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.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)