What's the hardest thing you do on a fairly regular basis?
If there's nothing, what make you think you are growing/maturing?
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Called to Freedom, But...
For you are called to freedom brothers; only don't use this freedom as on opportunity for the flesh, but to serve one another in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Galatians 5:13-16
For those of you who do not live in middle Tennessee, we have recently experienced what is considered a 100 year flood. Thousands have been displaced, historic buildings and sights were submerged, and the waters have left many dead with several still missing. What I have been most impressed with is the response of aid from locals. There are now so many organizations and areas to drop of supplies that there really is no excuse. They're everywhere.
As Christians we jump to our feed and are usually among the first to help, as it should be. So take the opportunity to jump in. Now.... continue to do so. Yes, we are called to freedom, but not for selfish gain or self-righteousness. We are called to freedom to serve one another. Doesn't sound like freedom to you? Try it.
Why is it, I ask even of myself, that we are willing to sacrifice to give of finances, time, and love when there is a natural disaster, when we seldom do the rest of the time? This is what we should be doing everyday. Yes, we step it up a notch when there is an abundant need such as this, but we shouldn't be scrambling for places to serve. We should already know about them because we have at least one foot in the door somewhere.
I realize suffering brings something out in us that fuels the desire to give, but we need to realize the greatest "natural disaster" of all is the effects of sin. If we want to help save flood victims, we need to float them over to Jesus Christ. He's the only dry land many will know. Are you worried about the hungry? Jesus is the ultimate bread of life. For those who lack clothing, He will dress them in white robes of righteousness. If they need shelter, He will tuck them safely under His wing. There is nothing that the needy need more than Christ Jesus. And that need is always there.
I truly believe that part of the reason I flesh gets in the way so that we start devouring one another is because we get bored when not serving. We will walk in one way or another: Christian or the World.
How is your walk today?
Galatians 5:13-16
For those of you who do not live in middle Tennessee, we have recently experienced what is considered a 100 year flood. Thousands have been displaced, historic buildings and sights were submerged, and the waters have left many dead with several still missing. What I have been most impressed with is the response of aid from locals. There are now so many organizations and areas to drop of supplies that there really is no excuse. They're everywhere.
As Christians we jump to our feed and are usually among the first to help, as it should be. So take the opportunity to jump in. Now.... continue to do so. Yes, we are called to freedom, but not for selfish gain or self-righteousness. We are called to freedom to serve one another. Doesn't sound like freedom to you? Try it.
Why is it, I ask even of myself, that we are willing to sacrifice to give of finances, time, and love when there is a natural disaster, when we seldom do the rest of the time? This is what we should be doing everyday. Yes, we step it up a notch when there is an abundant need such as this, but we shouldn't be scrambling for places to serve. We should already know about them because we have at least one foot in the door somewhere.
I realize suffering brings something out in us that fuels the desire to give, but we need to realize the greatest "natural disaster" of all is the effects of sin. If we want to help save flood victims, we need to float them over to Jesus Christ. He's the only dry land many will know. Are you worried about the hungry? Jesus is the ultimate bread of life. For those who lack clothing, He will dress them in white robes of righteousness. If they need shelter, He will tuck them safely under His wing. There is nothing that the needy need more than Christ Jesus. And that need is always there.
I truly believe that part of the reason I flesh gets in the way so that we start devouring one another is because we get bored when not serving. We will walk in one way or another: Christian or the World.
How is your walk today?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Are You Trapped?
Have you ever felt trapped?
It may have been a job, a decision you made, or one that was made for you. Whatever the circumstance, you feel like a prisoner. Perhaps even like a wild caged animal fighting to get out, yet only wearing down your claws on the immovable metal bars. Confined, helpless, desperate: Trapped.
As Christians we know about the freedom of salvation. We've learned that we have been set free. Our minds know this, but how often do we take that knowledge to our hearts? Have you ever wept with joy over your freedom? It is possible to feel free. Yes, you are in the same job. Yes, there are still the consequences of past choices. Yes, you still have "X" around to annoy the daylights out of you. But you are free.
Do you believe that?
Christ has liberated us into freedom. Therefore stand firm and son't submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
I pray today that the Lord Jesus Christ fills you with the joy of your freedom. We are new creatures in Him. Creatures who have been set free from the yoke of sin, fear of death, judgement, and condemnation. You are free if you have become a slave of Christ Jesus. It sounds messed up, but He knows the essence of how this works, and when you entrust Him with everything, you'll discover how true it is. To gain your life you must loose it. Gain freedom today.
It may have been a job, a decision you made, or one that was made for you. Whatever the circumstance, you feel like a prisoner. Perhaps even like a wild caged animal fighting to get out, yet only wearing down your claws on the immovable metal bars. Confined, helpless, desperate: Trapped.
As Christians we know about the freedom of salvation. We've learned that we have been set free. Our minds know this, but how often do we take that knowledge to our hearts? Have you ever wept with joy over your freedom? It is possible to feel free. Yes, you are in the same job. Yes, there are still the consequences of past choices. Yes, you still have "X" around to annoy the daylights out of you. But you are free.
Do you believe that?
Christ has liberated us into freedom. Therefore stand firm and son't submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
I pray today that the Lord Jesus Christ fills you with the joy of your freedom. We are new creatures in Him. Creatures who have been set free from the yoke of sin, fear of death, judgement, and condemnation. You are free if you have become a slave of Christ Jesus. It sounds messed up, but He knows the essence of how this works, and when you entrust Him with everything, you'll discover how true it is. To gain your life you must loose it. Gain freedom today.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Proof of Rest
Why do we think we still have to accomplish everything even when we are sick?
Today God reminded me of Peter's mother-in-law as encouragement. I was feeling guilty for being sick, to be quite honest, while at the same time was not surprised that I was. That's when He reminded me of Matthew 8:14, "When Jesus went into Peter's house, He saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever."
It doesn't say she was putting around the house trying to get things done, or that she was coughing and sneezing on them while serving: She was in bed.
Thank you Lord for reminding me it's OK to rest when I'm sick. I needed that.
Today God reminded me of Peter's mother-in-law as encouragement. I was feeling guilty for being sick, to be quite honest, while at the same time was not surprised that I was. That's when He reminded me of Matthew 8:14, "When Jesus went into Peter's house, He saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever."
It doesn't say she was putting around the house trying to get things done, or that she was coughing and sneezing on them while serving: She was in bed.
Thank you Lord for reminding me it's OK to rest when I'm sick. I needed that.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Just Try
It is so hard to remain faithful to some tasks when you are sick. Sometimes for good reason, and sometime not. I have felt horrible today and though I was able to get all of my studying done, I just can't seem to think straight.
God will honor that I truly believe.
I may not be eloquent, but I am here.
I may not have comprehended most things I normally would, but I tried.
I may not feel ready, but I did what I could.
I may not even remember a thing, but He will.
Sometimes all we can do is try. Praise God He loves us with grace and not works. I pray my trying honors Him, even when it doesn't amount to much. He's the God who can do that.
God will honor that I truly believe.
I may not be eloquent, but I am here.
I may not have comprehended most things I normally would, but I tried.
I may not feel ready, but I did what I could.
I may not even remember a thing, but He will.
Sometimes all we can do is try. Praise God He loves us with grace and not works. I pray my trying honors Him, even when it doesn't amount to much. He's the God who can do that.
Monday, May 3, 2010
When the Schedule is Interrupted
How do you respond to God when your life in interrupted?
Here in the Nashville, Tennessee area we have had flooding for the last few days due to a frontal system that stalled over us for about two days. Truly for once, to call it Epic is appropriate.(Building floating down I-24)
I have to admit that while I have talked to God and prayed for many friends whose homes have flooded or were about to, I haven't gotten into the Word as deeply. I'm not saying that God is horribly disappointed or that He doesn't understand and I've been bad. I just miss Him. I miss the Word speaking to me freshly. I'm so grateful that I do. It's a good indicator to me that I really do care deeply about Him and what He has to say to me.
So I'm going to go gorge on it.
Here in the Nashville, Tennessee area we have had flooding for the last few days due to a frontal system that stalled over us for about two days. Truly for once, to call it Epic is appropriate.(Building floating down I-24)
I have to admit that while I have talked to God and prayed for many friends whose homes have flooded or were about to, I haven't gotten into the Word as deeply. I'm not saying that God is horribly disappointed or that He doesn't understand and I've been bad. I just miss Him. I miss the Word speaking to me freshly. I'm so grateful that I do. It's a good indicator to me that I really do care deeply about Him and what He has to say to me.
So I'm going to go gorge on it.
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