Friday, April 18, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Why suffer for the cause of Christ???
Why would it seem that most Christians don't want to suffer? I see a lot of people that have a backwards view on how God deals with His children. Most Christians want the glory, good health, great wealth, happiness, pretty simple they just desire a painless life.
They want the crown without the cross....
They want the gain without the pain....
That's how a lot Christians think, that's not God's interest though.
God is the author of our salvation!
Hebrews 2:10 says: In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
God's love is not a pampering love, it's a perfecting love!
Following Jesus Christ is going to cost you everything, even your life!
Sources: John MacArthur, James MacDonald, The Holy Bible
They want the crown without the cross....
They want the gain without the pain....
That's how a lot Christians think, that's not God's interest though.
God is the author of our salvation!
Hebrews 2:10 says: In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
God's love is not a pampering love, it's a perfecting love!
Following Jesus Christ is going to cost you everything, even your life!
Sources: John MacArthur, James MacDonald, The Holy Bible
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
20/80 Theory
Most that go to church would understand the 20/80 theory. These are just thoughts I've heard from different people/pastors. They sound interesting, but at the same time if true very alarming.
As Christians we come to gather in the corporate church to worship God together. God has given each believer gifts which we should be using to build up the church (1 Cor 14:12). Are you using your gifts to help advance the kingdom of God? Is God's money that is given to you being used to advance God's kingdom or yours?
I've listed 3 different categories. As you read them ask yourself where you fit in? Pray that God would show you your heart? Just as Jesus let God's will prevail in His life, we as Christians should pray for the same thing.
See when your life gets rocked by Jesus, you completely change (Ephesians 4:17-32). I'm not talking about those who believe in Christ, but their lives don't reflect Christlikeness; I'm referring to those that believe in Christ and live a Christlike life. We should hate what is evil and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9)(Hebrews 12:1-3).
Tithing
20% of the church accounts for 80% of all tithes & offerings
80% of the church accounts for the other 20%
Leviticus 27:30
A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.
Malachi 3:8
Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, How do we rob you? In tithes and offerings.
1 Corinthians 11:12
For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.
Serving
20% of the church accounts for 80% of all voluntary work
80% of the church accounts for 20% of all voluntary work
Colossians 3:24
since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Ephesians 6:7
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men
1 Peter 5:2
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers -- not because you must, but because you are willing as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve
Christian Living
20% of Christians make it into heaven
80% of Christians miss heaven by 18" and spend eternity in hell
Joshua 7:12
I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.
Matthew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
John 15:18-19
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Ephesians 4:17-24
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness
Colossians 1:10
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
Colossians 3:1-8
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
1 Thessalonians 4:4
that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable,
James 1:22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Today is a day you can take a stance for God! Yes, God loves, but you honestly don't have to read much into the Old Testament to see how God deals with man's sin. Press on, today and forever! Together let's learn to live life God's way.
As Christians we come to gather in the corporate church to worship God together. God has given each believer gifts which we should be using to build up the church (1 Cor 14:12). Are you using your gifts to help advance the kingdom of God? Is God's money that is given to you being used to advance God's kingdom or yours?
I've listed 3 different categories. As you read them ask yourself where you fit in? Pray that God would show you your heart? Just as Jesus let God's will prevail in His life, we as Christians should pray for the same thing.
See when your life gets rocked by Jesus, you completely change (Ephesians 4:17-32). I'm not talking about those who believe in Christ, but their lives don't reflect Christlikeness; I'm referring to those that believe in Christ and live a Christlike life. We should hate what is evil and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9)(Hebrews 12:1-3).
Tithing
20% of the church accounts for 80% of all tithes & offerings
80% of the church accounts for the other 20%
Leviticus 27:30
A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.
Malachi 3:8
Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, How do we rob you? In tithes and offerings.
1 Corinthians 11:12
For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.
Serving
20% of the church accounts for 80% of all voluntary work
80% of the church accounts for 20% of all voluntary work
Colossians 3:24
since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Ephesians 6:7
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men
1 Peter 5:2
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers -- not because you must, but because you are willing as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve
Christian Living
20% of Christians make it into heaven
80% of Christians miss heaven by 18" and spend eternity in hell
Joshua 7:12
I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.
Matthew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
John 15:18-19
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Ephesians 4:17-24
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness
Colossians 1:10
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
Colossians 3:1-8
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
1 Thessalonians 4:4
that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable,
James 1:22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Today is a day you can take a stance for God! Yes, God loves, but you honestly don't have to read much into the Old Testament to see how God deals with man's sin. Press on, today and forever! Together let's learn to live life God's way.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Recommended Read
Just got done with the book "Holy Ambition" and it was a great read! Rated out of a 10 I would give the book a 7.5.
Want to know how to get holy ambition and what it takes to make a difference for God, then this would be the book for you.
Quoted from page 159:
Personal commitments, over the long haul, make up what we call character. When character, along with a dislocated heart, a broken spirit, and a radical faith, devise the kind of strategic plans that further God's agenda in the world, holy ambition has reached maturity in another life.
After reading this book, I can honestly say it doesn't matter what comes my way, but that my God will always be bigger then what life brings me and with His help I will conquer anything! We serve a huge God, way bigger than our minds can imagine. Have a great weekend and press on for His agenda.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Thought of the day...
I've been reading out of the book of Joshua, and loving it. Yesterday I was in Joshua 9 and the story was about "The Gibeonite Deception" and it was not until this morning that verse 14 came to mind.
Joshua 9:14 says: The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.
Before I even put the first bite of waffle into my mouth I thought - I have not talked with God, nor read His Word this morning. How could me, a Christian have been up for 2 hours and not even given God the recognition He deserves??
It would break my heart if my son decided one day to say, you know dad I think I'd rather do my morning activities without you, go camping without you, I have mom and I'm going to just go with that and leave you out. And this is exactly what I'm doing to my heavenly Father. I felt bad, felt like I had done my Lord so wrong. How can I grow in the Lord when at times my effort is so weak.
This world is to busy for me, but I always need to remind myself that I should never be to busy for God! Just as the first meal of the day is very important to my earthly body, my first encounter with God is just as important to my soul. It's how I want to start out each day that my Lord blesses me with! Maybe that's why some of my days are hectic, not because of my circumstances, because I fully know that God gives me enough grace to deal with what the day will bring my way. No I think my days get hectic when I take God out of my morning routine.
So I take today and learn a much needed lesson. I can't be a fool and leave God out of my life, no not one breath, I need to live as He is walking with me each step of my day including morning activities.
I'll keep pursuing and press on!
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Joshua 9:14 says: The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.
Before I even put the first bite of waffle into my mouth I thought - I have not talked with God, nor read His Word this morning. How could me, a Christian have been up for 2 hours and not even given God the recognition He deserves??
It would break my heart if my son decided one day to say, you know dad I think I'd rather do my morning activities without you, go camping without you, I have mom and I'm going to just go with that and leave you out. And this is exactly what I'm doing to my heavenly Father. I felt bad, felt like I had done my Lord so wrong. How can I grow in the Lord when at times my effort is so weak.
This world is to busy for me, but I always need to remind myself that I should never be to busy for God! Just as the first meal of the day is very important to my earthly body, my first encounter with God is just as important to my soul. It's how I want to start out each day that my Lord blesses me with! Maybe that's why some of my days are hectic, not because of my circumstances, because I fully know that God gives me enough grace to deal with what the day will bring my way. No I think my days get hectic when I take God out of my morning routine.
So I take today and learn a much needed lesson. I can't be a fool and leave God out of my life, no not one breath, I need to live as He is walking with me each step of my day including morning activities.
I'll keep pursuing and press on!
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Scripture for the Day
Matthew 6:25-27,33
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is nor your life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?...But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
May you be pursuing God today and forever!! PRESS ON 4 HIM!!
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is nor your life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?...But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
May you be pursuing God today and forever!! PRESS ON 4 HIM!!
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