I Can Do Everything through Him...
Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Today several college students and I are going Christmas Shopping and to the Clifton Mill Christmas Light display... check it out www.cliftonmill.com, and click on Christmas lights.
Some would think I have a wish for punishment. I just believe in what was written in Phil.4:13.
I'm joking -- we're going to have a blast... but please keep us in your prayers.
In Him,
Jamie
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Monday, December 04, 2006
Desiring God and His Word…
There are passages in scripture that ignite passion in me, and I’m sure it’s the same with you. I know it’s all inspired and that it should all be very important to me – and it is very important to me. I believe and know that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and that it’s of utmost importance to seek him in his word. All I’m saying is that some of the passages are more passion igniting to me than others.
In one of the passages Jeremiah says – “When your words came, I ate them…” Now that’s passion for God and his word – and Jeremiah’s passion for God and his word fires me up spiritually! God takes the words he inspires in Jeremiah and gives me a fire for him and his word – and for doing his will in my life. I know there has to be more than just the “feeling it” – and there is! God gives faith and passion, and desires us to live it out… to allow him to use us to ignite passion for him and his word in others, and that they would live it out. And so on and on it goes.
I’m not saying that my passion for God and his word is what it should be, but we’re working on it together, and I hope you’re allowing him to work the same in your life.
Jeremiah 15:16
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name,
Psalm 119:103 - 104
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
1 Peter 2:2-3
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
There are passages in scripture that ignite passion in me, and I’m sure it’s the same with you. I know it’s all inspired and that it should all be very important to me – and it is very important to me. I believe and know that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and that it’s of utmost importance to seek him in his word. All I’m saying is that some of the passages are more passion igniting to me than others.
In one of the passages Jeremiah says – “When your words came, I ate them…” Now that’s passion for God and his word – and Jeremiah’s passion for God and his word fires me up spiritually! God takes the words he inspires in Jeremiah and gives me a fire for him and his word – and for doing his will in my life. I know there has to be more than just the “feeling it” – and there is! God gives faith and passion, and desires us to live it out… to allow him to use us to ignite passion for him and his word in others, and that they would live it out. And so on and on it goes.
I’m not saying that my passion for God and his word is what it should be, but we’re working on it together, and I hope you’re allowing him to work the same in your life.
Jeremiah 15:16
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name,
Psalm 119:103 - 104
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
1 Peter 2:2-3
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
If you’ve visited here in the last 9 or 10 days only to find nothing new posted, I want to first thank you for your patience, and second apologize for my absence.
Thanksgiving and the weekend following is a very busy time for most – my family included. Also during the last week – a good friend and member of Sunshine was diagnosed with a potential brain tumor. Needless to say we were all very concerned and spent a lot of time asking God to bless and intervene in the situation.
God did what he has done so many times in the lives of his children… he delivered him! The surgery took place (brain surgery that is) and it turned out to be an infection which can be treated. I’m happy to say that – thanks to God – tonight he is home recovering with his wife and 2 young children. God is really, really, Good!
Please remember to pray for Matt Cram to have a quick and speedy recovery.
Thanksgiving and the weekend following is a very busy time for most – my family included. Also during the last week – a good friend and member of Sunshine was diagnosed with a potential brain tumor. Needless to say we were all very concerned and spent a lot of time asking God to bless and intervene in the situation.
God did what he has done so many times in the lives of his children… he delivered him! The surgery took place (brain surgery that is) and it turned out to be an infection which can be treated. I’m happy to say that – thanks to God – tonight he is home recovering with his wife and 2 young children. God is really, really, Good!
Please remember to pray for Matt Cram to have a quick and speedy recovery.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
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!
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!
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…
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
How Big is Your Imagination?
Ephesians 3:21-22
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
The first thing I want to do after reading these verses is to try and say something great or profound. But the truth of the matter is, God already said it all when he inspired Paul to jot down this amazing truth for us to breathe into our lives.
I have an amazing imagination, and I enjoy dreaming big dreams – both I know are gifts from God. But these verses inspire me because they tell me that when I reach the end of my imagination or greatest dream – I have only reached the starting point of the amazing power that God has, and wants to use in my life today.
Trust Him with your life and dreams -- He’ll blow you away.
Faith Comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of God.
Ephesians 3:21-22
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
The first thing I want to do after reading these verses is to try and say something great or profound. But the truth of the matter is, God already said it all when he inspired Paul to jot down this amazing truth for us to breathe into our lives.
I have an amazing imagination, and I enjoy dreaming big dreams – both I know are gifts from God. But these verses inspire me because they tell me that when I reach the end of my imagination or greatest dream – I have only reached the starting point of the amazing power that God has, and wants to use in my life today.
Trust Him with your life and dreams -- He’ll blow you away.
Faith Comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of God.
Romans 10:17
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Night Vision...
Our home group is going very well, as always. It really doesn’t matter which group you’re in—if you’re in one you’re being blessed. Kristin, Kendall and I are in Rich and June Book’s home group this time, and it’s a blast.
This past Sunday, after our Bible Study was completed, and the great food devoured, Tim Gampp, Rich and I went to the basement to the toy area. Jacob and Jordan have lots of cool toys like, Darth Vader, Light Sabers, Lizards, and Kendall thinks their crocodile is the best. But the toy we adults (I use the term very loosely) enjoyed the most was the Spy Kids Night Vision set – I’m not joking, it’s awesome! You put them on and push these buttons on both sides and these lights light up the lens and reflect out so you can see -- a little anyway. Ok, so they don’t work well, certain not like Army or Marine issue. Actually they don’t really work as well as a bad flashlight, but they’re really cool, and that counts for something.
Anyway, we finished the evening of great fellowship and everyone went home. Shortly after arriving home our phone rang. Kristin said that June called to tell her that she left her purse at their house. The plan they made was that I was to meet Rich at the Mule Town Mini Mart (for those of you not familiar, yes Mule Town really exists, and no I don’t live there.) and we would do the swap.
Now to make a long post even longer, I arrived at the Mule Town Mini Mart about 5 minutes later and as I drove up to Rich’s truck and got close enough to see past his headlights, I could clearly see that he was wearing the Night Vision glasses, and I just exploded into laughter. There’s just something about seeing a grown man, (a great man at that) wearing Spy Kids Night Vision Glasses – it’s was hilarious! Rich and I had a great visit, he is always spiritual, encouraging, happy, and a blessing to be around, even in his son’s Spy Kid’s Night Vision Glasses.
I want to leave you with this question… who needs night vision when we have such a mighty God leading and loving us?!!
- The LORD is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear?
Our home group is going very well, as always. It really doesn’t matter which group you’re in—if you’re in one you’re being blessed. Kristin, Kendall and I are in Rich and June Book’s home group this time, and it’s a blast.
This past Sunday, after our Bible Study was completed, and the great food devoured, Tim Gampp, Rich and I went to the basement to the toy area. Jacob and Jordan have lots of cool toys like, Darth Vader, Light Sabers, Lizards, and Kendall thinks their crocodile is the best. But the toy we adults (I use the term very loosely) enjoyed the most was the Spy Kids Night Vision set – I’m not joking, it’s awesome! You put them on and push these buttons on both sides and these lights light up the lens and reflect out so you can see -- a little anyway. Ok, so they don’t work well, certain not like Army or Marine issue. Actually they don’t really work as well as a bad flashlight, but they’re really cool, and that counts for something.
Anyway, we finished the evening of great fellowship and everyone went home. Shortly after arriving home our phone rang. Kristin said that June called to tell her that she left her purse at their house. The plan they made was that I was to meet Rich at the Mule Town Mini Mart (for those of you not familiar, yes Mule Town really exists, and no I don’t live there.) and we would do the swap.
Now to make a long post even longer, I arrived at the Mule Town Mini Mart about 5 minutes later and as I drove up to Rich’s truck and got close enough to see past his headlights, I could clearly see that he was wearing the Night Vision glasses, and I just exploded into laughter. There’s just something about seeing a grown man, (a great man at that) wearing Spy Kids Night Vision Glasses – it’s was hilarious! Rich and I had a great visit, he is always spiritual, encouraging, happy, and a blessing to be around, even in his son’s Spy Kid’s Night Vision Glasses.
I want to leave you with this question… who needs night vision when we have such a mighty God leading and loving us?!!
- The LORD is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear?
Psalm 27:1
- You are my lamp, O LORD? The LORD turns my darkness into light.
2 Samuel 22:29
- Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
- If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. ( for a great blessing read the whole chapter) Psalm 139:11-12
- But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
- If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. ( for a great blessing read the whole chapter) Psalm 139:11-12
- But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD??!!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...
Ok, so I know the title of this post is usually used to describe Christmas, but have you looked outside lately? Fall is here and in beautiful and breathtaking form! I mean, it's almost like God is showing off or something. It's like he would do most anything to get our attention. And when he had it he would say -- all of this and so much more just to watch you smile and believe.
What an AWESOME God we serve!!!
So in honor of God's handiwork...
Now, if you're able, get outside and take a hike, walk, drive, or just sit on a swing or bench or something. And while your there look around at the Fall colors and be blessed.
Ok, so I know the title of this post is usually used to describe Christmas, but have you looked outside lately? Fall is here and in beautiful and breathtaking form! I mean, it's almost like God is showing off or something. It's like he would do most anything to get our attention. And when he had it he would say -- all of this and so much more just to watch you smile and believe.
What an AWESOME God we serve!!!
So in honor of God's handiwork...
.jpg)
Now, if you're able, get outside and take a hike, walk, drive, or just sit on a swing or bench or something. And while your there look around at the Fall colors and be blessed.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Testing 1-2-3, is anyone there?
I know it's been a very long time since my last blog post, and for that I'm sorry. But I love the outdoors, (as you may have noticed in my profile) and it's especially difficult when the weather is warmer, and the days are longer - spring, summer, fall - to pull myself away from outdoor activities to sit and stare at a computer screen. But the seasons are changing and Fall is here --and in beautiful form I might add. So maybe I'll have more opportunity to blog again soon.
Now, with all of that being said, I posted this at the Sunshine Blog and thought I would share it here...
I just wanted to fill everyone in on an opportunity we have to serve one of our families at Sunshine.
Don and Cathy Ramey, and Dolly VanDyne (parents and grandma of Kerri Davis) are moving to the Wheelersburg area from Ashland Kentucky. We are blessed as a family in several ways by this move. Here are just two of the many ways God has blessed us by moving them to our area...
1. They have joined us as part of the Sunshine Church of Christ family.
2. We have been given the oppoptunity to help them move from Ashland to Wheelersburg.
The date we are shooting for is Saturday, November 4th.
Don is also planning to do some moving before that, if you are interested, and we know you are... please let Don Remey, Jason Coriell, or me know--your service will be a blessing and greatly appreciated.
I know it's been a very long time since my last blog post, and for that I'm sorry. But I love the outdoors, (as you may have noticed in my profile) and it's especially difficult when the weather is warmer, and the days are longer - spring, summer, fall - to pull myself away from outdoor activities to sit and stare at a computer screen. But the seasons are changing and Fall is here --and in beautiful form I might add. So maybe I'll have more opportunity to blog again soon.
Now, with all of that being said, I posted this at the Sunshine Blog and thought I would share it here...
I just wanted to fill everyone in on an opportunity we have to serve one of our families at Sunshine.
Don and Cathy Ramey, and Dolly VanDyne (parents and grandma of Kerri Davis) are moving to the Wheelersburg area from Ashland Kentucky. We are blessed as a family in several ways by this move. Here are just two of the many ways God has blessed us by moving them to our area...
1. They have joined us as part of the Sunshine Church of Christ family.
2. We have been given the oppoptunity to help them move from Ashland to Wheelersburg.
The date we are shooting for is Saturday, November 4th.
Don is also planning to do some moving before that, if you are interested, and we know you are... please let Don Remey, Jason Coriell, or me know--your service will be a blessing and greatly appreciated.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
God’s word - what an incredible gift!
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Psalms 119:18
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
Psalms 42:1-2
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6
I share these with you because they are some of my favorite scripture. These verses drive me; they fire me up and ignite my passion for God. They also convict me to my core.
It’s my desire and prayer to have a heart like the heart God used to record these verses for us.
I confess my heart is not even close to that, but God is able, and willing.
Thanks for reading and have a blessed weekend.
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Psalms 119:18
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
Psalms 42:1-2
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6
I share these with you because they are some of my favorite scripture. These verses drive me; they fire me up and ignite my passion for God. They also convict me to my core.
It’s my desire and prayer to have a heart like the heart God used to record these verses for us.
I confess my heart is not even close to that, but God is able, and willing.
Thanks for reading and have a blessed weekend.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Just In Time!
How about Maryland’s lady basketball team??!! Down by 13 points at one point in the game, they fought all the way back, and with around 20 seconds left in regulation they had cut Duke’s lead to a slim three points. That’s when Maryland’s freshman guard Kristi Toliver took over. She took the inbounds and drove down the court and with 3.8 seconds left she buried a three with a Duke hand in her face to tie the game and send it to overtime. Then in overtime she hit two clutch free throws to put the game away, and to give Maryland the National Championship. The girl has ice in her veins! By the way – that’s a compliment. It means she can take the pressure and remain calm.
I really enjoyed watching the end of that game a lot more than the guy’s National Championship game. And why not – it’s our story. Only our story was more than winning and losing – it was/is life and death.
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. Romans 5:6-8
What’s my story? When I was dying in my sin, with no way to save myself, Jesus died in my place. I went from death to life because He stepped up (under great pressure and pain) and took my place, at just the right time.
He did the same for you!
How about Maryland’s lady basketball team??!! Down by 13 points at one point in the game, they fought all the way back, and with around 20 seconds left in regulation they had cut Duke’s lead to a slim three points. That’s when Maryland’s freshman guard Kristi Toliver took over. She took the inbounds and drove down the court and with 3.8 seconds left she buried a three with a Duke hand in her face to tie the game and send it to overtime. Then in overtime she hit two clutch free throws to put the game away, and to give Maryland the National Championship. The girl has ice in her veins! By the way – that’s a compliment. It means she can take the pressure and remain calm.
I really enjoyed watching the end of that game a lot more than the guy’s National Championship game. And why not – it’s our story. Only our story was more than winning and losing – it was/is life and death.
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. Romans 5:6-8
What’s my story? When I was dying in my sin, with no way to save myself, Jesus died in my place. I went from death to life because He stepped up (under great pressure and pain) and took my place, at just the right time.
He did the same for you!
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Ouch! That Hurts...
This morning as I was shaving I heard Kristin talking to me from the other room. I turned to leave the bathroom to ask what she had said, but when I turned, I walked into the corner of the bathroom door with my forehead. OUCH! I really dislike hitting my head on things, this particular time it was the kind of impact that made your teeth hurt.
Like I said, I really dislike hitting my head on things – but I’m 6’5”, so I have to tell you I’ve done it a lot, and often. A few hours later Kristin, Kendall and I were at the church building. Kristin and I were doing some cleaning, and Kendall was playing and having fun. As I was mopping the back hallway I bumped my head on the corner of this big grey metal alarm box thing that is mounted about six feet off the floor, and sticks out from the wall about 10 inches. (Who puts these things right in the way of guys like me?) In case you didn’t know, it almost always hurts when you bump your head – but especially when you bump the back of your head on the pointy corner of a big grey metal alarm box thing. This time it was the kind of pain that causes you to immediately grab and hold the place where it hurts, while every muscle in you body tightens because of the pain. I know – I really need to be more careful.
Does your head ever get in the way? We are surrounded every day by people who are hurting, and too often we are people who think with our head instead of responding with our hearts. We wonder if they are really in need or just want a pity party. We entertain the thought that if we help we may get taken advantage of. Or if I give these few bucks to them, they may buy cigarettes with it. We plan planning meetings so we can get organized to help those with needs -- yet our hearts seldom get us engaged in helping
We even think too much when it comes to our church family. “I wish they didn’t sing that song. Why do they raise their hands during worship? Should I give them a hug or just shake hands? If I go forward to request prayer, what will they think?” We are way too sensitive to what others think! I know that what others think is important. But not nearly as important as what God thinks. And sometimes – I think we can all confess – we listen to what our head is telling us about a situation, instead of following the Spirit of God as He is prompting our hearts.
Golfers have a saying – “he’s thinking too much.” You’ll usually hear this said about a golfer who has plenty of golf knowledge, but instead of putting the knowledge to proper and practical use, the golfer instead -- while trying to play – thinks so much about all the options of each opportunity he has, that his mind actually deters him from playing well. He is distracted from his objective because of over thinking. What he really needs to be doing is just getting out there and doing what he knows in his heart is right to do.
Well it’s been a few hours since my head got in my way. How about you, does your head ever get your way?
FYI – this is my second post in three days. Please hold the applause, I would like to tell you to get used to it, but you probably shouldn’t. Anyway, thanks for visiting and have a great day.
This morning as I was shaving I heard Kristin talking to me from the other room. I turned to leave the bathroom to ask what she had said, but when I turned, I walked into the corner of the bathroom door with my forehead. OUCH! I really dislike hitting my head on things, this particular time it was the kind of impact that made your teeth hurt.
Like I said, I really dislike hitting my head on things – but I’m 6’5”, so I have to tell you I’ve done it a lot, and often. A few hours later Kristin, Kendall and I were at the church building. Kristin and I were doing some cleaning, and Kendall was playing and having fun. As I was mopping the back hallway I bumped my head on the corner of this big grey metal alarm box thing that is mounted about six feet off the floor, and sticks out from the wall about 10 inches. (Who puts these things right in the way of guys like me?) In case you didn’t know, it almost always hurts when you bump your head – but especially when you bump the back of your head on the pointy corner of a big grey metal alarm box thing. This time it was the kind of pain that causes you to immediately grab and hold the place where it hurts, while every muscle in you body tightens because of the pain. I know – I really need to be more careful.
Does your head ever get in the way? We are surrounded every day by people who are hurting, and too often we are people who think with our head instead of responding with our hearts. We wonder if they are really in need or just want a pity party. We entertain the thought that if we help we may get taken advantage of. Or if I give these few bucks to them, they may buy cigarettes with it. We plan planning meetings so we can get organized to help those with needs -- yet our hearts seldom get us engaged in helping
We even think too much when it comes to our church family. “I wish they didn’t sing that song. Why do they raise their hands during worship? Should I give them a hug or just shake hands? If I go forward to request prayer, what will they think?” We are way too sensitive to what others think! I know that what others think is important. But not nearly as important as what God thinks. And sometimes – I think we can all confess – we listen to what our head is telling us about a situation, instead of following the Spirit of God as He is prompting our hearts.
Golfers have a saying – “he’s thinking too much.” You’ll usually hear this said about a golfer who has plenty of golf knowledge, but instead of putting the knowledge to proper and practical use, the golfer instead -- while trying to play – thinks so much about all the options of each opportunity he has, that his mind actually deters him from playing well. He is distracted from his objective because of over thinking. What he really needs to be doing is just getting out there and doing what he knows in his heart is right to do.
Well it’s been a few hours since my head got in my way. How about you, does your head ever get your way?
FYI – this is my second post in three days. Please hold the applause, I would like to tell you to get used to it, but you probably shouldn’t. Anyway, thanks for visiting and have a great day.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
God is so Good!!!!
I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
Matthew 17:20-21
So, we left Tulsa, Oklahoma around 4:30 on Saturday evening to return home. By we, I mean Scott Gampp, Sam Mcdonie, Eddie Mcdonie, and myself, I know -- I know, I must have been nuts. (Kidding guys) As soon as we were out of town on I-44 the temperature gauge on my truck began to rise. It moved to about ¾ of the way to overheating really fast. We stopped and checked the engine coolant, but it was fine – so the other consideration was the thermostat. Since we were pretty much in the middle of nowhere, and if we could’ve found a garage it probably would’ve been closed – we traveled on. But not without praying! I couldn’t imagine traveling and not praying – let alone traveling, having car trouble and not praying.
So, we left Tulsa, Oklahoma around 4:30 on Saturday evening to return home. By we, I mean Scott Gampp, Sam Mcdonie, Eddie Mcdonie, and myself, I know -- I know, I must have been nuts. (Kidding guys) As soon as we were out of town on I-44 the temperature gauge on my truck began to rise. It moved to about ¾ of the way to overheating really fast. We stopped and checked the engine coolant, but it was fine – so the other consideration was the thermostat. Since we were pretty much in the middle of nowhere, and if we could’ve found a garage it probably would’ve been closed – we traveled on. But not without praying! I couldn’t imagine traveling and not praying – let alone traveling, having car trouble and not praying.
I believe God should be involved in every part of life, I’m not saying I do that well – but I know it’s true. So the next several hours and the next several hundred miles were spent having a blast with the guys, listening to great Christian music, and staying in constant prayer asking God to bless our trip home, and that He not allow us or my truck to be damaged on the way.
The temperature gauge stayed about ¾ of the way to really hot, though it fluctuated from time to time, going a little higher, then a little lower. It was a really good thing that Scott knew the trick of turning the heater on full blast to take some heat off of the engine – it really worked! We were really hot – but it helped keep things in-check a little. Yeah, I know, I don’t know too much about the workings of cars/trucks. I know a little, but not much.
Anyway – on we traveled through Springfield, Cuba, and St. Louis, Missouri. Then we plowed through the great state of Illinois, not much to see there – especially at night. After that we headed to and through Indianapolis, Indiana. (Sorry Colts fans -- from a Steeler fan.) Several hours and several hundred miles and all is going well – the gauge has raised a little but it’s still not spiked yet. After Indianapolis we drove to Columbus, Ohio to pick up Scott’s car – then a few hours south to Minford/home. Approximately 920 miles and around 14 ½ or 15 hours later and we’re home safe. What a God! I’ve had times when car trouble means you are stranded immediately . But by His power that thermostat worked well enough, or He just kept the engine cool enough to go that great distance without being stranded and without any damage to the truck. The next day I took it to the garage to see just what the problem was. The mechanic checked it out, replaced the thermostat, and said all was fine. We serve and are loved by and amazing God!
So, what do you expect when you pray? Do you really believe that God will work in your life as you have asked Him to, or do you struggle with doubt? Maybe you think you are of little importance so why would God listen and answer your prayer. You may even think you’ve lived in such a way that God doesn’t care, and therefore doesn’t hear you, and if He did hear you then He wouldn’t answer your prayer just to punish you. No matter the case – if you struggle with doubt, think that you’re not important to God, or think God doesn’t hear you for other reasons; I have some really good news. There is great hope. God really is trustworthy, you are important to Him, and there is nothing you could do that could make God not care for or love you. Maybe that’s hard to believe, trusting is pretty hard for most people, especially when ask to trust even when you cannot see who you’re trusting in.
If you struggle with faith, you’re not alone… God knew we would struggle with our faith in Him. I believe that’s why He gave us His word, and packed it with rich stories of Him working in powerful ways in the lives of people who were also struggling in their faith. And it’s in his word you find that faith in Him is of utmost importance. If you’ve never read the Bible I want to encourage you to read it, it will change your life. If you are reading it please continue -- you’ll be blessed.
So, where does this faith in God come from? Faith in God is a reward or gift given to us as we come to know Him through His word, in prayer, and watching Him in the lives of His children. But ultimately faith is a product of being in His word. That’s where you come to know the heart of God. It’s the same in life, if you believe in someone, it’s because you’ve grown to trust them through time spent, and the relationship that developed through that. Faith in God is the same; we grow to trust Him by spending time with Him.
So, what do you expect when you pray? Do you really believe that God will work in your life as you have asked Him to, or do you struggle with doubt? Maybe you think you are of little importance so why would God listen and answer your prayer. You may even think you’ve lived in such a way that God doesn’t care, and therefore doesn’t hear you, and if He did hear you then He wouldn’t answer your prayer just to punish you. No matter the case – if you struggle with doubt, think that you’re not important to God, or think God doesn’t hear you for other reasons; I have some really good news. There is great hope. God really is trustworthy, you are important to Him, and there is nothing you could do that could make God not care for or love you. Maybe that’s hard to believe, trusting is pretty hard for most people, especially when ask to trust even when you cannot see who you’re trusting in.
If you struggle with faith, you’re not alone… God knew we would struggle with our faith in Him. I believe that’s why He gave us His word, and packed it with rich stories of Him working in powerful ways in the lives of people who were also struggling in their faith. And it’s in his word you find that faith in Him is of utmost importance. If you’ve never read the Bible I want to encourage you to read it, it will change your life. If you are reading it please continue -- you’ll be blessed.
So, where does this faith in God come from? Faith in God is a reward or gift given to us as we come to know Him through His word, in prayer, and watching Him in the lives of His children. But ultimately faith is a product of being in His word. That’s where you come to know the heart of God. It’s the same in life, if you believe in someone, it’s because you’ve grown to trust them through time spent, and the relationship that developed through that. Faith in God is the same; we grow to trust Him by spending time with Him.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Go On… Jump!
Kendall was waiting for me at the top of the stairs yesterday, and when I was about 4 steps from the top she jumped…and trusted that I would catch her. Now just freeze this picture in your mind for a moment -- there a lot of things that can happen at this point.
Here are a few of them…
1. I may not have been paying attention to her, and if so, then I wouldn’t have known she jumped. (Yeah right – I love that girl, you think she doesn’t always have my attention?!)
2. I may trip and fall on the steps, if so, then it would be almost impossible to catch her. (There is a possibility of this – I’m kind of clumsy.)
3. I may accidentally drop her. (Don’t think so – but it’s possible.)
The list could go on and on of the possibilities that could happen from her leap – of faith. Hold on, is that what that was – Kendall’s leap of faith – in me? We all know that’s exactly what it was.
I was climbing the stairs and Kendall wanted to jump, and she KNEW that if she jumped to me -- I would catch her. It wasn’t thought out or planned; she thought it and did it! But how could she be so brave at the drop of a hat? That’s the easy part -- she knows me… She knows her daddy loves her, wants the best for her, and can be trusted to take care of her – to catch her when she jumps.
We have been together for four years and 1 day now, and we know each other very well. She knows how I’ll respond to most things without her thinking about it…most things. Sometimes we have to work on confidence – like jumping to daddy when he is in the swimming pool. It took a little time, but she knew it was daddy, and that I could be trusted to catch her when she jumped – so she did.
God has called us to have faith in Him…the kind of faith that just jumps! I know that in order for us to have that kind of faith, 1. We need to know Him, and 2. We need to have experience with Him. But that’s not the end of the lesson – we also need to apply the knowing and experience to our day to day lives, and when things get a little shaky – just jump – His arms are strong, and your rescue is sure.
Unfreeze the picture -- of course I caught Kendall, with not even so much as a stumble. We both had a great laugh, and I was so blessed to know my daughter has faith that her daddy is more than happy to catch her when she jumps -- in fact I’m thrilled that she trusts me that much.
I believe God is thrilled when we trust Him as well!
Go on…Jump!
Kendall was waiting for me at the top of the stairs yesterday, and when I was about 4 steps from the top she jumped…and trusted that I would catch her. Now just freeze this picture in your mind for a moment -- there a lot of things that can happen at this point.
Here are a few of them…
1. I may not have been paying attention to her, and if so, then I wouldn’t have known she jumped. (Yeah right – I love that girl, you think she doesn’t always have my attention?!)
2. I may trip and fall on the steps, if so, then it would be almost impossible to catch her. (There is a possibility of this – I’m kind of clumsy.)
3. I may accidentally drop her. (Don’t think so – but it’s possible.)
The list could go on and on of the possibilities that could happen from her leap – of faith. Hold on, is that what that was – Kendall’s leap of faith – in me? We all know that’s exactly what it was.
I was climbing the stairs and Kendall wanted to jump, and she KNEW that if she jumped to me -- I would catch her. It wasn’t thought out or planned; she thought it and did it! But how could she be so brave at the drop of a hat? That’s the easy part -- she knows me… She knows her daddy loves her, wants the best for her, and can be trusted to take care of her – to catch her when she jumps.
We have been together for four years and 1 day now, and we know each other very well. She knows how I’ll respond to most things without her thinking about it…most things. Sometimes we have to work on confidence – like jumping to daddy when he is in the swimming pool. It took a little time, but she knew it was daddy, and that I could be trusted to catch her when she jumped – so she did.
God has called us to have faith in Him…the kind of faith that just jumps! I know that in order for us to have that kind of faith, 1. We need to know Him, and 2. We need to have experience with Him. But that’s not the end of the lesson – we also need to apply the knowing and experience to our day to day lives, and when things get a little shaky – just jump – His arms are strong, and your rescue is sure.
Unfreeze the picture -- of course I caught Kendall, with not even so much as a stumble. We both had a great laugh, and I was so blessed to know my daughter has faith that her daddy is more than happy to catch her when she jumps -- in fact I’m thrilled that she trusts me that much.
I believe God is thrilled when we trust Him as well!
Go on…Jump!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
I’M BA-A-ACK
I find it hard to believe that it’s been almost 2 weeks since my last post. It’s not that I’ve had nothing to share – I've actually had plenty to share, having time to share it is another story.
OK – it’s official – it has now been two weeks since my last post – the first paragraph of this post was typed about 24 hours ago – then the pace picked up a little.
So here is my attempt at getting everything up to speed…
Today – February, 22nd is a great day… its Kendall’s 4th Birthday. I’m so thankful to God that she has been in our lives for four years – or 1460 days now. What an amazing blessing!
The three greatest blessings in my life – are just that – blessings. I had nothing to do with deserving, acquiring, or earning them, I was blessed with them…as gifts from God.
They are --
1. Salvation – Jesus on the cross to save me, now that’s a gift! Not only that, but because of His sacrifice I am blessed with the opportunity to be in relationship with Him. It’s like Paul said…
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15
2. My Wife Kristin – If you know us, then you know very well that only God’s hand could have brought us together. I am blessed to have married way out of my league. My wife is a beautiful, wonderful, godly wife and mother, and I’m thankful for the gift of her in my life.
3. My daughter Kendall – the Birthday girl! She’s beautiful, (like her mother) amazing, and lots of fun. I couldn’t begin to state all the ways that our relationship has shed light on my relationship with God. It is my belief that I have been blessed with the most wonderful little girl that God ever created. Now look guys, I know that you think you have the most wonderful little girl ever -- and I’ll let you think that -- but I know the truth.
Well there they are – my three greatest blessings! If you weren’t mentioned – don’t panic – I just can’t list more than three today, but that doesn’t mean you’re not on the list.
February 17th -19th -- We took several teens and college students to Winterfest in Gatlinburg, TN. The trip was Great! We enjoyed great worship, encouraging keynotes, wonderful fellowship, and the bus ride was fun as well. It’s always a spiritual blast to experience the presence of God at mass gatherings such as Winterfest, Tulsa, or Sunday morning worship at Sunshine. (I know Sunshine is only about 240 -250 on Sunday mornings vs Winterfest and Tulsa’s 14,000. But God is still there.)
Back to Winterfest – I’ve been taking teens and college students since 1996 and it’s always been an incredible blessing to be a part of this weekend. In 1999 0r 2000 my friend/bro in Christ, Shaun McCray joined me in this effort, and he has been a huge blessing to me and everyone who makes the venture with us. Thanks Shaun! God has blessed us in a wonderful way for our part in this.
Tuesday, February 14th – Valentines Day – I took my wife and daughter to Chili’s for supper, after that we went shopping and then back home. We really had a great time together, I love spending time with Kristin and Kendall, they’re great dates!
After we returned home from our evening out, I received a call at 2:40 am -- the alarm at Innermission was ringing. So I got dressed and drove into town to check it out. The drive to Innermission was beautiful. The moon was full, and it had snowed a few days earlier, the combination of those two things, and a drive over Ft. Hill road was worth getting up in the middle of the night for. Even the darkness is as light to God. The alarm turned out to be no big deal, so I enjoyed the beautiful drive home and arrived around 3:45am, and went right back to bed.
Monday, February 13th -- Kristin and I went to the Boston Beanery for a Pre-Valentines Day date, she's great! God is good to me.
Ok – so I know there are some gaps in this record of the happenings of my life over the past few weeks. But some things are supposed to stay on the down-low, others are to long to mention, and some I’ve probably forgotten. But I really feel compelled to tell you – though my blog posts have been few lately, God’s blessings on me have not. He has showered me with blessing upon blessing; maybe we’ll get to sit-down sometime and talk about it.
I find it hard to believe that it’s been almost 2 weeks since my last post. It’s not that I’ve had nothing to share – I've actually had plenty to share, having time to share it is another story.
OK – it’s official – it has now been two weeks since my last post – the first paragraph of this post was typed about 24 hours ago – then the pace picked up a little.
So here is my attempt at getting everything up to speed…
Today – February, 22nd is a great day… its Kendall’s 4th Birthday. I’m so thankful to God that she has been in our lives for four years – or 1460 days now. What an amazing blessing!
The three greatest blessings in my life – are just that – blessings. I had nothing to do with deserving, acquiring, or earning them, I was blessed with them…as gifts from God.
They are --
1. Salvation – Jesus on the cross to save me, now that’s a gift! Not only that, but because of His sacrifice I am blessed with the opportunity to be in relationship with Him. It’s like Paul said…
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15
2. My Wife Kristin – If you know us, then you know very well that only God’s hand could have brought us together. I am blessed to have married way out of my league. My wife is a beautiful, wonderful, godly wife and mother, and I’m thankful for the gift of her in my life.
3. My daughter Kendall – the Birthday girl! She’s beautiful, (like her mother) amazing, and lots of fun. I couldn’t begin to state all the ways that our relationship has shed light on my relationship with God. It is my belief that I have been blessed with the most wonderful little girl that God ever created. Now look guys, I know that you think you have the most wonderful little girl ever -- and I’ll let you think that -- but I know the truth.
Well there they are – my three greatest blessings! If you weren’t mentioned – don’t panic – I just can’t list more than three today, but that doesn’t mean you’re not on the list.
February 17th -19th -- We took several teens and college students to Winterfest in Gatlinburg, TN. The trip was Great! We enjoyed great worship, encouraging keynotes, wonderful fellowship, and the bus ride was fun as well. It’s always a spiritual blast to experience the presence of God at mass gatherings such as Winterfest, Tulsa, or Sunday morning worship at Sunshine. (I know Sunshine is only about 240 -250 on Sunday mornings vs Winterfest and Tulsa’s 14,000. But God is still there.)
Back to Winterfest – I’ve been taking teens and college students since 1996 and it’s always been an incredible blessing to be a part of this weekend. In 1999 0r 2000 my friend/bro in Christ, Shaun McCray joined me in this effort, and he has been a huge blessing to me and everyone who makes the venture with us. Thanks Shaun! God has blessed us in a wonderful way for our part in this.
Tuesday, February 14th – Valentines Day – I took my wife and daughter to Chili’s for supper, after that we went shopping and then back home. We really had a great time together, I love spending time with Kristin and Kendall, they’re great dates!
After we returned home from our evening out, I received a call at 2:40 am -- the alarm at Innermission was ringing. So I got dressed and drove into town to check it out. The drive to Innermission was beautiful. The moon was full, and it had snowed a few days earlier, the combination of those two things, and a drive over Ft. Hill road was worth getting up in the middle of the night for. Even the darkness is as light to God. The alarm turned out to be no big deal, so I enjoyed the beautiful drive home and arrived around 3:45am, and went right back to bed.
Monday, February 13th -- Kristin and I went to the Boston Beanery for a Pre-Valentines Day date, she's great! God is good to me.
Ok – so I know there are some gaps in this record of the happenings of my life over the past few weeks. But some things are supposed to stay on the down-low, others are to long to mention, and some I’ve probably forgotten. But I really feel compelled to tell you – though my blog posts have been few lately, God’s blessings on me have not. He has showered me with blessing upon blessing; maybe we’ll get to sit-down sometime and talk about it.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Faith...
Faith – as defined in dictionary.com. (I only used the definitions pertaining to my post.)
1. Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.
2. Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.
3. The theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God’s will.
I’ve heard many lectures on faith, studied many scriptures on faith, I’ve even been blessed to be involved in the lives of Christians who we would consider to have “great faith” in God -- Here are a few -- not all -- but a few things I’ve learned from all of this…
1. Just because I talk about faith, doesn’t mean I have it, even if I'm a Bible teacher, minister, preacher, or serve in any other role in His family.
2. Faith in God is the only faith with POWER.
3. Sometimes the words we say indicate that we merely have faith in faith, instead of faith in God. Let this one sink in.
4. One life with true faith in God, impacts so many other lives in a wonderful way.
5. Faith is caught not taught. (Kind of like a cold. If you want it just keep hanging around those who have it, but you still have to want it.)
6. Faith in God is Life giving.
7. Faith in God opens your life to His all creating POWER.
8. A little faith in God is awesome to behold or experience, how awesome would great faith be to experience?!
9. I regret to admit it, but I have a really small faith in a really BIG GOD – but He’s working on it.
Here are a few scripture to wrestle with…
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
James 2:14-26 - Read it…
Mark 6: 5-6 - He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith.
Romans 10:17 - Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
This post is not meant to, nor is it even possible to attempt to explain all the amazing facets, as well as the blessings of faith in God. Faith is born by experiencing God at work… through His word, through prayer, in your life or the life of someone else, by watching His creation, or (and probably) all of these together. The blessing of faith is the most incredible place to live, and we can only get there by His invitation… and He has extended it to everyone.
How about you? What are your thoughts or stories of faith in God? You're welcome to share them here, if not then I encourage you to meditate on them with Him in prayer.
Faith – as defined in dictionary.com. (I only used the definitions pertaining to my post.)
1. Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.
2. Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.
3. The theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God’s will.
I’ve heard many lectures on faith, studied many scriptures on faith, I’ve even been blessed to be involved in the lives of Christians who we would consider to have “great faith” in God -- Here are a few -- not all -- but a few things I’ve learned from all of this…
1. Just because I talk about faith, doesn’t mean I have it, even if I'm a Bible teacher, minister, preacher, or serve in any other role in His family.
2. Faith in God is the only faith with POWER.
3. Sometimes the words we say indicate that we merely have faith in faith, instead of faith in God. Let this one sink in.
4. One life with true faith in God, impacts so many other lives in a wonderful way.
5. Faith is caught not taught. (Kind of like a cold. If you want it just keep hanging around those who have it, but you still have to want it.)
6. Faith in God is Life giving.
7. Faith in God opens your life to His all creating POWER.
8. A little faith in God is awesome to behold or experience, how awesome would great faith be to experience?!
9. I regret to admit it, but I have a really small faith in a really BIG GOD – but He’s working on it.
Here are a few scripture to wrestle with…
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
James 2:14-26 - Read it…
Mark 6: 5-6 - He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith.
Romans 10:17 - Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
This post is not meant to, nor is it even possible to attempt to explain all the amazing facets, as well as the blessings of faith in God. Faith is born by experiencing God at work… through His word, through prayer, in your life or the life of someone else, by watching His creation, or (and probably) all of these together. The blessing of faith is the most incredible place to live, and we can only get there by His invitation… and He has extended it to everyone.
How about you? What are your thoughts or stories of faith in God? You're welcome to share them here, if not then I encourage you to meditate on them with Him in prayer.
Friday, January 27, 2006
The Hike...
On Saturday the 21st, some of the students from Innermission Campus Ministry and I participated in the 6 mile Winter Hike hosted by Hocking Hills State Park, as mentioned in my previous post.
The hike started at Old Man’s Cave – wound through the hills to Cedar Falls, (where we were served bean soup, corn bread and hot chocolate) then continued through the hills to Ash Cave. We had a great time and the views were spectacular – if you like walking along the edge of 300 – 400 foot vertical drops, seeing huge trees, and great waterfalls that is.
I made a few interesting observations about the hike that I would like to share…
1. There were lots of hikers, but not all of them enjoyed the hike.
2. There were lots of hikers, but not all were properly prepared for the hike.
3. Some of the hikers finished the hike only because of leaning on others for help and encouragement, and some children old enough to hike – needed to be carried.
4. I mentioned that the views were beautiful, but not all of them… sometimes the trail was really muddy, steep, dangerous, and at times it was hard to know just how close to the end we were.
5. Some hikers hiked alone.
6. I noticed several hiking the wrong way.
7. Some turned back.
8. When we finished the hike and loaded into our vehicles, most of those traveling with me sighed when they were seated in my truck and said they were glad it was over because they needed to rest – then they fell asleep – at least until we stopped at Pizza Hut.
9. After a short nap and pizza, everyone in my group was in total agreement – the hike was worth taking.
I think there are similar observations when we consider our walk through this life as Christians…
1. All who have given their life to God are hikers, but not all of us enjoy the hike.
2. All who have given their life to God are hikers, but not all of us have allowed Him to properly prepare us for the hike.
3. All who finish this hike will do so having always leaned on God -- and others -- for help and encouragement, and at times we will be carried by Him and them.
4. The views of this hiking trip are breathtakingly beautiful… but not all of them. Sometimes the trail is really hard, muddy, steep, dangerous, and no one knows just how close to the end of the trail we are.
5. Because of these and many other reasons – some will become discouraged and turn back.
6. When given an easier option, some hikers will choose the easier trail – and go the wrong way.
7. Some hikers will try to go it alone… and that’s just not possible.
8. All who finish this hike will be blessed eternally with sweet rest and a feast at the table of the Father.
9. When this hike is finished, we will all agree – the hike was worth taking.
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Jude 24-25
Keep Hiking!! Jamie
On Saturday the 21st, some of the students from Innermission Campus Ministry and I participated in the 6 mile Winter Hike hosted by Hocking Hills State Park, as mentioned in my previous post.
The hike started at Old Man’s Cave – wound through the hills to Cedar Falls, (where we were served bean soup, corn bread and hot chocolate) then continued through the hills to Ash Cave. We had a great time and the views were spectacular – if you like walking along the edge of 300 – 400 foot vertical drops, seeing huge trees, and great waterfalls that is.
I made a few interesting observations about the hike that I would like to share…
1. There were lots of hikers, but not all of them enjoyed the hike.
2. There were lots of hikers, but not all were properly prepared for the hike.
3. Some of the hikers finished the hike only because of leaning on others for help and encouragement, and some children old enough to hike – needed to be carried.
4. I mentioned that the views were beautiful, but not all of them… sometimes the trail was really muddy, steep, dangerous, and at times it was hard to know just how close to the end we were.
5. Some hikers hiked alone.
6. I noticed several hiking the wrong way.
7. Some turned back.
8. When we finished the hike and loaded into our vehicles, most of those traveling with me sighed when they were seated in my truck and said they were glad it was over because they needed to rest – then they fell asleep – at least until we stopped at Pizza Hut.
9. After a short nap and pizza, everyone in my group was in total agreement – the hike was worth taking.
I think there are similar observations when we consider our walk through this life as Christians…
1. All who have given their life to God are hikers, but not all of us enjoy the hike.
2. All who have given their life to God are hikers, but not all of us have allowed Him to properly prepare us for the hike.
3. All who finish this hike will do so having always leaned on God -- and others -- for help and encouragement, and at times we will be carried by Him and them.
4. The views of this hiking trip are breathtakingly beautiful… but not all of them. Sometimes the trail is really hard, muddy, steep, dangerous, and no one knows just how close to the end of the trail we are.
5. Because of these and many other reasons – some will become discouraged and turn back.
6. When given an easier option, some hikers will choose the easier trail – and go the wrong way.
7. Some hikers will try to go it alone… and that’s just not possible.
8. All who finish this hike will be blessed eternally with sweet rest and a feast at the table of the Father.
9. When this hike is finished, we will all agree – the hike was worth taking.
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Jude 24-25
Keep Hiking!! Jamie
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Catching Up...
I apologize to those of you who may have been spending precious time clicking over here the last few days, only to find that I haven’t posted in a week. (Especially if you use dial-up) My schedule has been really full – But it’s also been really blessed.
A Few Highlights…
Friday the 20th
I blocked a few hours off for a college student who needed to spend a little time together. He and I walked and talked about important things while we swung at a little white ball with an odd looking stick thing, I call it therapy if you know what I mean… Friday night I had the honor of taking my beautiful wife Kristin on a date to Tumbleweed, one of our favorite restaurants. We had a great time together and the food was great as well. Kendall played with Abbie and Ellie while we were out, thanks to Jodi and Aaron.
Saturday the 21st…
I took students from Innermission to Hocking Hills for their annual Winter Hike. The hike is six miles and takes place in some beautiful and dangerous scenery. During the hike you experience beautiful Cedar Falls waterfall, jagged cliffs, 300-400 foot drops along the paths, Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave. And of course I can’t forget God’s crown creation – people! There were approximately 5,600 hikers who participated last year, not sure the number of participants this year. Oh yeah – they also served bean soup and corn bread at the half way point -- we had a great time!
Sunday the 22nd
Kristin, Kendall and I visited mom, she is in a rehab facility in the Four Winds Nursing Home. She is doing remarkably well and her spirits are up as always. Thanks for all your prayers on her behalf, I know God heard – He always does. Please continue to remember mom when you spend time with Him.
After our visit we returned home and I watched the Pittsburgh Steelers win their AFC Championship Game with the Denver Broncos. Now on to the Super Bowl! Don’t forget to support your favorite football team -- the Steelers -- in the Super Bowl.
Monday the 23rd
Had a blessed day at Innermission and went to the viewing of Edna Gampp. All of you who know her, know that she is a neat godly lady.
Tuesday the 24th
I was honored and blessed to take part in Edna’s Funeral. The day was beautiful, her family and friends paid due respect and love to a wonderful child of God now blessed with her reward. After the Funeral meal I went to Innermission to spend the rest of the day with the college students.
We also had the teens at Innermission at 6:30pm for their weekly devo... the Lord blessed us with an encouraging Bible study together, and the evening was a blast.
Wednesday the 25th (today)
Today has been uneventful but busy, and really good. Aside from being abused by Jennifer for not posting lately – sorry Jennifer – but I couldn’t help myself. Anyway, I’m looking forward to our mid-week Bible Study tonight at Sunshine. It’s always a blessing to spend time with God’s family.
Well that’s pretty much it for my last 4 or 5 days. I may have left out a few details – but aside from all the great things Kristin, Kendall and I spend time doing – I covered most of it. Thanks for stopping in and reading, I’ll try to keep up a little better from now on… I said “try”. You’re in my prayers…
I apologize to those of you who may have been spending precious time clicking over here the last few days, only to find that I haven’t posted in a week. (Especially if you use dial-up) My schedule has been really full – But it’s also been really blessed.
A Few Highlights…
Friday the 20th
I blocked a few hours off for a college student who needed to spend a little time together. He and I walked and talked about important things while we swung at a little white ball with an odd looking stick thing, I call it therapy if you know what I mean… Friday night I had the honor of taking my beautiful wife Kristin on a date to Tumbleweed, one of our favorite restaurants. We had a great time together and the food was great as well. Kendall played with Abbie and Ellie while we were out, thanks to Jodi and Aaron.
Saturday the 21st…
I took students from Innermission to Hocking Hills for their annual Winter Hike. The hike is six miles and takes place in some beautiful and dangerous scenery. During the hike you experience beautiful Cedar Falls waterfall, jagged cliffs, 300-400 foot drops along the paths, Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave. And of course I can’t forget God’s crown creation – people! There were approximately 5,600 hikers who participated last year, not sure the number of participants this year. Oh yeah – they also served bean soup and corn bread at the half way point -- we had a great time!
Sunday the 22nd
Kristin, Kendall and I visited mom, she is in a rehab facility in the Four Winds Nursing Home. She is doing remarkably well and her spirits are up as always. Thanks for all your prayers on her behalf, I know God heard – He always does. Please continue to remember mom when you spend time with Him.
After our visit we returned home and I watched the Pittsburgh Steelers win their AFC Championship Game with the Denver Broncos. Now on to the Super Bowl! Don’t forget to support your favorite football team -- the Steelers -- in the Super Bowl.
Monday the 23rd
Had a blessed day at Innermission and went to the viewing of Edna Gampp. All of you who know her, know that she is a neat godly lady.
Tuesday the 24th
I was honored and blessed to take part in Edna’s Funeral. The day was beautiful, her family and friends paid due respect and love to a wonderful child of God now blessed with her reward. After the Funeral meal I went to Innermission to spend the rest of the day with the college students.
We also had the teens at Innermission at 6:30pm for their weekly devo... the Lord blessed us with an encouraging Bible study together, and the evening was a blast.
Wednesday the 25th (today)
Today has been uneventful but busy, and really good. Aside from being abused by Jennifer for not posting lately – sorry Jennifer – but I couldn’t help myself. Anyway, I’m looking forward to our mid-week Bible Study tonight at Sunshine. It’s always a blessing to spend time with God’s family.
Well that’s pretty much it for my last 4 or 5 days. I may have left out a few details – but aside from all the great things Kristin, Kendall and I spend time doing – I covered most of it. Thanks for stopping in and reading, I’ll try to keep up a little better from now on… I said “try”. You’re in my prayers…
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Hope...
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. I will be found by you," declares the LORD... Jeremiah 29:11-14a
Encouraging words from a loving God, to a distracted and wayward people -- still giving peace and hope to us today.
God is good, and my life has always been blessed and hope filled for His presence in it... Jamie
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. I will be found by you," declares the LORD... Jeremiah 29:11-14a
Encouraging words from a loving God, to a distracted and wayward people -- still giving peace and hope to us today.
God is good, and my life has always been blessed and hope filled for His presence in it... Jamie
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Totally Dependant...
For some time now Kendall has been going to Joan’s for day care. Kristin teaches a one hour aerobics class twice a week -- and Kendall goes to Joan’s during those times.
From the beginning Kristin and I have taken turns taking her there, and I admit it has been pretty hard for me to drop her off, spend a few minutes and then leave. Every time I would start to leave – Kendall would say “but daddy, would you stay and play with me? Or daddy, I want to go with you,” and big tears would fill her eyes. (That’s a heartbreaker)
So, for me to be able to leave without her getting upset, we had to distract her. Joan says Kendall has me wrapped around her little finger, I say she’s right. (But isn’t that how dads are supposed to be with their daughters?)
Here’s the problem…
Lately when I take her to Joan’s -- we hang out a few minutes -- and then she starts playing with the other children. I usually hang around a little longer, and then say “bye Kendall – daddy loves you! She says I love you too daddy! And then I leave. And as I drive away I think about how good it is for her to be comfortable staying there without mommy or daddy with her. I thank God that a godly woman like Joan is in Kendall’s life… and then I pout a little as I think about how easy it was for me to leave, she didn’t even put up a little fight. Ultimately I know that as Kendall grows – she will become less dependant on us to look out for, and take care of her -- but I don’t have to like it. I love the thought of my little girl being mature and strong, but I’m not so crazy about her getting there without mommy and daddy any time soon – after all – she’s my little girl.
Isn’t it interesting that things are just the opposite when it comes to our relationship with God? With our children, we are called to help them develop independence, at lease to a large degree. But when it comes to our relationship with God – he calls us to a life of total dependence on him. Instead of growing up and maturing to the point that we can make it on our own – as it is with children and their parents -- God tells us that growing up and maturing as a Christian – is to be totally dependant on him, to look to him in everything, and for everything. Can you imagine how blessed our lives would be if we allowed ourselves to become totally dependent on him?!
The truth is… we already are.
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13
…apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
For some time now Kendall has been going to Joan’s for day care. Kristin teaches a one hour aerobics class twice a week -- and Kendall goes to Joan’s during those times.
From the beginning Kristin and I have taken turns taking her there, and I admit it has been pretty hard for me to drop her off, spend a few minutes and then leave. Every time I would start to leave – Kendall would say “but daddy, would you stay and play with me? Or daddy, I want to go with you,” and big tears would fill her eyes. (That’s a heartbreaker)
So, for me to be able to leave without her getting upset, we had to distract her. Joan says Kendall has me wrapped around her little finger, I say she’s right. (But isn’t that how dads are supposed to be with their daughters?)
Here’s the problem…
Lately when I take her to Joan’s -- we hang out a few minutes -- and then she starts playing with the other children. I usually hang around a little longer, and then say “bye Kendall – daddy loves you! She says I love you too daddy! And then I leave. And as I drive away I think about how good it is for her to be comfortable staying there without mommy or daddy with her. I thank God that a godly woman like Joan is in Kendall’s life… and then I pout a little as I think about how easy it was for me to leave, she didn’t even put up a little fight. Ultimately I know that as Kendall grows – she will become less dependant on us to look out for, and take care of her -- but I don’t have to like it. I love the thought of my little girl being mature and strong, but I’m not so crazy about her getting there without mommy and daddy any time soon – after all – she’s my little girl.
Isn’t it interesting that things are just the opposite when it comes to our relationship with God? With our children, we are called to help them develop independence, at lease to a large degree. But when it comes to our relationship with God – he calls us to a life of total dependence on him. Instead of growing up and maturing to the point that we can make it on our own – as it is with children and their parents -- God tells us that growing up and maturing as a Christian – is to be totally dependant on him, to look to him in everything, and for everything. Can you imagine how blessed our lives would be if we allowed ourselves to become totally dependent on him?!
The truth is… we already are.
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13
…apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Another Great Day!!!
Once again the Lord has blessed us with another great day at Innermission. Several students have visited to talk, do homework, encourage someone, play ping-pong, foosball, pool, air hockey, or just hang out and watch christian videos. The students are great and we have been blessed to have a wonderful godly atmosphere. Please continue to pray for this ministry, it's a blessing to all of us.
My mom has been transfered to Grant Hospital in Columbus again. They've been running tests on the blood clot in her heart trying to determine what to do with it. Her sister's (my aunt) funeral is tomorrow at 11:00am. That has been weighing on her a little... thank you for continuing to remember mom when you spend time with the Father.
This past Sunday as I said last post, I had the opportunity to watch the Steelers and Bengals play in Cincinnati. The Steelers won -- you gotta love those Steelers -- and it was great to be there to watch it live-- especially with the great friends I was with. (I think I can convert them to become Steeler fans)
Anyway -- I just thought I would post a few pictures for your enjoymnent...
Once again the Lord has blessed us with another great day at Innermission. Several students have visited to talk, do homework, encourage someone, play ping-pong, foosball, pool, air hockey, or just hang out and watch christian videos. The students are great and we have been blessed to have a wonderful godly atmosphere. Please continue to pray for this ministry, it's a blessing to all of us.
My mom has been transfered to Grant Hospital in Columbus again. They've been running tests on the blood clot in her heart trying to determine what to do with it. Her sister's (my aunt) funeral is tomorrow at 11:00am. That has been weighing on her a little... thank you for continuing to remember mom when you spend time with the Father.
This past Sunday as I said last post, I had the opportunity to watch the Steelers and Bengals play in Cincinnati. The Steelers won -- you gotta love those Steelers -- and it was great to be there to watch it live-- especially with the great friends I was with. (I think I can convert them to become Steeler fans)
Anyway -- I just thought I would post a few pictures for your enjoymnent...
Thank you for visiting my blog, and for your prayers on behalf of my family, and Church family; the Sunshine Church of Christ and the ministries the Lord has us involved in. Oh yeah -- and keep cheering for those Pittsburgh Steelers!!!!!!!!
Saturday, January 07, 2006
The Gift of Faith!
As I write this I’m sitting with mom and my brother in her hospital room -- she is resting at the time. Once again I would like to thank everyone for praying for her; the doctors say she’s doing a little better. The good thing in all of this is -- she knows who is in control -- and she has great faith in Him.
The faith of a parent is a gift in so many ways. We all know how important it is to have a real life-changing faith, in the real Jesus…and to live that faith in full view of our children and the world. Now that’s a gift! But just as important as living that faith daily – is living it when it’s put to the ultimate test…the end of life here. As the doctors seem to be saying that mom’s days are limited – she is as bright eyed and cheerful as ever --because she knows what all this really means. It really is a gift to have parents who know and trust the Lord.
Again, thank you so much for praying for my family.
On a different note…
My favorite college football team The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl by the score of …34 - 21!
My 2nd Favorite -- Penn State defeated Florida State in triple overtime 26 – 23!
And the great news is -- my favorite NFL team the Pittsburgh Steelers made the playoffs and are playing the Cincinnati Bengals tomorrow at 4:30pm. And I, along with some friends and brothers (I use those terms loosely – they’re Bengal fans) from church get to go to the game. I’m sure it’s going to be a blast!
And just a little FYI – with the unseasonably warm temperatures lately, I’ve had the opportunity to golf a few times since mid-November…three times to be exact. I played 7 holes the day before Thanksgiving- it snowed 1-1/2 inches while I was playing -- it was fun, 4 holes a few days before Christmas, (it got really cold) and 7 holes on the 29th of December, 18 in all, and it only took 3 trips to the course. Golf is a great game, and I consider it a blessing to be able to enjoy it, especially with friends -- or my wife and daughter-friends too, of course!
One last note – God is good!
As I write this I’m sitting with mom and my brother in her hospital room -- she is resting at the time. Once again I would like to thank everyone for praying for her; the doctors say she’s doing a little better. The good thing in all of this is -- she knows who is in control -- and she has great faith in Him.
The faith of a parent is a gift in so many ways. We all know how important it is to have a real life-changing faith, in the real Jesus…and to live that faith in full view of our children and the world. Now that’s a gift! But just as important as living that faith daily – is living it when it’s put to the ultimate test…the end of life here. As the doctors seem to be saying that mom’s days are limited – she is as bright eyed and cheerful as ever --because she knows what all this really means. It really is a gift to have parents who know and trust the Lord.
Again, thank you so much for praying for my family.
On a different note…
My favorite college football team The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl by the score of …34 - 21!
My 2nd Favorite -- Penn State defeated Florida State in triple overtime 26 – 23!
And the great news is -- my favorite NFL team the Pittsburgh Steelers made the playoffs and are playing the Cincinnati Bengals tomorrow at 4:30pm. And I, along with some friends and brothers (I use those terms loosely – they’re Bengal fans) from church get to go to the game. I’m sure it’s going to be a blast!
And just a little FYI – with the unseasonably warm temperatures lately, I’ve had the opportunity to golf a few times since mid-November…three times to be exact. I played 7 holes the day before Thanksgiving- it snowed 1-1/2 inches while I was playing -- it was fun, 4 holes a few days before Christmas, (it got really cold) and 7 holes on the 29th of December, 18 in all, and it only took 3 trips to the course. Golf is a great game, and I consider it a blessing to be able to enjoy it, especially with friends -- or my wife and daughter-friends too, of course!
One last note – God is good!
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Thank You!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
This is one of my many favorite verses in the Bible… I’m sure you feel the same as I do – with all the incredible encouragement God gives through the word; it’s hard to pick just one. But if I had to pick just one… this would be one of them! You see I still can’t narrow it down.
Anyway – I just wanted to say thank you several times to those who have been so encouraging – first to God who knows what we need before we ask – yet still longs for us to share our hearts with him in prayer. Then to all of you -- who have shared your hearts with him concerning the requests listed in my last blog post.
I’ve been blessed to witness God working in wonderful ways concerning the requests in my last post, and I know that your prayers were heard by him. Isn’t it amazing to have the honor and privilege of God getting involved in your life?!
We're blessed beyond what we will ever know… to state the obvious.
Now a few updates…
My daughter is well and back to her spunky – cute little self. That’s wonderful!
Winter Quarter has started very well for us at Innermission Campus Ministry to Shawnee State University.
Deny, Leigh and the Family arrived home safely. Please continue to pray for the church he serves as a minister.
My mom was released on Friday from Grant Medical Center – was home for a few days – then was admitted to the Holzer Hospital in Jackson, Ohio -- with what they believe to be heart failure.
I spent a long time with mom and my sister last night. We talked, prayed, and read several different passages from the Bible… It was really encouraging to watch God nourish their spirits as we read several of the Psalms, Ephesians 3:20-21, 2Peter 1:3-9.
We had been reading for about 45 minutes when I paused and my mom said – I just love the verse that says “Jesus Wept”. (What you don’t know is that I had been asking God to give the opportunity to talk to mom about death – I wanted to ask her if she was ok, or scared, and if I could do anything to help her.) So taking the opportunity God provided me with, I turned to John 11 and we shared together the story of the death of Lazarus. The story had all three of us so moved -- we talked of how Jesus must have loved them for him to weap over their pain. Then we came to verses 25-26, where Jesus says “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” I looked at mom – and she said “yes I do honey”… and I just had to smile. It’s so amazing to watch God work in such a wonderful way?!
I finished the story, and then we talked about faith, and about her confidence in Him to see her through. We prayed together, hugged and I left for home, reminded of what I already knew – God has all this totally under control – and she is safe in his care. He also reminded me again of how blessed I have always been to have the great spiritual parents He gave to me.
Again – thanks for praying… “With God all things are possible.”
Also to Scott and Terry thanks for the timely visit… you helped set a great atmosphere and helped her laugh – she loves that.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
This is one of my many favorite verses in the Bible… I’m sure you feel the same as I do – with all the incredible encouragement God gives through the word; it’s hard to pick just one. But if I had to pick just one… this would be one of them! You see I still can’t narrow it down.
Anyway – I just wanted to say thank you several times to those who have been so encouraging – first to God who knows what we need before we ask – yet still longs for us to share our hearts with him in prayer. Then to all of you -- who have shared your hearts with him concerning the requests listed in my last blog post.
I’ve been blessed to witness God working in wonderful ways concerning the requests in my last post, and I know that your prayers were heard by him. Isn’t it amazing to have the honor and privilege of God getting involved in your life?!
We're blessed beyond what we will ever know… to state the obvious.
Now a few updates…
My daughter is well and back to her spunky – cute little self. That’s wonderful!
Winter Quarter has started very well for us at Innermission Campus Ministry to Shawnee State University.
Deny, Leigh and the Family arrived home safely. Please continue to pray for the church he serves as a minister.
My mom was released on Friday from Grant Medical Center – was home for a few days – then was admitted to the Holzer Hospital in Jackson, Ohio -- with what they believe to be heart failure.
I spent a long time with mom and my sister last night. We talked, prayed, and read several different passages from the Bible… It was really encouraging to watch God nourish their spirits as we read several of the Psalms, Ephesians 3:20-21, 2Peter 1:3-9.
We had been reading for about 45 minutes when I paused and my mom said – I just love the verse that says “Jesus Wept”. (What you don’t know is that I had been asking God to give the opportunity to talk to mom about death – I wanted to ask her if she was ok, or scared, and if I could do anything to help her.) So taking the opportunity God provided me with, I turned to John 11 and we shared together the story of the death of Lazarus. The story had all three of us so moved -- we talked of how Jesus must have loved them for him to weap over their pain. Then we came to verses 25-26, where Jesus says “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” I looked at mom – and she said “yes I do honey”… and I just had to smile. It’s so amazing to watch God work in such a wonderful way?!
I finished the story, and then we talked about faith, and about her confidence in Him to see her through. We prayed together, hugged and I left for home, reminded of what I already knew – God has all this totally under control – and she is safe in his care. He also reminded me again of how blessed I have always been to have the great spiritual parents He gave to me.
Again – thanks for praying… “With God all things are possible.”
Also to Scott and Terry thanks for the timely visit… you helped set a great atmosphere and helped her laugh – she loves that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
