Tell me, for those of you who have brothers and sisters, when you grew up with them, did you communicate a lot? What I mean is, at least once a day in normal circumstances, did you not in some way communicate and in turn grow with your brother or sister? If for eighteen years, you grew up in the same house and even shared a room with your brother or sister however you never spoke a word to them or communicated with them and consequently never grew with them, could you really call them your brother or your sister?
However in the fellowship of believers, we all claim to have the same Father, and serve the same Lord, Christ Jesus. We also claim consequently to be in the same Family of Faith following Christ for all of our days here on Earth and Forever more. Therefore, we are considered the same family, brothers and sisters if you will, in the Faith.
Therefore, to grow together, we need to communicate together. This includes fellowship and discipleship. We must fellowship with one another because we are in the Faith together and should consider to surround ourselves with others who also strive to be like our Father. Discipleship is commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28, as we are to go and make disciples of all the nations, so that we may be like Christ and grow to be like Him together. So, are you in fellowship and discipleship?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Daily Reminder
When learning how to play a game such as golf, one will learn very quickly that it takes a lot of time and practice. Even after you finally learn how to properly grip the club, you still have more fundamentals to think through on every single stroke that you make.
On every shot, you must think of your stance, your grip, your club, your ball position, etc. while also thinking of how you need to hit the ball for that particular shot to make it to the green or keep it in the fairway. But what happens to those who have played golf for a while now and have finally mastered the fundamentals? What about the pro tour golfers who have played for years? What do they do when they arrive on the course?
They go through the fundamentals, still, on every shot. Their grip matters now just as much as it did when they were learning. You see, there was no true such thing as a "graduation" from the fundamentals.
] Just as, as Christians, there is no such thing as a "graduation" from the Gospel. Even after all of the things that God shows us in life, we are still to daily remember that Jesus Christ died on a Cross for our sins, and THAT AND THAT ALONE is the ONLY reason that we may be with the Father in the year. That is something not graduated from, so I urge you to remind yourself daily!
On every shot, you must think of your stance, your grip, your club, your ball position, etc. while also thinking of how you need to hit the ball for that particular shot to make it to the green or keep it in the fairway. But what happens to those who have played golf for a while now and have finally mastered the fundamentals? What about the pro tour golfers who have played for years? What do they do when they arrive on the course?
They go through the fundamentals, still, on every shot. Their grip matters now just as much as it did when they were learning. You see, there was no true such thing as a "graduation" from the fundamentals.
] Just as, as Christians, there is no such thing as a "graduation" from the Gospel. Even after all of the things that God shows us in life, we are still to daily remember that Jesus Christ died on a Cross for our sins, and THAT AND THAT ALONE is the ONLY reason that we may be with the Father in the year. That is something not graduated from, so I urge you to remind yourself daily!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Opportunity
I am saddened at heart to be the first to share this news if you have not heard it already today. However, at a high school in the state of Ohio, Chardon High School to be exact, there was a shooting by a student in which resulted in the death of a 17 year old male, and four others being wounded.
I do not and will not make inferences on why this happened, as in what was going on in the boys mind or the exact reason why God allowed this to happen, for they would only be inferences. However, there are multiple possibilities for those involved.
For example, the family of the wounded or the child that died could take this opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ, or they could do the worst thing possible, and shun God and seek revenge. However, I urge you, those who are in Christ, to take tragedies and hurts and use them as ministry. Jesus was nailed to a cross! However, you do not see Christians killing everyone else because Jesus was crucified.
We are told to turn the other cheek, not to seek revenge, for vengeance is for the Lord. So I urge you, in all situations, both big and small, see what opportunities are present to both be like and share Christ! Vengeance is of the Lord and the Lord only!
I do not and will not make inferences on why this happened, as in what was going on in the boys mind or the exact reason why God allowed this to happen, for they would only be inferences. However, there are multiple possibilities for those involved.
For example, the family of the wounded or the child that died could take this opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ, or they could do the worst thing possible, and shun God and seek revenge. However, I urge you, those who are in Christ, to take tragedies and hurts and use them as ministry. Jesus was nailed to a cross! However, you do not see Christians killing everyone else because Jesus was crucified.
We are told to turn the other cheek, not to seek revenge, for vengeance is for the Lord. So I urge you, in all situations, both big and small, see what opportunities are present to both be like and share Christ! Vengeance is of the Lord and the Lord only!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Getting Personal
Sometimes it is great to attend a giant concert! The music is absolutely blaring, and all of the fans are screaming at the top of their lungs, with the extra mile being achieved at a Christian Concert because the Glory of God is being exalted and His Glory being shown through the music.
After the concert, when the last note has been played, imagine that the band met every person in the crowd and shook their hand along with giving them an autograph. Therefore, everyone who attended the concert came forward and received a handshake and an autograph.
Could the people in the crowd REALLY say that they KNEW the band? Sure, they could go home and tell all of their friends that they shook their hand, but how much do they KNOW the band?
If someone only has attended church all of their life, yet never developed a personal relationship with God, can they really say that they KNOW Him? However, there are some that think that church is as far as Christianity goes. This is NOT true, Christ desire a personal relationship with Him! Without a relationship, there is no growth and transformation. How can you become like One that you do not Know? Take Christ beyond Church, its all about getting personal!
After the concert, when the last note has been played, imagine that the band met every person in the crowd and shook their hand along with giving them an autograph. Therefore, everyone who attended the concert came forward and received a handshake and an autograph.
Could the people in the crowd REALLY say that they KNEW the band? Sure, they could go home and tell all of their friends that they shook their hand, but how much do they KNOW the band?
If someone only has attended church all of their life, yet never developed a personal relationship with God, can they really say that they KNOW Him? However, there are some that think that church is as far as Christianity goes. This is NOT true, Christ desire a personal relationship with Him! Without a relationship, there is no growth and transformation. How can you become like One that you do not Know? Take Christ beyond Church, its all about getting personal!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Encouraging
The Power of Life and Death are in the tongue. Think about it, God created the entire world in seven days. But the Bible does not say that God sent a facebook message to the world telling it to create itself, or that God just wished the world existed and it magically did. No, God used words.
God SAID, "Let there be light, and there was light." God's Words put things into action. If you even asked a preacher what he called the Bible he might say the Word of God. Why, because the Word of God is what possesses the Power to Change. Changes situations, and lives.
If we are made in the Image of Christ, why then do we use our words with the power of Life and Death to tear other people down? Why must we used these things of such power and might to hurt others?
I encourage all of you to lead by example and use your words for the edification of others, building them up to become more like Christ, following His Word and Ways, instead of using them to break others.
So, I challenge you all, this weekend, to examine all that you say, and make sure that it lines up with the Word of God, encouraging others to become more like Christ!
God SAID, "Let there be light, and there was light." God's Words put things into action. If you even asked a preacher what he called the Bible he might say the Word of God. Why, because the Word of God is what possesses the Power to Change. Changes situations, and lives.
If we are made in the Image of Christ, why then do we use our words with the power of Life and Death to tear other people down? Why must we used these things of such power and might to hurt others?
I encourage all of you to lead by example and use your words for the edification of others, building them up to become more like Christ, following His Word and Ways, instead of using them to break others.
So, I challenge you all, this weekend, to examine all that you say, and make sure that it lines up with the Word of God, encouraging others to become more like Christ!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Friend
Let us take a journey, to an average American style high school. Most people know the run down of administration in an average public school. However, just in case that someone does not, here is the basic run down.
There are students, then teachers, then guidance counselors/ assisting administration, then assistant principals, and then the main principal, at least at the high school level. So basically at the top of the staff of the people actually on site daily, the principal is the highest.
So it would only make sense to try and make the principal more than just someone who makes decisions that affect you in various ways. What if the principal, the head person of the particular school, stated that they wanted to be more than just a decision maker, but your friend? Would you not take advantage of the opportunity to not just be a student, but a true friend to the principal of the school?
What more does it mean then if Jesus calls us friend? He is our King and Ruler and Creator of the Universe, and He wants to be our friend? Would we not be foolish to accept that? We can tell the Creator everything that we think and feel as if He was right there beside us? I beg of you, realize that God is our Ruler, but love the fact that He is our friend!
There are students, then teachers, then guidance counselors/ assisting administration, then assistant principals, and then the main principal, at least at the high school level. So basically at the top of the staff of the people actually on site daily, the principal is the highest.
So it would only make sense to try and make the principal more than just someone who makes decisions that affect you in various ways. What if the principal, the head person of the particular school, stated that they wanted to be more than just a decision maker, but your friend? Would you not take advantage of the opportunity to not just be a student, but a true friend to the principal of the school?
What more does it mean then if Jesus calls us friend? He is our King and Ruler and Creator of the Universe, and He wants to be our friend? Would we not be foolish to accept that? We can tell the Creator everything that we think and feel as if He was right there beside us? I beg of you, realize that God is our Ruler, but love the fact that He is our friend!
Not Meant to Be Alone
Have you ever attend a big band concert? Tell me, what do you see? You see plenty, maybe even millions, of fans screaming towards one goal, the lights moving all around, and the music blaring, right? And when you look on stage, you see the lead singer/ player with their instrument of choice, whether it be guitar or piano or whatever instrument they play.
Then you may notice something else. The leader may sing and play their instrument by themselves to start a song or two, but very shortly after, the entire band joins in to add to the sound. So now a song that started off soft can be as loud as it likes saying whatever it wants to because of the addition of all of the other instruments in the band.
This symbolizes our Christian race. Its true, alone we can make sweet praises to our God, giving Him the Glory and Honor, but we are also called to come together and give praises to our King, making one voice out of us all. This gathering is called Corporate Worship, where we give thanks and honor to the Lord together, and it is absolutely a necessity!
Then you may notice something else. The leader may sing and play their instrument by themselves to start a song or two, but very shortly after, the entire band joins in to add to the sound. So now a song that started off soft can be as loud as it likes saying whatever it wants to because of the addition of all of the other instruments in the band.
This symbolizes our Christian race. Its true, alone we can make sweet praises to our God, giving Him the Glory and Honor, but we are also called to come together and give praises to our King, making one voice out of us all. This gathering is called Corporate Worship, where we give thanks and honor to the Lord together, and it is absolutely a necessity!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Only Forward
I would like to tell the story of someone who received a well designed, grandly operated watch. It used the same kind of technology as the thousand dollar watches even though it was not one itself. Therefore when this person received this as a gift from a friend of their family, they were very grateful for they knew that they had been blessed.
Yet, because of the grand design, the recipient gladly used the next few days simply learning how to operate the timepiece. They had to look online a number of times as well as a mixture of pure experimentation to find the correct configurations to accomplish what they wanted.
However, no matter what they wanted to do, one thing always remained the same, when something was to be changed or set, the only direction that the watch would go was forward. To change the time: the hands must go forward. To set the alarm: The hands must go forward.
This is the way our Christian race should be, no such thing as backwards. Always moving forward in progression towards Christ Jesus. In every area of our lives, we should be pressing forward towards the Image of Christ, that we may share His Image with all of those around us.
Yet, because of the grand design, the recipient gladly used the next few days simply learning how to operate the timepiece. They had to look online a number of times as well as a mixture of pure experimentation to find the correct configurations to accomplish what they wanted.
However, no matter what they wanted to do, one thing always remained the same, when something was to be changed or set, the only direction that the watch would go was forward. To change the time: the hands must go forward. To set the alarm: The hands must go forward.
This is the way our Christian race should be, no such thing as backwards. Always moving forward in progression towards Christ Jesus. In every area of our lives, we should be pressing forward towards the Image of Christ, that we may share His Image with all of those around us.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Effects
Have you ever heard of the term "second hand smoking?" I am sure that most of you have and most of you know that one can still attain lung cancer and all of the possible effects from second hand smoking as one would picking a cigarette up themselves and going to town.
However the concept is still foreign to most, the concept of being around something dangerous having a negative effect on you. I've heard some say, "I am not the one who is smoking, so what is the point of avoiding second hand smoke? They are smoking not me."
Yet some of those who live by that philosophy end up with things like lung cancer and such and find out that it was because of second hand smoking. Spiritually, the concept of second hand harm, if you will, does apply.
This means that we much watch what we let into our spirits, the music that we listen to, the television shows that we watch, the conversations that we have, they all have effects on us, whether positive or negative. We must surround ourselves with the things of God so that the second hand effects are Godly things. Monitor your surroundings so that you will be surrounding by things that God would approve of!
However the concept is still foreign to most, the concept of being around something dangerous having a negative effect on you. I've heard some say, "I am not the one who is smoking, so what is the point of avoiding second hand smoke? They are smoking not me."
Yet some of those who live by that philosophy end up with things like lung cancer and such and find out that it was because of second hand smoking. Spiritually, the concept of second hand harm, if you will, does apply.
This means that we much watch what we let into our spirits, the music that we listen to, the television shows that we watch, the conversations that we have, they all have effects on us, whether positive or negative. We must surround ourselves with the things of God so that the second hand effects are Godly things. Monitor your surroundings so that you will be surrounding by things that God would approve of!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Reach
When cellular devices were first released, they were a huge advancement in technology. For the first time, the standard consumer could call their friends no matter where they were, and talk to have a conversation. They did not have to be at home or at a payphone to call their best friend or family member anymore.
However, for those first cell phone owners, and even the cell phone owners today, something was learned very quickly. You see, most likely out of excitement for the concept of talking from anywhere on the phone, people would go out to a middle of a field in the town of no where to use their phone, and realize that they have no signal. At that moment, consequently, there were not considered in reach.
However, God is ALWAYS in reach. ALWAYS! For those who do not know Him and have not received Christ as Lord and Savior as their life, although time is not guaranteed, God and His Saving Word are, so reach Him now!
For those who belong to the Savior, God is like the daddy who hears his little girl choking in her bedroom, and the daddy kicks everything out of the way just to get to his daughter, because she belongs to him! God hears us struggling with our sins and ourselves and comes running to our rescue, for those that belong to Him. Why? Because we belong to Him and God is ALWAYS in reach
However, for those first cell phone owners, and even the cell phone owners today, something was learned very quickly. You see, most likely out of excitement for the concept of talking from anywhere on the phone, people would go out to a middle of a field in the town of no where to use their phone, and realize that they have no signal. At that moment, consequently, there were not considered in reach.
However, God is ALWAYS in reach. ALWAYS! For those who do not know Him and have not received Christ as Lord and Savior as their life, although time is not guaranteed, God and His Saving Word are, so reach Him now!
For those who belong to the Savior, God is like the daddy who hears his little girl choking in her bedroom, and the daddy kicks everything out of the way just to get to his daughter, because she belongs to him! God hears us struggling with our sins and ourselves and comes running to our rescue, for those that belong to Him. Why? Because we belong to Him and God is ALWAYS in reach
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Nothing Else
With today's society, there is surely a constant advancement in technology, and especially cellular technology. I know we have all realized it. Every week, we look at the newspaper or on television and there is a new ad for a new cellphone, that is supposed to be better than all of the rest. The latest and greatest so to speak.
For example, we will use the iPhone. When the new iPhone 4s came out, everyone wanted one. In fact, if I am not mistaking, the iPhone 4s has become the number one selling iPhone outselling the iPhone 3gs and the Original iPhone!
Why do I say this, because people bought the iPhone because it was, and still is, unique and different than any other phone out there. It only has one button on the front of the phone and a few around the shell. At the time the iPhone was first released, this was quite unorthodox. However, even though this phone was and is so "unique", millions have been sold since the release.
However what if I told you that there was something out there much more magnificent and unique than the iPhone, so much so that it wasnt created, He created everything, and there was only one? Well good news, the One I am describing does exist, and His name is Jesus Christ. He is Holy and Righteous and Magnificent beyond the magnitude of any word I know. So the question beckons, do YOU know Him?
For example, we will use the iPhone. When the new iPhone 4s came out, everyone wanted one. In fact, if I am not mistaking, the iPhone 4s has become the number one selling iPhone outselling the iPhone 3gs and the Original iPhone!
Why do I say this, because people bought the iPhone because it was, and still is, unique and different than any other phone out there. It only has one button on the front of the phone and a few around the shell. At the time the iPhone was first released, this was quite unorthodox. However, even though this phone was and is so "unique", millions have been sold since the release.
However what if I told you that there was something out there much more magnificent and unique than the iPhone, so much so that it wasnt created, He created everything, and there was only one? Well good news, the One I am describing does exist, and His name is Jesus Christ. He is Holy and Righteous and Magnificent beyond the magnitude of any word I know. So the question beckons, do YOU know Him?
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Imitator of Christ
I remember growing up with I used to watch a movie entitled Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. In my opinion, this was an excellent movie with great action and suspense, yet an easy to understand story line. However, I bring this movie up because it had a hero. The classic battle of good versus evil.
The hero was an excellent swordsman who seemed to be very wise, yet mighty in battle. He could sense every waking move of his opponent, and paralyze people with his bare hands. The point is, this guy was phenomenal. So, for the next few weeks, I went around pretending to be this guy.
Every day after school, I would go behind our couch in the living room and pretend to fight battles with evil swordsmen in an ancient Chinese empire, saving all of the citizens from the evil. I saw characteristics in this hero of the movie, and wanted to imitate them.
If this was a movie, how much more then should we strive to imitate to perfect characteristics of Christ! He who loves all and shows compassion and understanding in concordance to the PERFECT Will of the Father. What areas of your life may not imitate Christ? He is the Perfect One, the Ultimate Hero, let us strive to imitate Him in all that we do.
The hero was an excellent swordsman who seemed to be very wise, yet mighty in battle. He could sense every waking move of his opponent, and paralyze people with his bare hands. The point is, this guy was phenomenal. So, for the next few weeks, I went around pretending to be this guy.
Every day after school, I would go behind our couch in the living room and pretend to fight battles with evil swordsmen in an ancient Chinese empire, saving all of the citizens from the evil. I saw characteristics in this hero of the movie, and wanted to imitate them.
If this was a movie, how much more then should we strive to imitate to perfect characteristics of Christ! He who loves all and shows compassion and understanding in concordance to the PERFECT Will of the Father. What areas of your life may not imitate Christ? He is the Perfect One, the Ultimate Hero, let us strive to imitate Him in all that we do.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Bus Driver
If any of you have ever ridden on a school bus, you know that the route is pretty repetitive on a weekly basis. Every day of the week, for the most part, the same route is taken. The same children are picked up and dropped off to their homes in the same order at hopefully the same times every day.
In a system like this, one hopes that this is always the case so that the children can know what is going on at all times. What I mean by this is that the children always know the next road that they are going down, and what time they will be picked up and arrive home. The reason: a reliable bus driver.
However, every blue moon, to change things up, the driver will take a different route. I know from my experience that this usually gets all of the students on the bus into a frenzy. The children's voices are raised as they ask the bus driver where they are going. However, inside, they know that the bus driver knows best, he knows the roads like the back of his hand and they have no problem putting their trust in his hands.
How much more then should we, God's children, put our trust in the hands of the One who guides our bus, Jesus Christ, who knows the roads much better than we do? God is Sovereign and makes all tings work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. So the question beckons, do you trust the Ultimate Bus Driver?
In a system like this, one hopes that this is always the case so that the children can know what is going on at all times. What I mean by this is that the children always know the next road that they are going down, and what time they will be picked up and arrive home. The reason: a reliable bus driver.
However, every blue moon, to change things up, the driver will take a different route. I know from my experience that this usually gets all of the students on the bus into a frenzy. The children's voices are raised as they ask the bus driver where they are going. However, inside, they know that the bus driver knows best, he knows the roads like the back of his hand and they have no problem putting their trust in his hands.
How much more then should we, God's children, put our trust in the hands of the One who guides our bus, Jesus Christ, who knows the roads much better than we do? God is Sovereign and makes all tings work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. So the question beckons, do you trust the Ultimate Bus Driver?
Sunday, February 12, 2012
No Cover- Ups
For those who do not know, I am a crazy soccer fanatic. Well, dull that down to just a moderate soccer fan. Either way, the point is that I love soccer. So much so that I used to play every chance that I would get. My friends would call me up and we would go to different venues and play the world's favorite sport.
So one day, in the spirit of trying something new, we traveled to an indoor soccer field to play. It was a very chaotic time because right next to us was an indoor volleyball high school tournament. However, this was the first time that I had played indoor soccer at a competitive level. Sure, for leisure, I had played many times, but not to actually win.
Therefore, I did not know of the rule not to slide. However that day, I did learn it, and I learned it well. Needless to say, I slid, and slid hard. My knee bled badly, even though at first I did not feel it at all. So two days later, I had to go to school, and while everyone else wore shorts because of the summer heat, I wore pants because my knee was still bruised pretty badly.
Just because I wore pants, was the bruise gone? NO! You see, just because one covers something up does not mean it is not there. That is why God deals with our hearts, where we cannot cover anything up. God knows our hearts, so we should continually ask Him to search our hearts so that they may be pure and pleasing to Him. God goes for the heart, not the cover ups we attempt in every day life! Lord, Search our Hearts!
So one day, in the spirit of trying something new, we traveled to an indoor soccer field to play. It was a very chaotic time because right next to us was an indoor volleyball high school tournament. However, this was the first time that I had played indoor soccer at a competitive level. Sure, for leisure, I had played many times, but not to actually win.
Therefore, I did not know of the rule not to slide. However that day, I did learn it, and I learned it well. Needless to say, I slid, and slid hard. My knee bled badly, even though at first I did not feel it at all. So two days later, I had to go to school, and while everyone else wore shorts because of the summer heat, I wore pants because my knee was still bruised pretty badly.
Just because I wore pants, was the bruise gone? NO! You see, just because one covers something up does not mean it is not there. That is why God deals with our hearts, where we cannot cover anything up. God knows our hearts, so we should continually ask Him to search our hearts so that they may be pure and pleasing to Him. God goes for the heart, not the cover ups we attempt in every day life! Lord, Search our Hearts!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
In Its Entirety
2 Corinthians 5.21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
What if I said that this was the story of the world? What if I said that this was it, that this is why us Christians worship how we worship, act how we act, say what we say, and believe what we believe? What if I said that this verse of the Bible, the perfect Word of God, explains how we can come to God in the end of the ages? What if I told you this verse explains how we may be with God for absolute eternity? Well guess what, that is EXACTLY what I am telling you!
This verse comes from a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Church of Corinth. This verse is exclaiming that Jesus came down to Earth and died on a cross and rose again three days later, so that those who call on Him and believe in His Name shall become saved from the wrath of God for the sins that we have committed against Him, and therefore we will be able to be with God for eternity for our sin shall no longer separate us from Christ. This is our life as Christians! This is our hope! This is our Salvation! And we believe every word of it!
What if I said that this was the story of the world? What if I said that this was it, that this is why us Christians worship how we worship, act how we act, say what we say, and believe what we believe? What if I said that this verse of the Bible, the perfect Word of God, explains how we can come to God in the end of the ages? What if I told you this verse explains how we may be with God for absolute eternity? Well guess what, that is EXACTLY what I am telling you!
This verse comes from a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Church of Corinth. This verse is exclaiming that Jesus came down to Earth and died on a cross and rose again three days later, so that those who call on Him and believe in His Name shall become saved from the wrath of God for the sins that we have committed against Him, and therefore we will be able to be with God for eternity for our sin shall no longer separate us from Christ. This is our life as Christians! This is our hope! This is our Salvation! And we believe every word of it!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Therefore
2 Corinthians 5.17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
I still remember my mother telling me of stories of when she first learned how to drive and the period immediately following the acquisition of her drivers license. During her time of learning how to drive, one story stands out above all of the rest to me. That is the story of the turn.
She thought that theoretically, the accelerator should be engaged during a turn, because, again theoretically, since the front wheels were now turned, the car would lose velocity. However, anyone who has ever driven a turn knows that this theory does not quite work out on the road. Thankfully, if I remember correctly, she was in driver's education class when this happened and therefore did not cause any damage to anyone or the car.
However, she nor i will never forget not to push the accelerator during a turn. You see, once she learned that, something changed in her mind to where she wont mash the accelerator during the turn again. When we are in Christ, something changes to where we are a new creation, not wanting to dabble with the corrupt sin of our past. For the old has come, the new is here. If you are a new creation in Christ, I urge you to continue to progress forward, in every area of your relationship with Christ, for again, the NEW IS HERE!
I still remember my mother telling me of stories of when she first learned how to drive and the period immediately following the acquisition of her drivers license. During her time of learning how to drive, one story stands out above all of the rest to me. That is the story of the turn.
She thought that theoretically, the accelerator should be engaged during a turn, because, again theoretically, since the front wheels were now turned, the car would lose velocity. However, anyone who has ever driven a turn knows that this theory does not quite work out on the road. Thankfully, if I remember correctly, she was in driver's education class when this happened and therefore did not cause any damage to anyone or the car.
However, she nor i will never forget not to push the accelerator during a turn. You see, once she learned that, something changed in her mind to where she wont mash the accelerator during the turn again. When we are in Christ, something changes to where we are a new creation, not wanting to dabble with the corrupt sin of our past. For the old has come, the new is here. If you are a new creation in Christ, I urge you to continue to progress forward, in every area of your relationship with Christ, for again, the NEW IS HERE!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
In the Family
In my life, I can truly say that there are many things that I have done, especially to my mom, that were worthy of great apology. For example, when I first hit my teenage years, I would yell at my mother for no reason whatsoever, a lot. I just wanted control. But that was not the point. The point was that at times, I was extremely disrespectful even though she showed me love and acceptance and what I did was worthy of apology.
She continually forgave me time and time again. Because I was and am her son. And I forever will be. So when she looked at me, she didnt hear my apology as some random person on the street apologizing, but she saw me as her son, something of hers apologizing from the heart with the intention of not doing it again.
When you have accepted Christ and have become a disciple of His, you are a part of the family. The Son of God dwells in you and you abide in Him! You are His child. So when He looks at you, He does not just see one of 7 billion people, but He hears His son calling on Him for forgiveness with the intention of not doing it again, working towards stopping their sin. Therefore God, because He has no problem recognizing you, has no problem forgiving you, for you are truly His. Praise God!
She continually forgave me time and time again. Because I was and am her son. And I forever will be. So when she looked at me, she didnt hear my apology as some random person on the street apologizing, but she saw me as her son, something of hers apologizing from the heart with the intention of not doing it again.
When you have accepted Christ and have become a disciple of His, you are a part of the family. The Son of God dwells in you and you abide in Him! You are His child. So when He looks at you, He does not just see one of 7 billion people, but He hears His son calling on Him for forgiveness with the intention of not doing it again, working towards stopping their sin. Therefore God, because He has no problem recognizing you, has no problem forgiving you, for you are truly His. Praise God!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Who Knows? He Does
Every since I can remember, my mom would always tell me to do a variety of things that I just not want to do, such as cleaning my room, making my bed, doing my homework and such, and I would always wonder why. Therefore, I would reluctantly eventually do what I was told, just so that I would not get into trouble and get something taken away from me as a consequence.
However now that I look back on it, I was told to do those things because my mother knew things that I did not. For example: She told me to do my homework before watching television to instill a sense of urgency toward my education. As a benefit, now that I am a senior in high school, my homework is always completed and on time. If not, it is not intentional. The point is however that my mom knew things that I did not understand and she knew what was best.
When God tells us to do something, we should not be hesitant, for the same concept is shared. God knows things that we do not understand, even about us, Therefore, we should, no we MUST listen to the Lord and obey, whether we fully understand or not, He is God and He Knows All!
However now that I look back on it, I was told to do those things because my mother knew things that I did not. For example: She told me to do my homework before watching television to instill a sense of urgency toward my education. As a benefit, now that I am a senior in high school, my homework is always completed and on time. If not, it is not intentional. The point is however that my mom knew things that I did not understand and she knew what was best.
When God tells us to do something, we should not be hesitant, for the same concept is shared. God knows things that we do not understand, even about us, Therefore, we should, no we MUST listen to the Lord and obey, whether we fully understand or not, He is God and He Knows All!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
You Know the Outcome!
Im sure that most of the people that read this blog probably watched the Super Bowl last night. If you did, you may or may not have had a preference or a hope of a specific team to win the game. But lets take a more general look at the epic game.
There were two teams that took the field. They showed the same colors, but they wore different uniforms to tell them apart. Each side had the same amount of players on the field (for the most part) at any given time during gameplay. There were probably many pools going on during the game based on past performance of these teams. However, when it comes down to it, absolutely no one but God knew who was going to win this game in the end.
BUT, in life there are two teams. No, not Patriots and Giants, but Good vs. Evil. Spiritual warfare everyday! Whats the difference? With Christ, you already know which side is going to claim victory! For if God is for you, who can be against you? If you have Christ, you know your team has victory in the Ultimate Super Bowl of Life! You know the outcome! For when you have Jesus, you have won!!
There were two teams that took the field. They showed the same colors, but they wore different uniforms to tell them apart. Each side had the same amount of players on the field (for the most part) at any given time during gameplay. There were probably many pools going on during the game based on past performance of these teams. However, when it comes down to it, absolutely no one but God knew who was going to win this game in the end.
BUT, in life there are two teams. No, not Patriots and Giants, but Good vs. Evil. Spiritual warfare everyday! Whats the difference? With Christ, you already know which side is going to claim victory! For if God is for you, who can be against you? If you have Christ, you know your team has victory in the Ultimate Super Bowl of Life! You know the outcome! For when you have Jesus, you have won!!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
1 and Only 1
There are many ways to do alot of things. For example, people used to dry clothing after washing it by hanging it on a clothing line outside and the clothing would air dry. Another example is when people used to pick up the phone and talk to the operator, who would then dial the number that the person was trying to reach for them.
However, in modern times, we put simply toss our clothing into the dryer to dry them, and dial the number of our desire ourselves to call them. So since those times, people have discovered new, different ways to do things.
However, no matter how long you tried, you could not put your clothes in the sink with the water on and dry them. No matter how hard you believed you could, or how long you waited, it would not happen. Here is what I mean. I attend Dorman High School. I believe that it is the second largest high school in the state of South Carolina. The cafeteria is located in the middle of the school, towards the back. So, if you were on a extreme side of the school, and you walked away from the middle, no matter how much you believed that you would arrive there, you would never arrive at the cafeteria, because there is only one way there. Only one way.
No matter how hard you want to believe its not true, there is only one way to God. No matter what anyone else has told you, that one way is only through Jesus Christ. See, He died on a cross for our sins so that we may come to the Father in the end. He is the ONLY way to God. You can go in any other direction for as long as you like, but it will not lead to the Father. The 1 on only 1 way to God is Jesus!
However, in modern times, we put simply toss our clothing into the dryer to dry them, and dial the number of our desire ourselves to call them. So since those times, people have discovered new, different ways to do things.
However, no matter how long you tried, you could not put your clothes in the sink with the water on and dry them. No matter how hard you believed you could, or how long you waited, it would not happen. Here is what I mean. I attend Dorman High School. I believe that it is the second largest high school in the state of South Carolina. The cafeteria is located in the middle of the school, towards the back. So, if you were on a extreme side of the school, and you walked away from the middle, no matter how much you believed that you would arrive there, you would never arrive at the cafeteria, because there is only one way there. Only one way.
No matter how hard you want to believe its not true, there is only one way to God. No matter what anyone else has told you, that one way is only through Jesus Christ. See, He died on a cross for our sins so that we may come to the Father in the end. He is the ONLY way to God. You can go in any other direction for as long as you like, but it will not lead to the Father. The 1 on only 1 way to God is Jesus!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Not Just Desire
With more age comes more privileges. However with more privileges comes more responsibility. For example, with a car, a privilege, comes the responsibility to now put gas into this car and pay insurance on this car and check the oil and transmission and such, however, you can now willing get from point A to point B.
So let us continue to use the car as the example. You drive your call all week. Your oil is in great condition and everything about your car is working fine. Yet, it is now the end of the week and it is time for you to put some more gas in that vehicle.
So here is the thing, no matter how much of a desire or want that I have for gas to be in that car, gas will not be in that car unless someone puts gas into that car. I can not simply wish for it and it be there, no matter how hard i clinch my fist and close my eyes, it simply does not come from my desires.
Salvation is the exact same way. One cannot just wish themselves saved. They cannot wish themselves as a good person and one that will go to Heaven when this life is over. NO! Salvation only comes through Christ Jesus, accepting Him as your Lord and Savior over your life. That is the only way. You cannot wish yourself saved, salvation is only through Christ, and salvation is here!!
So let us continue to use the car as the example. You drive your call all week. Your oil is in great condition and everything about your car is working fine. Yet, it is now the end of the week and it is time for you to put some more gas in that vehicle.
So here is the thing, no matter how much of a desire or want that I have for gas to be in that car, gas will not be in that car unless someone puts gas into that car. I can not simply wish for it and it be there, no matter how hard i clinch my fist and close my eyes, it simply does not come from my desires.
Salvation is the exact same way. One cannot just wish themselves saved. They cannot wish themselves as a good person and one that will go to Heaven when this life is over. NO! Salvation only comes through Christ Jesus, accepting Him as your Lord and Savior over your life. That is the only way. You cannot wish yourself saved, salvation is only through Christ, and salvation is here!!
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