Well today was a snow day, without any snow. It was so nice to get a chance to just chill and get recharged after a week (really more than) of illness and then the week at work from (well you know where).
Sorry I'm a little behind on my reading. I got caught up today, but won't be putting it up. I'm ready for the week. I've got a chance to really get involved in the political system. I've got jury duty this week. Then I'm off with the church.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
January 5
Today's Reading Passage:
Genesis 9-10
Psalm 5
Proverbs 1:10-14
Matthew 4-5:12
Today's Point to Ponder:
Have you ever been falsely accused of something you didn't do/say? How do you react? Do you start running your mouth, drink, or something worse? There's only one real solution. Turn it over to Him! Who else knows better than what it means to be blamed for something you didn't do?
Genesis 9-10
Psalm 5
Proverbs 1:10-14
Matthew 4-5:12
Today's Point to Ponder:
Have you ever been falsely accused of something you didn't do/say? How do you react? Do you start running your mouth, drink, or something worse? There's only one real solution. Turn it over to Him! Who else knows better than what it means to be blamed for something you didn't do?
Monday, January 4, 2010
January 4
Today's Reading Passages:
Genesis 7-9
Psalm 3:1-8
Proverbs 1:8-9
Matthew 4:1-20
Today's Point to Ponder:
Many say that when Christ was tempted it was all in His own head and that the Devil isn't real. To quote (I don't know the original source) "the biggest victory for the Devil is that he's convinced people he doesn't exist." I'm of the belief that if I believe in God and Christ, why wouldn't the devil be real? His methods may have evolved with society, but the true nature of evil is still there. We've all heard "work smarter, not harder," that's exactly what the Devil's doing. Shoot, the Internet does half of his work for him.
Genesis 7-9
Psalm 3:1-8
Proverbs 1:8-9
Matthew 4:1-20
Today's Point to Ponder:
Many say that when Christ was tempted it was all in His own head and that the Devil isn't real. To quote (I don't know the original source) "the biggest victory for the Devil is that he's convinced people he doesn't exist." I'm of the belief that if I believe in God and Christ, why wouldn't the devil be real? His methods may have evolved with society, but the true nature of evil is still there. We've all heard "work smarter, not harder," that's exactly what the Devil's doing. Shoot, the Internet does half of his work for him.
January 3
Sorry for being a day late.
Today's Reading Passages:
Genesis 5-6
Psalm 2:7-12
Proverbs 1:7
Matthew 3:1-17
Today's Point to Ponder:
We have to except and understand (though hard) that God is really three beings in one, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.
Today's Reading Passages:
Genesis 5-6
Psalm 2:7-12
Proverbs 1:7
Matthew 3:1-17
Today's Point to Ponder:
We have to except and understand (though hard) that God is really three beings in one, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.
The Owner's Manual for Christians - Chapter 5 God's Will
This was a longer chapter, but still a very good one. It got me thinking about what truly is "God's Will."
God's Will has two parts the decretive (sovereign, determined, immutable) and permissive (what He allows)
God's decretive will is running its course precisely as arranged as designed. Often when things happen we ask "why?" Stop doing that! It often doesn't matter why. The fact is it was god ordained and that should be good enough for us (yes, even life's tragedies). This will has four qualities: 1) it is absolute, 2) it is unchangeable (immutable), 3) it is unconditional, and 4) it is always in complete harmony with His nature.
God's permissive will is most adequately represented in the book of Job. He allows things to happen to see us grow. James 1 tells us "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." That sums it up for me.
Back in the olden days (Noah, Moses, etc), God was known to either speak directly to them or used miracles. Today we don't have the same type of communication because of one very important tool, the Bible. Hello folks, how much more clear can God's words be? Do you really expect Him to call you on your cell? It's all there in black, white, and red.
In order to be sure you can follow God's will you have to have the following:
1)You must be a Christian.
2) You must be wise.
3) You must really want to do the will of God.
4) You must be willing to pray and wait.
5) Following the will of God means you must be willing to give up your creature comforts.
So, How does God lead today?
1) God leads through His written word.
2) God leads us through the inner prompting of the Holy Spirit.
3) God leads us through the council of the wise, qualified, trustworthy people.
4) God leads us into His will by giving us an inner assurance of peace.
Before you can move on (or follow on) with this study, you have to answer two questions as honestly as you can.
1) What makes risk so difficult for you?
2) Are you willing to make a major change in you life - assuming that it's the Lord's will?
I can honestly say I have two answer for number one. I don't like not knowing what's gonna happen and I certainly don't like giving up control. You may have noticed a verse at the top of my homepage, it's my verse of the year. I'm working on the control thing. I have to come to terms with the fact I can't always control stuff. I am just going to do what I can and say "all right, the rest's up to you." As for the second question, I think I am. So I guess that means no, because I'm not certain. But I ask, "who is/was absolutely certain?"
God's Will has two parts the decretive (sovereign, determined, immutable) and permissive (what He allows)
God's decretive will is running its course precisely as arranged as designed. Often when things happen we ask "why?" Stop doing that! It often doesn't matter why. The fact is it was god ordained and that should be good enough for us (yes, even life's tragedies). This will has four qualities: 1) it is absolute, 2) it is unchangeable (immutable), 3) it is unconditional, and 4) it is always in complete harmony with His nature.
God's permissive will is most adequately represented in the book of Job. He allows things to happen to see us grow. James 1 tells us "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." That sums it up for me.
Back in the olden days (Noah, Moses, etc), God was known to either speak directly to them or used miracles. Today we don't have the same type of communication because of one very important tool, the Bible. Hello folks, how much more clear can God's words be? Do you really expect Him to call you on your cell? It's all there in black, white, and red.
In order to be sure you can follow God's will you have to have the following:
1)You must be a Christian.
2) You must be wise.
3) You must really want to do the will of God.
4) You must be willing to pray and wait.
5) Following the will of God means you must be willing to give up your creature comforts.
So, How does God lead today?
1) God leads through His written word.
2) God leads us through the inner prompting of the Holy Spirit.
3) God leads us through the council of the wise, qualified, trustworthy people.
4) God leads us into His will by giving us an inner assurance of peace.
Before you can move on (or follow on) with this study, you have to answer two questions as honestly as you can.
1) What makes risk so difficult for you?
2) Are you willing to make a major change in you life - assuming that it's the Lord's will?
I can honestly say I have two answer for number one. I don't like not knowing what's gonna happen and I certainly don't like giving up control. You may have noticed a verse at the top of my homepage, it's my verse of the year. I'm working on the control thing. I have to come to terms with the fact I can't always control stuff. I am just going to do what I can and say "all right, the rest's up to you." As for the second question, I think I am. So I guess that means no, because I'm not certain. But I ask, "who is/was absolutely certain?"
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Work
Well tomorrow's the first day back on the job after vacation. It's gonna be tough, but I think I can handle it. The real test is going to be keeping up with my reading and my new schedule.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
January 2
Today's Reading Passages:
Genesis 3-4:26
Psalm 2:1-6
Proverbs 1:5-6
Matthew 2
Today's Point to Ponder:
God's wrath is as necessary as God's love.
Genesis 3-4:26
Psalm 2:1-6
Proverbs 1:5-6
Matthew 2
Today's Point to Ponder:
God's wrath is as necessary as God's love.
Friday, January 1, 2010
January 1
Today's Reading Passages:
Genesis 1-2:25
Psalm 1:1-16
Proverbs 1:1-4
Matthew 1:1-25
Today's Point to Ponder:
When a local bookshop manager was asked, "What are the best-selling books?" He replied those that help improve self-image, family finances, and inner healing.
This is a very self-absorbed way that gives us the idea that the most important thing in life is knowing ourselves better. It isn't. the most important thing in life is knowing God better.
It's not by accident that the Bible opens with the thunderous acclaim: "In the beginning God." I tell you with all the conviction of which I am capable: if God is not our primary focus, then everything else will soon get out of focus.
- Selwyn Hughes
Genesis 1-2:25
Psalm 1:1-16
Proverbs 1:1-4
Matthew 1:1-25
Today's Point to Ponder:
When a local bookshop manager was asked, "What are the best-selling books?" He replied those that help improve self-image, family finances, and inner healing.
This is a very self-absorbed way that gives us the idea that the most important thing in life is knowing ourselves better. It isn't. the most important thing in life is knowing God better.
It's not by accident that the Bible opens with the thunderous acclaim: "In the beginning God." I tell you with all the conviction of which I am capable: if God is not our primary focus, then everything else will soon get out of focus.
- Selwyn Hughes
The Owner's Manual for Christians - Chapter 4 Fellowship and Friendship
This chapter was all about having those really close to you. In short there are the three types of friendships, listed below.
First, there are a still a few Timothys left on earth. when God sends a timothy into our lives, He expects us to relate to him. it is often the beginning of an intimate friendship, rarely experienced in our day of superficial companionship. With a Timothy, you won't have to force a friendship; it will flow. Nor will you find yourself dreading the relationship; it will be rewarding. When a Timothy comes along, don't hesitate . . . relate.
Second, there may be a modern-day Epaphroditus who comes to your assistance or your rescue. When God sends an Epaphroditus to minister to us, He expects us to respect him. This is the type of person who reaches out when he has nothing to gain and perhaps much to lose . . . who gambles on your behalf for no other reason than love. His or her action is an act of grace. Don't question it or try to repay it or make attempts to bargain for it. Just accept it. Grace extended in love is to be accepted with gratitude. The best response to an Epaphroditus? Respect.
Third, His name is Jesus Christ. Since god sent Christ to take away our sins and bring us to heaven. he expects us to receive Him. If invaluable, let me assure you that neither can compare as a substitute for Jesus. With nail-scarred hands He reaches out to you and waits for you to reach back in faith. I tell you without a moment's hesitation, there is no one you will ever meet, no friend you will ever make, who can do for you what Jesus can do. No one else can change your inner heart. No one else can turn your entire life around. No one else can remove not only your sins but the guilt and shame that are part of that whole ugly package. And now that the two of you have been introduced, only one response is appropriate. Only one. Receive.
First, there are a still a few Timothys left on earth. when God sends a timothy into our lives, He expects us to relate to him. it is often the beginning of an intimate friendship, rarely experienced in our day of superficial companionship. With a Timothy, you won't have to force a friendship; it will flow. Nor will you find yourself dreading the relationship; it will be rewarding. When a Timothy comes along, don't hesitate . . . relate.
Second, there may be a modern-day Epaphroditus who comes to your assistance or your rescue. When God sends an Epaphroditus to minister to us, He expects us to respect him. This is the type of person who reaches out when he has nothing to gain and perhaps much to lose . . . who gambles on your behalf for no other reason than love. His or her action is an act of grace. Don't question it or try to repay it or make attempts to bargain for it. Just accept it. Grace extended in love is to be accepted with gratitude. The best response to an Epaphroditus? Respect.
Third, His name is Jesus Christ. Since god sent Christ to take away our sins and bring us to heaven. he expects us to receive Him. If invaluable, let me assure you that neither can compare as a substitute for Jesus. With nail-scarred hands He reaches out to you and waits for you to reach back in faith. I tell you without a moment's hesitation, there is no one you will ever meet, no friend you will ever make, who can do for you what Jesus can do. No one else can change your inner heart. No one else can turn your entire life around. No one else can remove not only your sins but the guilt and shame that are part of that whole ugly package. And now that the two of you have been introduced, only one response is appropriate. Only one. Receive.
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