HAPPY THURSDAY!
Today's scriptures are about having self-control. I’ve learned to adopt this concept: “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt 7:12 NAS) Jesus gave us this command to help us be better individuals. We should see ourselves as a reflection of Christ, because we are created in His image. Jesus was a Man who walked uprightly, and was kind to everyone He encountered, not because He had to, but because He loved everyone, and wanted to show God through His actions. Nothing He did was in vain, and He took pride in knowing that just by being obedient, He was literally saving all mankind from destruction and eternal death. We should take on that same burden, knowing that our actions could easily bring life or death to people. If we’re claiming to be Christians, we’re taking on the responsibilities of Christ. We’re disciples, and not only are we required to love each other, but we’re required to share His love, and teach His commandments. However, how could we adequately teach something if we aren’t practicing it? It’s written: It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. (Hebrews 6:4-8 NIV) Wow, Paul laid it all out for us right here, and in an “as a matter of fact” way. What Paul is saying is that it is impossible, once you’ve received the Holy Spirit, and have experienced the love of God, for you to live like a person who isn’t saved. If you do, it’s like crucifying Jesus all over again. Imagine how bad Jesus must feel when He’s in Heaven fighting for you, and you disgrace His Name? It is so important that we practice self-control in our Faith walk, because we are not only adding sins to our soul, but we’re pretty much worthless to the Kingdom of God. God has cleansed us with the blood of His only Son, to sow His love into us, and when we aren’t reaping, then we’re in jeopardy of falling by the wayside. It’s important to seek the Kingdom of God, commit to submitting to His will, and try our best to be obedient. When we’re doing those things, we’re sure to be wonderful representatives of Christ. We must “practice what we preach”, because we can do more harm to people’s Spiritual wellbeing by being dishonest, than anything else. We cannot live by the “do as I say, not as I do” mentally. We must lead by example, and there are so many lost sheep that are in need of leadership. They’re looking to those of us who confess Christ as Lord as their guide. How could I try to convince you to only eat McDonalds, because it’s the healthiest choice, but you only see me eat Burger King? We cannot convince these Spiritually lost and confused people that God is the only way to go, and condemn them for the lifestyles that they lead, if we lead those same lifestyles as well. We may not lead them as often, or as blatant as them, but we still lead them. This goes right back to the “treat people the way you want to be treated” moral value. You expect to be able to trust your teachers, or the people who are supposed to be showing you the love of God, so you must truly live like Christ, so that people will also trust you. Give yourself completely to God, and never look back. If you can do as Jesus commanded the “Rich Man”, and give up all that you have, [meaning the sinful and wicked ways you’ve become accustomed to], and follow Him, you’ll forever be in God’s good graces. As humans we’re comfortable with what we know, and when we’re asked to step out of our comfort zone, and trust something new and foreign, it’s sometimes hard to do. However, God is asking you to do your best to control your flesh, by changing your surroundings, praying without ceasing, and yearning for His Word. This allows your light to shine brighter with each day, and that light will help lead more and more people home to Christ. If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, or aren’t sure of your Salvation, take Dr. Stanley’s God Quiz today! My favorite verses today are: Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (I Corinthians 9:25-27 NIV)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455337&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
PS
Showing posts with label disciples. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disciples. Show all posts
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY FRIDAY!
Today's scriptures are about our individual duties as servants of the Lord. We are commanded to be good stewards of the Lord. God blesses each of us with individual gifts and talents, which are meant to work together, to somehow benefit the strengthening of His Kingdom. Hard work is something that is instilled within us, starting with the work of Moses, and through the life of Jesus and His disciples. Jesus worked tirelessly for God, and made sure all of His time was committed to fellowship, and teaching the Word. We each are "ministers" in our own right, because we have a story to tell. God makes sure He instills His wisdom within all believers, and the Holy Spirit gives us everything we need to hone, use, and perfect our talents. Ministry isn't only comprised of being in the pulpit preaching, but could be a number of things. Anything in a positive form, that teaches the love of God, is considered a ministry. My church is a "Disciples of Christ" denomination, and we have a number of different ministries. We have the fun ministry, a ministry that feeds the homeless, children’s ministry, seed ministry, and the sick and shut-in ministry, just to name a few. It's written: And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matt. 25:18-20) This is Jesus' commandment to all of us, and He meant for us to make His presence known throughout the world, and whatever you feel is the best way for you to do that is okay. If it makes you feel good in your heart, follow that path, because God has laid it out for you. My heart is grieved when I read the news, and different gossip blog sites, because so many are lost. Very few know the truth about life, salvation, or Jesus Christ. Everyone's preoccupied with money, fashion, fame, drugs, alcohol, and lust. The only way the next generation will be able to change is if we form our ministries, and take our duties as disciples, or stewards, seriously. It's up to each individual, because we have an obligation, as followers of Christ, to do so. Do you think I always want to write these e-mails daily? Sometimes I'm not motivated or inspired, and just want to skip it, but there's something inside of me that keeps me going. It's my responsibility to God, and to those of you who rely on His word through my e-mails. It's my ministry, which is a seed that was planted three years ago by God, has been watered, pruned, and cared for by the Holy Spirit, through me. It will continue to grow, as long as I stay true to my calling. There's no better reward than to do what God called you to do. The long nights and cramped fingers don't matter, because I get a greater reward in Heaven. Paul wrote: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2) When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we begin this renewal process, where we die to our old sinful self, and are reborn as Holy children of God. In that transformation, we'll go through refinement, cleansing, and as we grow, we'll be given different tasks. These tasks are unique to each individual, though some may seem similar. For example, I've known since I was in kindergarten that I was supposed to teach in some sort of way. Teaching is very much my passion, but I've avoided it for a long time. However, I should've been asking God, what and how I'm supposed to teach. Now that I'm moving toward that path, I feel more at peace, and have an immense inner joy. I want you to reach deep down within yourself, and think about your passion, and what brings your joy. Do you feel like you're fulfilled in your life, or that you're making a difference, if even to just one or two people? God has clearly laid out a path for each of us, and it's up to us to seek out His will, and be open when He calls. There are times that we're meant to just sit, learn, and build our faith, but ultimately, we're created to be stewards for the Lord. If you don't have a personal relationship with Christ, you cannot be an adequate disciple, or build a strong ministry. You may not want to accept it, but that's what we're each called to do. Establish a strong bond with Jesus, and He'll work out the rest. He's a prayer away, and I'll be happy to pray with you if you need help. My favorite verse today is: As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455282&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
Today's scriptures are about our individual duties as servants of the Lord. We are commanded to be good stewards of the Lord. God blesses each of us with individual gifts and talents, which are meant to work together, to somehow benefit the strengthening of His Kingdom. Hard work is something that is instilled within us, starting with the work of Moses, and through the life of Jesus and His disciples. Jesus worked tirelessly for God, and made sure all of His time was committed to fellowship, and teaching the Word. We each are "ministers" in our own right, because we have a story to tell. God makes sure He instills His wisdom within all believers, and the Holy Spirit gives us everything we need to hone, use, and perfect our talents. Ministry isn't only comprised of being in the pulpit preaching, but could be a number of things. Anything in a positive form, that teaches the love of God, is considered a ministry. My church is a "Disciples of Christ" denomination, and we have a number of different ministries. We have the fun ministry, a ministry that feeds the homeless, children’s ministry, seed ministry, and the sick and shut-in ministry, just to name a few. It's written: And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matt. 25:18-20) This is Jesus' commandment to all of us, and He meant for us to make His presence known throughout the world, and whatever you feel is the best way for you to do that is okay. If it makes you feel good in your heart, follow that path, because God has laid it out for you. My heart is grieved when I read the news, and different gossip blog sites, because so many are lost. Very few know the truth about life, salvation, or Jesus Christ. Everyone's preoccupied with money, fashion, fame, drugs, alcohol, and lust. The only way the next generation will be able to change is if we form our ministries, and take our duties as disciples, or stewards, seriously. It's up to each individual, because we have an obligation, as followers of Christ, to do so. Do you think I always want to write these e-mails daily? Sometimes I'm not motivated or inspired, and just want to skip it, but there's something inside of me that keeps me going. It's my responsibility to God, and to those of you who rely on His word through my e-mails. It's my ministry, which is a seed that was planted three years ago by God, has been watered, pruned, and cared for by the Holy Spirit, through me. It will continue to grow, as long as I stay true to my calling. There's no better reward than to do what God called you to do. The long nights and cramped fingers don't matter, because I get a greater reward in Heaven. Paul wrote: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2) When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we begin this renewal process, where we die to our old sinful self, and are reborn as Holy children of God. In that transformation, we'll go through refinement, cleansing, and as we grow, we'll be given different tasks. These tasks are unique to each individual, though some may seem similar. For example, I've known since I was in kindergarten that I was supposed to teach in some sort of way. Teaching is very much my passion, but I've avoided it for a long time. However, I should've been asking God, what and how I'm supposed to teach. Now that I'm moving toward that path, I feel more at peace, and have an immense inner joy. I want you to reach deep down within yourself, and think about your passion, and what brings your joy. Do you feel like you're fulfilled in your life, or that you're making a difference, if even to just one or two people? God has clearly laid out a path for each of us, and it's up to us to seek out His will, and be open when He calls. There are times that we're meant to just sit, learn, and build our faith, but ultimately, we're created to be stewards for the Lord. If you don't have a personal relationship with Christ, you cannot be an adequate disciple, or build a strong ministry. You may not want to accept it, but that's what we're each called to do. Establish a strong bond with Jesus, and He'll work out the rest. He's a prayer away, and I'll be happy to pray with you if you need help. My favorite verse today is: As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455282&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY THURSDAY!
It seems like there isn’t enough time to accomplish all I need to accomplish, in one day. I need to learn how to focus on one thing at a time. I heard a preacher say recently, "The enemy of accomplishing one goal is another goal". He mentioned an article he read about Thomas Edison, and the creation the light bulb. Mr. Edison didn't think he was smarter than everyone else, but he maintained his focus on one thing, day in and day out, until he mastered it. He was never down about his many failures, but he said that they gave him ideas on what to try differently the next time. I thought that was so profound, considering what I'm struggling with right now. I think faith and optimism go hand and hand, and even babies fall down numerous times before they’re able balance themselves and walk. If you're in the process of soul searching, and making some life changes, take the one thing that interest you the most, and focus on that, until you perfect it, then move on to the next thing. I hope this helps someone other than me, I write by the Spirit so someone needs to hear it. Enjoy your evening, and be blessed family!
Today's scriptures are about keeping our focus on the things above. Focus seems to be the new theme in my life lately, because I know firsthand, that when I lose focus, calamity breaks loose. If you're anything like me, which I think most people are, you have to make a conscious effort to stay focused on the task at hand. To live like Jesus requires complete focus on God, and the Kingdom of Heaven. If we aren't focused, we'll easily be swayed by evil. Remember Jesus said: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matt. 7:13-14) This is reminds me of the famous circus act, the tight rope. In order to avoid distractions, while walking on this thin piece of rope, many feet in the air, the tight rope walker must maintain a point of focus. If he takes his eyes off of that focal point, he'll fall. He must have confidence in his ability to keep his balance, as well as in the apparatus he works with. When we initially start on our faith walk with God, that narrow path Jesus was talking about, is similar to a tight rope. The distractions of the world are many, and if we lose our focus on the Kingdom of God, we will backslide. As we grow, it gets easier and easier to stay that path. In order to maintain a good level of focus, we must develop discipline. After all you can't have focus without discipline. Jesus constantly preached about denying yourself, and following Him. After a long days work, we don't always want to come home and read the bible, or spend time in prayer and meditation, because we're tired. On Sunday mornings, after a long Saturday, we don't always want to get up and go to Church, we’d rather sleep in. When someone has hurts us, we don't always feel like turning the other cheek, we want to hurt them in return. Christianity isn't all about blessings and gifts, it requires real work. To focus on anything requires real work, let alone trying to be a disciple of Christ. Did you know that you're a Disciple? Jesus commanded us to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19). Think about the twelve who walked with Him, and the amount of dedication, discipline, and focus they showed. Read any book in the New Testament and learn the ways of John, Peter, Luke, Judas, Stephen, Paul, and the others. All of these men served Jesus up until the day they took their last breath; well after Jesus went on to sit at the right hand of God. They never took their focus off of Heaven, which allowed them to endure life, lead, and help save so many souls. Their lives have an impact on each of us today, and will continue, way after us. That couldn't have happened had they took their focus off of God. We should always keep in mind that this life is temporary, and we will pass on some day, so we're not only working to enjoy life here on earth, but for all eternity. When we look at the people who are not saved, their lives may seem glamorous and fun, but in the end they're empty and lost. It’s our job to help get them on the right path, but we can’t if we’re not focused, it’s like “the blind leading the blind”. It's written: Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off. (Prov. 23: 17-18) I'm begging you to take some time and reevaluate what's most important in your life. If you wrote a list of your life's goals, where would God fall on that list? If God isn't number one then you need to change your focus. The only way to do that is by Salvation through Jesus Christ. Through Jesus you receive the Holy Spirit, and when you focus on His words, and following His lead, you're on the right path. My favorite verses today are: We faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory: while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455260&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
It seems like there isn’t enough time to accomplish all I need to accomplish, in one day. I need to learn how to focus on one thing at a time. I heard a preacher say recently, "The enemy of accomplishing one goal is another goal". He mentioned an article he read about Thomas Edison, and the creation the light bulb. Mr. Edison didn't think he was smarter than everyone else, but he maintained his focus on one thing, day in and day out, until he mastered it. He was never down about his many failures, but he said that they gave him ideas on what to try differently the next time. I thought that was so profound, considering what I'm struggling with right now. I think faith and optimism go hand and hand, and even babies fall down numerous times before they’re able balance themselves and walk. If you're in the process of soul searching, and making some life changes, take the one thing that interest you the most, and focus on that, until you perfect it, then move on to the next thing. I hope this helps someone other than me, I write by the Spirit so someone needs to hear it. Enjoy your evening, and be blessed family!
Today's scriptures are about keeping our focus on the things above. Focus seems to be the new theme in my life lately, because I know firsthand, that when I lose focus, calamity breaks loose. If you're anything like me, which I think most people are, you have to make a conscious effort to stay focused on the task at hand. To live like Jesus requires complete focus on God, and the Kingdom of Heaven. If we aren't focused, we'll easily be swayed by evil. Remember Jesus said: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matt. 7:13-14) This is reminds me of the famous circus act, the tight rope. In order to avoid distractions, while walking on this thin piece of rope, many feet in the air, the tight rope walker must maintain a point of focus. If he takes his eyes off of that focal point, he'll fall. He must have confidence in his ability to keep his balance, as well as in the apparatus he works with. When we initially start on our faith walk with God, that narrow path Jesus was talking about, is similar to a tight rope. The distractions of the world are many, and if we lose our focus on the Kingdom of God, we will backslide. As we grow, it gets easier and easier to stay that path. In order to maintain a good level of focus, we must develop discipline. After all you can't have focus without discipline. Jesus constantly preached about denying yourself, and following Him. After a long days work, we don't always want to come home and read the bible, or spend time in prayer and meditation, because we're tired. On Sunday mornings, after a long Saturday, we don't always want to get up and go to Church, we’d rather sleep in. When someone has hurts us, we don't always feel like turning the other cheek, we want to hurt them in return. Christianity isn't all about blessings and gifts, it requires real work. To focus on anything requires real work, let alone trying to be a disciple of Christ. Did you know that you're a Disciple? Jesus commanded us to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19). Think about the twelve who walked with Him, and the amount of dedication, discipline, and focus they showed. Read any book in the New Testament and learn the ways of John, Peter, Luke, Judas, Stephen, Paul, and the others. All of these men served Jesus up until the day they took their last breath; well after Jesus went on to sit at the right hand of God. They never took their focus off of Heaven, which allowed them to endure life, lead, and help save so many souls. Their lives have an impact on each of us today, and will continue, way after us. That couldn't have happened had they took their focus off of God. We should always keep in mind that this life is temporary, and we will pass on some day, so we're not only working to enjoy life here on earth, but for all eternity. When we look at the people who are not saved, their lives may seem glamorous and fun, but in the end they're empty and lost. It’s our job to help get them on the right path, but we can’t if we’re not focused, it’s like “the blind leading the blind”. It's written: Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off. (Prov. 23: 17-18) I'm begging you to take some time and reevaluate what's most important in your life. If you wrote a list of your life's goals, where would God fall on that list? If God isn't number one then you need to change your focus. The only way to do that is by Salvation through Jesus Christ. Through Jesus you receive the Holy Spirit, and when you focus on His words, and following His lead, you're on the right path. My favorite verses today are: We faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory: while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455260&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
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