So much has been said and written of the male natural attraction to battles, war and fighting (much better written than I can) that I’m not going to go back over this well-trodden field.
This blog entry isn't so much about what I want to say...it's ALL about hearing from you all...what do you think?
I do hope that some of you reading this will add to this thread some book references (“Wild At Heart”), your favorite movies (“Jeremiah Johnson”), etc….
It’s In Man’s DNA
Simply said, take away a boy’s plastic replica firearm and you’ll find him taping two sticks together to make another one.
We love to be the hero, the fighter, battles against all odds….
In a clearing stands a boxer and a fighter by his trade and he carries those reminders of every glove that laid him out or cut him till he cried out in his anger and his shame “I am leaving, I am leaving, but the fighter still remains.”
“The Boxer,” by Simon and Garfunkel
So, we’re going to find ways to fight, to battle, it’s really about what are we fighting for! Are you going to be a warrior or a mercenary?
The Warrior
The warrior is much different than the mercenary. The warrior is fighting to protect the people, values, and for the things he loves. There is a warrior code (Bushido), there is honor, there is respect, and there is a time to rest and halt from being a warrior: When the call to war changes to the celebration of peace he restores himself to fulfilling the other roles of man, yet he always has the elements of the warrior close at hand.
The warrior is the policeman, the firefighter, the knight, the faithful husband and father. He is disciplined, self-sacrificing and is thoughtful of others, those weaker, those in need of help.
In the name of honor, in the face of battle, in the heart of one man, lives the soul of a warrior.
“The Last Samurai”
To those who are victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:7b
Fight the good fight for what we believe. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12
I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
2 Timothy 4:7
Put on your sword, O mighty warrior! You are so glorious, so majestic!
In your majesty, ride out to victory, defending truth, humility, and justice. Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds!
Psalm 45:3-4
The Mercenary
The mercenary is fighting for financial, personal or spiteful gain. He’s selfish and has no loyalty except to what he may gain from fighting. He is the bar room brawler; he is the playground bully; he is the abuser.
Which one are you going to be, the Warrior or the Mercenary?
Try this on for size....
In the name of God, in the face of struggles and battles, in the heart of a Godly man, lives the heart of a warrior. Fight the good fight.
“The Fighter Within Me,” adapted by Keiger Bowman
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Biblical Stress Management
Arghhh…………..STRESS!!!
Introduction
STRESS, what does the word makes you think of?
Audience suggestions….
(TENSION)
(STRAIN)
(ANXIETY)
(FEAR)
Stress is what you feel when facing FEAR, CHANGE, PRESSURE, or THE UNKNOWN
It is the WAY your body and emotions react to challenges.
It is a natural and even positive, reaction, when KEPT UNDER CONTROL.
The Two Faces of Stress
Good..preps you for a challenge…extra energy and concentration to handle a difficult task or situation. Then the sense of stress should pass away.
Bad..when the signs and symptoms of stress continue after it is needed…not meant to be constant…it’s no good when your mind and body don’t get the chance to rest and return to normal.
Signs and Symptoms of Stress
Perspiration
Cold hands
Knots in your stomach
Pounding heart
Tense muscles
Tension headaches
Ulcers
High blood pressure
Falling to destructive behaviors
Bad habits/sinful conduct
Creating addictive conditions
Stress can make you
Physically sick
Emotionally depressed
Spiritually fallen….slip, sliding away.
You can’t avoid all stressful situations, but you can control how you handle them!
(Parental caution about over-protection verses teaching to properly handle stress)
Causes of Stress?
Finances
Relationship issues
Work issues
Colossians 3:23
Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Traffic hassles
Total Overload
Matthew 6:25 (NLT)
"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?
THE BIG THREE
Change in relationship(s)
Change in living conditions
Change in employment
(STRESSFUL even when positive…it’s still CHANGE/UNKNOWN)
Sin/Sinful Behavior
Unforgiveness—The poison you take internally yourself in hopes of killing the other person.
IT ONLY HURTS YOU MORE!
Learning to manage stress:
Avoid small annoyances
1 Peter 1:13
So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ.
Exercise
Physical—Good but,
1 Timothy 4:8-9
Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. This is true, and everyone should accept it.
Spiritual—WORD, WORSHIP & PRAISE
(As discussed last week)
Keep a sense of humor—“He who laughs, lasts”
Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Set time to relax and refocus on what GOD has for you…even the tough stuff!
Romans 5:3-4
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.
James 1:3-4
For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Proverbs 14:30
A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away.
Hebrews 4:9-10
So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who enter into God's rest will find rest from their labors, just as God rested after creating the world.
Psalm 91:1-2 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.
Psalm 23:2
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
Psalm 139:3
You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.
Share your problems with
God: REALLY give it all over to God, “Release YOUR grip!”
(Ask God…What do you want me to see, learn, or understand?)
Philippians 4:6-7
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:9
Since we respect our earthly fathers who disciplined us, should we not all the more cheerfully submit to the discipline of our heavenly Father and live forever.
1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
Psalm 119:143
As pressure and stress bear down on me,I find joy in your commands.
Godly friends/counsel
Be aware of too many chances in your life at once
(be sensitive of others going through too much too)
Reduce consumption of alcohol, sugar, and caffeine
*My high school daze
*My college/work/church haze
*The FDA would deny us caffeine
1 Thessalonians 5:6b
Stay alert and be sober.
Galatians 5:19
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure,
Ephesians 5:18
Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you.
Luke 21:34
(JESUS WARNS)… Watch out! Don't let me find you living in careless ease and drunkenness, and filled with the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware.
Get enough sleep
(Sleep deprivation is a form of torture…stop torturing yourself)
Rejoice in the Lord and Know Him
1 Peter 1:6-11
Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness.Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone.The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin.So, dear brothers and sisters,work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Doing this, you will never stumble or fall away.And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Set Godly priorities
Put GOD first….yourself, family, friends, work, church….
See others as Christ does
Matthew 7:12
Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.
Be an active part of the Body of Christ
1Peter 4:9
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
Proverbs 12:25
Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.
Know your limits…Your not God, but you are a Child of God!
Don’t Worry Be Happy
It’s more than just a cute song…
Billy Graham:
The happiness which brings enduring worth to life is not the superficial happiness that is dependent on circumstances…The happiness for which our souls ache is one undisturbed by success or failure, one which will root deeply inside us and give inward relaxation, peace, and contentment, no matter what the surface problems may be. That kind of happiness stands in need of no outward stimulus.
Have A Nice Day
*Harvey Ball would get letters from all over the world thanking him for Smiley. How do you put a price on that? He died with no apologies and no regrets.
*At its peak of popularity in 1971, more than 50 million Smiley Face buttons were sold.
Conclusion:
MAKE THE BEST OF STRESS W/O STRESS GETTING THE BEST OF YOU!
Philippians 4:8
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Indentify stressors and reactions
Learn to relax
Develop a positive attitude about yourself
Organize your time and set Godly priorities
Practice a healthy and holy lifestyle
Romans 8:38-39
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy and Have A Nice Day
Don’t Worry Be Happy
Bobby McFarin
Here is a little song I wrote You might want to sing it note for note Don't worry be happy In every life we have some trouble When you worry you make it double Don't worry, be happy...... Ain't got no place to lay your head Somebody came and took your bed Don't worry, be happy The land lord say your rent is late He may have to litigate Don't worry, be happy Lood at me I am happy Don't worry, be happy Here I give you my phone number When you worry call me I make you happy Don't worry, be happy Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style Ain't got not girl to make you smile But don't worry be happy Cause when you worry Your face will frown And that will bring everybody down So don't worry, be happy (now)..... There is this little song I wrote I hope you learn it note for note Like good little children Don't worry, be happy Listen to what I say In your life expect some trouble But when you worry You make it double Don't worry, be happy...... Don't worry don't do it, be happy Put a smile on your face Don't bring everybody down like this Don't worry, it will soon past Whatever it is Don't worry, be happy
Introduction
STRESS, what does the word makes you think of?
Audience suggestions….
(TENSION)
(STRAIN)
(ANXIETY)
(FEAR)
Stress is what you feel when facing FEAR, CHANGE, PRESSURE, or THE UNKNOWN
It is the WAY your body and emotions react to challenges.
It is a natural and even positive, reaction, when KEPT UNDER CONTROL.
The Two Faces of Stress
Good..preps you for a challenge…extra energy and concentration to handle a difficult task or situation. Then the sense of stress should pass away.
Bad..when the signs and symptoms of stress continue after it is needed…not meant to be constant…it’s no good when your mind and body don’t get the chance to rest and return to normal.
Signs and Symptoms of Stress
Perspiration
Cold hands
Knots in your stomach
Pounding heart
Tense muscles
Tension headaches
Ulcers
High blood pressure
Falling to destructive behaviors
Bad habits/sinful conduct
Creating addictive conditions
Stress can make you
Physically sick
Emotionally depressed
Spiritually fallen….slip, sliding away.
You can’t avoid all stressful situations, but you can control how you handle them!
(Parental caution about over-protection verses teaching to properly handle stress)
Causes of Stress?
Finances
Relationship issues
Work issues
Colossians 3:23
Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Traffic hassles
Total Overload
Matthew 6:25 (NLT)
"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?
THE BIG THREE
Change in relationship(s)
Change in living conditions
Change in employment
(STRESSFUL even when positive…it’s still CHANGE/UNKNOWN)
Sin/Sinful Behavior
Unforgiveness—The poison you take internally yourself in hopes of killing the other person.
IT ONLY HURTS YOU MORE!
Learning to manage stress:
Avoid small annoyances
1 Peter 1:13
So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ.
Exercise
Physical—Good but,
1 Timothy 4:8-9
Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. This is true, and everyone should accept it.
Spiritual—WORD, WORSHIP & PRAISE
(As discussed last week)
Keep a sense of humor—“He who laughs, lasts”
Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Set time to relax and refocus on what GOD has for you…even the tough stuff!
Romans 5:3-4
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.
James 1:3-4
For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Proverbs 14:30
A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away.
Hebrews 4:9-10
So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who enter into God's rest will find rest from their labors, just as God rested after creating the world.
Psalm 91:1-2 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.
Psalm 23:2
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
Psalm 139:3
You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.
Share your problems with
God: REALLY give it all over to God, “Release YOUR grip!”
(Ask God…What do you want me to see, learn, or understand?)
Philippians 4:6-7
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:9
Since we respect our earthly fathers who disciplined us, should we not all the more cheerfully submit to the discipline of our heavenly Father and live forever.
1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
Psalm 119:143
As pressure and stress bear down on me,I find joy in your commands.
Godly friends/counsel
Be aware of too many chances in your life at once
(be sensitive of others going through too much too)
Reduce consumption of alcohol, sugar, and caffeine
*My high school daze
*My college/work/church haze
*The FDA would deny us caffeine
1 Thessalonians 5:6b
Stay alert and be sober.
Galatians 5:19
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure,
Ephesians 5:18
Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you.
Luke 21:34
(JESUS WARNS)… Watch out! Don't let me find you living in careless ease and drunkenness, and filled with the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware.
Get enough sleep
(Sleep deprivation is a form of torture…stop torturing yourself)
Rejoice in the Lord and Know Him
1 Peter 1:6-11
Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness.Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone.The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin.So, dear brothers and sisters,work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Doing this, you will never stumble or fall away.And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Set Godly priorities
Put GOD first….yourself, family, friends, work, church….
See others as Christ does
Matthew 7:12
Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.
Be an active part of the Body of Christ
1Peter 4:9
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
Proverbs 12:25
Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.
Know your limits…Your not God, but you are a Child of God!
Don’t Worry Be Happy
It’s more than just a cute song…
Billy Graham:
The happiness which brings enduring worth to life is not the superficial happiness that is dependent on circumstances…The happiness for which our souls ache is one undisturbed by success or failure, one which will root deeply inside us and give inward relaxation, peace, and contentment, no matter what the surface problems may be. That kind of happiness stands in need of no outward stimulus.
Have A Nice Day
*Harvey Ball would get letters from all over the world thanking him for Smiley. How do you put a price on that? He died with no apologies and no regrets.
*At its peak of popularity in 1971, more than 50 million Smiley Face buttons were sold.
Conclusion:
MAKE THE BEST OF STRESS W/O STRESS GETTING THE BEST OF YOU!
Philippians 4:8
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Indentify stressors and reactions
Learn to relax
Develop a positive attitude about yourself
Organize your time and set Godly priorities
Practice a healthy and holy lifestyle
Romans 8:38-39
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy and Have A Nice Day
Don’t Worry Be Happy
Bobby McFarin
Here is a little song I wrote You might want to sing it note for note Don't worry be happy In every life we have some trouble When you worry you make it double Don't worry, be happy...... Ain't got no place to lay your head Somebody came and took your bed Don't worry, be happy The land lord say your rent is late He may have to litigate Don't worry, be happy Lood at me I am happy Don't worry, be happy Here I give you my phone number When you worry call me I make you happy Don't worry, be happy Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style Ain't got not girl to make you smile But don't worry be happy Cause when you worry Your face will frown And that will bring everybody down So don't worry, be happy (now)..... There is this little song I wrote I hope you learn it note for note Like good little children Don't worry, be happy Listen to what I say In your life expect some trouble But when you worry You make it double Don't worry, be happy...... Don't worry don't do it, be happy Put a smile on your face Don't bring everybody down like this Don't worry, it will soon past Whatever it is Don't worry, be happy
Monday, August 22, 2005
Once Saved, Always Saved?
Please explain this passage of Scripture:
Hebrews 6:1-8
1 So let us stop going over the basics of Christianity[a] again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to start all over again with the importance of turning away from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don't need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
4For it is impossible to restore to repentance those who were once enlightened--those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, 5who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come-- 6and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people to repentance again because they are nailing the Son of God to the cross again by rejecting him, holding him up to public shame.
7When the ground soaks up the rain that falls on it and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has the blessing of God. 8But if a field bears thistles and thorns, it is useless. The farmer will condemn that field and burn it. (NLT)
Hmmmm...
Hebrews 6:1-8
1 So let us stop going over the basics of Christianity[a] again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to start all over again with the importance of turning away from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don't need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
4For it is impossible to restore to repentance those who were once enlightened--those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, 5who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come-- 6and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people to repentance again because they are nailing the Son of God to the cross again by rejecting him, holding him up to public shame.
7When the ground soaks up the rain that falls on it and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has the blessing of God. 8But if a field bears thistles and thorns, it is useless. The farmer will condemn that field and burn it. (NLT)
Hmmmm...
Friday, August 05, 2005
All Dogs Go To Heaven
I pose the heavy theological question:
Will our pets be in heaven?
If you say “yes” then is that restricted to just pets, or all critters go to heaven?
Hmm, what are you going to say to the piece of chicken you ate yesterday or the steak you’ll have tonight?
What about the bug you squished, or the rare Hawaiian bird our land developments displaced and caused to go extinct?
If you say “no” how do you explain that to a little kid who’s dog just died?
Is it a soul/no soul issue?
Will they only inhabit the earth as in "A new heaven and a new earth."?
If heaven is so heavenly won’t we grieve the loss of a beloved pet?
Will we think “humanly” as we do now about these things when we get to heaven?
Got any scriptures to back this thoughts up with?
Come on, I need some help here………
Will our pets be in heaven?
If you say “yes” then is that restricted to just pets, or all critters go to heaven?
Hmm, what are you going to say to the piece of chicken you ate yesterday or the steak you’ll have tonight?
What about the bug you squished, or the rare Hawaiian bird our land developments displaced and caused to go extinct?
If you say “no” how do you explain that to a little kid who’s dog just died?
Is it a soul/no soul issue?
Will they only inhabit the earth as in "A new heaven and a new earth."?
If heaven is so heavenly won’t we grieve the loss of a beloved pet?
Will we think “humanly” as we do now about these things when we get to heaven?
Got any scriptures to back this thoughts up with?
Come on, I need some help here………
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Here, Let Me Show You How It Is Done.
I'm starting on a book, that will be the best of Christian Writings!
Okay, I've only developed the title so far....
Doing Church As A Team That Is Living A Purpose-Driven Life To Make Chicken Soup For The Soul As You Let Go Of The Ring To Say The Prayer Of Jebez And Want A Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire So You Can Have The Best Life Now Instead Of Mere Christianity.
We read so many books about the Bible, instead of reading the Bible...Is it because these great authors write better than the inspired authors (inspired by God, no less) of the original 66 books?
Are we so "marketized" and "media-blitzed" that the ole' Bible ain't good enough?
What about 1 Corinthians 2:1-5?
1When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. (NIV)
Look at it again...
1You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. 2I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did--Jesus crucified.
3I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate--I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it-- 4and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God's Spirit and God's power did it, 5which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.
(The Message)
It's even worth reading again...
1Dear brothers and sisters, when I first came to you I didn't use lofty words and brilliant ideas to tell you God's message. 2For I decided to concentrate only on Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. 3I came to you in weakness--timid and trembling. 4And my message and my preaching were very plain. I did not use wise and persuasive speeches, but the Holy Spirit was powerful among you. 5I did this so that you might trust the power of God rather than human wisdom. (NLT)
While I'm at it I'll start a church too:
First New Hope Calvary Chapel with the Word of Life Assembly of God
Hmmm, maybe I should just use the shortened moniker--Christ's Body.
Some churches are trying to find a way to draw people to their church with slogans and seeker-sensitive campaigns...
I'm wondering, are we helping the Holy Spirit or are we hindering/working against the Holy Spirit?
Were does Godly inspiration end and for God desperation start?
Would you go/stay at a church that heeded Paul's statement: making the message and the preaching very plain?
How many of my 200+ books should I toss from my "Christian Living" bookshelves and get back to the Word of God?
Don't get me wrong, there are wonderful, life-changing books there....But I need to ask myself where I am focused, and if I'm reading more books about the Bible than I am actually reading the Bible...I'm hearing more from the voice of man's wisdom than God's truth and wisdom.
If I'm listening to a pastor or buying tapes of one that always makes me feel good, makes me laugh, and tells me my life is gonna be blessed and better, and happy...Sure that is part of the Christian promise...but there is more, much more and the Word of God point's to suffering, difficulties and a promise that will be met, if not now in this life....in Heaven.
Word
Okay, I've only developed the title so far....
Doing Church As A Team That Is Living A Purpose-Driven Life To Make Chicken Soup For The Soul As You Let Go Of The Ring To Say The Prayer Of Jebez And Want A Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire So You Can Have The Best Life Now Instead Of Mere Christianity.
We read so many books about the Bible, instead of reading the Bible...Is it because these great authors write better than the inspired authors (inspired by God, no less) of the original 66 books?
Are we so "marketized" and "media-blitzed" that the ole' Bible ain't good enough?
What about 1 Corinthians 2:1-5?
1When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. (NIV)
Look at it again...
1You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. 2I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did--Jesus crucified.
3I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate--I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it-- 4and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God's Spirit and God's power did it, 5which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.
(The Message)
It's even worth reading again...
1Dear brothers and sisters, when I first came to you I didn't use lofty words and brilliant ideas to tell you God's message. 2For I decided to concentrate only on Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. 3I came to you in weakness--timid and trembling. 4And my message and my preaching were very plain. I did not use wise and persuasive speeches, but the Holy Spirit was powerful among you. 5I did this so that you might trust the power of God rather than human wisdom. (NLT)
While I'm at it I'll start a church too:
First New Hope Calvary Chapel with the Word of Life Assembly of God
Hmmm, maybe I should just use the shortened moniker--Christ's Body.
Some churches are trying to find a way to draw people to their church with slogans and seeker-sensitive campaigns...
I'm wondering, are we helping the Holy Spirit or are we hindering/working against the Holy Spirit?
Were does Godly inspiration end and for God desperation start?
Would you go/stay at a church that heeded Paul's statement: making the message and the preaching very plain?
How many of my 200+ books should I toss from my "Christian Living" bookshelves and get back to the Word of God?
Don't get me wrong, there are wonderful, life-changing books there....But I need to ask myself where I am focused, and if I'm reading more books about the Bible than I am actually reading the Bible...I'm hearing more from the voice of man's wisdom than God's truth and wisdom.
If I'm listening to a pastor or buying tapes of one that always makes me feel good, makes me laugh, and tells me my life is gonna be blessed and better, and happy...Sure that is part of the Christian promise...but there is more, much more and the Word of God point's to suffering, difficulties and a promise that will be met, if not now in this life....in Heaven.
Word
May I Take Your Order?
Here's some definitions from Webster's Dictionary:
Obedient
1. complying with or submissive to authority.
Obey
1. to comply with the commands of, 2. to comply with; to obey orders. 3. to submit or conform to.
Submit
1. to give over or yield to the power or authority of another. 2. to yield oneself to the power or authority of another.
What does this mean to you?
I am sometimes so “proud” of myself for being obedient to God….hmmm. In reality I need to have a clearer understanding of this…so let’s look at it together.
Imagine I own a rowboat on a river…. Now, I want to go downstream because it is with the flow of the current, it is easier to row, and there is a nice village down there. It so happens, my boss wants me to run some stuff in my boat to the same village. Since I plan to go there and there is room enough for his stuff too, I consider this for just a moment. So I say, in obedience, I will do just that.
Am I really obedient, or is it more to the fact it is convenient to my own personal plans?
It doesn’t require much effort on my part to then obey.
Now, consider my boss instead wants me to row upstream with his stuff to a few villages…If I do so, immediately, completely and without grumbling….is that a better model of obedience?
My point, I guess is to really learn obedience is to do those things we know God wants us to do even when (especially when) our flesh, the world, and/or our temptations say/desire otherwise. We need to do it immediately, without grumbling and to completion.
In a book I recently read, the author stated this point….To delay in obeying is still disobedience. To not fully complete the task is disobedience. To obey but grumble and gripe is still disobedience…..WOW, I’ve been DIS-obedient more often than I want to admit to myself and you.
I really want to learn obedience…if it’s convenient, without discomfort, and requires little or no effort/energy. That is NOT what God wants to teach me. With obedience comes pain, suffering, discomfort, sorrow, and a more intimate relationship with God!
Read your Bible…This is what is found every time someone is obedient…even obedient to death on a cross.
On the other side….Disobedience also comes at a great cost, and without God’s favor…just eat the apple….ignore the covenant…turn from the Lord your God…run from God and look what happens. You lose your property rights to the best garden on earth… your enemies defeat you… you don’t get into the Promised Land… and get swallowed by a whale…etc.
Sure, this is a simplified and shallow study of obedience…I just want to get some dialogue going on real-life examples, stories, and thoughts from YOU on what being obedient is to YOU!
Obedient
1. complying with or submissive to authority.
Obey
1. to comply with the commands of, 2. to comply with; to obey orders. 3. to submit or conform to.
Submit
1. to give over or yield to the power or authority of another. 2. to yield oneself to the power or authority of another.
What does this mean to you?
I am sometimes so “proud” of myself for being obedient to God….hmmm. In reality I need to have a clearer understanding of this…so let’s look at it together.
Imagine I own a rowboat on a river…. Now, I want to go downstream because it is with the flow of the current, it is easier to row, and there is a nice village down there. It so happens, my boss wants me to run some stuff in my boat to the same village. Since I plan to go there and there is room enough for his stuff too, I consider this for just a moment. So I say, in obedience, I will do just that.
Am I really obedient, or is it more to the fact it is convenient to my own personal plans?
It doesn’t require much effort on my part to then obey.
Now, consider my boss instead wants me to row upstream with his stuff to a few villages…If I do so, immediately, completely and without grumbling….is that a better model of obedience?
My point, I guess is to really learn obedience is to do those things we know God wants us to do even when (especially when) our flesh, the world, and/or our temptations say/desire otherwise. We need to do it immediately, without grumbling and to completion.
In a book I recently read, the author stated this point….To delay in obeying is still disobedience. To not fully complete the task is disobedience. To obey but grumble and gripe is still disobedience…..WOW, I’ve been DIS-obedient more often than I want to admit to myself and you.
I really want to learn obedience…if it’s convenient, without discomfort, and requires little or no effort/energy. That is NOT what God wants to teach me. With obedience comes pain, suffering, discomfort, sorrow, and a more intimate relationship with God!
Read your Bible…This is what is found every time someone is obedient…even obedient to death on a cross.
On the other side….Disobedience also comes at a great cost, and without God’s favor…just eat the apple….ignore the covenant…turn from the Lord your God…run from God and look what happens. You lose your property rights to the best garden on earth… your enemies defeat you… you don’t get into the Promised Land… and get swallowed by a whale…etc.
Sure, this is a simplified and shallow study of obedience…I just want to get some dialogue going on real-life examples, stories, and thoughts from YOU on what being obedient is to YOU!
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