In my study tonight, I am examining the 15th chapter of Matthew. The chapter basically begins with the Pharisees judging the activities of Jesus and his disciples, trying to find wrong doing. They asked why the disciples did not wash their hands before eating, claiming that they were defying age-old traditions.
It seems to me that many of our "churches" today are doing the same - acting like the Pharisees. Traditions have been practiced and elevated to the status of commands from God. Now, there is certainly nothing wrong with having traditions - social groups have them, religious groups have them, and even many families have them. My own family has certain traditions. However, we need to be careful not to elevate these traditions to a point where undue importance is assigned to them, much less to the point where they are considered commandments from God.
Further in the chapter, in verses 10 through 16, Jesus is trying to explain a simple concept to his disciples. There were many "laws" about what could be eaten and drank, and Jesus explained that it is not what we eat or drink that defines us - but what is in our hearts. In verse 17, Jesus states, "Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer." (NLT). If we stop to think about this, we see how true this is. It may raise our blood sugar a bit or add a little weight to our bodies on that journey, but that is about all.
However, as Jesus explains in the verses following that statement, the words we speak - the actions we perform - reflect what is in our hearts. And, what is in our hearts is what is important. If our hearts are full of evil thoughts, then there is no room left for Jesus. And - our words and actions will reflect those evil thoughts.
Verses 8 and 9 highlight this, as Jesus quoted what was written by Isaiah, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God." (NLT)
I have heard many people make the claim that, to a great extent, the "church" has become the greatest earthly enemy of true Christianity. I fully agree with this statement. "Organized religion" places so much importance on "traditions" and "rituals" that they have drifted far from actually following the examples and commandments of Jesus.
Have any of you experienced this type of experience with Christian worship? Do you know a religious organization who has placed such undue importance on "traditions"? I would love to hear from you!!
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Monday, May 4, 2015
Monday, January 19, 2015
Power of Remembering by Guest Writer - Jason Elam
After the death and resurrection of Jesus, Peter had grown
disheartened and given up on ever being able to fulfill the call of God on his
life.
It’s not hard to understand why.
Just a few weeks earlier, Peter had promised to stand by Jesus
no matter what. Later that night, Peter was swearing (using actual swear words!)
that he didn’t even know Jesus. On the night that Jesus needed Peter the most,
Peter let Him down. The scriptures say that when the rooster crowed that third
time, Jesus locked eyes with Peter.
Imagine the pain of letting down your best friend, and Savior,
on the night He needed you most.
A few hours later, Jesus was dead, and Peter was sure Jesus
must have gotten it wrong when He called him into a life of ministry.
Even after the resurrection when Jesus appeared to the
disciples, Peter was still struggling with doubts about whether he was worthy
to carry the miraculous message of God’s grace. Jesus finds Peter back at his
old job, pulling nets around the sea, hoping for a catch. Jesus calls him to
the shore, cooks him breakfast, and reminds Peter who he really is and what he
was born to do. Peter’s heart, hardened by self-doubt melts and Peter goes back
to work as a fisher of men. A few days later at Pentecost, Peter preaches the
Gospel and thousands of people come into the Kingdom of God.
Just like Peter needed Jesus to remind him who he really was,
every prodigal needs someone in their life who knew them before their “fall” to
remind them who they really are and who God is still calling them to be.
One of the easiest things for a prodigal to do is to allow their personal failure to become their identity. Many prodigals never find their way to wholeness because they believe they have been permanently disgraced. They desperately need someone to look past their failures and see them as they really are. Or at least, how they were before.
One of the easiest things for a prodigal to do is to allow their personal failure to become their identity. Many prodigals never find their way to wholeness because they believe they have been permanently disgraced. They desperately need someone to look past their failures and see them as they really are. Or at least, how they were before.
Before the drugs.
Before the abuse.
Before the affair.
Before the long string of broken promises.
Before the abuse.
Before the affair.
Before the long string of broken promises.
Every prodigal needs at least one person who can look beyond
all of the pain they have inflicted and remind them who they really are.
1. Remind Them of God’s Love
Many prodigals feel that God is disappointed in them. It’s our job to remind them that God knew that they would make the poor decisions long before they actually did. God has never had an unfulfilled expectation of them. He never had any delusions of their grandeur. Our Father in heaven has always known the paths we would choose but chooses to love us anyway(see Romans 5:8). Even when we break His heart by choosing our own way like the prodigal son in scripture, our Father in heaven waits for us to take one step towards home and then He rushes to our aid, covers us with kisses, and throws us a party(see Luke 15).
Many prodigals feel that God is disappointed in them. It’s our job to remind them that God knew that they would make the poor decisions long before they actually did. God has never had an unfulfilled expectation of them. He never had any delusions of their grandeur. Our Father in heaven has always known the paths we would choose but chooses to love us anyway(see Romans 5:8). Even when we break His heart by choosing our own way like the prodigal son in scripture, our Father in heaven waits for us to take one step towards home and then He rushes to our aid, covers us with kisses, and throws us a party(see Luke 15).
2. Remind Them That God Still Has a Plan for Their Life.
Many people will write off the prodigals in their lives when a tragic failure happens. Prodigals need to be reminded that failure isn’t final. They need to hear that God’s gifts and callings are without repentance(see Romans 11:29). Even when we are faithless, God remains faithful. He still has a plan. He still has good plans for them. God will never write them off.
Many people will write off the prodigals in their lives when a tragic failure happens. Prodigals need to be reminded that failure isn’t final. They need to hear that God’s gifts and callings are without repentance(see Romans 11:29). Even when we are faithless, God remains faithful. He still has a plan. He still has good plans for them. God will never write them off.
3. Remind Them of Who They Were Before the Fall.
When a prodigal’s self-identity becomes clouded by personal failure and the disappointment they feel in themselves, they need someone to remind them of the person they were before the pain. No child is born wanting to be a drug addict. Remind them of the person they were before the catastrophic choices were made. Remind them of the plans they had and the future they wanted. Remind them of their best characteristics, the good things they did, and the meaning to be found when they get the focus on helping others and making a positive contribution in the world around them(see Hebrews 3:13).
When a prodigal’s self-identity becomes clouded by personal failure and the disappointment they feel in themselves, they need someone to remind them of the person they were before the pain. No child is born wanting to be a drug addict. Remind them of the person they were before the catastrophic choices were made. Remind them of the plans they had and the future they wanted. Remind them of their best characteristics, the good things they did, and the meaning to be found when they get the focus on helping others and making a positive contribution in the world around them(see Hebrews 3:13).
4. Remind Them That You Believe in Them and Will Always Be
Cheering Them On
Finally, every prodigal needs to know there is someone who sees the best in them and hasn’t stopped believing in them. Time after time, I’ve seen hard hearts melt when someone steps up to cheer a prodigal on. It’s harder to doubt yourself when someone else is rooting for you and expecting great things.
Finally, every prodigal needs to know there is someone who sees the best in them and hasn’t stopped believing in them. Time after time, I’ve seen hard hearts melt when someone steps up to cheer a prodigal on. It’s harder to doubt yourself when someone else is rooting for you and expecting great things.
Most prodigals I know can’t remember who they were before they
fell from grace. So we have to remember that for them and remind them often.
They may be afraid to allow themselves to feel valued and accepted again, so be
persistent and relentless in your lavishing of grace upon them. By reminding
them that God loves them, has a plan for their life, sees past their failures,
and has placed you in their life to cheer them on, you might just get to
witness a miracle as God raises grace from the ashes of a broken life.
Yes, life is hard and some mistakes are hard to recover from.
But grace happens.
Jason Elam is Pastor at Freedom Night Pinson, a Jesus centered,
kingdom driven ministry whose mission is to help people experience the freedom
found only in God’s presence. They offer community groups for those addicted to
pornography, for families of addiction, and a (12 step approved) class “Healing
the Wounded Heart”.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
New Testament Reading
As I was reading in John 1 tonight, specifically verses 35 through 42, and read the accompanying study notes, I ran across an interesting question. One that made me stop - and will stick in my mind until I have more time to think it over.
Here's the question: Why are you following Christ?
Simple question - right. Wrong!! Are we following Christ for the right reasons? If we are following Christ for our own purposes, i.e. His blessings, His favor, etc., then we are following Christ for the wrong reasons. If this is the case, we are actually asking Christ to follow us - to bless and support us - to advance our own causes instead of His.
Do we seek Christ's glory - or our own? When we perform a good deed, do we expect or want to hear praise for it? If so, then did we perform that deed to show God's love or to make ourselves look good? I actually experienced a good example of this myself. I became involved with a group who feed the homeless in our area monthly. The first time I went, it was amazing that we fed over 100 people and each person who came through the line said close to the same thing, "Thank you for coming and feeding us." My friend who accompanied the group also mentioned afterwards that there was something we did not do correctly. I thought things went well, so I questioned that statement. Of course, my own answer to these people, along with everyone else who was there, was the standard "You're Welcome." This was what we did wrong that night.
Receiving all the "thank yous" and responding with "you're welcome" simply took the praise and glory for ourselves. Our response should have been, "Jesus loves you." This would have put the praise and glory where it belonged. It was most certainly through God's provisions that we were able to purchase the necessary supplies and food to feed that many people. But, instead of directing the praise and glory in the proper direction, we simply took it for ourselves.
In verse 38 of John 1, it states that when when Jesus saw John's two disciples following Him, He asked, "What do you want?"
So, I will now take some time and think this over - specifically that question - what do I want? Do I want to follow Jesus for the right reasons or do I want to follow Jesus for the wrong reasons? Do I want to advance His cause or my own?
Here's the question: Why are you following Christ?
Simple question - right. Wrong!! Are we following Christ for the right reasons? If we are following Christ for our own purposes, i.e. His blessings, His favor, etc., then we are following Christ for the wrong reasons. If this is the case, we are actually asking Christ to follow us - to bless and support us - to advance our own causes instead of His.
Do we seek Christ's glory - or our own? When we perform a good deed, do we expect or want to hear praise for it? If so, then did we perform that deed to show God's love or to make ourselves look good? I actually experienced a good example of this myself. I became involved with a group who feed the homeless in our area monthly. The first time I went, it was amazing that we fed over 100 people and each person who came through the line said close to the same thing, "Thank you for coming and feeding us." My friend who accompanied the group also mentioned afterwards that there was something we did not do correctly. I thought things went well, so I questioned that statement. Of course, my own answer to these people, along with everyone else who was there, was the standard "You're Welcome." This was what we did wrong that night.
Receiving all the "thank yous" and responding with "you're welcome" simply took the praise and glory for ourselves. Our response should have been, "Jesus loves you." This would have put the praise and glory where it belonged. It was most certainly through God's provisions that we were able to purchase the necessary supplies and food to feed that many people. But, instead of directing the praise and glory in the proper direction, we simply took it for ourselves.
In verse 38 of John 1, it states that when when Jesus saw John's two disciples following Him, He asked, "What do you want?"
So, I will now take some time and think this over - specifically that question - what do I want? Do I want to follow Jesus for the right reasons or do I want to follow Jesus for the wrong reasons? Do I want to advance His cause or my own?
Sunday, December 21, 2014
The Reason for the Season??
At this time of year, most of us, when we hear the phrase, "The Reason for the Season," think of the birth of Jesus. After all, everyone agrees that Christmas is meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ - even those who disagree. But, is that the "real" story? Should that be the "real" story?
So, let's take a look at this. Obviously we do not still use the same calendar that was used back in those times - but we do seem to universally agree that December 25th has been set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Even though this has become a highly commercialized holiday, with much of the focus on giving and receiving gifts, family dinners, and even "light" wars to see who has the biggest, brightest, best holiday decorations.
Christmas programs are rampant - each telling the story of the birth of Jesus in their own style. Even those who lack the flexibility (or maybe maturity) to allow religious freedom, rigorously oppose the idea of celebrating the holiday - oppose the term "Merry Christmas" - oppose nativity displays, etc. In short, they oppose the telling of the story of the birth of Jesus and oppose that birth being the central point of the Christmas holiday.
So, we all make the association: Christmas equals the birth of Jesus. This is the reason for the season. This is what we celebrate on December 25th. That makes December 25th - Christ's Day. Again, is that entirely correct?
Adolph Hitler was born on April 20th. Does that make April 20th "Hitler's Day"? Of course not!
My point is simply this - if we narrow the meaning of December 25th to the birth of Jesus - we are missing most of the meaning!!
I think if you will take time to watch the video below, you will understand what I am saying. The video is a bit lengthy - but it is well worth the time to watch it.
As you can see from the video, if all we are celebrating - if our only focus is on the birth of Christ - then we are missing quite a bit. Christmas is not simply about the birth of Jesus - it is about the love of God. The kind of love that caused God to send His own Son to this earth - to live among the people - face temptations - be shunned, persecuted and killed. This is a depth of love that we have a hard time wrapping our heads around. But it is real love - and the kind of love that Jesus commanded us to show for each other and that we show for Him.
So - what would our world be like if we really celebrated the true "Reason for the Season" - the love of God? And what would happen if we carried this "Reason" in our hearts and lives all year long?
So, the next time you are tempted to think that the "Reason for the Season" is to celebrate the birth of Jesus, remember the story of John 3:16, what that means, and what the season is actually all about.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Testimony - Simple Statement
Yesterday, I spoke about the story of the blind man that is found in John 9. In verses 12 - 25, we hear how, not only the man himself, but even his parents were questioned about how he gained eyesight. We see two very different stances here:
First, the man simply stated what had happened to him - how he had gained eyesight and was no longer blind. Even though questioned more than once, his story remained simple and remained the same. He did not shy away from answering the questions. He did not shy away from simply stating what had happened to him and who had done this.
On the other hand, we see some very common behavior these days. The man's own parents would not answer the questions. They conceded that he was their son; they conceded that he had been born blind; and there was no question that he could now see. But that is as far as they would go - they would not discuss how this had happened. When questioned they simply stated - "Ask him - he is old enough to speak for himself."
Their behavior here was a simple matter of fear. The fear of the Pharisees and the fear of being exiled from the synagogue. They didn't "deny" what their son was saying, but they would not "confirm" what he was saying either. They were neutral. Far too many people are "neutral" because they are afraid of what somebody else will think or say about them. This is being "lukewarm".
This is what the Bible tells us about being "lukewarm": (in various translations)
King James:
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
New American Standard:
15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will [a]spit you out of My mouth.
NIV:
15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
NLT:
15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!
I have shown this in various translations to illustrate that the message does not waiver - it is the same regardless of the translation. We are NOT to be lukewarm.
What do you say when someone asks you about Jesus? Do you ever take the opportunity to testify to your belief in God? It is not hard to testify about what God means to you.
Simply fill in the following statement: "I was ________ and now I am __________, because of Jesus." How would you fill in the blanks?? We would love to hear your statement.
First, the man simply stated what had happened to him - how he had gained eyesight and was no longer blind. Even though questioned more than once, his story remained simple and remained the same. He did not shy away from answering the questions. He did not shy away from simply stating what had happened to him and who had done this.
On the other hand, we see some very common behavior these days. The man's own parents would not answer the questions. They conceded that he was their son; they conceded that he had been born blind; and there was no question that he could now see. But that is as far as they would go - they would not discuss how this had happened. When questioned they simply stated - "Ask him - he is old enough to speak for himself."
Their behavior here was a simple matter of fear. The fear of the Pharisees and the fear of being exiled from the synagogue. They didn't "deny" what their son was saying, but they would not "confirm" what he was saying either. They were neutral. Far too many people are "neutral" because they are afraid of what somebody else will think or say about them. This is being "lukewarm".
This is what the Bible tells us about being "lukewarm": (in various translations)
King James:
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
New American Standard:
15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will [a]spit you out of My mouth.
NIV:
15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
NLT:
15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!
I have shown this in various translations to illustrate that the message does not waiver - it is the same regardless of the translation. We are NOT to be lukewarm.
What do you say when someone asks you about Jesus? Do you ever take the opportunity to testify to your belief in God? It is not hard to testify about what God means to you.
Simply fill in the following statement: "I was ________ and now I am __________, because of Jesus." How would you fill in the blanks?? We would love to hear your statement.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Testimony??
In John 9, we read of the story of Jesus encountering a man who had been blind from birth. He spat on the ground, made a mud and covered the blind man's eyes. He then instructed the man to go wash himself in the pool of Siloam. The man did as he was instructed and, once washed, he could see. his eyes were opened.
Wow! What a testimony this man had to tell. In verse 11, we see that he did, indeed, start telling people how his sight had been restored. Not only was his physical sight restored, but his spiritual sight had also been restored through this miracle.
Now, we don't have this kind of testimony to give - obviously. But, many of us have had "awakening" experiences. To give your testimony, you don't have to have an elaborate story - just relate to others how your spiritual sight has been restored.
Perhaps many people do not "testify" for Jesus because they feel they don't have an awesome story to tell. Maybe they think that the way God opened their spiritual eyes is not spectacular enough that anyone will listen. Again, it does not have to be a spectacular story.
Our lives can be the most powerful testimony we could ever give. If we strive to live within God's will and make him foremost in our lives, others will see the change in us - they will be able to see Jesus in our lives. This, in itself, is a very powerful testimony.
Be sure that you are walking the path God has planned for you to walk. Be kind and considerate to others - treat others the way Jesus would have treated them. If you get a chance, tell others how God has moved in your life.
Remember - you may be the only "Jesus" someone sees.
Wow! What a testimony this man had to tell. In verse 11, we see that he did, indeed, start telling people how his sight had been restored. Not only was his physical sight restored, but his spiritual sight had also been restored through this miracle.
Now, we don't have this kind of testimony to give - obviously. But, many of us have had "awakening" experiences. To give your testimony, you don't have to have an elaborate story - just relate to others how your spiritual sight has been restored.
Perhaps many people do not "testify" for Jesus because they feel they don't have an awesome story to tell. Maybe they think that the way God opened their spiritual eyes is not spectacular enough that anyone will listen. Again, it does not have to be a spectacular story.
Our lives can be the most powerful testimony we could ever give. If we strive to live within God's will and make him foremost in our lives, others will see the change in us - they will be able to see Jesus in our lives. This, in itself, is a very powerful testimony.
Be sure that you are walking the path God has planned for you to walk. Be kind and considerate to others - treat others the way Jesus would have treated them. If you get a chance, tell others how God has moved in your life.
Remember - you may be the only "Jesus" someone sees.
Monday, April 15, 2013
My Prayers Are Not Answered
Do you ever feel that your prayers
are not answered? Most of us do at one
time or another in our lives. We have a
decision to make – we have a need – we have a want – we are concerned for a
loved one – all these things are common occurrences. With our economy in the state it is today,
many prayers are simply for basic needs.
But, sometimes we feel that our
prayers are not answered. We wonder why –
we are told in Matthew 7: 7-11 that our prayers will be answered. So – where is our answer?
Matthew 7: 7-11 tell us: (KJV)
7
Ask, and
it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened
unto you:
8
For every
one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that
knocketh it shall be opened.
9
Or what
man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
10
Or if he
ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11
If ye
then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more
shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Matthew
7: 7-11 (NASB)
7 “[a]Ask, and it will be given to you; [b]seek, and you will find; [c]knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you [d]who, when his son asks for a loaf, [e]will give him a stone? 10 Or [f]if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
We read this and wonder why our prayers are not being
answered. I cannot tell you how many times I have faced this same
frustration. This led me to look further
than Matthew for answers. In Micah 3:4
we are told that our prayers will not be answered if we are still purposely
sinning.
“Then they will cry to the Lord, But He will not hear them;
He will even hide His face from them at that time, Because they have
been evil in their deeds.” (NKJV)
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells us to pray
with humility in His parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector praying in
the Temple.
And, perhaps my favorite, in James 1:6 we
are told to ask in faith.
So, yes we are told to ask and we shall
receive. But, as you can see, there are
some conditions attached to this. Are
your prayers not answered because you are continuing to live a sinful life,
only praying to God when you have a need?
Are you praying with humility? Or
do you have an attitude of self-importance?
Are you asking in faith? Or, are
you saying to yourself, “this isn’t going to happen, but” and then praying?
Also, the Bible does not tell us that our
prayers will not necessarily be answered in the way we want them answered. We see the world and our lives through a “daily”
view, but God sees the “big picture” and wants the best for us. Therefore, we may need something a bit
different than what we prayed for. It
may be that our prayer is actually answered, just in a different way than what
we expected.
This is a face paced world. We cook with convection ovens and
microwaves. We upgrade our computers
constantly so that they will be faster.
We buy new cell phones to get the latest speeds. We are an impatient people. So, when we pray for something, we want an
answer right away. When we don’t get it,
we are frustrated. It may not be that
our prayer will not be answered. We have
to remember that God does thing in His own time and His time is NOT our time.
So, next time you pray, be sure to include
praise for God, be sure you are not purposely continuing to engage in sinful
activities, be sure you have a humble attitude and be sure you actually believe
God can grant your request. Watch for
your answer – don’t try to put a time limit on it – saying I want an answer in
two days. Sit back and rest in the knowledge
that God will meet our needs and that he hears our prayers and wait patiently
for your answer. If you don’t receive
the answer you expected, rest assured that you received the answer that was in your
best interests.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Me or God?
I talked with a friend last night concerning this very
subject. When I am praying for guidance
in making a decision or in making future plans, how do I know that what I come
up with is from God – or is it just me?
I know that
I am very strong-willed – sounds better than saying I tend to be stubborn. I also tend to think very logically – look at
things logically. And, I have a lot of
influence over myself – that pesky strong-willed thing. I tend to look for very logical answers to a
decision or when making future plans.
Knowing this about myself, I tend to doubt whether my decisions are God’s
will or my own will. So, let’s go to the
authority – the Bible – and see what we are told about this. Particularly since, strangely enough after
having just discussed this last night, the devotional I received this morning,
compliments of Dr. Charles Stanley and the InTouch Organization, deals with
this very subject. Does God work in
mysterious ways or what??
We first
look at the main scripture for this devotional, I Corinthians 1: 18-29. This passage of scripture plainly tells us
that relying on our own wisdom is foolishness.
In verse 18, regardless of the translation you are currently reading, we
are plainly told that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise. What does that mean to you?
If my
wisdom is destroyed, it no longer matters whether I had a low level of
intelligence, an average level of intelligence or a genius level of
intelligence. It no longer matters what
all I had stored in my trunk of experiences.
If my wisdom is destroyed, my manner of thinking, whether logical or otherwise,
is irrelevant. I will be like a newborn
baby – totally dependent on my Father.
This is
where Faith comes into play. Hebrews
11:1 defines Faith as: “Faith is the
confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance
about things we cannot see.” (NLT) So,
if I am left with no wisdom, no more logical thinking and am as a newborn baby,
then I had better have faith – otherwise I have absolutely NOTHING.
Sounds
ominous doesn’t it? It is exactly at
this point though, that God can start to work in our lives, leading us to sound
decisions and plans – and blessing us along the way.
Given this revelation,
perhaps my prayers should be simply for the faith to await His guidance in
decisions and plans instead of praying for an answer.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
"In Step With God" - Chapter Two
In this chapter, Dr. Stanley tells about how we should follow God's direction. He opens the chapter with an anecdote about a time when he yielded to pressures from those around him instead of waiting on direction from God, as well as the results of that decision.
He talks about stories in the Bible of both men and women who followed God's directions. He also talks about how God has a plan for each person's life and how we can come to know what that plan is and how God can use each of us. He explains that we have limited free will and, therefore, sometimes make the wrong decisions. Dr. Stanley talks about why God allows some things to happen in our lives.
He also explains that there is a difference between the ways and acts of God. Dr. Stanley makes the comment in this chapter, "His ways are surprising at times, and they can be difficult to understand." I can tell you, I have personally experienced this. You may wonder why God would use ways that were surprising, thinking that this would simply confuse people. However, if you experience a surprising turn of events, follow God's direction, you will find as events unfold just how awesome He is, and realize that only God could have orchestrated these events!
He talks about stories in the Bible of both men and women who followed God's directions. He also talks about how God has a plan for each person's life and how we can come to know what that plan is and how God can use each of us. He explains that we have limited free will and, therefore, sometimes make the wrong decisions. Dr. Stanley talks about why God allows some things to happen in our lives.
He also explains that there is a difference between the ways and acts of God. Dr. Stanley makes the comment in this chapter, "His ways are surprising at times, and they can be difficult to understand." I can tell you, I have personally experienced this. You may wonder why God would use ways that were surprising, thinking that this would simply confuse people. However, if you experience a surprising turn of events, follow God's direction, you will find as events unfold just how awesome He is, and realize that only God could have orchestrated these events!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
In Step With God - Chapter One
Chapter One in this book, "In Step With God", is entitled "Intimacy with God: An Essential Requirement"
This first chapter of the book begins by pointing out that few of us know a lot about God. Yes, we know "of" God, but just how much do we really know about him? This is the question asked by this chapter. Dr. Stanley explains, in this chapter, how we can begin to develop an intimate relationship with God. As no surprise, he explains that prayer is the first step to building this relationship.
He addresses having "A Heart for God" and explains how we can do this, as well as what results we can expect. He also discusses "Understanding What You Believe".
Although not along chapter, it gives a good basis for the subject matter of the book, which is, of course, being in step with God.
Be sure to come back soon as I will shortly be posting about Chapter Two.
This first chapter of the book begins by pointing out that few of us know a lot about God. Yes, we know "of" God, but just how much do we really know about him? This is the question asked by this chapter. Dr. Stanley explains, in this chapter, how we can begin to develop an intimate relationship with God. As no surprise, he explains that prayer is the first step to building this relationship.
He addresses having "A Heart for God" and explains how we can do this, as well as what results we can expect. He also discusses "Understanding What You Believe".
Although not along chapter, it gives a good basis for the subject matter of the book, which is, of course, being in step with God.
Be sure to come back soon as I will shortly be posting about Chapter Two.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Two More Chapters of "When God Winks at You"
I know it ahs been awhile since my last post. Things have been a bit hectic with the old familiar head cold stuff going around the house.But, lets get a little more information on this book.
Chapter Four of the book talks about God Winks on Comfort. This chapter contains stories of God Winks that have come at times in peoples' lives when they really needed comfort. I think we all can identify with times when we just need a little comfort.
Chapter Five of the book talks about God Winks on Prayer. This chapter has stories of people who perhaps were not firm believers in the power of prayer until they received a God Wink when their circumstances led them to utter a prayer and how it impacted their views on prayer.
Upcoming - Chapter Six is about God Winks on Unanswered Prayer and I feel sure that this chapter is going to be no less interesting and inspiring than the previous chapters.
Chapter Four of the book talks about God Winks on Comfort. This chapter contains stories of God Winks that have come at times in peoples' lives when they really needed comfort. I think we all can identify with times when we just need a little comfort.
Chapter Five of the book talks about God Winks on Prayer. This chapter has stories of people who perhaps were not firm believers in the power of prayer until they received a God Wink when their circumstances led them to utter a prayer and how it impacted their views on prayer.
Upcoming - Chapter Six is about God Winks on Unanswered Prayer and I feel sure that this chapter is going to be no less interesting and inspiring than the previous chapters.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
"Finding Peace" - Chapter Six
I have now finished chapter six of this book. It was probably the best chapter I have encountered in the entire book so far. The title of this chapter is "How Your Thought Life Affects Your Peace" and it addresses seven categories of thoughts that will destroy your peace.
1. Sinful thoughts
2. Self-Limiting Thoughts
3. Erroneous Thoughts
4. Unrealistic Thoughts
5. Rebellious Thoughts
6. Obsessive Thoughts
7. Enslaved Thoughts
Now if you think that you already know what is contained in the discussion on any of these seven categories of thoughts, you may need to think again. When I began this chapter, I skimmed through the headings and thought that I knew what to expect from several of the categories. But, what I found what the in each and every one of these categories, there were things that I would never have thought of. There is also very good advice on how to handle each of these "thought" problems.
This was a chapter that I will re-visit when I complete the book and make several notes from, no doubt. I do not like to mark in my books; otherwise, I would have highlighted many passages in this chapter.
On to Chapter Seven - I will post again when I complete the chapter.
1. Sinful thoughts
2. Self-Limiting Thoughts
3. Erroneous Thoughts
4. Unrealistic Thoughts
5. Rebellious Thoughts
6. Obsessive Thoughts
7. Enslaved Thoughts
Now if you think that you already know what is contained in the discussion on any of these seven categories of thoughts, you may need to think again. When I began this chapter, I skimmed through the headings and thought that I knew what to expect from several of the categories. But, what I found what the in each and every one of these categories, there were things that I would never have thought of. There is also very good advice on how to handle each of these "thought" problems.
This was a chapter that I will re-visit when I complete the book and make several notes from, no doubt. I do not like to mark in my books; otherwise, I would have highlighted many passages in this chapter.
On to Chapter Seven - I will post again when I complete the chapter.
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