yeah...better at abstract thinking....
posted by Luke
Seven Surprises of the First Christmas
14 hours ago
Tuesday, May 31
Adventures in Getting Hit By a Truck
Ok, so I didn't really get "hit by a truck", but I might as well have. Every muscle in my body is currently sore.(Anthony, I need you more than ever) After canoing for about 3 1/2 hrs on Monday I went to Bloomington and played volleyball for a few hours. Yeah...I hurt. However, it was well worth it. I absolutely love canoing, and the Vermillion River proved challenging enough to be fun, but not so challenging that it was scary. Our canoe never tipped! Bonus!
I remembered I still love Trivial Pursuit. Saturday night Dona, Ashley, Brooke, Kirk, and I played it till the "wee hours" of the morning.(I just wanted to say "wee hours".)
It's only Tuesday, but I'm really looking forward to next weekend. It seems like forever since I've been in Taylor. Plus I really miss Joe.
Here's my thought for the day. How many people, on Memorial Day, actually made an effort to remember? I know I struggled with it. We've set aside that day to remember those soldiers who died to help set us/keep us free. However, the one who died to set us truly free was no "soldier" in the secular sense. Let's strive to make EVERY day a "Memorial Day" to the ONE who died to give us ALL the opportunity to be free!
I remembered I still love Trivial Pursuit. Saturday night Dona, Ashley, Brooke, Kirk, and I played it till the "wee hours" of the morning.(I just wanted to say "wee hours".)
It's only Tuesday, but I'm really looking forward to next weekend. It seems like forever since I've been in Taylor. Plus I really miss Joe.
Here's my thought for the day. How many people, on Memorial Day, actually made an effort to remember? I know I struggled with it. We've set aside that day to remember those soldiers who died to help set us/keep us free. However, the one who died to set us truly free was no "soldier" in the secular sense. Let's strive to make EVERY day a "Memorial Day" to the ONE who died to give us ALL the opportunity to be free!
Thursday, May 26
And All God's People Say,
Amen.
The Blessings of Trials
Michael Youssef
Leading the Way
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…." James 1:2
If you are like most people, from time to time you find yourself in difficult trials. Those unwelcome moments of life you and I wish we could escape. In fact, that may describe your life today!
When these trials come, how do you respond? How do you respond when the hurt is real? How do you respond when you feel that the walls are closing in? How do you respond when things happen totally outside of your control? How do you respond?
Allow me to offer some sound biblical direction…and some words of encouragement. I want to show you how those trials can in fact be a tremendous blessing in your life.
The Right Perspective
Seeing life's trials as a blessing starts with having the right perspective. God's perspective.
That perspective is this: God allows trials in your life to help you grow up…to mature you in Him. In other words, you will never grow in your walk with Christ without trials. God uses them to be your teacher and to make you into the person He wants you to be.
If there was one person who knew trials it was the Apostle Paul. Can you imagine what it must have been like when he was shipwrecked for days? Here he was seeking to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the uttermost parts of the world, and yet he was shipwrecked and in the water for days.
Why didn't God stop the shipwreck? He could have, but why didn't He?
Because, if He had, Paul would have never become the man and leader God intended! Paul became the great man of God by experiencing these trials and testing. Ultimately, God knew (and knows!) what He's doing.
Now here's the lesson for you and me. You and I must trust God! He knows what He's doing with your life and mine. The sovereign God knows what is necessary for us to experience in our lives and how much to permit in order to mature us.
It really is amazing that the moment we fall into a trial that is out of our own control we begin to beg God, "God get me out of this! God what's wrong? God if you'll just take this problem, Lord, I'll be fine!"
What we never stop to consider is what God might be doing…trying to change you and me, not the circumstances! He may (and He will) change the circumstances, but meanwhile He wants to teach you and me a lesson. And you'll miss out on the blessing by constantly begging Him to change the circumstance and not giving Him a chance to speak to us!
Our Responsibility
So what is our responsibility in the process of trial and testing? James tells us in James 1:4 that "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
How do you do that? James 1:4-12 gives us a pretty clear direction.
1. Don't rebel against your circumstances. Allow the testing process to be brought to completion so that you may receive the maximum benefit of God's teaching.
2. Ask for wisdom. I want to tell you, believer, you have a secret code to a safe that is full of tremendous resources. And the resources go totally unused by so many Christians. That "safe" is God's wisdom.
God's wisdom is perhaps the greatest tool for your spiritual growth! God's wisdom is the defogger for our fuzzy lenses. And when you ask the Lord for wisdom…when you pray for wisdom…you are opening yourself up to learn about God's overall purpose and plan. You are beginning to see God's big picture!
3. Rejoice in the midst of your trials. James 1:12 tells us we can truly rejoice in the midst of trials. Why? Because the victories are already won! Our victories are in Jesus and He already won the victory. That's why you and I can claim the victory. Regardless of your circumstances, you already have the victory. The battle is won!
Friend, I don't know what trial you may be going through today, but I want to challenge you to embrace it as God's design to bring you to full maturity in Him. Thank Him today what He is doing in your life, and for the blessing of your trial.
The Blessings of Trials
Michael Youssef
Leading the Way
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…." James 1:2
If you are like most people, from time to time you find yourself in difficult trials. Those unwelcome moments of life you and I wish we could escape. In fact, that may describe your life today!
When these trials come, how do you respond? How do you respond when the hurt is real? How do you respond when you feel that the walls are closing in? How do you respond when things happen totally outside of your control? How do you respond?
Allow me to offer some sound biblical direction…and some words of encouragement. I want to show you how those trials can in fact be a tremendous blessing in your life.
The Right Perspective
Seeing life's trials as a blessing starts with having the right perspective. God's perspective.
That perspective is this: God allows trials in your life to help you grow up…to mature you in Him. In other words, you will never grow in your walk with Christ without trials. God uses them to be your teacher and to make you into the person He wants you to be.
If there was one person who knew trials it was the Apostle Paul. Can you imagine what it must have been like when he was shipwrecked for days? Here he was seeking to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the uttermost parts of the world, and yet he was shipwrecked and in the water for days.
Why didn't God stop the shipwreck? He could have, but why didn't He?
Because, if He had, Paul would have never become the man and leader God intended! Paul became the great man of God by experiencing these trials and testing. Ultimately, God knew (and knows!) what He's doing.
Now here's the lesson for you and me. You and I must trust God! He knows what He's doing with your life and mine. The sovereign God knows what is necessary for us to experience in our lives and how much to permit in order to mature us.
It really is amazing that the moment we fall into a trial that is out of our own control we begin to beg God, "God get me out of this! God what's wrong? God if you'll just take this problem, Lord, I'll be fine!"
What we never stop to consider is what God might be doing…trying to change you and me, not the circumstances! He may (and He will) change the circumstances, but meanwhile He wants to teach you and me a lesson. And you'll miss out on the blessing by constantly begging Him to change the circumstance and not giving Him a chance to speak to us!
Our Responsibility
So what is our responsibility in the process of trial and testing? James tells us in James 1:4 that "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
How do you do that? James 1:4-12 gives us a pretty clear direction.
1. Don't rebel against your circumstances. Allow the testing process to be brought to completion so that you may receive the maximum benefit of God's teaching.
2. Ask for wisdom. I want to tell you, believer, you have a secret code to a safe that is full of tremendous resources. And the resources go totally unused by so many Christians. That "safe" is God's wisdom.
God's wisdom is perhaps the greatest tool for your spiritual growth! God's wisdom is the defogger for our fuzzy lenses. And when you ask the Lord for wisdom…when you pray for wisdom…you are opening yourself up to learn about God's overall purpose and plan. You are beginning to see God's big picture!
3. Rejoice in the midst of your trials. James 1:12 tells us we can truly rejoice in the midst of trials. Why? Because the victories are already won! Our victories are in Jesus and He already won the victory. That's why you and I can claim the victory. Regardless of your circumstances, you already have the victory. The battle is won!
Friend, I don't know what trial you may be going through today, but I want to challenge you to embrace it as God's design to bring you to full maturity in Him. Thank Him today what He is doing in your life, and for the blessing of your trial.
Thanks to you!
I want to thank everyone who reads my blog and posts constructive comments. I had the highest number of hits yesterday that I've ever had, and between Tuesday and Wednesday absolutely shattered the previous two day high. :)
Wednesday 25th May 2005: Hits = 236
Tuesday 24th May 2005: Hits = 202
Wednesday 11th May 2005: Hits = 151
Tuesday 10th May 2005: Hits = 200
My prayer is that, although this blog isn't always serious, you will find some spiritual encouragement from it. I know it's an encouragement to me when people leave comments. I draw strength from knowing that I can share my thoughts and experiences with others in the hopes that we can all grow in the knowledge and truth of Christ. May God Bless you all for caring enough to read what I post! :)
Wednesday 25th May 2005: Hits = 236
Tuesday 24th May 2005: Hits = 202
Wednesday 11th May 2005: Hits = 151
Tuesday 10th May 2005: Hits = 200
My prayer is that, although this blog isn't always serious, you will find some spiritual encouragement from it. I know it's an encouragement to me when people leave comments. I draw strength from knowing that I can share my thoughts and experiences with others in the hopes that we can all grow in the knowledge and truth of Christ. May God Bless you all for caring enough to read what I post! :)
Riddle Answer
Here's a riddle I posted yesterday:
General Gasslefield, accused of high treason, is sentenced to death by the court-martial. He is allowed to make a final statement, after which he will be shot if the statement is false or will be hung if the statement is true. Gasslefield makes his final statement and is released.
The Question: What could he have said?
The answer is:
The general's last statement is, "I will be shot." If they take this statement to be true they'll hang him, making the statement false which means they should've shot him, which would make the statement true meaning they should hang him...etc. He got off on a technicallity.
Congratulations go to Britni Gudeman, Sarah Hodel, and Jake Leman.
General Gasslefield, accused of high treason, is sentenced to death by the court-martial. He is allowed to make a final statement, after which he will be shot if the statement is false or will be hung if the statement is true. Gasslefield makes his final statement and is released.
The Question: What could he have said?
The answer is:
The general's last statement is, "I will be shot." If they take this statement to be true they'll hang him, making the statement false which means they should've shot him, which would make the statement true meaning they should hang him...etc. He got off on a technicallity.
Congratulations go to Britni Gudeman, Sarah Hodel, and Jake Leman.
Wednesday, May 25
How?
How do you change the world?
One life at a time.
Change a Childs Life
Take some time. Click the link. Look around. Remember, we're not here for our gain, we're here to serve. Don't use the excuse that you don't have the opportunities. They surround us.
Randall Goodgame wrote a song about a woman he met who was touched by Compassion International
From the Author:
For this one, the song tells the story. The mother of Los Hermanos told us her story while we were all standing up in her little dirt floor cinderblock house. She began and ended her speech by saying that above all else, she was most thankful for knowing God. Not His blessings, or what God had done for her family, but God himself. In His presence, and in the assurance of His love, she found peace. That affected all of us... Her sons play Ecuadorian folk music, so it seemed appropriate to write a simple folk song about her.
Other Notes:
Four of the five Tugulinago brothers were sponsored through Compassion International.
Cuy is perhaps better known in the United States as a guinea pig
Lyrics
I did not catch her name
I did not catch her tears
But they hit me like a train
When her story hit my ears
Mother of eight sons
Father off to war
Got no home address
Just bricks on a dirt floor
And she said, "Jesus is all I need"
Tiny plot of land
Corn stored up in piles
The years it doesn't rain
They just stay hungry for a while
With no fatted calf to kill
She made a feast of cuy and corn and said
Who else knew my name before
The day that I was born
Jesus is all I need
Jesus is all I need
And she bragged about her boys
And how they're growing into men
And how the learned to praise the Lord
Old style Ecuadorian
But to buy the new guitar
We had to sell the swine
See my boys go to school on a foreign angel's dime
This world calls me poor
I bore my babies on this floor
But He always provides
Sure as the sun will rise
So I sing Him songs of praise
'Cause I know He keeps me in His gaze
Rain fell from the sky
We raced back to the van
Tears in the eyes
Of this poor forgetful man
Mother of eight sons
She knows the peace of God
Lord, help me learn to lean on
Thy staff and Thy rod
Jesus is all I need
Jesus is all I need
Jesus is all I need
Jesus is all I need
One life at a time.
Change a Childs Life
Take some time. Click the link. Look around. Remember, we're not here for our gain, we're here to serve. Don't use the excuse that you don't have the opportunities. They surround us.
Randall Goodgame wrote a song about a woman he met who was touched by Compassion International
From the Author:
For this one, the song tells the story. The mother of Los Hermanos told us her story while we were all standing up in her little dirt floor cinderblock house. She began and ended her speech by saying that above all else, she was most thankful for knowing God. Not His blessings, or what God had done for her family, but God himself. In His presence, and in the assurance of His love, she found peace. That affected all of us... Her sons play Ecuadorian folk music, so it seemed appropriate to write a simple folk song about her.
Other Notes:
Four of the five Tugulinago brothers were sponsored through Compassion International.
Cuy is perhaps better known in the United States as a guinea pig
Lyrics
I did not catch her name
I did not catch her tears
But they hit me like a train
When her story hit my ears
Mother of eight sons
Father off to war
Got no home address
Just bricks on a dirt floor
And she said, "Jesus is all I need"
Tiny plot of land
Corn stored up in piles
The years it doesn't rain
They just stay hungry for a while
With no fatted calf to kill
She made a feast of cuy and corn and said
Who else knew my name before
The day that I was born
Jesus is all I need
Jesus is all I need
And she bragged about her boys
And how they're growing into men
And how the learned to praise the Lord
Old style Ecuadorian
But to buy the new guitar
We had to sell the swine
See my boys go to school on a foreign angel's dime
This world calls me poor
I bore my babies on this floor
But He always provides
Sure as the sun will rise
So I sing Him songs of praise
'Cause I know He keeps me in His gaze
Rain fell from the sky
We raced back to the van
Tears in the eyes
Of this poor forgetful man
Mother of eight sons
She knows the peace of God
Lord, help me learn to lean on
Thy staff and Thy rod
Jesus is all I need
Jesus is all I need
Jesus is all I need
Jesus is all I need
Riddle
General Gasslefield, accused of high treason, is sentenced to death by the court-martial. He is allowed to make a final statement, after which he will be shot if the statement is false or will be hung if the statement is true. Gasslefield makes his final statement and is released.
The Question: What could he have said?
The Question: What could he have said?
Tuesday, May 24
Words
Temperance: self-control (the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, esp. his sensual appetites)
Greek word used three times in the New Testament
Patience: steadfastness, constancy, endurance in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings
a patient, steadfast waiting for
a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance
Greek word used 31 times in the New Testament
Longsuffering: patience, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs
Greek word used 14 times in the new testament. Twice it was translated as patience.
The two times that longsuffering is translated as patience is how I thought of patience.
The definition I thought of when I heard "patience" was more similar to temperance. Patience is more of a determination thing than I thought it was. Running the race with patience makes more sense in this light. Hebrews 12:1
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 is good definition of temperance.
Greek word used three times in the New Testament
Patience: steadfastness, constancy, endurance in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings
a patient, steadfast waiting for
a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance
Greek word used 31 times in the New Testament
Longsuffering: patience, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs
Greek word used 14 times in the new testament. Twice it was translated as patience.
The two times that longsuffering is translated as patience is how I thought of patience.
The definition I thought of when I heard "patience" was more similar to temperance. Patience is more of a determination thing than I thought it was. Running the race with patience makes more sense in this light. Hebrews 12:1
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 is good definition of temperance.
It's one of them
I'm having one of those days were I just don't want to be productive.
I want to go walk by a stream, maybe find a nice place to sit and play guitar, maybe even roll up my pants and wade.
I want to be with friends.
I want to talk to someone who knows me well enough that I don't have to talk.
I want to go fishing. I don't care if I catch anything or not, I just want to fish.
I'm listening to Randall Goodgame right now. I like this stuff. The song that's on right now is "The Wind" from his "Hmynal" album. It fits my mood nicely. I like it when music does that. Emotions are wierd things, ya know?
Does anyone else feel like playing baseball right now?
I want to go walk by a stream, maybe find a nice place to sit and play guitar, maybe even roll up my pants and wade.
I want to be with friends.
I want to talk to someone who knows me well enough that I don't have to talk.
I want to go fishing. I don't care if I catch anything or not, I just want to fish.
I'm listening to Randall Goodgame right now. I like this stuff. The song that's on right now is "The Wind" from his "Hmynal" album. It fits my mood nicely. I like it when music does that. Emotions are wierd things, ya know?
Does anyone else feel like playing baseball right now?
Monday, May 23
Weekend Update
Friday night was a Washington Young Group Bible Study. Justin Cook prepared it. The focus was on "Wrestling with God". We studied Jacob. It's interesting to compare and contrast Jacob's life before he wrestles with God to after he wrestles with God.
Saturday afternoon I went to Starved Rock State Park with Gerbs, Prather, Todd Stoller, Jason Stoller, Todd May, Lexi Hahn, Janel Blunier, and Lindsay Graham. It was a good time. After we hiked around a bit and watched Prather slip and fall in the mud, we played wiffle (sp?) ball! It was a good time had by all.
Sunday was Kristin's graduation. (my niece) A few of my nieces took my camera at the reception, and I got a bunch of really goofy movies and pictures of the night from them. Pretty amusing. Here's a few photos of the weekend.
Kristin with her Grandma and Grandpa (my mom and dad)
posted by Luke
adorable?
posted by Luke
Kristin and Phil
posted by Luke
Saturday afternoon I went to Starved Rock State Park with Gerbs, Prather, Todd Stoller, Jason Stoller, Todd May, Lexi Hahn, Janel Blunier, and Lindsay Graham. It was a good time. After we hiked around a bit and watched Prather slip and fall in the mud, we played wiffle (sp?) ball! It was a good time had by all.
Sunday was Kristin's graduation. (my niece) A few of my nieces took my camera at the reception, and I got a bunch of really goofy movies and pictures of the night from them. Pretty amusing. Here's a few photos of the weekend.
Kristin with her Grandma and Grandpa (my mom and dad)
posted by Luke
adorable?
posted by Luke
Kristin and Phil
posted by Luke
Nature
The Beauty of God's creation touches me like few things can. Nature's majesty is inexplicable. Even pictures have a hard time, and we all know how many words they're worth right? Oh how beautiful heaven must be!!
Beautiful overlook.
posted by Luke
Beautiful overlook.
posted by Luke
Friday, May 20
worth a penny?
Now that it's summer ISU bible studies happen on the third Thursday of everymonth until school starts up again. Dennis Kaufman from Bloomington did the study last night on "Loving the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength".
Have you ever thought about that? What's that mean? When you read it do you understand that it means your everything, or do you read it and try to rationalize that something you do doesn't fit into one of those categories?
We were encouraged to not have the heart of "doing the minimum" but to have the heart that longs to serve God better everyday. To have an attitude of striving for perfection. The Word is so clear that we are to be Christ-like. It takes a lifelong commitment.
I press toward the mark for the prize in the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!
I press (action) toward the mark (conformity to Christ) for the prize (eternal life!)...
Let's press on together brothers and sisters. If you haven't started your walk with Christ yet, today is a great day to start!! :)
Have you ever thought about that? What's that mean? When you read it do you understand that it means your everything, or do you read it and try to rationalize that something you do doesn't fit into one of those categories?
We were encouraged to not have the heart of "doing the minimum" but to have the heart that longs to serve God better everyday. To have an attitude of striving for perfection. The Word is so clear that we are to be Christ-like. It takes a lifelong commitment.
I press toward the mark for the prize in the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!
I press (action) toward the mark (conformity to Christ) for the prize (eternal life!)...
Let's press on together brothers and sisters. If you haven't started your walk with Christ yet, today is a great day to start!! :)
Wednesday, May 18
Business Trip
I left Monday evening around 5:00pm and headed up to Chicago. I spent the night at the Doubletree. As I was sitting in bed eating calamari and drinking a coke, I felt more than a little guilty. Who am I to indulge in such luxury? Does being blessed with the ability to be an engineer who had the opportunity to go to college make me "worth" the luxuries I have? Why do I get to sit on a king size bed with 5 pillows when there are people all over the world who have never even seen a pillow. Perspectives can become so skewed when we are not exposed to people in different circumstances than us. Let us, as Christians, never forget that we do not "deserve" the physical circumstances that most of us live in and are surrounded by. May we always be mindful that there are many who are suffering, and let that realization affect our life choices. Let us store up our treasures in heaven by living a Christ-centered life here on earth!
Monday, May 16
Full
Does anyone elses heart every just feel full. That's the only way I know to describe it. I feel that my words and my actions so often fall so short of expressing what's in my heart.
To all my friends who overlook my faults and can see the "who-I-want-to-be" inside of me, Thank you. I love you all so much. May God bless you for being the support I so often need.
To all my friends who overlook my faults and can see the "who-I-want-to-be" inside of me, Thank you. I love you all so much. May God bless you for being the support I so often need.
Sunday, May 15
Andy & Jenna's Wedding Wknd
Wow, what a blessing. I got to witness the holy matrimony of two of my dear friends this weekend. How blessed we are as a church to have a faith that these two are married truly until death do them part. A three fold chord is not lightly broken. I have the utmost confidence that God will be the center of their union as husband and wife. May God bless them richly.
I had a great weekend with tons of memories made. It is such a huge blessing to have the friends I have with the faith I have. Where our common bond is not our backgrounds, but our futures, our faith, and our Lord. You all are such a huge blessing and encouragement to me. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being my support. I love you all so much. May you continue to seek God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Friends are a Blessing!
posted by Luke
Don't worry, it's Root Beer
posted by Luke
Jenna when we're playin' Euchre
posted by Luke
Wow...whatta Grin!
posted by Luke
Da Bride! (she expects a perfect husband). *wink*
posted by Luke
Brooke's Senior Picture.....what?
posted by Luke
I had a great weekend with tons of memories made. It is such a huge blessing to have the friends I have with the faith I have. Where our common bond is not our backgrounds, but our futures, our faith, and our Lord. You all are such a huge blessing and encouragement to me. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being my support. I love you all so much. May you continue to seek God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Friends are a Blessing!
posted by Luke
Don't worry, it's Root Beer
posted by Luke
Jenna when we're playin' Euchre
posted by Luke
Wow...whatta Grin!
posted by Luke
Da Bride! (she expects a perfect husband). *wink*
posted by Luke
Brooke's Senior Picture.....what?
posted by Luke
Friday, May 13
Picture Time!
Here are a bunch of pictures of my friends. (some of whom I hope are still friends after seeing what I posted.) I realize that I do not have ALL my friends on here...lack of time. I need to go to work. :) If you want details on any of these friends of mine, just let me know and I'll be glad to work with ya. ;) If you leave a comment about a specific picture make sure we know which one you're talking about! Enjoy.
Aaron.....man.....what happened to your hair?
posted by Luke
Magg's, Dona, & Tasha...three people I DEFINITELY don't see enough.
posted by Luke
ma man Vinnie "the hammer" Francesi
posted by Luke
Hey Ash....nice hoodie
posted by Luke
Bling Blingin' Gerbs
posted by Luke
Bethany & Anna...winners in my book
posted by Luke
dude...what happened to your face?
posted by Luke
Jonny da Wales
posted by Luke
Anthony...smmooooove
posted by Luke
Kirk...yur da man.
posted by Luke
It's story time with Tommie kids!!
posted by Luke
Aaron.....man.....what happened to your hair?
posted by Luke
Magg's, Dona, & Tasha...three people I DEFINITELY don't see enough.
posted by Luke
ma man Vinnie "the hammer" Francesi
posted by Luke
Hey Ash....nice hoodie
posted by Luke
Bling Blingin' Gerbs
posted by Luke
Bethany & Anna...winners in my book
posted by Luke
dude...what happened to your face?
posted by Luke
Jonny da Wales
posted by Luke
Anthony...smmooooove
posted by Luke
Kirk...yur da man.
posted by Luke
It's story time with Tommie kids!!
posted by Luke
Thursday, May 12
Fruit
Fruit Bearer, Not Orchard Builder
Andrew Farmer
Sovereign Grace Ministries
One of my joys in pastoring single adults is learning secondhand how well they manage their asset of flexibility. I love to hear, "Did you know that so and so..." followed by a testimony, for example, of how some single brothers spent all morning shoveling snow from the walkways and driveways of single sisters in the church. Or how a group of single women have opened their home to anyone in the church who needs a place to hang out on a Sunday afternoon.These are just a couple of the ways single men and women in our church have learned to creatively manage the assets of their singleness for real impact.
Nothing reaches people like the aroma of the presence of God in our lives. I used to live in a house with many international students. Most of us were Christians, but we often had people living with us who were totally ignorant of Christianity. Keiko, a young Japanese woman, was among them. Keiko had never heard of Christ. She was in the United States alone, and knew no one but the folks in our house. She understood very little English and rarely had any meaningful conversation with the rest of us in the house.
Keiko thought all Americans were Christians. That was not good, because her experience with Americans was anything but Christian. "Christians" who had promised to house her if she came to the States never followed through. She had taken a job working for a "Christian," only to be harassed and eventually let go without pay. To top it all off, a woman who cleaned our house and claimed to be a Christian robbed her of the little money she had left. If anyone had reason to reject Christianity, it was Keiko.
Imagine my shock when she came up to me one day and announced in second-language English, "I have asked Jesus into my heart." I was blown away. "You can't," I thought, "I haven't told you how!" There was no earthly reason why she should have come to Christ. The only witness she had experienced taught her the opposite of what Christianity was about. I knew from her blank expressions during our house Bible studies that she hadn't gotten any usable information from us. Yet here she stood, clearly a changed woman. My desire to hear her story was not so much to rejoice with her as it was to figure out the mystery.
"Many people tell me they are Christian; they want to tell me about Jesus," she whispered through tears. "But here I meet Jesus, in you and your friends. I want people to meet Him in me."
The Scriptures tell us that we are letters from Christ, written with the Spirit of the Living God on the tablets of our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3-4). What a wonderful, encouraging picture! We don't simply deliver the message, somehow the message is printed in us for others to read. Paul describes us as the "aroma of Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:15) and as "jars of clay" (2 Corinthians 4:7) carrying the treasure of Christ.
How many times I get discouraged at my lack of motivation to serve, at my flirtatious friendship with the world, at the reality that my witness is more often bland than bold. Yet daily I am reminded that it is God at work in me and through me that matters. He is the vine; I am the branch. My job is to bear fruit, not to start my own little orchard.
Does this mean I just "let go and let God?" How could I? If God wants to work through me, I want to do all I can to cooperate with the process. Do I need to root out some worldly weeds? Get me a backhoe, and I'll dig up the whole field. Do I need to develop my tools? Teach me how. But mostly I want to draw close to my Jesus, to be more like him, to let his light be my light. I want the aroma of the smoke from God's fiery presence to envelop me. I want to smell like Jesus.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "He lives most and lives best who is the means of imparting spiritual life to others." We are the means, Jesus is the life. Let your single life be one rich in impact – a full life poured out in Christ, by Christ, and for Christ.
Andrew Farmer
Sovereign Grace Ministries
One of my joys in pastoring single adults is learning secondhand how well they manage their asset of flexibility. I love to hear, "Did you know that so and so..." followed by a testimony, for example, of how some single brothers spent all morning shoveling snow from the walkways and driveways of single sisters in the church. Or how a group of single women have opened their home to anyone in the church who needs a place to hang out on a Sunday afternoon.These are just a couple of the ways single men and women in our church have learned to creatively manage the assets of their singleness for real impact.
Nothing reaches people like the aroma of the presence of God in our lives. I used to live in a house with many international students. Most of us were Christians, but we often had people living with us who were totally ignorant of Christianity. Keiko, a young Japanese woman, was among them. Keiko had never heard of Christ. She was in the United States alone, and knew no one but the folks in our house. She understood very little English and rarely had any meaningful conversation with the rest of us in the house.
Keiko thought all Americans were Christians. That was not good, because her experience with Americans was anything but Christian. "Christians" who had promised to house her if she came to the States never followed through. She had taken a job working for a "Christian," only to be harassed and eventually let go without pay. To top it all off, a woman who cleaned our house and claimed to be a Christian robbed her of the little money she had left. If anyone had reason to reject Christianity, it was Keiko.
Imagine my shock when she came up to me one day and announced in second-language English, "I have asked Jesus into my heart." I was blown away. "You can't," I thought, "I haven't told you how!" There was no earthly reason why she should have come to Christ. The only witness she had experienced taught her the opposite of what Christianity was about. I knew from her blank expressions during our house Bible studies that she hadn't gotten any usable information from us. Yet here she stood, clearly a changed woman. My desire to hear her story was not so much to rejoice with her as it was to figure out the mystery.
"Many people tell me they are Christian; they want to tell me about Jesus," she whispered through tears. "But here I meet Jesus, in you and your friends. I want people to meet Him in me."
The Scriptures tell us that we are letters from Christ, written with the Spirit of the Living God on the tablets of our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3-4). What a wonderful, encouraging picture! We don't simply deliver the message, somehow the message is printed in us for others to read. Paul describes us as the "aroma of Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:15) and as "jars of clay" (2 Corinthians 4:7) carrying the treasure of Christ.
How many times I get discouraged at my lack of motivation to serve, at my flirtatious friendship with the world, at the reality that my witness is more often bland than bold. Yet daily I am reminded that it is God at work in me and through me that matters. He is the vine; I am the branch. My job is to bear fruit, not to start my own little orchard.
Does this mean I just "let go and let God?" How could I? If God wants to work through me, I want to do all I can to cooperate with the process. Do I need to root out some worldly weeds? Get me a backhoe, and I'll dig up the whole field. Do I need to develop my tools? Teach me how. But mostly I want to draw close to my Jesus, to be more like him, to let his light be my light. I want the aroma of the smoke from God's fiery presence to envelop me. I want to smell like Jesus.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "He lives most and lives best who is the means of imparting spiritual life to others." We are the means, Jesus is the life. Let your single life be one rich in impact – a full life poured out in Christ, by Christ, and for Christ.
Wednesday, May 11
A Challenge
Are you serving? Could you serve more? Should you serve more? Why aren't you serving more? What does it mean to be Christ-like?
Singled Out for Him: A Time to Serve Christ
Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Author
In 1 Corinthians 7, the Apostle Paul addresses those who are unmarried. His words are challenging and clearly spell out God's will for singles:
"But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord – how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world – how he may please his wife. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit ... And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction." – (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).
In the margin of my Bible I have written, "As a single woman, may I serve You, Jesus, with all my body and spirit." You see, no one who has been redeemed by Christ has the right to be footloose and fancy-free.
Singleness, whether for a few years or a lifetime, is not a time to be without responsibility but a time to serve Christ wholeheartedly and full time, regardless of our vocation.
The season of singleness is not a time in limbo, waiting for the right partner to come along so we can get on with our lives. Those years of singleness provide an incredible and unique opportunity to be devoted to Christ and His kingdom in a way that married men and women simply do not have the freedom to pursue.
Those of us who are single face a danger of becoming self-absorbed. Free from the constraints of family life, it is all too easy to become preoccupied with fulfilling our own social needs or consumed with our jobs or with making money.
Now, there's certainly nothing wrong with having friends or careers or making a living, but God is concerned about the heart motives of His children. Rather than devoting their lives to furthering the Kingdom of Christ, many Christian singles have been caught in the trap of self-seeking and self-fulfillment.
Contrary to what the world tells us, the greatest happiness is not to be found in getting our own needs met but in giving to meet the needs of others. The greatest position is not at the top of some corporate ladder but as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. The greatest prestige is not human recognition but the "well done, thou good and faithful servant" of our Master.
One of my former pastors challenged the members of his church to "go for broke with God." I like that. Tireless, reckless abandon to the will and work of God ought to characterize the Christian who is single.
Years ago, a Communist leader said, "We must train men and women who will devote to the revolution not merely their spare evenings, but the whole of their lives."
The cause of Christ is far greater than any social or political revolution. The idea of an eight-hour workday, with "the rest of the time for myself," ought to be foreign to the Christian single. Jesus deserves nothing less than the whole of our lives.
This does not mean that a single man or woman who is devoted to Christ never relaxes, takes a vacation, or has fun. It does mean that the whole of his life belongs to Christ and is devoted to pleasing Him.
The older I get, the more I find myself evaluating my activities, my hobbies, my use of leisure time-every aspect of my life – in light of the price they will bring in eternity.
From time to time, I sense the Lord directing me to cut back on, or eliminate altogether, certain legitimate activities that are robbing me of time to pursue Him and to make an eternal investment in the lives of people.
Henrietta Mears was a single woman of the past generation whose life and ministry challenged literally thousands of college students to devote "the whole of their lives" to Jesus Christ. As a teenager, I remember reading and being deeply stirred by a letter that Miss Mears had written years earlier, inviting college students to attend a "Briefing Conference."
She wrote, "I have come back from Europe and South America with an overwhelming sense of the crisis hour in which we live. The needs of the world are appalling. I believe that you are a young man of destiny, for who knows but that 'you have come into the kingdom for just such a time as this.' I believe God has made no mistake and that He has a plan for you in this hour.
"As never before God is calling for expendables. He is watching for men to match the mountains of opportunity; He is looking for youth who will say, 'I will face this hour and find my place in it, and if I perish, I perish.' We need men who will put God first.
" ... I would that we had young men driven along by a mighty vision of what God could do if only He possessed them. I believe young men of today are going to do things that will stagger this generation, but all this will pass. We must have young men to deal with things not of time, but of eternity."
Miss Mears had grasped the heart of the Apostle Paul's message to the Corinthians. She understood that we have not been put here on earth to be happy or to fulfill ourselves, but to love and serve the Lord Jesus with all our heart, strength, mind, and soul.
To be possessed by Him, to live our lives in the light of eternity, to be His willing bondservants-that is to fulfill the purpose for which we were created and to know the greatest possible joy in this life and the next.
Singled Out for Him: A Time to Serve Christ
Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Author
In 1 Corinthians 7, the Apostle Paul addresses those who are unmarried. His words are challenging and clearly spell out God's will for singles:
"But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord – how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world – how he may please his wife. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit ... And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction." – (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).
In the margin of my Bible I have written, "As a single woman, may I serve You, Jesus, with all my body and spirit." You see, no one who has been redeemed by Christ has the right to be footloose and fancy-free.
Singleness, whether for a few years or a lifetime, is not a time to be without responsibility but a time to serve Christ wholeheartedly and full time, regardless of our vocation.
The season of singleness is not a time in limbo, waiting for the right partner to come along so we can get on with our lives. Those years of singleness provide an incredible and unique opportunity to be devoted to Christ and His kingdom in a way that married men and women simply do not have the freedom to pursue.
Those of us who are single face a danger of becoming self-absorbed. Free from the constraints of family life, it is all too easy to become preoccupied with fulfilling our own social needs or consumed with our jobs or with making money.
Now, there's certainly nothing wrong with having friends or careers or making a living, but God is concerned about the heart motives of His children. Rather than devoting their lives to furthering the Kingdom of Christ, many Christian singles have been caught in the trap of self-seeking and self-fulfillment.
Contrary to what the world tells us, the greatest happiness is not to be found in getting our own needs met but in giving to meet the needs of others. The greatest position is not at the top of some corporate ladder but as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. The greatest prestige is not human recognition but the "well done, thou good and faithful servant" of our Master.
One of my former pastors challenged the members of his church to "go for broke with God." I like that. Tireless, reckless abandon to the will and work of God ought to characterize the Christian who is single.
Years ago, a Communist leader said, "We must train men and women who will devote to the revolution not merely their spare evenings, but the whole of their lives."
The cause of Christ is far greater than any social or political revolution. The idea of an eight-hour workday, with "the rest of the time for myself," ought to be foreign to the Christian single. Jesus deserves nothing less than the whole of our lives.
This does not mean that a single man or woman who is devoted to Christ never relaxes, takes a vacation, or has fun. It does mean that the whole of his life belongs to Christ and is devoted to pleasing Him.
The older I get, the more I find myself evaluating my activities, my hobbies, my use of leisure time-every aspect of my life – in light of the price they will bring in eternity.
From time to time, I sense the Lord directing me to cut back on, or eliminate altogether, certain legitimate activities that are robbing me of time to pursue Him and to make an eternal investment in the lives of people.
Henrietta Mears was a single woman of the past generation whose life and ministry challenged literally thousands of college students to devote "the whole of their lives" to Jesus Christ. As a teenager, I remember reading and being deeply stirred by a letter that Miss Mears had written years earlier, inviting college students to attend a "Briefing Conference."
She wrote, "I have come back from Europe and South America with an overwhelming sense of the crisis hour in which we live. The needs of the world are appalling. I believe that you are a young man of destiny, for who knows but that 'you have come into the kingdom for just such a time as this.' I believe God has made no mistake and that He has a plan for you in this hour.
"As never before God is calling for expendables. He is watching for men to match the mountains of opportunity; He is looking for youth who will say, 'I will face this hour and find my place in it, and if I perish, I perish.' We need men who will put God first.
" ... I would that we had young men driven along by a mighty vision of what God could do if only He possessed them. I believe young men of today are going to do things that will stagger this generation, but all this will pass. We must have young men to deal with things not of time, but of eternity."
Miss Mears had grasped the heart of the Apostle Paul's message to the Corinthians. She understood that we have not been put here on earth to be happy or to fulfill ourselves, but to love and serve the Lord Jesus with all our heart, strength, mind, and soul.
To be possessed by Him, to live our lives in the light of eternity, to be His willing bondservants-that is to fulfill the purpose for which we were created and to know the greatest possible joy in this life and the next.
After lunch
Ok...so I got done with lunch and didn't feel like diving back into AutoCAD to draw existing electrical work. :) I decided to post some pictures instead.
Now, for your viewing pleasure!
This is the motorcycle that my brother and I are fixing up for his kids.
posted by Luke
This is the bike I wish I could have....
posted by Luke
Not that this is my "perfect bike", but I DO like it, and it's not real expensive...hmm...now if only I can figure out how to not tell mom.
can I get an Amen?
posted by Luke
Tuesday, May 10
Love for real?
This was written for couples, but I see a lot that can apply to everyones daily life. Love is an ACTION not a feeling.
Godly Love in Marriage
Jay Sklar, Ph.D.
Two Becoming One
Many of us remember the hit song that began, “Hello, I love you, won’t you tell me your name?” But have you ever thought about the meaning of the words? In particular, what kind of “love” does the singer have for the one he beholds? Given the fact that he does not even know her name, and given the rest of the lyrics, it becomes very clear that his “love” is little more than a feeling based upon physical attraction and nothing else.
Naturally, it is easy to recognize that this type of “love” is very shallow. In fact, we probably can’t even really call it love. But it does lead us to an important question: what do we mean when we use the word “love”? When you tell your spouse, ‘I love you,’ what is it that you truly mean? Often we are referring to a feeling that we have for our spouse. Naturally, there is nothing wrong with this! But something is very wrong if we think of love only as a feeling. God’s understanding of love is very different.
God’s Definition of Love
God provides us with a definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13. As you read through these verses, note that godly love is not just a warm feeling for someone.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a).
This puts a whole new perspective on the meaning of the words, “I love you”!! Consider for a moment what this type of love looks like. “Honey, I love you. What I mean is I am patient and kind with you. I do not envy you, I do not boast in front of you, I am not proud before you. I am not rude to you, I seek your good and not my own, I am not easily angered by you, and I keep no record of your wrongs.” Wow! If only we could love like this all the time!
The Challenge of Godly Love
If we are honest, however, most of us will admit that this type of love is not always easy. Part of the reason for this is that we find it easier to be selfish than to be selfless. It is far easier for us to think about ourselves and our needs rather than the needs of those around us. When we live life in this way, however, those around us do not feel as though we truly love them. This is especially true when it comes to our spouses.
One of the primary characteristics of godly love, however, is that it is focused more upon others than upon ourselves. Did you notice verse 5 above? It says that love “is not self-seeking.” Indeed, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Of course, this is exactly the type of love that Jesus showed for us! And this is the type of love that we need to show to our spouses as well. How do we learn to love like this in our marriage?
Learning to Grow in Godly Love
There are no quick fixes to growing in godly love. Spiritual growth is much like physical growth: it’s a process that takes time. But just as physical growth is helped by solid nourishment, so too is spiritual growth. Here are two avenues that will provide some solid nourishment for our spiritual growth in love in marriage.
Getting to know Jesus – Jesus is the perfect model of selfless love. In Ephesians 5:25, husbands in particular are commanded to follow Jesus’ example as they seek to love their wives. If we would seek to love like Jesus, we need to be serious about getting to know Jesus more intimately. This happens through good fellowship with other Christians, reading God’s Word, and prayer. Again, this is not a “quick fix”. It is a process that takes time. But it will aid us greatly in learning to love with a godly love.
Relying upon the Holy Spirit – love is explicitly called a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). As a result, godly love is not something that we muster up in our own strength. Instead, it is something that God Himself empowers us to do by His Holy Spirit. This means that we need to look to God in repentance and faith on a day-by-day basis for the strength of His Holy Spirit.
Godly Love in Marriage
Jay Sklar, Ph.D.
Two Becoming One
Many of us remember the hit song that began, “Hello, I love you, won’t you tell me your name?” But have you ever thought about the meaning of the words? In particular, what kind of “love” does the singer have for the one he beholds? Given the fact that he does not even know her name, and given the rest of the lyrics, it becomes very clear that his “love” is little more than a feeling based upon physical attraction and nothing else.
Naturally, it is easy to recognize that this type of “love” is very shallow. In fact, we probably can’t even really call it love. But it does lead us to an important question: what do we mean when we use the word “love”? When you tell your spouse, ‘I love you,’ what is it that you truly mean? Often we are referring to a feeling that we have for our spouse. Naturally, there is nothing wrong with this! But something is very wrong if we think of love only as a feeling. God’s understanding of love is very different.
God’s Definition of Love
God provides us with a definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13. As you read through these verses, note that godly love is not just a warm feeling for someone.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a).
This puts a whole new perspective on the meaning of the words, “I love you”!! Consider for a moment what this type of love looks like. “Honey, I love you. What I mean is I am patient and kind with you. I do not envy you, I do not boast in front of you, I am not proud before you. I am not rude to you, I seek your good and not my own, I am not easily angered by you, and I keep no record of your wrongs.” Wow! If only we could love like this all the time!
The Challenge of Godly Love
If we are honest, however, most of us will admit that this type of love is not always easy. Part of the reason for this is that we find it easier to be selfish than to be selfless. It is far easier for us to think about ourselves and our needs rather than the needs of those around us. When we live life in this way, however, those around us do not feel as though we truly love them. This is especially true when it comes to our spouses.
One of the primary characteristics of godly love, however, is that it is focused more upon others than upon ourselves. Did you notice verse 5 above? It says that love “is not self-seeking.” Indeed, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Of course, this is exactly the type of love that Jesus showed for us! And this is the type of love that we need to show to our spouses as well. How do we learn to love like this in our marriage?
Learning to Grow in Godly Love
There are no quick fixes to growing in godly love. Spiritual growth is much like physical growth: it’s a process that takes time. But just as physical growth is helped by solid nourishment, so too is spiritual growth. Here are two avenues that will provide some solid nourishment for our spiritual growth in love in marriage.
Getting to know Jesus – Jesus is the perfect model of selfless love. In Ephesians 5:25, husbands in particular are commanded to follow Jesus’ example as they seek to love their wives. If we would seek to love like Jesus, we need to be serious about getting to know Jesus more intimately. This happens through good fellowship with other Christians, reading God’s Word, and prayer. Again, this is not a “quick fix”. It is a process that takes time. But it will aid us greatly in learning to love with a godly love.
Relying upon the Holy Spirit – love is explicitly called a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). As a result, godly love is not something that we muster up in our own strength. Instead, it is something that God Himself empowers us to do by His Holy Spirit. This means that we need to look to God in repentance and faith on a day-by-day basis for the strength of His Holy Spirit.
Monday, May 9
Anyone Else?
Does anyone else marvel at how fast Satan can strike at our hearts and minds. How one minute you can be focused on Christ and His might and the next minute you do or say something you shouldn't have...or don't do/say something you should have. Yeah, I just had one of those times. It's frustrating, but it also makes me so incredibly thankful that Christ is interceding for me to God. If He wasn't, I wouldn't stand a chance, poor pathetic wretch that I am when compared to His Holiness. Sometimes, when I'm feeling really strong spiritually, it's almost like, in the back of my mind, I can hear satan snickering. Like he's saying, "yeah...you just wait...". Frustrating. Thank God for the grace to fight on another day. Keep fighting with me brothers and sisters, and if you haven't started your fight yet, now's a great day to start!
Start the Cycle We Call the Week
I had another blessed weekend. I got to play baseball with a bunch of kids Sunday afternoon. That was a blessing. There were probably 20 kids ranging from 3-14yrs old. I got to be all time catcher. Fun Stuff. I pitched a couple innings too. I love baseball. All the kids did exceptionally well at getting along. No one kept score, and no one struck out. Even more impressive is no one had a bad attitude when someone was up to bat for a long time and kept missing the ball. I was proud of how all the kids played.
So, I'm at work on this Monday morning, and I have no "work". I've been reading Christian articles on the web for awhile this morning, and I came acrossed the following article. I really appreciated its challenge. I hope you do to. If you're not right where you want to be, then make this week the week you begin your new quest to seek God in all His Glory!!
PAY ATTENTION
By Dr. James MacDonald
Now therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation. Hebrews 2:1-2
The Christian life is not a destination; it’s a journey. While it began at a point in time when you came to the cross, it most certainly doesn’t stop there. Are you moving ahead into all the great things that God has for you?
One of the primary messages of the book of Hebrews is, “Keep up—don’t fall behind.” The author repeatedly warns believers in Christ Jesus to keep our relationship with God current. Don’t let your heart get hard, or cold, or calloused to the things of Christ but press on to what’s ahead. Hebrews 2:1 urges:
“Now therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.”
When you came to Christ you made some promises to God, right? How are you doing with them? Don’t drift away from the most important thing in your life. Here are some penetrating questions to keep your relationship with God moving ahead:
Does my life give evidence of a person truly redeemed by the Son of God?
Does my faith endure in hard times as well as good times?
Does my life reflect a growing pattern of righteousness?
Do I have an increasing hunger for God’s Word and a passion for God’s kingdom?
Is my love increasing for God and His people?
You say, “I don’t want to drift away. What can I do?” Perfect question! Your answer is in verse 1: “Therefore we must pay close attention.” What a great wake-up call! “Pay attention—this matters!” If you think you might be drifting away a little bit—come back! If you’ve been caught up in other things and lost sight of your primary purpose—come back to the Lord.
In the most loving way I know how, I urge you to stay on course. If it’s been several days . . . or weeks since you knelt in humility before the Lord with your life open before him, get on your knees right now. Review the five questions above. Ask the Lord to show you the areas of your heart that need a fresh touch from him and a recommitment from you.
So, I'm at work on this Monday morning, and I have no "work". I've been reading Christian articles on the web for awhile this morning, and I came acrossed the following article. I really appreciated its challenge. I hope you do to. If you're not right where you want to be, then make this week the week you begin your new quest to seek God in all His Glory!!
PAY ATTENTION
By Dr. James MacDonald
Now therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation. Hebrews 2:1-2
The Christian life is not a destination; it’s a journey. While it began at a point in time when you came to the cross, it most certainly doesn’t stop there. Are you moving ahead into all the great things that God has for you?
One of the primary messages of the book of Hebrews is, “Keep up—don’t fall behind.” The author repeatedly warns believers in Christ Jesus to keep our relationship with God current. Don’t let your heart get hard, or cold, or calloused to the things of Christ but press on to what’s ahead. Hebrews 2:1 urges:
“Now therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.”
When you came to Christ you made some promises to God, right? How are you doing with them? Don’t drift away from the most important thing in your life. Here are some penetrating questions to keep your relationship with God moving ahead:
Does my life give evidence of a person truly redeemed by the Son of God?
Does my faith endure in hard times as well as good times?
Does my life reflect a growing pattern of righteousness?
Do I have an increasing hunger for God’s Word and a passion for God’s kingdom?
Is my love increasing for God and His people?
You say, “I don’t want to drift away. What can I do?” Perfect question! Your answer is in verse 1: “Therefore we must pay close attention.” What a great wake-up call! “Pay attention—this matters!” If you think you might be drifting away a little bit—come back! If you’ve been caught up in other things and lost sight of your primary purpose—come back to the Lord.
In the most loving way I know how, I urge you to stay on course. If it’s been several days . . . or weeks since you knelt in humility before the Lord with your life open before him, get on your knees right now. Review the five questions above. Ask the Lord to show you the areas of your heart that need a fresh touch from him and a recommitment from you.
Thursday, May 5
Truth
Wow people. This week has been absolutely amazing. I have had a hunger for the truths of the Word that has been overwhelming. Between friends who are challenging me on issues (in a good way), and a mentor who is full of wisdom and is on fire for Christ, I have just been lifted up in a way that I never remember being before. When I read, the words seem to leap off the page at me. If you can't tell, I'm really at a loss for words as to how to describe this.
This morning I read John 8:30-36. Vs. 31&32 read:
...for if you continue in my Word, then are you my disciples indeed. 32 And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.
That set me on fire! His Word folks, that's where freedom is found. Not in your preacher, not in your church, not in your family, although those can all be wonderful blessings, it's in the WORD! The Word which we have readily available. We are so blessed.
I looked up "continue" in the Strongs and two of the definitions struck me.
1. to be held, kept, continually
2. to remain as one, not to become another or different
If we remain "as one" with the Word...if we strive to "not become different" than the Word...if we are "held, kept" by the Word we will be set free!
Are you obedient to Truth or are you obedient to emotions and to men?
Blessed are those which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.
Do you "hunger and thirst"? If not, why not? Start today brothers and sisters. Open your Bible and read it for Truth! Not because you "should", or because you "have to", but because of the desire of the Christian to be filled with righteousness, and to have true freedom from sin!!
Another short side note. I notice since I've been blogging. That the vast majority of comments that are left on my blog are to the light-hearted posts. While I have no problem with anyone leaving light-hearted comments, I would encourage you to leave your spiritual comments too. For we are all members one another. We are all here to edify and build up each other and teach each other. May we all strive together toward that glorious goal!
This morning I read John 8:30-36. Vs. 31&32 read:
...for if you continue in my Word, then are you my disciples indeed. 32 And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.
That set me on fire! His Word folks, that's where freedom is found. Not in your preacher, not in your church, not in your family, although those can all be wonderful blessings, it's in the WORD! The Word which we have readily available. We are so blessed.
I looked up "continue" in the Strongs and two of the definitions struck me.
1. to be held, kept, continually
2. to remain as one, not to become another or different
If we remain "as one" with the Word...if we strive to "not become different" than the Word...if we are "held, kept" by the Word we will be set free!
Are you obedient to Truth or are you obedient to emotions and to men?
Blessed are those which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.
Do you "hunger and thirst"? If not, why not? Start today brothers and sisters. Open your Bible and read it for Truth! Not because you "should", or because you "have to", but because of the desire of the Christian to be filled with righteousness, and to have true freedom from sin!!
Another short side note. I notice since I've been blogging. That the vast majority of comments that are left on my blog are to the light-hearted posts. While I have no problem with anyone leaving light-hearted comments, I would encourage you to leave your spiritual comments too. For we are all members one another. We are all here to edify and build up each other and teach each other. May we all strive together toward that glorious goal!
Monday, May 2
Mini Cooper...why?...what are YOU looking at?
For all you fans of the Mini Cooper.......yeah....
posted by Luke
Grape Face
Dang Joe...this is a pretty unflattering picture...Too bad you don't have a blog anymore, so you can't post unflattering pictures of me. :)
posted by Luke
Yeah, who all remembers this night. Crazy good times. What was the most? 23? Wow.
ME
It's ME!
posted by Luke
yeah, pretty much the only reason I even posted this is so I could use the URL in my profile.
Monday
For all who care about such things, Les Miserable was great. It's a very soul moving musical.
Saturday I got to sleep in! First time in a LONG time. After lunch I went to my brothers and we started to clean out the gas tank on the motorcycle that we've been fixing up. Then around 3:00 we took his kids and went to some land we have down by the Mackinaw River and went mushroom hunting. We didn't find anything, but it was the first time I had seen our land down there, and it was fun being in the woods.
Saturday night I was at Blake Knapps for a Bible study with the ICC/Bradley group, and a few others thrown in that were not ICC/Bradley. I got to talk to Kellen Kirchner for awhile. I'm excited for the K-State group that he's going out there. I really hope things work out well for him.
Sunday I was in Washington ALL DAY. First time in a LONG time that's happened. It was a blessing. I'm already really starting to love that church. I had a lazy Sunday afternoon. Read a magazine. Ate popcorn. Played guitar. My sister Sandy and her husband Tim and their kids came over around 6:30 or so. We just sat around and talked. That was a blessing.
Well, there was another run down of my weekend.
I was challenged Sunday by a friend to "look for little gifts that God gives you during the week. Little 'evidences' that He's there, lollipops from God, if you will." So that's my goal this week...is to be watching for God in my everyday life and not get caught up in my "routine".
Saturday I got to sleep in! First time in a LONG time. After lunch I went to my brothers and we started to clean out the gas tank on the motorcycle that we've been fixing up. Then around 3:00 we took his kids and went to some land we have down by the Mackinaw River and went mushroom hunting. We didn't find anything, but it was the first time I had seen our land down there, and it was fun being in the woods.
Saturday night I was at Blake Knapps for a Bible study with the ICC/Bradley group, and a few others thrown in that were not ICC/Bradley. I got to talk to Kellen Kirchner for awhile. I'm excited for the K-State group that he's going out there. I really hope things work out well for him.
Sunday I was in Washington ALL DAY. First time in a LONG time that's happened. It was a blessing. I'm already really starting to love that church. I had a lazy Sunday afternoon. Read a magazine. Ate popcorn. Played guitar. My sister Sandy and her husband Tim and their kids came over around 6:30 or so. We just sat around and talked. That was a blessing.
Well, there was another run down of my weekend.
I was challenged Sunday by a friend to "look for little gifts that God gives you during the week. Little 'evidences' that He's there, lollipops from God, if you will." So that's my goal this week...is to be watching for God in my everyday life and not get caught up in my "routine".
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