In Hebrews 10 it says, '25 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. ' Whitney and I are in a table group with some other families at StoneBridge and we had our meeting last night. These meetings have become a discipline that we have to intentionally plan into our lives. So many times in my life I have ran into someone at church and given them the old line that goes, 'we definitely need to get together sometime...' I mean, I kinda mean that, sorta. It sure feels good to say that and at least express the desire to get together. I finally had to face the fact that I wanted the benefit of godly friendships and community without paying the price of time and energy to make it happen.
So we make sure that there is a weekly spot for community with other Christians in a small group setting. In that small group setting we are known and we get to know others. We have a chance to interact, discuss, and ask questions. We are able to share what's 'really' going on and how we are 'really' doing in our personal lives and pray for each other. We are constantly encouraged by the heart and gifts of others in the group. I am challenged by those who have a huge heart for the poor and by others who share about reaching their lost friends and family and others who are trusting God with big decisions by faith. Only in community with others can we grow and mature as believers. In fact spiritual growth is actually a matter of relational maturity. Jesus said that the essence of God's law is loving God and loving others. It truly is so easy to get in the habit of not meeting together. We can quickly fill up our life with activity and be 'around' people all day but to have no spiritual intimacy with anyone. So I strongy encourage you today to get in a group with other believers and committ to meeting regularly together. You won't regret it!
in Christ,
Brian
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Humility.
In Worship Matters, Bob Kauflin touches on several different characteristics that will manifest in our lives as a result of the true worship of God.
One characteristic that caught my attention in particular was 'humility'.
Worshiping God fills you with a sense of His greatness. Not yours.
Kauflin makes a very interesting comparison of worship and the Grand Canyon.
One reason we so often fail to be humbled by worship is that we focus on other things and end up obscuring God's glory. It would be like visiting the Grand Canyon and foolishly being enthralled with parking signs, souvenir shops, and the railings.
-Bob Kauflin, Worship Matters
I have never personally visited the Grand Canyon but I would agree with John Piper and his observation that people don't leave the Grand Canyon more in awe of themselves.
I find thunderstorms to be very awe-inspiring. The immense power and unpredictability just blows my mind but I don't observe them and think, "wow, I sure am great!"
In the same way, we cannot praise our God and walk away admiring our own impressive qualities. We walk away humbled that our great God would lay down so much to save a people so undeserving.
This weeks memory verse is one that we have spent time with before but as we celebrate Christ's sacrifice this Sunday, I find it appropriate to revisit this verse.
Revelation 5:12
In a loud voice they sang :
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!
In humility
Hailey
One characteristic that caught my attention in particular was 'humility'.
Worshiping God fills you with a sense of His greatness. Not yours.
Kauflin makes a very interesting comparison of worship and the Grand Canyon.
One reason we so often fail to be humbled by worship is that we focus on other things and end up obscuring God's glory. It would be like visiting the Grand Canyon and foolishly being enthralled with parking signs, souvenir shops, and the railings.
-Bob Kauflin, Worship Matters
I have never personally visited the Grand Canyon but I would agree with John Piper and his observation that people don't leave the Grand Canyon more in awe of themselves.
I find thunderstorms to be very awe-inspiring. The immense power and unpredictability just blows my mind but I don't observe them and think, "wow, I sure am great!"
In the same way, we cannot praise our God and walk away admiring our own impressive qualities. We walk away humbled that our great God would lay down so much to save a people so undeserving.
This weeks memory verse is one that we have spent time with before but as we celebrate Christ's sacrifice this Sunday, I find it appropriate to revisit this verse.
Revelation 5:12
In a loud voice they sang :
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!
In humility
Hailey
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Shaken.
When you shake a tree, often things fall out of it. It might be acorns, figs or gumballs. So what comes out could be good, like figs. Or it might have potential, like acorns. Or it could be annoying and/or painful, like sweet gum balls.
At some time in all of our lives, we will be shaken. And what is inside of us will come out. No filter.
There will be no slips or oops.....sorry. Whatever is really in us will come out.
For me, when that time comes, I don't think I can trust in myself to pull through, but I know who I can trust in to pull me through. I can trust the One who started a work in my life and Who will complete it. God is not shaken. My trust is in His Son,Jesus.
I am reading a beautiful, painful and powerful book called, "When God Called Piper home." It's by Julie Brawner. It is a "true story of love, loss, and God's sweet comfort." Julie grew up at StoneBridge. She went on several mission trips with Evidence, our high school mission and ministry team. As we worked with the homeless, she gave of herself in ministry with a zeal and intensity, I have rarely ever seen. And I loved her for it.
Julie tells in the first person of her and her families journey through the loss of their perfect, full term, stillborn, daughter Piper.
And as Julie was shaken to the core, what came out of her life was a trust in Jesus, that took her shattered heart and began to heal it.
She was "Held" by a heavenly Father who wept with her in her grief. And now she offers her story to "hold hands with all those who have experienced profound and unthinkable loss."
The question I have for myself today is, what in my life can be shaken and what is left when it is? Much is worthy of my love, but only One is worthy of my worship.
Here is what God says about being shaken.
Hebrews 12:26-28
At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken —that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, Our God is a consuming fire.
Let's only worship what cannot be shaken,
Joe
At some time in all of our lives, we will be shaken. And what is inside of us will come out. No filter.
There will be no slips or oops.....sorry. Whatever is really in us will come out.
For me, when that time comes, I don't think I can trust in myself to pull through, but I know who I can trust in to pull me through. I can trust the One who started a work in my life and Who will complete it. God is not shaken. My trust is in His Son,Jesus.
I am reading a beautiful, painful and powerful book called, "When God Called Piper home." It's by Julie Brawner. It is a "true story of love, loss, and God's sweet comfort." Julie grew up at StoneBridge. She went on several mission trips with Evidence, our high school mission and ministry team. As we worked with the homeless, she gave of herself in ministry with a zeal and intensity, I have rarely ever seen. And I loved her for it.
Julie tells in the first person of her and her families journey through the loss of their perfect, full term, stillborn, daughter Piper.
And as Julie was shaken to the core, what came out of her life was a trust in Jesus, that took her shattered heart and began to heal it.
She was "Held" by a heavenly Father who wept with her in her grief. And now she offers her story to "hold hands with all those who have experienced profound and unthinkable loss."
The question I have for myself today is, what in my life can be shaken and what is left when it is? Much is worthy of my love, but only One is worthy of my worship.
Here is what God says about being shaken.
Hebrews 12:26-28
At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken —that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, Our God is a consuming fire.
Let's only worship what cannot be shaken,
Joe
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Do You Talk To Yourself?
Who says that you just have to wait around till New Years day to decide to change or make some new resolutions? We have the opportunity to live different and change at any moment we choose. A few weeks ago this phrase just started bouncing around in mind, 'Don't be afraid.' I have been speaking that to myself alot lately. I know.....I speak to myself, kind of weird. Actually though we all speak to ourselves and usually we don't speak very kindly to ourselves. Even in the Psalms the writer often speaks to himself like in Psalm 43:5 where it says, 'Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.'
I think that is what the discipline of meditation is all about. Meditation is not just about reading something but it's about speaking it to your soul. For me this phrase, 'don't be afraid' relates to 2 Timothy 1:7 where it says, 'for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.' I am naturally very timid and have an immense fear of failure. I often don't take risks for God's kingdom because I am serving these fears rather than God. My soul talk lately is to remind myself to not shrink back in fear but to step out in faith even if it means being uncomfortable. Maybe that means not being afraid of making a phonecall, having a conversation, saying 'no', or standing up for something. What have you been speaking to your soul lately? Is it time to change that message to more line up with God's truth?
in Christ,
Brian
I think that is what the discipline of meditation is all about. Meditation is not just about reading something but it's about speaking it to your soul. For me this phrase, 'don't be afraid' relates to 2 Timothy 1:7 where it says, 'for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.' I am naturally very timid and have an immense fear of failure. I often don't take risks for God's kingdom because I am serving these fears rather than God. My soul talk lately is to remind myself to not shrink back in fear but to step out in faith even if it means being uncomfortable. Maybe that means not being afraid of making a phonecall, having a conversation, saying 'no', or standing up for something. What have you been speaking to your soul lately? Is it time to change that message to more line up with God's truth?
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, August 27, 2012
I Don't Wanna Show Off.
In the Broadway musical "The Drowsy Chaperone," Janet sings a song about how she's grown weary of all the attention she receives as a performer and celebrity.
She sings quite disingenuously,
"I don't wanna show off no more.
I don't wanna sing tunes no more.
I don't wanna ride moons no more.
I don't wanna show off.
As she sings she does everything possible to draw as much attention to herself as she can.
Hezekiah had the same problem. He had some foreign dignitaries visiting from Babylon.
While they were in town, he did a little showing off and it cost him big time.
Here's a bit of the story
(Isaiah) The prophet asked, “What did they see in your palace?”
“They saw everything in my palace,” Hezekiah said. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.”
Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord Almighty: 6 The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord. Isaiah 39:4-6
So Hezekiah did a little seemingly harmless showing off and he end's up losing all of it as a result.
As third of four boys, I must admit at times I struggled to get as much attention as I wanted. So I had a tendency to make my stories and exploits a little bigger that what really happened. I have always loved music and performing, but no doubt some motivation came from a desire to be noticed.
Someone recently told me that they read a psychological study that basically said, when you do something really good and tell no one about it an inner mental and emotional strength grows, but once you share it you lose that strength.
Jesus talked a lot about doing good things in secret.
Giving.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4
Praying.
Matthew 6:6-7
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Today I hope to remember that if I do something really good and keep it a secret, there is One who will know. And He's the One I hope most to please.
Joe
2 Corinthians 10:17-18
But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
She sings quite disingenuously,
"I don't wanna show off no more.
I don't wanna sing tunes no more.
I don't wanna ride moons no more.
I don't wanna show off.
As she sings she does everything possible to draw as much attention to herself as she can.
Hezekiah had the same problem. He had some foreign dignitaries visiting from Babylon.
While they were in town, he did a little showing off and it cost him big time.
Here's a bit of the story
(Isaiah) The prophet asked, “What did they see in your palace?”
“They saw everything in my palace,” Hezekiah said. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.”
Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord Almighty: 6 The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord. Isaiah 39:4-6
So Hezekiah did a little seemingly harmless showing off and he end's up losing all of it as a result.
As third of four boys, I must admit at times I struggled to get as much attention as I wanted. So I had a tendency to make my stories and exploits a little bigger that what really happened. I have always loved music and performing, but no doubt some motivation came from a desire to be noticed.
Someone recently told me that they read a psychological study that basically said, when you do something really good and tell no one about it an inner mental and emotional strength grows, but once you share it you lose that strength.
Jesus talked a lot about doing good things in secret.
Giving.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4
Praying.
Matthew 6:6-7
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Today I hope to remember that if I do something really good and keep it a secret, there is One who will know. And He's the One I hope most to please.
Joe
2 Corinthians 10:17-18
But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Press On.
One of the truths that God has built into the world around us is that as a living organism matures it is meant to one day bear fruit. In the last 2 years of gardening I have seen this principle up close and personal, and it is always an exciting day when those first fruits appear on the vine. Even for mankind, one of God's very first commands to us is to 'be fruitful and multiply'. Yesterday I was reading Jesus' words to His disciples in Matthew 28 where He says, 'Therefore go and make disciples....' In other words, there is a maturing process that we are to go through in a spiritual sense. We go from spiritually dead to born again to infants to children to young adults and finally to parents where we reproduce and bear fruit.
What are the qualities of a parent? A parent is one that has learned to feed themselves so that they can now feed others. The life of a parent is an others-centered life. Your thoughts, energy and actions are focused on caring for, feeding, guiding, and training this little child in your home. This is also a picture of spiritual maturity. Growing up and becoming a spiritual adult is about becoming a servant of all, loving one another, and making disciples. It also means that we are able to feed ourselves spiritually through daily disciplines of reading and meditating upon God's truths, praying constantly, and walking with God by faith. We are meant not only to grow up and reproduce in a physical sense but also in a spiritual sense. So wherever you are in your spiritual journey, let me encouage you to press on towards maturity today so that the blessings of knowing Jesus that you experience might one day be experienced by someone else as well.
in Christ,
Brian
What are the qualities of a parent? A parent is one that has learned to feed themselves so that they can now feed others. The life of a parent is an others-centered life. Your thoughts, energy and actions are focused on caring for, feeding, guiding, and training this little child in your home. This is also a picture of spiritual maturity. Growing up and becoming a spiritual adult is about becoming a servant of all, loving one another, and making disciples. It also means that we are able to feed ourselves spiritually through daily disciplines of reading and meditating upon God's truths, praying constantly, and walking with God by faith. We are meant not only to grow up and reproduce in a physical sense but also in a spiritual sense. So wherever you are in your spiritual journey, let me encouage you to press on towards maturity today so that the blessings of knowing Jesus that you experience might one day be experienced by someone else as well.
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Seeking God's Presence.
You know that feeling you get when you are just immersed in worship? That feeling that God is actually standing next to you? In that moment His presence is so painfully obvious you want to hold on to that feeling forever.
Good news and bad news.
Good news: God is always with us. He is ever present: all the time, everywhere.
Bad news: We get distracted and don't realize that He is with us.
It's easy to find yourself (myself included) striving for that worship moment when you feel, emotionally, like God is really moving. That's not a bad thing! We just have to remember that even when we don't feel like that, running errands or doing chores, God is still there. We get distracted by things that keep us from seeing the glory of His presence all around us at all times. That's why Psalm 105:4 says "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always."
When you are seeking something you have an intense focus and a goal. If God is our goal, our focus, how can we not recognize His presence?
This week as we once more sing One Thing Remains, our verse to meditate upon will be
1 Corinthians 13:7-8
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails...
Seeking His presence,
Hailey
Good news and bad news.
Good news: God is always with us. He is ever present: all the time, everywhere.
Bad news: We get distracted and don't realize that He is with us.
It's easy to find yourself (myself included) striving for that worship moment when you feel, emotionally, like God is really moving. That's not a bad thing! We just have to remember that even when we don't feel like that, running errands or doing chores, God is still there. We get distracted by things that keep us from seeing the glory of His presence all around us at all times. That's why Psalm 105:4 says "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always."
When you are seeking something you have an intense focus and a goal. If God is our goal, our focus, how can we not recognize His presence?
This week as we once more sing One Thing Remains, our verse to meditate upon will be
1 Corinthians 13:7-8
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails...
Seeking His presence,
Hailey
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Relationships Are Messy.
I keep expecting all my personal relationships to always be conflict free and convenient. First, I don't know why I expect that and second, it never happens that way.
The one creature on this earth who loves me completely unconditionally, even he costs me sleep, and regularly interrupts my business and social plans. He, of course, is my dog, Bravo. So even that relationship is built on inconvenience and sacrifice.
I guess the question I need to ask myself about relationships should be, Are they worth It?
Are they worth it?
There was One who thought so. And I am so glad He did, because I was included in that company.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
So what is our response?
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.
So let's love each other. Is it costly? Is it messy?
Yes. But it is worth it.
Joe
The one creature on this earth who loves me completely unconditionally, even he costs me sleep, and regularly interrupts my business and social plans. He, of course, is my dog, Bravo. So even that relationship is built on inconvenience and sacrifice.
I guess the question I need to ask myself about relationships should be, Are they worth It?
Are they worth it?
There was One who thought so. And I am so glad He did, because I was included in that company.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
So what is our response?
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.
So let's love each other. Is it costly? Is it messy?
Yes. But it is worth it.
Joe
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
The Key to Unhindered Intimacy with God.
One of the disciplines that truly breeds closeness and intimacy is praying together. For a long time I have known this but it is amazing how difficult it is to apply this simple truth in our closest relationships, like our marriage. My wife and I pray with our kids but I haven't really been successful at establishing a habit of just the two of us praying together. So I have decided to change that. Last night we turned off the TV and sat on our couch and I suggested that we pray together. It was kind of funny at first and a bit awkward but we did it. We each shared one thing that we wanted prayer for personally and then Whitney prayed for me and I prayed for her. You know it only took about 5 minutes and it really wasn't rocket science but it instantly brought a new level of closeness to our relationship.
In 1 Peter 3:7 it says, 'Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.' Perhaps one of the reasons that it has been hard to pray together is that there have been things I have done to hinder that prayer time. Perhaps I have not been as considerate as I should have been. One of my thorns in the flesh is my temptation to get a little too horizontal on my couch around 9:00 and drift off into my own little sleepy world. Well, I have had to learn that while that seemed harmless enough, it actually was sending my wife the message, I am not really all that interested in spending time with you. Truly, this one thing has often been a hindrance to our prayer life together. Our relationship with God is similar too. Jesus taught that if we were presenting our offering (or singing a song of praise on Sunday morning or with the radio driving to work) and then realized that someone had something against us, that we should as quickly as possible go and deal with that issue and seek reconciliation and then come back and offer our worship.
Truly our times of prayer and worship will never ever be full and meaningful unless we are taking care of our relationships. Is there any unresolved relational tension today that might be hindering your intimacy with God? Jesus would tell you and me to go and make the phone call or go set up a time to grab some coffee and make things right with that person. Afterall, there is no greater feeling in the world than unhindered prayer and intimacy with our amazing Heavenly Father.
in Christ,
Brian
In 1 Peter 3:7 it says, 'Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.' Perhaps one of the reasons that it has been hard to pray together is that there have been things I have done to hinder that prayer time. Perhaps I have not been as considerate as I should have been. One of my thorns in the flesh is my temptation to get a little too horizontal on my couch around 9:00 and drift off into my own little sleepy world. Well, I have had to learn that while that seemed harmless enough, it actually was sending my wife the message, I am not really all that interested in spending time with you. Truly, this one thing has often been a hindrance to our prayer life together. Our relationship with God is similar too. Jesus taught that if we were presenting our offering (or singing a song of praise on Sunday morning or with the radio driving to work) and then realized that someone had something against us, that we should as quickly as possible go and deal with that issue and seek reconciliation and then come back and offer our worship.
Truly our times of prayer and worship will never ever be full and meaningful unless we are taking care of our relationships. Is there any unresolved relational tension today that might be hindering your intimacy with God? Jesus would tell you and me to go and make the phone call or go set up a time to grab some coffee and make things right with that person. Afterall, there is no greater feeling in the world than unhindered prayer and intimacy with our amazing Heavenly Father.
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, August 20, 2012
Proclaim the Gospel to Yourself.
How do we maintain the same passion that we feel on a Sunday morning,
through out the week?
Or even greater, how can we have that first love for Jesus,
throughout a life time?
Only one thing really ignites that passion in my heart.................The cross.
When I think about the Innocent One hanging on Calvary's tree for me, I am undone.
And that allows God's Spirit to quicken my heart with His power, His love, and His grace.
So if you desire God's power in your life, preach the gospel to yourself.....daily.
Remind yourself of God's amazing grace.
Remind yourself of what you deserved, and what you received.
And then in the full power of God, preach the gospel to the Rest of the world.
Romans 1:16a
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes:
Ephesians 1:7
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Preaching on a Monday morning........to myself,
Joe
through out the week?
Or even greater, how can we have that first love for Jesus,
throughout a life time?
Only one thing really ignites that passion in my heart.................The cross.
When I think about the Innocent One hanging on Calvary's tree for me, I am undone.
And that allows God's Spirit to quicken my heart with His power, His love, and His grace.
So if you desire God's power in your life, preach the gospel to yourself.....daily.
Remind yourself of God's amazing grace.
Remind yourself of what you deserved, and what you received.
And then in the full power of God, preach the gospel to the Rest of the world.
Romans 1:16a
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes:
Ephesians 1:7
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Preaching on a Monday morning........to myself,
Joe
Friday, August 17, 2012
He's Still Working On Me.
You know there is a question that we are usually asked daily and we basically never really give a truthful answer. You ready...The question is, 'Hi, how are you?' Usually our response goes something like this, 'Fine, thank you' or 'Great, how are you?'. At least for me, most of the time I am plagued inside with frustrations, brokenness, disappointments, and fears that bubble up in me thanks to my own mess ups, short-comings and sinful flesh and just simply living in a broken world around broken people. There is an enemy named Satan who bombards me moment by moment with discouraging thoughts and makes me think that the sins I still battle with own me and define me. He likes to pile guilt upon me every time I mess up and attempts to make me feel like I am powerless to change and that I am simply a sinner. But, check out what God's word says in Romans 6,
"20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of ? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life." Did you catch that? We are no longer slaves to sin but we are now slaves to God or slaves to righteousness. In other words sin no longer has any authority over us but rather God does. Also, God is at work daily in us, sanctifying us or making our character to look more and more like Jesus. We have been set free from the penalty and authority of sin. God has sown His Spirit in us and we now reap the fruit of holiness which ultimately fully blossoms into eternal life. So when someone asks me how I am I ought to say, 'I am under construction, thanks.' So today, remember that He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. Remember that you DO NOT answer to the devil and sin anymore but your General Contractor is God and He is steadily working on you. You may look a little messy and a little unfinished right now but He has an amazing blueprint He is following and the end result will be a beautiful one.
in Christ,
Brian
"20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of ? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life." Did you catch that? We are no longer slaves to sin but we are now slaves to God or slaves to righteousness. In other words sin no longer has any authority over us but rather God does. Also, God is at work daily in us, sanctifying us or making our character to look more and more like Jesus. We have been set free from the penalty and authority of sin. God has sown His Spirit in us and we now reap the fruit of holiness which ultimately fully blossoms into eternal life. So when someone asks me how I am I ought to say, 'I am under construction, thanks.' So today, remember that He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. Remember that you DO NOT answer to the devil and sin anymore but your General Contractor is God and He is steadily working on you. You may look a little messy and a little unfinished right now but He has an amazing blueprint He is following and the end result will be a beautiful one.
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Boasting.
Galations 6:14
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
This week at our Indie Group we got to visit this verse. We started out the evening sharing what it was in our lives that our mothers would be proud of us for.
God gives us talents and skills and it is not wrong for us to use them; provided it is for His glory and the growth of His kingdom. However, deciphering between worldly and heavenly gain is the real challenge.
Rejoice that God has given you a way to inspire others to follow Him and grow in His word. But if you find that you are performing this action, practice, for your own gain: acquiring the admiration of others, pointing towards a worldly idol; may you have the wisdom to recognize this and halt yourself.
I recently shared time with a young lady this week who decidedly set aside a great passion and gifted skill of hers because she realized she was utilizing this God given skill for her own reasons. I was immediately impressed by her own recognition of her more self-centered tendency and her decision to depart from it.
So often we can find within ourselves a forte (strength) that we can get caught up in, forgetting that God is the One who granted us this blessing in the first place.
We can use these blessings to bless others but let us never boast "except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ"
Your momma can be proud of you as well as God,
Hailey
This week our memory verse is
1 Peter 2:24
"He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
This week at our Indie Group we got to visit this verse. We started out the evening sharing what it was in our lives that our mothers would be proud of us for.
God gives us talents and skills and it is not wrong for us to use them; provided it is for His glory and the growth of His kingdom. However, deciphering between worldly and heavenly gain is the real challenge.
Rejoice that God has given you a way to inspire others to follow Him and grow in His word. But if you find that you are performing this action, practice, for your own gain: acquiring the admiration of others, pointing towards a worldly idol; may you have the wisdom to recognize this and halt yourself.
I recently shared time with a young lady this week who decidedly set aside a great passion and gifted skill of hers because she realized she was utilizing this God given skill for her own reasons. I was immediately impressed by her own recognition of her more self-centered tendency and her decision to depart from it.
So often we can find within ourselves a forte (strength) that we can get caught up in, forgetting that God is the One who granted us this blessing in the first place.
We can use these blessings to bless others but let us never boast "except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ"
Your momma can be proud of you as well as God,
Hailey
This week our memory verse is
1 Peter 2:24
"He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."
Louie Giglio, The Air I Breathe: Worship as a Way of Life:
Worship is our response to what we value most.…
As a result, worship fuels our actions, becoming the driving force of all we do.…
Some of us attend the church on the corner, professing to worship the living God above all.
Others, who rarely darken the church doors, would say worship isn’t a part of their lives because they aren’t “religious.”
But everybody has an altar. And every altar has a throne.
So how do you know where and what you worship?
It’s easy: You simply follow the trail of your time, your affection, your energy, your money, and your allegiance. At the end of that trail you’ll find a throne; and what ever, or whoever, is on that throne is what’s of highest value to you. On that throne is what you worship.
Sure, not too many of us walk around saying; “I worship my stuff. I worship my job. I worship this pleasure. I worship her. I worship my body. I worship me!”
But the trail never lies. We may say we value this thing or that thing more than any other, but the volume of our actions speaks louder than our words.
In the end, our worship is more about what we do than what we say.
(The above is excerpted from "The Air I Breathe")
I pray that more and more that trail would lead to Jesus.
Joe
As a result, worship fuels our actions, becoming the driving force of all we do.…
Some of us attend the church on the corner, professing to worship the living God above all.
Others, who rarely darken the church doors, would say worship isn’t a part of their lives because they aren’t “religious.”
But everybody has an altar. And every altar has a throne.
So how do you know where and what you worship?
It’s easy: You simply follow the trail of your time, your affection, your energy, your money, and your allegiance. At the end of that trail you’ll find a throne; and what ever, or whoever, is on that throne is what’s of highest value to you. On that throne is what you worship.
Sure, not too many of us walk around saying; “I worship my stuff. I worship my job. I worship this pleasure. I worship her. I worship my body. I worship me!”
But the trail never lies. We may say we value this thing or that thing more than any other, but the volume of our actions speaks louder than our words.
In the end, our worship is more about what we do than what we say.
(The above is excerpted from "The Air I Breathe")
I pray that more and more that trail would lead to Jesus.
Joe
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
A servant of Jesus disguised as a Wal-Mart Greeter...
This past Saturday morning we held a Celebration service for one of our long-time faithful members of StoneBridge, Mr Pat Patterson. Pat lived 94 years on this planet and then God called him home last Thursday. At the beginning of his service they showed a slide show with pictures beginning all the way back in the early 1900's. It was amazing to watch these images of his life from a young boy to a fighter pilot trainer during WWII to courting his wife of over 60 years to holding his kids to holding his grandkids to snow-skiing at age 80 to serving as a Wal-Mart greeter into his 90's.
One of the verses that kept coming to mind as we reflected on his life was Colossians 3:23-24 that says, "23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Truly, whatever Pat did, he did it faithfully and with all his heart, even something as simple as being a Wal-Mart greeter. Pat was such a legendary Wal-Mart greeter that the Conroe Courier did a special write up on him because of the impact he was having on people. God used him to change lives through his simple smiles, hand shakes and hugs that he gave out to people who desperately needed to know that someone cared. Pat was a man who lived an adventurous life and accomplished so much. In his last few years his body had grown weak and he was limited in what he could do, but he still chose to give his frail and aged body fully to God's work and God was glorified. So whatever season we are in or whatever challenges or limitations we are facing right now, let's take on that same attitude and say to our heavenly Father, 'Lord, here I am, weaknesses, limitations and all, I give myself to You and Your work so that You might be known to more and more people.'
in Christ,
Brian
One of the verses that kept coming to mind as we reflected on his life was Colossians 3:23-24 that says, "23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Truly, whatever Pat did, he did it faithfully and with all his heart, even something as simple as being a Wal-Mart greeter. Pat was such a legendary Wal-Mart greeter that the Conroe Courier did a special write up on him because of the impact he was having on people. God used him to change lives through his simple smiles, hand shakes and hugs that he gave out to people who desperately needed to know that someone cared. Pat was a man who lived an adventurous life and accomplished so much. In his last few years his body had grown weak and he was limited in what he could do, but he still chose to give his frail and aged body fully to God's work and God was glorified. So whatever season we are in or whatever challenges or limitations we are facing right now, let's take on that same attitude and say to our heavenly Father, 'Lord, here I am, weaknesses, limitations and all, I give myself to You and Your work so that You might be known to more and more people.'
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, August 13, 2012
The Ezra Pricipal.
What was so special about Ezra?
So there's a book in the bible named for Ezra. Yet He wasn't super talented or athletic or charismatic in personality. So what made him so great?
Here's what the bible says about him.
For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. Ezra 7:10
He studied Gods word,
obeyed God's word,
And taught God's word
I'm going to call this the Ezra principle.
As someone who has spent much of his life practicing music skills, I am being drawn more and more to the Ezra principle.
I'm finding great blessing for my mind and heart, as I spend time in God's word.
Here are a couple of verses that jumped out at me.
Psalms 119:27-28
Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ’”
God's word......it's what's for breakfast.
Joe
So there's a book in the bible named for Ezra. Yet He wasn't super talented or athletic or charismatic in personality. So what made him so great?
Here's what the bible says about him.
For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. Ezra 7:10
He studied Gods word,
obeyed God's word,
And taught God's word
I'm going to call this the Ezra principle.
As someone who has spent much of his life practicing music skills, I am being drawn more and more to the Ezra principle.
I'm finding great blessing for my mind and heart, as I spend time in God's word.
Here are a couple of verses that jumped out at me.
Psalms 119:27-28
Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ’”
God's word......it's what's for breakfast.
Joe
Friday, August 10, 2012
The One who unites is bigger than the one who divides.
We will be singing 'Your Great Name' this Sunday. I love the line where it says, 'And all the world will praise your great name...' I love to sing. I have been singing since I was a kid. But sometimes I love to listen too. Last week in Honduras we had the privilege of going to a worship service in the city of La Ceiba at Mount Horeb Church. At one point in the service, I just stopped and looked around and listened to the sound of worshipers crying out and praising the name of Jesus or as they say over there "Hey-soos". In Revelation 7 it says, "9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
Can you imagine this scene? All different ages. All different hair styles from mullets to afros. All different skin colors. All different back grounds and personalities and socio-economic groups and trades and hobbies and likes and dislikes and musical tastes and political opinions, etc. I mean there are so many things to divide these people against each other. It is truly a huge and diverse world and we have an enemy who scatters and divides us. He divides husbands and wives and families. He divides best friends by creating confusion through gossip and accusations. He divides us with racism based on skin color and prejudice. Yet, there is One, that in His presence all differences fall away. It says that they were standing in front of the Lamb and their gaze was upon Him who sits on the throne, Jesus. Real Worship happens when a group of people who are all different fix their eyes on the same Savior and their differences fade away and it displays to an onlooking world the life-changing power of Christ. Afterall, Jesus said that when we are One (worshiping Him together), the world will believe.
in Christ,
Brian
Can you imagine this scene? All different ages. All different hair styles from mullets to afros. All different skin colors. All different back grounds and personalities and socio-economic groups and trades and hobbies and likes and dislikes and musical tastes and political opinions, etc. I mean there are so many things to divide these people against each other. It is truly a huge and diverse world and we have an enemy who scatters and divides us. He divides husbands and wives and families. He divides best friends by creating confusion through gossip and accusations. He divides us with racism based on skin color and prejudice. Yet, there is One, that in His presence all differences fall away. It says that they were standing in front of the Lamb and their gaze was upon Him who sits on the throne, Jesus. Real Worship happens when a group of people who are all different fix their eyes on the same Savior and their differences fade away and it displays to an onlooking world the life-changing power of Christ. Afterall, Jesus said that when we are One (worshiping Him together), the world will believe.
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Authenticity.
This week in our discussion of Worship Matters the Design Team spent time talking about the subject of how a worship leader effectively leads people to worship God. Bob Kauflin starts this chapter going over several ways NOT to go about that goal. One of the how-not-to’s was through manipulations, the most poignant I found to be insincere emotion; going through the motions without feeling any of them.
“Some merely sing; some put on a great show of being involved; but others transparently worship God.” –D. A. Carson
This seems like a tragedy to me, though I admit I have been in the situation before. We serve such an awe-inspiring God of such great power and we get the opportunity to worship Him in many ways, not just singing. When I step back and think of all the reasons I have to sing praises to Him it’s a wonder I could ever not be in a place of transparent worship.
Psalm 34:5 Those who look to him are radiant
All this being said; worship is not just singing. It is anything you do to praise God and give Him glory and honor; writing, music, art, serving, fellowship with other people. Whatever your expression of worship may be, do so with radiant authenticity.
Let us worship this week, in all we do, in the glory and strength of the God who stands with us as we meditate on this verse.
Romans 8:31
More Than Conquerors
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Sincerely,
Hailey
“Some merely sing; some put on a great show of being involved; but others transparently worship God.” –D. A. Carson
This seems like a tragedy to me, though I admit I have been in the situation before. We serve such an awe-inspiring God of such great power and we get the opportunity to worship Him in many ways, not just singing. When I step back and think of all the reasons I have to sing praises to Him it’s a wonder I could ever not be in a place of transparent worship.
Psalm 34:5 Those who look to him are radiant
All this being said; worship is not just singing. It is anything you do to praise God and give Him glory and honor; writing, music, art, serving, fellowship with other people. Whatever your expression of worship may be, do so with radiant authenticity.
Let us worship this week, in all we do, in the glory and strength of the God who stands with us as we meditate on this verse.
Romans 8:31
More Than Conquerors
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Sincerely,
Hailey
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
US Olympic Athlete - Broken Hearted.
A US Olympic athlete missed a medal by .10 of a second. Quite literally the blink of an eye. She was crushed. I so liked what she said after the race.
"I'll definitely be reading my Bible and try to grasp the positives and see what God has to teach me from all this. That's the only way I can get rebalanced right now, because I am so broken-hearted."
So how do you and I get rebalanced after a crushing blow. Here are some scriptures that bring comfort, direction and balance.
Psalms 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praise to the God of All Comfort
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
So have you suffered a crushing blow? Take it the the God of All comfort.
1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Strong, firm and steadfast.
Ready to run again,
Joe
"I'll definitely be reading my Bible and try to grasp the positives and see what God has to teach me from all this. That's the only way I can get rebalanced right now, because I am so broken-hearted."
So how do you and I get rebalanced after a crushing blow. Here are some scriptures that bring comfort, direction and balance.
Psalms 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praise to the God of All Comfort
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
So have you suffered a crushing blow? Take it the the God of All comfort.
1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Strong, firm and steadfast.
Ready to run again,
Joe
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Home.
Home. After 8 days in a foreign country it was nice to arrive back to familiar scenery, language and faces. How blessed I am to be able to come home where I have a beautiful wife and two kids and a house where I belong. I have truly been given way more than I deserve. Home is a refuge and an anchor for me. Even when I might be worn out, sweaty, and tired when I am away, I know I have a place to return. But what about those orphans that we met last Wednesday who have never really known a home or a family? What about those people along the river who are held captive by poverty and have a few pieces of sheet metal for a home and their only possession is a hammock? What about the lady who came up to us begging for money with leather-like skin aged from many hard and cruel years. These people have no comfort or oasis to return to. The life we observed them having is their life and there is no other right now.
In Hebrews 13:3 it says "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." The challenge to me and you is when we encounter people who are in misery and suffering, that we are to remember them and seek to identify with their pain and misery. It's tempting to distance myself from them and their pain and place my encounters with them in a photo album to be retired upon a shelf. But that is not the right response. Their pain should affect me. It should drive me to pray for them. It should drive me to do whatever I can to help them and to not forget them. It should drive me to be a voice for them and people like them so that maybe through God's presence and through material blessings they might get to taste a little bit of comfort and love in the midst of suffering.
in Christ,
Brian
In Hebrews 13:3 it says "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." The challenge to me and you is when we encounter people who are in misery and suffering, that we are to remember them and seek to identify with their pain and misery. It's tempting to distance myself from them and their pain and place my encounters with them in a photo album to be retired upon a shelf. But that is not the right response. Their pain should affect me. It should drive me to pray for them. It should drive me to do whatever I can to help them and to not forget them. It should drive me to be a voice for them and people like them so that maybe through God's presence and through material blessings they might get to taste a little bit of comfort and love in the midst of suffering.
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, August 6, 2012
Change of Scenery.
I've spent more than a little time on the road this Summer. In the month of July more than half the month, I was on some kind of mission trip. My wife Jane has been extraordinarily supportive. So this is our first week end together in a while and we had planned to do something fun. I was thinking dinner and a movie or maybe something really cool like cirque de soleil and then home in my own bed.
So I rolled out my plan for the next couple of days and it went over like a pregnant poll vaulter. (no offense to the olympians intended)
My very supportive wife had not been out of town since early June and she was ready for a change of scenery. We were going somewhere...........now.
So I sent a text to some dear friends who had extended an open invitation to their beautiful home in the hill country, thankfully we got the green light and off we went.
One of the great things about their home is the back porch facing west. Every night is a beautiful sunset followed by an amazing starlit sky. There is no ambient light from a big city diminishing the brightness of the stars. So we were treated to a spectacular star show with our host showing us the rings of Saturn through his telescope. Then to top it all off, the coup de grace was when the International Space Station sprung into view and we came out of our seats like school children squealing with excitement. It moved across the night sky with incredible brightness and speed.
So a change of scenery, is that important? I understand that 7 people have paid 50 million to ride that space station. Now that's a change of scenery.
I think what we want is a life that is full, a life that is exciting, a life with a future. We want a life of meaning and adventure. We don't want the same old same old. We desire change. We love the dynamic. Nature isn't static. Seasons change. (Well in most places). So we want something fresh. We want something new.
It is a God given desire. We want to be made new. There are over 60 scriptures in the NEW testament that include the word new. Here are just a few.
2 Corinthians 5:17
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Ephesians 4:23-24
to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Colossians 3:10
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
2 Peter 3:13
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
He makes all things new.
Keeping it fresh,
Joe
So I rolled out my plan for the next couple of days and it went over like a pregnant poll vaulter. (no offense to the olympians intended)
My very supportive wife had not been out of town since early June and she was ready for a change of scenery. We were going somewhere...........now.
So I sent a text to some dear friends who had extended an open invitation to their beautiful home in the hill country, thankfully we got the green light and off we went.
One of the great things about their home is the back porch facing west. Every night is a beautiful sunset followed by an amazing starlit sky. There is no ambient light from a big city diminishing the brightness of the stars. So we were treated to a spectacular star show with our host showing us the rings of Saturn through his telescope. Then to top it all off, the coup de grace was when the International Space Station sprung into view and we came out of our seats like school children squealing with excitement. It moved across the night sky with incredible brightness and speed.
So a change of scenery, is that important? I understand that 7 people have paid 50 million to ride that space station. Now that's a change of scenery.
I think what we want is a life that is full, a life that is exciting, a life with a future. We want a life of meaning and adventure. We don't want the same old same old. We desire change. We love the dynamic. Nature isn't static. Seasons change. (Well in most places). So we want something fresh. We want something new.
It is a God given desire. We want to be made new. There are over 60 scriptures in the NEW testament that include the word new. Here are just a few.
2 Corinthians 5:17
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Ephesians 4:23-24
to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Colossians 3:10
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
2 Peter 3:13
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
He makes all things new.
Keeping it fresh,
Joe
Friday, August 3, 2012
One Life.
We are wrapping up an amazing week here in Honduras. One of the things I was pondering as I am sitting reflecting on the week is the idea of discipleship or passing on the faith. In 2 Timothy 2:1-2 it says, 'You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.' One of our translators working with our team this week is Alex. Alex is from Honduras and many years ago he was in the United States for a season. During that time he happened to be at North Shore Park one evening and StoneBridge was doing an outreach for kids called, 'Summer Blitz' that same night in the park. Alex started talking to some of our people and ended up surrendering his life to the Lord. The part of the story that impressed me the most is when Clay Dewees, our men's pastor, decided to take Alex under his wing and disciple him for a season. Alex is now about 28 years old and loves Jesus and is making a huge difference in the lives of people all over Honduras and has been a tremendous encouragement and blessing to our group this week.
As we have been doing construction projects this week, some of the kids have been working alongside of us. We have taught them how to sand, hammer in nails, and assemble tables and chairs. They have helped us carry supplies and open the doors for us. We haven't simply come to serve them but they have caught on to the joy of serving and we have had an opportunity to train and teach them this week and they have also taught us many things in the process. A boy named, Dixon, who is 12 years old has made a tremendous impression on all of us. The last two days I have asked him to come up and help me lead all of the other kids in our worship songs. He also has come by in the afternoons and has helped our guys with construction. I can't help but think that maybe he could be the next Alex. What if he has started to catch on to the selfless and sacrificial life that Christ has called us to and he models and teaches it to his friends and peers. Who is the Alex or the Dixon that is right there in your life that you could be intentional about teaching, pouring into, and caring for today?
in Christ,
Brian
As we have been doing construction projects this week, some of the kids have been working alongside of us. We have taught them how to sand, hammer in nails, and assemble tables and chairs. They have helped us carry supplies and open the doors for us. We haven't simply come to serve them but they have caught on to the joy of serving and we have had an opportunity to train and teach them this week and they have also taught us many things in the process. A boy named, Dixon, who is 12 years old has made a tremendous impression on all of us. The last two days I have asked him to come up and help me lead all of the other kids in our worship songs. He also has come by in the afternoons and has helped our guys with construction. I can't help but think that maybe he could be the next Alex. What if he has started to catch on to the selfless and sacrificial life that Christ has called us to and he models and teaches it to his friends and peers. Who is the Alex or the Dixon that is right there in your life that you could be intentional about teaching, pouring into, and caring for today?
in Christ,
Brian
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Think Great Thoughts.
Certain movies inspire me. After watching "Chariots of Fire", I am inspired to be more a person of integrity, less influenced by negative peer pressure. I am encouraged to find greater joy in just being myself with no pretense. I am motivated to persevere and to stay the course, when I am sure the path is right.
In the same way the body responds to a steady diet of healthy food, the mind is influenced by the things we see or read or the people we interact with. If we "feed" the mind with life giving thoughts, we are energized with purpose and passion. We move forward with hope, believing we can effect positive change in our life and the lives of others.
Conversely, if we "feed" on just the evening news or starve the mind of it's need for great and loftly thoughts, we will eventually lose heart and spiral down in a sense of futility and aimlessness.
All of us need daily food for the mind. Here are some great thoughts for all of us from God's word.
Enjoy these verses for your mind's breakfast.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Romans 8:5
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
So Think Great Thoughts Today,
thoughts of hope,
thoughts of joy,
thoughts of faith,
thoughts of sacrificial love.
Joe
In the same way the body responds to a steady diet of healthy food, the mind is influenced by the things we see or read or the people we interact with. If we "feed" the mind with life giving thoughts, we are energized with purpose and passion. We move forward with hope, believing we can effect positive change in our life and the lives of others.
Conversely, if we "feed" on just the evening news or starve the mind of it's need for great and loftly thoughts, we will eventually lose heart and spiral down in a sense of futility and aimlessness.
All of us need daily food for the mind. Here are some great thoughts for all of us from God's word.
Enjoy these verses for your mind's breakfast.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Romans 8:5
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
So Think Great Thoughts Today,
thoughts of hope,
thoughts of joy,
thoughts of faith,
thoughts of sacrificial love.
Joe
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