December 21, 2006
Isaiah 54:17
"No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me," declares the LORD. (NASB ©1995)
December 10, 2006
Story
Just thought I would share a pretty neat story our church leadership gave us a copy of last week.
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled somec women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meantabout the charcter and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at the next Bible Study. That week the woman called a silversmith and made an appoint ment to go watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiousity about the process of refining silver.
As he watched the silversmith he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked if it was true the silversmith had to sit there in front of the firev the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver , but he had to keep his eye on the silver the entire time it was in te fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she aked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answeredf, "Oh that's easy-when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled somec women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meantabout the charcter and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at the next Bible Study. That week the woman called a silversmith and made an appoint ment to go watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiousity about the process of refining silver.
As he watched the silversmith he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked if it was true the silversmith had to sit there in front of the firev the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver , but he had to keep his eye on the silver the entire time it was in te fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she aked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answeredf, "Oh that's easy-when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
November 28, 2006
November 14, 2006
Ancient of Days
We sang this song in church Sunday. It reminded me of my days in college back in the early 90's.
be unto the Ancient of Days
from every nation, all of creation
bow before the Ancient of Days
every tongue in heaven and earth
shall declare Your glory
every knee shall bow at Your throne in worship
You will be exalted, o God,
and Your kingdom shall not pass away
o Ancient of Days
Your kingdom shall reign over all the earth
sing unto the Ancient of Days
for none can compare to Your matchless worth
sing unto the Ancient of Days
Ancient of Days
by gary sadler
be unto the Ancient of Days
from every nation, all of creation
bow before the Ancient of Days
every tongue in heaven and earth
shall declare Your glory
every knee shall bow at Your throne in worship
You will be exalted, o God,
and Your kingdom shall not pass away
o Ancient of Days
Your kingdom shall reign over all the earth
sing unto the Ancient of Days
for none can compare to Your matchless worth
sing unto the Ancient of Days
October 29, 2006
His Name
Lord we love Your name
Lord we love Your name
Lord we love Your name
Lord we love Your name
Lord we praise Your name
Lord we praise Your name
Lord we praise Your name
Lord we praise Your name
Your name has made the broken whole
Your name has saved my soul
Your name is what we're living for
Lord we love Your name
Jesus we love Your name
One more thought from today's sermon-
Take your mind, heart and home for Jesus then you can take your city, state, country and world for Him.
Lord we love Your name
Lord we love Your name
Lord we love Your name
Lord we praise Your name
Lord we praise Your name
Lord we praise Your name
Lord we praise Your name
Your name has made the broken whole
Your name has saved my soul
Your name is what we're living for
Lord we love Your name
Jesus we love Your name
One more thought from today's sermon-
Take your mind, heart and home for Jesus then you can take your city, state, country and world for Him.
October 24, 2006
Indescribable
An awesone song by Chris Tomlin:
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing His majesty...
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring -
Every creature unique in the song that it sings,
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name,
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim,
You are amazing God!
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go,
or seen Heavenly storehouses laden with snow?
Who imagined the sun and gives source to it's light,
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night?
None can fathom...
Indescribable....
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing His majesty...
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring -
Every creature unique in the song that it sings,
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name,
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim,
You are amazing God!
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go,
or seen Heavenly storehouses laden with snow?
Who imagined the sun and gives source to it's light,
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night?
None can fathom...
Indescribable....
October 23, 2006
Revelation 3:14-17 (New International Version)
Just food for thought: Do we in America resemble this?
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
To the Church in Laodicea
14"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
October 06, 2006
Psalm 37: 7-11
Here is one of the passages that the boys and I read this morning before school and work...
Psalm 37: 7-11
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.
For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
But the meek shall inherit the earth ; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
-----
October 01, 2006
Brokeness
The world looks at brokeness as a bad thing. We as humans like to think we have it all together. However God sees our brokeness and has mercy on us.
Jesus was going up in a religious procession when a blind man, Bartimaes, cried out "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!" Those who were with Jesus tried to quiet the beggar, however he just cried out all the more. Jesus commanded he be brought to him and healed Bartimaeus.
Jesus loves and wants the broken things for His own. He wants our brokeness so he can heal us, use us and be glorified.
Jesus was going up in a religious procession when a blind man, Bartimaes, cried out "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!" Those who were with Jesus tried to quiet the beggar, however he just cried out all the more. Jesus commanded he be brought to him and healed Bartimaeus.
Jesus loves and wants the broken things for His own. He wants our brokeness so he can heal us, use us and be glorified.
September 28, 2006
Psalm 23
The boys and I read and discussed this chapter last week before school...
A psalm of David. 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
A psalm of David. 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
September 10, 2006
The Way of Love
1 Corinthians 13
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
13So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
August 25, 2006
John 11
I read and discussed these verses with the boys this morning before school...
11:38. Jesus therefore again groaning in himself, cometh to the sepulchre. Now it was a cave; and a stone was laid over it.
Iesus ergo rursum fremens in semet ipso venit ad monumentum erat autem spelunca et lapis superpositus erat ei
11:39. Jesus saith: Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith to him: Lord, by this time he stinketh, for he is now of four days.
Ait Iesus tollite lapidem dicit ei Martha soror eius qui mortuus fuerat Domine iam fetet quadriduanus enim est
11:40. Jesus saith to her: Did not I say to thee that if thou believe, thou shalt see the glory of God?
Dicit ei Iesus nonne dixi tibi quoniam si credideris videbis gloriam Dei
11:41. They took therefore the stone away. And Jesus lifting up his eyes, said: Father, I give thee thanks that thou hast heard me.
Tulerunt ergo lapidem Iesus autem elevatis sursum oculis dixit Pater gratias ago tibi quoniam audisti me
11:42. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people who stand about have I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Ego autem sciebam quia semper me audis sed propter populum qui circumstat dixi ut credant quia tu me misisti
11:43. When he had said these things, he cried with a loud voice: Lazarus, come forth.
Haec cum dixisset voce magna clamavit Lazare veni foras
11:44. And presently he that had been dead came forth, bound feet and hands with winding bands. And his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus said to them: Loose him and let him go.
Et statim prodiit qui fuerat mortuus ligatus pedes et manus institis et facies illius sudario erat ligata dicit Iesus eis solvite eum et sinite abire
11:45. Many therefore of the Jews, who were come to Mary and Martha and had seen the things that Jesus did, believed in him.
Multi ergo ex Iudaeis qui venerant ad Mariam et viderant quae fecit crediderunt in eum
11:46. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them the things that Jesus had done.
Quidam autem ex ipsis abierunt ad Pharisaeos et dixerunt eis quae fecit Iesus
August 15, 2006
Pleasant Grove
Last night I visited Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Wren, just south of Moulton, Alabama. Chris McDaniel, formerly with the country music group Confederate Railroad, performed his music and gave his testimony. Chris was a former member of Confederate Railroad from 1984-2000. In 1992 his group received the ACM Award for New Group of the year and recorded his first No. 1 Single on the charts. He was nominated for CCMA Song of the Year.
Chris received salvation at the age of 15. Life continued and he went in different directions seeking a music career. In 2000, on Easter Sunday, he found himself in rehab for the third time with a sixty thousand dollar a year drug habit. He decided this time to give the problem to God.
He became a pianist at Unity Baptist Church in Rossville, where he played for over a year. On Jan. 19, 2003, he did his first concert of Contemporary Christian music.He is now involved with Heartbound Ministries, which is a prison ministry.
It was an awesome time of worship and encouragement. The pastor also delivered a short, but practical and convicting message about the reality of hell. He spoke about the reality (from the Bible) of who will be there and what it will be like for those who are there. He challenged non-Christians to accept Christ and shun hell. He challenged Christians to visit, call, and/or write to people that we know that we are not sure about where they will spend eternity and share with them the Good News.
August 14, 2006
The Most Important Thing I Can Say!
These are some of the most important words ever written by me or anyone in the world, ever:
Do you know whether you are going to heaven or hell?
If you are not sure, believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is the Son of God. Ask him into your heart and ask Him for a relationship and for forgiveness.
Just try it and I promise that He will not disapoint you if you open your heart to Him!
You then can count on gaining heaven and shunning hell.
That may sound radical and crazy to many people, but that doesn't make it any less true.
Do you know whether you are going to heaven or hell?
If you are not sure, believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is the Son of God. Ask him into your heart and ask Him for a relationship and for forgiveness.
Just try it and I promise that He will not disapoint you if you open your heart to Him!
You then can count on gaining heaven and shunning hell.
That may sound radical and crazy to many people, but that doesn't make it any less true.
August 11, 2006
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
I read this verse with the boys this morning before we left for school and work.
I read this verse with the boys this morning before we left for school and work.
August 10, 2006
Matthew 6:33
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33
July 23, 2006
Morewgood quotes
The following quotes are from a book called Blue Like Jazz ritten by Donald Miller. It is bassically written from a seekers' perspective.
"....my Sunday School classes did much to help us memorize commandments and little to teach us who God was and how to relate to Him, or perhaps it was because they did and I was not listening."(p.4)
I think this is a big problem in America. We love to teach things about God, spoonfeeding people, but we don't want to take the time to truly disciple people and teach them to think for themselves and get into the Word themselves.
"I believe that the greatest trick of the devil is not to get us into some sort of evil but to have us wasting time........If he can sink a man's mind into habit he can prevent his heart from engaging God." (p.13)
"The genius of the American system is not freedom;5the genius of the Americanystem is checks and balances. Nobody gets all the power. Everybody is watcing everybody else. It is as if the founding fathers knew, intrinsically, that the soul of man, unwatched, is perverse.." (p.18)
One more.
".....The problem is not a certain type of legilation or even a certain politician; the problem is the same that it has always been."
"I am the problem." (20).
Just a few thigs to think about.
"....my Sunday School classes did much to help us memorize commandments and little to teach us who God was and how to relate to Him, or perhaps it was because they did and I was not listening."(p.4)
I think this is a big problem in America. We love to teach things about God, spoonfeeding people, but we don't want to take the time to truly disciple people and teach them to think for themselves and get into the Word themselves.
"I believe that the greatest trick of the devil is not to get us into some sort of evil but to have us wasting time........If he can sink a man's mind into habit he can prevent his heart from engaging God." (p.13)
"The genius of the American system is not freedom;5the genius of the Americanystem is checks and balances. Nobody gets all the power. Everybody is watcing everybody else. It is as if the founding fathers knew, intrinsically, that the soul of man, unwatched, is perverse.." (p.18)
One more.
".....The problem is not a certain type of legilation or even a certain politician; the problem is the same that it has always been."
"I am the problem." (20).
Just a few thigs to think about.
July 07, 2006
Welcome, Visitors!
According to Site Meter, we have had visitors to Bible Study Blog from such far away places as Canada, India, Argentina, Germany, and Norway. Thanks to all who stopped by. I hope you come again soon!
July 05, 2006
Great services and sermons.......
We keep having 'em at The Crossing.
I already posted something about last Wed. But Sunday's as well as tonights services were really good too.
Sunday Pastor spoke on "The hard sayings of Jesus." Thne focus was John 6 where Jesus did miracles then talked about what it took to be His disciple. As long as He was doing "magic tricks" people were fine. However when He started talking about how to really follow Him, people turned away, leaving Him. He then turned to the Twelve and asked if they would leave Him also. I just love Peter's response. "Lord to whom shall we go you alone have words of eternal life." That's really is the point isn't it? No matter what He asks of us, He has the right to because He has given us eternal life.
Tonight we talked about grace and justification. It was also really good. A good quote from tonight: "I would rather be know as a Christian American than an American Christian."
Two of the main Scriptures:
Eph 2"8-10
Titus 2:11-15
Check them out.
I already posted something about last Wed. But Sunday's as well as tonights services were really good too.
Sunday Pastor spoke on "The hard sayings of Jesus." Thne focus was John 6 where Jesus did miracles then talked about what it took to be His disciple. As long as He was doing "magic tricks" people were fine. However when He started talking about how to really follow Him, people turned away, leaving Him. He then turned to the Twelve and asked if they would leave Him also. I just love Peter's response. "Lord to whom shall we go you alone have words of eternal life." That's really is the point isn't it? No matter what He asks of us, He has the right to because He has given us eternal life.
Tonight we talked about grace and justification. It was also really good. A good quote from tonight: "I would rather be know as a Christian American than an American Christian."
Two of the main Scriptures:
Eph 2"8-10
Titus 2:11-15
Check them out.
July 03, 2006
We Will Glorify
Tonight I heard another classic worship song that really blesses me....
We will glorify the King of kings
We will glorify the Lamb
We will glorify the Lord of lords
Who is the great I AM
Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty
We will bow before His throne
We will worship Him in righteousness
We will worship Him alone
He is Lord of heaven, Lord of earth
He is Lord of all who live
He is Lord above the universe
All praise to Him we give
Oh hallelujah to the King of kings!
Hallelujah to the Lamb!
Hallelujah to the Lord of lords
Who is the great I AM!
We will glorify the King of kings
We will glorify the Lamb
We will glorify the Lord of lords
Who is the great I AM
Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty
We will bow before His throne
We will worship Him in righteousness
We will worship Him alone
He is Lord of heaven, Lord of earth
He is Lord of all who live
He is Lord above the universe
All praise to Him we give
Oh hallelujah to the King of kings!
Hallelujah to the Lamb!
Hallelujah to the Lord of lords
Who is the great I AM!
Here's a Good Story Baseball Fans
We hear so many negative stories in the press about professional athletes. Those who do good deeds and especially those who take a stand for Jesus Christ are usually ignored. They won't be ignored on this blog!
http://www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org/index2.html
http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=4649
http://www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org/index2.html
http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=4649
July 02, 2006
Change My Heart Oh God
Words and Music by Eddie Espinosa
Change my heart oh God,
make it ever true.
Change my heart oh God,
may I be like You.
You are the potter,
I am the clay,
mold me and make me,
this is what I pray.
http://www.walkthroughlife.com/midis/christian/
changemyhrt.htm
changemyhrt.htm
Your Mercy Goes Deeper
We sang this song at church today and it was
a blessing to me!
Your mercy goes much deeper
Your grace it rescues me
Your mercy goes much deeper
Farther than I can see
I reach for Your when I'm going under
I wait for You Jesus You're my life-line
Where could I go where would I stand
How could I leave the shelter of Your hand
Farther than I can see
Farther than I can see
Much farther than I can see
© 2001 Integrity's Hosanna! Music
http://www.audiblefaith.com/pages/sg201934
a blessing to me!
Your mercy goes much deeper
Your grace it rescues me
Your mercy goes much deeper
Farther than I can see
I reach for Your when I'm going under
I wait for You Jesus You're my life-line
Where could I go where would I stand
How could I leave the shelter of Your hand
Farther than I can see
Farther than I can see
Much farther than I can see
© 2001 Integrity's Hosanna! Music
http://www.audiblefaith.com/pages/sg201934
July 01, 2006
Worship
Do you want to worship God? Paul gives us one way.
Therefore, dear brothers, I urge you in view God's mercy
to present your bodies as living sacrifices.......This is your
spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12)
We need tro be sure we worship God by presenting
ourselves daily to Him for His use.
Therefore, dear brothers, I urge you in view God's mercy
to present your bodies as living sacrifices.......This is your
spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12)
We need tro be sure we worship God by presenting
ourselves daily to Him for His use.
June 28, 2006
Psalm 25
1 Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.
8 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
12 What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
June 21, 2006
Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome
This "place" is, and should be, our hearts....
Here is an awesome worship song written by Dottie Rambo.
Chorus
Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in this Place,Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in this Place;Omnipotent Father of Mercy and Grace,Thou Art Welcome in this Place.
Verse 1
Lord, in Thy Presence There's Healing Divine;No Other Power Can Save, Lord, but Thine;Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in this Place,Thou Art Welcome in this Place
Verse 2Fill All the Hungry and Empty Within;Restore Us, Oh Father, Revive Us Again;Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in this Place,Thou Art Welcome in this Place
Here's a Link to Some Awesome Worship Songs and Hymns, Played on Piano
Here is an awesome worship song written by Dottie Rambo.
Chorus
Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in this Place,Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in this Place;Omnipotent Father of Mercy and Grace,Thou Art Welcome in this Place.
Verse 1
Lord, in Thy Presence There's Healing Divine;No Other Power Can Save, Lord, but Thine;Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in this Place,Thou Art Welcome in this Place
Verse 2Fill All the Hungry and Empty Within;Restore Us, Oh Father, Revive Us Again;Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in this Place,Thou Art Welcome in this Place
Here's a Link to Some Awesome Worship Songs and Hymns, Played on Piano
June 20, 2006
Team Hoyt
The pastor mentioned these guys and showed a video clip this Sunday during the Father's Day service.
http://www.teamhoyt.com/history.shtml
http://www.teamhoyt.com/history.shtml
June 02, 2006
National Day of Prayer
May 4, 2006
Welcome to the White House. I am really glad you're here. Thanks for coming. And I'm honored to join you for the National Day of Prayer. On this special day, we give thanks for the many ways that America has been blessed, and we acknowledge the Almighty, who is the source of these blessings.
President George W. Bush addresses guests in the East Room of the White House Thursday, May 4, 2006, during a celebration of the National Day of Prayer. White House photo by Eric Draper I appreciate the Chairman of the National Day of Prayer, Shirley Dobson. I notice you brought your old husband with you, too. (Laughter.) Thank you for organizing this event here at the White House and around the nation.
Mrs. Bright, it's good to see you. Thank you, welcome. I'm glad you're back again. Dr. Blackaby, thank you very much, sir, for being the Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. And we welcome Marilynn, as well.
I want to thank the members of the Cabinet who are here. Thank you all for coming. I appreciate you taking time out of your day to be here to join.
I'm glad to see my friend, Archbishop Demetrios. How are you, sir? Thanks for coming. I appreciate the military chaplains who are here. Thanks for administering to the needs and souls of the men and women who wear the uniform. Yours is an important job, and I'm grateful, as your Commander-in-Chief, for what you do.
I want to thank Rabbi Ciment, Father Connor, and Jay Dennis for joining us. Thank you for your prayers and your strong statements.
I thank Rebecca St. James for your beautiful music. We're proud you're here. I want to thank those who accompanied you. About the coat -- (laughter) -- your answer is, it's the voice that matters. (Laughter.) And the spirit behind the voice.
And Gail, thank you for coming, as well. We're proud you're here. Thanks for sharing with us.
America is a nation of prayer. It's impossible to tell the story of our nation without telling the story of people who pray. The first pilgrims came to this land with a yearning for freedom. They stepped boldly onto the shores of a new world, and many of them fell to their knees to give thanks.
At decisive moments in our history and in quiet times around family tables, we are a people humbled and strengthened and blessed by prayer. During the darkest days of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress and George Washington -- I call him the first George W. -- (laughter and applause) -- urged citizens to pray and to give thanks and to ask for God's protection.
More than two centuries since our first National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, we continue to ask for God's guidance in our own lives and in the life our nation. Each year, thousands of citizens write letters and send cards to the White House that mention their prayers for this nation and this office.
In my travels across the great land, a comment that I hear often from our fellow citizens is, "Mr. President, I pray for you and your family." It's amazing how many times a total stranger walks up and says that to me. You'd think they'd say, "How about the bridge?" Or, "How about filling the potholes?" (Laughter.) No, they say, "I've come to tell you I pray for you, Mr. President."
And the only thing I know to do is to look at them in the eye and say, that is the greatest gift that a fellow citizen can do for those of us who have been entrusted to lead our country. And for that -- (applause.) And so I thank thanks -- I say thanks to the millions of Americans who pray each day for our nation, our troops, and our elected leaders.
Prayer is a gift from Almighty God that transforms us, whether we bow our heads in solitude, or offer swift and silent prayers in times of trial. Prayer humbles us by reminding us of our place in creation. Prayer strengthens us by reminding us that God loves and cares for each and every soul in His creation. And prayer blesses us by reminding us that there is a divine plan that stands above all human plans.
In the stillness and peace of prayer we surrender our will to God's will, and we learn to serve His eternal purposes. By opening ourselves to God's priorities, our hearts are stirred and we are inspired to action -- to feed the hungry, to reach out to the poor, to bring aid to a widow or to an orphan or to the less fortunate.
On this day, we also remember that we are a people united by our love for freedom, even when we differ in our personal beliefs. In America, we are free to profess any faith we choose, or no faith at all. What brings us together is our shared desire to answer the call to serve something greater than ourselves.
Over the past five years, I have watched the American people answer this call. Some serve their fellow man on distant shores, placing themselves in harm's way so that others might live in freedom. Others serve in our nation's armies of compassion, bringing comfort and kindness to suffering communities at home and abroad. In millions of acts of service, the American people have shown the good heart of our nation.
From our nation's prayerful beginnings, America has grown and prospered. Through prayer, we humbly recognize our continued dependence on divine providence.
I want to thank you all for keeping prayer a part of our national life. May God bless each one of you, and may God continue to bless our nation.
And now it is my honor to welcome Reverend Jay Dennis. (Applause.)
Welcome to the White House. I am really glad you're here. Thanks for coming. And I'm honored to join you for the National Day of Prayer. On this special day, we give thanks for the many ways that America has been blessed, and we acknowledge the Almighty, who is the source of these blessings.
President George W. Bush addresses guests in the East Room of the White House Thursday, May 4, 2006, during a celebration of the National Day of Prayer. White House photo by Eric Draper I appreciate the Chairman of the National Day of Prayer, Shirley Dobson. I notice you brought your old husband with you, too. (Laughter.) Thank you for organizing this event here at the White House and around the nation.
Mrs. Bright, it's good to see you. Thank you, welcome. I'm glad you're back again. Dr. Blackaby, thank you very much, sir, for being the Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. And we welcome Marilynn, as well.
I want to thank the members of the Cabinet who are here. Thank you all for coming. I appreciate you taking time out of your day to be here to join.
I'm glad to see my friend, Archbishop Demetrios. How are you, sir? Thanks for coming. I appreciate the military chaplains who are here. Thanks for administering to the needs and souls of the men and women who wear the uniform. Yours is an important job, and I'm grateful, as your Commander-in-Chief, for what you do.
I want to thank Rabbi Ciment, Father Connor, and Jay Dennis for joining us. Thank you for your prayers and your strong statements.
I thank Rebecca St. James for your beautiful music. We're proud you're here. I want to thank those who accompanied you. About the coat -- (laughter) -- your answer is, it's the voice that matters. (Laughter.) And the spirit behind the voice.
And Gail, thank you for coming, as well. We're proud you're here. Thanks for sharing with us.
America is a nation of prayer. It's impossible to tell the story of our nation without telling the story of people who pray. The first pilgrims came to this land with a yearning for freedom. They stepped boldly onto the shores of a new world, and many of them fell to their knees to give thanks.
At decisive moments in our history and in quiet times around family tables, we are a people humbled and strengthened and blessed by prayer. During the darkest days of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress and George Washington -- I call him the first George W. -- (laughter and applause) -- urged citizens to pray and to give thanks and to ask for God's protection.
More than two centuries since our first National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, we continue to ask for God's guidance in our own lives and in the life our nation. Each year, thousands of citizens write letters and send cards to the White House that mention their prayers for this nation and this office.
In my travels across the great land, a comment that I hear often from our fellow citizens is, "Mr. President, I pray for you and your family." It's amazing how many times a total stranger walks up and says that to me. You'd think they'd say, "How about the bridge?" Or, "How about filling the potholes?" (Laughter.) No, they say, "I've come to tell you I pray for you, Mr. President."
And the only thing I know to do is to look at them in the eye and say, that is the greatest gift that a fellow citizen can do for those of us who have been entrusted to lead our country. And for that -- (applause.) And so I thank thanks -- I say thanks to the millions of Americans who pray each day for our nation, our troops, and our elected leaders.
Prayer is a gift from Almighty God that transforms us, whether we bow our heads in solitude, or offer swift and silent prayers in times of trial. Prayer humbles us by reminding us of our place in creation. Prayer strengthens us by reminding us that God loves and cares for each and every soul in His creation. And prayer blesses us by reminding us that there is a divine plan that stands above all human plans.
In the stillness and peace of prayer we surrender our will to God's will, and we learn to serve His eternal purposes. By opening ourselves to God's priorities, our hearts are stirred and we are inspired to action -- to feed the hungry, to reach out to the poor, to bring aid to a widow or to an orphan or to the less fortunate.
On this day, we also remember that we are a people united by our love for freedom, even when we differ in our personal beliefs. In America, we are free to profess any faith we choose, or no faith at all. What brings us together is our shared desire to answer the call to serve something greater than ourselves.
Over the past five years, I have watched the American people answer this call. Some serve their fellow man on distant shores, placing themselves in harm's way so that others might live in freedom. Others serve in our nation's armies of compassion, bringing comfort and kindness to suffering communities at home and abroad. In millions of acts of service, the American people have shown the good heart of our nation.
From our nation's prayerful beginnings, America has grown and prospered. Through prayer, we humbly recognize our continued dependence on divine providence.
I want to thank you all for keeping prayer a part of our national life. May God bless each one of you, and may God continue to bless our nation.
And now it is my honor to welcome Reverend Jay Dennis. (Applause.)
May 29, 2006
The Priestly Blessing
The Lord bless thee and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace!
May 19, 2006
Another good quote
From last night's sermon based in the Book of Malachi:
"The question is not "How much should I give God?". It is, "How much do I have a right to keep?"
Think about it.
"The question is not "How much should I give God?". It is, "How much do I have a right to keep?"
Think about it.
May 17, 2006
The Desires of Your Heart
"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4
May 16, 2006
"How to Work in Any Environment"
By: T.D. Jakes
1. Don't expect to be appreciated. Your only expectation should be to get a Paycheck. Don't come to work to have personal relationships. Don't allow what you do to affect who you are.
2. Do your job well, but remember your mission. God put you there to be a Light.
3. Seek opportunities to change the atmosphere without commenting on the problems. You have a God to talk to. You are on an assignment. Quietness and competence shall be your strength.
4. Don't let your environment get inside of you. You should influence it, not let it influence you. Stop going to work to be fed. You didn't come to receive, you came to give.
5. Increase your capacity to work with different personalities. God will often bless you through people you don't even like!
6. Remember, where you are does not define where you are going. This will deliver you from frustration. God has a plan for your life. Keep your eye on the prize. When Peter did this, he was able to walk in what other people sank in!
7. Get the optimum results with minimal confusion. Be effective without making the environment worse.
8. Don't be associated with one group or clique. Labels limit your usefulness. God wants you to work with everybody but be labeled by nobody. Use all your gifts.
9. Always keep your song near you. Keep a consecrated place in your soul. Hold on to your praise.
10. Understand that God anoints you for trouble. Put on the whole armor of God before going to work.
1. Don't expect to be appreciated. Your only expectation should be to get a Paycheck. Don't come to work to have personal relationships. Don't allow what you do to affect who you are.
2. Do your job well, but remember your mission. God put you there to be a Light.
3. Seek opportunities to change the atmosphere without commenting on the problems. You have a God to talk to. You are on an assignment. Quietness and competence shall be your strength.
4. Don't let your environment get inside of you. You should influence it, not let it influence you. Stop going to work to be fed. You didn't come to receive, you came to give.
5. Increase your capacity to work with different personalities. God will often bless you through people you don't even like!
6. Remember, where you are does not define where you are going. This will deliver you from frustration. God has a plan for your life. Keep your eye on the prize. When Peter did this, he was able to walk in what other people sank in!
7. Get the optimum results with minimal confusion. Be effective without making the environment worse.
8. Don't be associated with one group or clique. Labels limit your usefulness. God wants you to work with everybody but be labeled by nobody. Use all your gifts.
9. Always keep your song near you. Keep a consecrated place in your soul. Hold on to your praise.
10. Understand that God anoints you for trouble. Put on the whole armor of God before going to work.
May 09, 2006
Spiritual Heritage
A huge part of my personal spiritual heritage is my involvement with Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship at the University of Alabama. Here is a link to a post I made on the XA Alumni Blog this evening.
May 06, 2006
Thoughts on blessing.
I guess this is sort of a response or an extension of the previous post.
One of the things we have to remember about the thnings that we think are God's blessings is that they are conditional. I don't mean that God does not want to bless us outright. He does. However we have to remember that God's chief characteristics is holiness. If it weren't Jesus never would have had to die for our sins. Therefore God's true blessings rest on the obedience of his people. Malachi says that God is waiting to throw open the gates of heaven, once His people obey Him in the Tithe. So God wants to bless us, however because of His holiness He requires obedience. None of this is intended to take away from my brother's previous. All of that is true. It's just another take on the subject.
I would also like to mention and give thanks to God for the fact that as of Wed our church got the final permit so we could occupy our new, partially done church building. When we started having church in a tent many thought we would never occupy a building. However, God has roven faithful. We obeyed Him and He has enabled us to occupy the building in His time. We're not surec when we'll hold the first service there yet. We want to make sure we're not ahead of God, so we're taking some extra time to make sure we're ready both inside and out.
God is in control and will continue to bless as we obey Him!
One of the things we have to remember about the thnings that we think are God's blessings is that they are conditional. I don't mean that God does not want to bless us outright. He does. However we have to remember that God's chief characteristics is holiness. If it weren't Jesus never would have had to die for our sins. Therefore God's true blessings rest on the obedience of his people. Malachi says that God is waiting to throw open the gates of heaven, once His people obey Him in the Tithe. So God wants to bless us, however because of His holiness He requires obedience. None of this is intended to take away from my brother's previous. All of that is true. It's just another take on the subject.
I would also like to mention and give thanks to God for the fact that as of Wed our church got the final permit so we could occupy our new, partially done church building. When we started having church in a tent many thought we would never occupy a building. However, God has roven faithful. We obeyed Him and He has enabled us to occupy the building in His time. We're not surec when we'll hold the first service there yet. We want to make sure we're not ahead of God, so we're taking some extra time to make sure we're ready both inside and out.
God is in control and will continue to bless as we obey Him!
May 02, 2006
Wanna Be Blessed?
Don't we all want to be blessed? I have a few thoughts on the subject I wanted to post. These are just thoughts off the top of my head, based on my experience combined with my understanding of Scripture. I haven't done any special research.
First I should define what I mean by blessed. By blessed, first and foremost I mean being in a state of peace with God and as much as depends on you, with other people and your circumstances. Secondarily, I mean having "better" circumstances. I think we often have a different definition of "blessed" than God's. Guess whose definition is wrong? To a large extent, God defines for each of us individually what it means to be blessed. I think there are some blessings he wants for all of us to experience, such as eternal life with Him in heaven, peace with Him and others on Earth, and joy, to name a few.
It also appears that God's definition of "blessed" can differ among individuals. This prompts the humanly unanswerable theological question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" I'm going to "cop out" and admit up front that I do not have the answer to that. I know people, myself included, that have been victims of what I will call external forces, whether it involves other people or natural events beyond their control.
Sometimes I have a problem with the "victim" theory, though. Too often people would rather claim to be a victim rather than admit their own faults and take personal responsibility. We must accept that God sometimes allows bad things to happen in our lives, regardless of our choices. I still assert, though, that God, even in these situations, is willing and able to give us the grace and peace we need.
That leads me back to the question, "How can a person be blessed?" The primary barrier to blessings is not God! He is the source of all blessings. Then what is the main barrier? I contend that we are our own greatest barriers to being blessed. How? Simply put, when we submit and surrender to God and follow His leadership in our lives, we will maximize our blessings. When we choose to go our own way, we will minimize our blessings. It is important at this point to remember my definition of "blessed".
There have been people who followed the Lord into hostile territory, only to be executed, tortured, crucified, and mistreated in more ways than we want to think about. Who is to say, though, that they were not blessed? I have read and heard stories of people who were martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ, who continued to praise the Lord and expressed amazing peace
and contentment while being killed. How can that be? To me, it's a deep, abiding faith in Christ and being completely surrendered to Him and full of the Holy Spirit.
Paul mentioned in Philippians 1:21, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (King James Version) Matthew Henry's Commentary on this verse states, "Death is a great loss to a carnal, worldly man, for he loses all his earthly comforts and all his hopes; but to a true believer it is gain, for it is the end of all his weakness and misery. It delivers him from all the evils of life, and brings him to possess the chief good. The apostle's difficulty was not between living in this world and living in heaven; between these two there is no comparison; but between serving Christ in this world and enjoying him in another. Not between two evil things, but between two good things; living to Christ and being with him. See the power of faith and of Divine grace; it can make us willing to die. In this world we are compassed with sin; but when with Christ, we shall escape sin and temptation, sorrow and death, for ever. But those who have most reason to desire to depart, should be willing to remain in the world as long as God has any work for them to do. And the more unexpected mercies are before they come, the more of God will be seen in them."
To me, it all gets back to our choices. Our first and most important choice is whether to accept Christ as savior. Once we have decided that, we have to decide to let Him be the Lord, in control, of our lives. Then we have to fight the battles every day against our selfish desires, bad influences, and risky behavior. This extends in to so many areas of our lives. This is the hard part for many of us, if we are honest with ourselves. We are like sheep. Sheep are not known for their intelligence. They tend to wander off. Isn't that just like us? The battle gets easier when we see that our moment by moment choices have a direct relationship to how much we are blessed in the long run. It gets even easier still when we realize that even if we cannot see the result, God will eventually honor our good choices. We need to continually ask Him to help us follow as we should. We should accept his chastening as a blessing. Even if it doesn't feel good at the time, remember that if you have accepted Christ, He will do great things in your life if you let Him!
I pray that you are blessed today and eternally!
First I should define what I mean by blessed. By blessed, first and foremost I mean being in a state of peace with God and as much as depends on you, with other people and your circumstances. Secondarily, I mean having "better" circumstances. I think we often have a different definition of "blessed" than God's. Guess whose definition is wrong? To a large extent, God defines for each of us individually what it means to be blessed. I think there are some blessings he wants for all of us to experience, such as eternal life with Him in heaven, peace with Him and others on Earth, and joy, to name a few.
It also appears that God's definition of "blessed" can differ among individuals. This prompts the humanly unanswerable theological question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" I'm going to "cop out" and admit up front that I do not have the answer to that. I know people, myself included, that have been victims of what I will call external forces, whether it involves other people or natural events beyond their control.
Sometimes I have a problem with the "victim" theory, though. Too often people would rather claim to be a victim rather than admit their own faults and take personal responsibility. We must accept that God sometimes allows bad things to happen in our lives, regardless of our choices. I still assert, though, that God, even in these situations, is willing and able to give us the grace and peace we need.
That leads me back to the question, "How can a person be blessed?" The primary barrier to blessings is not God! He is the source of all blessings. Then what is the main barrier? I contend that we are our own greatest barriers to being blessed. How? Simply put, when we submit and surrender to God and follow His leadership in our lives, we will maximize our blessings. When we choose to go our own way, we will minimize our blessings. It is important at this point to remember my definition of "blessed".
There have been people who followed the Lord into hostile territory, only to be executed, tortured, crucified, and mistreated in more ways than we want to think about. Who is to say, though, that they were not blessed? I have read and heard stories of people who were martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ, who continued to praise the Lord and expressed amazing peace
and contentment while being killed. How can that be? To me, it's a deep, abiding faith in Christ and being completely surrendered to Him and full of the Holy Spirit.
Paul mentioned in Philippians 1:21, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (King James Version) Matthew Henry's Commentary on this verse states, "Death is a great loss to a carnal, worldly man, for he loses all his earthly comforts and all his hopes; but to a true believer it is gain, for it is the end of all his weakness and misery. It delivers him from all the evils of life, and brings him to possess the chief good. The apostle's difficulty was not between living in this world and living in heaven; between these two there is no comparison; but between serving Christ in this world and enjoying him in another. Not between two evil things, but between two good things; living to Christ and being with him. See the power of faith and of Divine grace; it can make us willing to die. In this world we are compassed with sin; but when with Christ, we shall escape sin and temptation, sorrow and death, for ever. But those who have most reason to desire to depart, should be willing to remain in the world as long as God has any work for them to do. And the more unexpected mercies are before they come, the more of God will be seen in them."
To me, it all gets back to our choices. Our first and most important choice is whether to accept Christ as savior. Once we have decided that, we have to decide to let Him be the Lord, in control, of our lives. Then we have to fight the battles every day against our selfish desires, bad influences, and risky behavior. This extends in to so many areas of our lives. This is the hard part for many of us, if we are honest with ourselves. We are like sheep. Sheep are not known for their intelligence. They tend to wander off. Isn't that just like us? The battle gets easier when we see that our moment by moment choices have a direct relationship to how much we are blessed in the long run. It gets even easier still when we realize that even if we cannot see the result, God will eventually honor our good choices. We need to continually ask Him to help us follow as we should. We should accept his chastening as a blessing. Even if it doesn't feel good at the time, remember that if you have accepted Christ, He will do great things in your life if you let Him!
I pray that you are blessed today and eternally!
April 10, 2006
Press in and press on
Phillipians 3:10
Let's press into and on with God. Now is not the time to give up. We need to keep actively pursuing God, His plans and His purposes. We need to strain toward everything He is and everything He stands for. Press on!
Let's press into and on with God. Now is not the time to give up. We need to keep actively pursuing God, His plans and His purposes. We need to strain toward everything He is and everything He stands for. Press on!
March 25, 2006
An exclamation point......
.....That is the way we should end our lives. We should live our lives in such a way as to leave no to Whom we belong. We need to be constantly striving to grow in our faith.
Today we said goodbye to a man at our church who lived life in such a way. James Kinard was one of the best men I've ever known`. Watchingv his lfe inspired me and many others to live a life for Jesus with passxion. God delivered James both s[piritually and physically many times. God protected him in Vietnam. He cxould have died there but God was merciful. God allowed him to live and raise a family. All his life, James dealt with great fear over many things. God helped and delivered him in many ways. Pastor made a point at the funeral this morning that in the year plus since James was diagnosed with cancer, James showed no fear but was at peace. He was not afraid to die because he knew his destination. He grew in the Lord, living his life in such a way as to end it with an exclamation point. "I AM A CHRISTIAN!"
How will your life be punctuated?
Today we said goodbye to a man at our church who lived life in such a way. James Kinard was one of the best men I've ever known`. Watchingv his lfe inspired me and many others to live a life for Jesus with passxion. God delivered James both s[piritually and physically many times. God protected him in Vietnam. He cxould have died there but God was merciful. God allowed him to live and raise a family. All his life, James dealt with great fear over many things. God helped and delivered him in many ways. Pastor made a point at the funeral this morning that in the year plus since James was diagnosed with cancer, James showed no fear but was at peace. He was not afraid to die because he knew his destination. He grew in the Lord, living his life in such a way as to end it with an exclamation point. "I AM A CHRISTIAN!"
How will your life be punctuated?
March 17, 2006
March 16, 2006
Is God's Word in Your Heart?
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11 (KJV)
"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
March 15, 2006
Meditating on and Obeying the Word of God Brings Success
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have success." Joshua 1:8 (KJV)
Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and succesful." Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and succesful." Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
March 13, 2006
What is Faith?
One great definition comes from GOD Himself:
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
March 11, 2006
Sleep in Peace
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Ps. 4:8
March 08, 2006
I Want to Praise Him!
Do you ever just feel an overwhelming urge to praise God? I hope so! All Christians know it is something that we should do, but how often do we feel like it? I'll admit that I don't always feel like it. But my favorite moments are when I'm alone with God and there are no distractions and I have an unusually great awareness of his presence. I get that often when I go for walks. I enjoy the solitude; just enjoying a quiet time with the Lord and his creation. It's at these moments that I often praise Him, worship Him, and adore Him, not only for what He has done, but who He is. God is awesome and deserves more praise and thanks than we could ever muster in this life. It's never totally adequate, considering His greatness and holiness, but it is a wonderful thing to even be able to give Him praise. The only way anyone can do it "in spirit and in truth" is a result of His grace and mercy that he gives when we surrender to Him and invite Him into our heart. He changes us and helps us see His purposes and sets us on the path to eternal life. Thank you, Lord
March 07, 2006
Easter
Something on my heart I'd like to share tonight.
Everybody love Christmas and rightly so. I do too. However, I've been meditating on something off and on for the last several years,
Too many people love to kneel and worship the babe in the manger without coming through the cross. You see it is uch more comfortable for us as humans to embrace a cute babe in a manger that than a beaten bloody saviour on a cross. See the cross reminds us of what it took to save us.
However three days later, God remindedc usa of Who the ultimate Victor is. Jesus rose from the dead and that is ultimately where our hope lies.
Tonight I urge anyone reading this to go all the way with Jesus. Do not simp[ly worship the babe in the manger but embrace the His death on the cross and the ultimate hope, His resurrection.
Everybody love Christmas and rightly so. I do too. However, I've been meditating on something off and on for the last several years,
Too many people love to kneel and worship the babe in the manger without coming through the cross. You see it is uch more comfortable for us as humans to embrace a cute babe in a manger that than a beaten bloody saviour on a cross. See the cross reminds us of what it took to save us.
However three days later, God remindedc usa of Who the ultimate Victor is. Jesus rose from the dead and that is ultimately where our hope lies.
Tonight I urge anyone reading this to go all the way with Jesus. Do not simp[ly worship the babe in the manger but embrace the His death on the cross and the ultimate hope, His resurrection.
February 28, 2006
24-7 prayer
My current reading material, Red Moon Rising, is an awesome book. It is very challenging, humbling etc. The vision of this movement is wrapped up in a poem written by its fonder. This is the easiest way I could find to share it. Please click below or copy and paste in your browser.
http://www.24-7prayer.com/cm/resources/28
I think God could use this to speak to you. I know he did me.
http://www.24-7prayer.com/cm/resources/28
I think God could use this to speak to you. I know he did me.
Replace Confusion With Peace and God's Guidance
God is not the author of confusion but of peace. (1 Cor. 14:3)
God hasn't given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7)
Envy and strive produce confusion. Wisdom from above is peaceful, gentle, merciful, impartial, and not hypocritical. (James 3:16-18)
The Lord will help me not to be confounded. I have set my face like a flint and will not be ashamed. (Isaiah 50:7)
Don't think your trials or strange or unusual, rather rejoice that you are partaking in Christ's sufferings which will ultimately produce gladness and joy. (1 Peter 4:12-13)
If you lack wisdom, ask God and He will give it to you. (James 1:5)
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
God will instruct you, teach you, and guide you in the way that you should go. (Psalm 32:8)
You will have great peace if you love God's law and you will not be offe nded. (Psalm 119:165)
Cast your burdens on the Lord and he will sustain you. He will not let the righteous be moved. (Psalm 55:22)
God will be with you even if you pass through the water or fire and you will be safe. (Isaiah 43:2)
He gives power and strength to the weak and the faint. (Isaiah 40:29)
Your ears will hear a word saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' (Isaiah 30:21)
Do not worry about anything, rather through prayer and supplication let your requests be known to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)
God hasn't given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7)
Envy and strive produce confusion. Wisdom from above is peaceful, gentle, merciful, impartial, and not hypocritical. (James 3:16-18)
The Lord will help me not to be confounded. I have set my face like a flint and will not be ashamed. (Isaiah 50:7)
Don't think your trials or strange or unusual, rather rejoice that you are partaking in Christ's sufferings which will ultimately produce gladness and joy. (1 Peter 4:12-13)
If you lack wisdom, ask God and He will give it to you. (James 1:5)
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
God will instruct you, teach you, and guide you in the way that you should go. (Psalm 32:8)
You will have great peace if you love God's law and you will not be offe nded. (Psalm 119:165)
Cast your burdens on the Lord and he will sustain you. He will not let the righteous be moved. (Psalm 55:22)
God will be with you even if you pass through the water or fire and you will be safe. (Isaiah 43:2)
He gives power and strength to the weak and the faint. (Isaiah 40:29)
Your ears will hear a word saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' (Isaiah 30:21)
Do not worry about anything, rather through prayer and supplication let your requests be known to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)
February 27, 2006
Humility
Philippians 2:3&4. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
February 26, 2006
God interrrupts human agendas
Today, the holy spirit took over the service. Pastor had a plan. But God cared so much for us that He nterrupted that plan to touch, heal and bless.
One day Jesus was going up in a religious procession when He heard aman by the name of Batamaes cry out for help. Bartamaeus was a blind man who cried out"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped the whole procession so this man could be helped. Jesus cares much more about the needs of people than our religious agendas. Praise God!
One day Jesus was going up in a religious procession when He heard aman by the name of Batamaes cry out for help. Bartamaeus was a blind man who cried out"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped the whole procession so this man could be helped. Jesus cares much more about the needs of people than our religious agendas. Praise God!
February 23, 2006
Why is Forgiveness So Important?
- If we don't forgive others, God won't forgive us. (Matthew 6:14-15)
- We should forgive often and always. (Matthew 18:21-22)
- If a brother sins against you, rebuke him and forgive him if he repents. (Luke 17:3)
- As we pray we should forgive others so God will forgive us. (Mark 11:25)
- With Christ as our example, we should forgive others as he forgave us. (Col. 3:13)
- Vengeance belongs to the Lord. (Hebrews 10:30).
- Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who use you and persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)
- Don't be overcome by evil, rather overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)
- Don't render evil for evil or railing for railing, on the contrary render blessings, and you will inherit blessings. (1 Peter 3:9-10)
- Remove bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice from your life. Instead be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, as God is to you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
February 22, 2006
"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me..."
(Psa 138:6-8) Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. {7} Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. {8} The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever-- do not abandon the works of your hands.
What an awesome thought! God not only has a plan and a purpose for my life, but He will fulfill it! All we have to do is submit and surrender to Him and let Him handle the rest! It's a great comfort to know that our role is simply to live in submission to Him and He does the work. I know that we must be willing to step out in faith, but He brings His plans to fruition!
What an awesome thought! God not only has a plan and a purpose for my life, but He will fulfill it! All we have to do is submit and surrender to Him and let Him handle the rest! It's a great comfort to know that our role is simply to live in submission to Him and He does the work. I know that we must be willing to step out in faith, but He brings His plans to fruition!
February 20, 2006
How do you get peace?
Keep your mind on the Lord. (Isaiah 26:3)
In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let God know your requests. (Phil. 4:6-7)
Be justified by faith. (Romans 5:1)
Live upright. (Psalm 37:37)
Be spiritually minded. (Romans 8:6)
Love God's law. (Psalm 119:165)
Follow things that make for peace. (Romans 14:17-19)
Be meek. (Psalm 37:11)
In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let God know your requests. (Phil. 4:6-7)
Be justified by faith. (Romans 5:1)
Live upright. (Psalm 37:37)
Be spiritually minded. (Romans 8:6)
Love God's law. (Psalm 119:165)
Follow things that make for peace. (Romans 14:17-19)
Be meek. (Psalm 37:11)
February 17, 2006
Re-Life Verse
Although all scripture is great and useful (2Tim 3?) I guess if I had to pick a verse or two. It would be Phillipians 3:10-11.
"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 somehnow to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
I guess that bottom for me is it's basically why we were created........to know Him.
"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 somehnow to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
I guess that bottom for me is it's basically why we were created........to know Him.
February 16, 2006
A good quote
I am reading a bood on the 24/7 prayer movement called Red Moon Rising. Read a good quote I thought I would share.
"...And when we get our heads around God's character, prayer, devotion and discipleship ceases to be a technique and becomes an instinct." (Grieg and Roberts, p.14) .
"...And when we get our heads around God's character, prayer, devotion and discipleship ceases to be a technique and becomes an instinct." (Grieg and Roberts, p.14) .
Life Verse
Many Christians have a verse, or a few verses, they consider a "life verse". A "life verse" is a verse that God has spoken strongly to their heart that has become a recurring theme. For me that verse is Matthew 6:33. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
We all need to seek Him first every day. It's easy to get caught up in so many other things besides the Lord Himself. Even legitimate concerns (financial needs, relationships, jobs, etc.) are valid. We just don't need to worry about them. There is often a fine line between worrying and putting necessary thought and planning into our lives. I think that we need to strive to let the Lord guide and lead our thoughts and plans regarding all of these things.
We all need to seek Him first every day. It's easy to get caught up in so many other things besides the Lord Himself. Even legitimate concerns (financial needs, relationships, jobs, etc.) are valid. We just don't need to worry about them. There is often a fine line between worrying and putting necessary thought and planning into our lives. I think that we need to strive to let the Lord guide and lead our thoughts and plans regarding all of these things.
February 15, 2006
Welcome to Our Bible Study Blog
Current contibutors to this blog are Mike Wilhelm Tom Windsor, and Johnny Sharp. Our initial goal for this blog is to have a place to record ideas and thoughts that we glean from our own personal Bible studies, sermons we hear, and other Bible lessons. We are leaving this blog in God's hands and we will let Him take it wherever He wants. The following statement is necessary to provide readers with a general framework and premise of the beliefs of contributors to this blog. We approach the Scripture as the authoritative Word of God.
The following "Statement of Faith" is from the National Association of Evangelicals.
• We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
• We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
• We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
• We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
• We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
• We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The following "Statement of Faith" is from the National Association of Evangelicals.
• We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
• We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
• We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
• We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
• We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
• We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
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