In Matthew 4:18-19 it says.
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,”Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
Aside from the obvious faith and trust to abandon their nets and follow Christ there is another level that is just a little bit deeper than a plain old net. These men were fishermen, as the passage says. That means that that net they were working with was there very livelihood. It is how they would provide for themselves and their family, how they survived.
With that in mind, can you imagine what it was like, what it would really mean, to lay down that idea stability of your own life to follow Christ on an uminaginable journey?
That is an extraordinary leap of faith right there. To just up and leave everything you have right to follow after Jesus. But that's the kind of faith we need to have and the kind of faith that I am finally starting to understand as I prepare myself to go to Zambia next week.
So here is a good question for you to ask yourself.
What is your "net"?
Hailey
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Hurts to Helps.
Yesterday, I met a chaplain for the sheriff's office. Her job is to go to homes to officially inform families of the death of a loved one. She "volunteers" to do this. I asked her why. She told me that she was "informed" of the death of her sister by a telephone call because there wasn't anyone available to come to the home. Because she "volunteers" she can comfort the family with a prayer and a hug if appropriate. She said that God has used her greatest tragedy and transformed it into her greatest ministry.
Dr. James Dobson became a child psychologist in great part because of the pain of his middle school years. He wanted to help others who might have suffered in similar ways.
Rick Warren who is mourning the tragic death of his son just a few weeks ago, wrote this on his twitter feed:
"If you give it to God, He transforms your test into a testimony, your mess into a message, and your misery into a ministry."
We may feel as if our failure disqualifies us from ministry, when in fact God uses our weakness to bring others to healing and help.
2 Corinthians 11:30
30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Through Christ,
Joe
Dr. James Dobson became a child psychologist in great part because of the pain of his middle school years. He wanted to help others who might have suffered in similar ways.
Rick Warren who is mourning the tragic death of his son just a few weeks ago, wrote this on his twitter feed:
"If you give it to God, He transforms your test into a testimony, your mess into a message, and your misery into a ministry."
We may feel as if our failure disqualifies us from ministry, when in fact God uses our weakness to bring others to healing and help.
2 Corinthians 11:30
30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Through Christ,
Joe
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Words.
I love the new song by Hawk Nelson entitled ‘Words’. Here are some of the lyrics:
‘They’ve made me feel like a prisoner. They’ve made me feel set free. They’ve made me feel like a criminal. Made me feel like a king. They’ve lifted my heart to places I’ve never been. And they’ve dragged me down back to where I began.
Words can build you up. Words can break you down. Start a fire in your heart or put it out. Let my words be life. Let my words be truth. I don’t wanna say a word unless it points the world back to you.’
Our words, which are the overflow of our heart, are the most consistent and everyday gauge of our relationship with Jesus. We speak anywhere from 7,000-20,000 words on average every day. These words are either filled with blessing, filled with nonsense, or filled with cursing.
I love God’s instructions to Aaron the priest in Numbers 6. It says, starting in verse 23, ‘Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine on you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.’
May we bless people by praying out loud over them, encouraging them, sharing God’s promises with them, filling them with hope, sharing our stories with them as we sympathize with their pain, and speaking words of faith over them even when they are filled with doubt. There is power in the spoken word. God spoke and the universe came into existence. Even as we speak, as Spirit-filled believers, God brings life, peace and hope into the lives of others in a life-changing way. So may our words truly be a blessing today!
In Christ,
Brian
‘They’ve made me feel like a prisoner. They’ve made me feel set free. They’ve made me feel like a criminal. Made me feel like a king. They’ve lifted my heart to places I’ve never been. And they’ve dragged me down back to where I began.
Words can build you up. Words can break you down. Start a fire in your heart or put it out. Let my words be life. Let my words be truth. I don’t wanna say a word unless it points the world back to you.’
Our words, which are the overflow of our heart, are the most consistent and everyday gauge of our relationship with Jesus. We speak anywhere from 7,000-20,000 words on average every day. These words are either filled with blessing, filled with nonsense, or filled with cursing.
I love God’s instructions to Aaron the priest in Numbers 6. It says, starting in verse 23, ‘Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine on you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.’
May we bless people by praying out loud over them, encouraging them, sharing God’s promises with them, filling them with hope, sharing our stories with them as we sympathize with their pain, and speaking words of faith over them even when they are filled with doubt. There is power in the spoken word. God spoke and the universe came into existence. Even as we speak, as Spirit-filled believers, God brings life, peace and hope into the lives of others in a life-changing way. So may our words truly be a blessing today!
In Christ,
Brian
Memorial Day Prayer.
Blessed are they who mourn......for they will be comforted. Matt 5:4
God lift the hearts
of those who see today
not as a joyous celebration
but as a painful reminder
of sorrow and loss.
Give strength to those
who have lost family.
Comfort those
whose love ones have died serving their country,
serving Our Country.
With thankful hearts,
let us remember their sacrifice.
Let us cherish,
nurture, and handle with care
the freedom for which
they fought and died.
Amen
I read this online. It definitely helped me remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Grateful,
Joe
God lift the hearts
of those who see today
not as a joyous celebration
but as a painful reminder
of sorrow and loss.
Give strength to those
who have lost family.
Comfort those
whose love ones have died serving their country,
serving Our Country.
With thankful hearts,
let us remember their sacrifice.
Let us cherish,
nurture, and handle with care
the freedom for which
they fought and died.
Amen
I read this online. It definitely helped me remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Grateful,
Joe
Friday, May 24, 2013
Smoke.
Every day I battle my heart's inclination towards hoping in temporary things. As I search my thoughts and heart, I realize that I am often putting my hope and happiness in the weekend or in a vacation or in a new thing I could purchase. In hoping in these things, I set myself up for the ultimate disappointment. The most hollow, empty, and plain scary place to be in life is when you achieve your goal, finally get that car, go on the ultimate vacation, make your first million and then it's gone, and you're left with a deep, deep emptiness in your soul.
We have been studying Ecclesiastes in our Sunday Morning Bible Studies and the book opens up with a sober, yet true depiction of this fleeting life on earth. It says in chapter 1, ' 2 Smoke, nothing but smoke. [That's what the Quester says.] There's nothing to anything - it's all smoke. 3 What's there to show for a lifetime of work, a lifetime of working your fingers to the bone? 4 One generation goes its way, the next one arrives, but nothing changes - it's business as usual for old planet earth.'
In '31 Days to Happiness', Dr David Jeremiah shares about an interview with Sir Edmund Hillary, who was the first man to climb Mount Everest. Hillary was asked to describe what he felt in that moment when he reached the top. He gave this reply to the interviewer, 'there was an immediate rush of triumphal ecstasy - for a fleeting moment. It was quickly replaced by a sense of desolation. Where could he go from here? What mountains remained to be climbed?' Dr Jeremiah sums up this idea by stating, 'it is the vacuum of success, not the fullness of failure, that deflates in the end.'
So let us share this same attitude that's in Psalm 33 that says, '22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.' It is this truth, that God is big enough to hold us and give us hope, that keeps me going. God, His promises and His future have eternal weight. Everything else I try and hope in just keeps slipping through my fingers and goes up in smoke. May our hearts rest in Him today!
in Christ,
Brian
We have been studying Ecclesiastes in our Sunday Morning Bible Studies and the book opens up with a sober, yet true depiction of this fleeting life on earth. It says in chapter 1, ' 2 Smoke, nothing but smoke. [That's what the Quester says.] There's nothing to anything - it's all smoke. 3 What's there to show for a lifetime of work, a lifetime of working your fingers to the bone? 4 One generation goes its way, the next one arrives, but nothing changes - it's business as usual for old planet earth.'
In '31 Days to Happiness', Dr David Jeremiah shares about an interview with Sir Edmund Hillary, who was the first man to climb Mount Everest. Hillary was asked to describe what he felt in that moment when he reached the top. He gave this reply to the interviewer, 'there was an immediate rush of triumphal ecstasy - for a fleeting moment. It was quickly replaced by a sense of desolation. Where could he go from here? What mountains remained to be climbed?' Dr Jeremiah sums up this idea by stating, 'it is the vacuum of success, not the fullness of failure, that deflates in the end.'
So let us share this same attitude that's in Psalm 33 that says, '22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.' It is this truth, that God is big enough to hold us and give us hope, that keeps me going. God, His promises and His future have eternal weight. Everything else I try and hope in just keeps slipping through my fingers and goes up in smoke. May our hearts rest in Him today!
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Zach Sobiech.
I just watched a short documentary about an incredible young man. His name is Zach Sobiech and he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2009 when he was 14 years old. By 2012 the cancer had spread to his pelvis and with months left to live, his mother suggested that he write letters to leave friends and family.
Well, Zach didn’t write letters. He wrote a song instead. “Clouds” was his way of expressing himself and giving his loved ones something to remember him by to give them closure. With lyrics like:
“We’ll go up, up, up but I’ll go a little higher. Go up, up, up because the view is a little nicer up here. My dear, it won’t be long.” Zach’s mother knows he is going to be ok.
Zach is happy and smiling despite his condition and loves to make people around him smile. His story has reached millions and continues to inspire more every day.
“I want to be remembered as the kid who went down fighting and didn’t really lose”, says Zach.
Zach passed away this Monday and although I did not even know about him until Tuesday I will miss him and I am inspired by his courage and his story. He had the blessing in disguise of knowing how much time he had left to make a difference in this world. The rest of us may not have that knowledge but we should still use our time to strive to make a difference.
We emphasized the many missions that are going on around StoneBridge this past Sunday and we encouraged everyone to make a difference. Whether it is locally or abroad, we need to be using our time to make a difference in the world around us, to share the love of Christ that we have been given. We don’t know how much time we have to do this so we have to do our best to make sure that we live out the gospel to the fullest every day.
“I want everyone to know, you don’t have to find out you’re dying to start living”- Zach Sobiech
Hailey
Well, Zach didn’t write letters. He wrote a song instead. “Clouds” was his way of expressing himself and giving his loved ones something to remember him by to give them closure. With lyrics like:
“We’ll go up, up, up but I’ll go a little higher. Go up, up, up because the view is a little nicer up here. My dear, it won’t be long.” Zach’s mother knows he is going to be ok.
Zach is happy and smiling despite his condition and loves to make people around him smile. His story has reached millions and continues to inspire more every day.
“I want to be remembered as the kid who went down fighting and didn’t really lose”, says Zach.
Zach passed away this Monday and although I did not even know about him until Tuesday I will miss him and I am inspired by his courage and his story. He had the blessing in disguise of knowing how much time he had left to make a difference in this world. The rest of us may not have that knowledge but we should still use our time to strive to make a difference.
We emphasized the many missions that are going on around StoneBridge this past Sunday and we encouraged everyone to make a difference. Whether it is locally or abroad, we need to be using our time to make a difference in the world around us, to share the love of Christ that we have been given. We don’t know how much time we have to do this so we have to do our best to make sure that we live out the gospel to the fullest every day.
“I want everyone to know, you don’t have to find out you’re dying to start living”- Zach Sobiech
Hailey
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Are You Really Resting?
I sometimes struggle with really resting. Even while on vacation I keep thinking, "Did I get all my work done? Hope everything runs smoothly while I'm gone. Did I forget anything?"
On my day off, I sometimes schedule a lot of "appointments", errands related to car, house, appointments with doctor, dentist, etc. Not exactly a day of rest.
But perhaps my greatest struggle with resting is the issue of my heart. Even though I know better, I often act as though it all depends on me. Every relationship, every task, every problem.
Now I believe work is a great thing.
But, "the best work is done out of rest." (Louie Giglio)
So if I want to do my work effectively, from a place of strength, then I must learn when and how to rest.
Here is what the psalmist says about rest.
Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge. Psalms 62:1, 5-8
"To truly rest affirms to God our confidence in His purposes without our needing to figure anything out for Him." (Louie Giglio)
So as I fully trust God and His purposes, I will find rest.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want......
Joe
On my day off, I sometimes schedule a lot of "appointments", errands related to car, house, appointments with doctor, dentist, etc. Not exactly a day of rest.
But perhaps my greatest struggle with resting is the issue of my heart. Even though I know better, I often act as though it all depends on me. Every relationship, every task, every problem.
Now I believe work is a great thing.
But, "the best work is done out of rest." (Louie Giglio)
So if I want to do my work effectively, from a place of strength, then I must learn when and how to rest.
Here is what the psalmist says about rest.
Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge. Psalms 62:1, 5-8
"To truly rest affirms to God our confidence in His purposes without our needing to figure anything out for Him." (Louie Giglio)
So as I fully trust God and His purposes, I will find rest.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want......
Joe
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Time.
What is your most precious commodity? time. You only get 24 hours in a day and seven days in a week. No matter how hard you try, you can't come up with anymore than that. On top of that we have a set number of days we have on this quick earthly pilgrimage. So what are you going to do with those few hours you have?
I was reading yesterday in Mark 1 about a really, really busy guy by the name of Jesus. In Mark 1:32-33 it says, '2 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door...' Sounds like a recipe for a really crazy, stressful and exhausting evening.
Jesus' next move is quite contrary to what we might think. With a sea of people still waiting to see Him, Jesus escapes somehow and retreats to a lonely and isolated place where he can pray to His Heavenly Father. As you can imagine the disciples are freaking out because Jesus is nowhere in sight. It says they literally 'hunted' for Jesus and finally found Him. In verse 37 they say to Him, "Everyone is looking for you!" Jesus looks at them and gives this reply, '38 "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come."
One thing that was clear about Jesus was that He did not live His life to try and please people but He lived His life to please God. Jesus chose to regularly carve out time to be with God, even in one of the busiest moments of His life. He comes out of this prayer time with a confidence about who He was and what His Father's Will was....to go and preach about the kingdom of God throughout that region.
I know for me, when I follow Jesus' example and carve out times of prayer in the busy-ness, my priorities become clear. As I walk away from spending time with God, I have clarity, direction, and purpose. I know what to say 'yes' to and what to say 'no' to. When I fail to carve out these times, I feel wishy washy and I live to please others or get blown around by petty desires or creature comforts. So let's give God some of our precious time so that we can make the most of our days for His purposes and glory!
in Christ,
Brian
I was reading yesterday in Mark 1 about a really, really busy guy by the name of Jesus. In Mark 1:32-33 it says, '2 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door...' Sounds like a recipe for a really crazy, stressful and exhausting evening.
Jesus' next move is quite contrary to what we might think. With a sea of people still waiting to see Him, Jesus escapes somehow and retreats to a lonely and isolated place where he can pray to His Heavenly Father. As you can imagine the disciples are freaking out because Jesus is nowhere in sight. It says they literally 'hunted' for Jesus and finally found Him. In verse 37 they say to Him, "Everyone is looking for you!" Jesus looks at them and gives this reply, '38 "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come."
One thing that was clear about Jesus was that He did not live His life to try and please people but He lived His life to please God. Jesus chose to regularly carve out time to be with God, even in one of the busiest moments of His life. He comes out of this prayer time with a confidence about who He was and what His Father's Will was....to go and preach about the kingdom of God throughout that region.
I know for me, when I follow Jesus' example and carve out times of prayer in the busy-ness, my priorities become clear. As I walk away from spending time with God, I have clarity, direction, and purpose. I know what to say 'yes' to and what to say 'no' to. When I fail to carve out these times, I feel wishy washy and I live to please others or get blown around by petty desires or creature comforts. So let's give God some of our precious time so that we can make the most of our days for His purposes and glory!
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, May 20, 2013
Make A Difference.
So Sunday was a great day at StoneBridge. To have the platform filled with people representing 16 ministries that are all making a difference in the lives of people here and all over the world was a thrill for us all.
Our Missions vision is to enable the gifting of our members to grow and flourish as God leads them into ministry. We also desire to partner with the best ministries in our community and around the world to provide opportunities for our members to serve and reach beyond these walls to make a difference in the Kingdom.
This summer we have a number of mission efforts that will be sending people all over the world.
Stephen & Susan Posta will be spending the month of July in Ghana with HCJB Global and will be working alongside of the medical missionaries. After returning, they will complete their fundraising and other preparations for moving to Ghana – hopefully by the end of this year.
Our Honduras Mission team makes their 7th annual trip on July 6th to La Cieba, Honduras where they partner with Pastor Jorge. Larry Wilson and David Dollar will lead a team of thirty-some folks as they connect with our friends in Honduras to build a mission church, carry out VBS and disciple adults.
We are excited to continue a four-year partnership with Family Legacy this summer in Lusaka, Zambia, a country with the highest rate of orphaned children in the world. It will be the privilege of this twenty-four-person team from StoneBridge to open Hallelujah House, a permanent home for 12 orphans and to work with orphans at Camp Life. Because of StoneBridge members, 240 orphans will get to be at Camp Life and hear the real truth of Jesus.
Also this summer we will send as many as ten people to work with Brent and Leslie Call at Coreluv ministries in Haiti. Coreluv is a partner of StoneBridge committed to building an orphan care center in Myan, Haiti. The team will work on the orphanage and also spend a lot of time with orphans caring and loving on them.
StoneBridge Food Pantry has thrived because of the hearts of those who have been called to serve the poor and hungry around us. Thanks to Tiffany Ray for her leadership and vision and to Barbie Felton who coordinates with a host of wonderful volunteers to provide a consistent level of quality and care for our neighbors.
When Jesus asked Peter, “do you love me?” His follow up was a directive. "Feed My lambs." He then said, "take care of My sheep."
If we love Him, we will feed His lambs and take care of His sheep. Let us join together to love the world through Christ and for Him.
Together, we can make a difference.
Joe McKinney
Steve Dupree
Our Missions vision is to enable the gifting of our members to grow and flourish as God leads them into ministry. We also desire to partner with the best ministries in our community and around the world to provide opportunities for our members to serve and reach beyond these walls to make a difference in the Kingdom.
This summer we have a number of mission efforts that will be sending people all over the world.
Stephen & Susan Posta will be spending the month of July in Ghana with HCJB Global and will be working alongside of the medical missionaries. After returning, they will complete their fundraising and other preparations for moving to Ghana – hopefully by the end of this year.
Our Honduras Mission team makes their 7th annual trip on July 6th to La Cieba, Honduras where they partner with Pastor Jorge. Larry Wilson and David Dollar will lead a team of thirty-some folks as they connect with our friends in Honduras to build a mission church, carry out VBS and disciple adults.
We are excited to continue a four-year partnership with Family Legacy this summer in Lusaka, Zambia, a country with the highest rate of orphaned children in the world. It will be the privilege of this twenty-four-person team from StoneBridge to open Hallelujah House, a permanent home for 12 orphans and to work with orphans at Camp Life. Because of StoneBridge members, 240 orphans will get to be at Camp Life and hear the real truth of Jesus.
Also this summer we will send as many as ten people to work with Brent and Leslie Call at Coreluv ministries in Haiti. Coreluv is a partner of StoneBridge committed to building an orphan care center in Myan, Haiti. The team will work on the orphanage and also spend a lot of time with orphans caring and loving on them.
StoneBridge Food Pantry has thrived because of the hearts of those who have been called to serve the poor and hungry around us. Thanks to Tiffany Ray for her leadership and vision and to Barbie Felton who coordinates with a host of wonderful volunteers to provide a consistent level of quality and care for our neighbors.
When Jesus asked Peter, “do you love me?” His follow up was a directive. "Feed My lambs." He then said, "take care of My sheep."
If we love Him, we will feed His lambs and take care of His sheep. Let us join together to love the world through Christ and for Him.
Together, we can make a difference.
Joe McKinney
Steve Dupree
Friday, May 17, 2013
Life in the Blood.
On Wednesday night I woke up in the middle of the night and was completely unable to move my right arm. I had been sleeping in such a way that I had cut off circulation to the entire arm and it just hung from my shoulder like a lifeless lump. So I could do nothing but wait for the blood to recirculate through my veins. I lay there in amazement at how life is truly in the blood. Only by the blood could I move my arm.
In the same way it's only by the blood of Jesus Christ that we have life. Jesus shocked the crowds when He told them in John 6:53, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." I love that last little phrase...'you have no life in you.' In a spiritual sense, we are truly lifeless and dead apart from the blood of Christ circulating in our veins. Ephesians 2:1a reimphasizes this point as it says, '1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins...'
So as born-again, children of God, we truly do have a new life blood flowing through us. Through the blood of Jesus we have been forgiven, adopted, and have become recipients of a new covenant or unbreakable promise with God, our heavenly Father. Because of His blood circulating in us we can move in step with the Spirit. We can now move our hands and feet in ways that glorify God and point the world towards Jesus and we are now described as the 'body of Christ' on earth. Through our Spirit-filled movements and actions and words, we display Jesus to the world.
So now that our blood is flowing...let's get moving!
in Christ,
Brian
In the same way it's only by the blood of Jesus Christ that we have life. Jesus shocked the crowds when He told them in John 6:53, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." I love that last little phrase...'you have no life in you.' In a spiritual sense, we are truly lifeless and dead apart from the blood of Christ circulating in our veins. Ephesians 2:1a reimphasizes this point as it says, '1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins...'
So as born-again, children of God, we truly do have a new life blood flowing through us. Through the blood of Jesus we have been forgiven, adopted, and have become recipients of a new covenant or unbreakable promise with God, our heavenly Father. Because of His blood circulating in us we can move in step with the Spirit. We can now move our hands and feet in ways that glorify God and point the world towards Jesus and we are now described as the 'body of Christ' on earth. Through our Spirit-filled movements and actions and words, we display Jesus to the world.
So now that our blood is flowing...let's get moving!
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Open Hands.
With Missions Sunday quickly approaching we’ve tried to pick some songs that really emphasize going out and spreading the gospel. One song is a new one that we have been excited about for months now called Open Hands by Matt Papa.
Here is the chorus:
I lift my hands open wide
Let the whole world see
How You love, how you died, how You set me free
Free at last I surrender all I am
with open hands, with open hands
Open hands. That’s an image that I was just thinking about last night. In this chorus there are two similar yet different representations that go along with the image of open hands. In the first part the open hands signify sharing. You can’t share something with someone with a closed fist; it is clenched in an aggressive stance. But open hands freely give, their gifts fall easily from the fingertips in uncontrollable generosity.
Then we have a second image of open hands, this time in surrender. They still give freely but this time with a different attitude of surrender, not clinging to anything of the past but letting it all fall away in pursuit of Christ. See how these two images appear seamlessly side by side and how we can apply this to our own lives.
Here’s the whole song:
To give unselfishly
To love the least of these
Jesus, I’m learning how to live with open hands
All these treasures that I own
will never satisfy my soul
Jesus, I lay them at Your throne with open hands
I lift my hands open wide
Let the whole world see
How You love, how you died, how You set me free
Free at last I surrender all I am
with open hands, with open hands
To finally let go of my plans
These earthly kingdoms made of sand
Jesus, at Your cross I stand with open hands
You took the nails, You bore the crown
You hung Your head, Your love poured out
You took my place, You paid the price
So, Jesus, now I will give my life
Open Hands,
Hailey
Here is the chorus:
I lift my hands open wide
Let the whole world see
How You love, how you died, how You set me free
Free at last I surrender all I am
with open hands, with open hands
Open hands. That’s an image that I was just thinking about last night. In this chorus there are two similar yet different representations that go along with the image of open hands. In the first part the open hands signify sharing. You can’t share something with someone with a closed fist; it is clenched in an aggressive stance. But open hands freely give, their gifts fall easily from the fingertips in uncontrollable generosity.
Then we have a second image of open hands, this time in surrender. They still give freely but this time with a different attitude of surrender, not clinging to anything of the past but letting it all fall away in pursuit of Christ. See how these two images appear seamlessly side by side and how we can apply this to our own lives.
Here’s the whole song:
To give unselfishly
To love the least of these
Jesus, I’m learning how to live with open hands
All these treasures that I own
will never satisfy my soul
Jesus, I lay them at Your throne with open hands
I lift my hands open wide
Let the whole world see
How You love, how you died, how You set me free
Free at last I surrender all I am
with open hands, with open hands
To finally let go of my plans
These earthly kingdoms made of sand
Jesus, at Your cross I stand with open hands
You took the nails, You bore the crown
You hung Your head, Your love poured out
You took my place, You paid the price
So, Jesus, now I will give my life
Open Hands,
Hailey
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
What's Makes a Birthday Happy?
So yesterday was my birthday. I was hoping to buy myself a new Bushnell rangefinder, but Sunday morning we had a leak in the ceiling. So plumber + sheetrock repair = no rangefinder. (By the way, don't take up a collection please, I'm just venting. Plus I might still go get one and then I would have one more than I need!)
So what makes a birthday happy? I think all of us enjoy receiving a thoughtful gift, a delicious meal and our favorite dessert. (Strawberry Short Cake or any variation thereof ... I would be happy for anyone to take up a collection of strawberry desserts and drop them by my office ...)
Today was a day on which friends and family sent words of love and well wishes. It definitely made my heart happy. It was also very humbling. And all of this - my life, my family, my friends and my Hope - are all gifts from God.
So I thought I would look to the books of Wisdom for some thoughts on happiness.
So here are Solomon and David respectively.
"I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.
That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.
I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. Ecclesiastes 3:12-14
And then the greatest happiness is through that which Jesus accomplished:
"Happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned."
Psalm 32:1
O Happy Day!!! He washed my sins away!!!
Definitely a Happy Birthday,
Joe
So what makes a birthday happy? I think all of us enjoy receiving a thoughtful gift, a delicious meal and our favorite dessert. (Strawberry Short Cake or any variation thereof ... I would be happy for anyone to take up a collection of strawberry desserts and drop them by my office ...)
Today was a day on which friends and family sent words of love and well wishes. It definitely made my heart happy. It was also very humbling. And all of this - my life, my family, my friends and my Hope - are all gifts from God.
So I thought I would look to the books of Wisdom for some thoughts on happiness.
So here are Solomon and David respectively.
"I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.
That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.
I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. Ecclesiastes 3:12-14
And then the greatest happiness is through that which Jesus accomplished:
"Happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned."
Psalm 32:1
O Happy Day!!! He washed my sins away!!!
Definitely a Happy Birthday,
Joe
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Two Roads.
I was thinking about the contrasts of the broad way of the world and the narrow road of following Christ. The broad way of the world is filled wth billboards that say, 'have it today', 'enjoy the good life', 'you deserve it', 'don't wait', etc. Isn't that how Satan works? He wraps up sin in the most beautiful and desirable packages. He describes in detail the pleasure and fun that will instantly be ours if we will just sign the dotted line and make the deal with him. But in the end, when we take the bait, the pleasure and fun last but for a moment. After the fun and good feelings are gone, we are left with rottenness, painful consequences and guilt.
What about the way of Jesus? He is honest and up front with us. He says: it's a hard road. You'll have to carry your own cross of shame and persecution. You'll have to be willing to trade in your version of how life will go for My version. People will hate you and you will have to love me more than money, family, and even life itself. Yet, He also tells us that this is the road of eternal life....the road of abundant life....the road of soul-flooding love overwhelming you and pouring out of you...the road of soul-peace in the chaos....the road of unshakeable joy...the road of real and lasting adventure and life purpose.
Jesus says in Matthew 7, 13 "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. 14 But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it." So which road will you and I choose to walk today?
in Christ,
Brian
What about the way of Jesus? He is honest and up front with us. He says: it's a hard road. You'll have to carry your own cross of shame and persecution. You'll have to be willing to trade in your version of how life will go for My version. People will hate you and you will have to love me more than money, family, and even life itself. Yet, He also tells us that this is the road of eternal life....the road of abundant life....the road of soul-flooding love overwhelming you and pouring out of you...the road of soul-peace in the chaos....the road of unshakeable joy...the road of real and lasting adventure and life purpose.
Jesus says in Matthew 7, 13 "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. 14 But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it." So which road will you and I choose to walk today?
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, May 13, 2013
Hmmm... What to share?
Maybe, I could write about the thought life.
"Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life!" (Prov.4:23)
Then I "thought" better of it. (Sorry)
Perhaps I should share about humility and pride.
"We may easily be too big for God to use, but never too small." D.L. Moody
But being a "wee little man" myself, I wondered what I could say of significance. (Couldn't help myself)
But my heart needs to hear it and I just wanted to say once again to all my dear friends: Jesus loves you. And He is closer than you think. He knows your thoughts. He knows your feelings. The life we're living, He wants us to live through Him and for Him. So when we think no one understands, no one "gets us," we couldn't be more wrong.
I am reminded of an old gospel song. Wish I could sing it for you today.
No one understands like Jesus;
He's a Friend beyond compare.
Meet Him at the throne of mercy;
He is waiting for You there.
No one understands like Jesus
When the days are dark and grim.
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus;
Cast Your every care on Him.
John 15:15
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
What a Friend,
Little Joe
"Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life!" (Prov.4:23)
Then I "thought" better of it. (Sorry)
Perhaps I should share about humility and pride.
"We may easily be too big for God to use, but never too small." D.L. Moody
But being a "wee little man" myself, I wondered what I could say of significance. (Couldn't help myself)
But my heart needs to hear it and I just wanted to say once again to all my dear friends: Jesus loves you. And He is closer than you think. He knows your thoughts. He knows your feelings. The life we're living, He wants us to live through Him and for Him. So when we think no one understands, no one "gets us," we couldn't be more wrong.
I am reminded of an old gospel song. Wish I could sing it for you today.
No one understands like Jesus;
He's a Friend beyond compare.
Meet Him at the throne of mercy;
He is waiting for You there.
No one understands like Jesus
When the days are dark and grim.
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus;
Cast Your every care on Him.
John 15:15
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
What a Friend,
Little Joe
Friday, May 10, 2013
What a friend we have in Jesus.
On Wednesday we celebrated the life of my Grandpa, Harry B Hill. The night before the funeral my Mom handed me one of Grandpa's prayer journals from 1996 to read. I always knew my Grandpa as a faithful man in his Christian walk. He was a committed member of his church choir, actively participated in his Methodist Men's group (which he abbreviated in his journal as 'Meth Men'), and exhibited Christ-like character in his dealings with people.
One thing that I did not know about my Grandpa, that I learned from his journal, was the intensely intimate relationship he had with Jesus. Every day of the week through January, February and so forth, my Grandpa recorded his prayers. He normally would begin with 'Dear Jesus'. He often would write about 'how real' Jesus was to him and over and over again he constantly thanked Jesus for His personal guidance, comfort, and daily help.
It was very clear that my Grandpa's best and most intimate friend was and is Jesus. He truly saw life as a journey that him and Jesus were taking together. Christianity was not a weekly church service for my Grandpa, but a moment by moment journey with a very real and personal Savior.
In my Grandpa's last moment on earth we believe God gave us a special gift. My Mom and her brother and sister were with Grandpa in his room last Saturday. One of the local ministers had just come in and was reading some Scriptures over him. All of a sudden there were three knocks on the door. My mom remained with Grandpa holding his hand while one of her siblings went to go open the door. As they opened the door, no one was anywhere in sight. At that exact moment, my Grandpa took his last breath. It was as if Jesus, Grandpa's intimate Savior and Friend, came knocking to come and bring His servant home.
I was reminded of the song, 'What a Friend We have in Jesus'....
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
May we too experience the joy and richness of walking with Jesus daily as our faithful friend and personal Savior!
in Christ,
Brian
One thing that I did not know about my Grandpa, that I learned from his journal, was the intensely intimate relationship he had with Jesus. Every day of the week through January, February and so forth, my Grandpa recorded his prayers. He normally would begin with 'Dear Jesus'. He often would write about 'how real' Jesus was to him and over and over again he constantly thanked Jesus for His personal guidance, comfort, and daily help.
It was very clear that my Grandpa's best and most intimate friend was and is Jesus. He truly saw life as a journey that him and Jesus were taking together. Christianity was not a weekly church service for my Grandpa, but a moment by moment journey with a very real and personal Savior.
In my Grandpa's last moment on earth we believe God gave us a special gift. My Mom and her brother and sister were with Grandpa in his room last Saturday. One of the local ministers had just come in and was reading some Scriptures over him. All of a sudden there were three knocks on the door. My mom remained with Grandpa holding his hand while one of her siblings went to go open the door. As they opened the door, no one was anywhere in sight. At that exact moment, my Grandpa took his last breath. It was as if Jesus, Grandpa's intimate Savior and Friend, came knocking to come and bring His servant home.
I was reminded of the song, 'What a Friend We have in Jesus'....
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
May we too experience the joy and richness of walking with Jesus daily as our faithful friend and personal Savior!
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Mother's Day.
Mother’s Day is this Sunday, just in case you had forgotten. No worries, there is still plenty of time to run out and grab a card and a sweet gift.
On a serious note, mothers play an incredible role in a family. Kisser of boo-boos, holder of hands, molder of character, I could go on. So this Mother’s day let her know how much she means to you and show your appreciation.
To all mothers: step-moms, soon to be moms, grandma’s and great grandma’s, mothers of adopted children, mothers of their own children, and women who are like a mother to others.
Proverbs 31:10-12, 25-31
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Happy Mother’s Day
Hailey
On a serious note, mothers play an incredible role in a family. Kisser of boo-boos, holder of hands, molder of character, I could go on. So this Mother’s day let her know how much she means to you and show your appreciation.
To all mothers: step-moms, soon to be moms, grandma’s and great grandma’s, mothers of adopted children, mothers of their own children, and women who are like a mother to others.
Proverbs 31:10-12, 25-31
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Happy Mother’s Day
Hailey
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
The Artistic Roller Coaster.
Many who are in the artistic community in which I live struggle with large emotional swings. They are really up one day and really down the next. I started to write about how to maintain daily joy in that struggle - and I believe God's word speaks wisdom on that subject for sure - but as I was writing, I kept thinking: Just write about how much God loves them.
So today let's celebrate the "good news"... God so loved the world......
Rick Warren writes, "God's Comfort to Bipolars: "Neither HEIGHTS nor DEPTHS can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus" Rom 8:39
So just know that regardless of your emotional swings - whether caused by circumstances, artistic disposition, hormones or whatever - God the Father loves you and NOTHING can separate you from His love because of what Jesus has done.
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10"
His Love is Greater.
Joe
So today let's celebrate the "good news"... God so loved the world......
Rick Warren writes, "God's Comfort to Bipolars: "Neither HEIGHTS nor DEPTHS can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus" Rom 8:39
So just know that regardless of your emotional swings - whether caused by circumstances, artistic disposition, hormones or whatever - God the Father loves you and NOTHING can separate you from His love because of what Jesus has done.
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10"
His Love is Greater.
Joe
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Tell Them...
This past Saturday at 6:30 PM my grandpa, Harry B Hill, stepped out of this earthly life and into the new life that Jesus has for him in heaven. We received the news Saturday morning that he was in his last hours. My two brothers and I decided to head over to San Marcos, Texas to spend a few final moments with him.
When my other grandparents passed away, I was away from them and simply received the phone call. God allowed us to arrive in time to be able to spend some time with him. Although he was unable to communicate we had a chance to share some words with him. We went around the circle and each spoke to him about all the things we appreciated about him and how he had impacted our lives. We then took a moment to pray for him and thank God for him.
As we drove back that night, my brother and I somehow stumbled across Garth Brooks' greatest hits album on his play list. We had a little sing along with Garth session for the last portion of our trip. One of his songs stuck out to me that night. Here are some of the lyrics:
'If Tomorrow Never Comes' - Garth Brooks
'Cause I've lost loved ones in my life
Who never knew how much I loved them
Now I live with the regret
That my true feelings for them never were revealed
So I made a promise to myself
To say each day how much she means to me
And avoid that circumstance
Where there's no second chance to tell her how I feel
It is tragic that I neglect to tell my closest and dearest friends and family how much I appreciate them. How empowering it would be if I took the opportunity today to simply send an email, write a note, pick up the phone and speak words of encouragement and thanks into the lives of those who've been a blessing in my life. Let's seize the moment today and not put it off until tomorrow.
in Christ,
Brian
When my other grandparents passed away, I was away from them and simply received the phone call. God allowed us to arrive in time to be able to spend some time with him. Although he was unable to communicate we had a chance to share some words with him. We went around the circle and each spoke to him about all the things we appreciated about him and how he had impacted our lives. We then took a moment to pray for him and thank God for him.
As we drove back that night, my brother and I somehow stumbled across Garth Brooks' greatest hits album on his play list. We had a little sing along with Garth session for the last portion of our trip. One of his songs stuck out to me that night. Here are some of the lyrics:
'If Tomorrow Never Comes' - Garth Brooks
'Cause I've lost loved ones in my life
Who never knew how much I loved them
Now I live with the regret
That my true feelings for them never were revealed
So I made a promise to myself
To say each day how much she means to me
And avoid that circumstance
Where there's no second chance to tell her how I feel
It is tragic that I neglect to tell my closest and dearest friends and family how much I appreciate them. How empowering it would be if I took the opportunity today to simply send an email, write a note, pick up the phone and speak words of encouragement and thanks into the lives of those who've been a blessing in my life. Let's seize the moment today and not put it off until tomorrow.
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, May 6, 2013
Affirmation Addiction?
When I live my life as if everything is about me, I fall into affirmation addiction. I have a dependency on others to validate me. So I am easily swayed, because without out others approval, I am undone.
@waynecordeiro: "We live in an age addicted to affirmation, but we're of a Kingdom & called to obey. Stay humble today.
Bring attention to Jesus alone."
Where does our confidence come from?
When our lives are about Jesus and His kingdom, our confidence comes from Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:4-5
Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,
If we live for our glory, we will need more affirmation .
If we live for his glory, we are set free.
Pride is a heavy burden, humility a light load.
2 Corinthians 4:7 says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all- surpassing power is from God and not from us.
We are "jars of clay," but we contain a great treasure from God Himself. To have been entrusted with the gospel is a great privilege. While I am "just" a vessel, I am purposed with the greatest mission ever given.
Not feeling quite as needy now,
Joe
@waynecordeiro: "We live in an age addicted to affirmation, but we're of a Kingdom & called to obey. Stay humble today.
Bring attention to Jesus alone."
Where does our confidence come from?
When our lives are about Jesus and His kingdom, our confidence comes from Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:4-5
Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,
If we live for our glory, we will need more affirmation .
If we live for his glory, we are set free.
Pride is a heavy burden, humility a light load.
2 Corinthians 4:7 says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all- surpassing power is from God and not from us.
We are "jars of clay," but we contain a great treasure from God Himself. To have been entrusted with the gospel is a great privilege. While I am "just" a vessel, I am purposed with the greatest mission ever given.
Not feeling quite as needy now,
Joe
Friday, May 3, 2013
Let It Go.
One of the aspects of worship is the act of 'letting go.' This seems to define most of my times of personal worship. This week I was just sitting with God and I let the song 'God, I look to you' play in the background. The chorus just kept flooding over me where it says, 'Haleluia, our God reigns....forever all my days, Haleluia'.
Each chorus seemed to reveal more stuff that I just needed to let go of....sadnesses that I had not dealt with....expectations I needed to take off of myself....insecurities I needed to acknowledge....fears of failure....personal disappointments....pressures....deadlines.....frustrations. These times usually end up with the good kind of tears rolling down my face as I release all of these things to God. I also walk away from these times feeling like I just unloaded a 100 pound bag off of my back.
I have found that in these moments I reconnect with my heart. I start feeling again on a deeper level and I can start loving and serving again with my whole self and not simply going through the motions. Let these words be an invitation to us today....Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28)....Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)...Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you (Psalm 55:22)....Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).
Take some time to break away today and 'let it go' to the God who loves you and wants to carry your burdens...
in Christ,
Brian
Each chorus seemed to reveal more stuff that I just needed to let go of....sadnesses that I had not dealt with....expectations I needed to take off of myself....insecurities I needed to acknowledge....fears of failure....personal disappointments....pressures....deadlines.....frustrations. These times usually end up with the good kind of tears rolling down my face as I release all of these things to God. I also walk away from these times feeling like I just unloaded a 100 pound bag off of my back.
I have found that in these moments I reconnect with my heart. I start feeling again on a deeper level and I can start loving and serving again with my whole self and not simply going through the motions. Let these words be an invitation to us today....Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28)....Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)...Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you (Psalm 55:22)....Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).
Take some time to break away today and 'let it go' to the God who loves you and wants to carry your burdens...
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Excited!!
I have been super excited about God all day today.
He is so incredible and full of these amazing plans that I am honored to be a part of. I’ll be honest, this excitement has me a little scattered-brained and I’m not even sure where this will end up going.
I guess I could start by saying that after 2 months I finally went back to the gym and have recommitted to living a healthier lifestyle. I am not proud of how long it has taken for me to really re-commit to this and although my entire body hurts like I did not know was possible, I feel great. I’m excited to move forward with this and that excitement has just been contagious. I woke up excited and sad that today was my last bible study meeting but boy, was it a great study. It was all about being more than just a good bible study girl and I can’t wait to put some things I’ve learned into practice, to work on thinking in new ways.
Even in tough, uncertain times I can be excited that God has another opportunity to reach people and show His power and glory. God is not limited by circumstance.
Nancy Guthrie writes, “If healing doesn’t come, if the relationship remains broken, or if the pressures increase, I have the opportunity to discover for myself He is enough. His presence is enough. His purpose is enough.”
God uses these circumstances to work in our lives, as the ones praying, as well as those we pray for. In our lives these opportunities serve to remind us that we need to stop finding fulfillment, value, identity and comfort in other people or things and instead place all our hope in the Lord.
Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Pumped up!
Hailey
He is so incredible and full of these amazing plans that I am honored to be a part of. I’ll be honest, this excitement has me a little scattered-brained and I’m not even sure where this will end up going.
I guess I could start by saying that after 2 months I finally went back to the gym and have recommitted to living a healthier lifestyle. I am not proud of how long it has taken for me to really re-commit to this and although my entire body hurts like I did not know was possible, I feel great. I’m excited to move forward with this and that excitement has just been contagious. I woke up excited and sad that today was my last bible study meeting but boy, was it a great study. It was all about being more than just a good bible study girl and I can’t wait to put some things I’ve learned into practice, to work on thinking in new ways.
Even in tough, uncertain times I can be excited that God has another opportunity to reach people and show His power and glory. God is not limited by circumstance.
Nancy Guthrie writes, “If healing doesn’t come, if the relationship remains broken, or if the pressures increase, I have the opportunity to discover for myself He is enough. His presence is enough. His purpose is enough.”
God uses these circumstances to work in our lives, as the ones praying, as well as those we pray for. In our lives these opportunities serve to remind us that we need to stop finding fulfillment, value, identity and comfort in other people or things and instead place all our hope in the Lord.
Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Pumped up!
Hailey
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Measuring Up.
I had a mentoring Pastor, whom we all called Doc, who used to say, "Comparisons are odious." He felt that everyone should be appreciated for their uniqueness, which included Pastor's and church's uniquenesses. Sometimes people will come up to me to compliment the music on a particular Sunday and although well meaning, will say how it was better than some other church they attended. I always think about Doc when that happens.
Comparisons do happen, but they are not always positive or helpful. As I try to live a Christ-centered life, I often fall woefully short. Tim Keller writes, "Jesus Christ as only an example will crush you. You'll never be able to live up to it. But Jesus Christ as the Lamb will save you."
Christ is my example. But He is not "Only" my example.
He is my Savior, my Redeemer and my Lord.
Trusting Christ,
Joe
Christ Is Our Example
For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 1 Peter 2:21
Christ is Our Savior
whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:6-7
Comparisons do happen, but they are not always positive or helpful. As I try to live a Christ-centered life, I often fall woefully short. Tim Keller writes, "Jesus Christ as only an example will crush you. You'll never be able to live up to it. But Jesus Christ as the Lamb will save you."
Christ is my example. But He is not "Only" my example.
He is my Savior, my Redeemer and my Lord.
Trusting Christ,
Joe
Christ Is Our Example
For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 1 Peter 2:21
Christ is Our Savior
whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:6-7
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