Thanksgiving…
Thanksgiving is here! It’s the time of year that is set aside to do what we’re called by God to do continually – be thankful for all he’s done in our lives. And it’s not so much that he’s called us to walk around saying – thank you for this and thank you for that. No, what he’s called us to -- is to have a thankful heart. Don’t get me wrong, if we have a thankful heart we will express appreciation to him – but the words can be said and have no meaning. So God has called us to have a thankful heart.
With that being said I just want to say that I’m so thankful to God for counting me worthy to be his son. There’s nothing I’ve done to deserve this great honor – it’s simply because of his great love for me. I’m also very thankful for my wife and daughter, and for family and friends who love me. The list goes on and on – job, health, and that he is developing in me a heart that is growing in it’s thankfulness to him.
Psalm 95:1-5
Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD? let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
1 Chronicles 16:8-10
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name;
2 Chronicles 20:21
After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.”
Psalm 35:18
I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.
1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
1 Thessalonians 6:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
So – what are you thankful for?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Value…
Value is determined by the price someone is willing to pay for something. If I own something such as an antique -- or a great baseball card collection that has been appraised and found to be worth a large amount of money, but no one will pay me for it, it is really not worth all that much after all.
The same seems to be true when it comes to how people are viewed in the world today. If you have a little you’re only worth a little. But if you have a lot – nice home, great financial portfolio, live in the right part of town, run in the right circles – then you’re worth a lot. According to the world’s terms I would have to say that I clearly fit in the – I have a little – therefore I’m only worth a little category… according to the world’s terms that is…
Fortunately for me that’s not the last word when it comes to how valuable I am. You see the Bible says…
Romans 5:6-8
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16-17
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
If value is determined by the price someone is willing to pay for something – and it is! Then there is amazing news – not just for me but for all of us. The best of heaven was given on our behalf to buy us back for God. When we were lost and the price of sin was on our head – Jesus found us so valuable that he bought us back with his very life.
You are truly valuable to God – and Jesus paid the price to prove it!
Value is determined by the price someone is willing to pay for something. If I own something such as an antique -- or a great baseball card collection that has been appraised and found to be worth a large amount of money, but no one will pay me for it, it is really not worth all that much after all.
The same seems to be true when it comes to how people are viewed in the world today. If you have a little you’re only worth a little. But if you have a lot – nice home, great financial portfolio, live in the right part of town, run in the right circles – then you’re worth a lot. According to the world’s terms I would have to say that I clearly fit in the – I have a little – therefore I’m only worth a little category… according to the world’s terms that is…
Fortunately for me that’s not the last word when it comes to how valuable I am. You see the Bible says…
Romans 5:6-8
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16-17
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
If value is determined by the price someone is willing to pay for something – and it is! Then there is amazing news – not just for me but for all of us. The best of heaven was given on our behalf to buy us back for God. When we were lost and the price of sin was on our head – Jesus found us so valuable that he bought us back with his very life.
You are truly valuable to God – and Jesus paid the price to prove it!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Our Trip to Cumberland Falls...
I want to thank everyone for remembering the prayer requests I mentioned on Thursday. This post is intended as an update to those requests.
The students are getting through finals very well - and that as you know is a really good thing - and I believe a result of prayer.
Dave's surgery went very well -- he still has to go through a recovery time, so please continue to remember him in prayer.
Our trip to Cumberland Falls in Corbin, Ky. was great! As you know I was blessed with the opportunity to teach at a retreat called "Spirit - Fest." The retreat was very spiritual - all those who participated were great to be with - and God blessed my family for being part of it -- thanks for lifting us up to the Lord.
I met some wonderful people - teen and adult - who left their imprint on my heart simply by the way they showed the love of God to my family and me. To be honest I was treated far better than I deserve. I think they thought I was royalty or something.
Now, don't get me wrong, I think my wife and daughter deserve the best - and they are royalty! But everyone at the retreat were better to me than I deserve, and that's a great way to live because that's how God in his son Jesus has treated - and treats - all of us.
So, between God, Sunshine and all the folks at Spirit-Fest, I've found myself the recipient of wonderful kindness -- thanks to God and all!
Now, I'm going to end this post with a few pics of the weekend. The first is from inside Fort Boonesborough -- the rest are of Cumberland Falls... I hope you enjoy them -- God is the Great Creator!
I want to thank everyone for remembering the prayer requests I mentioned on Thursday. This post is intended as an update to those requests.
The students are getting through finals very well - and that as you know is a really good thing - and I believe a result of prayer.
Dave's surgery went very well -- he still has to go through a recovery time, so please continue to remember him in prayer.
Our trip to Cumberland Falls in Corbin, Ky. was great! As you know I was blessed with the opportunity to teach at a retreat called "Spirit - Fest." The retreat was very spiritual - all those who participated were great to be with - and God blessed my family for being part of it -- thanks for lifting us up to the Lord.
I met some wonderful people - teen and adult - who left their imprint on my heart simply by the way they showed the love of God to my family and me. To be honest I was treated far better than I deserve. I think they thought I was royalty or something.
Now, don't get me wrong, I think my wife and daughter deserve the best - and they are royalty! But everyone at the retreat were better to me than I deserve, and that's a great way to live because that's how God in his son Jesus has treated - and treats - all of us.
So, between God, Sunshine and all the folks at Spirit-Fest, I've found myself the recipient of wonderful kindness -- thanks to God and all!
Now, I'm going to end this post with a few pics of the weekend. The first is from inside Fort Boonesborough -- the rest are of Cumberland Falls... I hope you enjoy them -- God is the Great Creator!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Blessed are Those Who Mourn…
Last Friday I said I would be doing a series of posts on the beatitudes. My goal is to take one beatitude per Friday -- and in eight weeks this worthwhile task should be complete. But, as you may have noticed -- I just missed the Friday mid-night deadline, sorry about that! I'm sure there are folks all over blog-world not sleeping tonight over this. (I'm joking of course)
Last week we looked at the first beatitude… "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(Matthew 5:3)
The first beatitude is the foundation on which the rest of the beatitudes are built. So, if you're interested in brushing up a bit on what it means to be "poor in spirit" – please click the link on the right side column that says blessed are the poor in spirit…
Otherwise we'll press on with the next beatitude.
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
This is a very convicting passage. As we established last week – the first part of each beatitude would capture the intended meaning better if they were stated more in this way… Oh the bliss of those who…
Now for the second part… Oh the Bliss, of those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
When Jesus spoke of mourning here, he was not actually speaking of the type of mourning that leaves us broken over someone else’s loss. To be broken over such a loss is right and good – it’s just not what Jesus was really getting at here.
When Jesus spoke this beatitude, he was building on the first one (“blessed are the poor in spirit.") He was making the point that – when we finally realize just how destitute we are before God, it should break our hearts and drive us to our knees in mourning – Or another way to say it is… when I realize just how bankrupt I am before God – it should crush me, and cause me great agony in my spirit to realize how great a distance there is from his pure heart, to my distracted heart.
Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Oh the bliss of those whose hearts are broken over their sin and distance from God. For they shall find themselves being comforted by him.
Last Friday I said I would be doing a series of posts on the beatitudes. My goal is to take one beatitude per Friday -- and in eight weeks this worthwhile task should be complete. But, as you may have noticed -- I just missed the Friday mid-night deadline, sorry about that! I'm sure there are folks all over blog-world not sleeping tonight over this. (I'm joking of course)
Last week we looked at the first beatitude… "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(Matthew 5:3)
The first beatitude is the foundation on which the rest of the beatitudes are built. So, if you're interested in brushing up a bit on what it means to be "poor in spirit" – please click the link on the right side column that says blessed are the poor in spirit…
Otherwise we'll press on with the next beatitude.
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
This is a very convicting passage. As we established last week – the first part of each beatitude would capture the intended meaning better if they were stated more in this way… Oh the bliss of those who…
Now for the second part… Oh the Bliss, of those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
When Jesus spoke of mourning here, he was not actually speaking of the type of mourning that leaves us broken over someone else’s loss. To be broken over such a loss is right and good – it’s just not what Jesus was really getting at here.
When Jesus spoke this beatitude, he was building on the first one (“blessed are the poor in spirit.") He was making the point that – when we finally realize just how destitute we are before God, it should break our hearts and drive us to our knees in mourning – Or another way to say it is… when I realize just how bankrupt I am before God – it should crush me, and cause me great agony in my spirit to realize how great a distance there is from his pure heart, to my distracted heart.
Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Oh the bliss of those whose hearts are broken over their sin and distance from God. For they shall find themselves being comforted by him.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Thank You & Prayer Requests...
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for stopping in from day to day -- I know that in the blog world there are thousands of interesting, encouraging, and entertaining places to go. I also know there are just as many places out there that aren't fit to visit. I hope you find “For What It’s Worth” a worthwhile place to hang out.
There’s another blog I participate in… it’s called Sunshine Church. You can find it at Sunshine-Church.blogspot.com. The Sunshine Church blog is where several friends and church family hang out, post, comment, and pretty much just goof off. Stop in sometime, I think you’ll like it.
Anyway, again I just wanted to say thanks – your visits and comments are really encouraging and appreciated.
While I’m posting I have a few prayer requests I’d like to pass on to all of you…
1. The students here at Innermission Campus Ministry to Shawnee State University are just starting Fall Quarter Finals Week. So please remember them in your prayers. We’ve had an amazing quarter – we’re all growing in relationship with the Lord, and in relationship with one another. God has blessed us with spiritual growth and numerical growth as well – it’s really great!
2. Tomorrow (Friday) morning Kristin, Kendall, and I will be traveling to Cumberland Falls State Park in Williamsburg Kentucky. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to participate in teaching at a Christian Retreat called Spiritfest. There will be lots of hearts there -- hungry to know the Lord better.
The theme is "Breakdown" it is refering to Paul talking of how Jesus' power is made perfect in our weakness -- "when I am weak, then I am strong." Sounds pretty great doesn’t it!!?? Please pray for the retreat and for my family as we travel – your prayers are appreciated.
3. One of my dear friends and brothers in the Lord -- David Gampp -- had surgery for a herniated disc today. David has been in a lot of pain for the last few months, I’m asking you to pray thanking the Lord that the surgery was successful -- and that he has a complete healing.
Anyway – it’s great to know there are hearts out there listening and praying on our behalf! If you have any prayer requests you would like us to share with the Lord, please feel free to comment on them and you can count on us to take your request before our Great God.
In Him,
Jamie
Or should I use the name some of the students are trying to hang on me…?
J-RIZZ
I’m Out!
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for stopping in from day to day -- I know that in the blog world there are thousands of interesting, encouraging, and entertaining places to go. I also know there are just as many places out there that aren't fit to visit. I hope you find “For What It’s Worth” a worthwhile place to hang out.
There’s another blog I participate in… it’s called Sunshine Church. You can find it at Sunshine-Church.blogspot.com. The Sunshine Church blog is where several friends and church family hang out, post, comment, and pretty much just goof off. Stop in sometime, I think you’ll like it.
Anyway, again I just wanted to say thanks – your visits and comments are really encouraging and appreciated.
While I’m posting I have a few prayer requests I’d like to pass on to all of you…
1. The students here at Innermission Campus Ministry to Shawnee State University are just starting Fall Quarter Finals Week. So please remember them in your prayers. We’ve had an amazing quarter – we’re all growing in relationship with the Lord, and in relationship with one another. God has blessed us with spiritual growth and numerical growth as well – it’s really great!
2. Tomorrow (Friday) morning Kristin, Kendall, and I will be traveling to Cumberland Falls State Park in Williamsburg Kentucky. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to participate in teaching at a Christian Retreat called Spiritfest. There will be lots of hearts there -- hungry to know the Lord better.
The theme is "Breakdown" it is refering to Paul talking of how Jesus' power is made perfect in our weakness -- "when I am weak, then I am strong." Sounds pretty great doesn’t it!!?? Please pray for the retreat and for my family as we travel – your prayers are appreciated.
3. One of my dear friends and brothers in the Lord -- David Gampp -- had surgery for a herniated disc today. David has been in a lot of pain for the last few months, I’m asking you to pray thanking the Lord that the surgery was successful -- and that he has a complete healing.
Anyway – it’s great to know there are hearts out there listening and praying on our behalf! If you have any prayer requests you would like us to share with the Lord, please feel free to comment on them and you can count on us to take your request before our Great God.
In Him,
Jamie
Or should I use the name some of the students are trying to hang on me…?
J-RIZZ
I’m Out!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
The Choice...
The Fruit of The Spirit is one of my favorite passage of scripture (Galatians 5:22-23). If the Spirit is alive in my life -- fruit will be seen... convicting, challenging, and yet very encouraging. Anyway... in his book "The Applause of Heaven," Max Lucado has a chapter called "The Choice." I would like to share it with you here. I don't do much of this, but it's worth it.
The Choice by Max Lucado
It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning, will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love ...
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy...
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical... the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace...
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience...
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness...
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness...
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness...
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness...
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I use my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control...
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
I hope you enjoyed the story and I pray God blesses you today.
The Fruit of The Spirit is one of my favorite passage of scripture (Galatians 5:22-23). If the Spirit is alive in my life -- fruit will be seen... convicting, challenging, and yet very encouraging. Anyway... in his book "The Applause of Heaven," Max Lucado has a chapter called "The Choice." I would like to share it with you here. I don't do much of this, but it's worth it.
The Choice by Max Lucado
It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning, will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love ...
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy...
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical... the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace...
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience...
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness...
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness...
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness...
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness...
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I use my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control...
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
I hope you enjoyed the story and I pray God blesses you today.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Here's Hope...
Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
This scripture is written to all the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon. The scripture was meant to give hope, hope that God still had a plan for their lives. And it also was to remind them that they could once again be near God.
If you need hope today, or just need reminded that God has a plan and purpose for your life... read the verse again and remember...
Hebrews 13:8
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
This scripture is written to all the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon. The scripture was meant to give hope, hope that God still had a plan for their lives. And it also was to remind them that they could once again be near God.
If you need hope today, or just need reminded that God has a plan and purpose for your life... read the verse again and remember...
Hebrews 13:8
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Monday, November 13, 2006
You cannot go unnoticed…
Have you ever felt as though no one really cared about you or the struggles you’re going through? Maybe you feel completely insignificant, as though you could go through life and never be noticed.
If you feel this way – and I know there are lots of you out there who do, there are several stories in the Bible that can build your faith, and help you understand that you are never alone, God is always there… watching over you… and looking to bring great blessing into your life.
In Genesis 16, there is the story of Abram, Sarai, and Hagar. To make the long story short, God has promised to make Abram into a great nation. He told Abram that his decedents would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. But up to this point Sarai is barren. So Sarai devises a plan that will allow Hagar, Sarai’s maidservant to have children for her. She allows and encourages Abram to sleep with Hagar – and when he does Hagar becomes pregnant. When this happens Sarai starts to despise and mistreat Hagar. In fact she mistreated her so badly that she ran away with nothing to sustain herself.
This is where God comes to the rescue…
The scripture says that the “Angel of the Lord” found Hagar near a spring in the desert – and he said “Hagar, where have you come from and where are you going?” Hagar answered by telling the angel about Sarai. After telling her what was going to happen in her life, and the life of the child she was carrying, the angel then told Hagar to “go and submit herself to Sarai…”
Hagar then said of the angel “you are the God who sees me.” For she said “I have now seen the one who sees me.”
I know that Hagar must have felt all alone in the desert, just her, and her unborn child. But the truth of the matter is that she was not alone – God was with her, he noticed her.
In Mark 5 there is a story of a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. The scripture says she had spent all her money on doctors, but only grew worse. One day as Jesus was on his way to Jairus’ house to heal Jairus’ daughter -- Jesus stopped and asked “who touched me,” those with him said “Master there are so many people around you that we’re about to be crushed – and you ask who touched me??!!” Jesus then said – “I felt power go out of me…” when the woman realized that she could not go unnoticed (that’s right – read it for yourself) she walked over to Jesus, fell at his feet and told him the whole truth of what had happened. At that, Jesus said to her, “daughter your faith has healed you, go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
Two stories of people who thought they were alone in their suffering – they thought they had become the unnoticed ones. But they were wrong. God is the great lover and rescuer of his children. And if you’re struggling with feeling insignificant or inadequate I just want to remind you to think about Haggar’s words to the angel of the Lord… you are the God who sees me! And be comforted.
David said in Psalm 139… Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
Have you ever felt as though no one really cared about you or the struggles you’re going through? Maybe you feel completely insignificant, as though you could go through life and never be noticed.
If you feel this way – and I know there are lots of you out there who do, there are several stories in the Bible that can build your faith, and help you understand that you are never alone, God is always there… watching over you… and looking to bring great blessing into your life.
In Genesis 16, there is the story of Abram, Sarai, and Hagar. To make the long story short, God has promised to make Abram into a great nation. He told Abram that his decedents would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. But up to this point Sarai is barren. So Sarai devises a plan that will allow Hagar, Sarai’s maidservant to have children for her. She allows and encourages Abram to sleep with Hagar – and when he does Hagar becomes pregnant. When this happens Sarai starts to despise and mistreat Hagar. In fact she mistreated her so badly that she ran away with nothing to sustain herself.
This is where God comes to the rescue…
The scripture says that the “Angel of the Lord” found Hagar near a spring in the desert – and he said “Hagar, where have you come from and where are you going?” Hagar answered by telling the angel about Sarai. After telling her what was going to happen in her life, and the life of the child she was carrying, the angel then told Hagar to “go and submit herself to Sarai…”
Hagar then said of the angel “you are the God who sees me.” For she said “I have now seen the one who sees me.”
I know that Hagar must have felt all alone in the desert, just her, and her unborn child. But the truth of the matter is that she was not alone – God was with her, he noticed her.
In Mark 5 there is a story of a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. The scripture says she had spent all her money on doctors, but only grew worse. One day as Jesus was on his way to Jairus’ house to heal Jairus’ daughter -- Jesus stopped and asked “who touched me,” those with him said “Master there are so many people around you that we’re about to be crushed – and you ask who touched me??!!” Jesus then said – “I felt power go out of me…” when the woman realized that she could not go unnoticed (that’s right – read it for yourself) she walked over to Jesus, fell at his feet and told him the whole truth of what had happened. At that, Jesus said to her, “daughter your faith has healed you, go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
Two stories of people who thought they were alone in their suffering – they thought they had become the unnoticed ones. But they were wrong. God is the great lover and rescuer of his children. And if you’re struggling with feeling insignificant or inadequate I just want to remind you to think about Haggar’s words to the angel of the Lord… you are the God who sees me! And be comforted.
David said in Psalm 139… Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
Friday, November 10, 2006
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit...
There is so much life to be found in the word of God…
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
The writer of Hebrews through inspiration of the Holy Spirit said “the word of God is living and active.” IT’S ALIVE! IT’S POWERFUL! IT’S AMAZING!
With these thoughts in mind, on Fridays over the next several weeks I want to look at Matthew 5:3-12. It’s the beginning of the part of scripture we call “The Sermon on The Mount,” and these 10 verses are called “The Beatitudes.” There are eight beatitudes in all, and I hope to look at one a week for the next eight Fridays.
So – here we go…
When we see the word blessed in the Beatitudes (and each beatitude starts with the word blessed) we need to think along the lines of Bliss. The “blessed” he is talking about here is not found in material possessions, or physical blessings. It’s more of a deep spiritual blessing. Its joy in dire circumstances, its hope when there seems to be no way out. Blessed, is the wonderful state of knowing you have found favor with God. And yet, all I’ve said still doesn’t capture the full essence of what it means to be blessed.
Oh the blessedness of… is probably a better way of capturing what is meant here.
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
What this means...
Blessed are you who are spiritually bankrupt, destitute, broke and unable to make spiritual ends meet -- when you don’t have so much as two spiritual pennies to rub together.
We often find this a very hard thing to swallow… we say things like “are you saying Jesus wants me to become spiritually poor??!!”
NO, Jesus doesn’t want us to become spiritually poor -- we're already spiritually poor! We are beggars at the door of Jesus, and he only wants us to accept it. He wants us to realize it, and to come to grips with it, so we will let down our guard and embrace the fact that -- on our own -- we are spiritually starving and looking for crumbs at the table of Jesus. When we can come to grips with this, we will stop trying to make it on our own merit – and realize we’re just not that impressive compared to him.
I once heard it said like this…
Nothing in my hands I bring – simply to your cross I cling.
When I finally admit that I’m spiritually broke… only then will I open my heart to his rescue. The verse finishes by saying ...“for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” If I accept that I'm too spiritually poor to "pay my own way", and turn to him and accept his gracious offer to pay my way for me, scripture says then I'm part of the Kingdom of Heaven.
“Blessed are the bankrupt and destitute in spirit, for they have a place in the kingdom of heaven.”
Have a blessed weekend!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Fellowship...
Spending time in fellowship together is very important to the spiritual health of the individual Christian, and to the body of Christ as a whole. Maybe in some other post we'll discuss this in greater detail -- or if you desire you can do so in the comments. As for now I would like to share a few pictures from a golf scramble some of the members of Sunshine participated in reciently.
You may notice in the pictures that it's a little cold for golfing (approx. 43 deg. F) and very windy. We lost several golfers --who intended to play -- because the day before the scramble we had lots of rain. The weather cleared up though -- just enough for us to have a blast in the Lord together.
Spending time in fellowship together is very important to the spiritual health of the individual Christian, and to the body of Christ as a whole. Maybe in some other post we'll discuss this in greater detail -- or if you desire you can do so in the comments. As for now I would like to share a few pictures from a golf scramble some of the members of Sunshine participated in reciently.
You may notice in the pictures that it's a little cold for golfing (approx. 43 deg. F) and very windy. We lost several golfers --who intended to play -- because the day before the scramble we had lots of rain. The weather cleared up though -- just enough for us to have a blast in the Lord together.
By the way... these pictures were borrowed -- and I use the term loosely -- from Zoe's blog. Thanks...
Mark Coriell,
Emerson Coriell
and Josh Coriell
Zach Coriell,
Jason Coriell,
Aaron McCray,
Scott Gampp of
ScottyG's place
Tim Gampp,
Dewey Cordle,
and me...
Looks like a lot of
fun doesn't it?!!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Hearing God…
So you think you’re hearing things do you??! (Sorry I just thought that would be a cool and weird way to start a post titled “Hearing God.”)
This morning as I was going through my morning routine of getting ready for the day, something very encouraging happened. It’s not like it hasn’t happened before, and it’s not like I’m the only one it’s ever happened to. It’s just that I don’t let it happen nearly enough… I actually slowed down in my head long enough to hear God! You know what I mean. No clouds parted, no deep voice from Heaven – just a clear press somewhere deep inside, allowing me to know he heard me and that he has things under control. I know he does, but it’s always nice to be reminded.
The interesting thing about it is how it happened…
As I was getting ready, I was praying for the day -- not out loud -- just silently praying for my wife, my daughter, friends, church, the election, that kind of stuff. As I was praying for Kendall (our beautiful daughter) I was praying for her life, health, friends, future husband, and things along those lines. What you need to know about her is that Kendall has a beautiful heart. She has the kind of heart that is easily touched -- and sometimes easily hurt. So I was praying for her heart. I was asking God to keep it soft, but to make her strong in him. At that very moment my wife walked through the room I was in, and said “don’t worry” -- in a teasing way -- and then continued about her business. I cracked up, she had no idea I was praying, and I certainly didn’t look worried to her, she just walked through and said “don’t worry” at the very moment I was asking God to bless our little girl.
Well, I couldn’t leave it alone – so I enquired as to why she said it? It turns out that she and Kendall were watching a cartoon in the family room together. In the cartoon one of the characters was in trouble and needed to be rescued. It was at that moment she left the room Kendall was in and teasingly told me not to worry… she said “I was just being silly with you, so I said ‘don’t worry’ -- referring to the cartoon.” I went back to my prayer and I simply said, I hear you God. And I did!
Now, I know this could open up a bit of controversy on hearing God, and how exactly we do that. Well, I don’t really know what to say to that. I don’t know any recipe for hearing him except that one actually listens. We need to learn to listen to him when reading the word, in prayer, or in quiet moments of meditating on the word. I also believe it’s important as we go through life – to stay close enough to him that if he chose to move or press us to get our attention… he could do so, and we would know it was him.
So you think you’re hearing things do you??! (Sorry I just thought that would be a cool and weird way to start a post titled “Hearing God.”)
This morning as I was going through my morning routine of getting ready for the day, something very encouraging happened. It’s not like it hasn’t happened before, and it’s not like I’m the only one it’s ever happened to. It’s just that I don’t let it happen nearly enough… I actually slowed down in my head long enough to hear God! You know what I mean. No clouds parted, no deep voice from Heaven – just a clear press somewhere deep inside, allowing me to know he heard me and that he has things under control. I know he does, but it’s always nice to be reminded.
The interesting thing about it is how it happened…
As I was getting ready, I was praying for the day -- not out loud -- just silently praying for my wife, my daughter, friends, church, the election, that kind of stuff. As I was praying for Kendall (our beautiful daughter) I was praying for her life, health, friends, future husband, and things along those lines. What you need to know about her is that Kendall has a beautiful heart. She has the kind of heart that is easily touched -- and sometimes easily hurt. So I was praying for her heart. I was asking God to keep it soft, but to make her strong in him. At that very moment my wife walked through the room I was in, and said “don’t worry” -- in a teasing way -- and then continued about her business. I cracked up, she had no idea I was praying, and I certainly didn’t look worried to her, she just walked through and said “don’t worry” at the very moment I was asking God to bless our little girl.
Well, I couldn’t leave it alone – so I enquired as to why she said it? It turns out that she and Kendall were watching a cartoon in the family room together. In the cartoon one of the characters was in trouble and needed to be rescued. It was at that moment she left the room Kendall was in and teasingly told me not to worry… she said “I was just being silly with you, so I said ‘don’t worry’ -- referring to the cartoon.” I went back to my prayer and I simply said, I hear you God. And I did!
Now, I know this could open up a bit of controversy on hearing God, and how exactly we do that. Well, I don’t really know what to say to that. I don’t know any recipe for hearing him except that one actually listens. We need to learn to listen to him when reading the word, in prayer, or in quiet moments of meditating on the word. I also believe it’s important as we go through life – to stay close enough to him that if he chose to move or press us to get our attention… he could do so, and we would know it was him.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The Desires of Your Heart…
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
This is one of those verses that drive me. The thought that God would be my delight is beyond me, yet I find it to be true. I know that sounds confusing, but the relationship with God this verse is talking about is a gift, and it only comes from him.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart…he will give himself to you…
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
This is one of those verses that drive me. The thought that God would be my delight is beyond me, yet I find it to be true. I know that sounds confusing, but the relationship with God this verse is talking about is a gift, and it only comes from him.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart…he will give himself to you…
Monday, November 06, 2006
Be Kind to One Another
Sarcasm and cynicism are running rampant in society today. Along with that are those who seem to never be at a loss for an opinion, and who never miss an opportunity to express those opinions – whether correct or incorrect – that they have it and it has been made audible gives some sense of gratification… apparently.
I don’t want to get too deep in this thought, nor do I want to sound overly negative or heavy about it. In fact, at this point I need to say that being able to form our own opinion about something is a good thing. The problem comes when our opinion becomes the only thing that matters, or when it leads one to gossip or put another person down.
We do great harm to others because we have no control over our hearts, our minds, and because of that our tongues as well. The opening lines of the song “If you can’t say something good – don’t say nothin’ at all” by Third Day, go like this… “On, and on, and on, and on, and on she goes and where she stops no one really knows. Everybody’s got a problem -- so it seems -- and she aint afraid of telling me…” I think these lines say very clearly what is happening in our society today.
God has called us to a life that is so different than this! He has called us to a life of encouragement, support, and of serving him and others. In fact through Paul the Apostle, God says…
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
I find this verse and others like it, very convicting. I’m convicted because sometimes I’m one of those who form opinions and then speak them… right or wrong.
Anyway, I said all of that to say this… what would happen if we really took seriously the command of God, to “let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths?" What if we only said things that built up, and encourage others? What if we started to “think of others more highly than ourselves,” wouldn’t life be so much fuller and richer?!
I know one thing – it would really shock the world! It might even shock them into believing Jesus has the power to change the world… and sometimes our lives prove that we don’t even believe that.
Sarcasm and cynicism are running rampant in society today. Along with that are those who seem to never be at a loss for an opinion, and who never miss an opportunity to express those opinions – whether correct or incorrect – that they have it and it has been made audible gives some sense of gratification… apparently.
I don’t want to get too deep in this thought, nor do I want to sound overly negative or heavy about it. In fact, at this point I need to say that being able to form our own opinion about something is a good thing. The problem comes when our opinion becomes the only thing that matters, or when it leads one to gossip or put another person down.
We do great harm to others because we have no control over our hearts, our minds, and because of that our tongues as well. The opening lines of the song “If you can’t say something good – don’t say nothin’ at all” by Third Day, go like this… “On, and on, and on, and on, and on she goes and where she stops no one really knows. Everybody’s got a problem -- so it seems -- and she aint afraid of telling me…” I think these lines say very clearly what is happening in our society today.
God has called us to a life that is so different than this! He has called us to a life of encouragement, support, and of serving him and others. In fact through Paul the Apostle, God says…
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
I find this verse and others like it, very convicting. I’m convicted because sometimes I’m one of those who form opinions and then speak them… right or wrong.
Anyway, I said all of that to say this… what would happen if we really took seriously the command of God, to “let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths?" What if we only said things that built up, and encourage others? What if we started to “think of others more highly than ourselves,” wouldn’t life be so much fuller and richer?!
I know one thing – it would really shock the world! It might even shock them into believing Jesus has the power to change the world… and sometimes our lives prove that we don’t even believe that.
Friday, November 03, 2006
About being righteous...
2 Corinthians 5:21
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
This verse has always been very comforting to me -- because I know me -- and all the times I fall far short of what God desires in my life. Scripture says "there is no one rightous, not even one." But God demands righteousness -- so what are we to do?
Believe what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:21... on the cross Jesus took my place. In doing that he took the blame, shame, pain and death I so deserved -- and when he did, he gave me his righteousness! Amazing Grace how sweet the sound...
What an amazing Savior we have!
2 Corinthians 5:21
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
This verse has always been very comforting to me -- because I know me -- and all the times I fall far short of what God desires in my life. Scripture says "there is no one rightous, not even one." But God demands righteousness -- so what are we to do?
Believe what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:21... on the cross Jesus took my place. In doing that he took the blame, shame, pain and death I so deserved -- and when he did, he gave me his righteousness! Amazing Grace how sweet the sound...
What an amazing Savior we have!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
How do you connect with God?
It seems I’ve been asked that question or at least a variation of it a lot lately. “How do you connect -- you know -- with God?” Some say when they pray, “it seems as though I’m just saying things out loud," and others say the same things about worship (singing). When it comes to reading the Bible some have said they struggle with having the desire to read because of the struggle in the other parts of their spiritual walk.
It makes it pretty much impossible to grow as a Christian if you’re not connecting with God on a regular basis, and those who ask this question ask it because they know this is true. So with broken hearts and feeling very inadequate in their relationship with God they search for answers.
I’m far from a “worship or spiritual growth specialist,” (in fact I’ve never heard of such a thing) and my approach to worship and connecting with God is not very impressive -- in fact it’s pretty simple. But God has blessed me with it – and if you’re struggling in connecting with him perhaps He’ll bless you as well.
My relationship with God starts with remembering that very thing – its relationship – not duty, service, or anything else. I know this because of the many passages in his word -- passages where he has called me son, friend, child, or used some other relational greeting, or told of his love for me that endures forever – that’s relationship. So it’s in this context that I pray, worship, and read his word.
In order to connect with him in prayer – I remember that there is life on the other side of my prayer -- and it’s him! Instead of just saying a bunch of words, I remember that I’m sharing my heart with someone who loves me and is deeply interested in me. Not because I’m a great catch, but because he is amazing, and he told me he would be there.
Connecting with God in worship is pretty much the same – I remember there is life on the other side of this song – and it’s him! And he is worth all of this and so much more. In fact when in worship it’s really important to remember that it’s all for him – not for those around me – they may be encouraged by it -- but it’s for him. If I can approach worship with this heart then connecting with him is so much easier.
Connecting with God while reading his word is along the same lines, but a little different. When reading his word I remember that in the word is a wonderful revealing of God’s heart. It’s here that he reveals his heart to me. The Bible is God’s story of love for us – his love letter to us. So when I read the word, I read it like that – a letter revealing God’s heart to me. There is life on the other side of the words on the page, and that life is him!
Ok, so now that I said all of this I need to tell you that I don’t pray, worship, or read the word as much as I should – in fact, I’m not even close. I also don’t want to leave the impression that there is some type of equation we have to figure out in order to approach God. All God asks for is that we approach him in faith. What I’m sharing here is how God through faith has helped me grow in connecting with him.
Thanks for stopping by…
It seems I’ve been asked that question or at least a variation of it a lot lately. “How do you connect -- you know -- with God?” Some say when they pray, “it seems as though I’m just saying things out loud," and others say the same things about worship (singing). When it comes to reading the Bible some have said they struggle with having the desire to read because of the struggle in the other parts of their spiritual walk.
It makes it pretty much impossible to grow as a Christian if you’re not connecting with God on a regular basis, and those who ask this question ask it because they know this is true. So with broken hearts and feeling very inadequate in their relationship with God they search for answers.
I’m far from a “worship or spiritual growth specialist,” (in fact I’ve never heard of such a thing) and my approach to worship and connecting with God is not very impressive -- in fact it’s pretty simple. But God has blessed me with it – and if you’re struggling in connecting with him perhaps He’ll bless you as well.
My relationship with God starts with remembering that very thing – its relationship – not duty, service, or anything else. I know this because of the many passages in his word -- passages where he has called me son, friend, child, or used some other relational greeting, or told of his love for me that endures forever – that’s relationship. So it’s in this context that I pray, worship, and read his word.
In order to connect with him in prayer – I remember that there is life on the other side of my prayer -- and it’s him! Instead of just saying a bunch of words, I remember that I’m sharing my heart with someone who loves me and is deeply interested in me. Not because I’m a great catch, but because he is amazing, and he told me he would be there.
Connecting with God in worship is pretty much the same – I remember there is life on the other side of this song – and it’s him! And he is worth all of this and so much more. In fact when in worship it’s really important to remember that it’s all for him – not for those around me – they may be encouraged by it -- but it’s for him. If I can approach worship with this heart then connecting with him is so much easier.
Connecting with God while reading his word is along the same lines, but a little different. When reading his word I remember that in the word is a wonderful revealing of God’s heart. It’s here that he reveals his heart to me. The Bible is God’s story of love for us – his love letter to us. So when I read the word, I read it like that – a letter revealing God’s heart to me. There is life on the other side of the words on the page, and that life is him!
Ok, so now that I said all of this I need to tell you that I don’t pray, worship, or read the word as much as I should – in fact, I’m not even close. I also don’t want to leave the impression that there is some type of equation we have to figure out in order to approach God. All God asks for is that we approach him in faith. What I’m sharing here is how God through faith has helped me grow in connecting with him.
Thanks for stopping by…
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