For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Friday, December 17, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
An End to Habitual Sin by Charles Stanley
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Satan looks for weak spots in a believer’s life where he can set up a stronghold. Once his fortress is established, he knows that the person will justify it, defend it, and keep adding bricks to it, one sin at a time. The appeal can be so strong that we return to a habitual sin even after confessing before God. Satan whispers, “One more time won’t hurt,” and we fall to temptation again.
Just as in medieval times when armies warred over high rock fortresses, a sin stronghold is usually the ground for a skirmish. We might expect the fight to be primarily between God and Satan, but that’s not the case—the Lord can knock down the Devil’s walls instantly. Instead, the struggle goes on within our spirit: Do
we want God to break our habit or not?
Giving up habitual sin is hard. The sinner finds comfort, pleasure, and/or satisfaction in the practice. Hot on the heels of those emotions, however, are guilt, shame, and despair, which drive a person to plead for help. But holy God cannot cleanse unrighteousness until people genuinely repent. True repentance means that a believer sees a sin for the wickedness that it is and turns his back on it. And we turn away as often as it takes—one time, a hundred times, or every single day for the rest of our lives.
Just thinking about giving up a sinful habit brings some people to the brink of despair. They want to be free of a stronghold, but the thought of resisting temptation makes them feel weak. Here is good news: the Holy Spirit’s power is enough to enable any believer to walk away. That includes you.
Copyright 2010 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:10-11
Satan looks for weak spots in a believer’s life where he can set up a stronghold. Once his fortress is established, he knows that the person will justify it, defend it, and keep adding bricks to it, one sin at a time. The appeal can be so strong that we return to a habitual sin even after confessing before God. Satan whispers, “One more time won’t hurt,” and we fall to temptation again.
Just as in medieval times when armies warred over high rock fortresses, a sin stronghold is usually the ground for a skirmish. We might expect the fight to be primarily between God and Satan, but that’s not the case—the Lord can knock down the Devil’s walls instantly. Instead, the struggle goes on within our spirit: Do
we want God to break our habit or not?
Giving up habitual sin is hard. The sinner finds comfort, pleasure, and/or satisfaction in the practice. Hot on the heels of those emotions, however, are guilt, shame, and despair, which drive a person to plead for help. But holy God cannot cleanse unrighteousness until people genuinely repent. True repentance means that a believer sees a sin for the wickedness that it is and turns his back on it. And we turn away as often as it takes—one time, a hundred times, or every single day for the rest of our lives.
Just thinking about giving up a sinful habit brings some people to the brink of despair. They want to be free of a stronghold, but the thought of resisting temptation makes them feel weak. Here is good news: the Holy Spirit’s power is enough to enable any believer to walk away. That includes you.
Copyright 2010 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Favorite Christmas Song...
Hola Folks...
Riding to work this morning, the radio DJs were talking about what song REALLY gets them in the mood for Christmas and it made me wonder what Christmas song really made me feel "Christmas-y" ...
What song really lets you know that it is Christmas time?
The radio DJs said their favorite Christmas song was "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby
Riding to work this morning, the radio DJs were talking about what song REALLY gets them in the mood for Christmas and it made me wonder what Christmas song really made me feel "Christmas-y" ...
What song really lets you know that it is Christmas time?
The radio DJs said their favorite Christmas song was "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Why Wait? by Dr. Charles Stanley
Came across this post on Dr. Charles Stanley's website InTouch.org and wanted to share it!
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Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Read | Psalm 25:4-5
On life’s road, crucial decisions are like intersections that call for a choice of direction. If we barrel through without seeking the mind of Christ, the road we pick may lead to regret and heartache. Although the Lord is ready and willing to offer clear direction, He doesn’t always give it quickly. Knowing that He has very good reasons for withholding immediate instruction can help us wait patiently at the intersection for His guidance.
At times God leaves us in our confusion because He wants to get our attention. When everything is running smoothly, we tend to forget the Lord. But uncertainty draws us back to Him like a magnet. By aligning our steps with His and walking in submission to the Spirit, we open our ears to hear His voice.
Our waiting time is God’s preparation time. In bringing about His sovereign purposes, He may put us on hold while He coordinates events to line up with His will. Sometimes the Lord has work to accomplish in us before we are ready to handle what He has planned for our future. If we instantly received His direction, we would never grow in faith. Spiritual maturity is evidenced in the ability to wait in peaceful confidence, trusting that in His time, we will know what to do.
If impatience tempts you to jump ahead of God’s timing at a crossroad of decision, you risk stepping outside of His will and missing His blessings. But by waiting until He gives clear direction, you will walk in His peace with certainty, instead of stumbling around in anxiety and confusion.
Click here for the original post from InTouch.org
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Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Read | Psalm 25:4-5
4 Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
On life’s road, crucial decisions are like intersections that call for a choice of direction. If we barrel through without seeking the mind of Christ, the road we pick may lead to regret and heartache. Although the Lord is ready and willing to offer clear direction, He doesn’t always give it quickly. Knowing that He has very good reasons for withholding immediate instruction can help us wait patiently at the intersection for His guidance.
At times God leaves us in our confusion because He wants to get our attention. When everything is running smoothly, we tend to forget the Lord. But uncertainty draws us back to Him like a magnet. By aligning our steps with His and walking in submission to the Spirit, we open our ears to hear His voice.
If impatience tempts you to jump ahead of God’s timing at a crossroad of decision, you risk stepping outside of His will and missing His blessings. But by waiting until He gives clear direction, you will walk in His peace with certainty, instead of stumbling around in anxiety and confusion.
Click here for the original post from InTouch.org
Copyright 2010 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Simple Ways to Pay it Forward...
Came across this list online today for simple ways to "pay it forward" in our daily lives...check them out...
-When getting off of a long airplane flight, leave that magazine you bought at the airport. The next flyer won't be stuck with nothing to read but the boring airlines magazine.-This idea didn't even used to be considered a good deed, but common courtesy. Sadly though, I am truly shocked when someone stands and holds open a door for me nowadays. Try it sometime. It's not a sexist thing. It doesn't matter if you are man or woman, or the other person's gender either. Simply hold open the door for someone behind you and let them step in first. Bonus points if it's cold, raining, or you're in a really big hurry.
-If you have a great waiter or waitress, go out of your way to let them personally know how much you appreciate them. We humans are quick to complain, but usually accept great service with no recognition. Try asking your waiter for the manager. When he or she brings back his/her boss, tell the manager what an excellent employee they hired. It doesn't hurt to give a generous tip as well.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither 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
Reading these verses this morning had me thinking...if nothing can separate us from God why does He sometimes feel so distant? I feel like God told me that I/we distance ourselves from God...not Him from us. We get so wrapped up in our own little world that we feel we don't need God for the day to day stuff...we only want Him around when something "big" happens. Because we have gotten in the habit of doing things our own way when things are good, when we feel like we really "need" Him, we aren't sure where to look, so He feels distant...God is never far away from us...in the good times and the bad!
It is our pride and our selfishness that makes us believe we can do things our own way and that we don't need God...it is only when reality kicks us in the face that we realize how screwed up we are as humans and how much we really need God to guide us through the highs and lows of life! Surrendering our lives to Christ is hard...something that has to be done daily, hourly, or maybe even minute by minute!
God Bless...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
FEAR...
So I'm reading...IN A PIT WITH A LION ON A SNOWY DAY...and I just got through a section on fear and it had me thinking..."Thinking what, Jon?"
The author, Mark Batterson, says that "psychiatrists posit that we're born with only two innate fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises."
That is crazy to think that every other fear (fear of the dark, fear of failing, fear of spiders, etc...) are all learned! The author goes on to say that if a fear is learned, it can be unlearned, and that is our goal if we want to lead fearless lives...we have to unlearn our irrational fears.
I'm interested to see what other people think about this...Can we "unlearn" our fears?
The author, Mark Batterson, says that "psychiatrists posit that we're born with only two innate fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises."
That is crazy to think that every other fear (fear of the dark, fear of failing, fear of spiders, etc...) are all learned! The author goes on to say that if a fear is learned, it can be unlearned, and that is our goal if we want to lead fearless lives...we have to unlearn our irrational fears.
I'm interested to see what other people think about this...Can we "unlearn" our fears?
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Adding Gyms to Your Church by Jon Acuff
We love adding stuff to our churches. A lot of mega churches are starting to call their buildings, “campuses” because they are. They’re installing gyms, coffeehouses, schools, and dozens of other things that make the church less of a temple and more of a community. Which is good on some level, but the challenge is we’re also called to go out and reach people in the world. And that’s difficult to do when your kids take karate at the church, you buy your morning latte at the church, you do your financial education classes at the church, you take aerobics at the church, you … the list goes on.
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Check out the original post here!
What are your thoughts on church "campuses" ... ?
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Check out the original post here!
What are your thoughts on church "campuses" ... ?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Doing Dating Detective Work
Doing Dating Detective Work
Came across this post on the site "StuffChristiansLike.net" and thought it was funny...click the link above to see the actual post on the website or read it below...
-----------------------------
(Lyndsay Rush is hilarious. Her last guest post blew up and I think this one is even better. She shares some great ways to identify a potential Christian when it comes to dating. (Unless of course, you feel called to date hot, non-Christians and win them over for the Lord with your dates.) I’m a big fan of Lyndsay. Enjoy!)
“I feel very blessed…” said our waiter as he cleared away our empty appetizer plates. He was responding to one of the many questions we had asked him throughout the night as we flirtatiously tried to determine if he was single and–even more important–a Christian.
I couldn’t tell you what he said after that because with one distinct word he had told us all we needed to know. Let’s just say he had us at ‘blessed.’
You may be rolling your eyes at this ridiculous assumption but the chances are you know exactly what I am talking about. Truth is, when you are a single Christian person in your 20s or 30s, this amateur detective work comes with the territory.
Whether you have Facestalked someone in order to examine their “religious views,” invited them somewhere on a Sunday to ascertain their church involvement (or lack thereof) or dropped your Christian school background to study their reaction, you’ve undoubtedly played a part in the Christian dating version of Clue; Professor Hot Guy with the Donald Miller Book in the Religious section of Borders.
And like any good Christian single, you know the importance of this due diligence. If you don’t nose around for a few weeks and read into specific word choices, you’ll miss your chance to determine their ‘pursue-ability’ and probably miss out on your future husband/wife.
Or at the very least the chance to evange-date them for a few weeks.
With that in mind, I bring you some helpful hints for discerning whether or not the hottie at Starbucks/guy in class/girl volunteering at the soup kitchen is in fact a Jesus lover.
1. Show them your ‘Beloved’ tattoo and see if they get it.
2. Put your hand on their back when you say hello and see if they bow their heads and assume you’re praying over them.
3. Pull a ‘Paul’ at the beach and slyly draw half of the Christian fish in the sand and see if they complete the symbol.
4. Try and drop Darwin into small talk and see where they stand on evolution vs. creation
5. Invite them to watch a Harry Potter movie to determine what they think of the dark arts.
6. Go in for a full hug and measure the seconds it takes for them to switch it to a side hug.
7. Say, “Oh rats, I forgot my Bible at home–do you have one in your car?”
8. Observe if they have ever Retweeted @CSLewisDaily or @OswaldChambers
9. Do a quick Facebook photo scan and see if they’ve been out of the country helping children at least once in the last 3 years
10. Hum “Come Thou Fount” and see if they join in.
11. Keep your eye out for encrypted scriptures in their graphic T’s
12. Drop a “my body is a temple” line near a group of the opposite sex at the gym and see who takes the bait.
13. Pay attention to his/her email sign off. Look specifically for “His,” “Decreasing as He Increases,” “Addicted to Jesus,” and “Warmly,”
14. Slap them in the face and see if they turn the other cheek.
15. In the facial hair arena, be on the lookout for the “spiritual scruff” aka a soul patch.
16. See if she owns a tank-ini or wears a XL t shirt over her bikini at the beach
17. Check to see if he put a ring on it, and by he I mean her dad and by ring I mean promise ring.
18. Ask him about his career and listen for him to use the words “will”, “purpose” or “calling”
19. Drop a homeschool bomb and see how they react.
20. Watch him greet his friends, if he ever uses the word ‘brother’, you’re gold.
21. Check their DVD collection for, “Fireproof”.
22. If you’re feeling bold, ask him to draw his dream woman. If he simply writes ‘Proverbs 31′ on the paper and passes it back to you, you’ve got your answer.
23. Pretend you need help figuring out a math problem involving 10%. Her speed at calculating will let you know if she tithes or not.
Armed with these tips and more, you will have no problem determining your crush’s Christianity, and consequently, their date-ability.
Happy hunting my friends. And godspeed.
For more great stuff from Lyndsay, check out her blog http://www.lyndsights.com/
Came across this post on the site "StuffChristiansLike.net" and thought it was funny...click the link above to see the actual post on the website or read it below...
-----------------------------
(Lyndsay Rush is hilarious. Her last guest post blew up and I think this one is even better. She shares some great ways to identify a potential Christian when it comes to dating. (Unless of course, you feel called to date hot, non-Christians and win them over for the Lord with your dates.) I’m a big fan of Lyndsay. Enjoy!)
“I feel very blessed…” said our waiter as he cleared away our empty appetizer plates. He was responding to one of the many questions we had asked him throughout the night as we flirtatiously tried to determine if he was single and–even more important–a Christian.
I couldn’t tell you what he said after that because with one distinct word he had told us all we needed to know. Let’s just say he had us at ‘blessed.’
You may be rolling your eyes at this ridiculous assumption but the chances are you know exactly what I am talking about. Truth is, when you are a single Christian person in your 20s or 30s, this amateur detective work comes with the territory.
Whether you have Facestalked someone in order to examine their “religious views,” invited them somewhere on a Sunday to ascertain their church involvement (or lack thereof) or dropped your Christian school background to study their reaction, you’ve undoubtedly played a part in the Christian dating version of Clue; Professor Hot Guy with the Donald Miller Book in the Religious section of Borders.
And like any good Christian single, you know the importance of this due diligence. If you don’t nose around for a few weeks and read into specific word choices, you’ll miss your chance to determine their ‘pursue-ability’ and probably miss out on your future husband/wife.
Or at the very least the chance to evange-date them for a few weeks.
With that in mind, I bring you some helpful hints for discerning whether or not the hottie at Starbucks/guy in class/girl volunteering at the soup kitchen is in fact a Jesus lover.
1. Show them your ‘Beloved’ tattoo and see if they get it.
2. Put your hand on their back when you say hello and see if they bow their heads and assume you’re praying over them.
3. Pull a ‘Paul’ at the beach and slyly draw half of the Christian fish in the sand and see if they complete the symbol.
4. Try and drop Darwin into small talk and see where they stand on evolution vs. creation
5. Invite them to watch a Harry Potter movie to determine what they think of the dark arts.
6. Go in for a full hug and measure the seconds it takes for them to switch it to a side hug.
7. Say, “Oh rats, I forgot my Bible at home–do you have one in your car?”
8. Observe if they have ever Retweeted @CSLewisDaily or @OswaldChambers
9. Do a quick Facebook photo scan and see if they’ve been out of the country helping children at least once in the last 3 years
10. Hum “Come Thou Fount” and see if they join in.
11. Keep your eye out for encrypted scriptures in their graphic T’s
12. Drop a “my body is a temple” line near a group of the opposite sex at the gym and see who takes the bait.
13. Pay attention to his/her email sign off. Look specifically for “His,” “Decreasing as He Increases,” “Addicted to Jesus,” and “Warmly,”
14. Slap them in the face and see if they turn the other cheek.
15. In the facial hair arena, be on the lookout for the “spiritual scruff” aka a soul patch.
16. See if she owns a tank-ini or wears a XL t shirt over her bikini at the beach
17. Check to see if he put a ring on it, and by he I mean her dad and by ring I mean promise ring.
18. Ask him about his career and listen for him to use the words “will”, “purpose” or “calling”
19. Drop a homeschool bomb and see how they react.
20. Watch him greet his friends, if he ever uses the word ‘brother’, you’re gold.
21. Check their DVD collection for, “Fireproof”.
22. If you’re feeling bold, ask him to draw his dream woman. If he simply writes ‘Proverbs 31′ on the paper and passes it back to you, you’ve got your answer.
23. Pretend you need help figuring out a math problem involving 10%. Her speed at calculating will let you know if she tithes or not.
Armed with these tips and more, you will have no problem determining your crush’s Christianity, and consequently, their date-ability.
Happy hunting my friends. And godspeed.
For more great stuff from Lyndsay, check out her blog http://www.lyndsights.com/
Friday, September 10, 2010
My take: Jesus Loves Porn Stars by Craig Gross
Editor's note: Craig Gross is the founder of XXXchurch.com and the author of 7 books. His latest two books Eyes of Integrity and Pure Eyes release this week. His previous book Jesus Loves You This I Know explains more about his relationship with Ron Jeremy and other outcasts. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife and two kids.
By Craig Gross, Special to CNN
I met Ron Jeremy at a porn show. A few years later we were sleeping on top of each other in a bunk bed on a tour bus. My family was with me, at times there were swingers on the bus and on occasion had some other pastors as well. We were on "The Porn Debate" tour of 7 cities in 7 nights.
Ron is arguably the biggest porn star in the world with 2,000 XXX rated videos. He claims to have had sex with over 5,000 women.
I started XXXchurch.com 8 years ago, created a software called X3watch that is keeping almost 1 million people accountable online and I am most often known as the Porn Pastor. I have only had sex with one woman who happens to be my wife.
Ron says we are just alike. He has been with 5,000 women and I have been with my wife of 12 years almost 5,000 times.
Just alike… Well not really.
Ron is for porn and I am against porn. We are opponents on stage. In fact we have debated each other over 60 times in the last 4 years. We have debated at Yale, Ohio State, University of Southern California, Texas Tech, and in a few weeks we start the school year off with another debate at the University of Tennessee.
We are opponents on stage but off stage we are great friends. That's really what this is about. Jesus dined with tax collectors and befriended prostitutes. I don't want to be known as the guy who debates Ron, I'd rather be known as the guy who loves Ron.
Love wins. My old pastor in Grand Rapids said that a lot. I have come to realize not only does love win, but love works and love waits.
Last year, Ron was in Vegas for Easter weekend. Before he hit the topless pool at Mandalay Bay, he said he was free so I picked him up in my minivan with my two toddlers in the back, and wife as well, and we all headed to church.
Ron loves worship music. If you don't believe watch this YouTube video.
He loved the song "Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So."
Ron and I travel quite a bit on for the porn debates. When we see each other at porn shows across the country we go out and when he is in Las Vegas or I am in Los Angeles , we connect up for a meal or just to hang out.
Ron and I talk about sex, the Bible, marriage, family, kids, heaven, hell, turtles, and so much more. He is never short on words. He has told me he is afraid to die. What if he is wrong and Jesus is really who he said he was?
For the last four years we have hit up college campuses and a few nightclubs with the porn debate. We have never been to a Christian university or a church.
Why not?
I am always the underdog and I kind of like it that way. Although, I think it would be great to bring Ron into my world just a bit, no one invites us.
The great thing about the debate is it is fair. I speak for 20 minutes, then Ron for 20 minutes then we do an hour of questions and answers.
Why is the church so afraid to hear the other side? I think it would be a great outreach to bring the debate to a church but every time I pitch it to a church or Christian college they say, "We could never let him on stage at church."
I don't get it. But then again, these are often the same people who say I should not even be friends with him, let alone on a tour bus with him. I know Zacchaeus was a short dude in the Bible but how can we overlook that story and see the example Jesus set for us to go after people?
Two friends of mine, Miles McPherson and Ryan Meeks have agreed to do the unthinkable. On October 9, Ron and I will do the unthinkable and head over to The Rock, a church in San Diego. A few months later on March 5 we will bring the debate to Eastlake Church in Seattle, Washington.
My friend Ryan is a bit out there. That's why we are friends. He traveled with Ron and me last year for a couple of debates. He said he would host the debate but only if Ron came back on Sunday and shared with the congregation about faith, God and his life.
Ron does not claim to be a Christian. Why share a church stage with someone that does not claim to be a Christian yet? What can we possibly learn from that?
A whole lot I believe. I believe if Christians and others would listen to more people who are not just like us, and give them opportunities in our environments, we both might experience change.
What do you think?
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Craig Gross.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Psalm 27:11-14
Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait or the LORD.
Psalm 27:11-14
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Relationship Builder: Takes More than 2 Halves to Make a Whole
Click here to view the original post on Ron Carpenter's site...
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Relationship Builder: Takes More than 2 Halves to Make a Whole
The Bible says that when a woman gets married, she no longer has authority over her body, He does. Men, when you get married, you no longer have authority over your body, she does.
Marriage is not two-thirds and one-third hooking up to become a whole. Marriage is not a half and a half. In order for marriage to work, it takes two healthy wholes coming together to make one.
That’s why you need to manage the time of your singleness well. Get your emotions together, your life together, and your personal affairs together. Make sure you’re self-sustaining and self-sufficient whether or not the other person ever gets there. Then you will become a whole lot more attractive to the right person. Not to most people, but to the right one; and it’ll be easier to spot the right one too, because you’ll have God’s perspective.
Relationship Builder Action Step: Singles: Make a list of the areas in your life that if they were present in someone else, you’d be concerned with entering a relationship with that person. Then, develop a realistic action plan for each area to move them to healthy and attractive.
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I really like the "action step" for this post...it is one I had to learn over time and am still working on now. I am thankful that God has given me someone in my fiance that I feel did work on these areas in her own life before we came together. Knowing who you are as a person and having your life "in order" will make combining your life with another person's go a lot smoother and help you both be happier with yourselves and with one another in the long run.
As long as we all keep seeking God and keep Him as the head of our individual lives and the focus of our marriages/friendships, He will bless our attempts and help us grow into the men and women He has called us be.
------------------------------
Relationship Builder: Takes More than 2 Halves to Make a Whole
The Bible says that when a woman gets married, she no longer has authority over her body, He does. Men, when you get married, you no longer have authority over your body, she does.
Marriage is not two-thirds and one-third hooking up to become a whole. Marriage is not a half and a half. In order for marriage to work, it takes two healthy wholes coming together to make one.
That’s why you need to manage the time of your singleness well. Get your emotions together, your life together, and your personal affairs together. Make sure you’re self-sustaining and self-sufficient whether or not the other person ever gets there. Then you will become a whole lot more attractive to the right person. Not to most people, but to the right one; and it’ll be easier to spot the right one too, because you’ll have God’s perspective.
Relationship Builder Action Step: Singles: Make a list of the areas in your life that if they were present in someone else, you’d be concerned with entering a relationship with that person. Then, develop a realistic action plan for each area to move them to healthy and attractive.
-----------------------------------------------
I really like the "action step" for this post...it is one I had to learn over time and am still working on now. I am thankful that God has given me someone in my fiance that I feel did work on these areas in her own life before we came together. Knowing who you are as a person and having your life "in order" will make combining your life with another person's go a lot smoother and help you both be happier with yourselves and with one another in the long run.
As long as we all keep seeking God and keep Him as the head of our individual lives and the focus of our marriages/friendships, He will bless our attempts and help us grow into the men and women He has called us be.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Do Not Give the Devil a Foothold...
This video gives an example of what could happen in our lives, and the lives of others we have relationships with, when we let Satan cling to an area of our life. This video more specifically deals with Ephesians 4:26-27:
26"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.
Satan comes to dinner from Seacoast Church on Vimeo.
This video may seem a little dramatic, but I feel that it helps show how Satan makes fun of the turmoil he helps create in our lives. It is his mission to destroy our lives and the lives of our families and to put as many barriers between us and God as he can.
We should really try to settle any disputes with have with others, especially our spouses and family members, as quickly as possible! The longer an issue lingers, the more anger and resentment we will feel towards the other person. Don't let pride or selfishness get in the way of doing what God calls you to do...
26"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.
Satan comes to dinner from Seacoast Church on Vimeo.
This video may seem a little dramatic, but I feel that it helps show how Satan makes fun of the turmoil he helps create in our lives. It is his mission to destroy our lives and the lives of our families and to put as many barriers between us and God as he can.
We should really try to settle any disputes with have with others, especially our spouses and family members, as quickly as possible! The longer an issue lingers, the more anger and resentment we will feel towards the other person. Don't let pride or selfishness get in the way of doing what God calls you to do...
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Why is Failure so Sexy? by Tim Stevens
I came across this post on Tim Stevens blog and thought it was very interesting...check out the original post here or read it below! Have a blessed day!!!
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It seems like every week or so I hear about someone who failed–recovered–and then wrote a book about it. Perhaps their marriage failed. Or they went through a phase as an addict. Or they lost their family because of bad choices. And so they write a book because of the insights they gained along the way.
I understand why those books sell. As fallen humans, we identify with other people who talk about their failures in such stark terms. We figure the author has some insight into the human condition–and perhaps we can learn enough to keep ourselves from falling in the same hole. And I agree…we can definitely learn from such people. I recall more than 20 years ago when Gordon MacDonald went through his highly publicized fall–he later said something I’ll never forget: “An unguarded strength is a double weakness.” He was saying, “Pay attention! I screwed up in an area where I was strong. Don’t do the same.”
So, yes, those who have fallen and recovered to some level of health have a place to write books and give talks about the pitfalls that should be avoided.
But what about those who were faithful for a lifetime, who never had a public failure, who loved their spouse for decades, who led their family with integrity? Why don’t they write books? Probably because no one would buy them. The topic isn’t as sexy, is it? You aren’t going to hear much dirt or experience the highs and lows of a huge fall.
But I ask…
Who do you know that consistently made good choices? Seek them out and ask them questions. You might actually learn something.
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It seems like every week or so I hear about someone who failed–recovered–and then wrote a book about it. Perhaps their marriage failed. Or they went through a phase as an addict. Or they lost their family because of bad choices. And so they write a book because of the insights they gained along the way.
I understand why those books sell. As fallen humans, we identify with other people who talk about their failures in such stark terms. We figure the author has some insight into the human condition–and perhaps we can learn enough to keep ourselves from falling in the same hole. And I agree…we can definitely learn from such people. I recall more than 20 years ago when Gordon MacDonald went through his highly publicized fall–he later said something I’ll never forget: “An unguarded strength is a double weakness.” He was saying, “Pay attention! I screwed up in an area where I was strong. Don’t do the same.”
So, yes, those who have fallen and recovered to some level of health have a place to write books and give talks about the pitfalls that should be avoided.
But what about those who were faithful for a lifetime, who never had a public failure, who loved their spouse for decades, who led their family with integrity? Why don’t they write books? Probably because no one would buy them. The topic isn’t as sexy, is it? You aren’t going to hear much dirt or experience the highs and lows of a huge fall.
But I ask…
- Would you rather get advice from the person who messed up and lost his marriage–or the man who has stood by his wife through ups and downs for 30 or 40 years?
- Would you rather get parenting advice from the author who tells you all the mistakes they made and how they regret that they traveled so much and didn’t spend time with their kids–or from the parent who was just there, day in and day out, loving on and listening to their kids?
- Would you rather get advice from the speaker who talks about all the bad things she did in her “wild youthful days” including illegal substances and lots of sexual partners–or from the boring girl who studied during college, got married as a virgin, and stayed connected to God and her family?
Who do you know that consistently made good choices? Seek them out and ask them questions. You might actually learn something.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Today's Marriages...
I heard this video on a podcast this morning and wanted to share...it is so sad that so many marriages are really being entered into with these thoughts in people's heads. The video is funny, but it really does make you think about today's marriages and why a lot of them are falling apart! Hope you enjoy!
What wedding vows would be if people were honest from NewSpring Church on Vimeo.
What wedding vows would be if people were honest from NewSpring Church on Vimeo.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
A Political Thought :: Perry Noble
Came across this post on Perry Noble's Blog and thought it was interesting...check it out...
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A Political Thought August 16, 2010
I tweeted last week in regards to the fact that it seems to be ok in America to have a political opinion…unless you are a Christian, then ANYTHING you say in the political realm is simply you alligning yourself with a hate group and being intollerant.
It’s the perfect argument really…if you are a Christian then you cannot say anything political…OR people accuse you of being too political. (All the while it seems to be perfectly fine for any other group in the country to have a strong opinion…as long as they are not Christian.)
Please do not misunderstand me on this…I am NOT saying that the church should pimp a particular political party. I am not saying that unless you vote one particular way then God’s wrath will fall upon you. It do not believe our main message is political, but rather spiritual…the fact is that you could give everyone in our country health care, we could pass some sort of immigration reform AND find a way to pay off the national debt…and none of that will change the fact that people are spiritually lost, blind and dead without Jesus.
Some churches take the political thing WAY too far…and some pastors should run for office instead of working in the church because they talk about politics way more than they talk about Jesus.
BUT…on the flip side it is NOT wrong for a Christian to have a political opinion. In fact, I think if we are following Christ we should care about politics…we should vote…we should pray for our government officials and we should be willing to discuss our views in a gentle and respectful way with people who ask…
BUT…His church can NEVER allow politics to be our main message. because…
I’ve seen presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush II and Obama all campaign…I watched all of them make promises, I wanted all of them talk about hope…and I watched every single one of them, at some point, go back on their word, let people down and fall into the political trap known as Washington DC.
And then there is Jesus…whose power rises so far above a political system. He is unchanging (Hebrews 13:8) and reigns over everyone and everything! He has never broken a promise…and when the political system of today is talked about in history books 500 years from now as an outdated idea…HE will still reign, HE will still be changing lives…and HE will STILL have never broken a promise.
So…have a political opinion (even if you are a Christian.) And VOTE (if you don’t vote then SHUT UP about how you feel about politics.) But let’s not EVER forget that Jesus died for us…HE should be our obsession…HE didn’t just want our vote but rather wanted to pay for our sins so we could be reconciled to God. HE, and not some political system, is our Savior.
I tweeted last week in regards to the fact that it seems to be ok in America to have a political opinion…unless you are a Christian, then ANYTHING you say in the political realm is simply you alligning yourself with a hate group and being intollerant.It’s the perfect argument really…if you are a Christian then you cannot say anything political…OR people accuse you of being too political. (All the while it seems to be perfectly fine for any other group in the country to have a strong opinion…as long as they are not Christian.)
Please do not misunderstand me on this…I am NOT saying that the church should pimp a particular political party. I am not saying that unless you vote one particular way then God’s wrath will fall upon you. I do not believe our main message is political, but rather spiritual…the fact is that you could give everyone in our country health care, we could pass some sort of immigration reform AND find a way to pay off the national debt…and none of that will change the fact that people are spiritually lost, blind and dead without Jesus.
Some churches take the political thing WAY too far…and some pastors should run for office instead of working in the church because they talk about politics way more than they talk about Jesus.
BUT…on the flip side it is NOT wrong for a Christian to have a political opinion. In fact, I think if we are following Christ we should care about politics…we should vote…we should pray for our government officials and we should be willing to discuss our views in a gentle and respectful way with people who ask…
BUT…His church can NEVER allow politics to be our main message. because…
I’ve seen presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush II and Obama all campaign…I watched all of them make promises, I watched all of them talk about hope…and I watched every single one of them, at some point, go back on their word, let people down and fall into the political trap known as Washington DC.
And then there is Jesus…whose power rises so far above a political system. He is unchanging (Hebrews 13:8) and reigns over everyone and everything! He has never broken a promise…and when the political system of today is talked about in history books 500 years from now as an outdated idea…HE will still reign, HE will still be changing lives…and HE will STILL have never broken a promise.
So…have a political opinion (even if you are a Christian.) And VOTE (if you don’t vote then SHUT UP about how you feel about politics.) But let’s not EVER forget that Jesus died for us…HE should be our obsession…HE didn’t just want our vote but rather wanted to pay for our sins so we could be reconciled to God. HE, and not some political system, is our Savior.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Psalm 18:2-3
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
Psalms 18:2-3
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MY GOD IS MY ROCK!!! I love that! I like how the word "horn" here means "strength"! We get our strength from God! I also love in Verse 3 where it says "I call to the LORD...and I am saved"!!!! Lord help me remember these verses and let them sink into my mind and heart and give me strength to carry on!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Relationship Builder: Walls Don't Work by Ron Carpenter
Click Here to see original post on Ron's website!
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I hear so much talk in relationship counseling circles about how people put up walls in relationships. I’ve even heard some people teach the importance of putting up walls in relationships. I certainly believe it’s important to have boundaries in your life, but when it comes to marriage, I firmly believe walls don’t work.
Building walls is nothing more than a defense mechanism where a violation has occurred.
The irony about walls is that they are put up to protect you, to keep an enemy out, but they keep you locked into your pain.
While you put up a defense to keep somebody else from hurting you the way you have been hurt in the past, you simultaneously wall off your life and restrict yourself from experiencing the life that God wants you to participate in.
Not allowing your partner to see they hurt you doesn’t stop them from hurting you. I can tell you nothing hurts me, I can say I don’t care, and I can tell you that it doesn’t bother me, but it doesn’t stop it from hurting, it doesn’t stop me from caring, and it doesn’t stop it from bothering me.
That wall is something that I present to you to try and convince myself that you can’t perpetrate that area anymore. I believe that marriages need to communicate truth. It’s the truth that sets you free, not walls—walls keep you from the truth, and you’ll never truly experience an intimate relationship if you refuse to be vulnerable.
Intimacy, by its very design, means that you are vulnerable. That’s why divorce hurts so much, because you get so much inside information concerning each other in a marriage, and everything you used to guard about each other is now being exposed for the sake of winning the kids, the house, the car, and the stuff.
Being vulnerable means sharing fears, fantasies, dreams, experiences, the good and the bad. That’s what creates intimacy in a marriage, the fact that I have knowledge that no one else possesses and the responsibility to protect that knowledge. I can trust you with this information, because I know you won’t use it against me; you can tell me you were abused or molested, you can tell me about the terrible treatment of your past relationships, and I will cover you where you’ve been hurt. Never publicly poke fun about something your partner revealed to you privately, because they’ll never tell you another thing.
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I hear so much talk in relationship counseling circles about how people put up walls in relationships. I’ve even heard some people teach the importance of putting up walls in relationships. I certainly believe it’s important to have boundaries in your life, but when it comes to marriage, I firmly believe walls don’t work.
Building walls is nothing more than a defense mechanism where a violation has occurred.
The irony about walls is that they are put up to protect you, to keep an enemy out, but they keep you locked into your pain.
While you put up a defense to keep somebody else from hurting you the way you have been hurt in the past, you simultaneously wall off your life and restrict yourself from experiencing the life that God wants you to participate in.
Not allowing your partner to see they hurt you doesn’t stop them from hurting you. I can tell you nothing hurts me, I can say I don’t care, and I can tell you that it doesn’t bother me, but it doesn’t stop it from hurting, it doesn’t stop me from caring, and it doesn’t stop it from bothering me.
That wall is something that I present to you to try and convince myself that you can’t perpetrate that area anymore. I believe that marriages need to communicate truth. It’s the truth that sets you free, not walls—walls keep you from the truth, and you’ll never truly experience an intimate relationship if you refuse to be vulnerable.
Intimacy, by its very design, means that you are vulnerable. That’s why divorce hurts so much, because you get so much inside information concerning each other in a marriage, and everything you used to guard about each other is now being exposed for the sake of winning the kids, the house, the car, and the stuff.
Being vulnerable means sharing fears, fantasies, dreams, experiences, the good and the bad. That’s what creates intimacy in a marriage, the fact that I have knowledge that no one else possesses and the responsibility to protect that knowledge. I can trust you with this information, because I know you won’t use it against me; you can tell me you were abused or molested, you can tell me about the terrible treatment of your past relationships, and I will cover you where you’ve been hurt. Never publicly poke fun about something your partner revealed to you privately, because they’ll never tell you another thing.
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Saturday, July 24, 2010
James 1:5-8
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
James 1:5-8
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I went over these verses recently and they really spoke to me! I know I lack wisdom and the one person I can get it from is God, but I haven't been going to Him like I should. Too often I rely on my own abilities and resources to handle situations when in reality, nothing I do could be accomplished without God. It also pointed areas where I doubt God and HIS abilities! Lord, help me take you out of the box and help me stop doubting You and Your awesomeness!
James 1:5-8
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I went over these verses recently and they really spoke to me! I know I lack wisdom and the one person I can get it from is God, but I haven't been going to Him like I should. Too often I rely on my own abilities and resources to handle situations when in reality, nothing I do could be accomplished without God. It also pointed areas where I doubt God and HIS abilities! Lord, help me take you out of the box and help me stop doubting You and Your awesomeness!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Jeremiah 17:7-8
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose
confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the
water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not
fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no
worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
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An area I'm definitely lacking in is putting my trust in the LORD! I can feel my "roots" strengthening the more I seek God and open my heart up to the relationship God wants to have with me/all of us!
confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the
water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not
fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no
worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
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An area I'm definitely lacking in is putting my trust in the LORD! I can feel my "roots" strengthening the more I seek God and open my heart up to the relationship God wants to have with me/all of us!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Luke 6:46-49
Why do you call me, "Lord, Lord," and do not do what I say?
I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my
words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building
a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock.
When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could
not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who
hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a
man who built a house on the ground without a foundation.
The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and
its destruction was complete.
Luke 6:46-49
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These verses made me think about the parable of the sower...the seeds fell on different types of ground and sprouted and either died quickly or stood strong...I love the imagery God uses in His word!
I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my
words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building
a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock.
When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could
not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who
hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a
man who built a house on the ground without a foundation.
The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and
its destruction was complete.
Luke 6:46-49
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These verses made me think about the parable of the sower...the seeds fell on different types of ground and sprouted and either died quickly or stood strong...I love the imagery God uses in His word!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have
learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know
what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any
and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether
living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him
who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13
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I definitely feel like God has been trying to drive this point home with me lately. I'm stubborn though,so it seems to be taking a long time to let it even begin to sink in...Lord continue to teach me and bring to light the areas in my life that I am not surrendering to you!
learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know
what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any
and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether
living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him
who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13
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I definitely feel like God has been trying to drive this point home with me lately. I'm stubborn though,so it seems to be taking a long time to let it even begin to sink in...Lord continue to teach me and bring to light the areas in my life that I am not surrendering to you!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Psalm 62:5-8
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I
will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on
God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all
times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our
refuge.
Psalms 62:5-8
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I
will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on
God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all
times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our
refuge.
Psalms 62:5-8
Friday, February 19, 2010
Holy Bloggers is about to change...
Hello Folks...
So I've been thinking/debating for a while about taking Holy Bloggers in a new direction. Instead of posting a weekly "bible study" I believe I am going to start doing an active log of other blogs from pastors, artists, and other sources that we can all check out when we want.
Many people out there update their blogs daily/more regularly than this one is updated and half the time I re-post their posts anyway, so I think this will help us be touched in a variety of ways by a variety of people by God.
I'm not sure when all this will go into action, but I'll send out an email/post about it :)
God bless...and feel free to comment.
So I've been thinking/debating for a while about taking Holy Bloggers in a new direction. Instead of posting a weekly "bible study" I believe I am going to start doing an active log of other blogs from pastors, artists, and other sources that we can all check out when we want.
Many people out there update their blogs daily/more regularly than this one is updated and half the time I re-post their posts anyway, so I think this will help us be touched in a variety of ways by a variety of people by God.
I'm not sure when all this will go into action, but I'll send out an email/post about it :)
God bless...and feel free to comment.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Post by Steven Furtick
Check out this post by Steven Furtick called Just Like Jesus Said.
We have to trust God when we feel Him telling us to do something. He won't steer us in the wrong direction.
We have to trust God when we feel Him telling us to do something. He won't steer us in the wrong direction.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Post by Pete Wilson
You have to check out this post by Pete Wilson : 3 Questions That Will Change You
Truly awesome post...and an area a lot of us struggle with/need to examine in our own lives.
God Bless
Truly awesome post...and an area a lot of us struggle with/need to examine in our own lives.
God Bless
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