Background Miracles
Acts 2:42-43 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles."
Now we are a team of 18 interns serving here in fellowship and such. However, this passage is speaking of the 3,000 new converts! Over 3,000 people sharing bread and in prayer! Not to mention later in the text more were being added daily! Also, as they fellowship with each other, the apostles did signs and wonders! So a lot of cool things were happening all at once! I believe this kind of stuff happens today as well. Even though I may not see it or hear of it. It could be going on right now in Africa, India, Russia, or anywhere else on the planet. God does things in the background and makes a way for His word to reach people across the globe. I have read of people in India have had visions of God's word coming to them! The people God sent didn't know that when they came though. How many more things is God doing? It cannot be fathomed!
My prayer is that God would send those He has prepared to hear His would to us and that we all would not shrink back but, be bold in sharing His word.
Praise be to God for what He does in the background.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Hello Again!
So I am nearing the end of the first three months of training. How crazy is that! I feel like it went by fast. Things are great here, nothing like being in God's will. There are trials but, I would rather be in God's will with trials then anywhere else. As it says in God's word, " Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." That word patience is also translated endurance or perseverance. Trials are a good thing, without them we would feel like we wouldn't need God at all. We need Him even in the good times but, whoever asked for help when things are going good? I know that I don't. Don't think your trial is new either, there is nothing new under the sun. God has seen it all, so there truly is nothing new. Maybe a new name or a new era but, it's the same as it was in bible times. So put on the full armor of God and get ready for battle! I'll see you out there on the battle field! I love you all!
So I am nearing the end of the first three months of training. How crazy is that! I feel like it went by fast. Things are great here, nothing like being in God's will. There are trials but, I would rather be in God's will with trials then anywhere else. As it says in God's word, " Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." That word patience is also translated endurance or perseverance. Trials are a good thing, without them we would feel like we wouldn't need God at all. We need Him even in the good times but, whoever asked for help when things are going good? I know that I don't. Don't think your trial is new either, there is nothing new under the sun. God has seen it all, so there truly is nothing new. Maybe a new name or a new era but, it's the same as it was in bible times. So put on the full armor of God and get ready for battle! I'll see you out there on the battle field! I love you all!
Works worthy of salvation
Matthew 5:20 " For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."
The scribes and Pharisees were thought to be the top of the hill, cream of the crop guys when it came to living righteously. However, they may have looked righteous but, on the inside they were full of dead mans bones. They focused on the outward appearance and not the inward. So, we must not only focus on the inside but the outside as well to earn our way into heaven. However it is impossible to earn our way into heaven. I know that I sin everyday inwardly. Outwardly I may not sin, but I abundantly sin inwardly. I commit sin in my thoughts. I know it is a sin to think it because Jesus said it was. Matthew 5:27-28 is an example of inward sin. Already we have failed to earn it because you have to be sinless from the time you could walk to now. When I was a little kid, I stole a cookie from the cookie jar and lied about it, yeah I'm going to hell for that. Seriously, that is worthy of condemnation because it is violating God's law! Honor your Mother and Father. So it is impossible to earn salvation, but there is hope. Jesus' righteousness can save us and He gives it to us freely! What He did is worthy of salvation. He lived a sinless life and took our sins upon Himself and died for us. He then was raised from the dead the third day and is in heaven preparing a place for those who accept Him. If we accept Him as our savior and believe in Him and what He has done, we will receive salvation! How awesome is that!
I have accepted Him as my savior and will be in heaven some day. I'm going to thank God for His righteousness tonight and pray His continual will in my life.
Praise be to God for His righteousness.
Matthew 5:20 " For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."
The scribes and Pharisees were thought to be the top of the hill, cream of the crop guys when it came to living righteously. However, they may have looked righteous but, on the inside they were full of dead mans bones. They focused on the outward appearance and not the inward. So, we must not only focus on the inside but the outside as well to earn our way into heaven. However it is impossible to earn our way into heaven. I know that I sin everyday inwardly. Outwardly I may not sin, but I abundantly sin inwardly. I commit sin in my thoughts. I know it is a sin to think it because Jesus said it was. Matthew 5:27-28 is an example of inward sin. Already we have failed to earn it because you have to be sinless from the time you could walk to now. When I was a little kid, I stole a cookie from the cookie jar and lied about it, yeah I'm going to hell for that. Seriously, that is worthy of condemnation because it is violating God's law! Honor your Mother and Father. So it is impossible to earn salvation, but there is hope. Jesus' righteousness can save us and He gives it to us freely! What He did is worthy of salvation. He lived a sinless life and took our sins upon Himself and died for us. He then was raised from the dead the third day and is in heaven preparing a place for those who accept Him. If we accept Him as our savior and believe in Him and what He has done, we will receive salvation! How awesome is that!
I have accepted Him as my savior and will be in heaven some day. I'm going to thank God for His righteousness tonight and pray His continual will in my life.
Praise be to God for His righteousness.
Practice what you preach
Matthew 5:19 "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
Telling people what they should do is not enough. You must live it. If you tell people not to go over the speed limit and then you go over the speed limit, people are less likely to listen to you. We must set an example for those we are teaching. Most of the time, our lives speak louder than our words. I'll use my parents as an example. If my parents didn't love eachother the way they do, I would not want to get married. Because of the relationship they have with eachother, I want that kind of relationship. They not only told us as children what we should do but, they live it very well. So because of they're example, they're words have meaning. Now, I'm not saying they were perfect but, they didn't quit on eachother and if I learned anything from my dad it's this. Never quit on family, friends, or life. Also, if you're having an argument, be the first to stop and say you're sorry. Or in anything, say you're sorry. It's not worth it to be right if the other person gets hurt in the process. I would rather be wrong, even if I'm not, if it would save my relationship with a person.
I thank God for my parents and want to be just like my dad and never quit.
Praise be to God for examples.
Matthew 5:19 "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
Telling people what they should do is not enough. You must live it. If you tell people not to go over the speed limit and then you go over the speed limit, people are less likely to listen to you. We must set an example for those we are teaching. Most of the time, our lives speak louder than our words. I'll use my parents as an example. If my parents didn't love eachother the way they do, I would not want to get married. Because of the relationship they have with eachother, I want that kind of relationship. They not only told us as children what we should do but, they live it very well. So because of they're example, they're words have meaning. Now, I'm not saying they were perfect but, they didn't quit on eachother and if I learned anything from my dad it's this. Never quit on family, friends, or life. Also, if you're having an argument, be the first to stop and say you're sorry. Or in anything, say you're sorry. It's not worth it to be right if the other person gets hurt in the process. I would rather be wrong, even if I'm not, if it would save my relationship with a person.
I thank God for my parents and want to be just like my dad and never quit.
Praise be to God for examples.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Future
Matthew 5:18 " For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."
The law will continue till the end of the earth. Until we get to heaven sin will remain and so will the law that shows us our sins. The law is not a bad thing, it is a very good thing. The law is not the problem, it merely shows the problem. It shines a light in the darkness and reveals the sins of us all. Now, I'm talking about God's law and not man's. Obviously man's laws sometimes go against that of God's laws. Man has a few hundred laws, where as God has only ten. His laws also deal with the inward problem, the heart. Man's laws are full of holes that can be bypassed easily. Where as God's laws have no such holes and cannot be bypassed. Neither can they be followed perfectly and that is the reason Jesus had to come and die for us. because we couldn't save ourselves. God didn't make unfair laws though. The laws He made are very fair and just, it is just that we are not able to follow them because of our sinful nature. You have probably heard all of this before, But even if that is true. It is good to hear truth again and again. Truth sets you free. I have said lies to myself over and over again and believed them to be true, till of course God told me they weren't. However the same is true of truth. If you tell yourself truth over and over again, it will stay with you forever. That is why we memorize bible verses. So that we can hold on to truth and not lies. Memorizing the bible has helped me a lot and it will help you as well. I encourage you all to memorize at least on verse a week. It's your choice to do it or not though. I'm just suggesting you to. I plan on memorizing a verse a week, because that gives me more ammo to shoot down the lies.
Praise be to God for His word.
Matthew 5:18 " For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."
The law will continue till the end of the earth. Until we get to heaven sin will remain and so will the law that shows us our sins. The law is not a bad thing, it is a very good thing. The law is not the problem, it merely shows the problem. It shines a light in the darkness and reveals the sins of us all. Now, I'm talking about God's law and not man's. Obviously man's laws sometimes go against that of God's laws. Man has a few hundred laws, where as God has only ten. His laws also deal with the inward problem, the heart. Man's laws are full of holes that can be bypassed easily. Where as God's laws have no such holes and cannot be bypassed. Neither can they be followed perfectly and that is the reason Jesus had to come and die for us. because we couldn't save ourselves. God didn't make unfair laws though. The laws He made are very fair and just, it is just that we are not able to follow them because of our sinful nature. You have probably heard all of this before, But even if that is true. It is good to hear truth again and again. Truth sets you free. I have said lies to myself over and over again and believed them to be true, till of course God told me they weren't. However the same is true of truth. If you tell yourself truth over and over again, it will stay with you forever. That is why we memorize bible verses. So that we can hold on to truth and not lies. Memorizing the bible has helped me a lot and it will help you as well. I encourage you all to memorize at least on verse a week. It's your choice to do it or not though. I'm just suggesting you to. I plan on memorizing a verse a week, because that gives me more ammo to shoot down the lies.
Praise be to God for His word.
Fulfillment
Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill."
Praise the Lord for coming to fulfill and not to destroy. If he didn't fulfill it we would be out of luck. There would be no salvation from sin and death. Our lives would be meanningless. So, praise the Lord! There is salvation from sin and death! "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"! I am saved from sin and death, I needn't fear anymore. Jesus did the impossible, HE saved a dying world! Now all I need to do is tell people the good news. I plan on doing just that, and I pray that God will send people to me. So I can tell them of Him.
Praise be to God for fulfilling the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill."
Praise the Lord for coming to fulfill and not to destroy. If he didn't fulfill it we would be out of luck. There would be no salvation from sin and death. Our lives would be meanningless. So, praise the Lord! There is salvation from sin and death! "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"! I am saved from sin and death, I needn't fear anymore. Jesus did the impossible, HE saved a dying world! Now all I need to do is tell people the good news. I plan on doing just that, and I pray that God will send people to me. So I can tell them of Him.
Praise be to God for fulfilling the Law and the Prophets.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Light
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
This verse is like a "check your motives verse". What are my motives for being here, for helping these people, for doing outreach, and so on. I am to let my light shine before men. I'm actually not a very social person, I like being by myself. I also like observing others from a distance. Sounds creepy but, I'm not being creepy when I do it. I just watch and listen. However, I am supposed to shine before men that they will see my good works and glorify my Father in heaven. This text is pretty straight forward. Do good unto the Lord that others will see it and glorify God. Obviously there is no room for self in the text. If I work towards my own glory, it may happen and I get all the attention but, that would be wrong. God created and saved me. There is no room for me to say what I've done in light of what He has done. Again, I could say all the good I've done but, it wouldn't even come close to what He has done. I have asked the Lord to show me if something is in the way of my lamp that shines for Him.
Praise be to God for saving me and you.
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
This verse is like a "check your motives verse". What are my motives for being here, for helping these people, for doing outreach, and so on. I am to let my light shine before men. I'm actually not a very social person, I like being by myself. I also like observing others from a distance. Sounds creepy but, I'm not being creepy when I do it. I just watch and listen. However, I am supposed to shine before men that they will see my good works and glorify my Father in heaven. This text is pretty straight forward. Do good unto the Lord that others will see it and glorify God. Obviously there is no room for self in the text. If I work towards my own glory, it may happen and I get all the attention but, that would be wrong. God created and saved me. There is no room for me to say what I've done in light of what He has done. Again, I could say all the good I've done but, it wouldn't even come close to what He has done. I have asked the Lord to show me if something is in the way of my lamp that shines for Him.
Praise be to God for saving me and you.
Walk it
1st Corinthians 9:27 "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."
This verse reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 7:3 "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank that is in your own?" I have no right to tell others about their wrongs if I do them myself. If I smoke, I can't by the way, I can't tell others not to smoke. Matthew 7:1-2 "Judge not, lest you be judged, for with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." When I am placed in a leadership position, I will not ask someone under me to do something I am not willing to do myself. I won't ask them to sweep or mop a floor unless they have seen me do it. I need to show them that I am not asking them to do the dirty work because I don't want to. I would be happy to do it so they don't have to but, as the leader I am often called else where to do my job as the leader. Also by showing them that I would do it, shows that I don't just talk a good talk but, I also walk it. That's the kind of leader I want to be, one who practices what he preaches.
Praise be to God for these verses.
1st Corinthians 9:27 "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."
This verse reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 7:3 "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank that is in your own?" I have no right to tell others about their wrongs if I do them myself. If I smoke, I can't by the way, I can't tell others not to smoke. Matthew 7:1-2 "Judge not, lest you be judged, for with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." When I am placed in a leadership position, I will not ask someone under me to do something I am not willing to do myself. I won't ask them to sweep or mop a floor unless they have seen me do it. I need to show them that I am not asking them to do the dirty work because I don't want to. I would be happy to do it so they don't have to but, as the leader I am often called else where to do my job as the leader. Also by showing them that I would do it, shows that I don't just talk a good talk but, I also walk it. That's the kind of leader I want to be, one who practices what he preaches.
Praise be to God for these verses.
Real Contenders
1st Corinthians 9:26 "Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air."
I know why I run and fight. It is for God's glory. I am here on earth to do the Lord's will and that is all. What else is there to do that is meaningful? Again, what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but, loses his soul? Nothing this world has to offer will ever amount to what God has to offer. You could rule the entire earth but, when you die, what was it all for? God is greater and has greater things for us than the world.
Therefore we must "contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 1:3) That word "contend" means to fight for. it's the word we get contender from. So we must be contenders for our faith. It's a battle out there and although it would be easier to just give in to the things of the world, it's not worth it! Fight, fight for your faith! Fight until the Lord calls you home but, when you don't feel like you can go on. Call on the Lord, ask Him for strength to press on. He will answer that prayer! He loves us and "He will neither leave nor forsake us". Don't give up! KOKD " Keep on Kicking the devil". That's what I plan on doing.
Praise be to God for being there with us.
1st Corinthians 9:26 "Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air."
I know why I run and fight. It is for God's glory. I am here on earth to do the Lord's will and that is all. What else is there to do that is meaningful? Again, what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but, loses his soul? Nothing this world has to offer will ever amount to what God has to offer. You could rule the entire earth but, when you die, what was it all for? God is greater and has greater things for us than the world.
Therefore we must "contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 1:3) That word "contend" means to fight for. it's the word we get contender from. So we must be contenders for our faith. It's a battle out there and although it would be easier to just give in to the things of the world, it's not worth it! Fight, fight for your faith! Fight until the Lord calls you home but, when you don't feel like you can go on. Call on the Lord, ask Him for strength to press on. He will answer that prayer! He loves us and "He will neither leave nor forsake us". Don't give up! KOKD " Keep on Kicking the devil". That's what I plan on doing.
Praise be to God for being there with us.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Race to Win
1st Corinthians 9:25 "And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown."
Someone who wants to win a race or whatever they're competing in, will train and train hard. No one who competes in something will go in without some kind of training. I ought to train myself in the word that I might receive the prize of an imperishable crown. All who believe in Jesus are going to heaven but, who is willing to go all out for Jesus? You can cruise your way there ignoring what God would want you to do, He doesn't need us to work for Him we get to, or you could ask His will upon your life. I did and now I'm here in Guatemala! We've done some street ministry here and some people gave their lives to the Lord! Even if they are the only ones to give their lives to God, this whole trip would be worth it just for them. Even if only one person were saved by the end of this trip, it would be worth it. Serving God isn't complicated, all I have to do is what He says to do and He will do the rest.
During the skit on the street, I didn't have to do anything but act out a mime. No talking, just silent acting. I didn't need to know the language, I just needed to act. I must admit I got stage fright all the way up to the point of starting, but when I started acting all fear flew away. It's like that in life as well. God tells us to do something and until we start doing it we will be afraid to do it. However, once we start doing it, all fear goes away. So start training, there is a long race ahead. As for me, I plan on racing to win!
Praise God for saving lives.
1st Corinthians 9:25 "And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown."
Someone who wants to win a race or whatever they're competing in, will train and train hard. No one who competes in something will go in without some kind of training. I ought to train myself in the word that I might receive the prize of an imperishable crown. All who believe in Jesus are going to heaven but, who is willing to go all out for Jesus? You can cruise your way there ignoring what God would want you to do, He doesn't need us to work for Him we get to, or you could ask His will upon your life. I did and now I'm here in Guatemala! We've done some street ministry here and some people gave their lives to the Lord! Even if they are the only ones to give their lives to God, this whole trip would be worth it just for them. Even if only one person were saved by the end of this trip, it would be worth it. Serving God isn't complicated, all I have to do is what He says to do and He will do the rest.
During the skit on the street, I didn't have to do anything but act out a mime. No talking, just silent acting. I didn't need to know the language, I just needed to act. I must admit I got stage fright all the way up to the point of starting, but when I started acting all fear flew away. It's like that in life as well. God tells us to do something and until we start doing it we will be afraid to do it. However, once we start doing it, all fear goes away. So start training, there is a long race ahead. As for me, I plan on racing to win!
Praise God for saving lives.
1st Corinthians 9:24 "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it."
Coming near the end of the 3 months of trainning, this verse is perfect. God has a way with timing. He always is on time, but it's His time of course. Now that's interesting, His time, He created time and thus all time is His time. Why should I then complain if something interrupts my so called time. In this way of thinking, I have no time other than what God gives me. There is actually no such thing as Sam's time. All time belongs to God and still He is gracious and gives us time to have fun or just rest. You all probably already knew that time is God's and I'm just now realizing it but, I am comforted by the fact that time is God's and I have no right to say " this is my time." We all say "in God's timing" but, is there anything else then His timing? Do we have anything in this world that He didn't give us? I get up in the morning but, it is God that gives me oxygen to live. It is God who gives me clothes to wear and food to eat. I cannot say " I have provided for myself" when I didn't. Everything I have is from God! My clothes, food, shelter, bible, friends, my wonderful family, everything! Everything is a big word and it's true. If I were to make a list of everything, how long do you think it would be? God made it all and gave it all to us! How great is our God!
Praise be to God for everything!
Coming near the end of the 3 months of trainning, this verse is perfect. God has a way with timing. He always is on time, but it's His time of course. Now that's interesting, His time, He created time and thus all time is His time. Why should I then complain if something interrupts my so called time. In this way of thinking, I have no time other than what God gives me. There is actually no such thing as Sam's time. All time belongs to God and still He is gracious and gives us time to have fun or just rest. You all probably already knew that time is God's and I'm just now realizing it but, I am comforted by the fact that time is God's and I have no right to say " this is my time." We all say "in God's timing" but, is there anything else then His timing? Do we have anything in this world that He didn't give us? I get up in the morning but, it is God that gives me oxygen to live. It is God who gives me clothes to wear and food to eat. I cannot say " I have provided for myself" when I didn't. Everything I have is from God! My clothes, food, shelter, bible, friends, my wonderful family, everything! Everything is a big word and it's true. If I were to make a list of everything, how long do you think it would be? God made it all and gave it all to us! How great is our God!
Praise be to God for everything!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Here comes 1st Corinthians 9:22a "to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak."
What are we willing to sacrifice for the furtherance of the gospel? Am I, I should ask, willing to be all things to all men that I may win some to Christ. I would hope so. However, I must consider what it means to be all things to all men. I don't have to be a drug addict to reach them. I should share my testimony with them, of how God took me from my own personal addiction and set me apart from that for His glory. How He can do that for them as well. To reach people, I must be willing to be seen as weak and not having power in myself to save myself. I must give all the glory to God and through my life show what God has done and is able to do. For it is truth that apart from God I wouldn't be where I am. God saved me, I am here because of Him. No matter how I may look to others, if I look spiritual, it's because of what Jesus Has done in my life and not of what I've done. I cannot emphasize this enough that ALL the GOOD in my LIFE is FROM GOD! I have no reason to boast about myself. I pray that I never lose sight of that.
Praise be to God for His goodness.
What are we willing to sacrifice for the furtherance of the gospel? Am I, I should ask, willing to be all things to all men that I may win some to Christ. I would hope so. However, I must consider what it means to be all things to all men. I don't have to be a drug addict to reach them. I should share my testimony with them, of how God took me from my own personal addiction and set me apart from that for His glory. How He can do that for them as well. To reach people, I must be willing to be seen as weak and not having power in myself to save myself. I must give all the glory to God and through my life show what God has done and is able to do. For it is truth that apart from God I wouldn't be where I am. God saved me, I am here because of Him. No matter how I may look to others, if I look spiritual, it's because of what Jesus Has done in my life and not of what I've done. I cannot emphasize this enough that ALL the GOOD in my LIFE is FROM GOD! I have no reason to boast about myself. I pray that I never lose sight of that.
Praise be to God for His goodness.
Now on to Philippians 3:12-13 " Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,"
Jesus has me in His arms! I have more than I could ever want! No matter the pain, no matter the cost, I am His and He is mine. Even though He knows my heart and all that I've done, He loves me! I am very convicted that I haven't loved Him the same way. I am not perfect, nor will I be til He comes but, I am going to do my best for God. He deserves my very life, which is my reason able service. I need to forget my past mistakes and press on! My past mistakes hold me down, I see that now. I am haunted by the fact that I am a sinner, but God, who knows everything wants me. His grace and mercy never ceases. I will not keep indulging my flesh however. Even though God has forgiven me does not mean that I should keep sinning. No, I will forget the things that are behind and reach forward to the things that are ahead!
Praise God for Forgiveness of sins and His love, grace, and mercy!
Jesus has me in His arms! I have more than I could ever want! No matter the pain, no matter the cost, I am His and He is mine. Even though He knows my heart and all that I've done, He loves me! I am very convicted that I haven't loved Him the same way. I am not perfect, nor will I be til He comes but, I am going to do my best for God. He deserves my very life, which is my reason able service. I need to forget my past mistakes and press on! My past mistakes hold me down, I see that now. I am haunted by the fact that I am a sinner, but God, who knows everything wants me. His grace and mercy never ceases. I will not keep indulging my flesh however. Even though God has forgiven me does not mean that I should keep sinning. No, I will forget the things that are behind and reach forward to the things that are ahead!
Praise God for Forgiveness of sins and His love, grace, and mercy!
And for raising the sun everyday!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Philippians 3:11 "if, by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."
" By any means", that's interesting. Who is actually willing to doing anything to have eternal life? A lot of people do so much just to stay young but, their attempts are in vain. I believe that everybody has a desire for immortality. However, not everyone is willing to just believe in Jesus. That is kind of sad that the only way to immortality is so simple and easy that many won't choose it. Narrow is the path that leads to life and few will Choose it. A lot of things stop people from accepting Jesus, such as pride, worldly pleasure, and not wanting to give up the things of the world, just to name a few. What does it profit a man if he gains the worlds but, loses his soul? So many people work towards their future in the world but, very few work towards their future in Heaven. I can't wait to go to Heaven, my home. What a great day that will be! I will continue to check myself, in what is holding me back.
Praise be to God for all He does for the world.
" By any means", that's interesting. Who is actually willing to doing anything to have eternal life? A lot of people do so much just to stay young but, their attempts are in vain. I believe that everybody has a desire for immortality. However, not everyone is willing to just believe in Jesus. That is kind of sad that the only way to immortality is so simple and easy that many won't choose it. Narrow is the path that leads to life and few will Choose it. A lot of things stop people from accepting Jesus, such as pride, worldly pleasure, and not wanting to give up the things of the world, just to name a few. What does it profit a man if he gains the worlds but, loses his soul? So many people work towards their future in the world but, very few work towards their future in Heaven. I can't wait to go to Heaven, my home. What a great day that will be! I will continue to check myself, in what is holding me back.
Praise be to God for all He does for the world.
Philippians3:10 "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,"
Death is not something people are happy to do. People don't say " yeah, lets die that'll be fun!" Death is looked down upon no where you are. The truth is that nobody truly wants to die, many will say that they don't really care about their life but, most of the time when faced with death they will run from it. In this passage however, death is something that is great gain! To live is Christ and to die is truly gain. Paradise is waiting for those who are in Christ Jesus. Jesus' disciples went to their graves for Him. They died horrible and painful deaths for Jesus and trying to save those who were killing them! The question I must ask myself is, "do I really believe that what I believe is really real?" Do I really believe that Jesus came and died and rose again? Do I believe that God will save me from Hell? Can God really use me to further His kingdom? Am I willing to serve others? Am I willing to draw close to Him? To read His word and take it to heart? To forsake all the things of this world and follow Him? To take Him at His word and go into the world not knowing what will happen? To not fear death? That God is always with me? That He loves me even when things get rough? To pray to Him and know He will answer? To stand on His promises? Not giving in to despair when circumstances are grim? To rely on His strength alone? I can go on but, that's enough for now.
Honestly, I haven't lived like I believe all the above. It's hard to live such a way as that but, I do believe God can do it! He can train me to live this way! He Can! Not me! It's Him who made the earth! It's He who made the universe! Why then can I not grasp that fact that God Can do it? I am convicted by the fact that I don't fully believe yet! I don't just let go and let God lead. I am a prideful human being and pray in all earnesty that God will change that. I pray that God will change me into the vessel He wants me to be. That is my prayer for me. How about you? I cannot make the choice for you. Nor will God force Himself upon anyone. It must be the sinner's choice to accept or reject God. I do however, pray that you all will see your need for Him. Even though you may have accepted Him, what's stopping you from going deeper? I am going deeper, I am going to search myself in order to find out what is holding me back. I want to be able to say Yes to all of those questions above!
Praise be to God for Life and Death.
Death is not something people are happy to do. People don't say " yeah, lets die that'll be fun!" Death is looked down upon no where you are. The truth is that nobody truly wants to die, many will say that they don't really care about their life but, most of the time when faced with death they will run from it. In this passage however, death is something that is great gain! To live is Christ and to die is truly gain. Paradise is waiting for those who are in Christ Jesus. Jesus' disciples went to their graves for Him. They died horrible and painful deaths for Jesus and trying to save those who were killing them! The question I must ask myself is, "do I really believe that what I believe is really real?" Do I really believe that Jesus came and died and rose again? Do I believe that God will save me from Hell? Can God really use me to further His kingdom? Am I willing to serve others? Am I willing to draw close to Him? To read His word and take it to heart? To forsake all the things of this world and follow Him? To take Him at His word and go into the world not knowing what will happen? To not fear death? That God is always with me? That He loves me even when things get rough? To pray to Him and know He will answer? To stand on His promises? Not giving in to despair when circumstances are grim? To rely on His strength alone? I can go on but, that's enough for now.
Honestly, I haven't lived like I believe all the above. It's hard to live such a way as that but, I do believe God can do it! He can train me to live this way! He Can! Not me! It's Him who made the earth! It's He who made the universe! Why then can I not grasp that fact that God Can do it? I am convicted by the fact that I don't fully believe yet! I don't just let go and let God lead. I am a prideful human being and pray in all earnesty that God will change that. I pray that God will change me into the vessel He wants me to be. That is my prayer for me. How about you? I cannot make the choice for you. Nor will God force Himself upon anyone. It must be the sinner's choice to accept or reject God. I do however, pray that you all will see your need for Him. Even though you may have accepted Him, what's stopping you from going deeper? I am going deeper, I am going to search myself in order to find out what is holding me back. I want to be able to say Yes to all of those questions above!
Praise be to God for Life and Death.
Philippians 3:9 " and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;"
Left to myself, I would not last a second without falling back into sin. The only reason I can stand is because of the strength given to me by God. I have no strength apart from Him and it hurts to admit it but, it's the truth. I didn't save myself from Hell, I couldn't even though I want to. I myself like to be able to say " I did it " or " I can take care of myself ". I like to be seen as a strong man, that's able to handle himself. The truth however, is that I can't and if I seem like I can, it's only because of the strength given to me by God. I want to stop sin myself but, I can't even see it without God. How can I then fight an enemy I can't even see? Sin is attractive to me! However, I know it leads to death. The reason that I can't fight it apart from God is because it's been a part of me for so long. It's like I'm the only fireman in the middle a blazing wildfire trying to stop it! I don't even have water to stop it! It's consuming my life and I can't do a thing about it! I need God's help in order to live. Without Him, I'm as good as dead! I call on God then hear thunder, right then God sends the rain and puts the fire out in a flash. I am learning of my powerlessness to stop the fires of sin without God's help. I will continually call on God to help me in my time of need.
Praise be to God for His thunder and rain.
Left to myself, I would not last a second without falling back into sin. The only reason I can stand is because of the strength given to me by God. I have no strength apart from Him and it hurts to admit it but, it's the truth. I didn't save myself from Hell, I couldn't even though I want to. I myself like to be able to say " I did it " or " I can take care of myself ". I like to be seen as a strong man, that's able to handle himself. The truth however, is that I can't and if I seem like I can, it's only because of the strength given to me by God. I want to stop sin myself but, I can't even see it without God. How can I then fight an enemy I can't even see? Sin is attractive to me! However, I know it leads to death. The reason that I can't fight it apart from God is because it's been a part of me for so long. It's like I'm the only fireman in the middle a blazing wildfire trying to stop it! I don't even have water to stop it! It's consuming my life and I can't do a thing about it! I need God's help in order to live. Without Him, I'm as good as dead! I call on God then hear thunder, right then God sends the rain and puts the fire out in a flash. I am learning of my powerlessness to stop the fires of sin without God's help. I will continually call on God to help me in my time of need.
Praise be to God for His thunder and rain.
Todays IBS is Philippians 3:8 "Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ."
There have been things in my life that I would not put down or get rid of for Jesus. Some of which I had no idea that I was unwilling to let go of. I even had things in my life that I put higher than God without even knowing. Now however, through God's mercy, I know what I have had higher and was unwilling to let go of. God graciously showed me what I was doing wrong and what I needed to change. Now I am not hindered by such things and can come to God freely and with thanks giving. Before, it was like I was a child coming to my Father with toys in my hands and not actually listening to what He wanted to tell me. I was too distracted by the toys to even pay Him any mind. He gently, put His hands on the toys and took them away. Now I can hear Him and know what He wants me to do. He mercifully gave the toys back but, told me to listen when He speaks. I will now hold Him higher than all that I have and I realize that all I have doesn't matter anyway. They will pass away, yet He will remain forever. I will continue to listen to whatever God wants to say to me, and not let my "toys" get in the way.
Praise be to God for His mercy and grace.
There have been things in my life that I would not put down or get rid of for Jesus. Some of which I had no idea that I was unwilling to let go of. I even had things in my life that I put higher than God without even knowing. Now however, through God's mercy, I know what I have had higher and was unwilling to let go of. God graciously showed me what I was doing wrong and what I needed to change. Now I am not hindered by such things and can come to God freely and with thanks giving. Before, it was like I was a child coming to my Father with toys in my hands and not actually listening to what He wanted to tell me. I was too distracted by the toys to even pay Him any mind. He gently, put His hands on the toys and took them away. Now I can hear Him and know what He wants me to do. He mercifully gave the toys back but, told me to listen when He speaks. I will now hold Him higher than all that I have and I realize that all I have doesn't matter anyway. They will pass away, yet He will remain forever. I will continue to listen to whatever God wants to say to me, and not let my "toys" get in the way.
Praise be to God for His mercy and grace.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Hello everyone!
It's nice to just write a blog instead of just post my IBS, not that it is a bad thing but, doing something different for a change is nice. So kids club went well today as I was in the class room for the first time and had to settle the kids down when they get wild. It's fun to be here with these kids and to serve the people here. It's not easy but, it is worth every bit of my time. It also has it's moments of awesomeness! I had four kids on my back today as I ran to the other side of the soccer field. Laughing all the way! God is doing amazing work through us as a team and a kid gave his life to Jesus today! How Awesome is that! There has been a little bit of an increase in attendees at church as well! God is at work and I get to see it! Talk about awesomeness! Every time we go into town for something, we bring little tracks with us and hand them out, God uses those to bring people to Himself! It truly is amazing to be here and witness the book of Acts being played out!
Here are a few pictures!
It's nice to just write a blog instead of just post my IBS, not that it is a bad thing but, doing something different for a change is nice. So kids club went well today as I was in the class room for the first time and had to settle the kids down when they get wild. It's fun to be here with these kids and to serve the people here. It's not easy but, it is worth every bit of my time. It also has it's moments of awesomeness! I had four kids on my back today as I ran to the other side of the soccer field. Laughing all the way! God is doing amazing work through us as a team and a kid gave his life to Jesus today! How Awesome is that! There has been a little bit of an increase in attendees at church as well! God is at work and I get to see it! Talk about awesomeness! Every time we go into town for something, we bring little tracks with us and hand them out, God uses those to bring people to Himself! It truly is amazing to be here and witness the book of Acts being played out!
Here are a few pictures!
1st Corinthians 9:19 "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;"
What am I willing to give up in order to show people Jesus that they might be saved? Much of what I have is a contradiction. I am a fan of two extremes. On the one hand I really like a game called Dead Space, although I hate the fowl language, I like the game because it's fun to get scared. Monsters coming from every corner and trying to servive on what little ammo I have, what fun! Then on the other hand I really like My Little Pony, because it has no fowl language, no crude humor, and a lesson is being taught. There are many more things that I like but, that list is too long to put on here. These things I am free in Christ to do however, even though I am free to play and watch them, I should not let them get in the way of real life. Let me tell you a real situation I had with my nephew and Dead Space. My nephew is about 13 years old and when he came over to the house without me knowing. I was having fun surviving and running from monsters in Dead Space. However when I learned that my nephew was there, I turned off the game because it's too much for a little boy. I will not let him play it or watch it and I am willing to turn it off because I want to guard his childhood. Though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all. Or I could say "I have become all things to all men that I might win some." Although I really like the things I have, I will not let them get in the way of my serving. People are much more important than my own entertainment. Therefore, I will keep people in mind when making a disision about what I should do or wear.
Praise God for freedoms!
What am I willing to give up in order to show people Jesus that they might be saved? Much of what I have is a contradiction. I am a fan of two extremes. On the one hand I really like a game called Dead Space, although I hate the fowl language, I like the game because it's fun to get scared. Monsters coming from every corner and trying to servive on what little ammo I have, what fun! Then on the other hand I really like My Little Pony, because it has no fowl language, no crude humor, and a lesson is being taught. There are many more things that I like but, that list is too long to put on here. These things I am free in Christ to do however, even though I am free to play and watch them, I should not let them get in the way of real life. Let me tell you a real situation I had with my nephew and Dead Space. My nephew is about 13 years old and when he came over to the house without me knowing. I was having fun surviving and running from monsters in Dead Space. However when I learned that my nephew was there, I turned off the game because it's too much for a little boy. I will not let him play it or watch it and I am willing to turn it off because I want to guard his childhood. Though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all. Or I could say "I have become all things to all men that I might win some." Although I really like the things I have, I will not let them get in the way of my serving. People are much more important than my own entertainment. Therefore, I will keep people in mind when making a disision about what I should do or wear.
Praise God for freedoms!
Luke 17:10 "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, We are unprofitable servants, We have done what was our duty to do."
I have no reason to be prideful when the tasks I have done are complete. I have no reason to say " what a great servant I am." Because there is nothing I can do to amount to more than what God does! For " They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one." Romans 3:12. Now, just because I can't do enough or all I do won't amount to anything doesn't mean I will stop serving. I will continue to serve for it is my duty. Even if I get nothing in return, this life isn't about me. Naturally I want to do my own thing but, through God's strength I shall do His will. Still, it isn't easy, for I am required to die daily. Daily I must call on the name of the Lord for His help and guidance. It isn't a one time thing, God must be the center piece everyday and all it takes is saying in the morning " Lord God, please help me to do your will today. Please give me a clear mind and your strength to do your will. I can't do it on my own, I need you, please. In Jesus' precious name I pray, amen." Daily I pray this prayer, it's not the same each time I pray it but, I wouldn't get through the day without God there with me. The thing is He won't force Himself upon me, I have to ask Him to come to me and to help me. Which He is more than willing to do but, again I must ask Him to. I will continually pray for God's help and strength.
Praise be to God for His willingness to help even though I don't deserve such.
I have no reason to be prideful when the tasks I have done are complete. I have no reason to say " what a great servant I am." Because there is nothing I can do to amount to more than what God does! For " They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one." Romans 3:12. Now, just because I can't do enough or all I do won't amount to anything doesn't mean I will stop serving. I will continue to serve for it is my duty. Even if I get nothing in return, this life isn't about me. Naturally I want to do my own thing but, through God's strength I shall do His will. Still, it isn't easy, for I am required to die daily. Daily I must call on the name of the Lord for His help and guidance. It isn't a one time thing, God must be the center piece everyday and all it takes is saying in the morning " Lord God, please help me to do your will today. Please give me a clear mind and your strength to do your will. I can't do it on my own, I need you, please. In Jesus' precious name I pray, amen." Daily I pray this prayer, it's not the same each time I pray it but, I wouldn't get through the day without God there with me. The thing is He won't force Himself upon me, I have to ask Him to come to me and to help me. Which He is more than willing to do but, again I must ask Him to. I will continually pray for God's help and strength.
Praise be to God for His willingness to help even though I don't deserve such.
Luke 17:9 "Does he thank that servant because he did the things commanded him? I think not."
How many times do we thank someone for doing something for us? How often do parents thank their children for doing what they were told? The giving of thanks is very important and should be said to those who help us. I would say that 9 out of 10 times I forget to thank God for all He has done. Just like the 10 lepers who Jesus healed, I usually thank God 1 out of 10 times. Since this is true I'm going to list 10 reasons I should thank God.
1. Eternal life through Jesus Christ
2. God's guidance through the bible (God's WORD!)
3. God's love, which I don't deserve
4. Sight
5. Hearing
6. The ability to talk to Him
7. My Parents
8. My brothers and sisters
9. My friends
10. Many gifts He has given me, I have more than just food and clothing!
I could actually keep going on but, there would not be enough room in all the computers in the world to hold a file that big! God has the same for all of you as well! He does so much for us and doesn't get the thanks He deserves and if we did want to thank Him we would be praising Him all day and night. Praise without ceasing, That's all we could do but, even that would not be enough thanks for what He has done! How amazing is our God! I plan on thanking Him 10 times a day at least! I encourage you all to do the same, I know it has made my day better already!
Praise be to God for His blessings that I don't deserve!
How many times do we thank someone for doing something for us? How often do parents thank their children for doing what they were told? The giving of thanks is very important and should be said to those who help us. I would say that 9 out of 10 times I forget to thank God for all He has done. Just like the 10 lepers who Jesus healed, I usually thank God 1 out of 10 times. Since this is true I'm going to list 10 reasons I should thank God.
1. Eternal life through Jesus Christ
2. God's guidance through the bible (God's WORD!)
3. God's love, which I don't deserve
4. Sight
5. Hearing
6. The ability to talk to Him
7. My Parents
8. My brothers and sisters
9. My friends
10. Many gifts He has given me, I have more than just food and clothing!
I could actually keep going on but, there would not be enough room in all the computers in the world to hold a file that big! God has the same for all of you as well! He does so much for us and doesn't get the thanks He deserves and if we did want to thank Him we would be praising Him all day and night. Praise without ceasing, That's all we could do but, even that would not be enough thanks for what He has done! How amazing is our God! I plan on thanking Him 10 times a day at least! I encourage you all to do the same, I know it has made my day better already!
Praise be to God for His blessings that I don't deserve!
Now here is Luke 17:8 "But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'?
People can get pretty bossy and selfish. Even among Christians their are these kinds of people but, we are called to act better than this. Treat your neighbor as yourself, remember that one? I love how the bible is full of connecting verses and proves itself to be right. Some verses also can be taken the wrong way though. Like some who will take the word of God and make it into what they want it to say so that they can live a sinful life. Not only that but, they also lead people astray with their corrupt doctrine. There are many passages about these kinds of false "teachers". The book of Jude teaches on what to look out for. It says "For certain men have crept in unnoticed" These guys are in the church and the church doesn't even notice! It is sad that these people come in to disrupt the church and not to come to learn about God. They come for their selfish wants and desires. I'm not saying that these men cannot be saved, they can be and I pray that they will be saved. However, what they are doing is not in service to God. They are not serving God. Why do we serve God? Is it to find favor in His eyes? Is it to maybe get something from Him? I have heard that there are people who keep a score card and say " Ok God I am going to turn in all these points for that new car" or whatever they want. This to me is not only wrong, but also disrespectful to God, THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE! Why is it that we think we deserve anything! We don't deserve anything but, Hell! However, God is merciful and treats us way better than we deserve. Jesus payed the price for our sins and because of His sacrifice, we can go to heaven! God is love and I would be a fool not to want to serve a God who does what He does! So I will continue to serve God to the best of my abilities.
Praise be to God for all that He has done!
People can get pretty bossy and selfish. Even among Christians their are these kinds of people but, we are called to act better than this. Treat your neighbor as yourself, remember that one? I love how the bible is full of connecting verses and proves itself to be right. Some verses also can be taken the wrong way though. Like some who will take the word of God and make it into what they want it to say so that they can live a sinful life. Not only that but, they also lead people astray with their corrupt doctrine. There are many passages about these kinds of false "teachers". The book of Jude teaches on what to look out for. It says "For certain men have crept in unnoticed" These guys are in the church and the church doesn't even notice! It is sad that these people come in to disrupt the church and not to come to learn about God. They come for their selfish wants and desires. I'm not saying that these men cannot be saved, they can be and I pray that they will be saved. However, what they are doing is not in service to God. They are not serving God. Why do we serve God? Is it to find favor in His eyes? Is it to maybe get something from Him? I have heard that there are people who keep a score card and say " Ok God I am going to turn in all these points for that new car" or whatever they want. This to me is not only wrong, but also disrespectful to God, THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE! Why is it that we think we deserve anything! We don't deserve anything but, Hell! However, God is merciful and treats us way better than we deserve. Jesus payed the price for our sins and because of His sacrifice, we can go to heaven! God is love and I would be a fool not to want to serve a God who does what He does! So I will continue to serve God to the best of my abilities.
Praise be to God for all that He has done!
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