Friday, August 31, 2012

"Rejoicing while suffering, is that even possible?"

Romans 5:1-5

If you look at verses 1 and 2, Paul is what I like to say "setting the stage".  He is getting the reader ready by giving a standard, basics upon he further argument will be based.  He had just went into detail in chapter 4 about how great Abrahams faith was, and now in chapter 5 he is going to take it a step further.

Starting in verse 3 he begins with the words "more than that" and this will be the start of the first point.

I.  We rejoice in our suffering
   
     1. What is suffering?
         -Torment and pain various situations
 
     2. What are these situations/areas?
          -Emotional
          -Physical
          -Mental
          -Social
          -Etc.
   
3.  How can we rejoice?
           -Referr back to verses 1 and 2
                  -hope in Christ
                  -Knowledge of being at peace with God 

II.  Endurance produces character
       
      1.  We must wait throughout trials and tribulations-suffering
             -while we wait we can pray, give thanks, help others, etc, continue to give God glory honor and praise, not for the suffering, but despite it

              -By doing the above we begin to grow in "Godly" character, the fruit of he spirit be one evermore evident Galatians 5:22

III.  Character produces HOPE
      - as we can see HOPE comes full circle.
      - we grow in our relationship, and our HOPE grows stronger 

IV.   And this HOPE does not put us to shame
      - it all came back to Christ crucified, the holy spirit being given to us, if it is givento us by God, it is by grace.  Gods love has been poured into our hearts...that's why, and how we can rejoice even while suffering!!! 

V.     Closing comments and prayer
Jesus died for us so we could be at peace with god, then God gives us His love,  pouring out His love in our hearts by the holy spirit, all from His GRACE

I pray that if you are suffering that you rejoice remember the hope you have. Endure,while waiting cling to christ and grow closer to Him, this will build His character in you. As this character is being strengthened and build, your hope will increase, this coming full circle, glory to God for our hope in Him.  

So it is possible to rejoice,He is faithful, and He will deliver you from your suffering. Amen.
             
   

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Think before you speak

We are encouraged emphatically to be quiet, not speak unless it is "good" for the hearer. If only we would think before we speak, if we would ponder the right words, think of what would bring peace, grace, ann show love...but carelessly we spew out words that hurt, flippantly or intentionally really doesn't matter. Similarly, I remember a quote; " better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt". I am praying that the words I chose to use today and as long as I have breath will be edifying, glorifying, loving, and for the times when it hasn't been, please forgive me. I pray you can do the same, will do the same.

Story of the preacher and the $10 soul

I read a story of a man that came up to a preacher and said "I don't believe in this God stuff" to which the pastor replied "I didn't ask you to, but I than will ask you a favor" the man huffed with disgust and said "what do you want from me?". The preacher, being blunt and kurt said " promise me you will never pray again. If you promise me this now, I will give you 10 dollars for wasting your time.". The man smirked and said "deal!". But as the man went home thinking how and why a preacher would ask that of him, he became more and more distraught. "what if", kept lingering in his mind, like a sliver to his soul. When he finally got home he asked his wife what she thought, to which her reply was, "sounds like you sold your soul for 10 dollars". The man the next day after a sleepless night sought out the preacher and begged him to take he money back, to which the preacher humbly replied, " this issue was never the money keeping you from prayer, you may keep it, but you now know the desperation of the hopelessness without God, would you like to pray with me now?". If you have read this far I am sure you know how the story ends, but I wrote all of that to say this; if you believe in God and love Him, prayer at times is all you may have, so pray. If you don't believe on God, what if I made the same deal with you? Would you really risk it...I pray you won't, that you don't, that you do pray, pray tonight, pray to God, He is here and He is not silent...message me if you ever have questions, need help, want prayer

Choose how to start your day

"For Christians the beginning of the day should not be burdened and oppressed with besetting concerns for the day's work. At the threshold of the new day stands the Lord who made it...at the beginning of the day let all distraction and empty talk be silenced and let the first thought and first word belong to Him to whom our whole life belongs". Dietrich Bonheffer

Although I find some days its extremely hard to do, I do believe and trust in that, I know he's right. I know it's right because it's true. Biblically grounded, relationally proven. I too must chose how to start my day, the war isn't over, today's battles are just beginning, but I know what side I'm on and I know who has won. Today's going to be a good day.

Remember what He has already done for you

As I was reading yesterday I cane upon an interesting bible passage in psalms 9:9-10.

9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you

This brought me so much joy for a couple of reasons, and I pray that it does the same for you. First, He says He is my stronghold when I am oppressed and when I am in a time of trouble. That in and of itself can bring you joy if you focus on that, but that wasn't the part that got me. 
 
What captured my heart and mind was in verse ten He says that He has not forsaken...that is a way of bringing up the past times that I had sought Him  and He was there as my "safe place" if you will, my "stronghold". 
 
Can you, like me ever look back and think of a time when we really sought out the Lord and He had not forsaken you? I know I can! Oh how soon we forget the goodness of God, His faithfulness when we are not. Oh how I pray that I would be more faithful to Him, that I would not be so fickle in my remembrance. "
 
He has not forsaken those who seek (Him)". I pray that whatever you may be going through, that you remember, that you proclaim, that you give thanks to our Lord, for He has not forsaken you, seek Him out...but you must seek Him.

Don't be scared to share

For the most part I find us, myself included, being very passive because some how, for some reason when it comes to sharing the love of God, and the gospel. I think maybe its because we don't know it all yet, maybe its because we don't feel that we have a firm enough grasp on what we believe, I'm not sure, but I know we stay timid. All the while struggling to accept His love, This in turn hurts our capacity, our willingness to share what we do know with others. 
 
2 Timothy says that "God has not given you a spirit of fear but a spirit if power, love, and a sound mind.".
 
I've said it before and wholeheartedly agree that you don't need to be the most eloquent of speakers, you don't have to be a pastor, preacher or master of all things biblical, all you need is a growing and loving relationship with God. Start there, He will give you words to say, He will help you along the way, and He will never ever runaway. I pray you have a wonderful day.

Yes Jesus loves you

I know it's a lot later than usual, but I didn't want to not post something, anything that might help someone that may stumble across this or even purposely seek these posts out. This is not a cop out by any means, but a biblical truth that you and I, we all need to know, and I mean really know.
 
If you were like me you grew up song this song, not it is biblically accurate and a perfect place to start your relationship with God if you haven't. And to those that have I hope and pray that it will be encouragement for you and allow you to rest easy tonight. 
 
Having said all of that, what I am talking about is this: "Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so, little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong". Can it really all be so simple, yes, I believe that it can be and is, but the question is do you believe it? Can you? Will you? If you can't or won't, why not? Has not His goodness brought you here? Sustained your life this long? I pray you sing yourself to sleep tonight resting on His promise to you, "Yes Jesus loves you"

Don't get discouraged

Do not get discouraged when you mess up, when you let yourself down, when you feel like you just can't live up to Gods standards. He does expect perfection, but not from you, He expected and received it from His son. 
 
He only asks us to accept His son as our only source of redemption. So when you mess up, and we all do, don't be condemned, but rather ask for forgiveness, realize it a sure call back Him, to righteousness and live again. Being held down by condemnation is a suffering that will keep you away from God, from his love grace and mercy. 
 
Ask forgiveness return to Him...every time, don't stay away from Him because you think you're not worthy, you're not, that's why we ask Him to see His son in us. I pray you have a day in which you grow closer to Him, don't be deceived by anything that may keep you from

Confess by your mouth AND follow Him

The prayer may acknowledge Him and your desperate need for Him, but it's the change in our lifestyle that shows us and others that His spirit now dwells in us. It is His spirit that empowers us, and cause us to change, to grow in holiness, and in godliness.
 
We are called to be His disciples, and in doing so He gives us the power, the knowledge, wisdom and understanding (His word/bible) to follow Him. Let me reiterate that this is not by our own might or by our own power, but by His spirit, says the lord. It is His grace, His love, and His mercy and only these that allow us (by faith) to be and do(work out our salvation) what He has asked. 
 
I pray that we not only confess Him by our mouths but acknowledge him by our actions. This is not meant to condemn but a call for everyone back to righteousness. I know it's early but maybe you and I both needed a little encouragement before tonight and the weekend. I, like Paul hope you do this not because I have asked, but on your own accord. Ask Him for the strength and desire to do what good and right, and he will enable you to do His will. God bless

Which way are you going?

I find myself struggling at times between to ways of life, and it is a very fine line each day. I can think of what Christ has done for me, is doing in me, and His promises, OR I can think or myself past failures, what is wrong right now, and what I am afraid might happen. When I walk in the former, it brings joy, love, and peace, because it is based on His divine grace and nothing else. 
 
While the latter involves nothing but the dependency on the workings of myself and others, and my view of each. There is a reason, a good and perfect biblical reason why this struggle occurs and I find that most people, myself included have a hard time with the reality of it; as long as we live in a world where we are not perfect, where others are not perfect, we will have this dilemma of what we believe-truly believe, and in turn how we will live it out, and all that that implies. 
 
My question is this, what do you believe? Are you going to live your life on your own self effort and the works of others? Or are you going to live in the grace of God, knowing that He loves you, His gives you peace, grace and mercy? And let me end with this, struggles will come,but you have the promise of His word that YOU WILL MAKE IT through if you cling to Him, because He has made it through and now sits in heaven, willing and able to give you and I wisdom how to live our lives for His glory. He said He would never leave us, EVER! Or forsake us, EVER!

What do you expect?

A little pick me up God gave me while I was reading: "How do I ever expect the fruit of the Spirit to grow if I do not water them with the Word of God?"

I'm praying for your pain

I apologize for updating this a little late, something important came up, I hope you understand. I can not and will not tell of private matters that are not mine to tell, but that is where I will start this mini message. 
 
We often do not know what others are going through or have gone through, and the examples that are racing through my head are too many to list. So I ask you this, will you pray? pray for those that you do know are hurting. I know Gods grace is sufficient for me, but do they know it is also sufficient for them?
 
I pray they discover that, His love, his gentle calling them back to himself. I long to "name drop" to beg them public ally to turn to Christ to give Him the pain and hurt, the confusion and fear, Lord hear my cries, will you cry at His feet with me? Not only tears of sadness, but of hope, of joy in the promise.
 
I don't know the pain you are going through, but I do know that God is listening, looking, waiting, and again, calling for you to come to Him, come home...He knows your pain, he does, let Him help you heal, for he can and will heal you...believe, I know you feel it in your heart, tugging at your soul...He is here for you, let Him in...don't be afraid of Him, you're already afraid and miserable without Him, He will not add to that, but take the pain and suffering away, I feel as though you know I'm talking to you, but it is Him, He cares for you.

Good or bad, Gods grace is for you

Can you live by grace? Can you admit that there is nothing you can do to earn Gods love or mercy? That there was nothing you did that will that is so repulsive to undo what His son has already finished?
 
What then are you to do? Only believe, the rest you learn and do, faith will grasp on to His grace, that is the only way. 
 
Are your works so good in your own eyes, they can not grasp His grace or it would not be a free gift. 
 
Have you lived so wrong? Repent, you too must accept the free gift of grace, there is nothing by yourself that can keep you from the love of God, let your heart be turned from one of stone to a soft pliable willing heart. 
 
He is calling, forget what you have done, whether good or bad, only believe, accept by faith, and you will be saved, is there any better promise.

Monday, August 20, 2012

What do you really want?

I have yet to hear of a persons dying wish to be that their son or daughter only to be rich, or be healthy, no, I do hear how they wished that they would be happy, that they would have spent more time with their family, asking forgiveness for not loving them enough, not telling them enough, not telling them more. This is a harsh reality that I fear many learn too late. We spend so much time tryi...
ng to attain wealth, things, maintaining our health, our looks and do so at the expense of a greater good, at the expense of not sharing Gods love with others. We don't enjoy our God given life meant to share with others, and instead waste it on that which we try to enjoy but can't take with us. Those adore mentioned things are not bad in and of themselves, but to devote your lives to the pursuit of them, like I said before at the expense of a greater gift...this is hard for me personally and also highly encouraging, it helps refocus, stay focused. If I can't put done my work and play with my kids, if I can't stop working out to talk to my friends and family, what good will it do me to gain the whole world and lose my soul, those things which I feel passionately about an profess to love.

Religion or Relationship?

This will be my harshest comment yet, but I write it with my heart hoping to divide correctly, to draw a line if you will, for you whoever may be reading this. My comment is this "some of you have just enough religion to make yourself miserable." You know enough, or have experienced what you deem is enough hard ache and pain, you have had promises made, promises broken, you truly believe there is a God, and yet you can't be happy in that knowledge. My heart aches for you, it truly does, it aches because I too have had those struggles, I myself have taken part in the inconsistencies of professing one thing, but living another. "yes" you say, "exactly", what then is the answer? What could I say or do to give you an adequate answer? I have been praying and studying and this is what I find to be true, if I do not push forward, strive, struggle, forgive those that have misinformed, misguided, even myself, it will all be in vain. I know in my heart, I have a longing, an unexplainable yearning for God, his presence, his essence. His love an grace keep pointing to Him, to His glory and this I know, I can not deny it, I may at times fight it, be God is real, He is worth seeking out, and He can be known by you. If I do not tell you about Him, about His love, about His grace, and about His mercy, than yes, keep being miserable knowing just enough, but to find Him for yourself, abba, father...Joy, happiness, peace all the fruit of the Spirit(Galatians 5:22). My friends, family, anyone that may read this, don't lose hope, if you know, feel, desire to fill what you are looking for, He says to ask, knock, search, and there you will find Him. I know this is probably my longest post yet and for that I am sorry, but I must, I have no choice, I want to reach out and help as many as I can, hopefully point the way as best that I can. Hear my heart.

Could He love you less?

I don't know if I would consider what I am about to tell you encouraging completely as more honest insight, hopefully freeing someone that may read it. This insight I speak of is this, do you realize that if you are a child of God that there is no good works that can make him love you more, and there is no mistake you can make now that will cause Him to love you less. There is a catch though, if...
you will, first this only applies if you are a child of God. Secondly, just because good works don't make Him love us more, they should be a byproduct of our growing relationship with Him. Thirdly, and this is not an excuse, but being imperfect we will make mistakes, even knowingly, but that too does not cause us to lose His love, in fact it should send us running back to Him, in repentance praying to restore the fellowship, because the Father, son relationship will not change. I pray that this is enlightening, freeing, and presents His amazing grace even more. Have a blessed night.

Love TRUTH, hate evil

"Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?" Paul makes this statement in Galatians 4:16 and although he is speaking to them, I find that he is infant talking about the conflict that we may face. The truth is at war against our flesh, and our old way of living. The truth should confront anything contrary to it, it should increase our love for God,
and if I may be so bold, increase o...
ur hate of evil. I know this may sound strong, but let me put it in terms I liken it to. I love my daughter and I would oppose anything that would do her harm with extreme malice. Sin, our fleshly desires, any evil that contradicts the truth must also be opposed with such a passion, how could you not hate evil if you truly love God, love the truth?

Begin with a prayer

How could you possibly start today off wrong if your began it in prayer? To clear your mind and soul of the wrong you did, and did suffer yesterday, to humbly ask for, and believe in a better day today, and to give thanks above all else for the breath to enjoy your God given life. I know I've spoken on prayer before, but I don't believe I stressed just how important it is, how wonderful it is, n...
ot of how effective it can be. All three of those things working together, bringing you closet to God, to others, and instill hope to your very soul, even my words now will not do it justice. I only hope and now pray that you too will seek an audience with God, pour our your heart and begin to truly live a joyful life with Him.

Temptation and Suffering, He can help

Hebrews 2:18 says "For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

What I failed to see before is that He suffered when He was tempted...he suffered. Not just that He was tempted, but that suffering came as He was tempted.

It is a hard and painful thing to struggle against what your flesh wants to do. When you want to lash out, get mad, lus...
t, you name it, when you are tempted as He was, it is painful. He also suffered, but He never did give in to the temptation. In doing so He can relate to not only your temptation but also the suffering that accompanies it. Ask Him for help, not in just denying the temptation, but also to aide in the relief of your suffering...

Friday, August 17, 2012

From "useless" to "USEFUL"

ONesimus was a former runaway slave that became a Christian and had to return to the master from which he first ran.  By gods grace, Paul had known Philemon(the slave owner) and writes a letter asking on behalf of Onesmus that Philemon take the slave back, but not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ...only God can take someone that was formerly "useless"  and make them "USEFUL"

We are no different the Onesimus, don't be disheartened, there is Joy unparalleled, Gods grace is amazing, His love unrivaled.

Philemon 1:11
"Formerly he was useless to you but now he is indeed useful to you and to me."

There are three things we may draw from this:

1.  He was useless
    a.past tense
    b.Paul acknowledged his prior life
    c. Paul does not hide or "sugar coat"
           not a little useful
           not worth a little
           He was USELESS

2.  He became useful
    a.  At some point when He encountered Paul, He encounter CHRIST and was dramatically changed
     b.  Paul tells us how he is useful "by helping him spread the gospel"
     c.  He is now useful to others as well
     d.  He has been set apart from his old name, his past, he in fact has now become holy

Quote from Leonard Ravenhill
"The wonder of the grace of God is that God can take an holy man out of a unholy world and make that man holy and put him back into a unholy world and keep him holy"

3.  He sent him back
   a.  Onesimus had to go back
   b.  He was going back to a world that only knew of his previous deeds(his past)
   c.  Although he was changed, holy, he was going back to a place where he only had Gods grace, and promises.

This is a beautiful picture of Gods grace in our lives as well.  We too were formerly useless, but when you came to Christ, there was a change and you are now USEFUL.  Yes, you have a past that is shady at best, but you are useful.  Yes, you have to go back to the "real world", but you are USEFUL.  There has been a change, and those who have encountered God almighty, His son, and have committed their lives to Him, have been changed...YOU ARE USEFUL!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Joy defined

I read an interesting definition of "joy" it is a higher awareness of Gods grace. How beautiful to think that to grasp something deeper than "happiness" is hidden in the truth by way of realizing Gods grace moot deeply. His word, His love, His goodness, oh what a joy it brings to my soul, I pray you think this over and let it do the same to you today, amen.

Refocus

Sometimes it's as simple as a mindset, for instance, Paul says in Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.". There is enough drama without you constantly "thinking" about it, ask God to help you refocus your attention on His goodness and mercy. Please.

Called to war, are you surprised?

It seems to me that it would be silly and pointless to put on the whole armor of God and then think it surprising that you were called to war. Ladies and gentlemen even the world knows we are in an ongoing battle between good an evil, you can pick sides, or stand still, but don't think you're not in the midst of a war.

Enduring troubles

With all the troubles that so many are enduring right now, I believe that this scripture, promise from God is desperately needed: "John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.". Do not let fear cripple you, nor anger and the hope of wrath that you presently feel some deserve. Hope and pray this helps.

Is it worth His life?

“Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?” When I stop and look at some of the silly pursuits, purchases, pitiful passing passions, I'm left wondering about the afore mentioned quote. How about you? Does that quote challenge your motives, intentions....your heart?

Joy, not just entertained

Where there is no joy, people try to fill themselves up with entertainment, but the more joy you have in God, you don't want to be entertained outside of Him and his presence.

What's on my heart?

"What's on my mind?" or rather, "What's on my heart?" My heart cries out to those that would listen "You are loved!" God is longing for you to know this truth. He loves you, and everything will be alright if you will only trust and believe in Him.

Hurting Inside, help them

So many times I've longed to thank those of you that have encouraged me, not knowing that I had been struggling, nay, tormented internally because my smile hid it well. You may never know how much the kind words you say impact those that are hurting. Who can you show the love of God to tonight just by saying something encouraging? Do it, do it now because they need it and may never tell.

What can I say when a family member is laid to rest?

What can we say when a loved one has passed away? I think that rather than try to encompass or gather the right words to say, that instead we pray. We pray for grace upon the family, peace in their heart, and loves warm embrace in this delicate transition. We need not to speak out of empathy or sympathy, but to whisper the sweet truth that we love them. Simplicity in our words and truth in our actions will present the reality of God on our lives and His love for them through it.

Parenting

It's amazing that I don't have to teach my 2 year to lie, steal, or hurt others when she doesn't he what she wants. Parenting takes work, hard work, you have to love them enough to train them how they need to act and react. But it's a wonderful feeling to know you've done well when others brag on how well behaved they are when they grow. ( yes I am happy and proud of how well my boys are turning out, we're not done yet though) love is not always going to let you get your way, or act how you want to...is Gods love towards us any different?

Relationship Restored

One of the most difficult things in my life is to know that I'm going to mess up at some point during the day, feel guilty about it, and and know that there is nothing I can do except ask for forgiveness and accept God's grace. This is also the time when I feel the most comforted in knowing that He loves me and is eagerly awaiting to restore our relationship.

Be content

One of the most wonderful things you can ever be is...content. Happy and satisfied where you are. This does not contradict the fact that you may want to do more, have more, or be more, but that your happiness does not depend on the fulfillment of those previously mentioned things. Hope this helps somebody.

The Son shines brightly

The fact that one of life's storms has rolled in, does not mean the Son is not there. In fact it is my faith in the Son that encourages me to hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Peace that is real

There is a peace that surpasses understanding. When the world seems like it is crashing down on you or around, I know the peace I draw from is the peace of God. Knowing that there is a God, that he loves me, and although I may not be having my best life now, He loves me and with that love, is His promise. He loves you too, be comforted draw upon His peace in your time of need...He is waiting

Being a Parent is hard to do, but worth it if you do it well

"If we never have headaches through rebuking (raising and training) our children, we shall have plenty of heartaches when they grow up." this is the truth to all parents and wisdom to those of you who aspire to someday be parents. God is gracious in both cases.

He chose YOU!

"It is a good thing God chose me before I was born, because he surely would not have afterwards." Anyone else feel this way sometimes? Take joy, hold on to your hope in Christ because it is Gods grace that has kept you this long, and he's not done with you yet.

He will help you

Most people are bothered by those passages, which they cannot understand; the Scriptures which troubles me the most is the Scripture I do understand. I sit and I wonder "How in the world am I going to be able to be and do so good?!", and then the Lord reminds me, it is because He is going to do it through me, through His love, by His grace, for His glory.
Don't be discouraged, He's going to help you!!!

A good choice, or a Godly one

"We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior." In often find that it's not the hard choices that are hard, but rather the choice of a good one and a God one, in this I have spent much time in prayer, how about you?

Prayer should not be complicated

You don't have to make prayer a complicated affair, as Martin Lloyd-Jones stated We should go into His presence as a child goes to his father. "We do it with reverence and godly fear, of course, but we should go with a childlike confidence and simplicity.". Pour out your heart, He already knows what's in it, He also wants you to know He is the only one that can handle it. Cast all of your cares, for He cares for you.

A hard truth

As I struggle through this headache I am reminded to "Keep a Godly perspective", How? (you might be asking yourself) by remembering that anything that draws me closer to Him whether good blessings or pain and suffering ( like this headache) WILL work out for good because I know whom I believe and trust in, and I am only growing closer when I run to Him.

What I learned as a young boy

I've heard some speak of their anchor scripture, or their life verse and I do not have one per se, but rather several that I learned as a young man that have rooted and grounded me in my faith. Such as "God has not given me a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind". That verse has brought more comfort when fear, life's real tangible problems come up, I focus on my God that has given me the power, love and controlled mind to not be moved.

God will get you through

I know a little late posting please excuse my tardiness my youngest daughter is feeling ill again, but I found this quote and had to share: "God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain." I hope this helps whoever may read it

all you have sometimes is Faith

Spurgeon said to "remember that true faith scorns trial and outlives it" I tend to agree, for there are times when I know that all I have is my faith, my love of and for God, but what else do you really need?

Evil against God

As I sit here amazed by the atrocities that took place a few days ago, the pure evil where no mercy was shown I wonder how one can even argue that there is evil in this world. And since evil is present, than good must also be, because just as the absence of good reveals evil, so does the longing for mercy, grace, peace,love, and dare I say justice, point toward a good God that will "make things right".

The way I feel when I sin

I just read this by John Owen "I do not understand how a man can be a true believer, in whom sin is not the greatest burden, sorrow and trouble." I hate when I mess up, when I don't love my wife like I am supposed to, when I don't love others like I am commanded, but even when I know that I have "missed it", I find Gods grace all the more present. This does not take away from me needing to apologize and repent, but rather allows me to step out from the condemnation and torment. God bless whoever needed to read all of this...

What are you doing with your "free time"?

Daniel Brainerd said "When you cease from labour, fill up your time in reading, meditation, and prayer: and while your hands are labouring, let your heart be employed, as much as possible, in divine thoughts." seems to me to be extremely good advice, and biblically accurate and true.

sweetness of forgiveness

There is a sweetness unparalleled when someone says "sorry, please forgive me", and you know, you can tell deep within their soul that they mean it, there is a tenderness ad relationship restored. Do you need to say sorry? Do you need to accept an apology? Do you wish to taste the sweet nectar of Gods forgiveness in your life

Forgive me

Oh how I long to undo all the wrongs I have committed against those who suffered by my words and actions, especially you God. Whether directly or indirect matters not, only that I have now poured out my heart, asking you to forgive me. "But what should I do next?", I ask. Accept His love, grace and mercy, and forget those things that are now behind, for one can not safely move ahead while looking back. I've heard it said and although cliche, "let go, and let God" let go of unforgiveness even of yourself, and let God restore our relationship. It's time to let go.

Real Christianity

I think most people, Christians even, are tired of easy believe-ism because they are finding it too difficult to defend scripturally, and it becomes to easy to allow and justify non Christian like behavior. Ravenhill put it this way, "The world out there is not waiting for a new definition of Christianity; it's waiting for a new [true] demonstration of Christianity". It is because of this I strive daily, lets join together and show real Christianity for the world to see, humbly serving, while leading lovingly, and demonstrating grace practically.

Be a sower of the Word

"Behold, a sower went forth to sow". Matthew 13:3 "behold" , or rather look, people are waiting, anticipating, looking for someone, you and I, to bring them the word of God to their barren heart, dry soul, to tell of His endless grace and abundant mercy, overflowing love

Pray from the heart

As I pray, throwing myself at His feet, I ask for help, for understanding, for peace about what is happening, I do this for you, for your soul. I am not sad, but desperately seeking, hoping their eyes would see You, hear Your voice echoing through my words, penetrating their heart. I gladly cry for them now then to weep over them later. This is my prayer tonight.

The sweet taste of truth

How can I not pour out my heart in hopes that others may drink of the Truth? If my words were my own would they not be shallow and tasteless? So I speak words with substance that are sweet to the soul, that they may fill you with love and peace for they come from grace to draw you closer to the one who gives the water of life. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

He will give you rest

Matthew 11:28 says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." His invitation does not get anymore loving, but notice one thing, He leaves it up to you. Whatever may be keeping you from receiving rest ( peace and comfort, by way of His love), it is not His doing. He is ready, willing, and able, and it's not based on anything you have done, or have not done to Him or for Him. He only asks that you come to Him...

Challenged or Changed?

Here is a great quote, one that I find true, and that I humbly ask those of you who come over tomorrow night, " We hear (about) many (who) go to a conference or a meeting and say "Boy, wasn't that good? weren't we challenged?" The question isn't "weren't you challenged?" The question is, "Were you changed?". If you are open to the words spoken, the text explained, than test it, search out more yourself and by Gods will, and spirit it will change you. This I pray you.

Beautifully made

Learn to see yourself as God sees you and not as you see yourself in the distorted mirror of your self-importance or lack of, both are wrong if you have been reconciled back to Him. You have been beautifully made, give thanks, sing praises of His goodness, and live now in a way that honors Him.

Loving the Lover

This from "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a Kempis- the wise lover does not consider so much the lover's gift, as the giver's love". This he speaks of Christs love and our main focus needing to be Him more than the gifts he may give. Thank you to all who came over tonight, it brought me great comfort and joy as Paul would say:)

Hope in Death

I prayed all day as to what I would say to the man that laid his wife to rest. Do I say nothing? Do I say I'm sorry? What? As I approached him, what sprung from my heart was this "To love so strong, to have lasted so long, I am so thankful to have gotten to share in your lives, even now. She is in heaven, yes, but also always in our hearts forever". I would think that today, perhaps even for a lo...
ng time, this will all be a blur to him. I can't imagine the loss, but I can, and do experience the love he had with his wife, as what I have with mine, and although part of me hurts deeply for him, part of me is amazed that God would allow us to feel so deeply for one another...even in her passing her life reminds us of how to give and receive love. I attribute this all to God. I am sorry this is so long, but I had to share. I hope and pray this helps you as much as it does me. There is hope and comfort, even peace during death knowing that love has conquered the grave, in through Him.

Science meet God

I actually do have something else to say. If you don't know there is a meteor shower that is about to take place, in fact it's going to be so big, so beautiful I wonder how someone can honestly think that it is just a scientific thing...what I mean is, how is it that someone can look up and see a thing of beauty of truly epic proportions and although science may explain, it can not define our feelings towards it. God does not rule out science, He does not stop it, and in all it's searching, science all the more points to something bigger than ourselves, than our own self serving knowledge, why then does science try to rule out God...He is there, and He is not silent, or hidden.

Lifes Storms


One of the hardest things to be is at peace during a storm. But I am not fearful of the rain, the lightening, nor the thunder when I am inside my home. My home is the place I know well, I am at peace, strong, confident, so much so that at times my family comes to me during the worst of storms. Although I of myself can do nothing against the storm, just being there they draw upon my faith and peace, thus strengthening themselves. I speak of natural storms, but also of my faith, hope and peace in God, my spiritual home. I know He is my strength, my peace, my joy, my safe place during life's storms, it is Him I trust in, have faith in, knowing He loves me, knowing that He can do something about the storm, and even if He doesn't He promises to protect me during it...I pray with open eyes and heart you understand what he's trying to lead you to, Himself, His love

Just Pray


God you are not concerned about the length of my prayer, how eloquently I present it, whether long and drawn out, or brief, brash, and to the point, I know Your concern is in my sincerity. There are many things I bring before His throne, before the throne of grace and humbly ask. If you are anything like me, you wonder how could He hear me? Why would He listen? I have done so much wrong, even today the things which I have done, said, thought...but His throne, His throne of Grace, if it was one of justice, I shudder to think, but He himself calls us forth to His throne of Grace, undeserved mercy. He is love, grace, and mercy, seated upon His throne. What a joy to know that you and I are far worse than we will ever admit and His grace is far greater. So come boldly, not for who you are or what you have done, but because of who He is and what He has done, He is waiting...pray, go to His throne, He is waiting, He has called you...

Hope


Hope, can it be any easier said, more difficult to explain, and hardest to grasp? My hope grows from my daily prayers, talking to Him and letting His Word speak back. How you ask? I read His words constantly, I let them come alive. Contrary to popular belief it's not just a good book, or a "love letter" as some say, it's not just about a great teacher with good morals, it is all those things and...
more, so much, but if you don't have a relationship with Him thats all it will be to you. There will be no hope, and what I need most at times is hope, to know He loves me, to know He wants the best for me, to know things will work out for me on the end. (which is written) So I read, I read to know Him more, to know His will, for Him to empower me to do His will, I hope, I pray, I give thanks, and I grow in faith and hope. I begin each day filled with hope, and then pray without ceasing knowing that His joy is my strength, and my hope is constantly renewed. May I suggest Isaiah 40:31, let me know what YOU see, encourage me...

Call out and come to Him

 
Be careful when you stop and think about what you could have been, what you should have been, what you may never be...what good does it do you? Are you stirred up to be more? Is it God calling you back to righteousness, or is it you dwelling in pity? I can tell you pity is like tar; dark, desperate to cling to you, and once you have wondered deep into it, the harder it becomes to free yourself. ...
God can and will bring you out, but once again at the point of sounding redundant, call out to Him, He gives you the strength to come to Him. He has more for you than you ever think that you may have lost. Read this carefully I pray, I must constantly remind myself if it is not from God what I am thinking about, to keep it simple, I must let it go if I am to ever grab ahold of Him...
 
 
 

Thursday, August 2, 2012

"Heart of Gratitude"

1
HEART OF GRATITUDE
"4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ"
(Philemon 4-6)


Paul is writing to Philemon (and others) about Philemon's runaway slave (Onesimus) and how he should handle him once he returns.

Paul is in prison at this time, but that he  is still doing what God has called him to do, even in his old age-its never too late to start to do what God has called you to do

This is the shortest book New Testament.

It is also different in that it is highly personal. Written by Paul to Philemon for Onesimus.

Luther refers to this letter and how it is presented as "Holy Flattery" for how well it is written by way of its presentation in defense of what the reader should do in response to Paul's argument for Onesimus.

I.  Thanks God
  1. Look at Paul's humbling of himself, and exalting of God "I thank..."
  2. His prayer is personal "...my God"
  3. He maintains constant communication with God "always"

II.  Remembers Philemon
  1. Love towards Jesus and all the saints
  2. Faith towards Jesus and all the saints

III.  Prays for effectiveness of Philemon's faith
  1. For full knowledge of every good thing
  2. For the glory of God
Keeping in mind that this letter was written to Philemon, asking him to do something ( which Paul hasn't even gotten to yet) We can see Paul's "Heart of Gratitude" overflowing towards Philemon.   Although Paul does use this structure of prayer and thanksgiving in some of his other letters, it is not the fact that they are used, but that they are directed towards Philemon personally that is so encouraging, inspiring and good for instructing.  We, by looking at how Paul is speaking to Philemon through this letter in just those few verses, get a get picture of how to pray and have a "Heart of gratitude" towards others. (Recap 3 main points)  

Finally, as a bonus I want to add on the end, as Paul does, what benefit he gets from Philemon. 
Paul's entire letter up until this point has not been about him or what he wants, rather he has praised Philemon for everything he has been doing for Christ.  But in verse 7 Paul ends this section with what he personally gets from Philemon...

I have recently have been encouraged as Paul was by way of My Father and what he just recently went through I have been refreshed by you and your prayers, thank you.

Thank God in your prayers
Pray for others
Pray that we grow to know God more and give Him all the glory.

I pray that in these things you too will find comfort, joy and are refreshed. 

It all begins with a "Heart of Gratitude"

Let us Pray