Lifesong - Casting Crowns

Build Your House Upon the Rock

I saw a segment on TV last night about the multi billion dollar self improvement industry today. I was struck by people's eagerness to plunk down thousands of dollars to listen to some self-help guru explain how you, too can be healthy, wealthy, and wise. The only problem is the credentials of the so called guru. In many cases they are charismatic, uneducated charlatans who really don't care about the people they purport to help and the only wealth that is being created is their own...

On the other hand, the Bible is true and reliable and without cost. It is God's personal Word to us and is how He has chosen to reveal Himself to us. It doesn't cost thousands and offers real answers to life's toughest questions. I find it odd that people would rather pay big money to bad people than to pick up and read the only true source of wisdom. They'll spend 9.6 billion on books, seminars, programs, retreats, etc. where someone without real wisdom will tell them what they want to hear rather than read what they need to hear from the One who made them.

The facts are that we all need a road map. Psalm 119:19-20 says, "I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map--and Your commands are my chart and guide. I long for Your instructions more than I can tell." (TLB)

Oswald Chambers said, "Never water down the word of God, preach it in its undiluted sternness; there must be unflinching loyalty to the word of God; but when you come to personal dealing with your fellow men, remember who you are-not a special being made up in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace."

You may have tried to read parts of God's word in the past and you may have had difficulty with it. Once you've begun your journey of faith in Christ, it becomes your personal letter from God and the Holy Spirit helps us understand it and take it to heart. I've heard it said, "I couldn't pick it up before, and now I can't put it down."

"The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward." Psalm 19:7-11 (NIV)

God's word is an accurate road map for life, your life. It tells us how to walk, where to walk, and what to expect. It is our true source of knowledge about who God is and who He wants us to be. His word reveals His heart. God's heart loves people with an everlasting love. But God's word isn't just about knowledge. D.L. Moody said, "The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives."

"There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." 2 Timothy 3:15b-17 (The Message)

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) The "big idea" in this passage is to hear God's word and put it into practice. So pick up God's manual on how to live and begin to build a life on His solid foundation.

Dear Lord, Thank you for Your word, Your personal word to us that reveals who you are and guides us in Your paths. Please correct and expose those things in us that need to be changed, realigned, reshaped. Change our thinking, Lord, through the power of Your truth and help us to walk in it.

His Beauty

"How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness,who announces salvation, and says to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" Isaiah 52:7 (NASB)

"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." 1 Chronicles 16:29 (KJV)

"One thing have I asked of the LORD,that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple." Psalm 27:4 (ESV)

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified." Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)

"You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD,and a royal diadem in the hand of your God." Isaiah 62:3 (ESV)

Dear Lord, Thank you for Your unimaginable beauty! Thank you for the beauty You have created and thank you for the beauty of our relationship with You.

He Knows My Name by Maranatha Singers

Be Thou My Vision

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

What is the prize? Is it a closet full of clothes, a new car, a dream vacation? If you are a contestant on a game show, you'll likely win a combination of cash and prizes depending on your abilities or the spin of a wheel. In the world, the prizes seem to be big and flashy...That's what we want, isn't it? Big, flashy, fleshly prizes or do we want something else? Something quieter, more unique, of greater value than the prizes the world offers? Of course, the ultimate prize is eternal life, but what other prizes should we keep our eye on during the journey we call life?

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Psalm 51:17 (KJV)

"Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NASB)

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)

"Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity." 1 John 2:15-17 (The Message)

The ultimate prize is eternal life with Him, but the prize for the journey is being transformed into His image. You may think that that will never happen to you, but if you want to be transformed, you must know the transformer. How can you do what He wants if you don't know who He is? And you cannot make Him up to fit your own profile of who you think He should be. You have to get to know who He is, exactly as He is through His word... "Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules." 2 Timothy 2:5 (NASB) We need to know what is expected of us, what His rules are.

So keep your eye on the prize and do not look to the right or the left..."You shall be careful therefore to do as the LORD your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left." Deuteronomy 5:32 (ESV)

"We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives." Proverbs 21:2 (The Message) Do not do only what looks good on the surface, but examine why you are doing it. Are you doing it to be transformed or applauded?

Dear Lord, Transform us into Your image. Make us want to know exactly who You are according to Your word. Let us not design You to fit our own ideas but focus on Your truth and the truth of who You really are. Help us to keep our eye on the prize of our upward calling in Christ Jesus.

Press On

We Press on...

"If the LORD delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand." Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)

"Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble. I hope for Your salvation, O LORD, and do Your commandments. My soul keeps Thy testimonies, and I love them exceedingly. I keep Thy precepts and Thy testimonies, for all my ways are before Thee." Psalm 119:165-1668 (NASB)

"For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of calamity." Proverbs 24:16 (NASB)

"I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life." Proverbs 4:11-13 (NIV)

"May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:2-11 (ESV)

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What 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 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained." Philippians 3:7-16 (NIV)

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (NASB)

Dear Lord, Cause us to read and know Your Word to the point that Your qualities shine forth in our lives. Help us to realize that if our focus is on You, we will become like You, and will no longer walk in darkness but rather in Your light. Teach us to press on even when we don't understand what is happening or why, knowing that You are more than capable and that You order our steps rightly. If we walk in Your ways, we will not stumble. If we stumble, we will not fall, because You are the One who holds us up with Your hand.

Keith Green - Your Love Broke Through

Your Love Broke Through

Sometimes what we really need is just to have the Lord break through the hard enamel we have coated ourselves with. We apply layer after layer until our exterior is so shiny and hard that it feels like we will crack when we try to smile; we feel all shaky and nasty inside and fake on the outside. We keep applying the stuff around ourselves when we are hurt or sad or lonely, when we are disappointed or upset or sinful. We are trying to protect ourselves but all we end up doing is keeping the One who can help us out and all of the bad stuff in. We don't know how to deal with how we feel, so we find some way not to feel it...

When God's love breaks through our self erected walls, I won't kid you, it is painful. We need to ask Him for His forgiveness and for His peace. And the more we have coated or built up around ourselves, the more painful it can be when it all comes crashing down. We need to be real with God and with ourselves. We need to feel the pain and hand it over to God. Once we hand it over to Him, we can get past it but we probably won't ever get over it. Masking the pain is never productive. We mask it, hide from it, run from it, blame someone else for it, get angry over it, sugar coat it, glaze it over and surround it with things that make it look better than it actually is. What we seldom do is deal with it. Honesty is the best policy. First, we need to be honest with ourselves and then we need to be honest with God who sees it all. "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)

"Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart." Psalm 36:5-10 (NIV)

Dear Lord, Let Your love break through to our hardened hearts. Help us to be softened toward You and Your love. Teach us to feel our pain instead of masking it or decorating it. Let us lay everything at Your feet and help us to leave it there, Lord. Forgive us and heal us. Help us to be honest with ourselves, with others and with You...

You're Beautiful -Phil Wickham {HD}

A Strange Way to Save the World

What a Strange Way to Save the World...

Please be sure and watch the Youtube video entitled, "A Strange Way to Save the World" before reading this post. Click on Home and it should be the first post for Monday, June 21, 2010.

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him." 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV)

"Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud." Proverbs 16:19 (NIV)

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29 (ESV)

"For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:3 (NASB)

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.' He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.' When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He 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. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." 1 Peter 2:21-25 (NIV)

Isaiah 53 (NIV)

"Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him."

"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not."

"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

"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."

"By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken."

"He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand."

"Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."

Dear Lord, Thank you that You chose to save the world by sending Your own Son to become an example for us. Because He did not come as an earthly King, but rather as a heavenly King in human form, we can relate to Him. In His humanity, in His suffering, in His humility, in His righteousness, He did what no one else could do. He saved our souls and showed us how to live.

One Solitary Life

I'll Need You Dad

The Importance of Fathers

If you think a father isn't important, just ask someone who doesn't have one. If you don't have a father, chances are Father's Day is a difficult day for you. Whether you've never had a father or you've lost your father, the importance of fathers is especially poignant on and around Father's Day.

So for those of us without fathers on this Father's Day, I being one of them, let's look at the Father of all Fathers, the Father to the Fatherless, God the Father. Jesus said, "I and the Father are One." John 10:30 (NASB)

"Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation." Psalm 68:5 (ESV)

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18 (ESV)

"I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done—kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in His love." John 15:9 (The Message)

"But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children..." Psalm 103:17 (NIV)

"Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David." Isaiah 55:3 (ESV)

"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV)

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." 1 John 3:1 (KJV)

"So Moses cut two tablets of stone just like the originals. He got up early in the morning and climbed Mount Sinai as God had commanded him, carrying the two tablets of stone. God descended in the cloud and took up his position there beside him and called out the name, God. God passed in front of him and called out, "God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient—so much love, so deeply true—loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. Still, he doesn't ignore sin. He holds sons and grandsons responsible for a father's sins to the third and even fourth generation." Exodus 34:4 (The Message)

"...and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to Him. For the LORD is your life, and He will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." Deuteronomy 39:20 (NIV)

"He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me." John 14:24 (NASB)

"Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love." 2 John 1:3 (NIV)

"My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one." John 10:29-30 (NASB)

Dear Lord, Thank You that although my earthly father left me 18 years ago, You have been a Father to me and One who loves me unconditionally with an everlasting love. Thank You that no matter what I have or have not had, You have always been with me and You will never leave me nor forsake me...

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Father's Day!

Please Pray For My Daughter, Stacie...

My daughter, Stacie, left today on the adventure of a lifetime. Now it's my turn to put my money where my mouth is, to practice what I preach... Surely a Holy God is able to care for her and keep her safe even in dangerous places... Surely the Creator of the Universe can keep her in His loving care until we meet again... But I have information that I wish I didn't have. I know that everything doesn't always work out the way I think it should. I know that God's ways are not my ways nor are His thoughts my thoughts. "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' declares the LORD. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.'" Isaiah 55:8-9 (NASB) And not only are God's thoughts higher than mine, they are also very different than mine. God is an eternal God not constrained by time or place. He is infinite and infinitely wise. Whereas I think I know a lot, I have barely nicked the surface with my finite mind of what God knows and can and will do. He sees the puzzle of our lives in its finished state while we are struggling just to find the spot where each piece might fit. I am thankful that He knows the big picture, but I am also thankful that He gives us small glimpses of His eternal plan.

"He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth— the LORD God Almighty is his name." Amos 4:13 (NIV)

I will now trust Him with my precious daughter and although I would do anything for her and would love to make her life easier, she is wiser than I and knows that real growth comes when you don't shelter yourself from difficult and scary things. Real growth often comes with a price. The question is are we willing to take ourselves out of our safe harbors and get into the fray of life, into the storm of tragedy where so much of humanity abides?

In this country we have been sheltered from the reality of the lives the rest of the world lives. We have only become more aware in recent years, partially due to increased communications through the internet, partially due to the fact that we can no longer feign ignorance. I am proud of the next generation who is rising up and taking action all over the world to fight injustice and indecency. We should learn a lesson from them and follow them into the fray where we can be changed and who knows but that our own ordinary lives might make the world a better place.

We often think, "What could I possibly do? What difference could I possibly make? I cannot go to a foreign country. I cannot make people love instead of hate. I cannot stop people from taking advantage of each other or hurting each other. I cannot solve world hunger or bring world peace." When I feel overwhelmed by what I cannot change in this world, I remember what I can change. I can change my small place in this world with a kind word, a gentle smile, a look of understanding, an offered hand, a silent prayer. I can bring a small measure of peace to my part of the world...today. No matter that I may never know of the effect. No matter that no thanks will be given. No matter that I cannot stop the violence or the pain or the heartache or the suffering. I can bring friendship to a lonely heart, food to an empty stomach, knowledge to a hungry mind, and truth to a thirsty soul.

We can no longer sit back in our easy chairs watching silly TV shows and lamenting about taxes or oil spills or politics. We must take action and not allow the wicked to oppress the helpless whether half way around the world or half way around the block. "God takes His stand in His own congregation; He judges in the midst of the rulers. How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked? Selah. Vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them out of the hand of the wicked." Psalm 82:1-4 (NASB)

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." James 4:17 (ESV)

Dear Lord, Please let us follow You into the world to bring light and life to the darkness. Let us be willing to leave our comfort and venture out into the unknown and uncomfortable world, where ever that might be, to bring glory to Your name.

Revelation Song - Kari Jobe - Music Video

He was Someone's Son...

I think the parts of the movie The Passion which move me the most are the parts that show Mary running toward her Son, the Son of God, the Messiah. I think I understood more of the sacrifice that was made by the Father and the Son (and Mary) when I myself became a parent. When your baby is first placed in your arms, there is an overwhelming need to protect them, to keep them from harm. We also have an intense desire to give them good things, a good life, and love. You so want everything to go well for them. You want the best for them. You want them to fulfill their purpose in life and be happy doing it. Not one of us would willingly subject our child to suffering...

When I think of Mary, I think of a human mom who had to make the ultimate sacrifice. But I also realize that she didn't understand what would be required of her when she said, "My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name..." Luke 1:46-49 (NASB) Mary knew that she would give birth to the Messiah, to the Savior of the world, but I am not sure she knew that that would require Him to be beaten, scarred, tortured, and killed on a cross. I'm sure, as a mother, she would not have chosen that for her Son. But as the bondservant of the Lord, she was willing to endure the horror of the death of her child for the salvation of the whole world.

When I think of God the Father, I see a Father who chose to give His only Son as a sacrifice for mankind. What is more difficult? Is it more difficult to have your Son taken by force and killed while you stand by watching? Or is it more difficult to make the decision to offer up Your only begotten Son as a living sacrifice for the sins of the entire world. Although they are both unthinkable, I believe the more difficult situation would be the one where the Father knowingly chose to offer His only Son for a propitiation for all. That is the magnitude of the Father's love for us. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NASB)

"For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." Romans 3:22b-26 (ESV)

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10 (KJV)

Dear Lord, Thank You for Your great love for us and for the amazing provision You made for us through the precious blood of Your One and Only Son. Please let me ever be conscious of the great sacrifice that was made on that cross so long ago...

Michael W. Smith - Purified

Purified

"'Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me, and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,' says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness." Malachi 3:1-3 (NASB)

If you think that the sins of Christians are different than the sins of other people, you are correct. They are worse. "They are worse for when a believer sins, they not only break the Law of God, but they break the heart of God. When a believer deliberately sins, it isn't just the disobedience of a servant to a master, or the rebellion of a subject against a king; it's the offense of a child against the loving Father. The sins we cherish and think we get away with bring grief to the heart of God." (Wiersbe, 2002) We all know what these sins are in our own hearts, but have we considered what they do to the heart of God?

In Malachi, the last of the writing prophets, the people had sinned against God in a number of ways, the first being that they lacked love for God. This was also the first sin that Jesus mentioned in Revelation 2:4, "But I have this against you, that you have left your first love." (NASB) It is probably listed first because the lack of love for God is the source for all other sins. There is a definite lack of love for God in the world today even among believers. We are guilty of trying to squeeze God into our molds instead of being transformed by Him as it says in Romans 12:2, "Do 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." (NIV) The world is a difficult place to live with the temptation always before us to water down, set aside, or squeeze what God says so that it will fit the politically correct byword of the day. The world and many Christians want God's blessings but not His judgement. As believers, we need to remember that God's judgement will come whether we want it to or not. We want everything that is nice and pleasant in God's Word and we forget that we will be held accountable for everything we do and don't do. One of the ways we avoid this is by not knowing God's Word at all, almost as if what we don't know won't hurt us. Of course, that will not be true. We are responsible for studying God's Word and hiding it in our hearts as in Psalm 119:11, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (KJV) And, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) We need to face the fact that we have a responsibility to honor and serve God, but we also have a responsibility to know Him. And how can we love Him if we do not know Him.

Many times we walk through life oblivious to what we ourselves are doing (or not doing) and we can leave wreckage in our wake. We should always be examining ourselves against the example of Jesus. We should take stock at the end of each day, thinking about what we have done, what we should have done, and if there is anything that we have done that requires apology or making right somehow. I am not saying that we should or can purify ourselves, but how can we even ask to be purified if we are not being careful how we walk for it says, "For this reason it says, 'Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:14-16 (NASB)

The process of purification is not usually a pleasant process. A Father disciplines those He loves, "My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV) "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." Hebrews 12:11 (NASB)

To begin the purification process, we need to ask God to bring things to our attention that need correcting, changing, or remodeling. If we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, then we can rely on Him to bring conviction to our hearts, and if we are listening, the process can begin. We need to ask as David did in Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (KJV)

God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. "Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:6-7 (NASB) "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:17 (NASB) If we ask, He will answer, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

So let's get to know what He requires of us, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8 (NIV) And let's cry out to Him "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit." Psalm 51:10-12 (NASB)

Dear Lord, Please make me aware of what needs to be changed in me. Help me to study Your word and hide it in my heart so that I might not sin against You. Let me not break Your heart but let me bring joy to You and Your kingdom.

Stuff

It's very odd. I have been collecting "stuff" for 50 plus years now, filling our houses with pretty things, beautiful colors, and lovely shapes. I was noticing the lamp by my bedside this morning, and thought, "That's a really nice lamp! I probably wouldn't have that lamp if I hadn't been a decorator..." But the truly odd thing is that now that my house is full and completely decorated (I honestly don't need another thing!), I appreciate it and enjoy it but think, It's nice, but I don't need it. Who knows, it could be time to start downsizing stuff soon.

You see, I grew up with less stuff so getting more stuff was important to me in my younger years. Now that I'm older, it isn't so important. My kids, on the other hand, grew up with lots of stuff and they seem to care little about it. Oh, don't get me wrong, they love their musical instruments and laptop computers, but they don't seem to have the obsession to keep track of it and maintain it and protect it that I did. I spent much of my early time maintaining stuff. I didn't want to have to replace the stuff so I worked hard to keep it looking new. I dusted it, I polished it, I protected it from rambunctious children. We took our shoes off in the house to protect the carpet so we wouldn't have to replace it very often. We only allowed our kids to eat at the kitchen table. We taught our kids to drink their sippy cups in the kitchen so they wouldn't accidentally spill the contents. And for the most part, these things did keep stuff looking nice. My kids aren't warped by it (at least I don't think they are!) and they don't abide by those rules very much any more now that they are all adults...But the real turn around came when we got a couple of dogs, one of which had the run of the house. The dogs make messes on the carpet (by accident, of course). We have spots that have been cleaned but are still very noticable all over the place. And I don't really care. I do try to have the carpet cleaned before parties and such but the spots return later after a month or two. I always threaten to get puke colored carpet when I replace it, if I ever do.

Being free of the tyranny of stuff is wonderful. Matthew 6:19-21 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (NIV)

Now my stuff is collecting dust. I am not a great housekeeper...That was actually never my thing. I enjoy seeing the pretty things as I look around the house but it doesn't take up much of my time or thinking. And I am willing to give it up should the Lord ask that of me. You can't take it with you anyway, right? The only things we can take with us are our character and our relationships with Christ and others.

"Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 'I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU'". Hebrews 13:5 (NASB)

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:38 (KJV)

Dear Lord, Thank You for the stuff You have given us. We know that all blessings come from You. Please help us to focus on You and not our stuff. Teach us to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven and make us free of the tyranny of "stuff".

Forever by Michael W. Smith

That's My King Dr. S.M. Lockridge - [OFFICIAL]

Do You Know Him?

Do you know Him? Do you really know Him?

I heard this audio by Dr. S.M. Lockridge for the first time about 11 years ago. I have heard it several times since then. If you haven't heard it yet, you must listen! It inspires me. I hope it inspires you.

Have a wonderful Weekend!

Let My Words Be Few - Phillips, Craig & Dean

The Tongue is a Fire

James 3

Taming the Tongue

1Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.

3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

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 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.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (NIV)

Colossians 4:6 says, "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." (NASB)

Dear Lord, Help us to tame our tongues which can do great damage to those around us, especially those we love. Help us to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus and keep our focus on You. Teach us to control this small but powerful part of our bodies through the indwelling of Your Spirit.

I AM - Mark Schultz

I am...

I am Jesus.
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.
I am the Living Water, the Bright and Morning Star, the Rose of Sharon, and the Prince of Peace.
I am the Savior, the Messiah, and the Redeemer.
I am the Bread of Life.
I am the Wonderful Counselor, the Everlasting Father.
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
I am the Glass in the Mirror, the Light in the darkness, the Author and Perfecter of faith.
I am the open Door.
I am the One who knocks.
I am Grace and Truth and Light.
I am that I am and I am Love.
I am the Bridegroom.
I am Eternal, Ever Present, All Knowing, All Powerful, and Just.
I am Faithful and True.
I am full of Mercy and Grace.
I am the Light of Life and the True Vine.
I am the Vine and the Vine dresser.
I am Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding.
I am the Beloved Son, the Firstborn of all creation, and the Giver of eternal life.
All things were created by Me and in Me all things have their being.
I am the Mighty God, the Son of man, the Son of Encouragement.
I am in all things, and above all things, and am seated at the right hand of God.
I am the Word and the Word made Flesh.
I am the Answer and the Question.
I am the Lamb of God and I am called Righteous and True.
I am the Comforter and the Friend who loves at all times.
I am the One who laid down His life for His friends.
I am closer than a brother.
I am Hope, and Peace, and Strength.
I hold the keys and fill your cup.
I pour out blessings and discipline.
I am no respecter of persons.
I am Impartial.
I love justice.
I am a Lamp unto your feet, the Narrow Gate, and the Path of Righteousness.
I am the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever.
I will never leave you nor forsake you.
I am your Protector, your Fortress, your Shield.
I am Broken Bread and Poured out Wine.
I am the Lamb that was slain.
I am the Peace that passes understanding.
I am Joy unspeakable.
I am the Good Shepherd, the Healer, the Giver of every good and perfect gift.
I am the Holy One, the Infinite God.
I am the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
I am the Rock, the Word of Life, the Lord of glory.
I am the Mediator, the Cornerstone that the builders rejected, a Ransom for many.
I am the Servant King, the Heir of all things, and the great High Priest.
I am the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Only Begotten, the Resurrection and the Life.
I am the Light of the World.
I am Emmanuel, God with us.
I am the Risen Christ.
I am the Great I AM.

Welcome to the 5 Weeks For Freedom Campaign « 5 Weeks for Freedom

Welcome to the 5 Weeks For Freedom Campaign « 5 Weeks for Freedom

Contentment

This is a recap of a sermon by Tom Holladay at Saddleback Church. To find the complete sermon and notes go to: http://www.saddleback.com/mc/m/45E0

"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 4:12-13 (NIV)

To learn the secret to contentment, we need only look to God's word. The operative word here is learn. We are not born content; we must learn to be content. Contentment is not taking the easy way out. It is learning an attitude of life that allows you to work hard and gain godly success without losing everything else in the process. Learning contentment is trusting God for much more than you ever thought you could.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..." Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

The enemy of contentment is comparison. When we compare ourselves and what we have(or don't have) to others we find our joy draining away. We begin to allow what others have or their opinions of us to control our lives and our decisions. We need to learn to live in the joy that only God can give us. "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!" Luke 12:24 (NASB) And "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!" Luke 12:27-28 (NASB)

"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else..." Galations 6:4

Learn to be content with whatever you have, whether little or much. Always chasing after more leaves us exhausted and angry and is like chasing the wind, an endless and impossible task. We need to remind ourselves that life is not about things and having more can cloud our vision and cause us to turn away from God. Things cannot be trusted. Put your trust in God.

"I say it is better to be content with what little you have. Otherwise, you will always be struggling for more, and that is like chasing the wind." Ecclesiates 4:6 (NCV)

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV)

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV)

"Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." Proverbs 30:8-9 (NIV)

Be careful about what you pursue. What are you chasing after? Are you chasing after power, fame, fortune, approval, a bigger house, a nicer car? All of these things will leave you feeling empty and unsatisfied. We ought to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. We will only receive genuine contentment through our pursuit of God.

"For 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. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." 1 Timothy 6:10-11 (NIV)

"As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness." Psalm 17:15 (ESV)

We must rely on the strength that Christ gives us. We will never find contentment in wealth or a perfect life. These things are futile and empty. Our contentment is not found in our circumstances but rather in our relationship with Him. We can trust what He says. And if we trust what He says then we should also act on it. When you learn true contentment, you have a treasure which cannot be taken away from you.

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 (NASB)

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being..." Ephesians 3:16 (NIV)

Dear Lord, Please help us learn true contentment, the contentment which can only be found in You. Help us to trust in You and Your word and not in the trappings of this world which will only disappoint and leave us feeling empty.

There are no Magic Wands here...

I would love to be able to wave a magic wand and make everything better for everyone...But it doesn't work that way. The Christian life doesn't include any magic wands for us. There are no guarantees that this life will be easy or that we won't have difficult things to deal with. Quite the opposite, we are told that in this world we will have tribulation. What we are promised is that Jesus will be with us every step of the way. He will lead us and guide us. He will teach us and comfort us. Our goal is to have faith, to serve Him, to lift up His name, and to learn from this short journey. We must open ourselves up to His truth so that we can learn from Him. He offers us peace in the midst of the storms of life. He offers us hope in the midst of the trials. You see, if there is one thing that we need to learn, it is this: this life is not all about us. It's all about Him. This seems to be the most difficult lesson for us to learn because in our own books, it is all about us. But in the Book of Life, where our names are hopefully written (if we have confessed our sin and accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior!), the story is His.

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matthew 11:29 (KJV)

"One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, 'Let us go across to the other side of the lake.' So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, 'Master, Master, we are perishing!' And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, 'Where is your faith?' And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, 'Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?'" Luke 8:22-25 (ESV)

If Jesus asks, "Where is your faith?" what would you answer Him? Do you have faith that even when life is difficult or dangerous, He will still get you through it? Do you trust Him with your life? Or do you blame Him and abandon ship when things don't go the way you think they should? You need to come to the place where you know that without a doubt He is trustworthy. Jesus' question implies action on our parts. We must have faith. The truth is that we frequently have very little. "He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'" Matthew 17:20 (NIV) You know how small a mustard seed is, don't you? If you have the tiniest bit of faith, you can move mountains through His power. Nothing will be impossible for you.

"Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father." John 14:11-13 (NIV) We need to keep in mind that whatever we ask should bring glory to the Father...

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) We can know what faith is and even think that we may have it but unless we walk in it, is it real? "For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NASB) And, "Your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right or to the left.'" Isaiah 30:21 (NASB) There are three components to faith: 1) We must have the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ, 2)We must accept that it is true, and 3)We must trust in Him for our salvation. Do you trust Him?

The definition of trust is reliance on and confidence in the truth, worth, reliability, etc., of a person or thing; faith. Likewise, it is a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship. Faith and Trust are inextricably linked. I think the reason that we may not trust Him is that we are afraid of the end of this life and the uncertainty of how that will happen. We ask, "How will it end? When will it end? Why will it end?" Billy Graham said, "We cannot truly face life until we face the fact that it will be taken away from us." And once we face the fact that this life is temporary and very brief, we can be free to live a life of faith in Him. As it says in Psalm 39:5, "Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah." (NIV) We can walk a true walk of faith because we have let go of the "what if's" of this life. This requires practical thinking. It requires the release of our own control (of which we have none anyway!) and the acquisition of true faith. As George MacDonald said, "We can walk without fear, full of hope and courage and strength... waiting for the endless good which God is always giving as fast as He can get us to take it in."

Dear Lord, Please help us to know how brief this life is and that the only way to live it in peace is through faith in You. Give us true faith and help us to place all our trust in You. Teach us to take in Your endless good and walk in faith without fear...

Voice Of Truth - Casting Crowns

O THE DEEP, DEEP LOVE OF JESUS - Selah

The Word Made Flesh...

John 1 (New American Standard Bible)

The Deity of Jesus Christ
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2He was in the beginning with God.

3All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

4In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.

5The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
The Witness John
6There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him.

8He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

9There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.

10He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.

11He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.

12But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,

13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
The Word Made Flesh
14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

15John testified about Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'"

16For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.

17For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

18No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.
The Testimony of John
19This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"

20And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

21They asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not " "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No."

22Then they said to him, "Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?"

23He said, "I am A VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD,' as Isaiah the prophet said."

24Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.

25They asked him, and said to him, "Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"

26John answered them saying, "I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know.

27"It is He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie."

28These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

30"This is He on behalf of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'

31"I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water."

32John testified saying, "I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him.

33"I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.'

34"I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God."
Jesus' Public Ministry, First Converts
35Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples,

36and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!"

37The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

38And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to Him, "Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?"

39He said to them, "Come, and you will see." So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.

40One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

41He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which translated means Christ).

42He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).

43The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip And Jesus said to him, "Follow Me."

44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.

45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

46Nathanael said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see."

47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!"

48Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."

49Nathanael answered Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel."

50Jesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these."

51And He said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Dear Lord, Thank You for sending Your Son that we might have the light of life. Thank You that because He came, we beheld His glory and were given the right to become Your children.

Have a wonderful weekend!

There is a fountain

Redeeming Love has been My Theme and Shall be 'til I Die

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10 (NASB) The atonement of our sins comes through the precious blood of the Lamb. The debt that we owe fell on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who gladly laid down His life for us. He paid a debt He did not owe because we owed a debt we could not pay.

Feeling like a broken record isn't necessarily a bad thing. God's word says, "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV) It also says, "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes." Deuteronomy 6:6-8 (ESV) We should be speaking of the great blessings He has poured out on us continually and we should not be ashamed of having the "theme" for our lives be His redeeming love. He wants our lives to be focused on Him. He wants us to focus the lives of others, our children, our families, our neighbors, our friends, our communities, and even those in far off places that we do not know, on Him...

How shall we do this? We must make Him and only Him the center of our lives. We must make His redeeming love the theme of our lives. And we must keep that theme as the very esscence of life for our whole lives. We cannot have Him as the focus and be selfish people. We cannot have Him as the focus and still make unscriptural choices, or be hurtful and mean to others. We cannot have Him as the focus and continue to go out and do things our own way! We have to listen to Him and make things right. We have to ask forgiveness when we make a mistake and live in such a way..."Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 (NASB) "If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Romans 14:8 (NIV) We need to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit who convicts our hearts of wrongdoing and we should live so the people around us can see the Lord. "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:7 (NIV)

1 Peter 1:17-19 says, "Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." (NIV)

"Justice and judgment are the habitation of Thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before Thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of Thy countenance. In Thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted." Psalm 89:14-16 (KJV)

Dear Lord, Make us to walk in the light as You are in the light. Let our theme always be Your redeeming love and let us walk in a manner worthy of the calling You have given us for if You are lifted up, You will draw all men to You.

Peacemakers

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." James 3:13-18 (NIV)

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." Romans 12:18 (NASB)

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

Dear Lord, Let us be at peace and let us be peacemakers in this world full of suffering and strife. Show us how we can help others feel Your peace even among the difficulties of this present life. Teach us to sow in peace so that we might raise a harvest of righteousness...

Lee Greenwood: God Bless The USA (Lyrics)