Some times when life is heavy it feels like I am burdened with a tremendous weight or pulling a sleigh full of stuff. I feel bogged down. Sometimes the sleigh gets heavier as I go. Another 5 pound weight of hurt is added because of a hurtful thing said, another 50 lbs because of something I did and feel guilty for and so life goes. Heavier and heavier the load gets until Satan has rendered me useless.
Isn't it grand though when we remember that God forgives, that he is there for us in every valley and wants us to live weightless and free.
Kari Jobe - The More I Seek You w/lyrics
Beautiful Things - Gungor Lyric Video
Brandon Heath Your Love - Fisher of Men
Thursday 31 January 2013
Deny myself, really? (Mark 8:34-38)
Could Jesus really be asking me to deny myself for the furthering of his kindom?
Mark 8:34-38 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
The Way of the Cross
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Tuesday 29 January 2013
Is my heart pure (Mark 7:20-23 )
Is my heart pure? What am I doing to maintain it, to feed it so that it is pure and my thoughts are pure?
Mark 7:20-23 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
Mark 7:20-23 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
20 He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”
with out honor in your home town???
Could it be that a person could be without honor in their own home town, amongst their own people? Do you ever feel like you have to go else where to be appreciated, to be recognised? Have you ever thought that you have gifts and talents that people close to you are just not recognising? Jesus knew too what it was like not to be appreciated.
Mark 6:1-6 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Mark 6:1-6 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
A Prophet Without Honor
6 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.
“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,[a] Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Monday 28 January 2013
your faith has healed you (Mark 5:25-34)
Can you imagine to having such faith in someone, that simply toughing them would make you well?
Mark 5:25-34 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
Mark 5:25-34 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”
32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
God still heals today, we have experienced it.
Kari Jobe Healer
30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”
32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
God still heals today, we have experienced it.
Kari Jobe Healer
demon posessed pigs (Mark 5:1-2, 11-13)
Growing up on a pig farm, I often thought the pigs were kinda stupid, ok really, really stupid. They were relentless in snorting and snouting around and pestering ya, kinda like they were demon possessed. The below story reminds me of them and at times I wished they would have rushed into a lake and drown.
Mark 5:1-2, 11-13 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
Mark 5:1-2, 11-13 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him..............11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
Sunday 27 January 2013
Am I like a cactus
What kinda Christian am I, am I prickly like a cactus or am I warm and welcoming? Am I rule based or love based? What am I doing to sell Christianity as something that is appealing?
If I am quick to judge and point out a flaw, is that Christ like? In the bible Jesus loved on the tax collectors and on the prostitutes and shoved the rules in the face of those who put rules first and tried to corner him with them like say those Pharisee types.
Perhaps we should love first. Maybe if I love God with all my heart, following him and trying to live pure would be a by product. Maybe trying to abide by rule first and love latter isn't the way to go. It doesn't seem like that was Jesus example.
And Jesus said the greatest commandment is to ......Love
Matthew 22:36-40
If I am quick to judge and point out a flaw, is that Christ like? In the bible Jesus loved on the tax collectors and on the prostitutes and shoved the rules in the face of those who put rules first and tried to corner him with them like say those Pharisee types.
Perhaps we should love first. Maybe if I love God with all my heart, following him and trying to live pure would be a by product. Maybe trying to abide by rule first and love latter isn't the way to go. It doesn't seem like that was Jesus example.
And Jesus said the greatest commandment is to ......Love
Matthew 22:36-40
New International Version (NIV)
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Saturday 26 January 2013
Snow white...
Snow white, its that time of year when the ground is covered with a beautiful white layer. After it has nicely snowed, the snow looks so crisp, white and pure. Psalm 51 is a prayer of repentance where David says.......
Psalm 51:7 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Its an interesting statement "Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow", but it paints a clear picture of what Jesus can do for us, the purity we can experience in God's eyes if we accept this gift.
Jon Foreman - "White as Snow"
Meredith Andrews - Draw Me Nearer
Jesus Culture -Your Love Never Fails
Psalm 51:7 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Its an interesting statement "Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow", but it paints a clear picture of what Jesus can do for us, the purity we can experience in God's eyes if we accept this gift.
Jon Foreman - "White as Snow"
Meredith Andrews - Draw Me Nearer
Jesus Culture -Your Love Never Fails
Friday 25 January 2013
Did you know....
Did you know the people that are the strongest are usually the most sensitive? Did you know the people who exhibit the most kindness are the first to get mistreated? Did you know the one who takes care of others all the time are usually the ones who need it the most? Did you know the 3 hardest things to say are I love you, I'm sorry, and Help me. Sometimes just because a person looks happy, you have to look past their smile and see how much pain they may be in.
Author, not me
Author, not me
Sunday 20 January 2013
Are you lonely?
Are you lonely?
Loneliness, we often view it as an issue for a person who is alone, like for a widow, widower or a single person. Surely though it could not be someone who seemingly has it all, someone who has people around them, someone who has the means to buy people and happiness.
Could it be that many people feel alone when they physically are not? Could it be that many crave the kind of acceptance that famous movie star Jody Foster spoke of in her recent award acceptance speech? While her speech seemed to be about a lifestyle choice, it is the part about her loneliness and craving for acceptance that stood out to me.
Jodie Foster's Confession (No, Not That One) Made Her My Hero
We all have our own set of experiences as I am sure Jody does, experiences that have shaped us and left us with feelings, perhaps of joy, happiness, frustration, anger, pain or loneliness. I can identify with Jody's statement about wanting to feel accepted. My life experiences have left me feeling different, alone and separated at times. We all have our own experiences that leave us feeling very unique. Perhaps you feel alone because no one understands your job at work, your role as a homemaker or what you have been through.
Are we willing to empathize with others to close that gap? Are we willing to carry each others burdens?
http://www.biblegateway.com
Loneliness, we often view it as an issue for a person who is alone, like for a widow, widower or a single person. Surely though it could not be someone who seemingly has it all, someone who has people around them, someone who has the means to buy people and happiness.
Could it be that many people feel alone when they physically are not? Could it be that many crave the kind of acceptance that famous movie star Jody Foster spoke of in her recent award acceptance speech? While her speech seemed to be about a lifestyle choice, it is the part about her loneliness and craving for acceptance that stood out to me.
Jodie Foster's Confession (No, Not That One) Made Her My Hero
We all have our own set of experiences as I am sure Jody does, experiences that have shaped us and left us with feelings, perhaps of joy, happiness, frustration, anger, pain or loneliness. I can identify with Jody's statement about wanting to feel accepted. My life experiences have left me feeling different, alone and separated at times. We all have our own experiences that leave us feeling very unique. Perhaps you feel alone because no one understands your job at work, your role as a homemaker or what you have been through.
Are we willing to empathize with others to close that gap? Are we willing to carry each others burdens?
http://www.biblegateway.com
8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Psalm 40:1-3
Psalm 40:1-3
New International Version (NIV)
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
Galatians 6:2
New International Version (NIV)
2 Carry each other’s burdens,fulfill the law of Christ.
Saturday 19 January 2013
R the days of Noah & the ark different than today?
R the days of Noah & the ark different than today?
Genesis 6:5-8, 13-14, 17-18, 21 http://www.biblegateway.com
New International Version (NIV)
5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.
13 So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out.
17 I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you.
21 Every living thing that moved on land perished—birds, livestock, wild animals, all the creatures that swarm over the earth, and all mankind.
We live in a very sinful world and in very sinfull times. We as Christians have been lulled to sleep, many of us are not active participants in spreading Gods goods news, rather we are endulging in what the world offers. God gives us free choice in life.
Will we regret our free choices when we realize how many people we interacted with that we did not take the opportunity to show God's love?
Will we be like Noah may have been in the ark? As the waters rose were people pounding on the ark trying to get in? Will people say, why did you not share Gods love with me, why were you so selfish?
13 So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out.
17 I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you.
21 Every living thing that moved on land perished—birds, livestock, wild animals, all the creatures that swarm over the earth, and all mankind.
We live in a very sinful world and in very sinfull times. We as Christians have been lulled to sleep, many of us are not active participants in spreading Gods goods news, rather we are endulging in what the world offers. God gives us free choice in life.
Will we regret our free choices when we realize how many people we interacted with that we did not take the opportunity to show God's love?
Will we be like Noah may have been in the ark? As the waters rose were people pounding on the ark trying to get in? Will people say, why did you not share Gods love with me, why were you so selfish?
Sorry Lord, but I will do my own thing....
Is this what our actions say.....
Sorry Lord, but I will do my own thing. I mean thanks for dying on the cross for me, thanks for the gift of eternity, thanks for all you wanna do for me, but I am good thanks. Things are going well and I have my own plans.
On second thought I will accept your gift, cause I kinda wanna know where I will be in eternity, but that's all I need from you. Things are going well and I have my own plans. I kinda like keeping one foot in both worlds.
I don't know where you are in your life, but I know while in the past I have not said the above to my Lord and Saviour, my actions at times have said it loud and clear.
One of the blessings of hardship is that when you are brought to your knees, you experience a reliance on God that is simply beautiful. For me it sadly disappears as soon as things start going better. Self reliance sets in and away I go rowing my own boat gently down the stream. When rough waters appear and I am again brought to my knees, I again experience that beautiful relationship between God and me.
So why don't I resolve to be totally surrendered so that I can experience that beautiful relationship day in and day out. Well, I am human and if I have any comfort it is in the fact that the biblical characters were no different. They too experienced great times of peace and joy as they experienced God and at other times God allowed them to stray and do their own thing only to be brought back into a stronger relationship with him. And so it goes in life, while we go through so called spiritual highs and lows, we should always strive to have a great relationship with the God who died for us.
Our actions should make that statement instead of "Sorry Lord, but I will do my own thing".
We should seek him.
Jeremiah 29:13 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
Kari Jobe - The more I seek you
Sorry Lord, but I will do my own thing. I mean thanks for dying on the cross for me, thanks for the gift of eternity, thanks for all you wanna do for me, but I am good thanks. Things are going well and I have my own plans.
On second thought I will accept your gift, cause I kinda wanna know where I will be in eternity, but that's all I need from you. Things are going well and I have my own plans. I kinda like keeping one foot in both worlds.
I don't know where you are in your life, but I know while in the past I have not said the above to my Lord and Saviour, my actions at times have said it loud and clear.
One of the blessings of hardship is that when you are brought to your knees, you experience a reliance on God that is simply beautiful. For me it sadly disappears as soon as things start going better. Self reliance sets in and away I go rowing my own boat gently down the stream. When rough waters appear and I am again brought to my knees, I again experience that beautiful relationship between God and me.
So why don't I resolve to be totally surrendered so that I can experience that beautiful relationship day in and day out. Well, I am human and if I have any comfort it is in the fact that the biblical characters were no different. They too experienced great times of peace and joy as they experienced God and at other times God allowed them to stray and do their own thing only to be brought back into a stronger relationship with him. And so it goes in life, while we go through so called spiritual highs and lows, we should always strive to have a great relationship with the God who died for us.
Our actions should make that statement instead of "Sorry Lord, but I will do my own thing".
We should seek him.
Jeremiah 29:13 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Kari Jobe - The more I seek you
hindsight is 20/20.......Gods vision is perfect
Hindsight is 20/20. What is 20/20, well its your vision, perfect vision is 20/20. When people remark that hindsight is 20/20, they are saying that when we reflect we can look back on what we have done with perfect vision and see what we could not see when we were in the middle of the situation.
While it may not be totally accurate, there is certainly truth to it. I know for myself I have been stuck many times, stuck in situations that I thought were hopeless. These situations have included ones with people at church, work, school, family, career paths, health situations, etc. When I say hopeless, I mean I could not see a way out.
In all of these cases I have been able to look back, sometimes years later, with 20/20 hindsight and see the situation more clearly than the pile of muck it seemed at the time. I was able to look back and see how I could have better handled it or why it seemed like God was silent in the situation. I was able to look back and see that he had a plan.
In the thick of things its hard to see sunlight, to see a way out, to see what God may have in mind. Its been very hard for my wife and I to understand what God may have in mind for us, why has he allowed what for us has been such hardship and pain. Its been hard for us to navigate some difficult turns in our lives. Figurativly speaking, on those sharp turns, where the road has become very narrow and hard to navigate, sometimes we have hit ditch at what has felt like highspeeds. We have felt banged up.
God has always been faithful and has carried us through, has brought us out of the ditch, even despite us and our mistakes. Many times we have thought that we knew better, that we knew how to navigate the tough spots, the complex situations. Always his plan has been better and yet each time we experience hardship it seems that we have to exhaust our own efforts to resolve the issue before turning to him. Before saying Let Go and Let God.
Does that sound familiar?
So when I look back with 20/20 vision I see the many errors of my ways. Fortunately for me I have someone on my side who sees things perfectly clear and wants to make my paths straight. He picks me up when I fall, He carries me when I am at my whits end and say here Lord, "fix this mess". He is my saviour and Lord.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
While it may not be totally accurate, there is certainly truth to it. I know for myself I have been stuck many times, stuck in situations that I thought were hopeless. These situations have included ones with people at church, work, school, family, career paths, health situations, etc. When I say hopeless, I mean I could not see a way out.
In all of these cases I have been able to look back, sometimes years later, with 20/20 hindsight and see the situation more clearly than the pile of muck it seemed at the time. I was able to look back and see how I could have better handled it or why it seemed like God was silent in the situation. I was able to look back and see that he had a plan.
In the thick of things its hard to see sunlight, to see a way out, to see what God may have in mind. Its been very hard for my wife and I to understand what God may have in mind for us, why has he allowed what for us has been such hardship and pain. Its been hard for us to navigate some difficult turns in our lives. Figurativly speaking, on those sharp turns, where the road has become very narrow and hard to navigate, sometimes we have hit ditch at what has felt like highspeeds. We have felt banged up.
God has always been faithful and has carried us through, has brought us out of the ditch, even despite us and our mistakes. Many times we have thought that we knew better, that we knew how to navigate the tough spots, the complex situations. Always his plan has been better and yet each time we experience hardship it seems that we have to exhaust our own efforts to resolve the issue before turning to him. Before saying Let Go and Let God.
Does that sound familiar?
So when I look back with 20/20 vision I see the many errors of my ways. Fortunately for me I have someone on my side who sees things perfectly clear and wants to make my paths straight. He picks me up when I fall, He carries me when I am at my whits end and say here Lord, "fix this mess". He is my saviour and Lord.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
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.
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.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
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.
Matthew 11:28-30 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Kari Jobe - Steady My Heart
Kari Jobe - Steady My Heart
Tuesday 15 January 2013
yippy yeh I will go where u lead me (Mark1:16-20,3:13-19)
When Jesus called the 12, I wonder what thoughts were going through there minds. Did they simply say yippy yeh we will go where you lead us or were they wondering what the deal was? Maybe they thought they were signing up for some adventure, which as it turned out they sure were. These guys left everything to follow somone. The way the text reads, they were called and they left what they knew. That's it, no complaining, no questions, they just got up and went, WOW!
Jesus is still calling today, am I listening, are you?
Mark 1:16-20 http://www.biblegateway.com
Jesus is still calling today, am I listening, are you?
Mark 1:16-20 http://www.biblegateway.com
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Calls His First Disciples
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.
19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Mark 3:13-1919 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Appoints the Twelve
13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Times up, I am calling you home.....
Last Friday a man from our church went home suddenly to be with his Lord and Saviour. I knew him, but not well. Its still so, so sad. One weekend you see a person in the coffee shop and at church as I saw this man and the next week he is gone. He and his wife had just left for Florida to be with their family, they were there only a few days, when he was killed in a vehicle accident. I imagine that they were just going about their lives like we all do and then the family was spun into unbearable pain. In our computer society we get used to clicking undo to reverse an error, but there is no undo for this. It seems like an awful dream. Very likely they are asking many, but what if, if only type questions. This man was a great dude, now his family must pick themselves up off the floor and move on.
How will we come around them to help where we can?
To my knowledge these people, this family are all Christians, are you? Where will you go if you are suddenly taken? If you are left behind, if you lose a loved one like this family did, do you have a Jesus to turn to?
How will we come around them to help where we can?
To my knowledge these people, this family are all Christians, are you? Where will you go if you are suddenly taken? If you are left behind, if you lose a loved one like this family did, do you have a Jesus to turn to?
Sunday 13 January 2013
GO!! (Matthew 28:16-20)
Growing up I remember discussions on the "Great Commission". Often we would rest in the fact that we couldn't all be missionaries, after all someone has to support them. Besides we have a mission where ever we are. End of discussion right?
The challenge is, am I doing anything in my mission feild or am I just resting in the fact that I have supported others? Am I living comfortably thinking I have done my part, or am I determined to be a missionary where I am?
Matthew 28:16-20 http://www.biblegateway.com
The challenge is, am I doing anything in my mission feild or am I just resting in the fact that I have supported others? Am I living comfortably thinking I have done my part, or am I determined to be a missionary where I am?
Matthew 28:16-20 http://www.biblegateway.com
New International Version (NIV)
The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Programmed to say...(Matthew 28:11-15)
In no matter what circle we are in, we as people are known for devising a way out and sometimes more than we care to admit, we cover things up. In the below scripture the Chief Priests didn't want to look bad, so they told Jesus toom guards what to say; "You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep". They even paid them off. WOW!!
Matthew 28:11-15 http://www.biblegateway.com
"New International Version (NIV)
The Guards’ Report
11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.
Sometimes in my own life, I bumble along and then I am reminded of a truth, a principle or a value. The above reading has been one of these times. It's a reminder to be honest.
How often do I try to say just the right thing as the Chief Priests did, all in an effort to avoid an unwanted outcome?
The truth is always best, it may be harder initially, but the outcome is always better.
Friday 11 January 2013
Short term pain for long term gain(Matthew 26:39)
Jesus leaves us with quite the example in the following verse;
Matthew 26:39 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
Matthew 26:39 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
How often do we face tough experiences and plead with God to provide a way out? How often do we only have our own needs and wants in mind when we ask for a way out? Are we ever seeing the big picture and saying like Jesus did "not as I will, but as you will"?
It seems to me that while we struggle with understanding why we experience hardship, we forget that it is because of our decision back in Genesis to sin, that we experience hardship.
If you were God and your ultimate goal was to save as many people as is possible (who all have free choice) and to have them live with you in eternity, what would you do? Would you allow things to happen to get someones attention, so that they might experience momentary pain for long term gain, that is if their attention is turned to you. Would you allow things to happen to someone to get someone else's attention, so that they might experience long term gain, that is if their attention is turned to you.
God doesn't want us to experience pain, but if that's what brings us to him, perhaps he does allow it. In view of this maybe I should be more apt to say not as I will, but as you will, knowing full well that God's bigger picture plan is really what matters.
How often do we face tough experiences and plead with God to provide a way out? How often do we only have our own needs and wants in mind when we ask for a way out? Are we ever seeing the big picture and saying like Jesus did "not as I will, but as you will"?
It seems to me that while we struggle with understanding why we experience hardship, we forget that it is because of our decision back in Genesis to sin, that we experience hardship.
If you were God and your ultimate goal was to save as many people as is possible (who all have free choice) and to have them live with you in eternity, what would you do? Would you allow things to happen to get someones attention, so that they might experience momentary pain for long term gain, that is if their attention is turned to you. Would you allow things to happen to someone to get someone else's attention, so that they might experience long term gain, that is if their attention is turned to you.
God doesn't want us to experience pain, but if that's what brings us to him, perhaps he does allow it. In view of this maybe I should be more apt to say not as I will, but as you will, knowing full well that God's bigger picture plan is really what matters.
How often do I deny I know Jesus? (Matthew 26:31-35)
Are we different then Peter? Would we not have feared for our own lives too, would we not have denied knowing Christ for the sake of our own well being?
How often do I/you do this on a daily basis?
How often am I not a vocal and obvious ambassador of his? How often do I cower when given the opportunity to be a witness? How often do I not represent my saviour? Are these a form of denying Christ? In our pressure packed world its pretty easy to deny Christ in our speech and actions.
Matthew 26:31-35 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.
Am I ready for his coming (Mathew 25:1-13)
Am I ready for his coming?
I remember accepting Jesus into my heart as my personal saviour when I was 6, however years of uncertainty and fear followed. Was I really going to go to heaven if I died or if Jesus came before my death. I would lay awake at night struggling with these thoughts, if mom wasn't around and visible when I got home from school, I would think I had missed the 2nd coming. I prayed "the prayer" to accept Jesus into my hear what seemed like 100's of times. At 14 I made a re-commitment that I felt secure about, my fears disappeared and I understood better what it meant to receive Jesus as my personal saviour.
Whats the status of your relationship with him?
Matthew 25:1-13 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
The Message (MSG)
The Story of the Virgins
25 1-5 “God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep.
6 “In the middle of the night someone yelled out, ‘He’s here! The bride-groom’s here! Go out and greet him!’7-8 “The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ‘Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’
9 “They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’
10 “They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked.
11 “Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.’
12 “He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you.’
13 “So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.
Kari Jobe: You Are For Me
Kari Jobe - One Desire
Tuesday 8 January 2013
chocolate & sin
Lately my weight has been up again, mostly due to my love of chocolate.
I got to thinking about the similarities between chocolate and sin, and No I am not suggesting that chocolate is a sin.
That said there are similarities. Like chocolate, sin can be very enticing, be it watching a show with poor but seductive content or getting involved in juicy gossip. Like chocolate sin can put on unwanted weight. When I misstep once, I want more and it gets harder to resist. Perhaps your the same.
Like losing physical weight it takes discipline to lose "sin" weight and to not be enticed by its juicy and eye catching offerings.
I got to thinking about the similarities between chocolate and sin, and No I am not suggesting that chocolate is a sin.
That said there are similarities. Like chocolate, sin can be very enticing, be it watching a show with poor but seductive content or getting involved in juicy gossip. Like chocolate sin can put on unwanted weight. When I misstep once, I want more and it gets harder to resist. Perhaps your the same.
Like losing physical weight it takes discipline to lose "sin" weight and to not be enticed by its juicy and eye catching offerings.
Monday 7 January 2013
Lost in a lill boat without a paddle & in a raging sea..
Recently I picked up a McLean's magazine and the heading read "the broken generation". It is very disturbing to read a report on our youth today that details their struggles to find their feet. Is it a shock though, I mean should it be? We send these kids off to post secondary school at age 17/18, many of them are on their own for the first time in their lives, possibly far away from home and having to fend for themselves against huge expectations. These could be ones they place on themselves. More commonly they are likely ones placed on them by their parents. So is it really a surprise that they struggle? Check out the article (below link), at the very least look at the numbers indicating the percentages of the student body relevant to the struggle.
Campus crisis: the broken generation
How have we prepared these kids up until they are aged 17/18? Have we given them a foundation, a basis point, a ground zero, something that they can return to as a place of solace, a source of strength when things get tough at school and in life? These kids not only face huge expectations, they face significant peer pressure to "live the university or college lifestyle". If they were not grounded when they got there, how will they survive?
I know people who went to college and university. Their faith was put to the test, "big time". Some persevered and others.....well they were like the seed planted in rocky terrain. Their foundation was swept away by the fast current of peer pressure, parent pressures, what life offers, etc.
How are we in today's society where many spouses both work, preparing our kids for life? Are we present in their lives? How are we teaching them the basic, but important principles of life so that they will survive the bumps in the road? Are we simply relying on others, be it at school or church to raise our kids?
That's not good enough!!!!
What are we doing to instill self esteem and confidence in our kids (the next generation)? What are we doing to foster and encourage them to not only know Godly values, but to embrace them and believe in them as their own?
Are we instilling in them the 4 values that they should develop by 16 and as are in the following acronym "RICH";
- Respect
- Independence
- Compassion
- Health
As I reflect on my own life, I was 21 when I lost my dad and had it not been for the foundation that my parents helped me with, the basis point, the faith in God......I would not have survived. They were hard, hard times.
Away at school I suspect that these kids face similar feelings, feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, peer pressure and so on.
I really feel for them, but as a parent what am I prepared to give up to make a difference in my kids? Will I give up "my time" to invest in my kids?
Kari Jobe - Steady My Heart
Kari Jobe - Find You On My Knees
Your Love Never Fails -Chris Quilala / Jesus Culture
Hillsong United - I Give you my heart
Came to my Rescue - Hillsong United
Campus crisis: the broken generation
How have we prepared these kids up until they are aged 17/18? Have we given them a foundation, a basis point, a ground zero, something that they can return to as a place of solace, a source of strength when things get tough at school and in life? These kids not only face huge expectations, they face significant peer pressure to "live the university or college lifestyle". If they were not grounded when they got there, how will they survive?
I know people who went to college and university. Their faith was put to the test, "big time". Some persevered and others.....well they were like the seed planted in rocky terrain. Their foundation was swept away by the fast current of peer pressure, parent pressures, what life offers, etc.
How are we in today's society where many spouses both work, preparing our kids for life? Are we present in their lives? How are we teaching them the basic, but important principles of life so that they will survive the bumps in the road? Are we simply relying on others, be it at school or church to raise our kids?
That's not good enough!!!!
What are we doing to instill self esteem and confidence in our kids (the next generation)? What are we doing to foster and encourage them to not only know Godly values, but to embrace them and believe in them as their own?
Are we instilling in them the 4 values that they should develop by 16 and as are in the following acronym "RICH";
- Respect
- Independence
- Compassion
- Health
As I reflect on my own life, I was 21 when I lost my dad and had it not been for the foundation that my parents helped me with, the basis point, the faith in God......I would not have survived. They were hard, hard times.
Away at school I suspect that these kids face similar feelings, feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, peer pressure and so on.
I really feel for them, but as a parent what am I prepared to give up to make a difference in my kids? Will I give up "my time" to invest in my kids?
Kari Jobe - Steady My Heart
Kari Jobe - Find You On My Knees
Your Love Never Fails -Chris Quilala / Jesus Culture
Hillsong United - I Give you my heart
Came to my Rescue - Hillsong United
Sunday 6 January 2013
What will I be doing when he comes (Mathew24:36-44)
What will I be doing when he comes? Where will I be? Will I be doing something pleasing to him when he returns?
42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Matthew 24:36-44 (http://www.biblegateway.com/)
New International Version (NIV)
The Day and Hour Unknown
36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Saturday 5 January 2013
A gift (Matthew 21:28-32)
What do we do with information? What do we do with a free gift? Jesus gift was and is to all, but in his day the so called righteous could no see it for what it was, "free"
Matthew 21:28-32 (http://www.biblegateway)
New International Version (NIV)
The Parable of the Two Sons
28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”
“The first,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
What am I, what are you doing with the best gift ever "Jesus"?
29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”
“The first,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
What am I, what are you doing with the best gift ever "Jesus"?
Friday 4 January 2013
to be great I must serve, really?? (Matthew 20:26-28)
You gotta be kidden me, I gotta serve to be great?? I thought I needed the best education, job, family and so on, but really its serving that will make me great?
Matthew 20:26-28
New International Version (NIV)
26 .............. whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Am I willing to follow suit, OK lets start small, am I willing to start with an act of service?
Am I willing to follow suit, OK lets start small, am I willing to start with an act of service?
A happy worker (Matthew 20:9-15)
I have wondered many times about the below scripture, about what it means. Could it be that one of the lessons is that it is an owners right to pay as he or she sees fit?
Matthew 20:9-15
New International Version (NIV)
9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’
13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
How many times have I grumbled about my compensation and yet it would seem it is the owners right to give as he or she likes out of their finances. God will hold them accountable for being good stewards, for being gracious, merciful, etc.
13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
How many times have I grumbled about my compensation and yet it would seem it is the owners right to give as he or she likes out of their finances. God will hold them accountable for being good stewards, for being gracious, merciful, etc.
Thursday 3 January 2013
why r we not moving mountains (Matthew 17:18-21)
If all that is required to move mountains is faith as small as a mustard seed, why are we not moving mountains all over the place?
Do we not really know what faith is in our modern culture, do we not know what it is to practise faith?
The bible says "if I ask anything in his name, it will be given" so it would seem that the recipe is to 1st align oneself with Gods way of thinking, with his priorities and then in faith make our requests known. Piece of cake right?
Matthew 17:18-21
Do we not really know what faith is in our modern culture, do we not know what it is to practise faith?
The bible says "if I ask anything in his name, it will be given" so it would seem that the recipe is to 1st align oneself with Gods way of thinking, with his priorities and then in faith make our requests known. Piece of cake right?
Matthew 17:18-21
New International Version (NIV)
18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
surrender, laying it all down (Matthew 16:24-27)
I am wondering, when is the last time I was willing to deny myself, deny myself the things that I want in this life in order to follow God. What will I give up for the one who gave himself so that I can spend eternity with him, what will I give up so that someone else may also enjoy eternity with Jesus?
Matthew 16:24-27
Matthew 16:24-27
New International Version (NIV)
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
I Surrender - Hillsong Live
I Surrender - Hillsong Live
Using ur lips, hands and feet or all 3 (Matthew 15:8-9)
Jesus is talking about the Pharisees here in Mathew, but could it be that this is applicable even in our day? Are we all heart and soul or could we be guilty of honoring God only with our lips? Am I a doer or just someone going through the motions, worshipping on Sunday and showing no signs of God’s love through the rest of the week?
Matthew 15:8-9
New International Version (NIV)
8 “‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
9 They worship me in vain;
their teachings are merely human rules.
but their hearts are far from me.
9 They worship me in vain;
their teachings are merely human rules.
Tuesday 1 January 2013
Running on water (mathew 14:25-31)
What would I have done, I probably would not have even had faith to get out of the boat. What would you have done?
Matthew 14:25-31
New International Version (NIV)
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.“You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Do you ever wonder what life would be like, what your life would be like if you had greater faith? How many times do we lack faith or does the little we have flee at evenly a small, small breeze of challenge? How many times do we enter a challenge like Peter did, all cocky like, only to flee like a scared puppy with its tail between it legs (embarrassed and beaten)?
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.“You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Do you ever wonder what life would be like, what your life would be like if you had greater faith? How many times do we lack faith or does the little we have flee at evenly a small, small breeze of challenge? How many times do we enter a challenge like Peter did, all cocky like, only to flee like a scared puppy with its tail between it legs (embarrassed and beaten)?
The Sower (Matthew 13:3-10,18-23)
This is a powerful and challenging parable;
Matthew 13:3-10, 18-23)
New International Version (NIV)
The Parable of the Sower
3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”
18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
Is the later who I am, am I producing a crop, or am I more like verse 22, "The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. ".
What kinda player am I for Jesus?
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