My Blog

Finding Fulfillment

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:59:47 -0600

I Corinthians 15:27 GW Clearly, God has put everything under Christ's authority. When God says that everything has been put under Christ's authority, this clearly excludes God, since God has put everything under Christ's authority. There are not multiple ways to Heaven. All roads/religions do not lead to the same place and to hold this belief is not to have studied different religions, many of which are diametrically opposed to one another. It also means not understanding the message of Christ. Religions have us "doing," reaching out to "god." Religion is self-centered, about ME. Christ isn't religion. He is real and personal and gave His life for ours. He, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, reached out in time and space to offer hope and life. There is only One who reaches out to You and Me, the only one who does not change, who is here when we seek Him--no matter what. There is only one way to fulfillment and to life both now and for eternity, that is the way of the cross and Savior who loved enough to reach my heart. V. 57 GW Thank God that he gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Freedom or Restriction

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:17:07 -0600

Psalm 64:10 MKJV The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory. Many believe following God and His principles leads to restrictions, boredom and no happiness. The opposite is the truth. When we trust and follow Him, we find freedom as well as joy. Do we truly trust Him--not tradition or human restrictions? If we know Jesus and study His Word, we will know the difference between God's freedom and human, even “churchified” but not God-blessed, restrictions. Help me, Jesus, live in Your freedom. Amen.

Contradiction

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:56:09 -0600

John 9:6-7 WEB When he (Jesus) had said this, he spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, anointed the blind man's eyes with the mud, and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means "Sent"). So he went away, washed, and came back seeing. Many think believing is enough, but true belief has two aspects: trust and obedience (actions). Believing means trusting God's Word enough to do what He asks of us. It is trusting He is trustworthy, and a commitment to ask for guidance, listen for direction and choosing to act on that direction. Belief is not belief if our choices contradict what we claim to believe. Do mine?

Why Don't I Get it?

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:45:06 -0600

Psalm 119:142 GW Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your teachings are reliable. God doesn't change with time and circumstance. He can be relied upon no matter what. He is a foundation that is not shaken or moved regardless or circumstances. Why do I have so much difficulty in trusting Him? And why do I persist in doing things my way, knowing how badly I goof up when I do so? Help me, Jesus, let go my stubborn pride and wayward heart to trust the One who truly cares and has a clue to the future--You. Amen.

My Attitude Shouldn't Depend on Yours

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 06:48:03 -0600

I Corinthians 13:5,7 GW It isn't rude. It doesn't think about itself. It isn't irritable. It doesn't keep track of wrongs. ...Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up. What a concept--not keeping track of wrongs! How often do we keep track of mistakes, real or imagined wrongs against us, against those we love, maybe even against our particular "group" or nation. Do we tally up wrongs even against ourselves and call ourselves "stupid?" Love, real love, God's love doesn't keep a list and doesn't replace love with hurtful actions. Maybe one way to start repairing self-image and relationships is to bring "wrongs" to the cross and leave them there. Letting go anger and resentment and "lists" frees us for love and hope...and joy.

Gender Respect

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 07:03:06 -0600

I Corinthians 11:11 GW Yet, as believers in the Lord, women couldn't exist without men and men couldn't exist without women. We live in a culture where women often despise men and where men treat women as objects. This all comes from walking away from God's principles for both individuals and marriage. Instead of being people of integrity and honor, we look out for "the main chance." Shading truth and constantly being concerned with "me" is a national pastime. In considering only what makes ME feel good, we treat others with disrespect. God's love changes our point of view from ME to Jesus and our perspective from mine to His, seeing myself and others through His eyes. When we know we are worthy in His eyes, it makes all the difference in how we view and treat others--men and women.

Impossible Choices

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 06:59:13 -0600

I Corinthians 10:13 GW God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape. Life is a choice. We have a choice to do good or evil. There are times when it seems any choice we make is wrong and we must choose the best among bad choices. Such decisions preclude one important factor--Christ. If we serve Him, our primary job is to discern His will. Knowing His principles gives us direction in making choices, but asking Him for guidance, waiting for it, then following it can give us a whole new perspective on seemingly impossible choices. When things are tough, am I willing to wait on Him and trust His way is still the way to go? Psalm 119:105 KJV Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.

Spiritual Goals

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 06:44:07 -0600

I Corinthians 9:25 GW Everyone who enters an athletic contest goes into strict training. They do it to win a temporary crown, but we do it to win one that will be permanent. When we exercise, we often buy a membership or spend money on exercise equipment. We put time and effort and discipline into losing weight or living healthy. We know that without effort we will not reach our goal. Yet, how much time, effort and discipline do we put into our spiritual life and growth? Do we consider a physically healthy body that will die of more value than a healthy spiritual soul that has eternal ramifications? Where are my priorities? Do I need to make some changes to put God first, learning from Him through regularly reading His Word, communicating with Him and fellowshipping with His people?

Am I Willing to Share?

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:28:07 -0600

I Corinthians 8:6-7a GW But for us, "There is only one God, the Father. Everything came from him, and we live for him. There is only one Lord, Jesus Christ. Everything came into being through him, and we live because of him." But not everyone knows this.... If not everyone knows Jesus as Creator, Lord and Savior, what kind of person am I if I refuse to share Jesus with those who don't know Him? We live in a culture of hurting people, do I let fear and/or embarrassment keep me from helping others know the healing and hope they can find in Him? What does my reticence says about me and my faith in Christ? Please, Lord, make me bold in You that I may share Your love--even when I am scared of the consequences. Amen.

Show Not Tell

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 06:03:04 -0600

Psalm 119:73-74 KJV Your hands have made me and formed me; give me understanding so that I may learn Your commandments. They who fear You will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in Your word. May I show others by my life as well as words, I serve You, Jesus. May others know hope because my life and choices lead them to You. Amen.