Hello everyone!
And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:14, ESV
Have you ever wondered, just what is the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ? What about it is so radically important that if it was not true, the entire Christian faith would be in vain? Here, take a look at this verse from Romans:
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death... Romans 6:3-4a, ESV
This verse states that we as Christians were baptized with Him into His death, as if as He hung on that cross, we hung there with Him. Think for a moment - if Christ had not risen but remained in the grave, having been baptized with Him into His death, we too would remain there with Him. There would be no life; only death. But praise God, this is not the case!
...in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. Romans 6:4b-5, ESV
We who have been united with Him into His death have also been united with Him in His life - and this is the best news you and I could ever hear! We died with Him; and now, we live with Him. But what does this mean for us? What are the real-life implications of this, and how does this change how we live our lives?
We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:6-11, ESV
This is the power of the resurrection. Having been baptized into His death, and thus, into His life as well, we are no longer slaves to sin. We who once were at the every beck and call of our cruel, unrighteous master of sin without any hope of ever seeing the light have now been shown freedom. Whereas before we were totally unable to resist the commands of the devil, giving in to the lusts and cravings of the flesh, we now have had our bonds broken as we are united with Christ into His death (to die to sin) and resurrection (to live to God). Therefore, to finish us off:
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. Romans 6:12-13, ESV
I hope you see the true power of the resurrection of our Lord - it is this which enables and empowers us to lead righteous, self-controlled, God-pleasing lives. No self-will or mental strength can achieve this - only Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord, can - and indeed, has. May we all have a blessed Easter!
Blessings,
Andrew
The Poor In Spirit - 3/24/08
Here is today's verse:
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:1-3)
As I reflected upon this verse this morning, I must admit, it had me a bit perplexed. It didn't seem to make sense. "Why," I asked God, "would you say the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit, if there are people today who are poor in spirit, yet do not know You? Are they blessed, as this verse makes clear?" And then, as I was praying about it, the Lord brought me to this passage:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them,"Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." (Luke 4:18-21)
And then the answer hit me: yes, they are blessed, blessed beyond measure! Even those who are poor in spirit, yet do not know God, are blessed. This is because Christ has been anointed to preach good news to such as these - these broken, battered, poor wretches who have come to the end of themselves and realize their own poverty of spirit. Until we come to the end of ourselves and see the truth of who we are - sinners with no hope of righteousness apart from Christ - there is no hope of us becoming anything more. Being poor in spirit enables us to hear, understand, and apply the gospel which Christ has come to preach. Whether we end up doing so or not, it is not possible for us to cry out to Him without first being poor in spirit. See what is said of those who are not poor in spirit in the book of Revelation -
You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Revelation 3:17)
If we are never poor in spirit, then we never realize our own wretchedness, pitifulness, poverty, blindness, and nakedness; and thus, cannot cry out for the Savior to come in and heal our broken souls and restore us to a right relationship with God (Isaiah 6:10). I hope that we can all echo the words of this prayer here, finding completion in our brokenness and poverty through the greatness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:
"Here I am, at your feet,
In my brokenness complete." ~Unashamed, by Starfield
Blessings,
Andrew
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:1-3)
As I reflected upon this verse this morning, I must admit, it had me a bit perplexed. It didn't seem to make sense. "Why," I asked God, "would you say the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit, if there are people today who are poor in spirit, yet do not know You? Are they blessed, as this verse makes clear?" And then, as I was praying about it, the Lord brought me to this passage:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them,"Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." (Luke 4:18-21)
And then the answer hit me: yes, they are blessed, blessed beyond measure! Even those who are poor in spirit, yet do not know God, are blessed. This is because Christ has been anointed to preach good news to such as these - these broken, battered, poor wretches who have come to the end of themselves and realize their own poverty of spirit. Until we come to the end of ourselves and see the truth of who we are - sinners with no hope of righteousness apart from Christ - there is no hope of us becoming anything more. Being poor in spirit enables us to hear, understand, and apply the gospel which Christ has come to preach. Whether we end up doing so or not, it is not possible for us to cry out to Him without first being poor in spirit. See what is said of those who are not poor in spirit in the book of Revelation -
You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Revelation 3:17)
If we are never poor in spirit, then we never realize our own wretchedness, pitifulness, poverty, blindness, and nakedness; and thus, cannot cry out for the Savior to come in and heal our broken souls and restore us to a right relationship with God (Isaiah 6:10). I hope that we can all echo the words of this prayer here, finding completion in our brokenness and poverty through the greatness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:
"Here I am, at your feet,
In my brokenness complete." ~Unashamed, by Starfield
Blessings,
Andrew
The Nature Of Love - 3/22/08
Hello everyone!
I hope things are well with your lives today, and that in all the Easter hype, you're finding time to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday - the resurrection of our Lord.
Tomorrow, many of us will be going to church for an Easter service and will undoubtedly learn of the great sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, how He was delivered into the hands of evil men, crucified, and then how He died for our sins, only to rise having "defeated death and the grave" in glorious victory. So, keeping this in mind, I won't preach your Easter Sunday message on Saturday afternoon - I'll leave that up to the more capable and more knowledgeable. However, I would like to point out one thing, and that is the nature of love which Christ demonstrated perfectly on the cross. You've probably heard this countless times, but it is so very important that saying it just once doesn't do it justice.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:13-15, ESV
Greater love has no one than someone laying down his life for his friends - and this is exactly what Jesus did for us. We have no greater love in our lives than the love of Christ. No one has ever loved you, nor will ever love you, as much as Christ does - never let anyone tell you otherwise.
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 1 John 4:16-17, ESV
God is the very nature of love. As we abide in Him, the nature of love is perfected within us as well. Do you want to learn to love more? Look to God, abide in Him, and this will be perfected in you. As the source of all things good, He is the only one we can look to for both the example, and the empowerment, to love more - both of which are given freely at the cross. Let us keep this in mind as we prepare to celebrate the anniversary of our Lord's resurrection, and I pray that you all have a blessed Easter Sunday!
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:16-17, NKJV
Blessings,
Andrew
I hope things are well with your lives today, and that in all the Easter hype, you're finding time to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday - the resurrection of our Lord.
Tomorrow, many of us will be going to church for an Easter service and will undoubtedly learn of the great sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, how He was delivered into the hands of evil men, crucified, and then how He died for our sins, only to rise having "defeated death and the grave" in glorious victory. So, keeping this in mind, I won't preach your Easter Sunday message on Saturday afternoon - I'll leave that up to the more capable and more knowledgeable. However, I would like to point out one thing, and that is the nature of love which Christ demonstrated perfectly on the cross. You've probably heard this countless times, but it is so very important that saying it just once doesn't do it justice.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:13-15, ESV
Greater love has no one than someone laying down his life for his friends - and this is exactly what Jesus did for us. We have no greater love in our lives than the love of Christ. No one has ever loved you, nor will ever love you, as much as Christ does - never let anyone tell you otherwise.
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 1 John 4:16-17, ESV
God is the very nature of love. As we abide in Him, the nature of love is perfected within us as well. Do you want to learn to love more? Look to God, abide in Him, and this will be perfected in you. As the source of all things good, He is the only one we can look to for both the example, and the empowerment, to love more - both of which are given freely at the cross. Let us keep this in mind as we prepare to celebrate the anniversary of our Lord's resurrection, and I pray that you all have a blessed Easter Sunday!
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:16-17, NKJV
Blessings,
Andrew
Giving Your All - 3/21/08
The Christian Band Flyleaf wrote a song inspired by the Columbine Shootings. In the song, the chorus goes
"Do you believe in God?
Written on the Bullet
And Cassie pulled the trigger."
In other words, this girl Cassie was asked a simple, yet life-changing question: Do you believe in God? She said yes, and the gunman shot her.
In the Bible we read about Stephen, the first Christian Martyr. He was not afraid to proclaim his faith. He was willing to give up everything, including his life for Jesus. Cassie was too.
Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. Acts 6:8-10
Read Acts 6:8-8:3
So think about this personal question for a moment: are you willing to give your all, even your life for Christ?
Many would not hesitate to say yes. But let me tell you, we here in America don't face the Christian persecution like so many other countries do. We take life for granted. So if we were asked the question knowing our life was on the line, what would we really say?
We are weak compared to those persecuted around the world. They are so Christ-focused they are willing to give their all, when we are afraid to share our faith openly with a non-Christian friend. We have no reason to be afraid. Yet we are.
So lets get back on track with Him, knowing in our hearts there's no need to be afraid, for we know where we are going once we die. Let me tell you, it's a much better place there than here! If you do not know where you are going, pray right now to Jesus.
"The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,"that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:9-13
Will you pull that trigger?
"And I will pull the trigger." (Cassie, Flyleaf)
Giving it all up,
Whitney
"Do you believe in God?
Written on the Bullet
And Cassie pulled the trigger."
In other words, this girl Cassie was asked a simple, yet life-changing question: Do you believe in God? She said yes, and the gunman shot her.
In the Bible we read about Stephen, the first Christian Martyr. He was not afraid to proclaim his faith. He was willing to give up everything, including his life for Jesus. Cassie was too.
Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. Acts 6:8-10
Read Acts 6:8-8:3
So think about this personal question for a moment: are you willing to give your all, even your life for Christ?
Many would not hesitate to say yes. But let me tell you, we here in America don't face the Christian persecution like so many other countries do. We take life for granted. So if we were asked the question knowing our life was on the line, what would we really say?
We are weak compared to those persecuted around the world. They are so Christ-focused they are willing to give their all, when we are afraid to share our faith openly with a non-Christian friend. We have no reason to be afraid. Yet we are.
So lets get back on track with Him, knowing in our hearts there's no need to be afraid, for we know where we are going once we die. Let me tell you, it's a much better place there than here! If you do not know where you are going, pray right now to Jesus.
"The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,"that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:9-13
Will you pull that trigger?
"And I will pull the trigger." (Cassie, Flyleaf)
Giving it all up,
Whitney
The Beatitudes: A Journey - 3/20/08
Hello everyone,
Today I'd like to begin a series of messages inspired by what people often refer to as "The Beatitudes," a series of declarations of blessedness found in Matthew chapter 5.
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
"4Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5: 1-12
But today, before we go deeper into each verse, there's something I'd like to point out. As I read this verse, I notice a sort of pattern - it's the pattern we ourselves evidence when we are saved. We begin humble and poor in spirit - broken and at the end of our ropes - when we cry out to Jesus. It is then that we receive the kingdom of heaven. This is followed by mourning as we realize that it was our sin that held Him to that cross, but in our mourning we are comforted as He puts His arms around us and whispers reassurances into our ears. Then comes our time of meekness, when we are humbled and admit that we are absolutely nothing without Christ - and it is we who are humble, not the haughty, prideful rulers of the world, who will in the end inherit the earth when Christ takes up His throne.
After meekness, then comes something amazing: a hunger and thirst for righteousness, and this yearning will be satisfied completely. Whereas the pleasures of the world are fleeting and never satisfy, when we seek for righteousness and to know God, our hearts will be satisfied. Next comes mercy. When others wrong us, we are quick to forgive for we know that their sin against us cannot hold a candle to our sin against God and the wrongs we have committed, which we ourselves have been forgiven of by the blood of the Lamb.
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28
Next comes a pure heart. As we seek the things of God, avoiding the things which defile us and taking in the things which purify us and build us up, our hearts are purified - and with a pure heart, we see God.
Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18
As we continue on down our road, our souls yearn for peace. Not only do we seek to "live at peace with all men" (Romans 12:18), but our desire is for peace between God and our fellow man, and we seek to be peacemakers and ambassadors for Christ to those around us. With this desire to make peace comes the title of "sons and daughters of God." And of course, as we put ourselves on the line in order to spread this gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15), there will be those who will persecute us for this - and this brings us full circle, as we are reminded that "ours is the kingdom of heaven," and in this we can rejoice.
Over the next few days, we will dig a little deeper for each of these "beatitudes," but today, I pray that wherever we are along our respective journeys, that we will rejoice and be glad for the blessings we have received in the Lord.
Blessings,
Andrew
Today I'd like to begin a series of messages inspired by what people often refer to as "The Beatitudes," a series of declarations of blessedness found in Matthew chapter 5.
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
"4Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5: 1-12
But today, before we go deeper into each verse, there's something I'd like to point out. As I read this verse, I notice a sort of pattern - it's the pattern we ourselves evidence when we are saved. We begin humble and poor in spirit - broken and at the end of our ropes - when we cry out to Jesus. It is then that we receive the kingdom of heaven. This is followed by mourning as we realize that it was our sin that held Him to that cross, but in our mourning we are comforted as He puts His arms around us and whispers reassurances into our ears. Then comes our time of meekness, when we are humbled and admit that we are absolutely nothing without Christ - and it is we who are humble, not the haughty, prideful rulers of the world, who will in the end inherit the earth when Christ takes up His throne.
After meekness, then comes something amazing: a hunger and thirst for righteousness, and this yearning will be satisfied completely. Whereas the pleasures of the world are fleeting and never satisfy, when we seek for righteousness and to know God, our hearts will be satisfied. Next comes mercy. When others wrong us, we are quick to forgive for we know that their sin against us cannot hold a candle to our sin against God and the wrongs we have committed, which we ourselves have been forgiven of by the blood of the Lamb.
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28
Next comes a pure heart. As we seek the things of God, avoiding the things which defile us and taking in the things which purify us and build us up, our hearts are purified - and with a pure heart, we see God.
Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18
As we continue on down our road, our souls yearn for peace. Not only do we seek to "live at peace with all men" (Romans 12:18), but our desire is for peace between God and our fellow man, and we seek to be peacemakers and ambassadors for Christ to those around us. With this desire to make peace comes the title of "sons and daughters of God." And of course, as we put ourselves on the line in order to spread this gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15), there will be those who will persecute us for this - and this brings us full circle, as we are reminded that "ours is the kingdom of heaven," and in this we can rejoice.
Over the next few days, we will dig a little deeper for each of these "beatitudes," but today, I pray that wherever we are along our respective journeys, that we will rejoice and be glad for the blessings we have received in the Lord.
Blessings,
Andrew
Faith - 3/18/08
Hello everyone,
The passage I'd like to share with you today is very well known - it is the account of Jesus calming the storm.
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.. Matthew 8:23-26
Another account of this incident, found in Mark chapter 4, has a bit more elaboration on the words of Jesus:
He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"Mark 4:40
What intrigues me about this verse is how Jesus asks the question: "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" You would think that after having spent time with Jesus Christ and witnessing some of his miracles (for this was still early in His ministry), His disciples would by this point have faith in both Christ, and the Father who sent Him - surely enough faith to trust Him through this simple storm. Walking with God Almighty - whether aware of it or not - has this effect on people.
This is what I would like to focus on, the aspect of faith that Jesus gives us a glimpse into here. Faith is more than simply a blind trusting (though this is what we must do sometimes, trust in the Lord when we ourselves are blind to what the outcome may be). Imagine a relationship with a close friend or family member of yours. If it's a true friend or loved one, you know that if you're ever in need, you can run to this person for whatever you may need. You can trust them to be there for you, because over the course of time, your trust and faith in each other has grown.
Let's say, for example, that I'm out on my own and my identity is stolen, along with all the money in my bank account. After this, I need some money to live on, so I think of who I can call for help. So I call up my family back home, and they say of course they'll send some money right away. As Hebrews 11:1 states, because I trust them, "I am sure of what I hope for" - my hope being that that they will pull through for me - and "certain of what I do not see" - that they have promised to help me through my hard times. I cannot physically see this promise, but I am sure and confident that it will be fulfilled. While this may be an example of misplaced faith - faith in man to pull me through rather than faith in God to sustain me - I hope you understand the principle I'm trying to get across.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Our relationship with God is the same way. As we walk with Him, we learn to trust Him, even when we cannot see Him moving with our own eyes, as with any relationship with a trustworthy person (and who is more trustworthy than God Himself?). So do you want more faith? Walk with God. Get to know Him, and listen to His Word and His voice - the more you do, the easier it will be to endure the storms of life when they come our way. The easier it will be to have faith; to have trust; and this simply comes with time.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
Blessings
Andrew
The passage I'd like to share with you today is very well known - it is the account of Jesus calming the storm.
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.. Matthew 8:23-26
Another account of this incident, found in Mark chapter 4, has a bit more elaboration on the words of Jesus:
He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"Mark 4:40
What intrigues me about this verse is how Jesus asks the question: "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" You would think that after having spent time with Jesus Christ and witnessing some of his miracles (for this was still early in His ministry), His disciples would by this point have faith in both Christ, and the Father who sent Him - surely enough faith to trust Him through this simple storm. Walking with God Almighty - whether aware of it or not - has this effect on people.
This is what I would like to focus on, the aspect of faith that Jesus gives us a glimpse into here. Faith is more than simply a blind trusting (though this is what we must do sometimes, trust in the Lord when we ourselves are blind to what the outcome may be). Imagine a relationship with a close friend or family member of yours. If it's a true friend or loved one, you know that if you're ever in need, you can run to this person for whatever you may need. You can trust them to be there for you, because over the course of time, your trust and faith in each other has grown.
Let's say, for example, that I'm out on my own and my identity is stolen, along with all the money in my bank account. After this, I need some money to live on, so I think of who I can call for help. So I call up my family back home, and they say of course they'll send some money right away. As Hebrews 11:1 states, because I trust them, "I am sure of what I hope for" - my hope being that that they will pull through for me - and "certain of what I do not see" - that they have promised to help me through my hard times. I cannot physically see this promise, but I am sure and confident that it will be fulfilled. While this may be an example of misplaced faith - faith in man to pull me through rather than faith in God to sustain me - I hope you understand the principle I'm trying to get across.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Our relationship with God is the same way. As we walk with Him, we learn to trust Him, even when we cannot see Him moving with our own eyes, as with any relationship with a trustworthy person (and who is more trustworthy than God Himself?). So do you want more faith? Walk with God. Get to know Him, and listen to His Word and His voice - the more you do, the easier it will be to endure the storms of life when they come our way. The easier it will be to have faith; to have trust; and this simply comes with time.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
Blessings
Andrew
Whatever Is Born Of God - 3/17/08
Hello! Here is a short message for today - I hope you allow it to encourage your heart.
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5 NKJV)
Against we who have been born of God, there is nothing in the world which can defeat or overcome us. As we hold to faith in Jesus Christ our Lord, Son of God Most High, we can rest confidently in the fact that "if God is for us, who can be against us?"
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 NKJV)
We know that God works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), and since this is the case, we know that no matter what situation we find ourselves in, whether it appears to be good or bad, victory or defeat, success or failure, our faith in Him is the victory that continually overcomes our fears, our doubts, and our struggles. In Him, we truly experience "the victory that has overcome the world."
Blessings,
Andrew
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5 NKJV)
Against we who have been born of God, there is nothing in the world which can defeat or overcome us. As we hold to faith in Jesus Christ our Lord, Son of God Most High, we can rest confidently in the fact that "if God is for us, who can be against us?"
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 NKJV)
We know that God works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), and since this is the case, we know that no matter what situation we find ourselves in, whether it appears to be good or bad, victory or defeat, success or failure, our faith in Him is the victory that continually overcomes our fears, our doubts, and our struggles. In Him, we truly experience "the victory that has overcome the world."
Blessings,
Andrew
Broken to Beautiful Roses - 3/16/08
Hello Everyone,
I would like to do something a little different here, and share with you a poem I wrote several months back.
In June of 2007, I joined a group from my Church excited about going to Mexico. Our mission was to build two small, one room houses for two families there. After I arrived home I was given the words for the following poem you are about to read.
Broken Roses
I walk down the dusty streets
And what do mine eyes see
But a once bright rose lying there
Exposed as all could be.
I pick up in wonder
At how such a thing came to be
There in such a desolate place
It seemed so strange to me.
Then comes along a stranger,
"Hello there," He greets.
"May I ask what it is with your rose?
It looks as though it were beat."
"Yes indeed it is badly broken,
But I just found it here," I say.
"I was wonderin' how it had come to be
Lying here this way."
Staring at it for a moment
He then begins to say,
"It's here to signify a life;
Like yours, if you may.
You've always thought you had it all
Until some time ago,
Your life turned all upside down
Ending up like this here rose.
Look all around you and see
These people have nothing and yet,
They are happy and thankful;
Some things you have yet to get.
To you their lives seem broken,
But they have seen the Light,
They do not rely on themselves--
Rather on Mine, their Father's Love and Might.
So by finding this forsaken rose,
I have given you a choice:
Either to feel as a broken rose can feel,
Or you can heed the words of my voice.
There are many who become a broken rose,
Feeling helpless and alone,
Their eyes are wet with tears,
And their hearts heavy as stone.
If only they knew of the Love and Hope
That only the Father can give,
No longer a broken rose are they
For now on, they can live."
So saying He looked me in the eye,
Then turned and went on His way.
He was right, I was a broken rose,
It bein' revealed to me that day.
I fell down onto my knees
There in the midst of that barren street,
With tears in my eyes
I prayed to Got to restore my faith so weak.
Too long I took my life for granted
Thinking my life was better than theirs.
By they had joy, hope and peace,
Trusting in God to answer their prayers.
My people had not, including myself,
And I finally saw it that day--
From then on I was resolved to be
A happy, wholesome, and thankful Rose in every God-given way.
*******
While this is only inspired, the people did look to be a "broken rose" of sorts. In reality, they had more than I could ever hope for. We think we are better off in the way we live, but our lives are actually void of not physical things, but spiritual and emotional ones. These people were content, not worrying as we who take everything for granted do. These people trusted in the Lord, while we who consider ourselves "good little Christians", hardly ever do. So they are not the broken roses; instead, all the rest of us are. We are lost in our blindness, in our wants, desires, sins, in everything but the Lord. We do not trust, nor have we faith; we are never satisfied, yet they are content with the simplest things. The family we had built a house for were so ecstatic over this simply made structure, it was hard for any of us to believe. But it did cause joy to fill our hearts...
Later I meditated on our reason for going. We left to build two houses, and to minister to the people there, but instead came home the ones having been ministered to....
So that is how I came to be inspired to write this poem. Below are some verses I wish to share relating to my themes discussed above.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life. And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-34
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Do you feel like a "broken rose"? Go to God now, He will heal and restore you.*
"From then on I was resolved to be
A happy, wholesome, and thankful Rose in every God-given way."
Let's go from Broken Roses to Beautiful Roses!
Whitney
I would like to do something a little different here, and share with you a poem I wrote several months back.
In June of 2007, I joined a group from my Church excited about going to Mexico. Our mission was to build two small, one room houses for two families there. After I arrived home I was given the words for the following poem you are about to read.
I walk down the dusty streets
And what do mine eyes see
But a once bright rose lying there
Exposed as all could be.
I pick up in wonder
At how such a thing came to be
There in such a desolate place
It seemed so strange to me.
Then comes along a stranger,
"Hello there," He greets.
"May I ask what it is with your rose?
It looks as though it were beat."
"Yes indeed it is badly broken,
But I just found it here," I say.
"I was wonderin' how it had come to be
Lying here this way."
Staring at it for a moment
He then begins to say,
"It's here to signify a life;
Like yours, if you may.
You've always thought you had it all
Until some time ago,
Your life turned all upside down
Ending up like this here rose.
Look all around you and see
These people have nothing and yet,
They are happy and thankful;
Some things you have yet to get.
To you their lives seem broken,
But they have seen the Light,
They do not rely on themselves--
Rather on Mine, their Father's Love and Might.
So by finding this forsaken rose,
I have given you a choice:
Either to feel as a broken rose can feel,
Or you can heed the words of my voice.
There are many who become a broken rose,
Feeling helpless and alone,
Their eyes are wet with tears,
And their hearts heavy as stone.
If only they knew of the Love and Hope
That only the Father can give,
No longer a broken rose are they
For now on, they can live."
So saying He looked me in the eye,
Then turned and went on His way.
He was right, I was a broken rose,
It bein' revealed to me that day.
I fell down onto my knees
There in the midst of that barren street,
With tears in my eyes
I prayed to Got to restore my faith so weak.
Too long I took my life for granted
Thinking my life was better than theirs.
By they had joy, hope and peace,
Trusting in God to answer their prayers.
My people had not, including myself,
And I finally saw it that day--
From then on I was resolved to be
A happy, wholesome, and thankful Rose in every God-given way.
*******
While this is only inspired, the people did look to be a "broken rose" of sorts. In reality, they had more than I could ever hope for. We think we are better off in the way we live, but our lives are actually void of not physical things, but spiritual and emotional ones. These people were content, not worrying as we who take everything for granted do. These people trusted in the Lord, while we who consider ourselves "good little Christians", hardly ever do. So they are not the broken roses; instead, all the rest of us are. We are lost in our blindness, in our wants, desires, sins, in everything but the Lord. We do not trust, nor have we faith; we are never satisfied, yet they are content with the simplest things. The family we had built a house for were so ecstatic over this simply made structure, it was hard for any of us to believe. But it did cause joy to fill our hearts...
Later I meditated on our reason for going. We left to build two houses, and to minister to the people there, but instead came home the ones having been ministered to....
So that is how I came to be inspired to write this poem. Below are some verses I wish to share relating to my themes discussed above.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life. And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-34
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Do you feel like a "broken rose"? Go to God now, He will heal and restore you.*
"From then on I was resolved to be
A happy, wholesome, and thankful Rose in every God-given way."
Let's go from Broken Roses to Beautiful Roses!
Whitney
We Will Be Changed - 3/15/08
Hello everyone. Today's passage comes from 1 Corinthians 15:
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:51-54)
This is what we have to look forward to, guys. If you have accepted the gift of grace and mercy offered in Jesus Christ, this is your future. No more struggling with the flesh, no more disappointing God and those around us, and no more sin, for we will be changed. My mind cannot even comprehend this it is so amazing! Even Paul cannot fathom this concept, though he knows it to be true - "Listen, I tell you a mystery..." How this will work we do not know - that's how mysteries are. But we can trust in our God and have faith.
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:55-58)
I could end here, but I feel I should mention something else, as well. Along with that one, glorious moment of change - "in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet" - there is another kind of change that we as Christians have been blessed with - continual growth.
But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18 ESV)
As we behold the glory of the Lord with unveiled face, there is a certain power that comes with this. It transforms us. As we seek to see His face - to "behold the glory of the Lord" - we are changed. We should never be the same people tomorrow as we are today. Do you see how this all ties together? Throughout this life, as we seek Him (through reading His Word, through prayer, through worship, through witnessing, through keeping Him the center of our lives), we are being transformed into His image. Notice the active tense here - this is an ongoing process. And then, at Christ's return, we will be changed as death is swallowed up in victory.
So I encourage us all to "Always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because we know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain." Let us remain steadfast in Christ and seek to always experience this change, this forward motion, as we await that glorious day when the battle will finally be over; when in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, we will be all changed for good.
Blessings,
Andrew
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:51-54)
This is what we have to look forward to, guys. If you have accepted the gift of grace and mercy offered in Jesus Christ, this is your future. No more struggling with the flesh, no more disappointing God and those around us, and no more sin, for we will be changed. My mind cannot even comprehend this it is so amazing! Even Paul cannot fathom this concept, though he knows it to be true - "Listen, I tell you a mystery..." How this will work we do not know - that's how mysteries are. But we can trust in our God and have faith.
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:55-58)
I could end here, but I feel I should mention something else, as well. Along with that one, glorious moment of change - "in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet" - there is another kind of change that we as Christians have been blessed with - continual growth.
But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18 ESV)
As we behold the glory of the Lord with unveiled face, there is a certain power that comes with this. It transforms us. As we seek to see His face - to "behold the glory of the Lord" - we are changed. We should never be the same people tomorrow as we are today. Do you see how this all ties together? Throughout this life, as we seek Him (through reading His Word, through prayer, through worship, through witnessing, through keeping Him the center of our lives), we are being transformed into His image. Notice the active tense here - this is an ongoing process. And then, at Christ's return, we will be changed as death is swallowed up in victory.
So I encourage us all to "Always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because we know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain." Let us remain steadfast in Christ and seek to always experience this change, this forward motion, as we await that glorious day when the battle will finally be over; when in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, we will be all changed for good.
Blessings,
Andrew
The Inward and Outward Appearance - 3/14/08
In the book of Ruth, let's focus on love, devotion, and trust, as well as the effects of a good role model (or the Inward and Outward Appearance).
Ruth impressed me by her love and faithfulness towards her mother-in-law Naomi in the first Chapter. We see this more in the following Chapters. Naomi loved Ruth as though she were her own daughter; she wanted what was best for Ruth. So she gave her advice, such as how to gain favor from Naomi's kinsman Boaz. And how does Ruth respond to this? "I will do whatever you say". She was willing to submit to Naomi's advice, because her mother-in-law knew best; they were Naomi's people, and they had certain ways of doing things that often differed from her own. To get right down to it, Ruth had a lot of love for Naomi, putting all her trust in her.
One day Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, should I not try to find a home for you, where you will be well provided for? Is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been, a kinsman of ours? Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash and perfume yourself, and put on your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don't let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do." "I will do whatever you say," Ruth answered. So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do. Ruth 3:1-6
Her mother-in-law asked her, "Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!" Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working..... Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, "It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with his girls, because in someone else's field you might be harmed." So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law. Ruth 2:19-23
It is interesting to me to see the noted line "And she lived with her mother-in-law." Perhaps this little line was added to further establish the relationship between Naomi and Ruth.
Now let's see about the qualities of Ruth.
Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband——how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." Ruth 2:11
(Also read Ruth 3:10-13)
Boaz, who we meet in the second chapter, is struck right away by the good qualities of Ruth. Everyone spoke very highly of her. This makes her even more of a good role-model; she not only had good qualities, she lived them too.....
This is how people tend to measure other people: by first impressions. What we see from a person, in physical appearance and by the way they act, forms what we think of them. Of course we ought to get to know them more, for one encounter is never enough to fully understand someone.
But you see, if we judge others this way, others will judge you this way. As Christians, we should live a Christ-centered life, both in our appearance and by our actions. People are constantly watching; let us shine Christ's love and compassionate qualities. Ruth did, and became an inspiration for those around her. She was spoken of highly, respected, and loved despite her being a foreigner. Her first impression was a good one, but instead of just ending it there, she made it a point to practice it all the days of her life.*
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7b
Will your actions reflect your heart for the Lord?
Whitney
Ruth impressed me by her love and faithfulness towards her mother-in-law Naomi in the first Chapter. We see this more in the following Chapters. Naomi loved Ruth as though she were her own daughter; she wanted what was best for Ruth. So she gave her advice, such as how to gain favor from Naomi's kinsman Boaz. And how does Ruth respond to this? "I will do whatever you say". She was willing to submit to Naomi's advice, because her mother-in-law knew best; they were Naomi's people, and they had certain ways of doing things that often differed from her own. To get right down to it, Ruth had a lot of love for Naomi, putting all her trust in her.
One day Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, should I not try to find a home for you, where you will be well provided for? Is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been, a kinsman of ours? Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash and perfume yourself, and put on your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don't let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do." "I will do whatever you say," Ruth answered. So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do. Ruth 3:1-6
Her mother-in-law asked her, "Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!" Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working..... Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, "It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with his girls, because in someone else's field you might be harmed." So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law. Ruth 2:19-23
It is interesting to me to see the noted line "And she lived with her mother-in-law." Perhaps this little line was added to further establish the relationship between Naomi and Ruth.
Now let's see about the qualities of Ruth.
Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband——how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." Ruth 2:11
(Also read Ruth 3:10-13)
Boaz, who we meet in the second chapter, is struck right away by the good qualities of Ruth. Everyone spoke very highly of her. This makes her even more of a good role-model; she not only had good qualities, she lived them too.....
This is how people tend to measure other people: by first impressions. What we see from a person, in physical appearance and by the way they act, forms what we think of them. Of course we ought to get to know them more, for one encounter is never enough to fully understand someone.
But you see, if we judge others this way, others will judge you this way. As Christians, we should live a Christ-centered life, both in our appearance and by our actions. People are constantly watching; let us shine Christ's love and compassionate qualities. Ruth did, and became an inspiration for those around her. She was spoken of highly, respected, and loved despite her being a foreigner. Her first impression was a good one, but instead of just ending it there, she made it a point to practice it all the days of her life.*
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7b
Will your actions reflect your heart for the Lord?
Whitney
"Role Models"
Ruth impressed me by her love and faithfulness towards her mother-in-law Naomi. Ruth was willing, after enduring the loss of her husband, to leave behind all that she knew to travel with Naomi to a foreign land. What courage! What faith! And after enduring all that she just went through.
Now Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband. When she heard in Moab that the LORD had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, Naomi and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there. With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah. Ruth 1:3-7 NIV
Just imagine how Naomi felt. She herself lost both her sons, as well as her husband. Orpah she tells to leave her, and that she does. Perhaps deep down inside she really wanted her two daughter-in-laws now widowed to remain with her, but knew what she said was the best thing for all of them.
Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go back, each of you, to your mother's home. May the LORD show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and to me. May the LORD grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband."
Then she kissed them and they wept aloud and said to her, "We will go back with you to your people."
But Naomi said, "Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons- would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD's hand has gone out against me!" At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-by, but Ruth clung to her. "Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her." Ruth 1:8-13 (NIV)
It seems to me Ruth was searching, being guided by God to go in this direction, although she didn't know it. She wasn't content to stay with her people and to continue their ways, worshiping their gods. She needed change, and she was taking action.
But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. Ruth 1:16-18
She loved her mother-in-law so much, she was willing to give up what would have been a good life back home. After all, the people she knew were familiar to her, but Naomi's world? Very different. But despite this, she was willing to make a change, a MAJOR one at that. She was stepping outside her comfort zone. She was ready to grow.
Many of us can relate to Ruth. Maybe some drastic event has happened in your life, taking away something from you. Or maybe you have a big decision in front of you. Whatever the case, most of us have been at this point at one time or another. When these things occur, we often default with fear. But we don't have to despair. Ruth sure didn't. She clung to a faith so strong, and she didn't even know God personally at first. But she wanted to. "...and your God my God." Ruth 1:16
Now Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband. When she heard in Moab that the LORD had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, Naomi and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there. With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah. Ruth 1:3-7 NIV
Just imagine how Naomi felt. She herself lost both her sons, as well as her husband. Orpah she tells to leave her, and that she does. Perhaps deep down inside she really wanted her two daughter-in-laws now widowed to remain with her, but knew what she said was the best thing for all of them.
Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go back, each of you, to your mother's home. May the LORD show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and to me. May the LORD grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband."
Then she kissed them and they wept aloud and said to her, "We will go back with you to your people."
But Naomi said, "Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons- would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD's hand has gone out against me!" At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-by, but Ruth clung to her. "Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her." Ruth 1:8-13 (NIV)
It seems to me Ruth was searching, being guided by God to go in this direction, although she didn't know it. She wasn't content to stay with her people and to continue their ways, worshiping their gods. She needed change, and she was taking action.
But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. Ruth 1:16-18
She loved her mother-in-law so much, she was willing to give up what would have been a good life back home. After all, the people she knew were familiar to her, but Naomi's world? Very different. But despite this, she was willing to make a change, a MAJOR one at that. She was stepping outside her comfort zone. She was ready to grow.
Many of us can relate to Ruth. Maybe some drastic event has happened in your life, taking away something from you. Or maybe you have a big decision in front of you. Whatever the case, most of us have been at this point at one time or another. When these things occur, we often default with fear. But we don't have to despair. Ruth sure didn't. She clung to a faith so strong, and she didn't even know God personally at first. But she wanted to. "...and your God my God." Ruth 1:16
Now Ruth probably didn't have the purest of lives, so why is she then such an amazing role model? For one thing, she was a brave woman. And for another, this was a woman who was willing (she chose) to go forward rather than stay the same. She trusted in others she barely knew. Can you say the same?
So have faith, and trust in Him to see you through.*
Are you a Role-Model Ruth?
Whitney
Are you a Role-Model Ruth?
Whitney
A Testimony Of Reconciliation - 3/12/08
Hello everyone. Today I would like to share with you a testimony of a woman named Pamela who had been struggling with forgiveness of her husband Mark, who himself had been in a vicious struggle with sexual immorality and physical abuse against his wife. It amazes me how this story begins with both parties in a seemingly impossible situation, yet through God, the oneness and love in their marriage was - and is in the process of being - restored. See for yourself.
It's been a difficult road and we are working through things. Things came to a head 2 weeks ago when Mark exploded and became physically abusive. I took pictures of myself as evidence. I was going to run with our girls and go to California where a good friend of mine lives. The only reason I didn't go was because we were afraid of me being charged with kidnapping if I fled without my husband's consent. The law gets very sticky with things like that. I didn't go to a shelter because I really thought I was going to California and when things fell through, I ended up staying here. I didn't want Mark to know at the time ho upset I felt. I wanted him to think everything was normal. I had planned on escaping when I got my first chance. I had planned on just disappearing altogether......God....had different plans.
I finally confided in my shepherding group leader about what had happened and we ended up seeing our pastor. Things were rocky all along until this past Monday. God had been using Scripture, memorizing the Word, an going through a Bible study called, "I want to change, so help me, God" by James McDonald. All of it has really helped me... Point is.... God is doing a work in my heart and I know He is working in Mark too. I want to stop making excuses for my own behavior by blaming it on Mark, my past or anything else. My anger, bitterness and blame shifting have to go. Time for me to take that trash out to the garbage and let God burn it up.
I told Mark that I was working through the process of forgiveness, that it all takes time, but I DO forgive him. I told him I loved him and that I am committed to helping him work through things with him. I said that my sin was no worse and that I was a dirty, rotten sinner who needed God to come in and change me. The fact of the matter is we're all a bunch of messed up people who need Jesus to come in and do a work of transformation, healing, and restoration to bring glory to Himself. All of our sins are equal in His sight. I am just as bad with all my other sins that I struggle with. King David lusted, committed adultery, lied, plotted and murdered a man. Paul murdered thousands of Christians. Abraham lied several times about his wife and gave her over to be used sexually by another. Moses let his anger get the best of him and he murdered a man. I am not condoning Mark's actions, but merely saying that praise God, He is the God of second chances who heals the brokenhearted and sets the captives free and I know He is able to do that for Mark and I. I gladly count my life as loss that I might come to know the glory of the cross. Please pray with me that I will do just that........to know the glory of the cross. I am broken, but that's exactly where I need to be....God knows.
Mark seemed to really make a turn around this past Monday night. He said how sorry he was for causing so much pain to me. The next day it almost looked like the dark cloud lifted and he was able to walk again. He started helping me with things at home, wrote me a sweet note, and gave me a card the next day. He brought me home a t-shirt from a concert he went to on Thursday and he does seem much happier. I really made over the notes that he left me and I told him how much it meant to me that he was being nice to me these past couple of days. I told him I could see he was really making an effort. It really has made a huge difference for me too.
We've had so much on our plates over here and I pray that God will give us His grace and strength to run continually to Him and not lose hope. Running this marathon is a long haul, but I know in the end it is worth it all.
I must keep at it because God is worth it! Thank you for your prayers and for checking in on us. The prayers are what move mountains. You can never pray too much! =)
Thank you
Pamela
But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
Blessings,
Andrew
It's been a difficult road and we are working through things. Things came to a head 2 weeks ago when Mark exploded and became physically abusive. I took pictures of myself as evidence. I was going to run with our girls and go to California where a good friend of mine lives. The only reason I didn't go was because we were afraid of me being charged with kidnapping if I fled without my husband's consent. The law gets very sticky with things like that. I didn't go to a shelter because I really thought I was going to California and when things fell through, I ended up staying here. I didn't want Mark to know at the time ho upset I felt. I wanted him to think everything was normal. I had planned on escaping when I got my first chance. I had planned on just disappearing altogether......God....had different plans.
I finally confided in my shepherding group leader about what had happened and we ended up seeing our pastor. Things were rocky all along until this past Monday. God had been using Scripture, memorizing the Word, an going through a Bible study called, "I want to change, so help me, God" by James McDonald. All of it has really helped me... Point is.... God is doing a work in my heart and I know He is working in Mark too. I want to stop making excuses for my own behavior by blaming it on Mark, my past or anything else. My anger, bitterness and blame shifting have to go. Time for me to take that trash out to the garbage and let God burn it up.
I told Mark that I was working through the process of forgiveness, that it all takes time, but I DO forgive him. I told him I loved him and that I am committed to helping him work through things with him. I said that my sin was no worse and that I was a dirty, rotten sinner who needed God to come in and change me. The fact of the matter is we're all a bunch of messed up people who need Jesus to come in and do a work of transformation, healing, and restoration to bring glory to Himself. All of our sins are equal in His sight. I am just as bad with all my other sins that I struggle with. King David lusted, committed adultery, lied, plotted and murdered a man. Paul murdered thousands of Christians. Abraham lied several times about his wife and gave her over to be used sexually by another. Moses let his anger get the best of him and he murdered a man. I am not condoning Mark's actions, but merely saying that praise God, He is the God of second chances who heals the brokenhearted and sets the captives free and I know He is able to do that for Mark and I. I gladly count my life as loss that I might come to know the glory of the cross. Please pray with me that I will do just that........to know the glory of the cross. I am broken, but that's exactly where I need to be....God knows.
Mark seemed to really make a turn around this past Monday night. He said how sorry he was for causing so much pain to me. The next day it almost looked like the dark cloud lifted and he was able to walk again. He started helping me with things at home, wrote me a sweet note, and gave me a card the next day. He brought me home a t-shirt from a concert he went to on Thursday and he does seem much happier. I really made over the notes that he left me and I told him how much it meant to me that he was being nice to me these past couple of days. I told him I could see he was really making an effort. It really has made a huge difference for me too.
We've had so much on our plates over here and I pray that God will give us His grace and strength to run continually to Him and not lose hope. Running this marathon is a long haul, but I know in the end it is worth it all.
I must keep at it because God is worth it! Thank you for your prayers and for checking in on us. The prayers are what move mountains. You can never pray too much! =)
Thank you
Pamela
But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
Blessings,
Andrew
Prioritize Your Life - 3/11/08
Hello once again,
Today I'd like to bring us to a passage of the Bible that teaches us to prioritize.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42 NIV
Prioritization is something which God has been speaking to me about for a while now. It's so very important to have our priorities in order, because when this happens, everything just falls into place. More specifically, when we have our most important priority in order, everything falls into place. In this passage, Mary had her priorities set in order - Jesus first, everything else second.
And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39 ESV
The truth is, God must be first in our lives. He must come before our family, our friends, our loved ones, our lives. Nothing can, nor should, take His place as absolute number one in our lives. If it does, it has become an idol. As we learn to focus on Him, and place Him as our absolute number one priority, it's amazing what happens - He begins to align our other priorities. He leads us to drop those things which are of lesser importance, and to take up those which are of greater importance. Sometimes we just don't know how to prioritize our lives - what goes where? But God does, and as we place Him at His proper place, He will lead us in the way He would have us go. Try it - I promise that you will be amazed!
Blessings,
Andrew
Today I'd like to bring us to a passage of the Bible that teaches us to prioritize.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42 NIV
Prioritization is something which God has been speaking to me about for a while now. It's so very important to have our priorities in order, because when this happens, everything just falls into place. More specifically, when we have our most important priority in order, everything falls into place. In this passage, Mary had her priorities set in order - Jesus first, everything else second.
And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39 ESV
The truth is, God must be first in our lives. He must come before our family, our friends, our loved ones, our lives. Nothing can, nor should, take His place as absolute number one in our lives. If it does, it has become an idol. As we learn to focus on Him, and place Him as our absolute number one priority, it's amazing what happens - He begins to align our other priorities. He leads us to drop those things which are of lesser importance, and to take up those which are of greater importance. Sometimes we just don't know how to prioritize our lives - what goes where? But God does, and as we place Him at His proper place, He will lead us in the way He would have us go. Try it - I promise that you will be amazed!
Blessings,
Andrew
The Word Of God - 3/10/08
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 ESV
Next time you pick up a Bible and begin reading, I hope this verse will be on your mind, because it is absolutely true. The word of God is not just a compilation of stories and teachings packed into a book called the Bible; it is alive! The words in this book are more than just ink blots on a page - they are alive, and they hold the power to change our hearts, to give us life, and to act as God's revelation to all mankind.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 ESV
Are you taking advantage of this awesome gift of His Word that God has given us? Next time you pick up your Bible, I hope you'll open up your heart and allow the words to not only speak to you, but to change your heart as they "pierce the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discern the thoughts and intentions of your heart."
Blessings,
Andrew
Next time you pick up a Bible and begin reading, I hope this verse will be on your mind, because it is absolutely true. The word of God is not just a compilation of stories and teachings packed into a book called the Bible; it is alive! The words in this book are more than just ink blots on a page - they are alive, and they hold the power to change our hearts, to give us life, and to act as God's revelation to all mankind.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 ESV
Are you taking advantage of this awesome gift of His Word that God has given us? Next time you pick up your Bible, I hope you'll open up your heart and allow the words to not only speak to you, but to change your heart as they "pierce the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discern the thoughts and intentions of your heart."
Blessings,
Andrew
Waiting is Trusting - 3/9/08
Let's look at TRUST.
Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalms 27:14 NJKV
Days can be crazy, as I found out today. Everything had been going quite well I thought, until suddenly I hit some road blocks.
At this point I realized something. I was trusting in my own strength rather than the Lord's, and when chaos occurred, my strength fell apart. As soon as I began to trust Him however, instead of my own fallible self, my world stopped spinning around allowing things to get back on track.
Everyone has been in this situation at one point or another. We humans always tend to go OUR way, our will instead of God's. (And yet who created who?) He knows the plan for our life (as we talked about in an earlier Daily Bread). All we need to do is TRUST Him, even when it seems so hard; even when it seems we can be superhuman and only need to trust ourselves... Actually, there isn't a day that goes by that we don't ever need Him...
I was reading in my devotional this morning, and was struck by the word WAIT, and was intrigued to understand it to mean TRUST. When we wait in the Lord, we are patiently trusting Him. Now plug in TRUST for WAIT:
Trust on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; trust, I say, in the Lord!
You see? He will give us the strength to go on in this crazy life we lead! All we need to do, is trust in Him.
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope. Psalms 130:5
Whitney
Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalms 27:14 NJKV
Days can be crazy, as I found out today. Everything had been going quite well I thought, until suddenly I hit some road blocks.
At this point I realized something. I was trusting in my own strength rather than the Lord's, and when chaos occurred, my strength fell apart. As soon as I began to trust Him however, instead of my own fallible self, my world stopped spinning around allowing things to get back on track.
Everyone has been in this situation at one point or another. We humans always tend to go OUR way, our will instead of God's. (And yet who created who?) He knows the plan for our life (as we talked about in an earlier Daily Bread). All we need to do is TRUST Him, even when it seems so hard; even when it seems we can be superhuman and only need to trust ourselves... Actually, there isn't a day that goes by that we don't ever need Him...
I was reading in my devotional this morning, and was struck by the word WAIT, and was intrigued to understand it to mean TRUST. When we wait in the Lord, we are patiently trusting Him. Now plug in TRUST for WAIT:
Trust on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; trust, I say, in the Lord!
You see? He will give us the strength to go on in this crazy life we lead! All we need to do, is trust in Him.
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope. Psalms 130:5
Whitney
Christ Died For Us - 3/8/08
Hello everyone,
Today I thought it would be nice to revisit a topic which is at the core of Christianity. It truly forms the foundation of our faith. I am sure we've gone over it before here with Our Daily Bread, but regardless, it's important to revisit things like this often so that we never lose sight of what really, truly matters.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NKJV
There you have it! God demonstrates His love toward us in that while we were still disconnected, depraved sinners, Christ died for us.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17 NKJV
God does not desire us to perish in our evil ways (for without Him, our ways are evil), but rather He desires us to put our faith in Him and live. In fact, He desires this so much that He gave His own life to accomplish this. Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, descended to earth in complete humility, turned the world upside down with His teachings, and then died for the sins of all mankind. We did nothing to deserve such a selfless act of love, and we can never repay Him for His grace and mercy - but we can devote our lives to Him, and remember never to forget.
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV
Blessings,
Andrew
Today I thought it would be nice to revisit a topic which is at the core of Christianity. It truly forms the foundation of our faith. I am sure we've gone over it before here with Our Daily Bread, but regardless, it's important to revisit things like this often so that we never lose sight of what really, truly matters.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NKJV
There you have it! God demonstrates His love toward us in that while we were still disconnected, depraved sinners, Christ died for us.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17 NKJV
God does not desire us to perish in our evil ways (for without Him, our ways are evil), but rather He desires us to put our faith in Him and live. In fact, He desires this so much that He gave His own life to accomplish this. Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, descended to earth in complete humility, turned the world upside down with His teachings, and then died for the sins of all mankind. We did nothing to deserve such a selfless act of love, and we can never repay Him for His grace and mercy - but we can devote our lives to Him, and remember never to forget.
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV
Blessings,
Andrew
The Essence of Time - 3/7/08
Time. This word seems to govern our lives, guiding everything we do. Don't you ever feel like you are tired of it?
We can get so caught up in our everyday lives, that we often do not take TIME to have a personal moment with God. When I say personal moment, I mean devotions, praying, talking with Him, worshiping, just having a quiet moment with Him. Do you feel this is happening to you?
Let's delve into the Topic of Time. Let's check out Ecclesiates Chapter 3.
A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
Whatever is has already been,
and what will be has been before;
and God will call the past to account.
And I saw something else under the sun:
In the place of judgment—wickedness was there,
in the place of justice—wickedness was there.
I thought in my heart,
"God will bring to judgment
both the righteous and the wicked,
for there will be a time for every activity,
a time for every deed."
I also thought, "As for men, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless. All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?" So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him? Ecclesiastes 3
This is pretty clear. Time is nothing but a word; in a sense, it and everything else is meaningless; it should never govern our lives. There is a time for everything; including personal moments with Him. So next time you think you don't have TIME for all that you have to do in your busy life, remember that TIME is not how you should measure anything; didn't Jesus make TIME for His disciples, the lame and hurt, the children? He didn't see that His life was too busy. Let's get rid of the word TIME in the negative sense and remember this: we are only here for one life; thus, let us not waste moments on moments that should not be wasted upon. Remember Ecclesiates Chapter 3. TIME does not need to be a bad thing; let's use it wisely, efficiently, and in a positive light, just like Jesus did.*
Not worrying about TIME,
Whitney
We can get so caught up in our everyday lives, that we often do not take TIME to have a personal moment with God. When I say personal moment, I mean devotions, praying, talking with Him, worshiping, just having a quiet moment with Him. Do you feel this is happening to you?
Let's delve into the Topic of Time. Let's check out Ecclesiates Chapter 3.
A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
Whatever is has already been,
and what will be has been before;
and God will call the past to account.
And I saw something else under the sun:
In the place of judgment—wickedness was there,
in the place of justice—wickedness was there.
I thought in my heart,
"God will bring to judgment
both the righteous and the wicked,
for there will be a time for every activity,
a time for every deed."
I also thought, "As for men, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless. All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?" So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him? Ecclesiastes 3
This is pretty clear. Time is nothing but a word; in a sense, it and everything else is meaningless; it should never govern our lives. There is a time for everything; including personal moments with Him. So next time you think you don't have TIME for all that you have to do in your busy life, remember that TIME is not how you should measure anything; didn't Jesus make TIME for His disciples, the lame and hurt, the children? He didn't see that His life was too busy. Let's get rid of the word TIME in the negative sense and remember this: we are only here for one life; thus, let us not waste moments on moments that should not be wasted upon. Remember Ecclesiates Chapter 3. TIME does not need to be a bad thing; let's use it wisely, efficiently, and in a positive light, just like Jesus did.*
Not worrying about TIME,
Whitney
Him Who Strengthens Me - 3/6/08
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. (Philippians 4:12 ESV)
Quite a secret here, huh? When you read this verse, doesn't it pique your interest just a bit? Don't you want to know the secret to being humble, and the secret of how to abound? How to face both plenty and hunger, and abundance and need? The answer lies in the very next verse:
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 ESV)
There you have it. Short and sweet. There will come times in our lives when we will be humbled, hungry, and in need. There will also come times when we will abound in whatever we are doing, when we will have plenty, and when we will be given abundance. The secret here, in all these situations, is God. Are you going through tough times? Let the Lord be your strength, and He will carry you through. Are you abounding? Always remember to thank Him for His grace, remember that He Alone is your strength, and continuously rely on Him; without Him, there would be no abundance to begin with.
I pray that we all will be able to proclaim along with the author of Philippians, "We can do all things through Him who strengthens us!"
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:30-31 ESV)
Blessings,
Andrew
Quite a secret here, huh? When you read this verse, doesn't it pique your interest just a bit? Don't you want to know the secret to being humble, and the secret of how to abound? How to face both plenty and hunger, and abundance and need? The answer lies in the very next verse:
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 ESV)
There you have it. Short and sweet. There will come times in our lives when we will be humbled, hungry, and in need. There will also come times when we will abound in whatever we are doing, when we will have plenty, and when we will be given abundance. The secret here, in all these situations, is God. Are you going through tough times? Let the Lord be your strength, and He will carry you through. Are you abounding? Always remember to thank Him for His grace, remember that He Alone is your strength, and continuously rely on Him; without Him, there would be no abundance to begin with.
I pray that we all will be able to proclaim along with the author of Philippians, "We can do all things through Him who strengthens us!"
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:30-31 ESV)
Blessings,
Andrew
The Glory of God - 3/4/08
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV)
Now, in context, this verse is talking about physically eating food coming from the table of an unbeliever who may have offered it up to idols without us knowing. But I would like to extend this into a broader sense - that is, literally having everything we do be done for the glory of God (which is still keeping within the original meaning). In every decision we make, every action we take, every word we speak, His glory must be at the forefront of our minds. Are we glorifying Him - or showing His greatness, in other words - to those around us by doing whatever it is we do?
Let me show you a story to illustrate this point. In Judges 7, there is the account of a man named Gideon who led the Israelites against the Midianites. Gideon's army was a mighty 32,000 strong, but rather than sending them in, God had other plans. See for yourself:
The LORD said to Gideon, "The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.' (Judges 7:2 ESV)
Do you see what is happening here? God says that Gideon's army is TOO BIG for the Lord to send into battle, in case they claim the glory for themselves, so He has to REDUCE the size of their army to such a small number that the only way they could be victorious is by the power of God, and He does just that. In the end, Gideon takes the entire Midianite camp - with 300 men. Surely after such a victory, every man, woman, and child who witnessed or heard of this great feat knew that surely, "there is a God in Israel!" Is this incredible or what?!?
So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men. And the camp of Midian was below him in the valley. That same night the LORD said to him, "Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand.' (Judges 7:8-9)
So Midian was subdued before the people of Israel, and they raised their heads no more. And the land had rest forty years in the days of Gideon. (Judges 8:28)
Are you seeking the glory of God in all that you do? Do you feel like you are facing an army of thousands with a measly 300 men? If so, I would encourage you to take heart, for the smaller the odds of victory, the greater God is glorified in the end, and we know that through Him, "all things are possible."
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."(Matthew 19:26 NKJV)
Blessings,
Andrew
Now, in context, this verse is talking about physically eating food coming from the table of an unbeliever who may have offered it up to idols without us knowing. But I would like to extend this into a broader sense - that is, literally having everything we do be done for the glory of God (which is still keeping within the original meaning). In every decision we make, every action we take, every word we speak, His glory must be at the forefront of our minds. Are we glorifying Him - or showing His greatness, in other words - to those around us by doing whatever it is we do?
Let me show you a story to illustrate this point. In Judges 7, there is the account of a man named Gideon who led the Israelites against the Midianites. Gideon's army was a mighty 32,000 strong, but rather than sending them in, God had other plans. See for yourself:
The LORD said to Gideon, "The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.' (Judges 7:2 ESV)
Do you see what is happening here? God says that Gideon's army is TOO BIG for the Lord to send into battle, in case they claim the glory for themselves, so He has to REDUCE the size of their army to such a small number that the only way they could be victorious is by the power of God, and He does just that. In the end, Gideon takes the entire Midianite camp - with 300 men. Surely after such a victory, every man, woman, and child who witnessed or heard of this great feat knew that surely, "there is a God in Israel!" Is this incredible or what?!?
So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men. And the camp of Midian was below him in the valley. That same night the LORD said to him, "Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand.' (Judges 7:8-9)
So Midian was subdued before the people of Israel, and they raised their heads no more. And the land had rest forty years in the days of Gideon. (Judges 8:28)
Are you seeking the glory of God in all that you do? Do you feel like you are facing an army of thousands with a measly 300 men? If so, I would encourage you to take heart, for the smaller the odds of victory, the greater God is glorified in the end, and we know that through Him, "all things are possible."
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."(Matthew 19:26 NKJV)
Blessings,
Andrew
The Cup of the Lord - 3/3/08
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? "All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up. 1 Corinthians 10:21-23 ESV
This is very similar to when Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other..." (Matthew 6:24) Have you ever sat at the table of demons and partook of the cup of greed, or taken a sip from the chalice of lust? Have you sought satisfaction in any source other than the Lord? I am sure that we all have on some level. Thankfully, because of the great sacrifice of Christ, His blood purifies us from all unrighteousness and enables to us to live free from these stumbling blocks. This is why "All things are lawful," because there is no sin that the blood of the Lamb cannot cleanse from our souls - but as Paul said in Romans,
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Romans 6:1-2 ESV
So then, let us not provoke the Lord to jealousy, and seek only those things which build up. You can rest assured that if you have dined at the table of demons, should you cry out to Him, His blood will make you white as snow, but this is no reason to continue in our sins. As we draw close to Him and find satisfaction in Him through "drinking the cup of the Lord," dining at the table of demons, although still a temptation, will soon lose its hold on our lives. If we truly know Christ and allow Him to fill up our souls to the point of overflowing, the empty pleasures of this world lose their glamor as the deceptions of Satan are revealed for what they are by the Light of Christ. (And if they do not, the question may need to be raised,: Do we truly know Him?)
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32 ESV
Cheers!
Andrew
This is very similar to when Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other..." (Matthew 6:24) Have you ever sat at the table of demons and partook of the cup of greed, or taken a sip from the chalice of lust? Have you sought satisfaction in any source other than the Lord? I am sure that we all have on some level. Thankfully, because of the great sacrifice of Christ, His blood purifies us from all unrighteousness and enables to us to live free from these stumbling blocks. This is why "All things are lawful," because there is no sin that the blood of the Lamb cannot cleanse from our souls - but as Paul said in Romans,
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Romans 6:1-2 ESV
So then, let us not provoke the Lord to jealousy, and seek only those things which build up. You can rest assured that if you have dined at the table of demons, should you cry out to Him, His blood will make you white as snow, but this is no reason to continue in our sins. As we draw close to Him and find satisfaction in Him through "drinking the cup of the Lord," dining at the table of demons, although still a temptation, will soon lose its hold on our lives. If we truly know Christ and allow Him to fill up our souls to the point of overflowing, the empty pleasures of this world lose their glamor as the deceptions of Satan are revealed for what they are by the Light of Christ. (And if they do not, the question may need to be raised,: Do we truly know Him?)
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32 ESV
Cheers!
Andrew
In Remembrance - 3/2/08
Hello today!
...and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, (Also Luke 22:19)
Today we had Communion at our Church. Communion is a time to REMEMBER that Jesus laid down His life for our sins, willingly given. The trays hold only crackers and some grape juice, but they are there to symbolize His flesh and blood given at His death; we were so undeserving, yet because He loves us so much He did it anyway. God could have left us to be consumed by our sins. But He is an awesome and loving God! After He sent the flood over the earth He made the promise to never do that again. Therefore He would never leave us to the flood of sin. He is our hope and our salvation.
"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Hebrews 8:12
So I pray we will never forget that He was beaten and crucified on a cross for us. I pray we will take the time to REMEMBER what He did for us. What a price He paid on our behalf....
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead... 2 Timothy 2:8
...to the One who remembered us in our low estate. His love endures forever. Psalms 136:23
You gave up your life,
Showing no greater love--
Came to earth as a man,
Descended from Heaven above.
You paid for our sins
--Which you willingly gave--
An amazing act of love
That was more than just brave.
So I fervently pray
That I will never forget,
Knowing I could never repay
Back that incredible debt.
I will remember when I
Partake of the bread and wine,
It will mean more to me now
Than just gazing at the sign.
"In remembrance of me"
Into the wood is engraved
Now I fully understand--
Because of You, I've been saved.*
Will you Remember?
-Whitney
...and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, (Also Luke 22:19)
Today we had Communion at our Church. Communion is a time to REMEMBER that Jesus laid down His life for our sins, willingly given. The trays hold only crackers and some grape juice, but they are there to symbolize His flesh and blood given at His death; we were so undeserving, yet because He loves us so much He did it anyway. God could have left us to be consumed by our sins. But He is an awesome and loving God! After He sent the flood over the earth He made the promise to never do that again. Therefore He would never leave us to the flood of sin. He is our hope and our salvation.
"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Hebrews 8:12
So I pray we will never forget that He was beaten and crucified on a cross for us. I pray we will take the time to REMEMBER what He did for us. What a price He paid on our behalf....
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead... 2 Timothy 2:8
...to the One who remembered us in our low estate. His love endures forever. Psalms 136:23
You gave up your life,
Showing no greater love--
Came to earth as a man,
Descended from Heaven above.
You paid for our sins
--Which you willingly gave--
An amazing act of love
That was more than just brave.
So I fervently pray
That I will never forget,
Knowing I could never repay
Back that incredible debt.
I will remember when I
Partake of the bread and wine,
It will mean more to me now
Than just gazing at the sign.
"In remembrance of me"
Into the wood is engraved
Now I fully understand--
Because of You, I've been saved.*
Will you Remember?
-Whitney
Blessed Be the Name of the Lord - 3/1/08
Hello everyone! Today I'd like to share with you a beautiful story of faith and trust, and it is the story of Job. As a little background information, Job is a man who was "blameless and upright" in the eyes of the Lord. However, Satan speaks to God and accuses Job of simply being a surface follower. Satan says (summarized) "Job is only upright because You have blessed him! If you take all he has away, he will surely curse Your name!" But God, knowing the faithfulness of His servant and seeking to silence Satan's accusations, allows Job to be tested by Satan. We see Job's first test below.
Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house; and a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided them and took them away-indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!" Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground...
Can you imagine? In an instant, for no apparent reason whatsoever, all Job has is taken away: his herds are taken from him, his possessions are seized and pillaged, his servants are murdered by the raiding parties, and his very own sons and daughters are killed. All that was once his is now gone. So what does Job do? Read on and you will see.
Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground...
...and worshiped. And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD." In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. (Job 1:13-22 NKJV)
Again I ask, can you imagine? Everything Job has is taken from him; yet not once does he denounce his God. Whenever I read this passage, these words constantly reverberate in my mind: "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD." Such faith - such trust. We see later on in the book of Job that he is tested again (and this time his friends accuse him of unrighteousness and corruption as well), yet still he refuses to denounce God. Rather, in faith, Job cries out to the Lord, knowing that he is upright and blameless, having been sanctified by God.
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me! (Job 19:25-27 ESV)
I hope that you will all join with me in prayer for this kind of faith.
Lord, I pray that you would grow us all into people with faith and trust like this, that when all we have is taken from us, when all we hold dear is snatched out of our hands, we will look to You and trust in Your goodness, Your sovereignty, and Your love to lead us. Let us trust you and have faith that You are with us at all times, and that no matter what happens, we will still have You right alongside us, knowing that you died to save our souls and will never leave our sides. In Jesus' name, amen.
Blessings,
Andrew
Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house; and a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided them and took them away-indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!" Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground...
Can you imagine? In an instant, for no apparent reason whatsoever, all Job has is taken away: his herds are taken from him, his possessions are seized and pillaged, his servants are murdered by the raiding parties, and his very own sons and daughters are killed. All that was once his is now gone. So what does Job do? Read on and you will see.
Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground...
...and worshiped. And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD." In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. (Job 1:13-22 NKJV)
Again I ask, can you imagine? Everything Job has is taken from him; yet not once does he denounce his God. Whenever I read this passage, these words constantly reverberate in my mind: "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD." Such faith - such trust. We see later on in the book of Job that he is tested again (and this time his friends accuse him of unrighteousness and corruption as well), yet still he refuses to denounce God. Rather, in faith, Job cries out to the Lord, knowing that he is upright and blameless, having been sanctified by God.
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me! (Job 19:25-27 ESV)
I hope that you will all join with me in prayer for this kind of faith.
Lord, I pray that you would grow us all into people with faith and trust like this, that when all we have is taken from us, when all we hold dear is snatched out of our hands, we will look to You and trust in Your goodness, Your sovereignty, and Your love to lead us. Let us trust you and have faith that You are with us at all times, and that no matter what happens, we will still have You right alongside us, knowing that you died to save our souls and will never leave our sides. In Jesus' name, amen.
Blessings,
Andrew
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