who had every reason to feel bitter, but chose to forgive. Let Jesus Christ be your model to follow. Ask God to help you forgive that person who has wronged you, and you'll feel free at last.
Monday, January 16, 2012
on shopping and farming........
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
You will reap what you sow...........
A young teenager wanted to aggravate the hard-working farmer that lived next door. He led some of his pals to sneak into the farmer's field one night and spread crab grass seeds all over the farm. Soon, the crab grass came up. He laughed every time he saw the farmer vainly trying to get rid of it.
A few years later, long after the teenager forgot his prank, he fell in love with the farmer's daughter and they were married. When her father died, he inherited the farm and for the rest of his life he battled that sorry crab grass he had spread all over his fields.
The Bible says, "For whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." In short, when we're hard on others, they tend to be hard on us. It's the law of the harvest. When you plant tomatoes, you don't get squash, for the harvest never lies.
What kind of seeds are you sowing and what kind of harvest are you reaping? Let's remember...in life, we reap what we sow.
I can't tell you how many times the actions of someone else have changed my whole life. We make decisions every day sometimes in malice and others without even contemplating the way they will effect others. The consequences are not in the forefront of our mind as we choose, but in the end we often wish we could go back and change what we have done. It was foolish, without thought, selfish, and often an immature choice.
Just like you can't take back words after they are said, the soldiers could not take back the nails after they had driven them into Jesus. It is important to remember that every action has a consequence. From the smallest to the largest.
Who do you have in mind when you buy your groceries, a new pair of pants, a purse, a hat, or a new car. Are you thinking of God? Do you ask yourself would this choice be pleasing to God? It may seem trivial, but the bible is clear: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 Every choice made with his perfect will in mind, will be a better choice. Especially if you seek his wisdom in making those choices. There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the Lord Proverbs 21: 30 You cannot succeed in your choices if they go against God. Just ask Jonah how that worked out for him.
It's really not important. The stuff of this world will turn to dust. Your life will be over in a blink of an eye, and when you stand before God you will account for your choices. Your mistakes will be laid before you. All the things you wish you had never said; the things you would rather never have done. God already knows what they are.
Proverbs 16: 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
Since you can't take back the choices of yesterday, today may be the day to start praying for the wisdom to make the right choices. Every choice from your groceries to your new car matters. Choose wisely...........
Jason Gray Remind Me Who I am
When I lose My way,
And I forget my name,
Remind me who I am.
In the mirror all I see,
Is who I don't wanna be,
Remind me who I am.
In the lonliest places,
When I can't remember what grace is.
Tell me once again who I am to you.
Who I am to you.
Tell me lest I forget who I am to you.
That I belong to you.
To you.
When my heart is like a stone,
And I'm running far from home,
Remind me who I am.
When I can't recieve your love,
Afraid I'll never be enough,
When I lose My way,
And I forget my name,
Remind me who I am.
In the mirror all I see,
Is who I don't wanna be,
Remind me who I am.
In the lonliest places,
When I can't remember what grace is.
Tell me once again who I am to you.
Who I am to you.
Tell me lest I forget who I am to you.
That I belong to you.
To you.
When my heart is like a stone,
And I'm running far from home,
Remind me who I am.
When I can't recieve your love,
Afraid I'll never be enough,
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Chasing the Wind
Ecclesiastes 4: 6 Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.
Sit down right now and write yourself a list. What are the three things you have to get done today? I want you to keep that list in front of you as you are reading this today. Better yet, don't bother reading my blog instead watch Craig Groeschel's message 2 in the Better series.
Okay back to this important list. If you went to the doctor today and found out you were dying how important would the things on your list be? Would they be the three things you had to do today? Would your priorities change. We've all heard the saying live each day as if it is your last. Not many of us practice that even if we see the merit in it.
The problem is a concept our society teaches over and over again. If one handful is good then two are better. If one dollar is good then two are better. If one sport is good then two are better. If one television program is good then two are better. If one car is good then two are better. If one house is good then two are better. You get the idea and you've probably thought of your own if one then one statements while you were reading this.
What matters most to you? Is it the house, car, job, or money? What are the three most important things in your life? Do you have enough time for them? Let's face it we are pulled in multiple directions every single day. We need to CUT BACK, THROW OUT, and TURN OFF.
You will never change the world watching re-runs. God doesn't care the make or model of the car you drive. The type of counter tops in your kitchen don't matter. The size of your house, whether you own a boat, or even the right pair of pants. It's all small stuff.
Matthew 6: 19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. It will all turn to dust.
We all need to cut back. You can't be pulled in ten directions all day long. You have to choose. Spend your time wisely. What is important, and why is it important? Take that and use it! Time is not best when stored up for later. It's one of those things that we either use or we lose! You can't get back yesterday no matter how hard you try.
Throw out all that junk and clutter. Having less can be good. Seriously throw out all the excess and only keep what you need. If you forgot you have it then you won't miss it when it is gone.
Most of all turn off all the things that are time wastes. He who has the most followers on twitter does not get into heaven any quicker than the guy who has never heard of twitter. He who has the newest apps on his smartphone is not any better than the guy who doesn't have a smart phone. If fact for many of us our cell phones have become an idol. Television is not important, those games you play are a waste of time, and your phone....................... Stop buying things because they are a great deal. If you don't need it; well you don't need it.
Once you get rid of all that doesn't matter it is time to fight for what does matter.
"My life is too valuable, my calling too great, and my God too good to waste my life on things that don't matter." Craig Groeschel
Your life is too! Your calling may be greater than you can imagine, and I promise God is that good!
Sit down right now and write yourself a list. What are the three things you have to get done today? I want you to keep that list in front of you as you are reading this today. Better yet, don't bother reading my blog instead watch Craig Groeschel's message 2 in the Better series.
Okay back to this important list. If you went to the doctor today and found out you were dying how important would the things on your list be? Would they be the three things you had to do today? Would your priorities change. We've all heard the saying live each day as if it is your last. Not many of us practice that even if we see the merit in it.
The problem is a concept our society teaches over and over again. If one handful is good then two are better. If one dollar is good then two are better. If one sport is good then two are better. If one television program is good then two are better. If one car is good then two are better. If one house is good then two are better. You get the idea and you've probably thought of your own if one then one statements while you were reading this.
What matters most to you? Is it the house, car, job, or money? What are the three most important things in your life? Do you have enough time for them? Let's face it we are pulled in multiple directions every single day. We need to CUT BACK, THROW OUT, and TURN OFF.
You will never change the world watching re-runs. God doesn't care the make or model of the car you drive. The type of counter tops in your kitchen don't matter. The size of your house, whether you own a boat, or even the right pair of pants. It's all small stuff.
Matthew 6: 19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. It will all turn to dust.
We all need to cut back. You can't be pulled in ten directions all day long. You have to choose. Spend your time wisely. What is important, and why is it important? Take that and use it! Time is not best when stored up for later. It's one of those things that we either use or we lose! You can't get back yesterday no matter how hard you try.
Throw out all that junk and clutter. Having less can be good. Seriously throw out all the excess and only keep what you need. If you forgot you have it then you won't miss it when it is gone.
Most of all turn off all the things that are time wastes. He who has the most followers on twitter does not get into heaven any quicker than the guy who has never heard of twitter. He who has the newest apps on his smartphone is not any better than the guy who doesn't have a smart phone. If fact for many of us our cell phones have become an idol. Television is not important, those games you play are a waste of time, and your phone....................... Stop buying things because they are a great deal. If you don't need it; well you don't need it.
Once you get rid of all that doesn't matter it is time to fight for what does matter.
"My life is too valuable, my calling too great, and my God too good to waste my life on things that don't matter." Craig Groeschel
Your life is too! Your calling may be greater than you can imagine, and I promise God is that good!
Mighty to Save
Hillsong United
Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.
Hillsong United
Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.
Monday, January 9, 2012
What is church?
John 8: 7-9 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
I don't know about you, but I hate my church parking lot. It is no different than any other parking lot. Crazy drivers, angry people in a hurry to get somewhere, and even accidents. With the church not ten feet away. Not ten feet away people shake hands, worship together, and pray for one another. What happens in those 20 to 50 steps we take to our car. Does our spiritual strength end the moment we step out the doors of our church.
It is important to remember that the church is a hospital for sinners, not a hotel for saints. It's a place where people go to improve their spiritual health. It's a place where people go for encouragement, and to get their spiritual batteries recharged.
The church is not perfect in fact no one is perfect. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, I know that I am among the crazy drivers. I am often impatient, frustrated, and even angry. I think the hypocrisy of the world is so often perpetuated by those people who hold their church above all else. For these people their church has become an idol. It is not Jesus they worship so much as the church they worship in. Their pastor is the only one with the message. They have the only way to God and if you aren't attending that church you aren't getting there.
We've all met a few of these people. They may not act like Christians during the week, but if you ever ask them about their faith they will proudly tell you about there church. Don't bother telling them about your church, your mission, or your faith because if you aren't sitting next to them on Sunday you just don't measure up.
We all have the potential to become these people. It's in our nature, but Jesus didn't call us to judge by our standards. He told us we would be held to his standards. He didn't care where we sat on Sunday as much as where our heart was.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
I don't know about you, but I hate my church parking lot. It is no different than any other parking lot. Crazy drivers, angry people in a hurry to get somewhere, and even accidents. With the church not ten feet away. Not ten feet away people shake hands, worship together, and pray for one another. What happens in those 20 to 50 steps we take to our car. Does our spiritual strength end the moment we step out the doors of our church.
It is important to remember that the church is a hospital for sinners, not a hotel for saints. It's a place where people go to improve their spiritual health. It's a place where people go for encouragement, and to get their spiritual batteries recharged.
The church is not perfect in fact no one is perfect. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, I know that I am among the crazy drivers. I am often impatient, frustrated, and even angry. I think the hypocrisy of the world is so often perpetuated by those people who hold their church above all else. For these people their church has become an idol. It is not Jesus they worship so much as the church they worship in. Their pastor is the only one with the message. They have the only way to God and if you aren't attending that church you aren't getting there.
We've all met a few of these people. They may not act like Christians during the week, but if you ever ask them about their faith they will proudly tell you about there church. Don't bother telling them about your church, your mission, or your faith because if you aren't sitting next to them on Sunday you just don't measure up.
We all have the potential to become these people. It's in our nature, but Jesus didn't call us to judge by our standards. He told us we would be held to his standards. He didn't care where we sat on Sunday as much as where our heart was.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Like Breathing in and Breathing out
What if you could live fully in God's presence? What would that be like? With today's social media we are all so good at tweeting, facebooking, texting, and anything quick and mobile. Craig Groschel's sermon Better is about exactly this. Craig talks about twitter and how we can update our status as often as we want in 140 characters or less. Taking this principal and applying it to our prayer life can mean constant communication with God. In 140 characters or less. Short little prayers as we go through our day. Acknowledging his presence, seeking his will, and praying for his guidance. Imagine if living in his presence was as natural to you as breathing in and breathing out.
I have to add that today at church I got my coffee all ready and started to have a drink when I realized...................21 days. So Eric got to drink my glorious Starbucks coffee and I had a hot cocoa! I miss coffee, but every time I miss it I am reminded of God. Fasting is amazing and it truly brings you closer to God. The more you give up, the more you will be reminded of his presence in your life.
Psalm 84:10 Better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
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