Jeremiah 18:4
And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.
Romans 9:21
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?
Romans 9:20-22 Isaiah 64:8
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
Jeremiah 18:6
O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
Have Thine own way Lord, have Thine own way;
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me, after thy will,
While I am waiting , humbly and still.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tug Test
Scripture: Proverbs 11:13
"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret" NIV
The dictionary describes a gossip as a person who habitually spreads intimate or private rumors.
From personal experience --- counseling people who are motivated to gossip --- I can add --- gossip does way more harm than good.
One day Bobby met his best friend Dan and said, "Do you know what I just heard about Tommy?" "Hold on a minute," Dan replied. "Before telling me anything I'd like you to pass the TUG Filter Test."
"TUG Filter Test?" "That's right," Dan continued. "Before you talk to me about our friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're going to say. That's why I call it the TUG Filter Test
The first of the TUG Filters is TRUTH:
Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?" No," Bobby said, "actually I just heard about it from Susie and ---" "All right," said Dan. "So you don't know if it's true!"
The Second of the TUG Filters is USEFULNESS:
Bobby, "Is what you want to tell me about Tommy going to be useful to me?" "Well, no, not really!" "Well," concluded Dan, "If what you want to tell me is not useful maybe you should better evaluate your intent."
The last of the TUG Filters in GOODNESS:
"Is what you are about to tell me about our friend something good?" "No, to the contrary ---" "So," Dan continued, "If what you want to tell me about Tommy is not true --- not good --- and not even useful --- why tell me at all?"
So when confronted with a gossip situation --- combat it with TUG. Conversation that is truthful, useful and good.
Eph 4:29 says, "Let no corrupt conversation proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good for the use of edifying."
I have noticed that most of the time when two or more people get together, they "will" talk negative about someone; almost seems that they don't have anything to talk about that is positive.
It sure makes a difference in how you feel when you leave someone who has good stuff to share with you.
Let's practice saying only good stuff and watch the reactions of the one-s we talk to.
"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret" NIV
The dictionary describes a gossip as a person who habitually spreads intimate or private rumors.
From personal experience --- counseling people who are motivated to gossip --- I can add --- gossip does way more harm than good.
One day Bobby met his best friend Dan and said, "Do you know what I just heard about Tommy?" "Hold on a minute," Dan replied. "Before telling me anything I'd like you to pass the TUG Filter Test."
"TUG Filter Test?" "That's right," Dan continued. "Before you talk to me about our friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're going to say. That's why I call it the TUG Filter Test
The first of the TUG Filters is TRUTH:
Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?" No," Bobby said, "actually I just heard about it from Susie and ---" "All right," said Dan. "So you don't know if it's true!"
The Second of the TUG Filters is USEFULNESS:
Bobby, "Is what you want to tell me about Tommy going to be useful to me?" "Well, no, not really!" "Well," concluded Dan, "If what you want to tell me is not useful maybe you should better evaluate your intent."
The last of the TUG Filters in GOODNESS:
"Is what you are about to tell me about our friend something good?" "No, to the contrary ---" "So," Dan continued, "If what you want to tell me about Tommy is not true --- not good --- and not even useful --- why tell me at all?"
So when confronted with a gossip situation --- combat it with TUG. Conversation that is truthful, useful and good.
Eph 4:29 says, "Let no corrupt conversation proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good for the use of edifying."
I have noticed that most of the time when two or more people get together, they "will" talk negative about someone; almost seems that they don't have anything to talk about that is positive.
It sure makes a difference in how you feel when you leave someone who has good stuff to share with you.
Let's practice saying only good stuff and watch the reactions of the one-s we talk to.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Awesome God
Isaiah 40:26
26 Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things,
Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name,
By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing. (NKJV)
The world is not lacking in Wonders, but in people having a sense of wonder.
Scientists who have sought out the wonders of creation are awed by the Wonder of it all. Creation itself is so vast and wonderful that no one who thinks rationally could possibly think of it as "the big bang"
How about you? does the very thought that that the God you serve is the one who created all this make you want to fall at His feet in worship. Does our sense of wonder cause us to be proud of knowing Him. I mean, "He is our Father!"
Psalm 104:24-33
24 O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all.
The earth is full of Your possessions— 25 This great and wide sea,
In which are innumerable teeming things, Living things both small and great.
26 There the ships sail about; There is that Leviathan Which You have made to play there.
27 These all wait for You, That You may give them their food in due season.
28 What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good.
29 You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth.
31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; May the LORD rejoice in His works.
32 He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the hills, and they smoke.
33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
26 Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things,
Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name,
By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing. (NKJV)
The world is not lacking in Wonders, but in people having a sense of wonder.
Scientists who have sought out the wonders of creation are awed by the Wonder of it all. Creation itself is so vast and wonderful that no one who thinks rationally could possibly think of it as "the big bang"
How about you? does the very thought that that the God you serve is the one who created all this make you want to fall at His feet in worship. Does our sense of wonder cause us to be proud of knowing Him. I mean, "He is our Father!"
Psalm 104:24-33
24 O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all.
The earth is full of Your possessions— 25 This great and wide sea,
In which are innumerable teeming things, Living things both small and great.
26 There the ships sail about; There is that Leviathan Which You have made to play there.
27 These all wait for You, That You may give them their food in due season.
28 What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good.
29 You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth.
31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; May the LORD rejoice in His works.
32 He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the hills, and they smoke.
33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Cheer Up
Psalms17:22, says; “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”(nlt)
If you are always looking at the bad side of life you are on dangerous ground; not only spiritually, but also, physically.Ecc.3:14 says,”There is a time to laugh,” The way we look at life is up to us, not those around us. I have actually heard some people say, “I can’t live right as long as I am around that person.” That is entirely up to you, not the other person. Ps 124:1-3 says, “Those who trust in the Lord are like mount Zion which cannot be shaken.” When we can serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with singing.” (Ps100:2 nkjv) It takes our mind off negative stuff.
You can always find something to rejoice about when you remember “Who” is on your side. “A cheerful heart is like medicine,”
Doctors have confirmed that “laughter de-stresses us and strengthens our immune system.” So come on, changing your mind is your decision, do it and live a long fruitful, enjoyable life!
If you are always looking at the bad side of life you are on dangerous ground; not only spiritually, but also, physically.Ecc.3:14 says,”There is a time to laugh,” The way we look at life is up to us, not those around us. I have actually heard some people say, “I can’t live right as long as I am around that person.” That is entirely up to you, not the other person. Ps 124:1-3 says, “Those who trust in the Lord are like mount Zion which cannot be shaken.” When we can serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with singing.” (Ps100:2 nkjv) It takes our mind off negative stuff.
You can always find something to rejoice about when you remember “Who” is on your side. “A cheerful heart is like medicine,”
Doctors have confirmed that “laughter de-stresses us and strengthens our immune system.” So come on, changing your mind is your decision, do it and live a long fruitful, enjoyable life!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Eternity
John 14:6
Jn. 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Acts 4:12
12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
How could Jesus make these statements and expect people to believe them? Because He defeated death by rising from the dead. In this way, He also defeated time! time as we understand it with our finite minds.
1 Thessalonians 4:17
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
Eternity, Eternity, to some a blessed thought ;
To others, seperation from the one they had not sought.___PetersonThe one who lives for this life only, will have eternity to regret it. (copied from daily bread)
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Peace, God's peace
Love. Peace, Joy;
These are the things that the whole world is looking for; They go after these things using all sorts of things, Jobs, drugs, people, etc. Some think if I can just get my body in shape, or get stronger than everybody else, then I will be happy, joyful, and at peace. However, the worlds peace and joy is temporary; It only lasts till things go wrong, then it takes flight.
In John 14:27 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
The peace that comes from Jesus will not leave us when things get tough in our life. Just as the Love that God gives is an everlasting love. When He said “Love your enemies.” He wasn’t telling us to do something that we couldn’t do. The love of God that He gives to us is just like His love He has for us; It never ceases.
Isaiah 55:12
12 “ For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
The world offers a feeling of peace that operates only when things are going well;
When everything seems to be going wrong in your life and still you remain calm; that’s the peace of God that “transcends” goes beyond understanding.
How do I get this peace?
1pet5:6-7; Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus."
These are the things that the whole world is looking for; They go after these things using all sorts of things, Jobs, drugs, people, etc. Some think if I can just get my body in shape, or get stronger than everybody else, then I will be happy, joyful, and at peace. However, the worlds peace and joy is temporary; It only lasts till things go wrong, then it takes flight.
In John 14:27 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
The peace that comes from Jesus will not leave us when things get tough in our life. Just as the Love that God gives is an everlasting love. When He said “Love your enemies.” He wasn’t telling us to do something that we couldn’t do. The love of God that He gives to us is just like His love He has for us; It never ceases.
Isaiah 55:12
12 “ For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
The world offers a feeling of peace that operates only when things are going well;
When everything seems to be going wrong in your life and still you remain calm; that’s the peace of God that “transcends” goes beyond understanding.
How do I get this peace?
1pet5:6-7; Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus."
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Potter and the clay
Dear Family and Friends,
The arrangements for Bob's funeral are as follows -
Visitation will be on Monday from 3-9 at Hauss Funeral Home (47477 Romeo Plank Rd--north of 21 Mile Road. ). The funeral service will be on Tuesday at Bethany Baptist Church (19700 15 Mile Rd -- at the corner of Beaconsfield) at 11 a.m. with a time of visitation from 10-11 a.m. preceding the service.
The service will be followed by a luncheon in Bethany's Fellowship Hall.
you can go to www.haussfamilyfuneralhomes.com for more details
I added a Daily Bread reading that Bob's aunt Billie in Tennessee had sent to us. I liked it a lot and thought you might too.
Thanks all,
Love, Chris
April 16, 2010
The Treasure And The Pots
READ: 2 Corinthians 4:1-11
We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. —2 Corinthians 4:7It has been said that the Roman Empire ran on olive oil. It was used in cooking, bathing, medicine, ceremonies, lamps, and cosmetics. For decades, olive oil from southern Spain was shipped to Rome in large clay jugs called amphorae. Those jugs, not worth sending back, were discarded in a growing heap of broken shards known as Monte Testaccio. The fragments of an estimated 25 million amphorae created that man-made hill, which stands today on the bank of the Tiber River in Rome. In the ancient world, the value of those pots was not their beauty but their contents.
Because of this, the first-century followers of Christ would have clearly understood Paul’s illustration of the life of Jesus in every believer. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Cor. 4:7).
Our bodies, like amphorae, are temporary, fragile, and expendable. In our modern world that highly values outward beauty, we would be wise to remember that our greatest treasure is the life of Jesus within us. By God’s grace and power, may we live so that others can see Christ in us.
We are just the clay pots. Jesus is the true treasure within us. —David McCasland
Although my outward shell decays,
I’m inwardly renewed each day,
Because the life and power of Christ
Indwells this fragile jar of clay. —Sper
Christ is seen most clearly when we remain in the background.
The arrangements for Bob's funeral are as follows -
Visitation will be on Monday from 3-9 at Hauss Funeral Home (47477 Romeo Plank Rd--north of 21 Mile Road. ). The funeral service will be on Tuesday at Bethany Baptist Church (19700 15 Mile Rd -- at the corner of Beaconsfield) at 11 a.m. with a time of visitation from 10-11 a.m. preceding the service.
The service will be followed by a luncheon in Bethany's Fellowship Hall.
you can go to www.haussfamilyfuneralhomes.com for more details
I added a Daily Bread reading that Bob's aunt Billie in Tennessee had sent to us. I liked it a lot and thought you might too.
Thanks all,
Love, Chris
April 16, 2010
The Treasure And The Pots
READ: 2 Corinthians 4:1-11
We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. —2 Corinthians 4:7It has been said that the Roman Empire ran on olive oil. It was used in cooking, bathing, medicine, ceremonies, lamps, and cosmetics. For decades, olive oil from southern Spain was shipped to Rome in large clay jugs called amphorae. Those jugs, not worth sending back, were discarded in a growing heap of broken shards known as Monte Testaccio. The fragments of an estimated 25 million amphorae created that man-made hill, which stands today on the bank of the Tiber River in Rome. In the ancient world, the value of those pots was not their beauty but their contents.
Because of this, the first-century followers of Christ would have clearly understood Paul’s illustration of the life of Jesus in every believer. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Cor. 4:7).
Our bodies, like amphorae, are temporary, fragile, and expendable. In our modern world that highly values outward beauty, we would be wise to remember that our greatest treasure is the life of Jesus within us. By God’s grace and power, may we live so that others can see Christ in us.
We are just the clay pots. Jesus is the true treasure within us. —David McCasland
Although my outward shell decays,
I’m inwardly renewed each day,
Because the life and power of Christ
Indwells this fragile jar of clay. —Sper
Christ is seen most clearly when we remain in the background.
Friday, April 16, 2010
In Everything
In Everything
1Thess5:18; “In everything give thanks.
In Acts 16:22-25, Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into jail; The Bible tells us that, “At midnight they sang praises unto God and the prisoners heard them.”
Have you ever wondered, how could they sing praises to God when they were beaten and bloody and hurting?
Just let some little thing happen to us and we are moaning and groaning and complaining! {I am speaking for myself now} The first thing we think about is “poor ole me, or, why me? Sometimes the farthest thing from our mind is “Praise”!
May we learn from Paul and Silas to count our blessings instead of looking at the circumstances; just like them when we choose to think positive instead of negative God can work a miracle through us. When you read the rest of this scripture you find that because they chose to praise, the jailer and his whole family were saved.
Song:: Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by! (Oatman)
Praise to God comes naturally when you count your blessings.
1Thess5:18; “In everything give thanks.
In Acts 16:22-25, Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into jail; The Bible tells us that, “At midnight they sang praises unto God and the prisoners heard them.”
Have you ever wondered, how could they sing praises to God when they were beaten and bloody and hurting?
Just let some little thing happen to us and we are moaning and groaning and complaining! {I am speaking for myself now} The first thing we think about is “poor ole me, or, why me? Sometimes the farthest thing from our mind is “Praise”!
May we learn from Paul and Silas to count our blessings instead of looking at the circumstances; just like them when we choose to think positive instead of negative God can work a miracle through us. When you read the rest of this scripture you find that because they chose to praise, the jailer and his whole family were saved.
Song:: Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by! (Oatman)
Praise to God comes naturally when you count your blessings.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Come
Come
Luke 14:18-20 - New King James Version ...18 But they all with one accord began to make excuses.
Doesn’t it seem ridiculous that someone invited to the wedding of the century would make excuses for not attending? What an honor this was, and yet, the first ones invited didn’t want to go.
We know that this was a reference to Jesus coming to the Jews first and them rejecting Him; and yet; how many of us are making excuses for not fulfilling what God has invited us to?
Heb4:1-3 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them,[a] not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:
This is a call from God at this time; Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there. There is an invitation today, Come. Let us not make excuses why we can’t come. What an honor to come, lay it all down at the Masters feet, What is your excuse? What is my excuse? Are we making excuses or Coming?
Luke 14:18-20 - New King James Version ...18 But they all with one accord began to make excuses.
Doesn’t it seem ridiculous that someone invited to the wedding of the century would make excuses for not attending? What an honor this was, and yet, the first ones invited didn’t want to go.
We know that this was a reference to Jesus coming to the Jews first and them rejecting Him; and yet; how many of us are making excuses for not fulfilling what God has invited us to?
Heb4:1-3 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them,[a] not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:
This is a call from God at this time; Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there. There is an invitation today, Come. Let us not make excuses why we can’t come. What an honor to come, lay it all down at the Masters feet, What is your excuse? What is my excuse? Are we making excuses or Coming?
Monday, April 12, 2010
Crisis Needed
(Genesis 32:24-25 NLT).
Crisis Needed
"This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket"
Are you in a crisis today? Congratulations! You're about to be changed. You don't have to stay the same. God is getting ready to make a change in your life.
The Bible teaches that our biggest struggle in life is with God because we want to be in control. We want to be God.
That was the problem that Jacob had, insisted he be able to control his life to such an extent that he even wanted to change the order of his birth. Jacob was a twin and the Bible says when he came out of his mother's womb, he was clinging to his older brother's ankle, grappling to be the first one out. He spent a lifetime in conflict with his brother, Esau, but his biggest battle was with God.
One night he even tried to go one-on-one with God. Some people want to debate who Jacob actually wrestled but the Bible tells us in Hosea: "Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God" (Hosea 12:3 NLT).
I want you to think of the biggest problem you've got right now. It probably will come to mind quickly; yet, regardless of what that problem is, I suspect it all boils down to these two issues.
1. 'Will I obey God in this situation and do what He says is the right thing to do, whether I like it or not?' Or,
2. 'Will I trust God in this situation, letting him handle it?'
No matter what your problem is--financial, physical, relational, social, or vocational--your biggest problem is not your problem. The real problem is not obeying and trusting God. And that makes the problem bigger.
Have you ever been in a no win situation? Perhaps you're in a 'no win situation' right now. Who do you think is behind that? God is! God backs you into a corner. Why? Because God often allows crisis in our lives in order to get our attention. All of a sudden we’re laid flat on our backs and we're forced to look up.
God loves you just the way you are, but He loves you far too much to let you just stay stuck in your habits, hang-ups and hurts. He wants to change you. He wants to help you grow, to be better, to be different, and to be all that you were meant to be. And so He allows a crisis.
Why? Because we rarely change until the pain we feel exceeds our fear of change. We don't change when we see the light; we change when we feel the heat.
God uses situations to move you to where you need to be. # one situation is a crisis that gets your attention and forces you to look toward God. Pray about this: In what areas are you struggling with God?
Scriptures taken from Purpose Driven Life (Rick Warren)
Crisis Needed
"This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket"
Are you in a crisis today? Congratulations! You're about to be changed. You don't have to stay the same. God is getting ready to make a change in your life.
The Bible teaches that our biggest struggle in life is with God because we want to be in control. We want to be God.
That was the problem that Jacob had, insisted he be able to control his life to such an extent that he even wanted to change the order of his birth. Jacob was a twin and the Bible says when he came out of his mother's womb, he was clinging to his older brother's ankle, grappling to be the first one out. He spent a lifetime in conflict with his brother, Esau, but his biggest battle was with God.
One night he even tried to go one-on-one with God. Some people want to debate who Jacob actually wrestled but the Bible tells us in Hosea: "Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God" (Hosea 12:3 NLT).
I want you to think of the biggest problem you've got right now. It probably will come to mind quickly; yet, regardless of what that problem is, I suspect it all boils down to these two issues.
1. 'Will I obey God in this situation and do what He says is the right thing to do, whether I like it or not?' Or,
2. 'Will I trust God in this situation, letting him handle it?'
No matter what your problem is--financial, physical, relational, social, or vocational--your biggest problem is not your problem. The real problem is not obeying and trusting God. And that makes the problem bigger.
Have you ever been in a no win situation? Perhaps you're in a 'no win situation' right now. Who do you think is behind that? God is! God backs you into a corner. Why? Because God often allows crisis in our lives in order to get our attention. All of a sudden we’re laid flat on our backs and we're forced to look up.
God loves you just the way you are, but He loves you far too much to let you just stay stuck in your habits, hang-ups and hurts. He wants to change you. He wants to help you grow, to be better, to be different, and to be all that you were meant to be. And so He allows a crisis.
Why? Because we rarely change until the pain we feel exceeds our fear of change. We don't change when we see the light; we change when we feel the heat.
God uses situations to move you to where you need to be. # one situation is a crisis that gets your attention and forces you to look toward God. Pray about this: In what areas are you struggling with God?
Scriptures taken from Purpose Driven Life (Rick Warren)
Crisis Needed
(Genesis 32:24-25 NLT).
Crisis Needed
"This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket"
Are you in a crisis today? Congratulations! You're about to be changed. You don't have to stay the same. God is getting ready to make a change in your life.
The Bible teaches that our biggest struggle in life is with God because we want to be in control. We want to be God.
That was the problem that Jacob had, insisted he be able to control his life to such an extent that he even wanted to change the order of his birth. Jacob was a twin and the Bible says when he came out of his mother's womb, he was clinging to his older brother's ankle, grappling to be the first one out. He spent a lifetime in conflict with his brother, Esau, but his biggest battle was with God.
One night he even tried to go one-on-one with God. Some people want to debate who Jacob actually wrestled but the Bible tells us in Hosea: "Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God" (Hosea 12:3 NLT).
I want you to think of the biggest problem you've got right now. It probably will come to mind quickly; yet, regardless of what that problem is, I suspect it all boils down to these two issues.
1. 'Will I obey God in this situation and do what He says is the right thing to do, whether I like it or not?' Or,
2. 'Will I trust God in this situation, letting him handle it?'
No matter what your problem is--financial, physical, relational, social, or vocational--your biggest problem is not your problem. The real problem is not obeying and trusting God. And that makes the problem bigger.
Have you ever been in a no win situation? Perhaps you're in a 'no win situation' right now. Who do you think is behind that? God is! God backs you into a corner. Why? Because God often allows crisis in our lives in order to get our attention. All of a sudden we’re laid flat on our backs and we're forced to look up.
God loves you just the way you are, but He loves you far too much to let you just stay stuck in your habits, hang-ups and hurts. He wants to change you. He wants to help you grow, to be better, to be different, and to be all that you were meant to be. And so He allows a crisis.
Why? Because we rarely change until the pain we feel exceeds our fear of change. We don't change when we see the light; we change when we feel the heat.
God uses situations to move you to where you need to be. # one situation is a crisis that gets your attention and forces you to look toward God. Pray about this: In what areas are you struggling with God?
Scriptures taken from Purpose Driven Life (Rick Warren)
Crisis Needed
"This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket"
Are you in a crisis today? Congratulations! You're about to be changed. You don't have to stay the same. God is getting ready to make a change in your life.
The Bible teaches that our biggest struggle in life is with God because we want to be in control. We want to be God.
That was the problem that Jacob had, insisted he be able to control his life to such an extent that he even wanted to change the order of his birth. Jacob was a twin and the Bible says when he came out of his mother's womb, he was clinging to his older brother's ankle, grappling to be the first one out. He spent a lifetime in conflict with his brother, Esau, but his biggest battle was with God.
One night he even tried to go one-on-one with God. Some people want to debate who Jacob actually wrestled but the Bible tells us in Hosea: "Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God" (Hosea 12:3 NLT).
I want you to think of the biggest problem you've got right now. It probably will come to mind quickly; yet, regardless of what that problem is, I suspect it all boils down to these two issues.
1. 'Will I obey God in this situation and do what He says is the right thing to do, whether I like it or not?' Or,
2. 'Will I trust God in this situation, letting him handle it?'
No matter what your problem is--financial, physical, relational, social, or vocational--your biggest problem is not your problem. The real problem is not obeying and trusting God. And that makes the problem bigger.
Have you ever been in a no win situation? Perhaps you're in a 'no win situation' right now. Who do you think is behind that? God is! God backs you into a corner. Why? Because God often allows crisis in our lives in order to get our attention. All of a sudden we’re laid flat on our backs and we're forced to look up.
God loves you just the way you are, but He loves you far too much to let you just stay stuck in your habits, hang-ups and hurts. He wants to change you. He wants to help you grow, to be better, to be different, and to be all that you were meant to be. And so He allows a crisis.
Why? Because we rarely change until the pain we feel exceeds our fear of change. We don't change when we see the light; we change when we feel the heat.
God uses situations to move you to where you need to be. # one situation is a crisis that gets your attention and forces you to look toward God. Pray about this: In what areas are you struggling with God?
Scriptures taken from Purpose Driven Life (Rick Warren)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Trust
Trust
Ps.37
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
In Psalms 37, God is saying, Do what’s right and trust Me. Regardless of how badly you may seem to be losing, just do My will and leave the outcome to me. I’ll make sure that eventually you’ll be a winner.
Poem by Sper:
To know our work is not in vain,
As partners of the Lord.
Provides the patience that we need,
To wait for God’s reward… You can’t lose if you stay with God’s plan.
When you feel that your strength is low and your faith almost gone just remember the word says; “In your weakness HE becomes your strength.
2cor.12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
The word is our sustainer in every situation; , God is an omnipresent God and is with you always, even when you feel that your faith is failing He will make sure that it doesn’t. He looks on the heart, not your emotions.
God bless,
Ps.37
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
In Psalms 37, God is saying, Do what’s right and trust Me. Regardless of how badly you may seem to be losing, just do My will and leave the outcome to me. I’ll make sure that eventually you’ll be a winner.
Poem by Sper:
To know our work is not in vain,
As partners of the Lord.
Provides the patience that we need,
To wait for God’s reward… You can’t lose if you stay with God’s plan.
When you feel that your strength is low and your faith almost gone just remember the word says; “In your weakness HE becomes your strength.
2cor.12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
The word is our sustainer in every situation; , God is an omnipresent God and is with you always, even when you feel that your faith is failing He will make sure that it doesn’t. He looks on the heart, not your emotions.
God bless,
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
To Know Him
Philippians 3:8 (New King James Version)
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
Many of us are racing through life trying to get approval of others and our self.
We are using all our energy and vitality trying to please someone to which it will gain us nothing in the end.
Paul was such a man; He was trying to please God by keeping the letter of the law in all the ways that gained him nothing. When he was faced by Jesus Christ Himself he found out that he had spent his whole life keeping a law that was the wrong law. One thing about Paul was, when he was faced with the Truth, he didn’t fight it. Paul understood that knowing Christ was the most important thing in the whole world.
He said, I consider everything rubbish so that I can “know” christ.
Philippians 3:13
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.(Php.3)
If we want to gain the things that really matter we will set our sights on pleasing the one who really matters, the Lord Jesus. The better we Know Him the smaller the things of this world will look to us.
John 15:14 Jesus said;
“You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.”
Let the Blessing flow!!
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
Many of us are racing through life trying to get approval of others and our self.
We are using all our energy and vitality trying to please someone to which it will gain us nothing in the end.
Paul was such a man; He was trying to please God by keeping the letter of the law in all the ways that gained him nothing. When he was faced by Jesus Christ Himself he found out that he had spent his whole life keeping a law that was the wrong law. One thing about Paul was, when he was faced with the Truth, he didn’t fight it. Paul understood that knowing Christ was the most important thing in the whole world.
He said, I consider everything rubbish so that I can “know” christ.
Philippians 3:13
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.(Php.3)
If we want to gain the things that really matter we will set our sights on pleasing the one who really matters, the Lord Jesus. The better we Know Him the smaller the things of this world will look to us.
John 15:14 Jesus said;
“You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.”
Let the Blessing flow!!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
We are one
Ephesians 4:15-17 - Passage Lookup - New King James Version - BibleGateway.com: "15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."
According to this scripture we are all part of each other and that makes up the body of Christ.
What could we possibly be thinking when we try to ignore or judge someone who is not doing as good as we want them to or, think they should be.
2cor5:18;"Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us unto Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation."
Judging is not our job, reconciling is our job.
"Teach me to feel anothers woe,
to hide the fault I see;
The mercy I to others show,
that mercy show to me.--Pope
Overlook the faults of others and overcome your own.
According to this scripture we are all part of each other and that makes up the body of Christ.
What could we possibly be thinking when we try to ignore or judge someone who is not doing as good as we want them to or, think they should be.
2cor5:18;"Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us unto Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation."
Judging is not our job, reconciling is our job.
"Teach me to feel anothers woe,
to hide the fault I see;
The mercy I to others show,
that mercy show to me.--Pope
Overlook the faults of others and overcome your own.
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