Proverbs 3:3 Those who control their tongue will have a long life, a quick retort can ruin everything.
Sometimes I shoot my mouth off before I think, & sometimes a speak when I shoulda been quiet.
Anybody out there do the same thing?
And how do you manage a mouth that engages sometimes before your brain?
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
we can think like Jesus
read this slowly & let it sink in
Romans 2:7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God — his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him."
10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets.
11 No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit.
12 And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 16 For,
"Who can know the LORD's thoughts?
Who knows enough to teach him?"*
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
"we have the mind of Christ"
iow, we can think like Jesus thinks, if we plug in to the Holy Spirit.
wow
Romans 2:7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God — his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him."
10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets.
11 No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit.
12 And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 16 For,
"Who can know the LORD's thoughts?
Who knows enough to teach him?"*
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
"we have the mind of Christ"
iow, we can think like Jesus thinks, if we plug in to the Holy Spirit.
wow
Thursday, July 29, 2010
who does the picking?
1 Corinthians 1:8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns.
Good to know as I turn 60 next month.
1 Corinthians 1:27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
It would make better sense to me to have called someone else besides me to be & do the things God's wanted & wants me to be & do.
I certainly wouldn't have picked me!
But He does. It still mystifies me.
As Lynn & I prepare to go as missionaries (
) to Blairsville, I have to hold on to the fact that God's the one who did the picking here. So if this is His idea, then He's the One in charge of making it happen.
Pastor John said something at staff meeting Tuesday that we often follow God's leading but feel we're the ones who have to "maintain" the thing He's called us to be & do.
If God calls us to something, big or small, HE'S the One provides the "maintenance", not us.
Someone remind me of this the next time I switch into "maintenance" mode.
Good to know as I turn 60 next month.
1 Corinthians 1:27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
It would make better sense to me to have called someone else besides me to be & do the things God's wanted & wants me to be & do.
I certainly wouldn't have picked me!
But He does. It still mystifies me.
As Lynn & I prepare to go as missionaries (
) to Blairsville, I have to hold on to the fact that God's the one who did the picking here. So if this is His idea, then He's the One in charge of making it happen.Pastor John said something at staff meeting Tuesday that we often follow God's leading but feel we're the ones who have to "maintain" the thing He's called us to be & do.
If God calls us to something, big or small, HE'S the One provides the "maintenance", not us.
Someone remind me of this the next time I switch into "maintenance" mode.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
overwhelming
Romans 16:25a God is able to make you strong...
Sometimes the things God calls us to be & do seem outside our skill set & beyond our power.
But God is able to make us strong enough to be & do all He dreamed us to be & do.
He's the powerhouse behind our efforts for Him.
As Lynn & I try to embrace His dream for us, it's good to know we're not the ones who have to "tote the load".
He's the One out there going ahead of us, preparing the way, as well as taking care of the consequences of our obedience behind us as we move from our now to our next.
I don't know what's going on in your life right now, but whatever it is, I know (because I'm experiencing it right now) that God is able to make you strong enough to face & walk through whatever is going on in your life.
Sometimes the things God calls us to be & do seem outside our skill set & beyond our power.
But God is able to make us strong enough to be & do all He dreamed us to be & do.
He's the powerhouse behind our efforts for Him.
As Lynn & I try to embrace His dream for us, it's good to know we're not the ones who have to "tote the load".
He's the One out there going ahead of us, preparing the way, as well as taking care of the consequences of our obedience behind us as we move from our now to our next.
I don't know what's going on in your life right now, but whatever it is, I know (because I'm experiencing it right now) that God is able to make you strong enough to face & walk through whatever is going on in your life.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
high stakes
Romans 15:19a I have won them over by the miracles done through me as signs from God - all by the power of God's Spirit.
Wikipedia says this about a miracle: "A miracle is an unexpected event attributed to divine intervention."
As I read this verse this morning, it seemed that God reminded me that all that has been especially the last 10+ years at Christ Chapel have not been because of me, but because of His Holy Spirit choosing to work through me.
But even more importantly, He seemed to remind me that all that will happen in the future for the good of His Kingdom & His children will be accomplished the same way - because of His Holy Spirit choosing to work through me.
My job?
Keep the vessel He chooses to use clean & unhampered, fit & ready to be used.
Proverb 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do."
I gotta guard my heart - the stakes are even higher now.
The devil is & will throw his best at me, push all the right buttons, & do everything to bring me down. I guess that could mean that he wants to disqualify, distract, &/or disintegrate me because He doesn't want what is gonna happen through me & around me to happen.
Hope that paragraph didn't sound as arrogant as it seemed to me.
Lynn & I are on the cusp of a new adventure with & for Him. Pray for us, will ya? The stakes as SO high!
Wikipedia says this about a miracle: "A miracle is an unexpected event attributed to divine intervention."
As I read this verse this morning, it seemed that God reminded me that all that has been especially the last 10+ years at Christ Chapel have not been because of me, but because of His Holy Spirit choosing to work through me.
But even more importantly, He seemed to remind me that all that will happen in the future for the good of His Kingdom & His children will be accomplished the same way - because of His Holy Spirit choosing to work through me.
My job?
Keep the vessel He chooses to use clean & unhampered, fit & ready to be used.
Proverb 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do."
I gotta guard my heart - the stakes are even higher now.
The devil is & will throw his best at me, push all the right buttons, & do everything to bring me down. I guess that could mean that he wants to disqualify, distract, &/or disintegrate me because He doesn't want what is gonna happen through me & around me to happen.
Hope that paragraph didn't sound as arrogant as it seemed to me.
Lynn & I are on the cusp of a new adventure with & for Him. Pray for us, will ya? The stakes as SO high!
Monday, July 26, 2010
2010 verses
It seems appropriate to restate the verses God's given me for 2010. It's interesting to look at what He gave me, what's happened since then, & where Lynn & I are in our lives right now as a result...
1 Thessalonians 5:18 No matter what happens, always be thankful; for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (Got this Wed., Dec 23, 2009)
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. (Got this Mon., Jan. 18)
Proverbs 4:25 Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
27 Don’t get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil. (Got this Tues., Jan. 19)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
letting go
Romans 13: 14 Let the Lord Jesus take control of you.
And hold on for the adventure(s) of your life.
We don't let Him take control because we don't trust Him.
And we're selfish. We want what we want, & we want it NOW.
And we think we're smarter than Him about how our lives should be.
Well, He's more in control of my life than He's ever been.
Does He mess with me?
All the time!
Do I ever really "settle in"?
Nope.
Would I go back to being more in control of my life?
Nope!
We're soon gonna do what He whispered one day to me back in December, 2009 - "wouldn't it be kinda fun to pack everything up, go somewhere where you don't know anyone, & start all over?"
Won't it be painful to leave?
Yep - we've lived in middle GA for almost 30 years.
But it's gonna be REALLY interesting what He does next with us
Let the Lord Jesus take control of you.
I love my life ;-)
And hold on for the adventure(s) of your life.
We don't let Him take control because we don't trust Him.
And we're selfish. We want what we want, & we want it NOW.
And we think we're smarter than Him about how our lives should be.
Well, He's more in control of my life than He's ever been.
Does He mess with me?
All the time!
Do I ever really "settle in"?
Nope.
Would I go back to being more in control of my life?
Nope!
We're soon gonna do what He whispered one day to me back in December, 2009 - "wouldn't it be kinda fun to pack everything up, go somewhere where you don't know anyone, & start all over?"
Won't it be painful to leave?
Yep - we've lived in middle GA for almost 30 years.
But it's gonna be REALLY interesting what He does next with us
Let the Lord Jesus take control of you.
I love my life ;-)
Saturday, July 24, 2010
incoming from Paul of Tarsus
Ok, brace yourselves. There's a LOT of stuff here. Read it slowly.
Romans 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you.
Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable.
This is truly the way to worship him.
2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
3b Don't think you are better than you really are.
Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function,5 so it is with Christ's body.
We are many parts of one body,
and we all belong to each other.
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.
So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.
7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well.
If you are a teacher, teach well.
8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.
If it is giving, give generously.
If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
9 Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them.
Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
12 Be glad for the things God is planning for you.
Be patient in trouble,
and keep on praying.
13 When God's people are in need, be ready to help them.
Always be eager to practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you.
Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them.
15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with each other.
Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.
And don't think you know it all!
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
"I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,"*
says the LORD.
20 Instead,
"If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads."*
21 Don't let evil conquer you,
but conquer evil by doing good.
Romans 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you.
Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable.
This is truly the way to worship him.
2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
3b Don't think you are better than you really are.
Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function,5 so it is with Christ's body.
We are many parts of one body,
and we all belong to each other.
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.
So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.
7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well.
If you are a teacher, teach well.
8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.
If it is giving, give generously.
If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
9 Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them.
Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
12 Be glad for the things God is planning for you.
Be patient in trouble,
and keep on praying.
13 When God's people are in need, be ready to help them.
Always be eager to practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you.
Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them.
15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with each other.
Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.
And don't think you know it all!
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
"I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,"*
says the LORD.
20 Instead,
"If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads."*
21 Don't let evil conquer you,
but conquer evil by doing good.
Friday, July 23, 2010
look straight ahead
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 you feet from following evil.
Well, we have a contract on the farmhouse near Blairsville.
Romans 11:29 For God's gifts & His call can never be withdrawn.
So, things begin to speed up.
Our realtor has a bunch of things to take care of in the next few weeks. We, on the other hand, have a simple task - complete the loan process ;-)
I have a daunting task - find some sort of job in Blairsville.
Yes, I've applied to be a greeter at WalMart - seriously.
Talked to Beth & Melissa about some nuts & bolts about a satellite Sunday Morning Gathering.
I'm in Blairsville right now with Ben Kerr. He's going on a campus tour of Young Harris College. I took him by the house. He said it was a place for community, really open, really welcoming.
I really hope it will be.
It hit me yesterday - I'm really gonna get to live up here for a while.
Last night, he & I went to WalMart & had conversations w/ 2 people - the greeter (who's 20) & the cashier (undetermined age). The greeter was interested in a 20something ministry. Hmmmmmmmm...
The "next" in Lynn & my life together seems on the cusp of opening up.
Romans 11:33 Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are His riches & wisdom & knowledge! How impossible it is to understand His decisions & His methods! 34 For who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who knows enough to be His counselor? 35 And who could ever give Him so much that He would have to pay it back? 36 For everything comes from Him, everything exists by His power & is intended for His glory. To Him be glory evermore. Amen
We're off on His adventure for us! Come go with us!
Well, we have a contract on the farmhouse near Blairsville.
Romans 11:29 For God's gifts & His call can never be withdrawn.
So, things begin to speed up.
Our realtor has a bunch of things to take care of in the next few weeks. We, on the other hand, have a simple task - complete the loan process ;-)
I have a daunting task - find some sort of job in Blairsville.
Yes, I've applied to be a greeter at WalMart - seriously.
Talked to Beth & Melissa about some nuts & bolts about a satellite Sunday Morning Gathering.
I'm in Blairsville right now with Ben Kerr. He's going on a campus tour of Young Harris College. I took him by the house. He said it was a place for community, really open, really welcoming.
I really hope it will be.
It hit me yesterday - I'm really gonna get to live up here for a while.
Last night, he & I went to WalMart & had conversations w/ 2 people - the greeter (who's 20) & the cashier (undetermined age). The greeter was interested in a 20something ministry. Hmmmmmmmm...
The "next" in Lynn & my life together seems on the cusp of opening up.
Romans 11:33 Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are His riches & wisdom & knowledge! How impossible it is to understand His decisions & His methods! 34 For who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who knows enough to be His counselor? 35 And who could ever give Him so much that He would have to pay it back? 36 For everything comes from Him, everything exists by His power & is intended for His glory. To Him be glory evermore. Amen
We're off on His adventure for us! Come go with us!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
burn up, not rust out
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.
Boy, howdy!
Right now, these last few days, I know the devil has been poking me about how utterly ridiculous this moving to Blairsville is. And, I guess in the world's eyes, it is.
He's been saying things like,
"who are you to go up there?"
"do you REALLY think YOU are gonna have any impact?"
"what happens if you go up there & nothing happens?" (that's one he hits me over the head with a LOT!)
"isn't it a bit arrogant to go up there?"
Well, these are all valid questions.
I have to remind myself THIS WASN'T MY IDEA!!!
If we go up there & it all goes up in smoke, well, whatever.
But what if it doesn't?
There's been too many things that have "just happened" as we've walked toward going to Blairsville.
And then, I'm reading in Romans 10, & these verses pop off the page...
Romans 10:14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"
Yeah, and as I read it, God seemed to whisper, "go"
Next month, I turn 60 (I still find it hard to believe!) This song by Mark Shultz, "Time that is left," really is resonating with me as Lynn & I travel this road to Blairsville.
Boy, howdy!
Right now, these last few days, I know the devil has been poking me about how utterly ridiculous this moving to Blairsville is. And, I guess in the world's eyes, it is.
He's been saying things like,
"who are you to go up there?"
"do you REALLY think YOU are gonna have any impact?"
"what happens if you go up there & nothing happens?" (that's one he hits me over the head with a LOT!)
"isn't it a bit arrogant to go up there?"
Well, these are all valid questions.
I have to remind myself THIS WASN'T MY IDEA!!!
If we go up there & it all goes up in smoke, well, whatever.
But what if it doesn't?
There's been too many things that have "just happened" as we've walked toward going to Blairsville.
And then, I'm reading in Romans 10, & these verses pop off the page...
Romans 10:14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"
Yeah, and as I read it, God seemed to whisper, "go"
Next month, I turn 60 (I still find it hard to believe!) This song by Mark Shultz, "Time that is left," really is resonating with me as Lynn & I travel this road to Blairsville.
What will you do with the time that’s left
Will you live it all with no regret?
Will they say that you loved till your final breath?
What will you do with the time that’s left?
Oh, Hallelujah!
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Amen
What will you do with the time that’s past?
Oh and all the pain that seems to last?
Can you give it to Jesus and not look back?
What will you do with the time that’s past?
Oh, Hallelujah!
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Amen
What will He say when your time has come?
When He takes you into His arms of love?
With tears in His eyes will He say well done?
What will He say when your time has come?
Oh, Hallelujah!
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
(Lord be present in all my ways,
help me follow You all my days oh Father God)
Amen
What will you do with the time that’s left?
Will you live it all with no regret
Will they say that you loved till your final breath?
What will you do with the time?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
following
Proverbs 3:5 (The Message)
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.
When I read this on January 18 of this year, I thought God gave this as one of the four passages I was to hold on to during this year. I knew it was gonna be another year of incredible change because He gave me 4 passages for the year.
That also happened in 2008 - the year He started talking to me about downtown.
I didn't know what was gonna happen this year. Interesting how it's unfolded, isn't it?
Anyway, at first review, I saw "trust" & "listen" & "He's the one who will keep you"
As I've walk through transitioning Dave into HOG leadership & eventually downtown leadership, I've had to trust Him, & listen out for His guiding.
"don't try to figure out everything on your own" is something God keeps saying to me. I'm always trying to figure things out, & then make them happen. He's the One who makes things happen - not me.
I never would have figured things out if I'd tried. I never would have guessed life would have moved in the directions it has taken so far - stepping away from leadership here, stepping away from Middle Georgia, & walking toward settling in the Blairsville area.
So? That's all well & fine & good, but what does that have to do with you?
Trust Him.
He's dreamed a dream for your life. All He wants you to do is let go of it & let Him make His dreams happen in you.
Listen to Him.
He WILL tell you what He wants you to do. Wait & listen, & it will become apparent.
He will keep you.
He's gonna take care of you through whatever situations & processes you'll face.
Don't try to figure everything out on your own.
This is pretty obvious.
I'm still trusting, listening, resting in His keeping, & trying to not run ahead of Him & figure things out on my own. I won't know for sure if the current of His will carry Lynn & me to Blairsville until we have jobs there & a place to live. But it sure does look like ti will.
We'll see.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
what an amazing chapter
What an amazing chapter!
This is a lot to read, but please read it all. There's so much within these next few paragraphs that are some of the most pivotal truths of who God is & we are in Him.
Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power* of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. 8 That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. 24 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope* for it. 25 But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together* for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is a lot to read, but please read it all. There's so much within these next few paragraphs that are some of the most pivotal truths of who God is & we are in Him.
Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power* of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. 8 That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. 24 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope* for it. 25 But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together* for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Monday, July 19, 2010
the way out
Romans 7:24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?25a Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
And the world is dying to hear this.
And we're too prissy & scared to share it.
And the world is dying to hear this.
And we're too prissy & scared to share it.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
read it all
Sorry, I couldn't cut any of it
Romans 6:1 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
12 Do not let sin control the way you live;* do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace.
15 Well then, since God's grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! 16 Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. 17 Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. 18 Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.
19 Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.
20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. 21 And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. 22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:1 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
12 Do not let sin control the way you live;* do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace.
15 Well then, since God's grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! 16 Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. 17 Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. 18 Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.
19 Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.
20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. 21 And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. 22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
idols
An idol is a human-made object that is worshipped in some way.
Ezekel 14:1 Then some of the leaders of Israel visited me, and while they were sitting with me, 2 this message came to me from the LORD:
3 "Son of man, these leaders have set up idols IN THEIR HEARTS. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests?
4 Tell them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: The people of Israel have set up idols IN THEIR HEARTS and fallen into sin, and then they go to a prophet asking for a message. So I, the LORD, will give them the kind of answer their great idolatry deserves.
5 I will do this to capture the minds and hearts of all my people who have turned from me to worship their detestable idols.'
6 "Therefore, tell the people of Israel, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Repent and turn away from your idols, and stop all your detestable sins. 7 I, the LORD, will answer all those, both Israelites and foreigners, who reject me and set up idols IN THEIR HEARTS and so fall into sin, and who then come to a prophet asking for my advice.
8 I will turn against such people and make a terrible example of them, eliminating them from among my people. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
So, what are some idols you have IN YOUR HEART? I have some in mine.
So, what are these "idols in our hearts"?
Safety
prestige
position
revenge
security
recognition
lust
self centeredness
things
being "a player"
money
lazy
hating
an 8 pack
not being involved (apathetic or indifferent)
a skinny body
friends
being dysfunctional
sex
popularity
success
these are just a few - wanna add some more?
God doesn't seem real impressed with these "idols of our hearts" - iow, I guess these are the hidden idols no one knows about.
Sounds like He's gonna kick some butt with those who continue to have them.
I'm just sayin'...
Ezekel 14:1 Then some of the leaders of Israel visited me, and while they were sitting with me, 2 this message came to me from the LORD:
3 "Son of man, these leaders have set up idols IN THEIR HEARTS. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests?
4 Tell them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: The people of Israel have set up idols IN THEIR HEARTS and fallen into sin, and then they go to a prophet asking for a message. So I, the LORD, will give them the kind of answer their great idolatry deserves.
5 I will do this to capture the minds and hearts of all my people who have turned from me to worship their detestable idols.'
6 "Therefore, tell the people of Israel, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Repent and turn away from your idols, and stop all your detestable sins. 7 I, the LORD, will answer all those, both Israelites and foreigners, who reject me and set up idols IN THEIR HEARTS and so fall into sin, and who then come to a prophet asking for my advice.
8 I will turn against such people and make a terrible example of them, eliminating them from among my people. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
So, what are some idols you have IN YOUR HEART? I have some in mine.
So, what are these "idols in our hearts"?
Safety
prestige
position
revenge
security
recognition
lust
self centeredness
things
being "a player"
money
lazy
hating
an 8 pack
not being involved (apathetic or indifferent)
a skinny body
friends
being dysfunctional
sex
popularity
success
these are just a few - wanna add some more?
God doesn't seem real impressed with these "idols of our hearts" - iow, I guess these are the hidden idols no one knows about.
Sounds like He's gonna kick some butt with those who continue to have them.
I'm just sayin'...
Friday, July 16, 2010
faith
Romans 4:20 Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, & in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything He promised.
Do we REALLY believe that God will do the things He says He will do?
And if we were "absolutely convinced" God was gonna keep His promises, how would that show in our day to day life?
Do we REALLY believe that God will do the things He says He will do?
And if we were "absolutely convinced" God was gonna keep His promises, how would that show in our day to day life?
Thursday, July 15, 2010
no matter who we are or what we've done
Romans 3:21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are or what we have done.
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
29 After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. 30 There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
29 After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. 30 There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
trusting, or not
Psalm 146:3 Don't put your trust in powerful people; there is no help for your there.
So much for the old saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know."
It's not about manipulating people to give us special consideration & ingratiating ourselves to people who can "pull strings for us"
It's all about realizing that if God has dreamed a BIG dream for our lives, then He's gonna be the One who makes it happen.
Not our manipulations, machinations, & ingratiations.
As Lynn & I walk into our "next" it's something of a default setting to depend on "who you know" & "network".
I guess the real test of our faith is to simply walk toward something & allow Him to open doors.
Like I've said before recently, "we either trust Him, or we don't."
That's probably why there's so many "I don't know's" ahead for Lynn & I. This is the biggest step of faith we've ever made together. If we knew more than we do, we'd probably try make it happen, & make it happen too soon.
We either trust Him, or we don't.
I'm learning a whole new level of trust here.
So much for the old saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know."
It's not about manipulating people to give us special consideration & ingratiating ourselves to people who can "pull strings for us"
It's all about realizing that if God has dreamed a BIG dream for our lives, then He's gonna be the One who makes it happen.
Not our manipulations, machinations, & ingratiations.
As Lynn & I walk into our "next" it's something of a default setting to depend on "who you know" & "network".
I guess the real test of our faith is to simply walk toward something & allow Him to open doors.
Like I've said before recently, "we either trust Him, or we don't."
That's probably why there's so many "I don't know's" ahead for Lynn & I. This is the biggest step of faith we've ever made together. If we knew more than we do, we'd probably try make it happen, & make it happen too soon.
We either trust Him, or we don't.
I'm learning a whole new level of trust here.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
everyone
Psalm 145:8 The Lord is kind & merciful, slow to get angry, full of unfailing love. 9 The Lord is good to everyone - He shows compassion on all His creation.
just sayin'...
just sayin'...
Monday, July 12, 2010
my strength
Psalm 144:1 Praise the LORD, who is my rock.
He gives me strength for war
and skill for battle.
2 He is my loving ally and my fortress,
my tower of safety, my rescuer.
He stands before me as a shield, and I take refuge in Him.
Good to hold on to as we all walk into our nexts.
2 phrases stand out this morning...
"He gives me strength... & skill"
"stands before me as a shield"
hmmmmmmmm...
He gives me strength for war
and skill for battle.
2 He is my loving ally and my fortress,
my tower of safety, my rescuer.
He stands before me as a shield, and I take refuge in Him.
Good to hold on to as we all walk into our nexts.
2 phrases stand out this morning...
"He gives me strength... & skill"
"stands before me as a shield"
hmmmmmmmm...
Sunday, July 11, 2010
show me
Psalm 143:8
Let me hear of Your unfailing love in the morning,
for I am trusting in You.
Show me where to walk,
for I have come to You in prayer.
Sometimes, we just wanna know what He has in store for us - we've surrendered ourselves to the "whatever" - we just wanna know.
Anybody like that besides me?
Let me hear of Your unfailing love in the morning,
for I am trusting in You.
Show me where to walk,
for I have come to You in prayer.
Sometimes, we just wanna know what He has in store for us - we've surrendered ourselves to the "whatever" - we just wanna know.
Anybody like that besides me?
Saturday, July 10, 2010
who's in charge
Psalm 142:3 For I am overwhelmed, and You know the way I should turn.
So, guess Who I have to depend on to make things happen?
Yep...
Like I said a few weeks ago, we either trust Him, or we don't.
So, guess Who I have to depend on to make things happen?
Yep...
Like I said a few weeks ago, we either trust Him, or we don't.
Friday, July 9, 2010
figuring it out
Pro 3:5 (The Message)
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.
Anybody besides me try to figure out what God's doing instead of just waiting for Him to unfold it all in His good time?
Anybody out there besides me try to make decisions using their own common sense & intellect rather than waiting to hear His still small voice?
Anybody out there try to make things rather than letting God make things happen?
Anybody else besides me just simply not trust Him to come through? (Like I said a few weeks ago: we either trust Him, or we don't)
Anybody out there do any of this stuff, like I do?
Thursday, July 8, 2010
nmwh
Heb 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 7, 2010
outstanding words
Read these verses slowly & let them sink into your spirit...
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 me 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.
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 me 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.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
plans
Psalm 138:8 The Lord will work out His plans for your life - for Your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
I'm kinda anxious these days, waiting for our "next" to materialize.
I'm kinda wondering if I'm dreaming all this, fantasizing in the positive, or just plain crazy.
And I'm just reading along this morning, minding my own business, hoping God will say something to me.
Well, He did, especially the first 10 words of the verse.
I'm kinda anxious these days, waiting for our "next" to materialize.
I'm kinda wondering if I'm dreaming all this, fantasizing in the positive, or just plain crazy.
And I'm just reading along this morning, minding my own business, hoping God will say something to me.
Well, He did, especially the first 10 words of the verse.
Monday, July 5, 2010
success
I'm reading in Acts 21 where Paul gets arrested in Jerusalem. Along the way to Jerusalem, people prophesied about his upcoming imprisonment. It made everyone VERY upset.
But they, & we, see Paul's being in prison as a bad thing. We forget that he wrote letters to people & places while he was in jail.
These letters became the foundation for much of the New Testament.
We are so very short sighted. We look at things through the filter of worldly success. We don't look at things like God does.
God was probably enormously pleased with Paul, even though he was in prison a good chunk of his Christian life.
We are called to simply be who God has made us. The doing, & the eternal ripple effect of that doing, are both His responsibility, not ours.
That's something I've had to think about as Lynn & I walk towards our "next" - it may not be a glittering success in the eyes of many of you, our friends or family, or anyone else. I hope I can remember Who it is I'm trying to please & obey as we walk into this next phase in our lives.
(remind me of this blog the next time the manure hits the fan in my life, will ya?)
But they, & we, see Paul's being in prison as a bad thing. We forget that he wrote letters to people & places while he was in jail.
These letters became the foundation for much of the New Testament.
We are so very short sighted. We look at things through the filter of worldly success. We don't look at things like God does.
God was probably enormously pleased with Paul, even though he was in prison a good chunk of his Christian life.
We are called to simply be who God has made us. The doing, & the eternal ripple effect of that doing, are both His responsibility, not ours.
That's something I've had to think about as Lynn & I walk towards our "next" - it may not be a glittering success in the eyes of many of you, our friends or family, or anyone else. I hope I can remember Who it is I'm trying to please & obey as we walk into this next phase in our lives.
(remind me of this blog the next time the manure hits the fan in my life, will ya?)
Sunday, July 4, 2010
unless
Acts 20:24 My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness & love.
At this juncture in my life, most of the people I know are heading toward a much simpler slower life. They're retiring; whatever that means to each of them.
It is true that I've let go of much of the high-powered activity in my life - iow, I've slowed down from the frenetic pace I've lived for decades. That kind of intensity is better lived by those 2 to 4 decades younger than me
But I still believe I have work that is "assigned me by the Lord Jesus" - there are far too many people waiting to be told about "God's wonderful kindness & love" - far too many people living in bondage & pain that simply need someone to point them to our Abba Father.
I don't know where those assignments will take me. I'm surrendered to whatever - what choice do I really have? If I cling to my life - the people & things that I love about it so much right now - well, then, I'll lose that life. Jesus said so in Matthew 6:25
He did say that if I let go of my life for Him, then I would find my life.
You see, I've been saying this over & over again for almost 3 years now. Many of you have heard me say it in different contexts. Many of you may have thought it was easy for me to say, coming from my secure position of leadership & cozy lifestyle.
But it would seem that God has a new adventure up ahead for us. It will mean leaving that security & coziness. It will mean starting all over again. It will mean the biggest step of faith I've ever taken.
But Jesus said that if we let go of our lives for Him, we'll find our lives - we'll find the BIG lives He dreamed for us a gajillion years ago.
I don't know what the future holds. I've said "I don't know" more in the last 3 years than in the rest of my life, quintupled! But I continue to hold on to Psalm 139:5 "God both precedes & follows me."
I've got to believe that. As I said a few weeks ago, we either trust God, or we don't. I've got to trust Him. I've got to trust me to figure out what I think He's saying to be & do. I've got to risk being wrong about that.
Where would I be today if I'd listened to the nay-saying voices inside my head when I considered coming to Christ Chapel, or leaving music ministry for working with 20somethings, or moving to downtown Macon?
I have to move forward with what I feel He's calling me to be & do? So what if I'm wrong? Won't be the first time! Probably won't be the last.
But what if what I feel He's leading me to be & do is correct? What kind of adventure will it take me on? Who will I get to know & love? What will be the outcome of it all?
When I look at the results of my obedience particularly over the last 10 years & then look ahead, it looks pretty exciting - maybe not as the world would see it - maybe not as the people in my life right now may think of it. But all the same, it looks like it may be pretty interesting.
I hope you'll follow with me what God continues to unfold for me. God's very creative. It should turn out to be very unique.
Sorry this is so long - I got to talking & couldn't shut up ;-)
I love you all - thanks for reading this.
At this juncture in my life, most of the people I know are heading toward a much simpler slower life. They're retiring; whatever that means to each of them.
It is true that I've let go of much of the high-powered activity in my life - iow, I've slowed down from the frenetic pace I've lived for decades. That kind of intensity is better lived by those 2 to 4 decades younger than me
But I still believe I have work that is "assigned me by the Lord Jesus" - there are far too many people waiting to be told about "God's wonderful kindness & love" - far too many people living in bondage & pain that simply need someone to point them to our Abba Father.
I don't know where those assignments will take me. I'm surrendered to whatever - what choice do I really have? If I cling to my life - the people & things that I love about it so much right now - well, then, I'll lose that life. Jesus said so in Matthew 6:25
He did say that if I let go of my life for Him, then I would find my life.
You see, I've been saying this over & over again for almost 3 years now. Many of you have heard me say it in different contexts. Many of you may have thought it was easy for me to say, coming from my secure position of leadership & cozy lifestyle.
But it would seem that God has a new adventure up ahead for us. It will mean leaving that security & coziness. It will mean starting all over again. It will mean the biggest step of faith I've ever taken.
But Jesus said that if we let go of our lives for Him, we'll find our lives - we'll find the BIG lives He dreamed for us a gajillion years ago.
I don't know what the future holds. I've said "I don't know" more in the last 3 years than in the rest of my life, quintupled! But I continue to hold on to Psalm 139:5 "God both precedes & follows me."
I've got to believe that. As I said a few weeks ago, we either trust God, or we don't. I've got to trust Him. I've got to trust me to figure out what I think He's saying to be & do. I've got to risk being wrong about that.
Where would I be today if I'd listened to the nay-saying voices inside my head when I considered coming to Christ Chapel, or leaving music ministry for working with 20somethings, or moving to downtown Macon?
I have to move forward with what I feel He's calling me to be & do? So what if I'm wrong? Won't be the first time! Probably won't be the last.
But what if what I feel He's leading me to be & do is correct? What kind of adventure will it take me on? Who will I get to know & love? What will be the outcome of it all?
When I look at the results of my obedience particularly over the last 10 years & then look ahead, it looks pretty exciting - maybe not as the world would see it - maybe not as the people in my life right now may think of it. But all the same, it looks like it may be pretty interesting.
I hope you'll follow with me what God continues to unfold for me. God's very creative. It should turn out to be very unique.
Sorry this is so long - I got to talking & couldn't shut up ;-)
I love you all - thanks for reading this.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
go
I'm reading in Acts these days (chapter 19 today) - of course, Psalms, too (me & Billy Graham read a psalm a day, ya know ;-). I just finished Lamentations - whew! what a downer!
Anyway, I'm off track...
I'm reading in Acts about Paul's missionary journeys. He would go to an city, get a job as a tent maker, live & work among the people, & do tons of relationship evangelism. That's how Paul instigated the evangelism of the Roman world - simply by going somewhere, getting a job, & being who he was: a Christ follower.
Today, we feel like we need to be authenticated by some mission board, raise support, be "commissioned", & set off to "far away places with strange sounding names".
I wonder how our state, our nation, & our world would be impacted if more of us followed Paul's example & simply let God lead us to some place, near or far, get jobs, & simply be the contagious Christ followers that we are.
Lynn & I are doing just that as we consider our "next" with our Abba Father. It's kinda exciting & kinda scary, considering that we'd have to completely depend on Him to "make things happen"
Anyway, I'm off track...
I'm reading in Acts about Paul's missionary journeys. He would go to an city, get a job as a tent maker, live & work among the people, & do tons of relationship evangelism. That's how Paul instigated the evangelism of the Roman world - simply by going somewhere, getting a job, & being who he was: a Christ follower.
Today, we feel like we need to be authenticated by some mission board, raise support, be "commissioned", & set off to "far away places with strange sounding names".
I wonder how our state, our nation, & our world would be impacted if more of us followed Paul's example & simply let God lead us to some place, near or far, get jobs, & simply be the contagious Christ followers that we are.
Lynn & I are doing just that as we consider our "next" with our Abba Father. It's kinda exciting & kinda scary, considering that we'd have to completely depend on Him to "make things happen"
Friday, July 2, 2010
waiting
Hebrews 10:36 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.
So, if we can just wait for our Abba Father to act in His time,
1) not only will we continue to be & do what He wants us to be & do,
2) but all the things He has planned for us to be & do will come to us as He dreamed for us a gajillion years ago?
So, if we can just wait for our Abba Father to act in His time,
1) not only will we continue to be & do what He wants us to be & do,
2) but all the things He has planned for us to be & do will come to us as He dreamed for us a gajillion years ago?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
faithful
Lamenations 3:22 The faithful love of the LORD never ends!
His mercies never cease.
23 Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!"
25 The LORD is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
26 So it is good to wait quietly
for salvation from the LORD.
27 And it is good for people to submit at an early age
to the yoke of his discipline
His mercies never cease.
23 Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!"
25 The LORD is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
26 So it is good to wait quietly
for salvation from the LORD.
27 And it is good for people to submit at an early age
to the yoke of his discipline
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