In a world where we have a success orientation about servanthood
& a general attitude that the American Dream is synonymous with a life of discipleship,
read these words of Jesus...
Matthew 6
19 "Don't store up treasures here on earth,
where moths eat them and rust destroys them,
and where thieves break in and steal.
20 Store your treasures in heaven,
where moths and rust cannot destroy,
and thieves do not break in and steal.
21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
22 "Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body.
When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.
23 But
when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness.
And if
the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that
darkness is!
24 "No
one can serve two masters.
For you will hate one and love the other;
you will be devoted to one and despise the other.
You cannot serve both
God and money.
25 "That
is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life...
whether you have
enough food and drink,
or enough clothes to wear.
Isn't life more than
food, and your body more than clothing?
26 Look
at the birds.
They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns,
for
your heavenly Father feeds them.
And aren't you far more valuable to him
than they are?
27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 "And why worry about your clothing?
Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow.
They don't work or make their clothing,
29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
30 And
if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and
thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.
Why do
you have so little faith?
31 "So don't worry about these things, saying,
'What will we eat?
What will we drink?
What will we wear?'
32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers,
but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.
33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else,
and live righteously,
and he will give you everything you need.
34 "So don't worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will bring its own worries.
Today's trouble is enough for today.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
soak this up
Just read this & let the truth contained in its words sink in...
Psalm 103
1 Let all that I am praise the LORD;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the LORD;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle's!
6 The LORD gives righteousness
and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
7 He revealed his character to Moses
and his deeds to the people of Israel.
8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
13 The LORD is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
14 For he knows how weak we are;
he remembers we are only dust.
15 Our days on earth are like grass;
like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
16 The wind blows, and we are gone—
as though we had never been here.
17 But the love of the LORD remains forever
with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children's children
18 of those who are faithful to his covenant,
of those who obey his commandments
Psalm 103
1 Let all that I am praise the LORD;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the LORD;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle's!
6 The LORD gives righteousness
and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
7 He revealed his character to Moses
and his deeds to the people of Israel.
8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
13 The LORD is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
14 For he knows how weak we are;
he remembers we are only dust.
15 Our days on earth are like grass;
like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
16 The wind blows, and we are gone—
as though we had never been here.
17 But the love of the LORD remains forever
with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children's children
18 of those who are faithful to his covenant,
of those who obey his commandments
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
freshened words
Here's the first 16+ verses of Matthew 5 in the paraphrased translation known as The Message.
A paraphrase is something that is translated not word for word but in essence.
I like The Message because sometimes it presents the Bible in a fresh way.
These verses are the opening verses of the speech given by Jesus that has come to be known as The Sermon of the Mount.
Matthew 5
5 1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
13 “Let
me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that
brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness,
how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will
end up in the garbage.
14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
A paraphrase is something that is translated not word for word but in essence.
I like The Message because sometimes it presents the Bible in a fresh way.
These verses are the opening verses of the speech given by Jesus that has come to be known as The Sermon of the Mount.
Matthew 5
5 1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
nothing hidden
Y'all know I'm a VERY strong advocate of reading the Bible EVERY day.
Here's a couple of verses that kinda can help you to know what to
expect if you do...
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful.
It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword,
cutting between soul and spirit,
between joint and marrow.
It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God.
Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes,
and He is the one to whom we are accountable.
Now here's some hope in the face of all that truth exposed!
Hebrews 4:14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven,
Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold firmly to what we believe.
15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses,
for he faced all of the same testings we do,
yet he did not sin.
16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.
There we will receive his mercy,
and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful.
It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword,
cutting between soul and spirit,
between joint and marrow.
It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God.
Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes,
and He is the one to whom we are accountable.
Now here's some hope in the face of all that truth exposed!
Hebrews 4:14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven,
Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold firmly to what we believe.
15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses,
for he faced all of the same testings we do,
yet he did not sin.
16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.
There we will receive his mercy,
and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Monday, May 27, 2013
rest
Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, Come to me,
all you who are weary
& carry heavy burdens,
& I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you.
Let me teach you,
because I am humble & gentle,
& you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke fits perfectly,
& the burden I give you is light.
all you who are weary
& carry heavy burdens,
& I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you.
Let me teach you,
because I am humble & gentle,
& you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke fits perfectly,
& the burden I give you is light.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
importance
For all of us who feel unimportant or insignificant, here's something Jesus said...
Matthew 10:28 "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body;
they cannot touch your soul.
Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 What is the price of two sparrows - one copper coin?
But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.
30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.
31 So don't be afraid;
you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 10:28 "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body;
they cannot touch your soul.
Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 What is the price of two sparrows - one copper coin?
But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.
30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.
31 So don't be afraid;
you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Friday, May 24, 2013
some verses
Here's some verses that have meant a great deal to me in the last 5 weeks...
Sunday, April 14
Luke 8:50b (Jesus says to Jairus when Jairus hears his daughter is dead.) Don't be afraid. Just trust Me.
Wednesday May 8
Psalm 81:6 Now I will relieve your shoulder of its burden; I will free your hands from their heavy tasks.
Tuesday, May 21
Matthew 5:13a You are the salt of the earth.
14a You are the light of the world - like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. 15 Don't hide your light under a basket!Instead, put it on a stand & let it shine for all. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Sunday, April 14
Luke 8:50b (Jesus says to Jairus when Jairus hears his daughter is dead.) Don't be afraid. Just trust Me.
Wednesday May 8
Psalm 81:6 Now I will relieve your shoulder of its burden; I will free your hands from their heavy tasks.
Tuesday, May 21
Matthew 5:13a You are the salt of the earth.
14a You are the light of the world - like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. 15 Don't hide your light under a basket!Instead, put it on a stand & let it shine for all. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
what's the real meaning here?
How can we believe this w/o turning God into some sort of celestial vending machine?
What is the real meaning here?
Matthew 7
7 "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.
Keep on seeking, and you will find.
Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks, receives.
Everyone who seeks, finds.
And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 "You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?
10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake?
Of course not!
11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him?
What is the real meaning here?
Matthew 7
7 "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.
Keep on seeking, and you will find.
Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks, receives.
Everyone who seeks, finds.
And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 "You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?
10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake?
Of course not!
11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him?
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
worry
Matthew 25
25 ...don't worry about your life - whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear.
Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds.
They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them.
And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?
27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 "And why worry about your clothing?
Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow.
They don't work or make their clothing,
29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.
Why do you have so little faith?
31 "So don't worry about these things, saying,
'What will we eat?
What will we drink?
What will we wear?'
32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers,
but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.
33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.
Today's trouble is enough for today.
25 ...don't worry about your life - whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear.
Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds.
They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them.
And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?
27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 "And why worry about your clothing?
Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow.
They don't work or make their clothing,
29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.
Why do you have so little faith?
31 "So don't worry about these things, saying,
'What will we eat?
What will we drink?
What will we wear?'
32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers,
but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.
33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.
Today's trouble is enough for today.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
salt & light
(Matthew 5, 6, & 7 is what is called "The Sermon on the Mount".
It's 3 chapters that are packed full of amazing things that Jesus said
that are foundational to what we think about mind of God. If you haven't
read it, or haven't read it lately, sit down with a good translation
& just absorb it.)
Matthew 5
13 You are the salt of the earth.
But what good is salt if it has lost it flavor?
Can you make it useful again?
It will be thrown out & trampled underfoot as worthless.
I don't know how many of you cook, but adding salt to food is such an interesting thing.
It takes such a little bit to change something.
And too much salt ruins a dish of food.
Sometimes we're not required to be as salty as pepperoni or the french fries at McDonalds.
I think that maybe God wants us to simply be who we are, & allow Him to control the effect we have on people, or situations
14 You are the light of the world...
like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see.
15 Don't hide your light under a basket!
Instead, put it on a stand & let it shine for all.
16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see,
so that everyone will praise your heavenly Fathrer
Have you ever been in a completely dark room, or some other place, like during a power outage?
And as you've sat in that dark place, have you lighted a single candle?
Isn't it remarkable how much better you're able to see just by lighting that 1 candle.
I wonder if we spend too much time trying to be enough light by which we could do brain surgery when all God wants us to be is a single candle in a very dark room.
Matthew 5
13 You are the salt of the earth.
But what good is salt if it has lost it flavor?
Can you make it useful again?
It will be thrown out & trampled underfoot as worthless.
I don't know how many of you cook, but adding salt to food is such an interesting thing.
It takes such a little bit to change something.
And too much salt ruins a dish of food.
Sometimes we're not required to be as salty as pepperoni or the french fries at McDonalds.
I think that maybe God wants us to simply be who we are, & allow Him to control the effect we have on people, or situations
14 You are the light of the world...
like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see.
15 Don't hide your light under a basket!
Instead, put it on a stand & let it shine for all.
16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see,
so that everyone will praise your heavenly Fathrer
Have you ever been in a completely dark room, or some other place, like during a power outage?
And as you've sat in that dark place, have you lighted a single candle?
Isn't it remarkable how much better you're able to see just by lighting that 1 candle.
I wonder if we spend too much time trying to be enough light by which we could do brain surgery when all God wants us to be is a single candle in a very dark room.
Monday, May 20, 2013
finish
2 Timothy 4
2 Preach the word of God.
Be persistent,
whether the time is favorable or not.
Patiently correct,
rebuke,
& encourage you people with Good teaching.
5 You should keep a clear mind in every situation.
Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord.
Work at bringing others to Christ.
Complete the ministry God has for you.
Paul loved Timothy not like a son, but as his son. While reading the 2 letters Paul wrote to Timothy, it's not hard to pick up on the bond they shared & the easy love of a father & son that was between them.
Paul knew he was about to die. We don't know if Timothy got to him before Paul died. These closing remarks are from a spectacular man of God to some think his equally spectacular son. They carry the same portent that you or I would impart to our child if we were in the same situation.
A little later, Paul asks Timothy to bring a coat he left somewhere.
And maybe most poignant is his simple request - come before winter.
I don't think it's by accident that Paul finishes he "things to do" list with this simple mandate:
Complete the ministry God has for you.
Finish.
I hope I can finish well. I'm trying to get in a place where I can.
2 Preach the word of God.
Be persistent,
whether the time is favorable or not.
Patiently correct,
rebuke,
& encourage you people with Good teaching.
5 You should keep a clear mind in every situation.
Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord.
Work at bringing others to Christ.
Complete the ministry God has for you.
Paul loved Timothy not like a son, but as his son. While reading the 2 letters Paul wrote to Timothy, it's not hard to pick up on the bond they shared & the easy love of a father & son that was between them.
Paul knew he was about to die. We don't know if Timothy got to him before Paul died. These closing remarks are from a spectacular man of God to some think his equally spectacular son. They carry the same portent that you or I would impart to our child if we were in the same situation.
A little later, Paul asks Timothy to bring a coat he left somewhere.
And maybe most poignant is his simple request - come before winter.
I don't think it's by accident that Paul finishes he "things to do" list with this simple mandate:
Complete the ministry God has for you.
Finish.
I hope I can finish well. I'm trying to get in a place where I can.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
every day
Sometimes people wonder why I make such a big deal about reading the Bible every day.
I do it because God talks to me through it.
Here's what the apostle, Paul, had to say about scripture...
2 Timothy 3
16 All Scripture is inspired by God
and is useful to teach us what is true
and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
It corrects us when we are wrong
and teaches us to do what is right.
17 God uses it to prepare
and equip
his people to do every good work.
Read EVERY day...
God will mess with you in very places you don't want Him to mess with.
Read the Bible EVERY day...
I do it because God talks to me through it.
Here's what the apostle, Paul, had to say about scripture...
2 Timothy 3
16 All Scripture is inspired by God
and is useful to teach us what is true
and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
It corrects us when we are wrong
and teaches us to do what is right.
17 God uses it to prepare
and equip
his people to do every good work.
Read EVERY day...
God will mess with you in very places you don't want Him to mess with.
Read the Bible EVERY day...
Saturday, May 18, 2013
shelter
Sometimes, some things don't need comment...
Psalm 91
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the LORD:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the LORD your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation."
Psalm 91
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the LORD:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the LORD your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation."
Friday, May 17, 2013
3 verses
Every once in a while, I get this feeling that some of the stuff I'm
reading that morning is for someone who reads my blog each day.
Now I don't say that because I think I'm all that & a bag of chips.
It's just that some mornings I get this sense that some of the verses that stood out are verses that someone(s) need to read - that for whatever reason, they apply to something going on in these people's hearts & lives.
So, here's 3 verses that kinda stood out this morning - some or all of which someone reading this blog needed to read, hear & absorb today...
2 Timothy 1:
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear & timidity, but of power, love, & self-discipline.
12b For I know the One in whom I trust, & I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of his return.
14 With the help of the Holy Spirit who likes within us, carefully guard what has been entrusted to you.
Now I don't say that because I think I'm all that & a bag of chips.
It's just that some mornings I get this sense that some of the verses that stood out are verses that someone(s) need to read - that for whatever reason, they apply to something going on in these people's hearts & lives.
So, here's 3 verses that kinda stood out this morning - some or all of which someone reading this blog needed to read, hear & absorb today...
2 Timothy 1:
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear & timidity, but of power, love, & self-discipline.
12b For I know the One in whom I trust, & I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of his return.
14 With the help of the Holy Spirit who likes within us, carefully guard what has been entrusted to you.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
what's He really saying here?
Psalm 81:6 Now I will relieve your shoulders of its burden; I will free your hands from their heavy tasks.
In an attempt to figure out how this verse may apply you to or me, let's read through the definitions of some of the key words & see if that sheds any light on its import for us.
(now don't yawn & not read the definitions - it's really kool to check them out & see the broader meaning ;-)
now (as defined on dictionary.com)
1. at the present time or moment: You are now using a dictionary.
2. without further delay; immediately; at once: Either do it now or not at all.
3. at this time or juncture in some period under consideration or in some course of proceedings described: The case was now ready for the jury.
4. at the time or moment immediately past: I saw him just now on the street.
5. in these present times; nowadays: Now you rarely see horse-drawn carriages.
6. under the present or existing circumstances; as matters stand: I see now what you meant.
7. (used to introduce a statement or question): Now, you don't really mean that.
8. (used to strengthen a command, entreaty, or the like): Now stop that
9. inasmuch as; since: Now you're here, why not stay for dinner?
10. the present time or moment: Up to now no one has volunteered.
relieve
burden
1. that which is carried; load: a horse's burden of rider and pack.
2. that which is borne with difficulty; obligation; onus: the burden of leadership.
free
heavy
tasks
In an attempt to figure out how this verse may apply you to or me, let's read through the definitions of some of the key words & see if that sheds any light on its import for us.
(now don't yawn & not read the definitions - it's really kool to check them out & see the broader meaning ;-)
now (as defined on dictionary.com)
1. at the present time or moment: You are now using a dictionary.
2. without further delay; immediately; at once: Either do it now or not at all.
3. at this time or juncture in some period under consideration or in some course of proceedings described: The case was now ready for the jury.
4. at the time or moment immediately past: I saw him just now on the street.
5. in these present times; nowadays: Now you rarely see horse-drawn carriages.
6. under the present or existing circumstances; as matters stand: I see now what you meant.
7. (used to introduce a statement or question): Now, you don't really mean that.
8. (used to strengthen a command, entreaty, or the like): Now stop that
9. inasmuch as; since: Now you're here, why not stay for dinner?
10. the present time or moment: Up to now no one has volunteered.
relieve
1. to ease or alleviate (pain, distress, anxiety, need, etc.).
4. to bring effective aid to (a besieged town, military position, etc.).
5. to ease (a person) of any burden, wrong, or oppression, as by legal means.
6. to reduce (a pressure, load, weight, etc., on a device or object under stress): to relieve the steam pressure; to relieve the stress on the supporting walls.
7. to make less tedious, unpleasant, or monotonous; break or vary the sameness of: curtains to relieve the drabness of the room.
burden
1. that which is carried; load: a horse's burden of rider and pack.
2. that which is borne with difficulty; obligation; onus: the burden of leadership.
free
1. to make free; set at liberty; release from bondage, imprisonment, or restraint.
2. to exempt or deliver (usually followed by from ).
3. to relieve or rid (usually followed by of ): to free oneself of responsibility.
4. to disengage; clear (usually followed by from or of ).heavy
2. of great amount, quantity, or size; extremely large; massive: a heavy vote; a heavy snowfall.
4. of more than the usual or average weight: a heavy person; heavy freight.
5. having much weight in proportion to bulk; being of high specific gravity: a heavy metal.
6. of major import; grave; serious: a heavy offense.
7. deep or intense; profound: a heavy thinker; heavy slumber.
8. Military .
a. thickly armed or equipped with guns of large size. Compare heavy cruiser.
11. being as indicated to an unusually great degree: a heavy buyer.
12. broad, thick, or coarse; not delicate: heavy lines drawn in charcoal.
13. weighted or laden: air heavy with moisture.
14. fraught; loaded; charged: words heavy with meaning.
15. depressed with trouble or sorrow; showing sorrow; sad: a heavy heart.
16. without vivacity or interest; ponderous; dull: a heavy style.
18. loud and deep; sonorous: a heavy sound.
19. (of the sky) overcast or cloudy.
20. exceptionally dense in substance; insufficiently raised or leavened; thick: heavy doughnuts.
21. (of food) not easily digested.
22. being in a state of advanced pregnancy; nearing childbirth: heavy with child; heavy with young.
23. having a large capacity, capable of doing rough work, or having a large output: a heavy truck.
24. producing or refining basic materials, as steel or coal, used in manufacturing: heavy industry.
25. sober, serious, or somber: a heavy part in a drama.tasks
1. a definite piece of work assigned to, falling to, or expected of a person; duty.
2. any piece of work.
3. a matter of considerable labor or difficulty.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
be different from us
1 Timothy 4
12 Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young.
Be an example to all believers in what you teach,
in the way you live,
in your love,
your faith,
& your purity.
Don't be like the baby boomer generation.
We said we were going to change the world.
We did,
but not in the ways we thought we would.
12 Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young.
Be an example to all believers in what you teach,
in the way you live,
in your love,
your faith,
& your purity.
Don't be like the baby boomer generation.
We said we were going to change the world.
We did,
but not in the ways we thought we would.
Monday, May 13, 2013
constant
Mark 13:31 (Jesus speaking here) Heaven & earth will disappear, but My words will remain forever.
In a world where our culture & reality seems to change every 3 years or so, it's good that there is at least one thing that will never change.
In a world where our culture & reality seems to change every 3 years or so, it's good that there is at least one thing that will never change.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
gospel in 4 words
Mark 12:29 Jesus said,
The most important commandment is this:
Hear or Israel! The Lord our God is one & only Lord.
30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart,
all your soul,
all your mind,
& all your strength.
31 The second is equally important:
Love your neighbor as yourself.
So, sum it all up, the whole of the gospel can be summed up in 4 words:
Love God,
Love people.
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
The most important commandment is this:
Hear or Israel! The Lord our God is one & only Lord.
30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart,
all your soul,
all your mind,
& all your strength.
31 The second is equally important:
Love your neighbor as yourself.
So, sum it all up, the whole of the gospel can be summed up in 4 words:
Love God,
Love people.
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
Saturday, May 11, 2013
shipwrecked
1 Timothy 1
19 Cling tightly to your faith in Christ,
& always keep your conscience clear.
For some people have deliberately violated their consciences;
as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
Have you ever been "shipwrecked"?
And what did you do about it?
19 Cling tightly to your faith in Christ,
& always keep your conscience clear.
For some people have deliberately violated their consciences;
as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
Have you ever been "shipwrecked"?
And what did you do about it?
Thursday, May 9, 2013
saltiness
Mark 9:50 Salt is good for
seasoning.
But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again?
You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves
and live in peace with each other.
What does it mean to be "salt" in any given situation?
(This isn't a trick question, but one with a multi-layered answer.)
But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again?
You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves
and live in peace with each other.
What does it mean to be "salt" in any given situation?
(This isn't a trick question, but one with a multi-layered answer.)
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
following
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."
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."
Monday, May 6, 2013
superfeed
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!
Think about this...
5000 men were fed that day.
if they had families w/ them, then there were at least 5000 women there.
that makes 10,000 people, total
then let's say each man had 2 children with them - I would think there would be more than 2 children in each family, but for the sake of conversation, there were 2.
that's 10,000 children.
that makes the total 20,000 people.
verse 44 says "a total of 5,000 men AND THEIR FAMILIES were fed from those loves.
Philips Arena in Atlanta is where the Atlanta Hawks basketball team plays their home games.
know what the capacity of the room is?
18,238
so, Jesus fed more people that day than can be seated in Philips Arena.
I went to the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta a few years ago, back when it was smaller than it is today. There were 8000 people there that year.
We had boxed lunches from Chick-fil-a.
It was a HUGE undertaking - getting the 8000 boxes there took quite a few vehicles, then there was the putting of the boxes out, serving them, gathering the trash, & cleaning up.
it was no small task - for the 8000 who were there.
Jesus fed twice as many as that.
Imagine feeding everyone in Philips Arena - 18,238 - giving them a boxed lunch from Chick-fil-a - the transport, the serving, the trash, & the clean up.
Gargantuan!
That's how many people Jesus fed that day, & then some.
If Jesus can pull something like that off, don't ya think He can take care of you & me?
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!
Think about this...
5000 men were fed that day.
if they had families w/ them, then there were at least 5000 women there.
that makes 10,000 people, total
then let's say each man had 2 children with them - I would think there would be more than 2 children in each family, but for the sake of conversation, there were 2.
that's 10,000 children.
that makes the total 20,000 people.
verse 44 says "a total of 5,000 men AND THEIR FAMILIES were fed from those loves.
Philips Arena in Atlanta is where the Atlanta Hawks basketball team plays their home games.
know what the capacity of the room is?
18,238
so, Jesus fed more people that day than can be seated in Philips Arena.
I went to the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta a few years ago, back when it was smaller than it is today. There were 8000 people there that year.
We had boxed lunches from Chick-fil-a.
It was a HUGE undertaking - getting the 8000 boxes there took quite a few vehicles, then there was the putting of the boxes out, serving them, gathering the trash, & cleaning up.
it was no small task - for the 8000 who were there.
Jesus fed twice as many as that.
Imagine feeding everyone in Philips Arena - 18,238 - giving them a boxed lunch from Chick-fil-a - the transport, the serving, the trash, & the clean up.
Gargantuan!
That's how many people Jesus fed that day, & then some.
If Jesus can pull something like that off, don't ya think He can take care of you & me?
Sunday, May 5, 2013
6 words
Mark 6:36b Don't be afraid. Just trust me.
6 words...
Jairus' servants had just told him that his sick daughter was dead & not to bother Jesus anymore.
And Jesus said...
"Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
I remember a friend who was incredibly addicted to porn. He was sitting in a service listening to a sermon unrelated to addiction. But he sat there tormented in his mind. The person giving the sermon read story in the passage in Mark where this verse appears. My friend said his addiction went away when he heard these words & dared to believe what they said...
"Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
How many of us are in seemingly impossible places?
"Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
How many of us see no way out of something, that only a miracle will get them out?
"Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
How many of us are just plain scared of life?
"Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
How many of us just don't know what to be or do, or how to be or do what know we should be or do?
(That last statement sounds like a country music song title!)
"Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
How many of us are just ____________?
(You fill in the blank)
"Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
Think about it. Jesus may be speaking those 6 words to you.
It's the strongest words He's said to me this year.
6 words...
Jairus' servants had just told him that his sick daughter was dead & not to bother Jesus anymore.
And Jesus said...
"Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
I remember a friend who was incredibly addicted to porn. He was sitting in a service listening to a sermon unrelated to addiction. But he sat there tormented in his mind. The person giving the sermon read story in the passage in Mark where this verse appears. My friend said his addiction went away when he heard these words & dared to believe what they said...
"Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
How many of us are in seemingly impossible places?
"Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
How many of us see no way out of something, that only a miracle will get them out?
"Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
How many of us are just plain scared of life?
"Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
How many of us just don't know what to be or do, or how to be or do what know we should be or do?
(That last statement sounds like a country music song title!)
"Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
How many of us are just ____________?
(You fill in the blank)
"Don't be afraid. Just trust me."
Think about it. Jesus may be speaking those 6 words to you.
It's the strongest words He's said to me this year.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
not what you got
Mark 4:25 To those who are open to my teaching,more understanding will be given.
But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them.
In the margin of my Bible I wrote a quote from someone who used this during a sermon - I don't remember who said it - trust me, this statement is not one I made up or figured out. Here it is...
"It's not what you got or are gifted with, but what you let Him do with it."
Hmmmmmmmmm....
But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them.
In the margin of my Bible I wrote a quote from someone who used this during a sermon - I don't remember who said it - trust me, this statement is not one I made up or figured out. Here it is...
"It's not what you got or are gifted with, but what you let Him do with it."
Hmmmmmmmmm....
Friday, May 3, 2013
this is for someone
I feel like someone needs to read this today...
1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD
forever.
Psalm 23
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
verses chock full of stuff
There's just SO MUCH in these few verses - read
them slowly, think about them, & consider what our lives would be
like if we tried to live more like this.
Btw, this is using the translation by J. B.Phillips, one that you may not be familiar with. Youmight want to check his translation on New Testament references. I use BibleGateway.com to check different translations of the same passage.
Colossians 3
12-14 As, therefore, God’s picked representatives of the new humanity, purified and beloved of God himself,
be merciful in action,
kindly in heart,
humble in mind.
Accept life,
and be most patient and tolerant with one another,
always ready to forgive if you have a difference with anyone.
Forgive as freely as the Lord has forgiven you.
And, above everything else, be truly loving, for love is the golden chain of all the virtues.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
remembering that as members of the same body you are called to live in harmony,
and never forget to be thankful for what God has done for you.
16-17 Let Christ’s teaching live in your hearts,
making you rich in the true wisdom.
Teach and help one another along the right road with your psalms and hymns and Christian songs,
singing God’s praises with joyful hearts.
And whatever you may have to do, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, thanking God the Father through him.
Btw, this is using the translation by J. B.Phillips, one that you may not be familiar with. Youmight want to check his translation on New Testament references. I use BibleGateway.com to check different translations of the same passage.
Colossians 3
12-14 As, therefore, God’s picked representatives of the new humanity, purified and beloved of God himself,
be merciful in action,
kindly in heart,
humble in mind.
Accept life,
and be most patient and tolerant with one another,
always ready to forgive if you have a difference with anyone.
Forgive as freely as the Lord has forgiven you.
And, above everything else, be truly loving, for love is the golden chain of all the virtues.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
remembering that as members of the same body you are called to live in harmony,
and never forget to be thankful for what God has done for you.
16-17 Let Christ’s teaching live in your hearts,
making you rich in the true wisdom.
Teach and help one another along the right road with your psalms and hymns and Christian songs,
singing God’s praises with joyful hearts.
And whatever you may have to do, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, thanking God the Father through him.
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