Luke 17:50 Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just trust me..."
That's what He's been saying to me for the last 2 years.
Jairus did, even when some of his servants came to tell him his sick daughter had died.
Jesus went with him to his home.
And raised Jairus' daughter from the dead.
If we trust Him, won't He raise our lives back from a life that feels dead?
Don't be afraid. Just trust Me.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
plans
Proverbs 16
vs 1 We gather our thoughts, but the Lord give the right answer.
vs 3 Commit your work to the Lord & then your plans will succeed.
vs 33 We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.
So, it all well & good to know these verses, but what's the practical application?
So many of us, me included, think of things to be & do, figure out how to be & do them, & then put those plans into motion, hoping that the Lord will bless them.
We really do expect this kind of thing to work, don't we? I mean, we're Christ followers, so we're only trying to be & do what we think God would have us be & do.
And besides, "God helps those who help themselves" - right?
"God helps those who help themselves" ain't in the Bible.
Nope, not there.
Judging from what I've seen, & what others have told me, & from what I see happening in the lives of people in the Bible, I think here's how it's supposed to work...
We walk along in the journey with the Lord, surrendered to His leading & guidance - being & doing whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however He indicates.
It has been my observation in the lives of others, & in my own life, if we're surrendered to the "...ever's", God is quite capable & will regularly tell us what to be & do on a regular basis.
And He will tell us to be & do stuff that we'd NEVER think of to be & do.
Is it scary sometimes?
Yes.
Does it makes sense?
Most of the time, but sometimes not.
It is risky?
Yep.
Will people understand us?
Sometimes, but sometimes not.
You see, we think, especially in America, that as Christ followers, it's all about success.
The older I get,the more I think it's about being a servant.
Iow, it's about doing what were told & led to be & do.
Sometimes we get to see the why of everything,we get to see the results of our efforts, & we get to bask in the glory & wonder of it all.
Sometimes, there's no explanation.
Sometimes, it doesn't make sense.
Sometimes, we don't get to see any of the results.
Sometimes, all we get is to simply be someone who is serving the Lord in whatever it is He's up to.
And one day, when we're with Him forever, we'll get to see what it's all about.
Don't like that?
Which would we rather be - someone in charge of our life & responsible for its outcome?
Or would we rather be depending on the God of the universes to not only lead us into what we should be & do to fit into His overarching plans for humankind & let Him be responsible for its outcome?
Think about it...
vs 1 We gather our thoughts, but the Lord give the right answer.
vs 3 Commit your work to the Lord & then your plans will succeed.
vs 33 We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.
So, it all well & good to know these verses, but what's the practical application?
So many of us, me included, think of things to be & do, figure out how to be & do them, & then put those plans into motion, hoping that the Lord will bless them.
We really do expect this kind of thing to work, don't we? I mean, we're Christ followers, so we're only trying to be & do what we think God would have us be & do.
And besides, "God helps those who help themselves" - right?
"God helps those who help themselves" ain't in the Bible.
Nope, not there.
Judging from what I've seen, & what others have told me, & from what I see happening in the lives of people in the Bible, I think here's how it's supposed to work...
We walk along in the journey with the Lord, surrendered to His leading & guidance - being & doing whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however He indicates.
It has been my observation in the lives of others, & in my own life, if we're surrendered to the "...ever's", God is quite capable & will regularly tell us what to be & do on a regular basis.
And He will tell us to be & do stuff that we'd NEVER think of to be & do.
Is it scary sometimes?
Yes.
Does it makes sense?
Most of the time, but sometimes not.
It is risky?
Yep.
Will people understand us?
Sometimes, but sometimes not.
You see, we think, especially in America, that as Christ followers, it's all about success.
The older I get,the more I think it's about being a servant.
Iow, it's about doing what were told & led to be & do.
Sometimes we get to see the why of everything,we get to see the results of our efforts, & we get to bask in the glory & wonder of it all.
Sometimes, there's no explanation.
Sometimes, it doesn't make sense.
Sometimes, we don't get to see any of the results.
Sometimes, all we get is to simply be someone who is serving the Lord in whatever it is He's up to.
And one day, when we're with Him forever, we'll get to see what it's all about.
Don't like that?
Which would we rather be - someone in charge of our life & responsible for its outcome?
Or would we rather be depending on the God of the universes to not only lead us into what we should be & do to fit into His overarching plans for humankind & let Him be responsible for its outcome?
Think about it...
Sunday, July 29, 2012
loving
Luke 6:27 "But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. 30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don't try to get them back. 31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
32 "If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! 34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
35 "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
I think this includes loving people without the agenda that they must love you back.
32 "If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! 34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
35 "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
I think this includes loving people without the agenda that they must love you back.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
musical chairs
Luke 5:27 Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector's booth. "Follow me and be my disciple," Jesus said to him. 28 So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.
29 Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi's fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. 30 But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus' disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with such scum?"
31 Jesus answered them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent."
Most of the time, churches play musical chairs.
Iow, when they grow, they usually just get people who already are going to church to come to theirs.
For the last 12+ years, I've been a part of a church that's far more interested in drawing from a much, much, MUCH larger group of people - those who don't go to church - people we label with all kinds of names, most of which are demeaning. Iow, we're talking about people who haven't established a relationship / connection with God through Jesus.
Up until coming to Christ Chapel, Macon, most of the people I knew were "church folks". Not so since then.
According to the census bureau, Lynn & I live in a county where over half the people have no denominational affiliation. Those are the people Lynn & I are interested in being around, sharing our lives with, & gathering together to point to God. We really, really hope we get to be & do that more & more as time goes by in this beautiful place.
29 Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi's fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. 30 But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus' disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with such scum?"
31 Jesus answered them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent."
Most of the time, churches play musical chairs.
Iow, when they grow, they usually just get people who already are going to church to come to theirs.
For the last 12+ years, I've been a part of a church that's far more interested in drawing from a much, much, MUCH larger group of people - those who don't go to church - people we label with all kinds of names, most of which are demeaning. Iow, we're talking about people who haven't established a relationship / connection with God through Jesus.
Up until coming to Christ Chapel, Macon, most of the people I knew were "church folks". Not so since then.
According to the census bureau, Lynn & I live in a county where over half the people have no denominational affiliation. Those are the people Lynn & I are interested in being around, sharing our lives with, & gathering together to point to God. We really, really hope we get to be & do that more & more as time goes by in this beautiful place.
Friday, July 27, 2012
lemme know whatcha think
No matter what happens,
always
be thankful,
for this is God's will for who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
No matter what happens...
if we truly lived this verse, what would our lives be like?
I'd really like to know what you think.
always
be thankful,
for this is God's will for who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
No matter what happens...
if we truly lived this verse, what would our lives be like?
I'd really like to know what you think.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
yeah...
Hebrews 10:35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord,
no matter what happens.
Remember the great reward it brings you.
36 Patient endurance is what you need now,
so that you will continue to do God's will.
Then you will receive all that He has promised.
no matter what happens.
Remember the great reward it brings you.
36 Patient endurance is what you need now,
so that you will continue to do God's will.
Then you will receive all that He has promised.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
word
These are verses God's given me. The Isaiah 41 verses He gave me on April 13, 2010. The rest came on March 31, 2012.
I get the feeling somebody(s) else needs to hear these this morning, too. I know I did. Lemme know if that was you & how they helped.
Isaiah 41:9b For I have chosen you & will not throw you away.
10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.
2 Corinthians 4:1Since God in His mercy has given us this wonderful ministry, we never give up.
vs 7 this precious treasure - this light & power that now shine within us - is held in perishable containers, that is,in our weak bodies,
so everyone can see that our glorious power is from God & is not our own.
vs 8 we are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed & broken.
we are perplexed, but we don't give up & quit.
vs 9 We are hunted down, but God never abandons us.
We get knocked down, but we get up again & keep going.
vs 16 That is why we never give up.
Though our bodies are dying,our spirits are being renewed ever day. 17 For our present troubles are quite small & won't last very long.
vs 18 So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now:
rather, we look forward to what we have not see.
For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.
I get the feeling somebody(s) else needs to hear these this morning, too. I know I did. Lemme know if that was you & how they helped.
Isaiah 41:9b For I have chosen you & will not throw you away.
10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.
2 Corinthians 4:1Since God in His mercy has given us this wonderful ministry, we never give up.
vs 7 this precious treasure - this light & power that now shine within us - is held in perishable containers, that is,in our weak bodies,
so everyone can see that our glorious power is from God & is not our own.
vs 8 we are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed & broken.
we are perplexed, but we don't give up & quit.
vs 9 We are hunted down, but God never abandons us.
We get knocked down, but we get up again & keep going.
vs 16 That is why we never give up.
Though our bodies are dying,our spirits are being renewed ever day. 17 For our present troubles are quite small & won't last very long.
vs 18 So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now:
rather, we look forward to what we have not see.
For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
hopes
Proverbs 10:24 The fears of the wicked will all come true;
so will the hopes of the godly.
hope ( from dictionary.com )
1. the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best: to give up hope.
2. a particular instance of this feeling: the hope of winning.
3. grounds for this feeling in a particular instance: There is little or no hope of his recovery.
4. a person or thing in which expectations are centered: The medicine was her last hope.
5. something that is hoped for: Her forgiveness is my constant hope.
today, think about the second part of this verse.
do we REALLY believe this?
so will the hopes of the godly.
hope ( from dictionary.com )
1. the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best: to give up hope.
2. a particular instance of this feeling: the hope of winning.
3. grounds for this feeling in a particular instance: There is little or no hope of his recovery.
4. a person or thing in which expectations are centered: The medicine was her last hope.
5. something that is hoped for: Her forgiveness is my constant hope.
today, think about the second part of this verse.
do we REALLY believe this?
Monday, July 23, 2012
a word
I don't know what this means for me,yet. Time will tell.
Ezekiel 37
12b ...the Sovereign LORD says:
O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again.
Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel.
13 When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the LORD.
14 I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land.
Then you will know that I am the Lord.
You will see that I have done everything just as I promised.
I, the Lord have spoken.
Mark 16:15 & then Jesus told them, "Go into all the world & preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere."
Ezekiel 37
12b ...the Sovereign LORD says:
O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again.
Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel.
13 When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the LORD.
14 I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land.
Then you will know that I am the Lord.
You will see that I have done everything just as I promised.
I, the Lord have spoken.
Mark 16:15 & then Jesus told them, "Go into all the world & preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere."
Sunday, July 22, 2012
promises
For all of us who feel trapped in our sin...
Ezekiel 36
26 And I will give you a new heart,
and I will put a new spirit in you.
I will take out your stony, stubborn heart
and give you a tender, responsive heart.
27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
(same passage, in The Message)
I'll give you a new heart,
put a new spirit in you.
I'll remove the stone heart from your body
and replace it with a heart that's God-willed,
not self-willed.
I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands.
Ezekiel 36
26 And I will give you a new heart,
and I will put a new spirit in you.
I will take out your stony, stubborn heart
and give you a tender, responsive heart.
27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
(same passage, in The Message)
I'll give you a new heart,
put a new spirit in you.
I'll remove the stone heart from your body
and replace it with a heart that's God-willed,
not self-willed.
I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
a promise is a promise
Isaiah 46:3b I created you & have cared for you since before you were born.
4 I will be your God throughout you lifetime - until your hair is white with age.
I made you, & I will care for you.
I will carry you along & save you.
4 I will be your God throughout you lifetime - until your hair is white with age.
I made you, & I will care for you.
I will carry you along & save you.
Friday, July 20, 2012
something to hold on to
Matthew 6:33a Steep your life in God-reality,
God initiative,
God-provisions.
Don't worry about missing out.
You'll find your everyday human concerns will be met.
34 Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now,
and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.
God initiative,
God-provisions.
Don't worry about missing out.
You'll find your everyday human concerns will be met.
34 Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now,
and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
the top 2
Mark 12
28 One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
29 Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. 30 And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' 31 The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these."
32 The teacher of religious law replied, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. 33 And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law."
34 Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God."
Iow, the top 2 commands of God are: love God, love others
I have a sweet friend who has those for words tattooed on each of his forearms, from the elbow to the wrist.
On the left forearm - Love God
On the right forearm - Love others
I like them - I think it's appropriate.
Think about it today - the whole of life is summed up in 4 words...
Love God.
Love others.
Think about it...
28 One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
29 Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. 30 And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' 31 The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these."
32 The teacher of religious law replied, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. 33 And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law."
34 Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God."
Iow, the top 2 commands of God are: love God, love others
I have a sweet friend who has those for words tattooed on each of his forearms, from the elbow to the wrist.
On the left forearm - Love God
On the right forearm - Love others
I like them - I think it's appropriate.
Think about it today - the whole of life is summed up in 4 words...
Love God.
Love others.
Think about it...
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
some stuff from this morning
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.
iow, in this sin-soaked world, be careful what you look at, listen to, do, be around, or allow to care your eye. Our hearts can be so swiftly influenced. The devil has one thing in mind for all of us - he wants to destroy us. And he will if we're not constantly aware that he will push all our right buttons,making us sin, or to distract us from what we're supposed to be & do.
*********
Proverbs 4:25 Look straight ahead & fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
then stick to the path & stay safe.
27 Don't get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.
God gave me those verses in January, 2010 for this season in my life. I've been trying to follow it's directive.
This morning, I feel like these verses are for someone else out there besides me - Let me know if it was you, will ya?
**********
Here's some more verses I think are for some of you - lemme know if it was you...
Mark 10:43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.
This goes against everything our world says - it says,"Put yourself first." or "Look our for # 1!" or "Be all that you can be!" & "You deserve it!"
iow, the reality is like this...
A man spoke with the Lord about heaven and hell. The Lord said to the man, "Come, I will show you hell."
They entered a room where a group of people sat around a huge pot of stew. Everyone was famished, desperate and starving. Each held a spoon that reached the pot, but each spoon had a handle so much longer than their own arm that it could not be used to get the stew into their own mouths. The suffering was terrible.
"Come, now I will show you heaven," the Lord said after a while.
They entered another room, identical to the first - the pot of stew, the group of people, the same long-handled spoons. But there everyone was happy and well-nourished.
"I don't understand," said the man. "Why are they happy here when they were miserable in the other room and everything was the same?"
The Lord smiled, "Ah, it is simple," he said. "here they have learned to feed each other."
Just a thought...
Mark 11:22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, "Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.
This doesn't mean God is a vending machine - we ask for anything, He gives it.
What I think it does mean is that we simply don't believe that God is active in our lives, & cares about us. We underestimate God's potential activity simply bc we don't talk to Him or ask Him to help us.
if we need a job, or need to know what to do, or just need strength to get through the day, we rely on ourselves so much to make those things happen. All we have to do is ask, & He'll provide the strength,direction, or opportunity for us to connect with what we need.
Anybody else got a different or deeper insight to this passage? Tell me about it, if you will
iow, in this sin-soaked world, be careful what you look at, listen to, do, be around, or allow to care your eye. Our hearts can be so swiftly influenced. The devil has one thing in mind for all of us - he wants to destroy us. And he will if we're not constantly aware that he will push all our right buttons,making us sin, or to distract us from what we're supposed to be & do.
*********
Proverbs 4:25 Look straight ahead & fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
then stick to the path & stay safe.
27 Don't get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.
God gave me those verses in January, 2010 for this season in my life. I've been trying to follow it's directive.
This morning, I feel like these verses are for someone else out there besides me - Let me know if it was you, will ya?
**********
Here's some more verses I think are for some of you - lemme know if it was you...
Mark 10:43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.
This goes against everything our world says - it says,"Put yourself first." or "Look our for # 1!" or "Be all that you can be!" & "You deserve it!"
iow, the reality is like this...
A man spoke with the Lord about heaven and hell. The Lord said to the man, "Come, I will show you hell."
They entered a room where a group of people sat around a huge pot of stew. Everyone was famished, desperate and starving. Each held a spoon that reached the pot, but each spoon had a handle so much longer than their own arm that it could not be used to get the stew into their own mouths. The suffering was terrible.
"Come, now I will show you heaven," the Lord said after a while.
They entered another room, identical to the first - the pot of stew, the group of people, the same long-handled spoons. But there everyone was happy and well-nourished.
"I don't understand," said the man. "Why are they happy here when they were miserable in the other room and everything was the same?"
The Lord smiled, "Ah, it is simple," he said. "here they have learned to feed each other."
Just a thought...
Mark 11:22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, "Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.
This doesn't mean God is a vending machine - we ask for anything, He gives it.
What I think it does mean is that we simply don't believe that God is active in our lives, & cares about us. We underestimate God's potential activity simply bc we don't talk to Him or ask Him to help us.
if we need a job, or need to know what to do, or just need strength to get through the day, we rely on ourselves so much to make those things happen. All we have to do is ask, & He'll provide the strength,direction, or opportunity for us to connect with what we need.
Anybody else got a different or deeper insight to this passage? Tell me about it, if you will
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
trust
God gave me this verse in January, 2010 for this season. Sometimes
it's been hard to follow. But I continue trusting,& waiting.
Proverbs 3:5 (The Message)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go;
He's the one who will keep you on track.
Proverbs 3:5 (The Message)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go;
He's the one who will keep you on track.
Monday, July 16, 2012
belief & doubt, 1st & last, & saltiness
Mark 9:23b Jesus said, "Anything is possible if a person believes."
24 The father instantly replied, "I do believe, but help me not to doubt."
That's me these days - I believe, but I can't see how we're gonna come out on the other end of this tunnel. I only have enough light for 1 step at a time. And I only see as far ahead as that 1 step. And there ain't no light at the end of the tunnel, yet. But I continue to believe that even though I'm walking along here in the dark, there's Someone who's walking with me.
********
Mark 9:35b Jesus said, "Anyone wants to be the first must take last place & be the servant of everyone else."
So much for the "I'm # 1" kind of attitude. So much for "I'm lookin' out for # 1" attitude rampant these days.
In Matthew, Jesus says that he would be great among you must be the servant of all - iow, we're here to serve, not be held up as the most amazing thing since sliced bread. That our greatness isn't measure by how outstanding we are, but by how we love & serve others.
********
Mark 9:50 Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses it flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves & live in peace with each other.
Salt enhances the flavor of things. I love to put just a little salt on cantaloupe - it heightens the flavor of a good, ripe cantaloupe.
We're supposed to be & do the same thing - not be trying to force ourselves on people, but by simply being who we are in Him. That will add more to our situation & our relationships than anything,just by letting our relationship with Jesus flavor & impact our relationships with people.
24 The father instantly replied, "I do believe, but help me not to doubt."
That's me these days - I believe, but I can't see how we're gonna come out on the other end of this tunnel. I only have enough light for 1 step at a time. And I only see as far ahead as that 1 step. And there ain't no light at the end of the tunnel, yet. But I continue to believe that even though I'm walking along here in the dark, there's Someone who's walking with me.
********
Mark 9:35b Jesus said, "Anyone wants to be the first must take last place & be the servant of everyone else."
So much for the "I'm # 1" kind of attitude. So much for "I'm lookin' out for # 1" attitude rampant these days.
In Matthew, Jesus says that he would be great among you must be the servant of all - iow, we're here to serve, not be held up as the most amazing thing since sliced bread. That our greatness isn't measure by how outstanding we are, but by how we love & serve others.
********
Mark 9:50 Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses it flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves & live in peace with each other.
Salt enhances the flavor of things. I love to put just a little salt on cantaloupe - it heightens the flavor of a good, ripe cantaloupe.
We're supposed to be & do the same thing - not be trying to force ourselves on people, but by simply being who we are in Him. That will add more to our situation & our relationships than anything,just by letting our relationship with Jesus flavor & impact our relationships with people.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
giving & getting
Mark 8:34 Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, Jesus said,
"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, take up your cross, and follow me.
35 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.
36 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
37 Is anything worth more than your soul?
38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
Until about 2008, I read those words & saw only what I was giving up.
But in 2008,God showed me not what we are giving up but what we are gaining.
When we let go of our life, it frees God to implement the life He's dreamed for us - a life He dreamed up a gajillion years ago, a life that fits into the fabric of eternity, a life that is both suited to us & to the overall BIG picture of God's connection with humankind.
So, does it make sense to run our lives ourselves - we who are finite beings?
Or does it make better sense to allow our lives to be run by the infinite God of the universes?
Think about it...
"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, take up your cross, and follow me.
35 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.
36 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
37 Is anything worth more than your soul?
38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
Until about 2008, I read those words & saw only what I was giving up.
But in 2008,God showed me not what we are giving up but what we are gaining.
When we let go of our life, it frees God to implement the life He's dreamed for us - a life He dreamed up a gajillion years ago, a life that fits into the fabric of eternity, a life that is both suited to us & to the overall BIG picture of God's connection with humankind.
So, does it make sense to run our lives ourselves - we who are finite beings?
Or does it make better sense to allow our lives to be run by the infinite God of the universes?
Think about it...
Friday, July 13, 2012
how many?
Mark 6
30 The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. 31 Then Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat.
32 So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. 33 But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. 34 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
35 Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. 36 Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat."
37 But Jesus said, "You feed them."
"With what?" they asked. "We'd have to work for months to earn enough money* to buy food for all these people!"
38 "How much bread do you have?" he asked. "Go and find out."
They came back and reported, "We have five loaves of bread and two fish."
39 Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of fifty or a hundred.
41 Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. 42 They all ate as much as they wanted, 43 and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. 44 A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves!
Let's think about this very quickly...
It says in verse 44 there were 5000 men at this event.
Ok, just for the sake of conversation, we know if there were 5000 men there, there had to be at least 5000 women. I think there were more, because there's always more women at stuff like this than men.
That takes the total up to 10,000.
Now then, again, for the sake of conversation, let's say every woman had 1 child with her. Yeah, I know, I know - those women probably had a whole lot more than 1 child with them, but like I said, just for conversation purposes, let's say they all had just 1.
Now we're talking 15,000 people there for lunch.
So, can you feel how many 15,000 people are? Do you have a reference point?
How many of you have been to Philips Arena in Atlanta? Or, how many of you have watched a home game on TV the Atlanta Hawks play basketball?
That's Philips Arena.
15,000 people would pretty much fill up Philips Arena.
That's how many people Jesus fed in Mark 6.
I went to one of the first Catalyst conferences held in another arena in Atlanta. I believe the year I went, there were 10,000 people there. They fed us box lunches from Chick-fil-A. It was a humongous task! Getting people to line up, then passing out the food, then the cleanup! Whew! what an undertaking!
And that was 10,000 adults.
So, Jesus fed 5000 men, 5000 women, & 5000 kids - 15,000 people - roughly enough folks to fill up Philips Arena.
And they had food left over.
So?
If we believe Jesus could pull of something of this magnitude, why do we have trouble believing He can take care of us & our puny, prissy, precious little lives?
30 The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. 31 Then Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat.
32 So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. 33 But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. 34 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
35 Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. 36 Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat."
37 But Jesus said, "You feed them."
"With what?" they asked. "We'd have to work for months to earn enough money* to buy food for all these people!"
38 "How much bread do you have?" he asked. "Go and find out."
They came back and reported, "We have five loaves of bread and two fish."
39 Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of fifty or a hundred.
41 Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. 42 They all ate as much as they wanted, 43 and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. 44 A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves!
Let's think about this very quickly...
It says in verse 44 there were 5000 men at this event.
Ok, just for the sake of conversation, we know if there were 5000 men there, there had to be at least 5000 women. I think there were more, because there's always more women at stuff like this than men.
That takes the total up to 10,000.
Now then, again, for the sake of conversation, let's say every woman had 1 child with her. Yeah, I know, I know - those women probably had a whole lot more than 1 child with them, but like I said, just for conversation purposes, let's say they all had just 1.
Now we're talking 15,000 people there for lunch.
So, can you feel how many 15,000 people are? Do you have a reference point?
How many of you have been to Philips Arena in Atlanta? Or, how many of you have watched a home game on TV the Atlanta Hawks play basketball?
That's Philips Arena.
15,000 people would pretty much fill up Philips Arena.
That's how many people Jesus fed in Mark 6.
I went to one of the first Catalyst conferences held in another arena in Atlanta. I believe the year I went, there were 10,000 people there. They fed us box lunches from Chick-fil-A. It was a humongous task! Getting people to line up, then passing out the food, then the cleanup! Whew! what an undertaking!
And that was 10,000 adults.
So, Jesus fed 5000 men, 5000 women, & 5000 kids - 15,000 people - roughly enough folks to fill up Philips Arena.
And they had food left over.
So?
If we believe Jesus could pull of something of this magnitude, why do we have trouble believing He can take care of us & our puny, prissy, precious little lives?
Thursday, July 12, 2012
trust
Mark 5
35 ...messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, "Your daughter is dead. There's no use troubling the Teacher now."
36 But Jesus overheard* them and said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just trust Me."
37 Then Jesus stopped the crowd and wouldn't let anyone go with him except Peter, James, and John (the brother of James). 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw much commotion and weeping and wailing. 39 He went inside and asked, "Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn't dead; she's only asleep."
40 The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl's father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. 41 Holding her hand, he said to her, "Talitha koum," which means "Little girl, get up!" 42 And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed. 43 Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what had happened, and then he told them to give her something to eat.
Jairus could have despaired, left Jesus behind,& gone home to mourn his dead daughter.
But Jairus decided to trust Jesus, not knowing how He was gonna help out in the situation.
And look how it all ended up.
For the past 2 yrs that's what Jesus has been saying to me - "wait. trust Me."
And so I wait.
I wonder how it's all gonna end up?
35 ...messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, "Your daughter is dead. There's no use troubling the Teacher now."
36 But Jesus overheard* them and said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just trust Me."
37 Then Jesus stopped the crowd and wouldn't let anyone go with him except Peter, James, and John (the brother of James). 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw much commotion and weeping and wailing. 39 He went inside and asked, "Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn't dead; she's only asleep."
40 The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl's father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. 41 Holding her hand, he said to her, "Talitha koum," which means "Little girl, get up!" 42 And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed. 43 Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what had happened, and then he told them to give her something to eat.
Jairus could have despaired, left Jesus behind,& gone home to mourn his dead daughter.
But Jairus decided to trust Jesus, not knowing how He was gonna help out in the situation.
And look how it all ended up.
For the past 2 yrs that's what Jesus has been saying to me - "wait. trust Me."
And so I wait.
I wonder how it's all gonna end up?
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
some verses from this morning
Psalm 147
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and bandages their wounds.
dan note: anybody brokenhearted out there?
10 He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse
or in human might.
11 No, the LORD's delight is in those who fear him,
those who put their hope in his unfailing love.
dan note: maybe we should remember this during this present political season?
Mark 4
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake." 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?"
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Silence! Be still!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. "Who is this man?" they asked each other. "Even the wind and waves obey him!"
dan note: do we REALLY trust Him?
And do we know that the faith that got us to where we are isn't the faith that'll keep us there?
And if we REALLY trusted Him, what would out lives look like?
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and bandages their wounds.
dan note: anybody brokenhearted out there?
10 He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse
or in human might.
11 No, the LORD's delight is in those who fear him,
those who put their hope in his unfailing love.
dan note: maybe we should remember this during this present political season?
Mark 4
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake." 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?"
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Silence! Be still!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. "Who is this man?" they asked each other. "Even the wind and waves obey him!"
dan note: do we REALLY trust Him?
And do we know that the faith that got us to where we are isn't the faith that'll keep us there?
And if we REALLY trusted Him, what would out lives look like?
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
a word for you & me
This is for all of you who are going through a tough season...
Psalm 146
1 Praise the LORD!
Let all that I am praise the LORD.
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live.
I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.
3 Don't put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
4 When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
and all their plans die with them.
5 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.
6 He made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them.
He keeps every promise forever.
7 He gives justice to the oppressed
and food to the hungry.
The LORD frees the prisoners.
8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their heavy loads.
The LORD loves the godly.
9 The LORD protects the foreigners among us.
He cares for the orphans and widows,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
10 The LORD will reign forever.
He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations.
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 146
1 Praise the LORD!
Let all that I am praise the LORD.
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live.
I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.
3 Don't put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
4 When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
and all their plans die with them.
5 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.
6 He made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them.
He keeps every promise forever.
7 He gives justice to the oppressed
and food to the hungry.
The LORD frees the prisoners.
8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their heavy loads.
The LORD loves the godly.
9 The LORD protects the foreigners among us.
He cares for the orphans and widows,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
10 The LORD will reign forever.
He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations.
Praise the LORD!
Monday, July 9, 2012
words for someone
Don't know who these words are for besides me, but someone out there needs these words today too...
Psalm 145
8 The LORD is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 The LORD is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation.
13b The LORD always keeps his promises;
he is gracious in all he does.
14 The LORD helps the fallen
and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
17 The LORD is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.
18 The LORD is close to all who call on him,
yes, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He grants the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
20a The LORD protects all those who love him
Psalm 145
8 The LORD is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 The LORD is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation.
13b The LORD always keeps his promises;
he is gracious in all he does.
14 The LORD helps the fallen
and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
17 The LORD is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.
18 The LORD is close to all who call on him,
yes, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He grants the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
20a The LORD protects all those who love him
Sunday, July 8, 2012
iow
Mark 1:17 Jesus called out to them, "Come, be My disciples, & I will show you have to fish for people."
That's what Jesus is saying to each of us...
"Come..."
Iow, leave what you are & what you're doing & connect with Me.
"...be My disciples,"
Iow, listen closely to me, let who I am & what I say & do sink into your heart & life, & let it change the you that is you.
"...fish for people."
Iow, it's not all about you - it's all about everybody. Following Me means not only having a connection with Me, but pointing everyone around you to do the same, for I'm reaching out to everybody.
Just sayin'...
That's what Jesus is saying to each of us...
"Come..."
Iow, leave what you are & what you're doing & connect with Me.
"...be My disciples,"
Iow, listen closely to me, let who I am & what I say & do sink into your heart & life, & let it change the you that is you.
"...fish for people."
Iow, it's not all about you - it's all about everybody. Following Me means not only having a connection with Me, but pointing everyone around you to do the same, for I'm reaching out to everybody.
Just sayin'...
Saturday, July 7, 2012
going
Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will,
for You are my God.
May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing.
Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.
And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
When Moses talked to God in the burning bush & God told him to go back to Egypt & lead the Hebrews out of slavery & to the Promised Land, Moses isin't want you. He couldn't see how he could do that.
And God said 5 simple words Moses that should have quieted his concerns: I will be with you
When Jesus sent his disciples out to "go into all the world", He said to them
"And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
So, if God tells us to go & be & do something, guess what He's gonna do?
Yeah...
for You are my God.
May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing.
Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.
And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
When Moses talked to God in the burning bush & God told him to go back to Egypt & lead the Hebrews out of slavery & to the Promised Land, Moses isin't want you. He couldn't see how he could do that.
And God said 5 simple words Moses that should have quieted his concerns: I will be with you
When Jesus sent his disciples out to "go into all the world", He said to them
"And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
So, if God tells us to go & be & do something, guess what He's gonna do?
Yeah...
Friday, July 6, 2012
so...
Psalm 142:3 For I am overwhelmed
&You alone know the way I should turn.
vs 5 Then I pray to You, O Lord.
I say, "You are my place of refuge.
You are all I really want in life."
&You alone know the way I should turn.
vs 5 Then I pray to You, O Lord.
I say, "You are my place of refuge.
You are all I really want in life."
Thursday, July 5, 2012
word
Matthew 6:33 Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.
Don't worry about missing out.
You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
34 Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now,
and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.
God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
Don't worry about missing out.
You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
34 Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now,
and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.
God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
why we must care for the poor
I hope this convicts you as much as it does me.
In a day when there is a lot of political emotion expressed on both sides of the aisle about helping people in need, maybe we should turn down the rhetoric & think about what Jesus is saying here.
Matthew 25
31 "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'
37 "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?'
40 "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'
41 "Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 42 For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn't give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'
44 "Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?'
45 "And he will answer, 'I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.'
46 "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life."
In a day when there is a lot of political emotion expressed on both sides of the aisle about helping people in need, maybe we should turn down the rhetoric & think about what Jesus is saying here.
Matthew 25
31 "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'
37 "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?'
40 "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'
41 "Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 42 For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn't give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'
44 "Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?'
45 "And he will answer, 'I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.'
46 "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life."
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
an AMAZING psalm
Psalm 139
1 O LORD, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I'm far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, LORD.
5 You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18 I can't even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
1 O LORD, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I'm far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, LORD.
5 You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18 I can't even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Monday, July 2, 2012
promises
Psalm138:2c You promises are backed by the honor of Your name
vs8 The Lord will work out His plans for my life - for Your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for You made me.
How hard is it for us to let God owrk out the what, where, when, how, & who of our lives?
We're too busy trying to either make our lives happen, or make them happen for Him as we think our lives should happen.
We just need to trust Him & wait.
How do I know?
I'm livin' it.
Is it easy?
No.
Is it the best plan - trusting & waiting?
I've managed the walking out of what I knew to be God's will a lot of times. It's better to let Him do the actuating of His will & plans, no matter how confusing or frustratingly long it may take.
Just saying...
vs8 The Lord will work out His plans for my life - for Your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for You made me.
How hard is it for us to let God owrk out the what, where, when, how, & who of our lives?
We're too busy trying to either make our lives happen, or make them happen for Him as we think our lives should happen.
We just need to trust Him & wait.
How do I know?
I'm livin' it.
Is it easy?
No.
Is it the best plan - trusting & waiting?
I've managed the walking out of what I knew to be God's will a lot of times. It's better to let Him do the actuating of His will & plans, no matter how confusing or frustratingly long it may take.
Just saying...
Sunday, July 1, 2012
in a nutshell
Matthew 22:34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. 35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question:
36 "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?"
37 Jesus replied, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'
38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
39 A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."
Iow...
love God, love others.
whoop, der it is.
36 "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?"
37 Jesus replied, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'
38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
39 A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."
Iow...
love God, love others.
whoop, der it is.
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