I believe that the Holy Spirit is the urges we get, feelings we have that we can't explain.
In Acts, Paul is explaining why he went into the house of uncircumcised men(Acts 11:3) which was strongly forbidden at the time.
Acts 11:12 "The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them."
I believe God is always placing urges on our hearts that we can't explain, but we've been trained to think intellectually and with our brains. We've been trained if you can't explain exactly why you're doing something with well thought out reasoning then you shouldn't do it. And that's precisely what's destroying the Christian faith today.
Faith isn't steering your boat, its putting up the sails and seeing where the wind, or in this case the Spirit of God, will take you. Put up your sails today and pray about accepting the Holy Spirit into your life.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Doctrine 3
I believe God has a great reason for having two perspectives of creation in Genesis.
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." -Genesis 1:27
"the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." -Genesis 2:7
It sets up one of the most important themes of the bible. The paradox of power and humility. We must live our lives accepting the responsibility that we are the light of God.
Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hiddne. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
But we must live our lives accepting that we come from dust, there noone too low for us to serve.
Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Which leads me into my next point, even God lived by this paradox. God is all powerful that's a given. But God and humility?
Luke 2:7 "and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Let me remind you, God came to earth in a human form through Jesus Christ. Not only did he come in human form, he chose to quietly come into Bethelem, a town noone heard of that didn't have room for the Son of God in the inn. He made the ultimate act of humility, the all powerful invincible God that doesn't feel physical pain, made Himself into a completely dependent baby, that was covered in cloths to keep warm.
So remember, through making yourself humble your making yourself great. Paul puts it best, so I will leave you with this.
Philippians 2:1-16 "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his life, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conciet, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed- not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-- continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life-- in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing."
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." -Genesis 1:27
"the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." -Genesis 2:7
It sets up one of the most important themes of the bible. The paradox of power and humility. We must live our lives accepting the responsibility that we are the light of God.
Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hiddne. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
But we must live our lives accepting that we come from dust, there noone too low for us to serve.
Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Which leads me into my next point, even God lived by this paradox. God is all powerful that's a given. But God and humility?
Luke 2:7 "and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Let me remind you, God came to earth in a human form through Jesus Christ. Not only did he come in human form, he chose to quietly come into Bethelem, a town noone heard of that didn't have room for the Son of God in the inn. He made the ultimate act of humility, the all powerful invincible God that doesn't feel physical pain, made Himself into a completely dependent baby, that was covered in cloths to keep warm.
So remember, through making yourself humble your making yourself great. Paul puts it best, so I will leave you with this.
Philippians 2:1-16 "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his life, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conciet, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed- not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-- continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life-- in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing."
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Doctrine 2
Take the time to read the first chapter of Genesis, from the beginning through verse 31.
Now I want you to notice something. Verse 31 says "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."
All throughout this chapter God would do something and he saw it was good. But when you put all God's works together, its very good.
I believe we can take 2 things from that.
First, you don't have to do it all. God's got a purpose for you, no matter how big or small, it's good. It's not our job to be very good, but be good. If we each do our job, we're very good. So although you don't have to do it all, you need to find your niche, your purpose. Pray about it if you haven't.
Secondly, everyone is made to be good. Love everyone that way. Hate the sin, love the person.
Now I want you to notice something. Verse 31 says "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."
All throughout this chapter God would do something and he saw it was good. But when you put all God's works together, its very good.
I believe we can take 2 things from that.
First, you don't have to do it all. God's got a purpose for you, no matter how big or small, it's good. It's not our job to be very good, but be good. If we each do our job, we're very good. So although you don't have to do it all, you need to find your niche, your purpose. Pray about it if you haven't.
Secondly, everyone is made to be good. Love everyone that way. Hate the sin, love the person.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Doctrine 1
I believe we are all made in the essence of God (Genesis 1:27) and that the essence of God is love (1 John 4). Therefore, we are each love. It's just a matter of how we direct ourselves. Loving ourselves over others, by putting others down to lift up ourselves, or loving others as ourselves, by lifting others up to lift up yourself as well.
Friday, August 27, 2010
What's your religion?
Your religion consists of two parts, your beliefs and your actions. The next few days I want you to pray about what you believe. Write down your thoughts. I'll do my best to do this with you over the next few days on here. Its kind of important to know what we believe....
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Prayer
1 John 5:14 "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."
He's waiting for you. Pray tonight.
He's waiting for you. Pray tonight.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Glorifying God
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." -1 Corinthians 10:31
Think back over your day. Did you do anything today that wouldn't show the glory of God? Did you do anything today that shows the glory of God?
Think about tomorrow. What can you do to show the glory of God?
Think back over your day. Did you do anything today that wouldn't show the glory of God? Did you do anything today that shows the glory of God?
Think about tomorrow. What can you do to show the glory of God?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Matthew 10:19-20
I've been preparing to have a tough talk with a friend and it has not been going well. I was diving into the bible, flipping through the pages hoping God would give me an easy answer. That's when I read this.
Matthew 10:19-20 "But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
How comforting is that.. if you put yourself in situations to love boldly like were called to do, God will handle the rest. There's no set thing I can say, I just have to take the step to initiate the conversation, God will take over the rest. What a cool guy. Thanks God.
Matthew 10:19-20 "But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
How comforting is that.. if you put yourself in situations to love boldly like were called to do, God will handle the rest. There's no set thing I can say, I just have to take the step to initiate the conversation, God will take over the rest. What a cool guy. Thanks God.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Psalms 36:5-6
Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Lighting a Fire
So I've spent my first few days here at Wake Forest and I've found one recurring theme. "Don't make your education a checklist but lighting a fire."
The church and our relationships with God has become checklists. Check off going to church, praying at meals, praying in the morning, praying at night, reading the bible and then were done.
But if we lit our fires with church, praying whenever we feel the need, and reading the bible to fuel the flames, we wouldn't stop there. Our flames would shine like the light were called to be for the world.
Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
The church and our relationships with God has become checklists. Check off going to church, praying at meals, praying in the morning, praying at night, reading the bible and then were done.
But if we lit our fires with church, praying whenever we feel the need, and reading the bible to fuel the flames, we wouldn't stop there. Our flames would shine like the light were called to be for the world.
Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Friday, August 20, 2010
Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
If your reading this right now, chances are you've heard of God's life-changing goodness. I dare you to live out His goodness. Be the light of His goodness and change lives.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
If your reading this right now, chances are you've heard of God's life-changing goodness. I dare you to live out His goodness. Be the light of His goodness and change lives.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
God's gifts
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of workings, but the same God works all of them in men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines."
The Holy Spirit gives us all different gifts, what are your gifts? How could you give them to God?
The Holy Spirit gives us all different gifts, what are your gifts? How could you give them to God?
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Goodbyes
For those of you who don't know, I'm heading off to college in 2 days. Tonight was a rough night for me, I had to say goodbye to a couple good friends, one of them being my best friend for 8 years. I wasn't handling it to well. I just got home and opened up to Psalms, and it wasn't a specific verse that hit me. But it was the fact that the Psalms are the same now as they were before, and they will be the same when I go to college. Just as God and His love for me, its the same now as it was before, and it will be the same when I go to college. Many things will come and go, but God and His love are everlasting.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Wheres your citizenship?
Philippians 3:20 "Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven."
One definition of citizenship - the character of an individual viewed as a member of society; behavior in terms of the duties, obligations, and functions of a citizen.
How do you live? Is your citizenship of a broken world without truely unconditional love, or is your citizenship of heaven, a world made complete through accepting God's love and letting it overflow through us?
1 John 4:12 "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."
One definition of citizenship - the character of an individual viewed as a member of society; behavior in terms of the duties, obligations, and functions of a citizen.
How do you live? Is your citizenship of a broken world without truely unconditional love, or is your citizenship of heaven, a world made complete through accepting God's love and letting it overflow through us?
1 John 4:12 "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."
Romans 12:1-4
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Philippians 2:1-4
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Acts 16:34
The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God -- he and his whole family.
Everyone wants to have faith in such an awesome loving God, even those who don't admit it or act like it. Sometimes those trying hardest to repel your faith and love are the ones that want it most, just like the jailer who had Paul and Silas locked in prison because of their faith.
Everyone wants to have faith in such an awesome loving God, even those who don't admit it or act like it. Sometimes those trying hardest to repel your faith and love are the ones that want it most, just like the jailer who had Paul and Silas locked in prison because of their faith.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Luke 18:27
Luke 18:27 "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
So what would you do if you couldn't fail? If God's on your side, you won't fail. Anythings possible. So do it.
So what would you do if you couldn't fail? If God's on your side, you won't fail. Anythings possible. So do it.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Samuel 16:7
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
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