I Hope ya'll enjoyed The Living Room
I know I did
Just as a reminder
Monday's are my day off
Thus I will NOT be blogging on Monday's
The reason I did not blog over the weekend
was due to the Connection Lunch & Living Room
Being on the same day.
Hope you understand
Thanks
Joey
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Sorry
Sorry I thought that I would be able to get to it today (Sat.)
BUT
I was NOT able to type it out.
Due to preparation for The Living Room
Sorry
Joey
BUT
I was NOT able to type it out.
Due to preparation for The Living Room
Sorry
Joey
Thursday, June 26, 2008
T I M B E R
TOPIC: Running from God
SCRIPTURE: "So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid a fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." (Jonah 1:3)
OBSERVATION: The thing that jumped out, about the story of Jonah, is what is repeated.
First
I want you to notice
Jonah's downward descent:
(v.3a) He went down to Joppa
NOTE: At that time Tarshish was thought to be the very end of the known world.
(v.3b) He went down into the ship
(v.5a) He went down into the ship's hold
(v.5b) He went down into a bed
(v.5c) He went down into a deep sleep (Comatose)
(v.15) He went down into the water
(v.17) He went down into the stomach of the fish
2nd
I want you to notice
God's Reminders:
(v.4) The Storm = Seen as God's Judgment against someone
(v.5) The Captains Statement = "Arise, cry out to your God"
NOTE: At this time Jonah is in a comatose like sleep. He is awakened by almost the identical command that God had given him earlier in verse 2. Arise, ... cry out. Furthermore, the Captain tells him to talk to his God.
(v.7) Casting of Lots = Fell on Jonah! This was another sign of judgment
(v.8) The Seamen's Questions = Forced him to reveal who he was, and what he was doing. "the men knew he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them." (v.9)
(v.17) The Fish = Would have also been seen as part of God's judgment against Jonah by the Seamen.
APPLICATION: As I read through this story I was reminded of few a things:
#1.) We can run BUT We cannot hide
#2.) When we make a decision to run away from God
& just like a tree that is cut
our new course
will be set on a
d
o
w
n
w
a
r
d
descent
That is destined to only get worse
if
we do not repent
&
#3.) Our God is SOOOOOOOOO faithful to get our attention.
He has a unique ability
to remind us
in so many creative ways
what it is that He has told us to do
that we are not currently doing
SCRIPTURE: "So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid a fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." (Jonah 1:3)
OBSERVATION: The thing that jumped out, about the story of Jonah, is what is repeated.
First
I want you to notice
Jonah's downward descent:
(v.3a) He went down to Joppa
NOTE: At that time Tarshish was thought to be the very end of the known world.
(v.3b) He went down into the ship
(v.5a) He went down into the ship's hold
(v.5b) He went down into a bed
(v.5c) He went down into a deep sleep (Comatose)
(v.15) He went down into the water
(v.17) He went down into the stomach of the fish
2nd
I want you to notice
God's Reminders:
(v.4) The Storm = Seen as God's Judgment against someone
(v.5) The Captains Statement = "Arise, cry out to your God"
NOTE: At this time Jonah is in a comatose like sleep. He is awakened by almost the identical command that God had given him earlier in verse 2. Arise, ... cry out. Furthermore, the Captain tells him to talk to his God.
(v.7) Casting of Lots = Fell on Jonah! This was another sign of judgment
(v.8) The Seamen's Questions = Forced him to reveal who he was, and what he was doing. "the men knew he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them." (v.9)
(v.17) The Fish = Would have also been seen as part of God's judgment against Jonah by the Seamen.
APPLICATION: As I read through this story I was reminded of few a things:
#1.) We can run BUT We cannot hide
#2.) When we make a decision to run away from God
& just like a tree that is cut
our new course
will be set on a
d
o
w
n
w
a
r
d
descent
That is destined to only get worse
if
we do not repent
&
#3.) Our God is SOOOOOOOOO faithful to get our attention.
He has a unique ability
to remind us
in so many creative ways
what it is that He has told us to do
that we are not currently doing
May you never forget
how our God pursued Jonah in this story
Know this
He will do the same with you
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for a glimpse into your love for me through this story. You are faithful! Thank you for being a God that is willing to remind us when we chose to forget.
I love you Lord!Wednesday, June 25, 2008
On Patrol?
TOPIC: Our Trust Fund
SCRIPTURE: "Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you." (2 Tim. 1:14)
OBSERVATION: We see Paul exhorting his son in the faith,
Timothy, to watch over, with the help of the Holy Spirit, this precious thing that God has placed in his custody.
APPLICATION: As I was reading through this chapter, I was reminded afresh the responsibility I have to:
Partner with the Holy Spirit
2
not only
watch over
what has been entrusted to me
BUT
to make sure
I am actually
doing something
with what has been desposited in me.
God expects a return on His investment
So
#1.)
Are you on patrol?
Are you carefully watching over
what God has given you?
&
#2.)
What type of return are you getting
Is it gaining interest?
Are you producing lasting fruit?
Remember
To whom
much is given
MUCH
IS
REQUIRED
PRAYER: Father God, thankyou for bringing these two responsibilities back to mind. Help me, to not only watch over, but be VERY FRUITFUL with what you've entrusted into my care.
SCRIPTURE: "Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you." (2 Tim. 1:14)
OBSERVATION: We see Paul exhorting his son in the faith,
Timothy, to watch over, with the help of the Holy Spirit, this precious thing that God has placed in his custody.
APPLICATION: As I was reading through this chapter, I was reminded afresh the responsibility I have to:
Partner with the Holy Spirit
2
not only
watch over
what has been entrusted to me
BUT
to make sure
I am actually
doing something
with what has been desposited in me.
God expects a return on His investment
So
#1.)
Are you on patrol?
Are you carefully watching over
what God has given you?
&
#2.)
What type of return are you getting
Is it gaining interest?
Are you producing lasting fruit?
Remember
To whom
much is given
MUCH
IS
REQUIRED
PRAYER: Father God, thankyou for bringing these two responsibilities back to mind. Help me, to not only watch over, but be VERY FRUITFUL with what you've entrusted into my care.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Hot Pursuit
TOPIC: What our souls long for!
SCRIPTURE: "...pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perserverance and gentleness." (I Tim.6:11)
OBSERVATION: Whereas we are to flee from certain things we are to be in hot pursuit of other things. They are:
Righteousness always behaving like Jesus did
Godliness fit for or having the divine qualities of God
Faith belief in, devotion to, or trust in somebody or something, especially without logical proof
Love to feel tender affection for somebody such as a close relative or friend,
Perseverance steady and continued action or belief, usually over a long period and especially despite difficulties or setbacks
Gentleness having a mild and kind nature or manner; having a gracious and honorable manner
APPLICATION: As I was reading through this chapter in I Timothy I was reminded once again that the Christian life is to be very active. We are to be in hot pursuit of each of these things.
Just as a reminder
Each of these things
are found in the person
of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ
So
If you are not in it already
Join the chase
Pursue Jesus
&
only Jesus
ALL
THE
DAYS
OF
YOUR
LIFE
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for the simply call to action. Help me to pursue only you all day and every day of my life.
SCRIPTURE: "...pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perserverance and gentleness." (I Tim.6:11)
OBSERVATION: Whereas we are to flee from certain things we are to be in hot pursuit of other things. They are:
Righteousness always behaving like Jesus did
Godliness fit for or having the divine qualities of God
Faith belief in, devotion to, or trust in somebody or something, especially without logical proof
Love to feel tender affection for somebody such as a close relative or friend,
Perseverance steady and continued action or belief, usually over a long period and especially despite difficulties or setbacks
Gentleness having a mild and kind nature or manner; having a gracious and honorable manner
APPLICATION: As I was reading through this chapter in I Timothy I was reminded once again that the Christian life is to be very active. We are to be in hot pursuit of each of these things.
Just as a reminder
Each of these things
are found in the person
of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ
So
If you are not in it already
Join the chase
Pursue Jesus
&
only Jesus
ALL
THE
DAYS
OF
YOUR
LIFE
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for the simply call to action. Help me to pursue only you all day and every day of my life.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Migraine
Due to Sickness
I will NOT
be blogging today.
I hope you're enjoying
your personal time with
our Lord.
For those of you who
take time to read my blog
Know this,
I would love to hear
what God is saying to you
through your time with him.
Feel free to e-mail me
or pull me aside on Sunday
Look forward to hearing
from you.
Thanks
Joey
I will NOT
be blogging today.
I hope you're enjoying
your personal time with
our Lord.
For those of you who
take time to read my blog
Know this,
I would love to hear
what God is saying to you
through your time with him.
Feel free to e-mail me
or pull me aside on Sunday
Look forward to hearing
from you.
Thanks
Joey
Saturday, June 21, 2008
You Can Take It To The Bank
TOPIC: God's Word
SCRIPTURE: "...just as God had spoken through his messenger..."
(2 Kings 7:17-18)
OBSERVATION: When God says it, that settles it!
APPLICATION: As I read over that phrase "just as" it caused me to think about the expression that I've heard so many times: When God says it, I believe it, and that settles it.
I've heard people correct that statement by saying, "When God says it that settles it, it doesn't matter whether you believe it or not."
When God says something
Get ready
Because it is going to happen
"JUST AS"
HE
SAID
IT
WOULD
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for saying what you mean and meaning what you say.
SCRIPTURE: "...just as God had spoken through his messenger..."
(2 Kings 7:17-18)
OBSERVATION: When God says it, that settles it!
APPLICATION: As I read over that phrase "just as" it caused me to think about the expression that I've heard so many times: When God says it, I believe it, and that settles it.
I've heard people correct that statement by saying, "When God says it that settles it, it doesn't matter whether you believe it or not."
When God says something
Get ready
Because it is going to happen
"JUST AS"
HE
SAID
IT
WOULD
That's the Truth
&
You can take that to the bank!
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for saying what you mean and meaning what you say.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Do you have Him in a box?
TOPIC: Assuming
SCRIPTURE: "But Naaman was furious and went away and said, 'Behold, I thought, 'He will surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.'
OBSERVATION: Naaman was:
#1.) The Captain of the Army
#2.) A Great Man
#3.) Highly Respected
#4.) A Valiant Warrior
But
#5.) A Leper
Naaman evidently was use to getting respect, and he thought Elisha was treating with with a little less than royalty. Futhermore, Naaman had his own idea of how things were suppose to work, and when things didn't add up he got angry!
APPLICATION: As I reading over this story, the words, "Behold, I thought" caught my attention. I don't know about you but I've had a tendency in the past to:
analyze things
take time to contemplate
&
consider my options;
Furthermore, because I've walked with the Lord for a while
I've at times
Supposed
Presumed
Imagined
&
Obedience to God begins with humility.
We must believe that his way is better than our own.
EVERY
SINGLE
TIME
We
WILL NOT
always
understand his ways of working,
but
by humbly obeying,
we
will receive his blessings.
The older I get
& the more experience that I have
the more I am convinced of this one thing
God can use anything to accomplish his purpose.
So don't even think about
putting Him in a Box
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for Naaman's story, and thank you for getting my attention through it. Help me not to put you in a box. Help me to TRUST you period.
SCRIPTURE: "But Naaman was furious and went away and said, 'Behold, I thought, 'He will surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.'
OBSERVATION: Naaman was:
#1.) The Captain of the Army
#2.) A Great Man
#3.) Highly Respected
#4.) A Valiant Warrior
But
#5.) A Leper
Naaman evidently was use to getting respect, and he thought Elisha was treating with with a little less than royalty. Futhermore, Naaman had his own idea of how things were suppose to work, and when things didn't add up he got angry!
APPLICATION: As I reading over this story, the words, "Behold, I thought" caught my attention. I don't know about you but I've had a tendency in the past to:
analyze things
take time to contemplate
&
consider my options;
Furthermore, because I've walked with the Lord for a while
I've at times
Supposed
Presumed
Imagined
&
Thought
That God was going to
FOR SURE
doing something
in a particular way.
Only to have things develop
COMPLETELY
OPPOSITE
Obedience to God begins with humility.
We must believe that his way is better than our own.
EVERY
SINGLE
TIME
We
WILL NOT
always
understand his ways of working,
but
by humbly obeying,
we
will receive his blessings.
The older I get
& the more experience that I have
the more I am convinced of this one thing
God can use anything to accomplish his purpose.
So don't even think about
putting Him in a Box
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for Naaman's story, and thank you for getting my attention through it. Help me not to put you in a box. Help me to TRUST you period.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Ready, _______, Fire
TOPIC: Our Target
SCRIPTURE: "The goal of our instruction is love with a pure heat and a good conscience and a sincere faith." (I Tim. 1:5)
OBSERVATION: The Goal of our...
instruction = a spoken or written statement of what must be done, especially delivered formally, with official authority, or as an order
IS
LOVE
with a:
#1.) Pure Heart = unadulterated uncontaminated
unpolluted untainted wholesome uncorrupted
unblemished faultless untarnished pure flawless
#2.) a good conscience = the sense of what is right
and wrong that governs somebody's thoughts and
actions, urging him or her to do right rather than wrong
&
#3.) a sincere faith = honest and unaffected in a way
that shows what is said is really meant
APPLICATION: As I was reading today although several things jumped out at me, I felt like I was suppose to take this verse and just expound on it a little.
SO
Would the person, that knows you best, say that they
honestly believe, that you:
#1.) have a clean heart
#2.) are truthful
&
#3.) have a faith that is genuine
Finally
Would they also say:
That when you are:
PRAYER: Father God, please stop me in my tracks the moment I start to veer away from a heart of love!
SCRIPTURE: "The goal of our instruction is love with a pure heat and a good conscience and a sincere faith." (I Tim. 1:5)
OBSERVATION: The Goal of our...
instruction = a spoken or written statement of what must be done, especially delivered formally, with official authority, or as an order
IS
LOVE
with a:
#1.) Pure Heart = unadulterated uncontaminated
unpolluted untainted wholesome uncorrupted
unblemished faultless untarnished pure flawless
#2.) a good conscience = the sense of what is right
and wrong that governs somebody's thoughts and
actions, urging him or her to do right rather than wrong
&
#3.) a sincere faith = honest and unaffected in a way
that shows what is said is really meant
APPLICATION: As I was reading today although several things jumped out at me, I felt like I was suppose to take this verse and just expound on it a little.
SO
Would the person, that knows you best, say that they
honestly believe, that you:
#1.) have a clean heart
#2.) are truthful
&
#3.) have a faith that is genuine
Finally
Would they also say:
That when you are:
Teaching
Training
Giving Lessons
Coaching
Tutoring
&
Barking out Orders
That they
AND
the person
on the receiving end
believe your doing it
out of LOVE?
PRAYER: Father God, please stop me in my tracks the moment I start to veer away from a heart of love!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Lowered Wings
TOPIC: Our Posture in the Conversation
SCRIPTURE: "Devote yourselves to Him in this way..." (Col.4:2)
OBSERVATION: Devote means to commit yourself to, or allot, or use something for, a particular activity, aim, or purpose. In this case, we are to give ourselves to an ongoing conversation with our Lord.
APPLICATION: As I was doing my reading today I instantly thought about a devotional I read yesterday out of "Streams In the Desert" June 17
I felt like I was suppose to share it with you.
"Then there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood with lowered wings." (Ezekiel 1:25)
"What is the significance of these words;
'They stood with lowered wings'?
People often ask,
'How can I hear the voice of the Lord?'
This is the secret: 'living creatures' (v.5)
heard the voice
when?
when 'they stood with lowered wings.'
We have all seen a bird flutter its wings while standing in place. But in this verse, we are told
that 'there came a voice...
as they stood with lowered wings.'
Do you ever sit, or even kneel, before the Lord
and yet
are conscious of a fluttering in your spirit?
If so,
you are
NOT
exhibiting a sense of genuine stillness while in His presence.
Oh,
how much energy we waste!
How much time we lose
by refusing to lower the wings of our spirit
and
become totally quiet before Him!
IMAGINE
the calm,
the rest
&
the peace
that
WILL
COME
as we wait
in His presence
until
we hear from Him."
SO
Lower your wings!
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for reminding me that I am to GIVE myself over to prayer. Help me to stop and actually lower my wings in your presence. I so look forward to that becoming more and more a lifestyle.
SCRIPTURE: "Devote yourselves to Him in this way..." (Col.4:2)
OBSERVATION: Devote means to commit yourself to, or allot, or use something for, a particular activity, aim, or purpose. In this case, we are to give ourselves to an ongoing conversation with our Lord.
APPLICATION: As I was doing my reading today I instantly thought about a devotional I read yesterday out of "Streams In the Desert" June 17
I felt like I was suppose to share it with you.
"Then there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood with lowered wings." (Ezekiel 1:25)
"What is the significance of these words;
'They stood with lowered wings'?
People often ask,
'How can I hear the voice of the Lord?'
This is the secret: 'living creatures' (v.5)
heard the voice
when?
when 'they stood with lowered wings.'
We have all seen a bird flutter its wings while standing in place. But in this verse, we are told
that 'there came a voice...
as they stood with lowered wings.'
Do you ever sit, or even kneel, before the Lord
and yet
are conscious of a fluttering in your spirit?
If so,
you are
NOT
exhibiting a sense of genuine stillness while in His presence.
Oh,
how much energy we waste!
How much time we lose
by refusing to lower the wings of our spirit
and
become totally quiet before Him!
IMAGINE
the calm,
the rest
&
the peace
that
WILL
COME
as we wait
in His presence
until
we hear from Him."
SO
Lower your wings!
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for reminding me that I am to GIVE myself over to prayer. Help me to stop and actually lower my wings in your presence. I so look forward to that becoming more and more a lifestyle.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Unresponsive
TOPIC: Our Demise
SCRIPTURE: "...consider the members of your earthly body as dead..."(Col.3:5)
OBSERVATION: We are to regard ourselves as dead to certain things
Completely and totally unresponsive to:
Immorality, Impurity, Evil Desire, & Greed
Anger, Wrath, Malice, Slander, & Abusive Speech
APPLICATION: As I was reading this passage I started thinking about my mom. You see, her physical dwelling place is only a mile and a half from my house. The amazing thing about her is that this verse is actually true of her. Regarding Immorality, Impurity, Passion, Evil Desires, & Greed furthermore when it comes to Anger, Wrath, Malice, Slander, & Abusive Speech my mom is unresponsive to these temptations.
The Lord said to me, you need to follow your Mom's example. You need to become like her in everyway when it comes to temptations.
Unresponsive
Dead as a doornail (As a grandpa use to say)
My mom was and is truly a saint. For the past 11 1/2 years she's been with the Lord. Her body is buried in Danville Memorial Gardens. Periodically, I feel promoted by the Lord to drop by her grave to remind me of several things. One that I've centered this blog around.
Let's Recap:
I am
U R
We
Are to regard ourselves as
DEAD
Completely
&
Totally
Unreponsive to
certain things.
SO
R U Dead?
If so
Are you staying that way?
Remember
It's
a
choice
to
remain
unresponsive
Romans 8:13 says, "...if by the Holy Spirit, you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will truly live."
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for reminding me the true life only occurs after death.
SCRIPTURE: "...consider the members of your earthly body as dead..."(Col.3:5)
OBSERVATION: We are to regard ourselves as dead to certain things
Completely and totally unresponsive to:
Immorality, Impurity, Evil Desire, & Greed
Anger, Wrath, Malice, Slander, & Abusive Speech
APPLICATION: As I was reading this passage I started thinking about my mom. You see, her physical dwelling place is only a mile and a half from my house. The amazing thing about her is that this verse is actually true of her. Regarding Immorality, Impurity, Passion, Evil Desires, & Greed furthermore when it comes to Anger, Wrath, Malice, Slander, & Abusive Speech my mom is unresponsive to these temptations.
The Lord said to me, you need to follow your Mom's example. You need to become like her in everyway when it comes to temptations.
Unresponsive
Dead as a doornail (As a grandpa use to say)
My mom was and is truly a saint. For the past 11 1/2 years she's been with the Lord. Her body is buried in Danville Memorial Gardens. Periodically, I feel promoted by the Lord to drop by her grave to remind me of several things. One that I've centered this blog around.
Let's Recap:
I am
U R
We
Are to regard ourselves as
DEAD
Completely
&
Totally
Unreponsive to
certain things.
SO
R U Dead?
If so
Are you staying that way?
Remember
It's
a
choice
to
remain
unresponsive
Romans 8:13 says, "...if by the Holy Spirit, you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will truly live."
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for reminding me the true life only occurs after death.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Day of Rest
As a result of Monday's being my day off
I will not be blogging on Monday's
starting today.
Hope you've had a great day
Joey
I will not be blogging on Monday's
starting today.
Hope you've had a great day
Joey
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day
BEING A FATHER
has been
and
is
one the greatest privileges of my life.
God has used my 3 little girls to
radically change my life.
I am so blessed
and
honored
to be able
to be their
daddy.
I sooooooooooooo
look forward to each
&
every day with them
It's hardly ever a dull moment
I daily thank God for allowing me
to be part of their lives
and I ask him to
Help me to NEVER
take them for granted
Being Father's Day
I can't help but think about
my dad.
My dad is an awesome man.
He's truly a jack of all trades.
He's always been there for me
He loves golf and he's pretty good at it
He actually won a tournament today
Congratulations Dad
You know I heard a Pastor say not to long ago
something that I can't believe I had never thought of
He said,
to a group of parents,
"Remember,
your parents
love you
with the same amount of love
that you have
for your children.
(I'll have to say, THAT'S A LOT OF LOVE)
I am ashamed to say
but
I had never thought about it like that
To realize that my dad loves me
the way I love my 3 little girls
It just blew me away!!!
As a result of that light bulb going off in my head
I tried to take full advantage of this Father's Day
By letting my dad know how much
I appreciate his love for me
If you haven't already
Take time this week
To honor your Father & Mother
Well,
I hope you've had a good day
Question:
Do you know how to have a good day everyday?
Answer:
Make a choice
That's what my mom always said!
Happy Father's Day
has been
and
is
one the greatest privileges of my life.
God has used my 3 little girls to
radically change my life.
I am so blessed
and
honored
to be able
to be their
daddy.
I sooooooooooooo
look forward to each
&
every day with them
It's hardly ever a dull moment
I daily thank God for allowing me
to be part of their lives
and I ask him to
Help me to NEVER
take them for granted
Being Father's Day
I can't help but think about
my dad.
My dad is an awesome man.
He's truly a jack of all trades.
He's always been there for me
He loves golf and he's pretty good at it
He actually won a tournament today
Congratulations Dad
You know I heard a Pastor say not to long ago
something that I can't believe I had never thought of
He said,
to a group of parents,
"Remember,
your parents
love you
with the same amount of love
that you have
for your children.
(I'll have to say, THAT'S A LOT OF LOVE)
I am ashamed to say
but
I had never thought about it like that
To realize that my dad loves me
the way I love my 3 little girls
It just blew me away!!!
As a result of that light bulb going off in my head
I tried to take full advantage of this Father's Day
By letting my dad know how much
I appreciate his love for me
If you haven't already
Take time this week
To honor your Father & Mother
Well,
I hope you've had a good day
Question:
Do you know how to have a good day everyday?
Answer:
Make a choice
That's what my mom always said!
Happy Father's Day
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Going Around "That" Mountain
TOPIC: Cycles
SCRIPTURE: "Abijam walked in all the sins of his father Nebat which he had committed before him; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God like the heart of his father David." (I Kings15:3)
Extra reference: Nabab did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father Jeroboam and in his sin... "(I Kings 15:26)
OBSERVATION: Here we see the powerful influence that a father can have on a son, for it says, Nebat did these things in the sight of his son.
Because almost every son desires to be like his father, we see that the son followed in his fathers footsteps.
APPLICATION: As I was reading this passage the thing that caught my attention was how the cycle of sin that the father was caught in entrapped the son.
Let's do a quick evaluation:
Look over your habits
Have any bad ones?
Do they remind you of anybody?
Are you caught in the same cylce of sin of your parents?
Do you find yourself going around "that" mountain again again?
If so, know this
This cycle needs to be broken
because
it has
is
and
will
continue to negatively influence others
if not
SO
Begin by:
1.) Acknowledging it to yourself
2.) Confess it to God
3.) Ask forgiveness
4.) Repent which mean to change
5.) Begin "walking" in a the newness of life
by replacing your bad habit with a good one
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for this all important reminder, especially enlight of my 3 girls that are watching me everyday. Please help me to remember that I am going to only reproduce who I am.
SCRIPTURE: "Abijam walked in all the sins of his father Nebat which he had committed before him; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God like the heart of his father David." (I Kings15:3)
Extra reference: Nabab did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father Jeroboam and in his sin... "(I Kings 15:26)
OBSERVATION: Here we see the powerful influence that a father can have on a son, for it says, Nebat did these things in the sight of his son.
Because almost every son desires to be like his father, we see that the son followed in his fathers footsteps.
APPLICATION: As I was reading this passage the thing that caught my attention was how the cycle of sin that the father was caught in entrapped the son.
Let's do a quick evaluation:
Look over your habits
Have any bad ones?
Do they remind you of anybody?
Are you caught in the same cylce of sin of your parents?
Do you find yourself going around "that" mountain again again?
If so, know this
This cycle needs to be broken
because
it has
is
and
will
continue to negatively influence others
if not
SO
Begin by:
1.) Acknowledging it to yourself
2.) Confess it to God
3.) Ask forgiveness
4.) Repent which mean to change
5.) Begin "walking" in a the newness of life
by replacing your bad habit with a good one
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for this all important reminder, especially enlight of my 3 girls that are watching me everyday. Please help me to remember that I am going to only reproduce who I am.
Friday, June 13, 2008
When You've Been Spoken To
TOPIC: Obedience
SCRIPTURE: "Then the King said to the man of God, 'Come to the palace with me and have something to eat, and I will give you a gift.' But the man of God said to the King, 'Even if you gave me half of everything you own, I would not go with you. I would not eat any food or drink any water in this place. For the LORD gave me this command: 'You must NOT eat any food or drink ANY water while you are there, and do NOT return to Juda by the same way you came...' " (I Kings 13:7-9)
"An old prophet asked him, 'Are you the man of God who came from Judah?' 'Yes', he replied, 'I am.'
Then he said to the man of God, 'Come home with me and eat some food.' No, I cannot, he replied. 'I am not allowed to eat any food or drink any water here in the place. For the LORD gave me this command: 'You must NOT eat any food or drink ANY water while you are there, and do NOT return to Judah by the same way you came.'
BUT the OLD prophet answered, 'I am a prophet, too, just as you are. And an angel gave me this message from the LORD: 'Bring him home with you, and give him food to eat and water to drink.' "(I Kings 13:14-18)
OBSERVATION: The man with no name had been given very specific orders from the LORD not to do certain things. Thus, when invited by the King he declined and obeyed the LORD and left.
However, when what appeared to be, an older wiser prophet of God spoke to him saying, 'an angel of God has appeared to me and said, 'The LORD told him to tell me to invite you to come home with me.
The man with no name listened to a man who claimed to have a specific message from God, rather than to God himself.
His disobedience resulted in his death!!!
APPLICATION: As I was reading today my mind
1st: went to my blog from yesterday.
I stated, that just because someone is older does NOT mean that they automatically qualify as a wise person.
2nd: I also that about the passage in the New Testament where it tells us to beware of a wolf in sheeps clothing.
3rd: Then my mind went to when I was growing up. You see, when I had been spoken to by my dad, I knew it, and I knew that if I were disobedient then there would be a price to pay.
4th: From there my mind went straight to my little girls. They would tell you that they know when they've been spoken to. They would also tell you that they know that if they are disobedient then they're going to be in trouble.
5th: I thought about all the times, that I know, I've been spoken to by the LORD. Those times when I know that I know, that it's Him.
And
It seems to
"just so happen"
that everytime that occurs
I am presented with
An alternative
A Substitute
Another option
To DO what?
To take a SHORTCUT
To Delay
To ONLY partially obey
EVER BEEN THERE?
For future reference
please remember
the story of the man with no name
& remember
When You've Been Spoken to (by the LORD)
IF YOU chose to Disobey
though it may be different from
the man with no name
Know this
a "death" will occur
in you life as well
May this stop ALL of us in our tracks
the next time we are presented with
something other than what we know God has told us to do.
Knowing that there will be a price to pay
& it may be higher than we thought
Last but NOT least
6th: IF you've never been spoken to by the LORD
Then
You need to know this
You more than likely
Do NOT have a real relationship with Him.
***If after reading this blog you feel like #6 describes you and you would like to talk about that, feel free to e-mail me. I would love to chat with you about starting a personal relationship with Jesus.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for the example of the man with no name. Please help me to never forget the price you paid for my sin, and help me to never forget that there are still real consequences for disobeying you today.
SCRIPTURE: "Then the King said to the man of God, 'Come to the palace with me and have something to eat, and I will give you a gift.' But the man of God said to the King, 'Even if you gave me half of everything you own, I would not go with you. I would not eat any food or drink any water in this place. For the LORD gave me this command: 'You must NOT eat any food or drink ANY water while you are there, and do NOT return to Juda by the same way you came...' " (I Kings 13:7-9)
"An old prophet asked him, 'Are you the man of God who came from Judah?' 'Yes', he replied, 'I am.'
Then he said to the man of God, 'Come home with me and eat some food.' No, I cannot, he replied. 'I am not allowed to eat any food or drink any water here in the place. For the LORD gave me this command: 'You must NOT eat any food or drink ANY water while you are there, and do NOT return to Judah by the same way you came.'
BUT the OLD prophet answered, 'I am a prophet, too, just as you are. And an angel gave me this message from the LORD: 'Bring him home with you, and give him food to eat and water to drink.' "(I Kings 13:14-18)
OBSERVATION: The man with no name had been given very specific orders from the LORD not to do certain things. Thus, when invited by the King he declined and obeyed the LORD and left.
However, when what appeared to be, an older wiser prophet of God spoke to him saying, 'an angel of God has appeared to me and said, 'The LORD told him to tell me to invite you to come home with me.
The man with no name listened to a man who claimed to have a specific message from God, rather than to God himself.
His disobedience resulted in his death!!!
APPLICATION: As I was reading today my mind
1st: went to my blog from yesterday.
I stated, that just because someone is older does NOT mean that they automatically qualify as a wise person.
2nd: I also that about the passage in the New Testament where it tells us to beware of a wolf in sheeps clothing.
3rd: Then my mind went to when I was growing up. You see, when I had been spoken to by my dad, I knew it, and I knew that if I were disobedient then there would be a price to pay.
4th: From there my mind went straight to my little girls. They would tell you that they know when they've been spoken to. They would also tell you that they know that if they are disobedient then they're going to be in trouble.
5th: I thought about all the times, that I know, I've been spoken to by the LORD. Those times when I know that I know, that it's Him.
And
It seems to
"just so happen"
that everytime that occurs
I am presented with
An alternative
A Substitute
Another option
To DO what?
To take a SHORTCUT
To Delay
To ONLY partially obey
EVER BEEN THERE?
For future reference
please remember
the story of the man with no name
& remember
When You've Been Spoken to (by the LORD)
IF YOU chose to Disobey
though it may be different from
the man with no name
Know this
a "death" will occur
in you life as well
May this stop ALL of us in our tracks
the next time we are presented with
something other than what we know God has told us to do.
Knowing that there will be a price to pay
& it may be higher than we thought
Last but NOT least
6th: IF you've never been spoken to by the LORD
Then
You need to know this
You more than likely
Do NOT have a real relationship with Him.
***If after reading this blog you feel like #6 describes you and you would like to talk about that, feel free to e-mail me. I would love to chat with you about starting a personal relationship with Jesus.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for the example of the man with no name. Please help me to never forget the price you paid for my sin, and help me to never forget that there are still real consequences for disobeying you today.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Bunch of Old Fogies
TOPIC: The Wise Choice
SCRIPTURE: "BUT he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, AND consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him." (I Kings 12:8)
OBSERVATION: Lets look at what Rehoboam did:
He did seek counsel and wise counsel at that
Specifically he sought advice from his father's older counselors
He also sought advice from the next generation of leaders
Now let's look at what Rehoboam didn't do:
He didn't place more stock in his father's older and wiser counselors
NOTE: They definitely were more experienced than him and them (meaning the younger guys)
He didn't ask God which was the best advice.
APPLICATION: As I was reading today it caught my attention that although Rehoboam seemed to do somethings right, he forsook the counsel of the elders. Please understand, just because someone is older than you does NOT mean that they automatically qualify as a wise person. Furthermore, just because someone is young does not mean they are dumb.
I came across these questions when evaluating.
Is it realistic?
Is it workable?
Will it make improvements?
&
Is it consistent with Biblical principles?
Another Great Set of Questions To Run Through Anytime You Are Seeking To Do Something of Any Significance:
1.) Has God point blank told you, to do it?
2.) If so, has He told you you have to do it a certain way?
3.) If so, has He told you you have to do it in a certain time frame?
(SIDE NOTE: Please know these are just a few questions that you can run through when it comes to decision time. Meaning these are not they only questions you can ask. Please use these as a guide)
IF God wants you to do something
I've come to this realization
He's a pretty good communicator
&
He knows how to get my attention
Normally I know what he wants
Many times the wise counsel is there
to simply confirm what He's already said!
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for Rehoboam's example. Help me to learn from his mistakes. Help me to listen and learn from the wise counselors that you bring around me. Help me not to forsake them because I think they're just a bunch of old fogies, and help me not to short change the next generation because I think I am smarter than they are.
SCRIPTURE: "BUT he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, AND consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him." (I Kings 12:8)
OBSERVATION: Lets look at what Rehoboam did:
He did seek counsel and wise counsel at that
Specifically he sought advice from his father's older counselors
He also sought advice from the next generation of leaders
Now let's look at what Rehoboam didn't do:
He didn't place more stock in his father's older and wiser counselors
NOTE: They definitely were more experienced than him and them (meaning the younger guys)
He didn't ask God which was the best advice.
APPLICATION: As I was reading today it caught my attention that although Rehoboam seemed to do somethings right, he forsook the counsel of the elders. Please understand, just because someone is older than you does NOT mean that they automatically qualify as a wise person. Furthermore, just because someone is young does not mean they are dumb.
I came across these questions when evaluating.
Is it realistic?
Is it workable?
Will it make improvements?
&
Is it consistent with Biblical principles?
Another Great Set of Questions To Run Through Anytime You Are Seeking To Do Something of Any Significance:
1.) Has God point blank told you, to do it?
2.) If so, has He told you you have to do it a certain way?
3.) If so, has He told you you have to do it in a certain time frame?
(SIDE NOTE: Please know these are just a few questions that you can run through when it comes to decision time. Meaning these are not they only questions you can ask. Please use these as a guide)
IF God wants you to do something
I've come to this realization
He's a pretty good communicator
&
He knows how to get my attention
Normally I know what he wants
Many times the wise counsel is there
to simply confirm what He's already said!
BONUS: Quotes on Evaluation
"The only man who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measurements anew every time he sees me, while all the rest go on with their old measurements and expect me to fit them." ~ George Bernard Shaw
"True genius resides in the capacity for evaluation of uncertain, hazardous, and conflicting information." ~ Winston Churchill
"The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question." ~ Peter Drucker
"One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results" ~ Milton Friedman
"True genius resides in the capacity for evaluation of uncertain, hazardous, and conflicting information." ~ Winston Churchill
"The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question." ~ Peter Drucker
"One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results" ~ Milton Friedman
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for Rehoboam's example. Help me to learn from his mistakes. Help me to listen and learn from the wise counselors that you bring around me. Help me not to forsake them because I think they're just a bunch of old fogies, and help me not to short change the next generation because I think I am smarter than they are.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
True of you?
TOPIC: Leading By Example
SCRIPTURE: "...most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have FAR more courage to speak the word of God without fear." (Phil. 1:14)
OBSERVATION: Paul realized that his current circumstances weren't as important as what he did with them. He saw his imprisonment as an opportunity to lead by example, to truly practice what he preached.
APPLICATION: As I was reading today the words "have FAR more" seemed to hop off the page.
The question, "Do others REALLY 'have FAR more' because of my life?" seemed to just echo in my head.
You Know
How we react in difficult situations
reveals
who we really are.
We can say we believe something,
but
talk is soooooo cheat!
When squeezed by circumstances
what is inside of us will eventually come out,
and that
is who
we really are.
and be on the look out
for opportunities
to demonstrate your faith
especially
when things are tough
SCRIPTURE: "...most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have FAR more courage to speak the word of God without fear." (Phil. 1:14)
OBSERVATION: Paul realized that his current circumstances weren't as important as what he did with them. He saw his imprisonment as an opportunity to lead by example, to truly practice what he preached.
APPLICATION: As I was reading today the words "have FAR more" seemed to hop off the page.
The question, "Do others REALLY 'have FAR more' because of my life?" seemed to just echo in my head.
You Know
How we react in difficult situations
reveals
who we really are.
We can say we believe something,
but
talk is soooooo cheat!
When squeezed by circumstances
what is inside of us will eventually come out,
and that
is who
we really are.
With that being the Truth
&
Because little eyes ARE watching you
and be on the look out
for opportunities
to demonstrate your faith
especially
when things are tough
Let me ask you the question
that's been bouncing around in my head all day,
Do others "have FAR more" because of you?
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for Paul's example, help me to live my life in such a way that MANY will have FAR more because of my life.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Grounded?
TOPIC: Standing Firm
SCRIPTURE: "...stand firm..."(Ephesians 6:11, 13, & 14)
OBSERVATION: The only way to stand firm is to be grounded.
APPLICATION: As I was reading today I came across the phrase Stand Firm repeated 3 times within 4 verses. It caused me to think about something I had read over a decade ago that I've never forgotten. It's entitled "Fellowship Of the Unashamed"
(By Dr. Bob Moorehead)
I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slowdown, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense,and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sightwalking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at thepool of popularity, or meander in the maze ofmediocrity.I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear!!!
What about you?
Are you standing that firm?
You know I once heard this statement:
"A sturdy oak
is just an acorn
that held its ground."
Are you thoroughly grounded?
Know this
The only way
to stand firm
is to be grounded
and
stay grounded.
PRAYER: Father God, I want to be a man that will stand and stay standing for you no matter what! Help me to always stay grounded in your word.
SCRIPTURE: "...stand firm..."(Ephesians 6:11, 13, & 14)
OBSERVATION: The only way to stand firm is to be grounded.
APPLICATION: As I was reading today I came across the phrase Stand Firm repeated 3 times within 4 verses. It caused me to think about something I had read over a decade ago that I've never forgotten. It's entitled "Fellowship Of the Unashamed"
(By Dr. Bob Moorehead)
I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slowdown, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense,and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sightwalking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at thepool of popularity, or meander in the maze ofmediocrity.I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear!!!
What about you?
Are you standing that firm?
You know I once heard this statement:
"A sturdy oak
is just an acorn
that held its ground."
Are you thoroughly grounded?
Know this
The only way
to stand firm
is to be grounded
and
stay grounded.
PRAYER: Father God, I want to be a man that will stand and stay standing for you no matter what! Help me to always stay grounded in your word.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Bringing Your A Game
TOPIC: Staying Sharp
SCRIPTURE: "If the axe is dull and he does NOT sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed." (Eccl.10:10)
OBSERVATION: There are several things that I notice about this verse but in this section I will narrow it to 2.
They are:
#1.) It is the better part of wisdom to always check your tools before you use them. Taking periodic breaks to insure that everything is still working a peak performance is also required.
#2.) When giving your tools a tune up you need to make sure you adjust the right thing. (ie Sharpen its EDGE)
APPLICATION: Trying to do anything without the necessary skills or tools is like chopping wood with a dull ax.
Have you ever chopped wood with a dull ax?
(Just wondering)
Do you know the difference between a sharp and dull blade?
&
Are you able to discern when your sharp blade begins to dull?
This is very important.
Because at that very moment
YOU
BEGIN
To exert
or I as I would put it
WASTE
more strength
THAN IS NEEDED!!!
Sharpening your blade = means recognizing that you have a problem, and actually doing something about it, in order, to do your job, at peak performance.
Where in your life is your "ax" dull?
Do you even know? Have you ever thought about it?
Do you know how to go about sharpening those dull areas?
If not
I would encourage you to get alone and ask Jesus both questions
Then listen
You might ought to have:
a pen (that works)
and
paper with you
After you have gone through this process
If you would still like someone to come along side of you to help, don't hesitate to let me know.
These verses go right along with our focus
Eccl 9:10 says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..."
I Cor. 10:31 says, " So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
Col. 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..."
Jesus wants you to
Bring Your A Game
Everyday in everyway
PRAYER: Father God thank you for reminding me of the extreme importance to take time to evaluate what I am doing for you. So that, what I am doing is actually being done with excellence.
SCRIPTURE: "If the axe is dull and he does NOT sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed." (Eccl.10:10)
OBSERVATION: There are several things that I notice about this verse but in this section I will narrow it to 2.
They are:
#1.) It is the better part of wisdom to always check your tools before you use them. Taking periodic breaks to insure that everything is still working a peak performance is also required.
#2.) When giving your tools a tune up you need to make sure you adjust the right thing. (ie Sharpen its EDGE)
APPLICATION: Trying to do anything without the necessary skills or tools is like chopping wood with a dull ax.
Have you ever chopped wood with a dull ax?
(Just wondering)
Do you know the difference between a sharp and dull blade?
&
Are you able to discern when your sharp blade begins to dull?
This is very important.
Because at that very moment
YOU
BEGIN
To exert
or I as I would put it
WASTE
more strength
THAN IS NEEDED!!!
Sharpening your blade = means recognizing that you have a problem, and actually doing something about it, in order, to do your job, at peak performance.
Where in your life is your "ax" dull?
Do you even know? Have you ever thought about it?
Do you know how to go about sharpening those dull areas?
If not
I would encourage you to get alone and ask Jesus both questions
Then listen
You might ought to have:
a pen (that works)
and
paper with you
After you have gone through this process
If you would still like someone to come along side of you to help, don't hesitate to let me know.
These verses go right along with our focus
Eccl 9:10 says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..."
I Cor. 10:31 says, " So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
Col. 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..."
Jesus wants you to
Bring Your A Game
Everyday in everyway
PRAYER: Father God thank you for reminding me of the extreme importance to take time to evaluate what I am doing for you. So that, what I am doing is actually being done with excellence.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The "Stock" Market
TOPIC: Equipping
SCRIPTURE: "And Jesus gave some...for the equipping of the saints..." (Ephesians 4:11-12)
OBSERVATION: This is Jesus' plan A, B, & C for the church which you and I are part of. The future of the church depends on it!!!
APPLICATION: As I was reading through this passage today I was reminded of a book I read several years ago entitled "Tally Ho The Fox" (By: Herb Hodges) This book shares a few things about equipping that I felt I needed to include in this blog.
Herb says, "you will never do anything more Christ-like than the training of groups of people to live in union with Jesus Christ inwardly, and to reproduce, multiply, and impact the whole wide world outwardly.
One of Jesus' primary works was & is:
Reproduction
This happens as a result of equippers equipping!
Equip = means to outfit, furnish, prepare for action, make into a skilled craftsman, stock
Other meanings
1.) To pacify a city that was torn by faction
2.) To set a limb that has been dislocated
3.) To develop certain parts of the body by exercise
4.) To restore a person to his right mind
5.) To reconcile friends who have been estranged
6.) To fully furnish for a given purpose
7.) To order things properly, or to correctly arrange things
8.) To put something on the path of progress
The apparent goal of Jesus was to:
Produce disciples who would become equippers engaged in a lifetime vocation of equipping others and practicing the daily disciplines which are necessary to fulfill that purpose.
Discipleship that produces a ministry of multiplication is when equippers start producing other world visionary, world impacting, reproducing disciples."
SO
Have you been equipped?
If so
Are you in the process of Equipping?
Of those you have equipped
Are they in the process of equipping?
IF NOT
U
Still
Have
Work
2
Do
This is the market we are to invest all of our time and energy into.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for reminding me of my responsibility.
SCRIPTURE: "And Jesus gave some...for the equipping of the saints..." (Ephesians 4:11-12)
OBSERVATION: This is Jesus' plan A, B, & C for the church which you and I are part of. The future of the church depends on it!!!
APPLICATION: As I was reading through this passage today I was reminded of a book I read several years ago entitled "Tally Ho The Fox" (By: Herb Hodges) This book shares a few things about equipping that I felt I needed to include in this blog.
Herb says, "you will never do anything more Christ-like than the training of groups of people to live in union with Jesus Christ inwardly, and to reproduce, multiply, and impact the whole wide world outwardly.
One of Jesus' primary works was & is:
Reproduction
This happens as a result of equippers equipping!
Equip = means to outfit, furnish, prepare for action, make into a skilled craftsman, stock
Other meanings
1.) To pacify a city that was torn by faction
2.) To set a limb that has been dislocated
3.) To develop certain parts of the body by exercise
4.) To restore a person to his right mind
5.) To reconcile friends who have been estranged
6.) To fully furnish for a given purpose
7.) To order things properly, or to correctly arrange things
8.) To put something on the path of progress
The apparent goal of Jesus was to:
Produce disciples who would become equippers engaged in a lifetime vocation of equipping others and practicing the daily disciplines which are necessary to fulfill that purpose.
Discipleship that produces a ministry of multiplication is when equippers start producing other world visionary, world impacting, reproducing disciples."
SO
Have you been equipped?
If so
Are you in the process of Equipping?
Of those you have equipped
Are they in the process of equipping?
IF NOT
U
Still
Have
Work
2
Do
This is the market we are to invest all of our time and energy into.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for reminding me of my responsibility.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Milk It 4 Everything It's Worth
TOPIC: Relishing The Moment
SCRIPTURE: "...and enjoy oneself in all one's labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him..." (Eccl.5:18)
OBSERVATION: According to this verse
#1.) Are days are but a few
#2.) We have work to do
and
#3.) We have a choice regarding our attitude
#4.) One of the choices is enjoyment
APPLICATION: As I came to this verse I was notices a few things things that I just referenced in the observation section. Let me repeat myself. According to this verse
#1.) Are day are but a few
#2.) We have work to do
#3.) We have a choice regarding our attitude
#4.) One of the choices is enjoyment
&
#5.) We are to make this choice in ALL our work
Did you know that
All means all
and
that's all all means?
(In Context of course)
I hope
you will make the choice
to milk everyday
for everything it's worth
Enjoy
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for bringing these truths to my remembrance, help me now to walk in them.
SCRIPTURE: "...and enjoy oneself in all one's labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him..." (Eccl.5:18)
OBSERVATION: According to this verse
#1.) Are days are but a few
#2.) We have work to do
and
#3.) We have a choice regarding our attitude
#4.) One of the choices is enjoyment
APPLICATION: As I came to this verse I was notices a few things things that I just referenced in the observation section. Let me repeat myself. According to this verse
#1.) Are day are but a few
#2.) We have work to do
#3.) We have a choice regarding our attitude
#4.) One of the choices is enjoyment
&
#5.) We are to make this choice in ALL our work
Did you know that
All means all
and
that's all all means?
(In Context of course)
I hope
you will make the choice
to milk everyday
for everything it's worth
Enjoy
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for bringing these truths to my remembrance, help me now to walk in them.
Friday, June 6, 2008
I need some peace & _________ !
TOPIC: Silencio
SCRIPTURE: "...peace..." (Ephesians 2:14,15,& 17)
OBSERVATION: Today's blog is a little bit different because as I thought through the word peace, what kept coming the me was the word quiet.
From my perspective:
I need
You need
We all need
a little bit of peace
and
quiet.
Peace means:
As I think through being quiet a short video that I saw last year comes to mind, entitled "Noise" (By: Rob Bell). Here are some of the pointed questions that this video addresses
"Why is silence so hard to deal with?
Why is it so much easier for us to live our lives with a lot of things going on all the time than to just be in silence?
We’re constantly surrounded with “voices” that are influencing us on how to think, feel, and behave. Movies, music, TV, Internet, cell phones, and a never-ending barrage of advertising.
There’s always something going on.
Always noise in our lives.
But
maybe there’s a connection between the amount of noise in our lives and our inability to hear God. If God sometimes feels distant to us, maybe it’s not because He’s not talking to us,
but
simply because we aren’t really listening.
Because we are to busy and we've never taken the time to stop and be quiet
Ps. 46:10 challenges us to, "Be still and know that I am God..."
I hope you'll try it today
Stop everything
Turn off everything
Just sit there
N
Silence
I dare you to try it for 20 minutes
(I am NOT talking about taking a nap!!!)
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for reminding me of the extreme importance of stopping and actually being quiet.
SCRIPTURE: "...peace..." (Ephesians 2:14,15,& 17)
OBSERVATION: Today's blog is a little bit different because as I thought through the word peace, what kept coming the me was the word quiet.
From my perspective:
I need
You need
We all need
a little bit of peace
and
quiet.
Peace means:
#1.) a calm and quiet state, free from disturbances or noise
#2.) a state of mental calm and serenity, with no anxiety
#3.) freedom from conflict or disagreement among people
#2.) a state of mental calm and serenity, with no anxiety
#3.) freedom from conflict or disagreement among people
APPLICATION: As I was reading over this passage the word peace was repeated a few times and it just got me to thinking about that old but familar phrase I heard from my mom growing up, "I need some peace and quiet"
What does it mean to be quiet?
#1.) free from noise or commotion
#2.) free from trouble or disturbance
#3.) marked by very little motion
Here are some other words to help drive the point home
Calm Stillness Tranquility Silence Harmony Serenity Peaceful Still Serene Relaxed Hush Motionless At a Halt
As I think through being quiet a short video that I saw last year comes to mind, entitled "Noise" (By: Rob Bell). Here are some of the pointed questions that this video addresses
"Why is silence so hard to deal with?
Why is it so much easier for us to live our lives with a lot of things going on all the time than to just be in silence?
We’re constantly surrounded with “voices” that are influencing us on how to think, feel, and behave. Movies, music, TV, Internet, cell phones, and a never-ending barrage of advertising.
There’s always something going on.
Always noise in our lives.
But
maybe there’s a connection between the amount of noise in our lives and our inability to hear God. If God sometimes feels distant to us, maybe it’s not because He’s not talking to us,
but
simply because we aren’t really listening.
Because we are to busy and we've never taken the time to stop and be quiet
Ps. 46:10 challenges us to, "Be still and know that I am God..."
I hope you'll try it today
Stop everything
Turn off everything
Just sit there
N
Silence
I dare you to try it for 20 minutes
(I am NOT talking about taking a nap!!!)
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for reminding me of the extreme importance of stopping and actually being quiet.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Re presenting Jesus
TOPIC: Ambassador
SCRIPTURE: "...the church, which is HIS body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23)
OBSERVATION: We are the body of Jesus Christ, that means he qualifies and commissions us to extend his life, love, and power in the same way and by the same power that he used to minister.
APPLICATION: As I was reading over this passage the song by Casting Crowns entitled "If We Are The Body" came to my mind. I felt like that is what I am suppose to share with you today.
"If We Are The Body"
It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girl's teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know
But
if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching? (That's U & Me)
Why aren't His hands healing? (That's U & Me)
Why aren't His words teaching? (That's U & Me)
And
if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going? (That's U & Me)
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way (That's U & Me)
A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgemental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road
Jesus payed much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ
Jesus is the way
U R ! ! !
U R the body of Christ
Now allow the Holy Spirit of God
To live the life of Jesus THROUGH you
TODAY!
Because TODAY MATTERS!
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for inspiring Casting Crowns to sing this song that is such a great reminder to us all of who we are. Please help me to remember that as I go about my daily journey especially as I encounter those I do not know.
SCRIPTURE: "...the church, which is HIS body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23)
OBSERVATION: We are the body of Jesus Christ, that means he qualifies and commissions us to extend his life, love, and power in the same way and by the same power that he used to minister.
APPLICATION: As I was reading over this passage the song by Casting Crowns entitled "If We Are The Body" came to my mind. I felt like that is what I am suppose to share with you today.
"If We Are The Body"
It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girl's teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know
But
if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching? (That's U & Me)
Why aren't His hands healing? (That's U & Me)
Why aren't His words teaching? (That's U & Me)
And
if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going? (That's U & Me)
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way (That's U & Me)
A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgemental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road
Jesus payed much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ
Jesus is the way
U R ! ! !
U R the body of Christ
Now allow the Holy Spirit of God
To live the life of Jesus THROUGH you
TODAY!
Because TODAY MATTERS!
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for inspiring Casting Crowns to sing this song that is such a great reminder to us all of who we are. Please help me to remember that as I go about my daily journey especially as I encounter those I do not know.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
For All The Right Reasons
TOPIC: Giving
SCRIPTURE: "He who gives to the poor will never want, BUT he who shuts his eyes will have many curses." (Proverbs 28:27)
OBSERVATION: When you give especially to those who are truly in need you will never be left with less. Unless of course, you turn a blind eye, and then, what you have, will eventually be taken from you, in one way or another.
APPLICATION: As I was doing my reading, the word GIVE seemed to leap off the page at me. With that on my mind, I went into our staff prayer time and it "just so happened" that the main focus of our time together centered around the issue of the poor, more specifically GIVING and more specific than that, certain types of giving:
Tithing
Giving offerings which are over and above the 10%
& then
Sacrifical giving.
If you have been attending our services recently you know that Pastor Jim just led our church through a series entitled "In The Zone"which focused on giving. The issue of sacrificial giving is the aspect of giving that I felt the Lord wanted me to begin to focus on (And I am NOT just referring to this blog).
This type of giving is going beyond anything you've probably ever done before. It's giving in such a way that if God doesn't come through you are in trouble.
So
Have you ever REALLY given sacrificially?
Be sure to begin seeking the Lord about this type of giving.
Don't be surprised if He tells you to give it ALL
And I mean ALL
**Being Spirit-led is critical when it comes to a decision like this.
***DON'T BE PRESUMPTUOUS when it comes to this type of giving. Here is what I mean, let's say you hear this testimony of how God told someone esle to give away EVERYTHING THEY HAVE and they obey and then God turns around and blesses them 10 fold for doing that.
After hearing a testimony like that, you might be tempted to go and give everything you have away, thinking, that God is going to do the same thing for you, when in all actuality, He never instructed you to do that. Thus, it is not His responsibility to bail you out, now that you have nothing.
So begin seeking the Lord about sacrifical giving
but
if in doubt
I encourage you to also seek wise counsel.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for bringing this aspect of giving back to the forefront of my mind. And thank you for using repetition to keep it there.
SCRIPTURE: "He who gives to the poor will never want, BUT he who shuts his eyes will have many curses." (Proverbs 28:27)
OBSERVATION: When you give especially to those who are truly in need you will never be left with less. Unless of course, you turn a blind eye, and then, what you have, will eventually be taken from you, in one way or another.
APPLICATION: As I was doing my reading, the word GIVE seemed to leap off the page at me. With that on my mind, I went into our staff prayer time and it "just so happened" that the main focus of our time together centered around the issue of the poor, more specifically GIVING and more specific than that, certain types of giving:
Tithing
Giving offerings which are over and above the 10%
& then
Sacrifical giving.
If you have been attending our services recently you know that Pastor Jim just led our church through a series entitled "In The Zone"which focused on giving. The issue of sacrificial giving is the aspect of giving that I felt the Lord wanted me to begin to focus on (And I am NOT just referring to this blog).
This type of giving is going beyond anything you've probably ever done before. It's giving in such a way that if God doesn't come through you are in trouble.
So
Have you ever REALLY given sacrificially?
Be sure to begin seeking the Lord about this type of giving.
Don't be surprised if He tells you to give it ALL
And I mean ALL
**Being Spirit-led is critical when it comes to a decision like this.
***DON'T BE PRESUMPTUOUS when it comes to this type of giving. Here is what I mean, let's say you hear this testimony of how God told someone esle to give away EVERYTHING THEY HAVE and they obey and then God turns around and blesses them 10 fold for doing that.
After hearing a testimony like that, you might be tempted to go and give everything you have away, thinking, that God is going to do the same thing for you, when in all actuality, He never instructed you to do that. Thus, it is not His responsibility to bail you out, now that you have nothing.
So begin seeking the Lord about sacrifical giving
but
if in doubt
I encourage you to also seek wise counsel.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for bringing this aspect of giving back to the forefront of my mind. And thank you for using repetition to keep it there.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Bring the Heat!
TOPIC: Refining
SCRIPTURE:"Take away the dross from the silver, And there comes out a vessel for the smith;"
(Proverbs 25:4)
OBSERVATION: Until you remove the dross, the vessel will never be what it could be and more importantly it will never be fit for The King's use!
*Dross is something that is worthless or of a low standard or quality, it is the scum formed on molten metals
APPLICATION: As I read over this verse several things came to mind. I'll share them with you but know that they are in no particular order.
I apologize in advance for not including the source of all these quotes, I simply do not remember where they all came from. Because I believe each of these quotes speak for themselves I will not be expounding on any of them at this time.
"The world's finest china is fired in ovens at least 3 times the normal heat, and some many more. Dresden china is always fired three times. Why is it forced to endure such intense heat? That intense heat causes the gold, crimson, and other colors to become brighter, more beautiful, and permanently attached. "
"If Joseph had never been Egypt's prisoner, he would never been Eygpt's governor. The iron chain that bound his feet brought about the golden chain around his neck."
SCRIPTURE:"Take away the dross from the silver, And there comes out a vessel for the smith;"
(Proverbs 25:4)
OBSERVATION: Until you remove the dross, the vessel will never be what it could be and more importantly it will never be fit for The King's use!
*Dross is something that is worthless or of a low standard or quality, it is the scum formed on molten metals
APPLICATION: As I read over this verse several things came to mind. I'll share them with you but know that they are in no particular order.
I apologize in advance for not including the source of all these quotes, I simply do not remember where they all came from. Because I believe each of these quotes speak for themselves I will not be expounding on any of them at this time.
"The world's finest china is fired in ovens at least 3 times the normal heat, and some many more. Dresden china is always fired three times. Why is it forced to endure such intense heat? That intense heat causes the gold, crimson, and other colors to become brighter, more beautiful, and permanently attached. "
"If Joseph had never been Egypt's prisoner, he would never been Eygpt's governor. The iron chain that bound his feet brought about the golden chain around his neck."
"John Bunyan's voice was silenced for 12 years in a jail cell. And yet it was there he wrote the second greatest work in the world (Pilgrims Progress). He said, "I was at home in prison, and my great joy led me to sit and write and write and write. Fair weather faith is NOT faith at all."
"Enduring hardship - Some people may be put in prison by the world, but their treasure will be locked away with them, for true treasure cannot be locked out of their lives. Their material condition may look like a desert, but the desert and the parched land will be glad, the wilderness will rejoice and blossom (Is.35:1)"
"There is a divine mystery in suffering. When a person who suffers reaches a point where he can be calm and carefree, inwardly smiling at his own suffering and no longer asking God to be delivered from it, THEN the suffering has accomplished its blessed ministry, perserverance has finished its work (James 1:4) and the pain of the crucifixion has begun to weave itself into a crown. The main thing is to suffer without becoming discouraged."
"Thou has enlarged me when I was in distress (Ps.4:1). This statement of thanksgivingt for having been set free NOT from suffering, BUT rather through suffering."
"If you aspire to be a person of consolation, if you want to share the priestly gift of sympathy, if you desire to go beyond giving commonplace comfort to a heart that is tempted, and if you long to go through the daily exchange of life with the kind of tact that never inflicts pain, then you must be prepared to pay the price for a costly education -for like Christ, you must go through testing by fire." Frederick William Robertson
I don't know about you, but it's getting HOT in here to me!
PRAYER: Father God, although in some ways I want to stay far away from this type of prayer I know that in order to be like you I too must suffer. So I pray that you will turn up the heat and in so doing please remove all the dross that I may be a vessel fit for the King.Monday, June 2, 2008
I'm Immune, Right?
TOPIC: Our Friendships
SCRIPTURE: ""Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself."(Proverbs 22:24-25)
OBSERVATION: I'm sure that you've already noticed this truth played out in many peoples lives, but it is worth repeating. People tend to become like those with whom they spend a lot of time. Things just naturally begin to rub off.
APPLICATION: The Bible urges us to use caution when it comes to our relationships. I Cor. 15:33 says, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good morals.' " Although the immediate context is unbelievers the principle can still apply to our close relationships.
As I was doing my reading today, the thing that just grabbed me was the phrase
"Do not associate with....
or else
you will learn his ways..."
You will learn his ways
People have a natural tendency to adopt the attitudes of those they spend time with. Things people pick up:
Mind-set
Beliefs
Approaches to challenges
etc
Who are you spend a lot of time with?
Make a list
John Maxwell's mentor Fred Smith says, "Some people are Polluters and they are like smokestacks, belching out dirty smoke all the time. When you 'breath' in their toxins it makes your heart sick."
Some people, on the other hand, are purifiers and they make everything around them better no matter how bad the situation."
What ways are you learning?
Make a list
Do you need to make any changes?
SCRIPTURE: ""Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself."(Proverbs 22:24-25)
OBSERVATION: I'm sure that you've already noticed this truth played out in many peoples lives, but it is worth repeating. People tend to become like those with whom they spend a lot of time. Things just naturally begin to rub off.
APPLICATION: The Bible urges us to use caution when it comes to our relationships. I Cor. 15:33 says, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good morals.' " Although the immediate context is unbelievers the principle can still apply to our close relationships.
As I was doing my reading today, the thing that just grabbed me was the phrase
"Do not associate with....
or else
you will learn his ways..."
You will learn his ways
People have a natural tendency to adopt the attitudes of those they spend time with. Things people pick up:
Mind-set
Beliefs
Approaches to challenges
etc
Who are you spend a lot of time with?
Make a list
John Maxwell's mentor Fred Smith says, "Some people are Polluters and they are like smokestacks, belching out dirty smoke all the time. When you 'breath' in their toxins it makes your heart sick."
Some people, on the other hand, are purifiers and they make everything around them better no matter how bad the situation."
What ways are you learning?
Make a list
Do you need to make any changes?
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for reminding me that I need to continually check to make sure my friends are building me up not dragging me down.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The Magic of "Why"?
TOPIC: Busy?
SCRIPTURE:"...and he who hurries his footsteps errs.!" (Proverbs 19:2b)
OBSERVATION: When you're in a hurry, you will inevitably miss important details. If you've lived long at all, you know that even some of the most minute details are critically important.
APPLICATION: As I read over this verse today I was reminded of a book I read a couple of years back entitled "Dangerous Wonder". The author shares a story about being at a Retreat Center with his wife. The story goes like this:
"Karla and I spent a week at Daybreak Retreat Center. We were soul weary. We had come to the point where our busy lives were 'putting our souls in danger.' Desperate for our souls to be mended, we gathered in the bitter December cold for our first meeting. We had come with a group of our friends and were anxious to meet Henri Nouwen and Sue Mosteller, the leaders of our retreat.
The 1st meeting brough together our group of 8, 3 workers at L'Arche, and 3 mentally and /or physically challenged residents of the community. I had read many of Henri Nouwen's books and fully expected his remarks at our 1st meeting to be life changing. During the obligatory introductions, I had admitted to the group that my busyness was draining my soul of life - leaving it lifeless and weak. Although Henri's opening remarks were interesting I was disappointed. I expected profound insights. What I received was the logistical instructions for the week.
After the meeting, somewhat dismayed, I was confronted by a handsome resident of L'Arche. I'll call him Robert. Robert was in his 40's, and although his appearance was normal, his vocabulary wasn't - it was limited to maybe a few hundred words. He stood uncomfortably close, his face within inches of mine. With his eyes focused directly on mine he said,
'BUSY?'
Startled with his concise summary of what I had admitted earlier, I said partonizinly, 'Yes, Robert, I'm very busy.'
'Too busy?' he continued.
'Yes Robert,' I admitted rather sheepishly, 'I am too busy.'
I will never forget what happened next. He moved even closer (his eyes revealing his sadness for me) and asked with a sincerity I have seldom experienced,
'Why?'
My eyes filled with tears. Robert, a man with a very limited vocabulary, had asked the one question I had been afraid to ask. Somehow he knew that the solution to my weariness was hidden somewhere in the answer to his question - a question I was afraid to ask and no one else had.
Why was I so busy?
I discoverd that I was still hanging on to the belief that God's affection for me was measured by my activity for Him. The more things I did for God, the more He would love me, OR so my insecurities kept telling me. Robert, in his childlike way, could see my insecurity, could feel my need to prove to God I was worth loving. By asking me a simple question, Robert started me on a journey toward intimacy with my Heavenly Father. Amazingly, Robert's risky curiosity peered deep into my soul, enabling me to begin hearing what God had been spending my lifetime trying to say to me, 'I love you, questins and all, with an unconditional, no-strings-attached love.' "
So
For more great stories like this one,
I encourage you to purchase and read
Dangerous Wonder (By Michael Yaconelli)
The Adventure of Childlike Faith
A Final Quote (By Alexander Graham Bell)
"Leave the beaten track occasionally and dive into the woods. Every time you do so, you will be certain to find something that you have never seen before."
SCRIPTURE:"...and he who hurries his footsteps errs.!" (Proverbs 19:2b)
OBSERVATION: When you're in a hurry, you will inevitably miss important details. If you've lived long at all, you know that even some of the most minute details are critically important.
APPLICATION: As I read over this verse today I was reminded of a book I read a couple of years back entitled "Dangerous Wonder". The author shares a story about being at a Retreat Center with his wife. The story goes like this:
"Karla and I spent a week at Daybreak Retreat Center. We were soul weary. We had come to the point where our busy lives were 'putting our souls in danger.' Desperate for our souls to be mended, we gathered in the bitter December cold for our first meeting. We had come with a group of our friends and were anxious to meet Henri Nouwen and Sue Mosteller, the leaders of our retreat.
The 1st meeting brough together our group of 8, 3 workers at L'Arche, and 3 mentally and /or physically challenged residents of the community. I had read many of Henri Nouwen's books and fully expected his remarks at our 1st meeting to be life changing. During the obligatory introductions, I had admitted to the group that my busyness was draining my soul of life - leaving it lifeless and weak. Although Henri's opening remarks were interesting I was disappointed. I expected profound insights. What I received was the logistical instructions for the week.
After the meeting, somewhat dismayed, I was confronted by a handsome resident of L'Arche. I'll call him Robert. Robert was in his 40's, and although his appearance was normal, his vocabulary wasn't - it was limited to maybe a few hundred words. He stood uncomfortably close, his face within inches of mine. With his eyes focused directly on mine he said,
'BUSY?'
Startled with his concise summary of what I had admitted earlier, I said partonizinly, 'Yes, Robert, I'm very busy.'
'Too busy?' he continued.
'Yes Robert,' I admitted rather sheepishly, 'I am too busy.'
I will never forget what happened next. He moved even closer (his eyes revealing his sadness for me) and asked with a sincerity I have seldom experienced,
'Why?'
My eyes filled with tears. Robert, a man with a very limited vocabulary, had asked the one question I had been afraid to ask. Somehow he knew that the solution to my weariness was hidden somewhere in the answer to his question - a question I was afraid to ask and no one else had.
Why was I so busy?
I discoverd that I was still hanging on to the belief that God's affection for me was measured by my activity for Him. The more things I did for God, the more He would love me, OR so my insecurities kept telling me. Robert, in his childlike way, could see my insecurity, could feel my need to prove to God I was worth loving. By asking me a simple question, Robert started me on a journey toward intimacy with my Heavenly Father. Amazingly, Robert's risky curiosity peered deep into my soul, enabling me to begin hearing what God had been spending my lifetime trying to say to me, 'I love you, questins and all, with an unconditional, no-strings-attached love.' "
So
What about you?
Are you too busy?
Why?
For more great stories like this one,
I encourage you to purchase and read
Dangerous Wonder (By Michael Yaconelli)
The Adventure of Childlike Faith
A Final Quote (By Alexander Graham Bell)
"Leave the beaten track occasionally and dive into the woods. Every time you do so, you will be certain to find something that you have never seen before."
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