Every day God is faithful.
He doesn't get tired.
He is the Ancient of Days, but He's not growing weary.
His years never run out.
His mercies are new every morning.
His love never fails.
He is the same, yesterday, today and forever.
I could have just said, He's immutable........but this is more fun.
God is near.
He moved into our neighborhood.
He is closer that a brother.
He watches over me when I sleep.
He will never leave me or forsake me.
He is near to the brokenhearted and close to those who are crushed in spirit.
I draw close to Him, He draws close to me.
He said, "Remain in me and I will remain in you."
He said, "I am the vine, you are the branches." Wow!!! Now that is close.
I could have just said, He is Immanuel, God with Us......
but, this is more fun.
Some have said there is nothing God can't do.
Not true.
God can't do anything that is against His nature.
He cannot lie.
He is incapable of lying.
So I can trust everything He says is true.
His word is truth.
I can trust Him because He is good.
I can trust Him because He is wise.
I can trust Him because He has the power to deliver me.
I can trust Him because His reach goes beyond today into eternity.
I can trust Him because He already knows my weakness, yet loves me still.
I could have just said, He is trustworthy.........but this is more fun.
How Great is Our God?
Let's keep it going.
When we've been their ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun, we've no less days,
to sing God's praise, than when we've first begun.
Until the whole world hears,
Joe
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Photos For Jesus?
Yesterday morning I was reading about a really interesting ministry. This guy named Jeremy Cowart who lives out in Seattle decided that he wanted to make a difference with his photography skills and abilities. He started an event called 'Help-Portrait.' The event started in 2009 and it drew 10,000 photographers together to photograph homeless citizens, single mothers and their children, former inmates, etc. They took 42,000 portraits of people and for many of them it was the first time they had ever been photographed. What Jeremy discovered was that by simply giving a single mom and their kids a nice, professional family portrait it breathed a little bit of dignity and hope into their life. Another powerful result of this event was the opportunity these people and the photographers had to hear about each other's journeys and life stories as they were hanging out together in the studio.
I was reminded of a passage in Romans 12:5-9a that says, 'so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hipocrisy (without pretending)...' I love this passage because it makes it clear that we have all been given a unique set of gifts. This passage also makes it clear that there are way more gifts in the body of Christ than just preaching a sermon or singing a praise song. Every gift and ability that you have can be dedicated to Christ and used to pour out compassion in unique ways to a hope-starved world around you. The question before us today is will we simply sit on those gifts and use them for our own gain and benefit or will we be creative like Jeremy Cowart and use our gifts to make a difference in the lives of the people around us?
In Christ,
Brian
I was reminded of a passage in Romans 12:5-9a that says, 'so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hipocrisy (without pretending)...' I love this passage because it makes it clear that we have all been given a unique set of gifts. This passage also makes it clear that there are way more gifts in the body of Christ than just preaching a sermon or singing a praise song. Every gift and ability that you have can be dedicated to Christ and used to pour out compassion in unique ways to a hope-starved world around you. The question before us today is will we simply sit on those gifts and use them for our own gain and benefit or will we be creative like Jeremy Cowart and use our gifts to make a difference in the lives of the people around us?
In Christ,
Brian
Monday, February 27, 2012
How Great Is Our God?
Why did I place a question mark? Is it because I question God's greatness?
No. It's because I want us to think about it. About Him.
So if you were asked. what is so great about God, how would you answer?
I'm going to try to avoid one word descriptions and move more toward short sentences.
He made the stars.
He made the earth.
He made the earth, so it would support life.
He made us.
He made me.
He made my wife.
He made my children.
He made my granddaughter. (Had to get that in)
I could have just said Creator, but it's more fun to make a list.
He made food.
He was the first tailor.
He designed all the flowers. Roses, lilies, daisies, bluebonnets, gladiolas, and.....
He made trees, Oaks, pines, redwoods, maples, birch, weeping willows and...
He made birds. Eagles, Robins, finches, doves, swallows, bluebirds, blackbirds, herons and....
and every living thing.
I could have just said provider, master designer, but this is more fun
He knows every thought, of every person, for all of time.
He knows when I get up. He knows when I sit down.
He knows the number of hairs on my head.
(OK, that is an increasingly easy number to find)
He know the number of my days.
He knows the good works I will do, and He even prepared them before I was born.
He know the number and name of every star.
I could have just said He is Omniscient, but this is more fun
He understands me.
He is patient with me.
He is considers me of great worth.
He paid for my sins.
He adopted me into His family.
He has built me a home.
He gave me a full time counselor.
He gave me unique gifts and abilities.
He gave me a unique personality. (I heard that Amen)
He loves me.
I could have just said, Father, Saviour, Redeemer, but this is more fun.
He's so great..........I'm just gettin started.
Feel free to jump in and help me with my list.
To be continued,
Joe
No. It's because I want us to think about it. About Him.
So if you were asked. what is so great about God, how would you answer?
I'm going to try to avoid one word descriptions and move more toward short sentences.
He made the stars.
He made the earth.
He made the earth, so it would support life.
He made us.
He made me.
He made my wife.
He made my children.
He made my granddaughter. (Had to get that in)
I could have just said Creator, but it's more fun to make a list.
He made food.
He was the first tailor.
He designed all the flowers. Roses, lilies, daisies, bluebonnets, gladiolas, and.....
He made trees, Oaks, pines, redwoods, maples, birch, weeping willows and...
He made birds. Eagles, Robins, finches, doves, swallows, bluebirds, blackbirds, herons and....
and every living thing.
I could have just said provider, master designer, but this is more fun
He knows every thought, of every person, for all of time.
He knows when I get up. He knows when I sit down.
He knows the number of hairs on my head.
(OK, that is an increasingly easy number to find)
He know the number of my days.
He knows the good works I will do, and He even prepared them before I was born.
He know the number and name of every star.
I could have just said He is Omniscient, but this is more fun
He understands me.
He is patient with me.
He is considers me of great worth.
He paid for my sins.
He adopted me into His family.
He has built me a home.
He gave me a full time counselor.
He gave me unique gifts and abilities.
He gave me a unique personality. (I heard that Amen)
He loves me.
I could have just said, Father, Saviour, Redeemer, but this is more fun.
He's so great..........I'm just gettin started.
Feel free to jump in and help me with my list.
To be continued,
Joe
Friday, February 24, 2012
Betrayed By His Friend.
Yesterday morning I read these verses out of Luke 22, "59 About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." 60 Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." Can you imagine the deep wound of betrayal that Jesus felt when Peter denied even knowing him. From this Scripture we gather that Jesus actually heard Peter's cold and callous denial of his friend and Messiah and in that moment was close enough to Peter to lock eyes with him.
Think of all they had been through together. There was the time when Jesus told him to cast his net on the other side and the nets were overflowing with fish. There was the time when Peter dared to walk on water out to Jesus and eventually fell into his arms. There was the time near a rocky cave where Peter first confessed that Jesus was truly the Messiah, the Son of God. So many life-changing moments with this man....way more than he could possibly count. And in a series of 3 conversations he completely denied and disowned the same one he had followed for three years. So not only did Jesus endure the horrific physical pain of the cross and scourging, but the emotional pain of betrayal was equally grueling. In that moment his most faithful and trusted man turns his back on Him. Then God the Father in those few dark hours would have to forsake His one and only Son and now punish Him with His full wrath for all of sin. Wow the intensity and wonder of that old rugged cross. We have truly been bought with an inestimable price. Thank You and praise You God for what You have done for us!
in Christ,
Brian
Think of all they had been through together. There was the time when Jesus told him to cast his net on the other side and the nets were overflowing with fish. There was the time when Peter dared to walk on water out to Jesus and eventually fell into his arms. There was the time near a rocky cave where Peter first confessed that Jesus was truly the Messiah, the Son of God. So many life-changing moments with this man....way more than he could possibly count. And in a series of 3 conversations he completely denied and disowned the same one he had followed for three years. So not only did Jesus endure the horrific physical pain of the cross and scourging, but the emotional pain of betrayal was equally grueling. In that moment his most faithful and trusted man turns his back on Him. Then God the Father in those few dark hours would have to forsake His one and only Son and now punish Him with His full wrath for all of sin. Wow the intensity and wonder of that old rugged cross. We have truly been bought with an inestimable price. Thank You and praise You God for what You have done for us!
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Making Molehills out of Mountains.
So, today I learned about the "24 Hour Rule" from a woman in my bible study.
Her rule is that whenever something happens, someone says something rude or unfavorable, she waits 24 hours before she confronts the person directly. This was an interesting trick she had learned from a sports couch that they used for parents who might be upset that their child hadn't gotten to play as much as they would have liked or whatnot.
If you're anything like me you want everyone to be held accountable for every single thing they do...everything they do that negatively effects me, that is. Social justice will prevail!
But is that really social justice all of the time or am I just making a mountain out of a molehill?
1 Corinthians 13: 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
If we really have the love of our Father in us we will discover that a lot of the things that make us irritated don't stand up to the 24 hour rule. Many times I find myself realizing that those things I focused so intently on really didn't matter in the grand scheme of things.
Psalm 119: 165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
There is a peace that comes in delighting in the Lord's law, an overwhelming peace.
What peace
What peace for those
Whose confidence is Him alone!
But our actions begin with the very thoughts that we have so we have to retrain our minds to be patient and wait for the Lord and His guidance.
2 Corinthians 10: 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Our thoughts can run rampant, but we can take them captive.
Making molehills out of mountains
Hailey
Her rule is that whenever something happens, someone says something rude or unfavorable, she waits 24 hours before she confronts the person directly. This was an interesting trick she had learned from a sports couch that they used for parents who might be upset that their child hadn't gotten to play as much as they would have liked or whatnot.
If you're anything like me you want everyone to be held accountable for every single thing they do...everything they do that negatively effects me, that is. Social justice will prevail!
But is that really social justice all of the time or am I just making a mountain out of a molehill?
1 Corinthians 13: 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
If we really have the love of our Father in us we will discover that a lot of the things that make us irritated don't stand up to the 24 hour rule. Many times I find myself realizing that those things I focused so intently on really didn't matter in the grand scheme of things.
Psalm 119: 165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
There is a peace that comes in delighting in the Lord's law, an overwhelming peace.
What peace
What peace for those
Whose confidence is Him alone!
But our actions begin with the very thoughts that we have so we have to retrain our minds to be patient and wait for the Lord and His guidance.
2 Corinthians 10: 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Our thoughts can run rampant, but we can take them captive.
Making molehills out of mountains
Hailey
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
These Are Some of the Best Days of My Life.
Today, I lead a time of worship and singing at the "Goodtimers" luncheon.
For those who don't know, that is the name of our Seniors group at StoneBridge.
I've always had a special bond with the people in this group.
Well today, even though I've not quite met the age requirement for the group, they made me an official member.
Why? Because of our new granddaughter.
I guess once you're a granddad, you're in.
So I said these could be the best days of my life.
Well, in addition to the many blessings of family and friends and being able to serve in a great church like StoneBridge, I feel a real contentment that I've never really experienced.
I have spent much of my life striving. Some of the striving was positive and good.
But some of the striving came out of insecurity and a lack of contentment.
While I still have a ways to go, I am much more content than I have been in the past.
When it comes to fulfilling God's purpose, I feel I have more and more clarity on what that means for me.
I am much less concerned about being a legend, and much more concerned about leaving a legacy.
Two verses capture much of my hope and prayer.
Psalms 71:18
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your might to all who are to come.
Acts 13:36
“For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep.......
I am so thrilled to be in a place where we are actively sharing ministry across generations. Every Sunday we have people serving in the church representing every decade from teens to seniors.
I am looking forward to continuing to serve God's purpose in my own generation and to actively mentor and equip the next generation, as they discover God's greatness in their lives and share Christ's love.
Good days.........really good days,
Joe
For those who don't know, that is the name of our Seniors group at StoneBridge.
I've always had a special bond with the people in this group.
Well today, even though I've not quite met the age requirement for the group, they made me an official member.
Why? Because of our new granddaughter.
I guess once you're a granddad, you're in.
So I said these could be the best days of my life.
Well, in addition to the many blessings of family and friends and being able to serve in a great church like StoneBridge, I feel a real contentment that I've never really experienced.
I have spent much of my life striving. Some of the striving was positive and good.
But some of the striving came out of insecurity and a lack of contentment.
While I still have a ways to go, I am much more content than I have been in the past.
When it comes to fulfilling God's purpose, I feel I have more and more clarity on what that means for me.
I am much less concerned about being a legend, and much more concerned about leaving a legacy.
Two verses capture much of my hope and prayer.
Psalms 71:18
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your might to all who are to come.
Acts 13:36
“For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep.......
I am so thrilled to be in a place where we are actively sharing ministry across generations. Every Sunday we have people serving in the church representing every decade from teens to seniors.
I am looking forward to continuing to serve God's purpose in my own generation and to actively mentor and equip the next generation, as they discover God's greatness in their lives and share Christ's love.
Good days.........really good days,
Joe
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Which Voice Will You Believe?
I am a morning person. Going to sleep has never been a problem for me. Usually by about 9:00 PM my body is ready to call it quits. I often combat this process with a chemical known as caffeine to try and stay awake and hang out with my wife or do stuff around the house. Usually in the early hours of the morning my body starts to wake up and often my mind is filled with all kinds of racing thoughts. Yesterday morning those thoughts were heavy with guilt and reminders about all the ways I had let people down the day before. These thoughts progressed from pointing out the things I did or said to then thinking how I was worthless or a horrible person as a result of those things. How do we handle those attacks in our minds? I think we have to recognize the difference between satanic accusations and the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
In Revelation 12:10 it says, 'Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, "It has come at last--salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth--the one who accuses them before our God day and night.' So based on this Scripture Satan accuses the night owl and the morning person in their mind every day. He tries to take our mess ups and mistakes and drive them deep and make accusations about our worth and standing with God. We must reject those thoughts and renew our mind in truth when those attacks come. In 2 Corinthians 7:10 it says, 'For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.' God wants us to be sorrowful when we sin and mess up. He wants us to repent, change our course or way of thinking, say I'm sorry to Him and the person we offended and then come to Him for restoration. So let's be prepared when those thoughts come our way and let's choose to believe God's words over the words of the devil today!
in Christ,
Brian
In Revelation 12:10 it says, 'Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, "It has come at last--salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth--the one who accuses them before our God day and night.' So based on this Scripture Satan accuses the night owl and the morning person in their mind every day. He tries to take our mess ups and mistakes and drive them deep and make accusations about our worth and standing with God. We must reject those thoughts and renew our mind in truth when those attacks come. In 2 Corinthians 7:10 it says, 'For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.' God wants us to be sorrowful when we sin and mess up. He wants us to repent, change our course or way of thinking, say I'm sorry to Him and the person we offended and then come to Him for restoration. So let's be prepared when those thoughts come our way and let's choose to believe God's words over the words of the devil today!
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, February 20, 2012
It's Personal.
I know God loved the whole world, but.....
I loved Pastor Steve's message about how God's love for us is personal.
It gives John 3:16 so much more meaning.
"For God so loved (your name here) that He gave His only Son that if (your name here) believes in Him, (your name here) not perish, but will have everlasting life.
I hope you inserted your name.
Because if it isn't personal, it isn't love.
Love is never impersonal. It can't be.
I read two quotes today that really emphasized this truth.
The first by John Ortberg. He said, "God is a hand crafter, not a mass producer."
I love that. It speaks to God's creativity and our uniqueness.
Second, was by Billy Graham. He said, "Christ not only died for all: He died for each."
When I think of the cross and realize that Jesus would have died for just one.......
I am undone.
That kind of love is beyond my comprehension.
No surprise, that the Love of God is beyond my mind's ability to comprehend.
Ephesians 3:18-19
18 (you) may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge –that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Hope you are as overwhelmed as I am right now,
Joe
I loved Pastor Steve's message about how God's love for us is personal.
It gives John 3:16 so much more meaning.
"For God so loved (your name here) that He gave His only Son that if (your name here) believes in Him, (your name here) not perish, but will have everlasting life.
I hope you inserted your name.
Because if it isn't personal, it isn't love.
Love is never impersonal. It can't be.
I read two quotes today that really emphasized this truth.
The first by John Ortberg. He said, "God is a hand crafter, not a mass producer."
I love that. It speaks to God's creativity and our uniqueness.
Second, was by Billy Graham. He said, "Christ not only died for all: He died for each."
When I think of the cross and realize that Jesus would have died for just one.......
I am undone.
That kind of love is beyond my comprehension.
No surprise, that the Love of God is beyond my mind's ability to comprehend.
Ephesians 3:18-19
18 (you) may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge –that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Hope you are as overwhelmed as I am right now,
Joe
Friday, February 17, 2012
We Need Each Other.
Getting together with other Christians is essential to growing in the Christian life. Occasionlly, I run across people who claim that they are a Christian but they don't belong to a local church. Their church experience consists of sitting on their couch and watching Lakewood once a week. Church is often reduced to attending a service that includes about 25 minutes of music and 35 minutes of a message. Hebrews 10:24-25 says '24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.'
'Encourage' literally means 'to put in courage'. So when we encourage someone we are depositing courage into their life. This is so vital because throughout our day we are constantly being 'discouraged' where courage is being taken away from us. I know for me, the more isolated I am from other believers, the easier it is to become self-absorbed and comfort-seeking. When I get around other Christians who are passionate about following Christ, I am re-energized and re-focused on my mission to 'go and make disciples of all the nations.' In the same way there are other believers who need my words and presence in their life to help spur them on and be bold for Christ. So, I challenge you to step up your level of engagement with other believers by joining a Bible study or small group. Maybe, you are part of one, but not really opening up to anyone or participating. Find another Christian that you can come alongside and run the race with and find courage to stand boldly for Jesus today.
in Christ,
Brian
'Encourage' literally means 'to put in courage'. So when we encourage someone we are depositing courage into their life. This is so vital because throughout our day we are constantly being 'discouraged' where courage is being taken away from us. I know for me, the more isolated I am from other believers, the easier it is to become self-absorbed and comfort-seeking. When I get around other Christians who are passionate about following Christ, I am re-energized and re-focused on my mission to 'go and make disciples of all the nations.' In the same way there are other believers who need my words and presence in their life to help spur them on and be bold for Christ. So, I challenge you to step up your level of engagement with other believers by joining a Bible study or small group. Maybe, you are part of one, but not really opening up to anyone or participating. Find another Christian that you can come alongside and run the race with and find courage to stand boldly for Jesus today.
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Rooftops.
This week we are introducing a new song by Jesus Culture called Rooftops. It's a great song that talks about how God's love and his grace were given freely to us, about how His love and HIs sacrifice bring the person singing this song to their knees. When we realize what an awesome love that is we just can't help but shout it from the rooftops, to declare His love so everyone can hear.
Rooftops
Here I am before you
Falling in love and seeking your truth
Knowing that your perfect grace
Has brought me to this place
Because of you I freely live
My life to you, oh God, I give
So I stand before You God
I lift my voice because you set me free
So I shout out Your name from the rooftops I proclaim
That I am Yours, I am Yours
All the good You've done for me
I lift up my hands for all to see
You're the only one
Who brings me to my knees
To share this love across the earth
The beauty of Your Holy Word
So I kneel before You God
I lift my hands because you set me free
So I shout out your name from the rooftops I proclaim
That I am Yours, I am Yours
All that I am I place into Your loving hands
And I am Yours, I am Yours
Here I am, I stand with arms wide open
To the one, the Son, the everlasting God
Here I am, I stand with arms wide open
To the one, the Son, the everlasting God
1 I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2
Hailey
Rooftops
Here I am before you
Falling in love and seeking your truth
Knowing that your perfect grace
Has brought me to this place
Because of you I freely live
My life to you, oh God, I give
So I stand before You God
I lift my voice because you set me free
So I shout out Your name from the rooftops I proclaim
That I am Yours, I am Yours
All the good You've done for me
I lift up my hands for all to see
You're the only one
Who brings me to my knees
To share this love across the earth
The beauty of Your Holy Word
So I kneel before You God
I lift my hands because you set me free
So I shout out your name from the rooftops I proclaim
That I am Yours, I am Yours
All that I am I place into Your loving hands
And I am Yours, I am Yours
Here I am, I stand with arms wide open
To the one, the Son, the everlasting God
Here I am, I stand with arms wide open
To the one, the Son, the everlasting God
1 I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2
Hailey
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Love Is A Verb.
I have heard people say, " I love Jesus, but I have a hard time loving people. "
We love or don't love much more because of who we are,
than the worthiness of who we are loving.
If my first and greatest love is Christ, then I am becoming:
More patient,
More kind,
Less envious,
Less boastful,
Less proud,
Less rude,
Less self-seeking,
Slower to anger,
Quicker to forgive,
Celebrating the Good, finding joy in truth,
Self sacrificing,
More trustful,
More hopeful,
Less easily discouraged,
More than a conqueror through Christ.
Does that sound like a person who would struggle to love people? I think not.
The King of love my Saviour is!!!!!
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
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.
In Christ's Love
Joe
We love or don't love much more because of who we are,
than the worthiness of who we are loving.
If my first and greatest love is Christ, then I am becoming:
More patient,
More kind,
Less envious,
Less boastful,
Less proud,
Less rude,
Less self-seeking,
Slower to anger,
Quicker to forgive,
Celebrating the Good, finding joy in truth,
Self sacrificing,
More trustful,
More hopeful,
Less easily discouraged,
More than a conqueror through Christ.
Does that sound like a person who would struggle to love people? I think not.
The King of love my Saviour is!!!!!
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
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.
In Christ's Love
Joe
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Be a Baby...
Psalm 131 is this little Psalm of David that is only 3 verses. I love the simple message of this Psalm. This is also one of the Psalms that Jewish families would sing on their way to Jerusalem for one of the 3 annual feast pilgrimages. So it would have been very familiar, or in today's terms it was a definite top 40 worship song. It says, '1 A song for the ascent to Jerusalem. A psalm of David. LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me. 2 But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me. 3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD -- now and always.'
Here is David, a mighty warrior that was claimed to have slain tens of thousands in battle, challenging us to be like a little baby resting on his mothers chest. One thing that is definite about a little baby resting on his mother's chest is that he hasn't a care in the world. He is not stressed out about how the bills are going to get paid, what they're going to have for dinner, how they're going to coordinate their busy schedule, etc. He just simply rests and trusts in his mom and dad. This Psalm reminds us that God is God and we are not. There are personal responsiblities and loads that we are meant to carry and that God has entrusted to us. Let's do those well. There are also loads, worries and cares that are beyond our control and bigger than us. Let's trust God with those and rest like that little baby upon His chest.
in Christ,
Brian
Here is David, a mighty warrior that was claimed to have slain tens of thousands in battle, challenging us to be like a little baby resting on his mothers chest. One thing that is definite about a little baby resting on his mother's chest is that he hasn't a care in the world. He is not stressed out about how the bills are going to get paid, what they're going to have for dinner, how they're going to coordinate their busy schedule, etc. He just simply rests and trusts in his mom and dad. This Psalm reminds us that God is God and we are not. There are personal responsiblities and loads that we are meant to carry and that God has entrusted to us. Let's do those well. There are also loads, worries and cares that are beyond our control and bigger than us. Let's trust God with those and rest like that little baby upon His chest.
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, February 13, 2012
Witnessed Real Love Today.
So I was driving North on 45 this morning on the way to church, when I noticed the car in front of me slow down and then move to another lane.
I saw something in the road. At first I wasn't sure what it was, but then I could see it was two large geese walking across the highway.
I thought why don't they just fly out of harm's way, and then I saw why.
Between the two of them was a fuzzy little gosling. They were escorting the little one across the highway, intent on protecting their child from the 2000lb cars hurling along at speeds of 65 mph or better.
They did make it across as far, as I saw. And I was moved by there sacrificial act.
They could have easily flown to safety, but they gave up there power, so they might rescue and redeem one who couldn't just fly over the highway.
There was another who laid down His power, so that we might be rescued.
Philippians 2:5-8
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death –
even death on a cross!
Jesus also said "how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,.....
Real love, it's still being offered by the One who has the power to guarantee our rescue.
Sleeping well tonight,
Joe
I saw something in the road. At first I wasn't sure what it was, but then I could see it was two large geese walking across the highway.
I thought why don't they just fly out of harm's way, and then I saw why.
Between the two of them was a fuzzy little gosling. They were escorting the little one across the highway, intent on protecting their child from the 2000lb cars hurling along at speeds of 65 mph or better.
They did make it across as far, as I saw. And I was moved by there sacrificial act.
They could have easily flown to safety, but they gave up there power, so they might rescue and redeem one who couldn't just fly over the highway.
There was another who laid down His power, so that we might be rescued.
Philippians 2:5-8
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death –
even death on a cross!
Jesus also said "how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,.....
Real love, it's still being offered by the One who has the power to guarantee our rescue.
Sleeping well tonight,
Joe
Friday, February 10, 2012
Moment By Moment.
Everyday we are bombarded with lies from our culture that try and get us to buy a certain product or believe certain things that are contrary to God's truth. Worship has to become a daily, moment by moment experience that involves our heart, mind, soul and strength. A Jewish boy in the days of Jesus had to recite the 'Shema' multiple times a day. The 'Shema' included Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Deuteronomy 11:13-21 and Numbers 15:37-41. Each of these passages stresses the importance of remembering what God has done for us and allowing God and His Word to become a regular and frequent part of our conversation and thoughts throughout our day.
Deuteronomy 11:16-20 says, '16 Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. 17 Then the LORD’s anger will burn against you, and he will shut up the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the LORD is giving you. 18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates,'
Are you allowing God and His truth to permeate your conversations, your home, your time in the car, your conversation around the dinner table, and your thoughts during your free time? If not then the worldview of our culture will begin to steer the course of our life and we will be 'enticed to turn away and worship other gods' and seek to find our satisfaction in created things rather than in the Creator. Today, I challenge you to make more intentional choices to think and talk about God and what He has done for us through Christ.
Striving to be a moment by moment worshiper,
Brian
Deuteronomy 11:16-20 says, '16 Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. 17 Then the LORD’s anger will burn against you, and he will shut up the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the LORD is giving you. 18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates,'
Are you allowing God and His truth to permeate your conversations, your home, your time in the car, your conversation around the dinner table, and your thoughts during your free time? If not then the worldview of our culture will begin to steer the course of our life and we will be 'enticed to turn away and worship other gods' and seek to find our satisfaction in created things rather than in the Creator. Today, I challenge you to make more intentional choices to think and talk about God and what He has done for us through Christ.
Striving to be a moment by moment worshiper,
Brian
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Long Distance Relationship?
Long distance relationships can be difficult for the obvious reason that the physical separation from someone creates, what feels like, a spiritual separation and makes it more difficult to communicate daily, the foundation of a good and healthy relationship.
There are times when, because we can't physically see God, we feel like we are in a long distance relationship with Him. Luckily we aren't, we only fool ourselves into thinking that we are.
In Psalm 119 it says:
81My soul languishes for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.
The psalmist longs for the Lord through what feels like separation but he still has hope. Hope in the word of Christ that is with us right now, physically, and the word he hears from God in his times of need and persecution.
Later on in the psalm it says,
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.
Just that verse, to me, paints a picture of how grand and how personal Christ is. Generations: a plural entity that simultaneously represents a very finite point in time. A generation, my generation, your generation. But even more than that; ALL generations.
Like Pastor Steve taught about during our Bethlehem Effect series, God made a big difference by starting small.
God makes a big difference in our individual lives by starting small and having a personal relationship with all of us. We may feel, at times, like it's a long distance relationship. Sometimes we may "languish for your salvation" but we can rest assured that God is personal and intimate and longs to have a relationship with us individually as well as throughout all generations.
Sometimes the distance isn't really as far as we make it out to be.
Hailey
There are times when, because we can't physically see God, we feel like we are in a long distance relationship with Him. Luckily we aren't, we only fool ourselves into thinking that we are.
In Psalm 119 it says:
81My soul languishes for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.
The psalmist longs for the Lord through what feels like separation but he still has hope. Hope in the word of Christ that is with us right now, physically, and the word he hears from God in his times of need and persecution.
Later on in the psalm it says,
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.
Just that verse, to me, paints a picture of how grand and how personal Christ is. Generations: a plural entity that simultaneously represents a very finite point in time. A generation, my generation, your generation. But even more than that; ALL generations.
Like Pastor Steve taught about during our Bethlehem Effect series, God made a big difference by starting small.
God makes a big difference in our individual lives by starting small and having a personal relationship with all of us. We may feel, at times, like it's a long distance relationship. Sometimes we may "languish for your salvation" but we can rest assured that God is personal and intimate and longs to have a relationship with us individually as well as throughout all generations.
Sometimes the distance isn't really as far as we make it out to be.
Hailey
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Love Is Always Expensive.
Or perhaps I should say costly. When our hearts are given to someone, the potential for hurt is very high. It is the price we pay for love. When they hurt, we hurt. This past week has been full with people I love. In less than a week, I went through the birth of a granddaughter, the death and funeral of a close and longtime friend, and a quick ER visit with a family member. (Everything is okay)
In all of these circumstances, I was filled with deep emotion. Some of the emotions were quite joyful. But there were some that were very sad and painful. And it hurt. In a very real way. You know, like a weight on your chest kind of hurt. It's just the price we pay for love.
Jesus is like that. Jesus loved Lazarus. And when he grieved for his dear friend, the bible says Jesus wept. Greek scholars tell us that the word really was one of profound sadness and anger. He didn't just wipe away a tear. It was an anguished cry.
God is like that. Even when He knew humankind would hurt Him, and that His love for us would cost Him dearly, He created us anyway.
Love is like that.
1 Corinthians 13 (the love chapter) says, "Love bears all things , believes all things , hopes all things , endures all things. "
Yes. love is always expensive, but people are always worth the cost. That's what Jesus showed us.
So glad He paid the price of love.
From the heart,
Joe
In all of these circumstances, I was filled with deep emotion. Some of the emotions were quite joyful. But there were some that were very sad and painful. And it hurt. In a very real way. You know, like a weight on your chest kind of hurt. It's just the price we pay for love.
Jesus is like that. Jesus loved Lazarus. And when he grieved for his dear friend, the bible says Jesus wept. Greek scholars tell us that the word really was one of profound sadness and anger. He didn't just wipe away a tear. It was an anguished cry.
God is like that. Even when He knew humankind would hurt Him, and that His love for us would cost Him dearly, He created us anyway.
Love is like that.
1 Corinthians 13 (the love chapter) says, "Love bears all things , believes all things , hopes all things , endures all things. "
Yes. love is always expensive, but people are always worth the cost. That's what Jesus showed us.
So glad He paid the price of love.
From the heart,
Joe
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Chew Your Food Before You Swallow!
What a great message on Sunday from Steve! I think his challenge about making sure the right thing is plugged into us has been a great picture for all of us to contemplate. Truly Psalm 1 contains that awesome contrast of the tree firmly planted by streams of water versus the chaff blown around in the wind. I really have experienced that reality in my life. So many times I get caught up in chasing my worries or pursuing my own self-gratifying pleasures and my life feels like it's blowing around without purpose. Yet there is that security and quiet peace that overwhelms you when you are firmly planted in God's promises and provision. There can be a thunderstorm, a blizzard, a hurricane, or a drought and you can endure (like that tree) because of what is plugged into you (His Spirit and life-giving truth).
So what is our daily habit that ensures we are like the tree and not like the chaff? Psalm 1:2 says, 'But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.' As Steve said, meditation, is a key habit that we need to learn. Meditation is related to the idea of a cow chewing the cud. A cow chews and chews and chews to get every possible nutrient out of his food. When it comes to truth, I am often guilty of not even chewing but simply swallowing things whole. We can get tweeted and facebooked and podcasted and app'ed with lots of different stuff but we never really 'meditate' on any of it to let it really sink in. I want to challenge you to just simply take a verse or maybe a phrase from God's Word today and just mull it over in your mind and heart all day long. Maybe you can re-read Psalm 1 again and allow that picture to deeply sink in and impact you today!
in Christ,
Brian
So what is our daily habit that ensures we are like the tree and not like the chaff? Psalm 1:2 says, 'But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.' As Steve said, meditation, is a key habit that we need to learn. Meditation is related to the idea of a cow chewing the cud. A cow chews and chews and chews to get every possible nutrient out of his food. When it comes to truth, I am often guilty of not even chewing but simply swallowing things whole. We can get tweeted and facebooked and podcasted and app'ed with lots of different stuff but we never really 'meditate' on any of it to let it really sink in. I want to challenge you to just simply take a verse or maybe a phrase from God's Word today and just mull it over in your mind and heart all day long. Maybe you can re-read Psalm 1 again and allow that picture to deeply sink in and impact you today!
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, February 6, 2012
She's Here!!!
Our granddaughter Melody Ruth was born Friday morning. She weighed 7lbs and 11 oz and was 19 and 3/4 inches long. She and her Mom, Katy Ruth are doing very well. Jane and I are thrilled.
It was a miraculous time.
However, there were a few moments were we became a bit nervous. During that time, I read aloud a message our daughter had recently sent me.
It read, "Ha! Yes who is like our God??? He can so handle this, but I think the enemy is not excited about all our joy and hope and how the Lord is growing us all. He wants us to focus on anxiety and worry, not Jesus and His power, blessing and this miracle He is bringing."
So while we were being anxious for our daughter, she was encouraging us with her words. I never had another anxious thought that morning. And not too long after that, our precious Melody was born.
All the nurses have remarked, that she had an unusually loud cry. As an entire family of singers, that made all of us very proud!!!
With great joy,
Grandpa Joe
Proverbs 17:6
6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children.
It was a miraculous time.
However, there were a few moments were we became a bit nervous. During that time, I read aloud a message our daughter had recently sent me.
It read, "Ha! Yes who is like our God??? He can so handle this, but I think the enemy is not excited about all our joy and hope and how the Lord is growing us all. He wants us to focus on anxiety and worry, not Jesus and His power, blessing and this miracle He is bringing."
So while we were being anxious for our daughter, she was encouraging us with her words. I never had another anxious thought that morning. And not too long after that, our precious Melody was born.
All the nurses have remarked, that she had an unusually loud cry. As an entire family of singers, that made all of us very proud!!!
With great joy,
Grandpa Joe
Proverbs 17:6
6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Jesus Alone.
I am currently attending a conference for Christian school teachers and ministers down here at Galveston and was very challenged by one of our speakers yesterday. She was from Philly and had a very 'no beating around the bush' and 'say it like it is' approach. One of the challenges she gave to everyone was to be training up the next generation to be confident and to truly know what they believe. She quoted John 14:6 where Jesus clearly states, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." We live in a time where so many people who come to church faithfully week after week and call themselves Christians have bought into the lie that Jesus is simply one of the many paths leading to a higher power. One of the bumper stickers that has become increasingly more popular is 'COEXIST' which is promoting the idea that religion divides us and we should all drop our differences and find similarities and tolerate one another.
The cross is the wisdom of God. It is the good news for all people, all tongues, all cultures and all nations. Jesus is the only sacrifice that can satisfy the wrath of a perfect and holy God. Check out these additonal verses: 12 There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them." - Acts 4:12 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus. - 1 Timothy 2:5 11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son does not have life. - 1 John 5:11-12 So let's confidently stand upon Jesus Christ today, our only hope and the only hope of the world!
in Christ,
Brian
The cross is the wisdom of God. It is the good news for all people, all tongues, all cultures and all nations. Jesus is the only sacrifice that can satisfy the wrath of a perfect and holy God. Check out these additonal verses: 12 There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them." - Acts 4:12 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus. - 1 Timothy 2:5 11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son does not have life. - 1 John 5:11-12 So let's confidently stand upon Jesus Christ today, our only hope and the only hope of the world!
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Count to Jesus.
This morning I joined one of the women's bible studies and I'm in love with it. Such beautiful, Christ-seeking women and so much to learn.
As we discussed going through afflictions, one thing in particular that resonated with me was something the ladies kept calling, "Count to Jesus".
When you're feeling afflicted and angry, or just frustrated with something, there's the old trick of holding your tongue and counting to ten. I may not be that great at math, but I can count to ten. So while I'm counting, chances are I'm still simmering about whatever is happening as I replay the hurtful thing said and holding onto that anger. These ladies have a much better method of counting to ten. Same concept, but instead of counting to ten, you count “one Jesus, two Jesus, three Jesus...etc.” You may reluctantly start, but as you continue, you can't help but be calmed by the Name of the Savior. By "eight Jesus" you'll probably feel a lot different. The time spent saying His Name, for me, is a conviction that says, "Why are you so mad…Is this really that important…Would Jesus really be pleased with your attitude right now?" By “nine Jesus” I'm over myself. I have more blessings than I have reasons to be upset about. All these little discomforts will just be forgotten by tomorrow.
His name can give us peace and strengthen our patience with daily struggles.
2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Hailey
As we discussed going through afflictions, one thing in particular that resonated with me was something the ladies kept calling, "Count to Jesus".
When you're feeling afflicted and angry, or just frustrated with something, there's the old trick of holding your tongue and counting to ten. I may not be that great at math, but I can count to ten. So while I'm counting, chances are I'm still simmering about whatever is happening as I replay the hurtful thing said and holding onto that anger. These ladies have a much better method of counting to ten. Same concept, but instead of counting to ten, you count “one Jesus, two Jesus, three Jesus...etc.” You may reluctantly start, but as you continue, you can't help but be calmed by the Name of the Savior. By "eight Jesus" you'll probably feel a lot different. The time spent saying His Name, for me, is a conviction that says, "Why are you so mad…Is this really that important…Would Jesus really be pleased with your attitude right now?" By “nine Jesus” I'm over myself. I have more blessings than I have reasons to be upset about. All these little discomforts will just be forgotten by tomorrow.
His name can give us peace and strengthen our patience with daily struggles.
2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Hailey
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Love and Unity.
The prayer of Jesus for unity really spoke to me on many levels, as I shared last week and then Sunday I was greatly reminded of the verse in 1 John that says "perfect love casts out fear."
Tonight as I sat down to write this devo, I opened my bible and this is what I read....
Colossians 3:14
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Now I don't want to take the verse out of context, but my first reaction was wow. God really wants me to get this. Love and unity.
So in context. what is God wanting me to understand? Well in the verses leading up to the one I read. it says this.
Colossians 3:12-13
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
So the overarching passion of Christ is love. And contained in love are compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Love perfectly unifies all of these virtues. They are made as one virtue. We are to put on love and as we do we are clothed in all these virtues.
We are to be clothed in love.
I hope your wardrobe matches well today. I hope it has a unifying theme.
And that theme is love.
In this instance, the clothes truly make the man.
Joe
Tonight as I sat down to write this devo, I opened my bible and this is what I read....
Colossians 3:14
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Now I don't want to take the verse out of context, but my first reaction was wow. God really wants me to get this. Love and unity.
So in context. what is God wanting me to understand? Well in the verses leading up to the one I read. it says this.
Colossians 3:12-13
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
So the overarching passion of Christ is love. And contained in love are compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Love perfectly unifies all of these virtues. They are made as one virtue. We are to put on love and as we do we are clothed in all these virtues.
We are to be clothed in love.
I hope your wardrobe matches well today. I hope it has a unifying theme.
And that theme is love.
In this instance, the clothes truly make the man.
Joe
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)