VOD: verse of the day

Proverbs 23:7

2007-09-17T02:03:00.000-07:00

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

~~~~~~~~

God sees our hearts and knows who we are, there's no hiding from Him.

Back on track...

2007-09-06T06:28:00.001-07:00

Psalm 139
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. 1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

2007-07-26T12:51:00.001-07:00

17 The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

2007-07-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV

2007-07-05T12:30:00.001-07:00

33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34 NIV

Don't worry...be happy!

2007-07-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

3 A voice of one calling:
"In the desert prepare
the way for the LORD [a] ;
make straight in the wilderness
a highway for our God. [b]
Isaiah 40:3 NIV

We are called by God, to go and make disciples of all nations. To go through the wilderness and into the desert. To not leave any place unturned. We have a passport from God. Where will we go?

2007-06-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends![a]
His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT

2007-06-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

9 In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NIV

Prayer: Because we can't help not to

2007-06-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 NIV

2007-06-22T12:33:00.001-07:00

7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
Jeremiah 17:7 NIV

2007-06-21T12:29:00.001-07:00

9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt[a] water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
James 3:9-12

2007-06-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
Psalm 57:9-11 NIV

2007-06-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

He who trusts in himself is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
Proverbs 28:26 NIV

So often I listen to what I want, instead of really listening and obeying God's commands. Our decisions have consequences, but if we walk in wisdom, we will be safe. Wise decisions generally lead down a healthy path. Unwise ones...dangerous paths.

Happy Belated Father's Day!

2007-06-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103:13-14 NIV

The Lord is such an amazing Father. He looks out for us, and he takes responsibility for our well-being. Gracious and abounding in love. He disciplines us when we need it, but has compassion on us. We know he is all love and grace. He just loves us!

2007-06-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.
Psalm 33:12

2007-06-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,[a]
Romans 8:1 NIV

Freedom is such a beautiful thing!

2007-06-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

8If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
1 Timothy 5:8

Oh Family! We love them and we hate them. But, above all, we are family. Like it or not. We have a responsibility to care for them with the utmost tenderness and affection. When we do not, the consequences are harsh. But it does make sense. If we don't provide for our own family, then what type of person are we? We need to be kind and compassionate to one another, especially our flesh and blood.

2007-06-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
1 John 3:16 NIV

2007-06-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:13-14 NIV

Let's face it, at one point we will get on each other's nerves. People can be annoying and rude, but we need to love them anyway. The Lord has already paid the ultimate sacrifice, and died to wipe our slate clean. We owe it to each other to do the same.

2007-05-31T08:06:00.000-07:00

31By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.[a]
Hebrews 11:31 NIV

The story of Rahab unfolds in the book of Joshua, so if you have a chance, read it. Her story is amazing. She is truly a testimony of the power of God's grace. He transformed her from a prostitute, a no body into a warrior, and a woman mentioned with Sarah. Her past slate was wiped clean. I know I have been the recipient of God's amazing grace. We are truly transformed and made new when we allow Him to take over. Amazing grace that saved a wretch like me. My chains are gone, and I have been set free!

2007-05-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen
Ephesians 4:29 NIV

Our mouths can be used for great good and great evil. What we have stored up inside us, will be what flows out of us. If we have pure hearts, then our words will be pure. But if we have evil, then our words will be evil. As Christ followers we need to build each other up, and those around us. I know I need to be mindful of what I am saying. Is my language coarse and foul? Am I gossipying? I am reminded of a verse which says, to let the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart be pleasing in the Lord's sight.

Be Kind

2007-05-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Luke 6:27-36

I think it's amazing the number of times that we are told to be kind in the Bible. Even in the commandments, the first two are to love God and love others. We are to clothe ourselves with kindness and compassion. The fruit of the Spirit is love,peace,patience,and kindness. When I think of all Jesus did I'm amazed. Dieing on the cross would have been enough, but He did more. He walked among us, and showed compassion for all people. In his final hours, He looks out for others. Therefore, we are called to be kind and to be imitators of Christ. It is a tough act to follow. To be kind to people you don't like, or those who intimidate you. But, we are to do so anyway. Not out of selfishness, but in humility.

2007-05-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
John 4:23-24

Worship is so much more than just singing songs at church. It is about encountering God. Encountering Him, and praising Him for all He has done and is yet to do and is currently doing. We can worship God with our lives on a day to day basis. Then when we do come together on Sundays, we can give back and overflow. Continue worshipping as we have done through out the week.

2007-05-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22

2007-05-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
John 4:13-14

2007-05-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14

This passage explains how we are to treat each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Be compassionate, be kind, be humble, gentle, and patient. There are moments when we want to embrace each other, and moments when we want to shake each other. But, God forgave us and He sees the depths of our hearts and loves us the same. We in turn can love each other because of the love He has for us.

2007-05-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
Philippians 2:14-15

Misery loves company. When one person starts complaining it becomes infectous, and honestly, I feel like my whole day goes down the tubes. Granted there are times when life is tough, but Paul says that we should be content no matter what our circumstances. We should praise God all the time, and turn a negative situation into a more positive one, by changing our mind set. Instead of complaining, take a minute, refocus, and praise God. I find when I do this, I am a much better example of Christ.

Martha, Martha, Martha

2007-05-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:38-72

The days are getting few before I leave for 11months, lately I've been here and there going and going, much like Martha. The things I'm doing are important, but not at the compromise of spending time with my truest love, my highest priority. Sad to say, I've lost sight of that just as Martha had. Realizing this I need to make a decision, to stop and listen, make time with my Lord a priority. Worries and concerns will always be, but as Jesus says, only one thing is absolutely needed. He Himself.

2007-05-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT

When I think back to this time last year, I am amazed. I was in a season of hurt, broken relationships, and moving foward. I was still in school, and wondering where my life was going to go. But now, just 1 year later, life is new, fresh, and filled with the perfume of excitment. I know my previous trials helped strengthen me, and now I can pour into some of my friends who are hurting now. Life happens best in community. I have been blessed beyond measure, and I hope I can do the same to others.

2007-05-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

12"Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything.
2 Corinthians 6:12

This verse is mentioned in line with sexual immorality. We all have different boundaries, some more liberal and others conservative. But, we are asked to not put stumbling blocks in the way of our brothers and sisters. We need to respect each other, and bond together in a world that is not our final home.

2007-05-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8

2007-05-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

I tend to be a worry wart. I think a lot of that comes out of a stubborness to not let God have complete control. Even though He is the One who formed me and knit me together, and knows the plans. Out of selfishness I hold back, and I worry that things won't turn out the way I want. But the thing is, it probably won't. It could be better, it could be worse, but what good does it do to worry. None. So I need to just let it go, and let God.

2007-05-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:6-7

2007-05-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

Do not fear, God is with us always. He is our comfort in times of trouble, and we can know He is always present. He never lets go.

2007-05-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20

2007-05-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise [b] because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars,which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings [c] and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: 7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8

I love this psalm because it is David just standing in awe of our God. He is majestic. Yet, those powerful hands that formed galaxies and stars, but dimples on my cheecks and chose the color of my eyes. We are all the work of the Masters hands. I pray that I would see people through the eyes of the Creator, instead of selfish, evil eyes. We are all so special and significant.

2007-05-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”- Colossians 4:5-6

In talking about sharing the gospel, I think we can get so caught up in what to say. The truth is, we are sharing Christ everyday through our daily interactions. Or at least we should be. I think the challenge comes in praying for God to reveal those people in our lives who need to know Him or who He wants us to touch. Then it is knowing through God all things are possible. His timing is perfect. But, we are also told to be prepared, bold, and alert. To be wise and make the most of every opportunity. This should be an everyday occurance.

Gone Fishing

2007-05-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

17"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
18At once they left their nets and followed him.
Mark 1:17-18

We are called to use our influence in the world for Christ. Jesus tells us to follow him, to live by his word, meditate on his truth, and we will learn to be like him. We are to go out and reach those around us, and those around the world. We cast the line, and God does the rest. Do you feel like fishing today?

Living water

2007-05-04T12:52:00.001-07:00

2007-05-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

8 Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8

I am a work in progress. My Father's hands are molding me, forming me, and transforming me. In everything, He is working. Working in me to complete what was started. Somehow, I really like knowing that.

2007-05-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth
Psalm 33:6

I am guilty of putting God in a box. Of praying to God, but really using it as an opportunity to tell God what I want and what I want Him to do for me. But, it is NOT about me. It is all about God and His glory. We are created to praise Him. And why should we ever stop! I can look around and see all the wonder He created. Him not me. He created us, and when He created women He was very pleased. We are beautiful image bearers of our Lord. The same one who breathed the stars into existence. He truly is an AMAZING God.

2007-04-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory
Ephesians 1:13-14

Your Choice

2007-04-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1

2007-04-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14

I think I can be one of the most impatient people ever! But, over and over again in the Bible the Lord tells his people to wait. I think back to Moses and the Israelities. God is faithful, but we must wait on Him. His timing is perfect, and always right. This is the biggest prayer I have at the moment. To be patient and wait for the Lord. Man it is hard!

Freedom!

2007-04-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

2007-04-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

15"If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
John 14:15-21

I am learning so much right now about the Holy Spirit, and it blows my mind. The fact that God is always present is comforting. The Spirit is alive and present in everything. One of my favorite songs right now talks about God being in everything and being everything. Christ in us is hope, and His glory resounds in each of us.

Fruit of the Spirit

2007-04-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

2007-04-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

3 You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26:3 NLT

I am finding this verse to be oh so true. When my thoughts start wandering, I generally start worrying. Most likely because I am trying to control the situation, and not giving it over to God. His word is clear. We need to focus on Him. When we do, we give him control, and He grants peace. It's all about SURRENDER.

Receiving power

2007-04-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea & Samaria, and to the ends of the earth!"
Acts 1:8

The last two weeks I have been in training for my leave into the mission field for 11 months. The majority of our lessons were focused on being awake to the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Alive! We must not contain Him in this box that we have!

2007-04-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Philippians 3:8

2007-04-10T11:45:00.000-07:00

5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins
2 Peter 1:5-9

The Bible is clear on the characteristics we should strive to attain and multiply. Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindnesss, and love. Faith is the catalyst, and as we increase our faith the rest of things should increase too.

Good Friday

2007-04-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
1 Peter 2:24

2007-04-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Romans 8:38-39

There is nothing in the world that can keep Christ's love from us. This is such a comforting fact to know and let resonate. God believes in me. He believes in me so much that He refused to let me be separated from Him. He did pay it all. It is my life I owe to Him. I belong to God and He is everything I need. He is King. Nothing will ever change that. It is finished.

2007-04-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
Isaiah 53:7

This is the week to reflect on the love God has for us. Jesus Christ suffered for the glory of the Father, and because He loved us all too much. He gave his life as a sacrifice. In the end, death was defeated.

2007-04-03T07:29:00.001-07:00

28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Matthew 20:28

If anyone...

2007-04-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.
If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides,
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

How's that for a think before you speak or act?

How do I smell?

2007-03-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.

~ 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

2007-03-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a]
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NIV

I know this is a verse we see over and over again, but I think it is worth revisiting. Especially during this Easter season, it is important to remember the sacrifice God made. God gave up his Son so that we could have eternal life with Him. He is our Savior. Sometimes I just need to let that resonate in my heart and mind.

2007-03-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

Psalm 16:8-9

I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. (NKJ)

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

2007-03-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

2007-03-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

“[The Armor of God] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.”- Ephesians 6:10-11

Understand

2007-03-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 11:5
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.

The sooner we accept this the better.

Seek

2007-03-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity. Jeremiah 29:13-14 KJV

He should be our number one focus. Daily choose to seek Him. With the Lord first everything else will seem to just fall into place. It may not be in our timing, but in retrospect or through divine revelation you'll understand why.

vine and the branches

2007-03-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful.
John 15:1-2

We are constantly growing and changing. By God's masterful hand, we are being transformed. Inwardly, day after day, God cuts away the parts of us that are destructive. That process, although painful, is for our benefit. So we can display His glory better and brighter.

He knows.

2007-03-18T08:44:00.000-07:00

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15

Praise God! May this verse be a comfort to you as it has me. There is someone who completely understands what you are going through and have to confront in the future.

No take backs

2007-03-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

Romans 11:29

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.(NKJ)

God's gifts and God's call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded. (MSG)

2007-03-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

I am leaning pretty hard on this passage because I am at that stage in life where my future is uncertain. I want so badly to glance down the road a few years from now, and know exactly what my future holds. But I can't see that far, and I have to trust in God no matter where His path takes me. I know he has been faithful to me, and will continue to be as I venture out.

Stronger

2007-03-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

“Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” ~Jeremiah 23:29

There is no doubt in my mind that diamonds are not stronger than God's word. After this verse why would there be any second guessing?

On and FYI note: The infrequency of blogging on my behalf has been due to the fact that my computer was stolen 1.5 weeks ago and therefore Internet access isn't as easy to come by. I have decided cancel my home Internet and not to repurchase a computer since I will be leaving for The World Race in less than 3 months!
Also be advised, I like to backdate!

AMEN!

2007-03-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

My Christian brothers, you should be happy when you have all kind of tests. You know these prove your faith. It helps you not to give up. Learn well how to wait so you will be strong and complete and in need of nothing.
James 1:2-4

This is my life right now...full of mini tests...in preparation of needing nothing in June. Thankfully, my tests are mini and nothing too horrifying has happened.

Only 1 example

2007-03-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21

I had a friend fairly recently express her frustrations with the actions of fellow Christian friends. She felt confused by their example and therefore felt they were hypocritical, questioning the worth of their friendships. It is her choice what to do about the friendships, however, I wanted to share with you my thoughts in responding to my friend. I didn't have the words to share with her then, but as I've thought about it...the impression I got from her was that she was looking to them as her example...however, we as Christians need to understand and be reminded, we are to only follow Christ's example! My other suggestion is to talk to our friends about the behaviors she feels is hypocritical. We are to hold each other accountable to our actions so that we reflect Christs example as best as we can.

Faith through Love

2007-03-09T07:22:00.000-08:00

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. ~Galatians 5:6

How true is this? I LOVE IT!! It's a challenge to love all people, but we have to put our faith in God that by loving the hard to love changes will happen. Changes that will bring glory to His name and add to the Kingdom of Christ.

be still

2007-03-08T06:58:00.000-08:00

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:

"In repentance and rest is your salvation,

in quietness and trust is your strength,..."

Isaiah 30:15

We're being told how important it is to slow down, reflect and change from our ways of sinfulness. I think this is especially important during Lent or any time of fasting. So many people give up something, making a small sacrifice in acknowledging God's ultimate sacrifice of his son Jesus Christ. My question is, what are we doing instead? With that time that we now have from giving up a favorite TV show? or from eating at home instead of restaurants? Are we using that time to repent, rest, be quiet, and still?

Even outside of Lent and fasting, with the world being so fast paced...it seems this passage is even more relative to our lives. We need rest and quiet, we need our time to be still and trust in God so our strength can be renewed and our salvation appreciated.

Hope

2007-03-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

3Not only so, but we[a] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:3-5

2007-03-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

I've found that my words and thoughts are a direct reflection of what is going on in my heart. The Bible talks about this a lot. What we say is an overflow of what is stored up. When I feel disconnected from God, my personal time is lacking, or I feel bitterness, my thoughts reflect it. But, when I am in tune with Christ, my words and actions seem to be in line and uplifting. More than that, I want what I say to please God.

Infants Praise!

2007-03-04T13:30:00.000-08:00

Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you;
toddlers shout the songs
That drown out enemy talk,
and silence atheist babble.

Psalm 8:2 (the message)

I just really love this verse, infants, so small and tiny that often as adults we don't acknowledge their spiritual strength... Their songs drown out the enemy!!

Spiritual Gifts

2007-03-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
1 Corinthians 12:12

Faith and deeds

2007-02-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
James 2:14-18

This passage is a challenge to me to go and do. To put my faith into action, and use the gifts God has given me. So one day, I can stand before God, and have him say to me...well done good and faithful servant.

2007-02-24T10:55:00.000-08:00

27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James 1:27

Did you know?

2007-02-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16

2007-02-21T11:04:00.000-08:00

10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:10-11

Faith through love

2007-02-20T20:31:00.000-08:00

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
~Galatians 5:6

2007-02-19T10:46:00.001-08:00

21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21

Actions speak louder than words

2007-02-18T20:35:00.000-08:00

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3:18

Do not love the world

2007-02-17T10:15:00.001-08:00

15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2:15-17 NIV

The believers share their possessions

2007-02-15T11:22:00.000-08:00

32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
Acts 4:32-35

This brings me back to kindergarten and the lessons to share my toys. What we have been given is not really ours to keep. We are supposed to share. Share the gospel, Jesus, love, grace, peace, and other tangible possessions. I think part of being the body of Christ is reaching out to those around us, and loving out of an overflow.

What is given

2007-02-14T06:59:00.001-08:00

"For the Lord did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of Power, of Love and of Self Control"

2 Timothy 1:7

We have been given a spirit of power, love, and self control? I don't think you'd guess that from my life. Self Control?? seriously, I wish I didn't oversleep every day, turn on the TV when I'm bored or wanting to avoid doing something. I guess these are all thing I know, that you probably would not. There are things I guess I do have self control with...there are a lot of times where I bite my tongue...but I guess the point is, we've been given these gifts, but how often do we accept them? Do we accept them only in certain areas of our lives? Are we willing to accept them knowing that the full gift might take some work before being fully matured?

2007-02-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs
1 Timothy 6:6-10

It is so hard to admit but really money does not lead to happiness. We think it does, but ultimately it causes greed and selfishness. I think Jon Weece said on Sunday that money is mentioned close to 2000 times in the Bible. He knows how we are tempted. I think I have to remind myself daily that it is Kingdom cash to be used for God's glory and not my own.

The MOST important Choice

2007-02-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. …"

Deuteronomy 30:20 NLT

I'm so thankful that God has given us a choice to love Him. It's a real relationship, not a dictatorship. Yet, part of me wishes that it wasn't a choice, because I think of so many people who have not yet or might not ever choose our Lord. It's not only about the concern of their eternal salvation, but about their well being and hope here on earth. I would like everyone to have the confidence in Christ Jesus that I do. To know that no mater what I've done in my past or will do in my future I am loved. Whatever trial or pain that I'm going through I can endure with the hope of a more fruitful future. My experiences good and bad have been, are, and will be used to help encourage others and give them hope and the show the in their lives.

To our health

2007-02-11T10:12:00.000-08:00

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

Proverbs 14:30 NLT

hmm....I wonder if this is why I feel feverish lately...I was so jealous last week...I think that has subsided, but I'm still feeling sick...is my heart not at peace yet? I'm guessing not. Is this verse to be taken literally? Maybe, maybe not, I suspect that varies on your situation and how it is revealed to you.

Fill

2007-02-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

Job 8:21

I am at a loss right now, my mind is a mess of random thoughts, yet blank. I like this verse it is hopeful, though I am not sure if I am understanding this out of context.

In the beginning

2007-02-09T12:29:00.000-08:00

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
2 Now the earth was [a] formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Genesis 1:1-2

I heard this last night as TSB from Brad Stone and thought it was great. God hovered over the chaos when the world was created, and He is still and always will be, hovering over our madness today.

godly jealousy?

2007-02-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. Joshua 24:19

I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. 2 Corinthians 11:2

I want to know and understand how jealousy can be godly...The first verse makes me concerned and overwhelmingly grateful for Jesus Christ! I'm so glad to have not lived in the old testament times. The jealousy I experience, the feelings of being left out and overlooked, and the desire to be acknowledged...I wonder if their intensity is only fractions of what our God feels. Is this what it means that He's a jealous God? That He wants us to reciprocate the love, affection, and attention that half the time we don't even realize it's there? I hate this feeling of jealousy, so intense and consuming...no wonder God sent Jesus to save us and be our mediator. I pray that I allow the patience and grace through Christ Jesus to take away these feelings in me, to renew my spirit.

Living Water

2007-02-07T08:21:00.000-08:00

9The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])
10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
11"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
John 4:9-14

Prayerful, Fearless declaration

2007-02-06T07:23:00.000-08:00

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6:19-20

I would venture to guess that only about 5% of the words that come out of my mouth are Spirit given. Words that are spoken direct to someones heart in clarifying the gospel of Christ Jesus. I hope that I'm wrong, and desire to think that more than 5% of words in my conversations are such...but I talk a good amount, so who really knows. I've prayed for a boldness of such since, well as far back I can remember is 2001, so 6 years! Let's say it's been an ongoing challenge for me. I have noticed some improvements, but I still desire to be more fearless in my proclamations of the gospel and frequently meditate/reflect on this verse.

Scrub a dub dub

2007-02-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Psalm 51:7

There is a great song that goes well with this song:
What can wash away our sins?
What can make us pure again?
Nothing but the blood,
oh nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Through the cross Christ took the action of our sin and the consquence. Leaving us washed, clean, pure, and free.

2007-02-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

16-18Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn't rain, and it didn't—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again.
James 5:6 MSG

Bottom line...we need to stick together and be honest with each other. So often we come to church hidden behind forced smiles, and we answer "fine" when someone inquires about how we are. Let's just be honest with each other and stand united. Life happens best in true biblical community. A cord of 3 strands is not easily broken.

2007-02-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”- Deuteronomy 6:4-5

This is the first and greatest commandment. Everything else comes out of loving God with all that we have and all we are. Out of love comes a responsibility and a commitment to Him. To follow him and obey Him. He wants us to love Him above and before anything else because apart from Him there is nothing else.

Lord says GO!

2007-01-31T07:42:00.000-08:00

But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Acts 9:15-16

Gross!

2007-01-30T08:14:00.000-08:00

11 As a dog returns to its vomit,
so a fool repeats his folly.
Proverbs 26:11

Just picturing this is gross and seems so stupid. Have you ever watched a dog go back to his own vomit and think...gosh this animal is stupid. Well going back to the same sin or back to old habits is the same thing. Without taking ownership of our sin and actively changing our behavior we will be no more intelligent than a dog eating his own vomit. That is just disgusting.

What ch'ya got

2007-01-29T18:53:00.000-08:00

For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

2 Corinthians 8:12

God is using the gifts He has given us, not the ones we think He needs us to have.