Jesus entered the temple area and rove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changes and the benches of those selling doves. -21:12
I love what my Pastor pointed out one time, emotions comes from combining e, which means out, and motion, so emotions are supposed to make us go out and do something. Therefore, a righteous anger is one that will make us do something to fix the problem. Angry with the state of the world? Do something about it.
"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went ot the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'
'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go."
-21:28-30
Too many of us are the second son, we can talk the talk so well, but we're not walking the walk. I'll write more on that later..
" 'Love the Lord your God will all your heart and will all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." -22:37-40
Pretty straightforward.. but think about this. One of my favorite songs right now, "Awaken my Soul" sung by Mumford & Sons says, where you invest your love, you invest your life. Want to give your life to Christ? Give your love to Christ.
"But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." -23:3
When we talk the talk without walking the walk, we're Pharisees; plain and simple.
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." -23:25-28
And again.. talking the talk. Another verse to think about..
"All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weights the heart." -Proverbs 21:2
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Next Read
Next read... Matthew 24-26. Sorry I didn't get to 20-23 today :( I'll double up tomorrow!
Until then... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt59GR64Ivk
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Matthew 15-19
Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?" -15:3
This reminds me of a verse Paul wrote that really stuck out to me in Colossians 2:8, "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." That's why I want to challenge you, don't take anything for granted. All the traditions that we practice as Christians, explore the motivation behind them. Are they glorifying Christ or are there ulterior motives?
He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."
"Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."
Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted."
-15:26-28
I've never really understood this passage, if you understand I'd appreciate your explanation!
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done." -16:24-27
A really important passage to pray about.. I'd like to point out one thing. Jesus says, "reward each person according to what he has done." At first I was going to talk about the importance of this verse because it says what he has done and not what he has believed; because it's not just enough to believe, if someone truly believes their life will show it in what they have done. But looking at it again, maybe it could be taken another way... maybe Jesus meant he to be the Son of Man(himself), because essentially, their is nothing we can do to be worthy of Christ's love and forgiveness except one thing: accept it. Let me know what you think.
"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." -17:20-21
Such a powerful verse...
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." -18:19-20
Don't forget the importance of fellowship and group prayer, you can't do it on your own; trust me, I've tried.
Make sure you take time to understand the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (18:21-35) and remember how insignificant the things that we struggle to forgive are compared to the forgiveness God has given us through our Savior, Jesus Christ.
"I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." -19:23-24
Notice He doesn't say relatively rich to the rest of America... we tend to use Bill Gates and Donald Trump as excuses for ourselves. Before we can truly live our lives for Christ, we have to come to terms with this concept, we have so much more than we need. We spend so much time and money worrying about meeting our wants, we forget that there are those out there that can't even meet the bare minimum of their needs. I love how Dave Matthews put it in his song "Seek Up," for the price of a coke or a smoke, I could keep alive those hungry eyes.
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." -19:26
Wow.
Next read: Matthew 20-23
This reminds me of a verse Paul wrote that really stuck out to me in Colossians 2:8, "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." That's why I want to challenge you, don't take anything for granted. All the traditions that we practice as Christians, explore the motivation behind them. Are they glorifying Christ or are there ulterior motives?
He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."
"Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."
Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted."
-15:26-28
I've never really understood this passage, if you understand I'd appreciate your explanation!
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done." -16:24-27
A really important passage to pray about.. I'd like to point out one thing. Jesus says, "reward each person according to what he has done." At first I was going to talk about the importance of this verse because it says what he has done and not what he has believed; because it's not just enough to believe, if someone truly believes their life will show it in what they have done. But looking at it again, maybe it could be taken another way... maybe Jesus meant he to be the Son of Man(himself), because essentially, their is nothing we can do to be worthy of Christ's love and forgiveness except one thing: accept it. Let me know what you think.
"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." -17:20-21
Such a powerful verse...
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." -18:19-20
Don't forget the importance of fellowship and group prayer, you can't do it on your own; trust me, I've tried.
Make sure you take time to understand the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (18:21-35) and remember how insignificant the things that we struggle to forgive are compared to the forgiveness God has given us through our Savior, Jesus Christ.
"I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." -19:23-24
Notice He doesn't say relatively rich to the rest of America... we tend to use Bill Gates and Donald Trump as excuses for ourselves. Before we can truly live our lives for Christ, we have to come to terms with this concept, we have so much more than we need. We spend so much time and money worrying about meeting our wants, we forget that there are those out there that can't even meet the bare minimum of their needs. I love how Dave Matthews put it in his song "Seek Up," for the price of a coke or a smoke, I could keep alive those hungry eyes.
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." -19:26
Wow.
Next read: Matthew 20-23
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Matthew 11-14
"You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." -12:34-37
You know the saying... would you say that in front of your grandmother? How about a new one.. would you say that in front of God, the creator of the universe?
"For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." -12:49-50
I love this.. Jesus is the Son of God; therefore He is saying that anyone who does the will of God is one of God's children.
"But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." -13:16-17
Our knowledge of God and His perfect love is the greatest gift we could have, don't waste it.
"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." -13:18-23
You've heard the good news, which seed will you be?
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." -13:45-46
Would you do anything for God's kingdom?
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. -14:29-30
Imagine your life if God didn't exist, would anything change? So many Christians today, if we took the time to truly evaluate our lives, we'd realize we live inside of the boat. We don't actually trust God with any part of our lives. Take time some time to pray today, what would your life look like if you stepped out of the boat?
Next read: Matthew 15-19
You know the saying... would you say that in front of your grandmother? How about a new one.. would you say that in front of God, the creator of the universe?
"For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." -12:49-50
I love this.. Jesus is the Son of God; therefore He is saying that anyone who does the will of God is one of God's children.
"But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." -13:16-17
Our knowledge of God and His perfect love is the greatest gift we could have, don't waste it.
"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." -13:18-23
You've heard the good news, which seed will you be?
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." -13:45-46
Would you do anything for God's kingdom?
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. -14:29-30
Imagine your life if God didn't exist, would anything change? So many Christians today, if we took the time to truly evaluate our lives, we'd realize we live inside of the boat. We don't actually trust God with any part of our lives. Take time some time to pray today, what would your life look like if you stepped out of the boat?
Next read: Matthew 15-19
Matthew 6-10
"So when you give tot he needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full." -6:2
Do you live your life for the rewards and the reputation of this life or for the rewards in the next? I know that's something I struggle with.
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." -6:14-15
Such a convicting verse...
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up from yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also." -6:19-21
A friend of mine brought up a great point one time... If a man was going on vacation for a couple days and everything he bought there he couldn't bring back with him, it would be completely pointless for him to buy things so fleeting. Except when you compare eternity to our lives on earth, our lives are more fleeting than a couple days on vacation.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." -6:33-34
If you are truly living your life for Christ... He will provide.
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." -7:12
Sound familiar?
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." -7:24-25
If you're reading this, I'm hoping that means you're diving into the Word. But it's not enough to just dive into the Word, you have to live the Word, be the Word. Something I did at one time, I would write verses I want to concentrate on living on index cards and carry them around with me. Whenever I feel like I missed a chance to live out the verse I'd take it out and read it to myself again and say a prayer. I might pick that back up actually...
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. -8:24-26
I love the image of Jesus here. I love imagining Jesus rubbing his eyes, just got up from a nap, looking at them like what's the matter with you guys, don't you trust me? If only we could learn to trust Him like He wants us to, our lives would be so much easier.
"But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' " -9:13
Just something to think about..
Lastly, take the time to read Matthew 10 again, as if He is directly addressing you. One of my favorite passages of the Bible, gets me so fired up every time I read it.
Next read: Matthew 11 through 14
Do you live your life for the rewards and the reputation of this life or for the rewards in the next? I know that's something I struggle with.
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." -6:14-15
Such a convicting verse...
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up from yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also." -6:19-21
A friend of mine brought up a great point one time... If a man was going on vacation for a couple days and everything he bought there he couldn't bring back with him, it would be completely pointless for him to buy things so fleeting. Except when you compare eternity to our lives on earth, our lives are more fleeting than a couple days on vacation.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." -6:33-34
If you are truly living your life for Christ... He will provide.
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." -7:12
Sound familiar?
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." -7:24-25
If you're reading this, I'm hoping that means you're diving into the Word. But it's not enough to just dive into the Word, you have to live the Word, be the Word. Something I did at one time, I would write verses I want to concentrate on living on index cards and carry them around with me. Whenever I feel like I missed a chance to live out the verse I'd take it out and read it to myself again and say a prayer. I might pick that back up actually...
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. -8:24-26
I love the image of Jesus here. I love imagining Jesus rubbing his eyes, just got up from a nap, looking at them like what's the matter with you guys, don't you trust me? If only we could learn to trust Him like He wants us to, our lives would be so much easier.
"But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' " -9:13
Just something to think about..
Lastly, take the time to read Matthew 10 again, as if He is directly addressing you. One of my favorite passages of the Bible, gets me so fired up every time I read it.
Next read: Matthew 11 through 14
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Matthew 1-5
"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." -1:21
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" -- which means, "God with us." -1:23
I love the perspective on Jesus that these verses give us, simple but so powerful.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." -3:16-17
Such a beautiful image..
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " -4:4
If don't feel satisfied with how life's treating ya right now, answer this: Have you spent enough time diving into the Word? True prosperous life is one that lives by way of the Word.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." -5:11
Truly living for Christ isn't easy, which is precisely why we're taught to rejoice in suffering and that we're blessed in suffering for Christ. I've got bad news, if we're not suffering, we're not doing it right.
"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." -5:13-16
Is your life shining His light?
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." -5:43-48
When I read this I remember something I read one time, Contrary to popular belief, you have to love somebody before you can like them. You might not like someone and they may rub you the wrong way, but God made them with a purpose just as He made you with a purpose. How can we not love on God's work?
My Pastor Steve put it in good perspective for me one time... Imagine someone throwing darts at a board with your kid's face on it, that's how God feels. Every time we're gossiping about someone or talking about them behind their backs.. it's like throwing darts at one of God's children.
Thank you so much for reading! Next read, Matthew 6 through 10.
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" -- which means, "God with us." -1:23
I love the perspective on Jesus that these verses give us, simple but so powerful.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." -3:16-17
Such a beautiful image..
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " -4:4
If don't feel satisfied with how life's treating ya right now, answer this: Have you spent enough time diving into the Word? True prosperous life is one that lives by way of the Word.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." -5:11
Truly living for Christ isn't easy, which is precisely why we're taught to rejoice in suffering and that we're blessed in suffering for Christ. I've got bad news, if we're not suffering, we're not doing it right.
"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." -5:13-16
Is your life shining His light?
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." -5:43-48
When I read this I remember something I read one time, Contrary to popular belief, you have to love somebody before you can like them. You might not like someone and they may rub you the wrong way, but God made them with a purpose just as He made you with a purpose. How can we not love on God's work?
My Pastor Steve put it in good perspective for me one time... Imagine someone throwing darts at a board with your kid's face on it, that's how God feels. Every time we're gossiping about someone or talking about them behind their backs.. it's like throwing darts at one of God's children.
Thank you so much for reading! Next read, Matthew 6 through 10.
Monday, December 13, 2010
CHRISTmas
And so it begins, within the next 26 days we will read all 4 of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, then John. It'll be a great way to take time in the Christmas season to remember what Christmas is supposed to be about, the birth of Jesus Christ.
I hope that you will make the commitment with me, 15 minutes out of every day until I head back to Wake. 15 minutes out of every day to get to better know our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I plan on posting about at least my favorite passage or two from every section, maybe even more in the chapters I really like.
First read: Matthew chapters 1 through 5.
Don't have a Bible... here ya go :) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1&version=NIV
I hope that you will make the commitment with me, 15 minutes out of every day until I head back to Wake. 15 minutes out of every day to get to better know our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I plan on posting about at least my favorite passage or two from every section, maybe even more in the chapters I really like.
First read: Matthew chapters 1 through 5.
Don't have a Bible... here ya go :) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1&version=NIV
Can't Hear it Enough
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCunuL58odQ
I know I showed this not too long ago, but we can't hear it enough.
He loves us, let us not take it for granted.
I'll start to go through the Gospels tomorrow night, I'd love if you joined me.
I know I showed this not too long ago, but we can't hear it enough.
He loves us, let us not take it for granted.
I'll start to go through the Gospels tomorrow night, I'd love if you joined me.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
1 Corinthians 29-31
so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God -- that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Nothing we can do compares to our amazing God's unfailing love, so why boast in ourselves when we could be boasting in the everlasting God.
Nothing we can do compares to our amazing God's unfailing love, so why boast in ourselves when we could be boasting in the everlasting God.
Friday, December 10, 2010
1 Corinthians 1:26-28
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things -- and the things that are not -- to nullify the things that are.
It's kind of crazy to think who I was before I accepted Christ into my life.... and from my experience, I'd like to reinforce what Paul is writing here. If the only thing holding you back from giving your life to Christ is thoughts you aren't worthy, you've got it all wrong.
Remember, God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
It's kind of crazy to think who I was before I accepted Christ into my life.... and from my experience, I'd like to reinforce what Paul is writing here. If the only thing holding you back from giving your life to Christ is thoughts you aren't worthy, you've got it all wrong.
Remember, God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Philemon 1:6
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.
After we've come to fill our own void as Christians by way of Christ's love, it's time to share the good news to others. If we've truly come to know and accept Christ's love for us, we'd be living with the greatest gift in the world; the best part about it, there's enough to go around for everyone.
Who in your life needs to hear the good news today?
After we've come to fill our own void as Christians by way of Christ's love, it's time to share the good news to others. If we've truly come to know and accept Christ's love for us, we'd be living with the greatest gift in the world; the best part about it, there's enough to go around for everyone.
Who in your life needs to hear the good news today?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Romans 1:18-32
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator -- who is forever praised. Amen.
Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Unfortunately, Paul couldn't have put it better, the state of the world isn't a good one. Because of that, we're digging ourselves a deeper hole. We're replacing the void we've made with superficial relationships instead of true relationships. We're replacing the void with fleeting happiness instead of eternal joy.
And that's why I'd like to share this verse again, because if Christians spent enough time praying this with Paul, the world would be a better place.
"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." -Ephesians 3:17-19
If the world came to accept this perfect love, we would "be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." The void would be gone.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator -- who is forever praised. Amen.
Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Unfortunately, Paul couldn't have put it better, the state of the world isn't a good one. Because of that, we're digging ourselves a deeper hole. We're replacing the void we've made with superficial relationships instead of true relationships. We're replacing the void with fleeting happiness instead of eternal joy.
And that's why I'd like to share this verse again, because if Christians spent enough time praying this with Paul, the world would be a better place.
"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." -Ephesians 3:17-19
If the world came to accept this perfect love, we would "be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." The void would be gone.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Ecclessiastes 11:9-12:1
Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgement. So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"
I know I said I was gonna through the Gospels.. but I'll be starting that Sunday when I get home for Winter Break. Anyway, this verse is so overlooked for youth these days, just as the importance of our youth is overlooked. And just as the importance of our youth is overlooked, the importance of urgency is overlooked.
I'm sick of hearing the excuse, "It's just what college kids do." A light shines brightest in the darkest places. This is our greatest place to shine as Christians.
Most everyone in college is looking for their identity, looking for the person we're going to be for the rest of our lives. It's pretty clear, peer pressure is greatest on a college campus. We are all more open to influence now then we will be for the rest of our lives.
Therefore, it's the most opportune time to turn someone to Christ, and display the joy that we have in Christ.
I'm asking you and I'm praying you will accept the urgency to live for Christ today; because if you truly believe God is giving you an eternity in heaven, giving him a hundred years on earth comes easily.
I know I said I was gonna through the Gospels.. but I'll be starting that Sunday when I get home for Winter Break. Anyway, this verse is so overlooked for youth these days, just as the importance of our youth is overlooked. And just as the importance of our youth is overlooked, the importance of urgency is overlooked.
I'm sick of hearing the excuse, "It's just what college kids do." A light shines brightest in the darkest places. This is our greatest place to shine as Christians.
Most everyone in college is looking for their identity, looking for the person we're going to be for the rest of our lives. It's pretty clear, peer pressure is greatest on a college campus. We are all more open to influence now then we will be for the rest of our lives.
Therefore, it's the most opportune time to turn someone to Christ, and display the joy that we have in Christ.
I'm asking you and I'm praying you will accept the urgency to live for Christ today; because if you truly believe God is giving you an eternity in heaven, giving him a hundred years on earth comes easily.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Shine Your Light On Us
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jib8_vjLvmY
As you can tell, it's 3:30 and I still have a lot of work to do. But I just listened to this song, and I'm completely refreshed. Next time you're struggling, give it a shot.
As you can tell, it's 3:30 and I still have a lot of work to do. But I just listened to this song, and I'm completely refreshed. Next time you're struggling, give it a shot.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Blow Away with the Breeze
Theres a world we've never seen
There's still hope between the dreams
The weight of it all
Could blow away with a breeze
-Jack Johnson, "All at Once"
In these weeks of stress, finishing up the semester and studying for exams, don't forget how fleeting this stress is. Don't forget the eternal joy we have in Christ.
There's still hope between the dreams
The weight of it all
Could blow away with a breeze
-Jack Johnson, "All at Once"
In these weeks of stress, finishing up the semester and studying for exams, don't forget how fleeting this stress is. Don't forget the eternal joy we have in Christ.
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