Showing posts with label a new life in Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label a new life in Christ. Show all posts
Thursday, April 19, 2012
The Simplicity of Worship
On this most special night, Jesus, The Son of God is in the Garden of Gethsemane and had been praying to His Father about what He knew was about to happen to Him. Jesus did not want to have to go through all that He was and was going to continue to endure, yet He made the choice to suffer a horrible death, so that we could live free. Someone who was a part of His life and Ministry, Judas, came to the Garden guiding an assembly of soldiers and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. This group came with Judas carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing what they had come to do, steps forward and asked Who they were looking for and they tell Him. Jesus responds and says I AM HE! Then The Bible tells us that they all fell back onto the ground! Their bodies could not handle the Power of God just when Jesus spoke Who He was and is, and they ALL fell to the ground, including Judas!
Just SOME of the names of Jesus are Bridegroom (Matthew 9:15), The Chief Corner Stone (Ephesians 2:20), The Savior of the world (John 4:42), Redeemer or Defender (Job 19:25), The Anointed One (Psalm 2:2), The Provider (Genesis 22:14), The Son of God (John 1:34), The Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), The Counselor, The Last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45-47), The Maker and Builder, The Advocate (1John 2:1), The Resurrection and The Life (John 11:25), The Nazarene, Living Water (John 4:10),The Alpha and Omega, The First and The Last, The Beginning and The End (Revelation 22:13), Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23), Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and The Lamb of God (John 1:29)!
Judas was standing right there and heard Jesus say I AM HE and felt The Power of God go through him to the point that he fell backwards to the ground! Yet he still went on with what he wanted and what he willed to do. Judas walked with Jesus, he ate with Him and saw all the miracles and heard all the teaching of Jesus first hand. Judas was even the Accountant for The Ministry! Yet Judas missed everything because he chose to just go through the motions of following God, instead of having an intimate relationship and knowing Jesus and Who He really IS!
See, you can look like you are a follower of Jesus Christ and miss Jesus, Himself! From the outside Judas looked very devoted because he was doing work for Jesus, but inside Judas never really knew Him. So, let us learn and ask OURSELVES are we basing our relationship with God by what we DO or Who He IS? Are we following our own agenda or are we following HIM? Are we trying to conform Jesus to our ways and ways of thinking or are we conforming to Him and His Ways? Beginning today, get to know The Lord through His Word and see how wonderful He is and how many facets there are to Him. Do not just LOOK LIKE you know Him, really do! I pray you have a New Life, a deeper life, a rich life – The Life with God! Not just a life that’s routine, but an amazing journey that isdaily leading you to a New Life in Christ. I pray in Jesus Name that you will encounter Him and His Power and truly WHO HE IS!
Scripture Of The Day: “Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward to meet them. “Who are you looking for?” he asked. 5 “Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied. “I Am he,” Jesus said. (Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.) 6 As Jesus said “I Am he,” they all drew back and fell to the ground!” - John 18:4-6 (NLT)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
A Godly Perspective on Change
If there is anything certain in life, it is change. If we could design our own lives, they would be filled with all that we want and nothing that we don’t want. Life, however, doesn’t work that way. Life is about growth and progression. Flowers bloom and fade; seeds sprout and grow; butterflies undergo four distinct life cycles; and the list goes on. The bible is full of examples on transformation. A notable record is found in II Corinthians 5: 17—"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; Behold, all things are become new." Note here that the scripture signifies that a process takes place. To grow, we must undergo change both physically and mentally.
But why do we resist change? As Christians, many of us find it difficult to accept change in our lives, even though we religiously quote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Let’s be honest with ourselves about one thing—change is NOT easy. And one of the reasons we have a difficult time dealing with change is because of the emotional factors associated with it. These emotions include fear, discouragement, anxiety, insecurity, caution, anger, confusion, anticipation, inhibited disappointment, concern, unsettled depression, avoidance, uncomfortable dread, and excitement. Many of us are resistant to change because it takes us out of our comfort zones, exposing some degree of our vulnerability. When change occurs, we most often first feel that there is a loss of some sort. If we lose our job, emotion interprets it as a loss of identity or financial stability. If we develop illness or disease, emotion interprets it as loss of good health. If our personal relationship comes to an end or experiences a major shift, emotion interprets the event as a setback. And since emotions tend to unmask us and make us seemingly vulnerable, we resist those things that unveil our nakedness.
On both spiritual and natural plateaus, change serves as a catalytic agent, and personal and spiritual growth are its by-products. I now know this all too well. I would venture to say that I’ve been in a season of change over the course of the past two years. From a change in my health status that resulted in sudden hospitalizations in the intensive care unit, to career issues, and relocation, I have been undergoing continuous transition. And while I believed that I was handling the changes with grace and honor, I reached my breaking point one day. One of the effects of Graves’ disease is significant hair loss. My beautician had been trying to “save” my hair but determined that a haircut was inevitable. In less than fifteen minutes, my glory was on the salon floor. My initial feeling was that of loss—hair loss. While I knew that my hair would grow back, that wasn’t my dilemma. My dilemma was being forced out of my comfort zone. I cried and lamented over the issue. But my feelings, although legitimate in argument, was actually useless in terms of my benefit. I had to accept change. This experience shaped my outlook, molded my character, and caused me to activate faith in my healing process.
When change happens, we have a few options. We can live with it, adapt to it, or grow from it. Some things we will have to let go of, say good-bye to, or even release ourselves from. We must remember that no matter how devastating the form of change, a golden opportunity awaits. As the scripture declares, change ushers in newness—a new attitude, a new direction, a new relationship, a mended relationship, a closer relationship with God, a new career, a new home, a new church, a new medical report, etcetera. For change is opportunity-driven; it is a special invitation to personal and spiritual empowerment and advancement.
Embrace change and live abundantly.
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; Behold, all things are become new." - II
Corinthians 5:17
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Extreme Makeover
One of my favorite TV shows is "Extreme Makeover-Home Edition". It's a reality show with a team of contractors, designers, and workers that go around the country remodeling homes that are run down, all tore up and in need of improvement and change. Each episode features a project that would usually take at lease four months, but the entire house is totally and completely rebuilt in seven days. This show believes in the old becoming new. The lives of the families chosen for the project are radically changed forever from being a part of this experience! Having a new home is a gift from the show.
It was revealed to me in the word, that this is what God has done for each of us in Christ Jesus, a makeover. Notice I didn't say He put "make-up" on us. We all know what "make-up" is, it's a substance that makes you look better and after a while it wears off or you have to take it off. No, God did a "re-make" on us, permanent and completely brand new! We've been "rebuilt, remodeled, renovated, renewed, restored, and improved" and we've been radically changed! Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. (Ephesians 2:1, NLT). But God showed His love toward us when we were in that condition. The makeover by the Father that takes place in those who believe and receive His Son begins with new life. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5, NLT).
We can't take any credit for the makeover; it was a gift from God. God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8-9, NLT). We were messed up, tore up, with all kinds of "dirt, decay, mold, cracks, holes, leaks, and broken pieces and parts" just like those homes on that show. We were in need of a makeover, and the only way it could happen extremely was through CHRIST! What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old is gone. A new life has begun! All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, NLT). Encourage and remind yourself, and also remember to share it with someone else, "I'm not what I used to be and I don't look like I used to be. I've had an extreme makeover!"
PRAYER: Lord God, we praise and thank you for extremely "making us over", new persons in your son Jesus Christ. Help us to live our lives as "changed" people and empower us to share this wonderful message of reconciliation with those who don't know you. Amen.
Scripture of the Day: "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." - Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
It was revealed to me in the word, that this is what God has done for each of us in Christ Jesus, a makeover. Notice I didn't say He put "make-up" on us. We all know what "make-up" is, it's a substance that makes you look better and after a while it wears off or you have to take it off. No, God did a "re-make" on us, permanent and completely brand new! We've been "rebuilt, remodeled, renovated, renewed, restored, and improved" and we've been radically changed! Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. (Ephesians 2:1, NLT). But God showed His love toward us when we were in that condition. The makeover by the Father that takes place in those who believe and receive His Son begins with new life. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5, NLT).
We can't take any credit for the makeover; it was a gift from God. God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8-9, NLT). We were messed up, tore up, with all kinds of "dirt, decay, mold, cracks, holes, leaks, and broken pieces and parts" just like those homes on that show. We were in need of a makeover, and the only way it could happen extremely was through CHRIST! What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old is gone. A new life has begun! All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, NLT). Encourage and remind yourself, and also remember to share it with someone else, "I'm not what I used to be and I don't look like I used to be. I've had an extreme makeover!"
PRAYER: Lord God, we praise and thank you for extremely "making us over", new persons in your son Jesus Christ. Help us to live our lives as "changed" people and empower us to share this wonderful message of reconciliation with those who don't know you. Amen.
Scripture of the Day: "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." - Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Those Who Believe
On this most special night, Jesus, The Son of God is in the Garden of Gethsemane and had been praying to His Father about what He knew was about to happen to Him. Jesus did not want to have to go through all that He was and was going to continue to endure, yet He made the choice to suffer a horrible death, so that we could live free. Someone who was a part of His life and Ministry, Judas, came to the Garden guiding an assembly of soldiers and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. This group came with Judas carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing what they had come to do, steps forward and asked Who they were looking for and they tell Him. Jesus responds and says I AM HE! Then The Bible tells us that they all fell back onto the ground! Their bodies could not handle the Power of God just when Jesus spoke Who He was and is, and they ALL fell to the ground, including Judas!
Just SOME of the names of Jesus are Bridegroom (Matthew 9:15), The Chief Corner Stone (Ephesians 2:20), The Savior of the world (John 4:42), Redeemer or Defender (Job 19:25), The Anointed One (Psalm 2:2), The Provider (Genesis 22:14), The Son of God (John 1:34), The Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), The Counselor, The Last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45-47), The Maker and Builder, The Advocate (1John 2:1), The Resurrection and The Life (John 11:25), The Nazarene, Living Water (John 4:10),The Alpha and Omega, The First and The Last, The Beginning and The End (Revelation 22:13), Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23), Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and The Lamb of God (John 1:29)!
Judas was standing right there and heard Jesus say I AM HE and felt The Power of God go through him to the point that he fell backwards to the ground! Yet he still went on with what he wanted and what he willed to do. Judas walked with Jesus, he ate with Him and saw all the miracles and heard all the teaching of Jesus first hand. Judas was even the Accountant for The Ministry! Yet Judas missed everything because he chose to just go through the motions of following God, instead of having an intimate relationship and knowing Jesus and Who He really IS!
See, you can look like you are a follower of Jesus Christ and miss Jesus, Himself! From the outside Judas looked very devoted because he was doing work for Jesus, but inside Judas never really knew Him. So, let us learn and ask OURSELVES are we basing our relationship with God by what we DO or Who He IS? Are we following our own agenda or are we following HIM? Are we trying to conform Jesus to our ways and ways of thinking or are we conforming to Him and His Ways? Beginning today, get to know The Lord through His Word and see how wonderful He is and how many facets there are to Him. Do not just LOOK LIKE you know Him, really do! I pray you have a New Life, a deeper life, a rich life – The Life with God! Not just a life that’s routine, but an amazing journey that isdaily leading you to a New Life in Christ. I pray in Jesus Name that you will encounter Him and His Power and truly WHO HE IS!
Scripture Of The Day: “Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward to meet them. “Who are you looking for?” he asked. 5 “Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied. “I Am he,” Jesus said. (Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.) 6 As Jesus said “I Am he,” they all drew back and fell to the ground!” - John 18:4-6 (NLT)
Friday, January 13, 2012
Whatcha Got?
That was essentially the question that God asked Moses after sharing a glimpse of the destiny that he had created him for: To free a nation from slavery and bring them into God’s promise. And as is the custom of unbelieving human beings, Moses questions his qualifications, skills, and resources to accomplish the task. Rather than get into a lengthy debate, God asks “What is in your hand?” Moses answers, “A staff.”
After the Lord tells him to throw it down, his eyes are opened to the power of God. Taking Moses’ common staff, God performed uncommon miracles, signs, and wonders. As a result, a nation bound in slavery for 400 years was freed. A magic stick wasn’t necessary. Bulging muscles weren’t needed. A million bags of gold couldn’t help. A yielded staff in the hands of God was more than enough.
So what has God called YOU to do? What edict of greatness did He create YOU for? Yeah I know, I know… You aren’t smart enough. You aren’t networked enough. You aren’t wealthy enough. You come from the wrong family. You went to the wrong school (or didn’t go to school at all!). You live in the wrong neighborhood. Your skin is the wrong color. You are too old. You are too young. Too much of this. Not enough of that.
Excuses, excuses, excuses… When exposed to God’s vision we are all tempted to do exactly what Moses did: Make excuses why we aren’t the one that God is looking for. And the root of our excuse can be summed up in one sentence: We don’t believe we have what it takes to accomplish the task.
But if God’s destiny relied on our resources, then we’re all in a ton of trouble. God is not asking for extraordinary things to do extraordinary stuff. He is just asking for extraordinary willingness. Extraordinary obedience. Extraordinary abandonment. Extraordinary surrender. Extraordinary worship. He is simply asking for what is in our hands and our heart.
If we will zealously commit ourselves to His task and the little we have to Him, He will bless and empower us beyond our wildest dreams. God has created you for greatness. God has destined you for an amazing calling. Stop making excuses.
He already knows what you DON’T have. He wants to see what you DO have. He is asking, “Whatcha Got?” Now take what you’ve got and give it to Him. When you give God what you’ve got, you get to see what He’s got. And He’s got ALOT. Just wait and see. He used a dude with a stick and transformed a nation. He’ll use what you have to do wonders too.
So…Whatcha Got?
Scripture Of The Day: "Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground." - Exodus 4:2-3
After the Lord tells him to throw it down, his eyes are opened to the power of God. Taking Moses’ common staff, God performed uncommon miracles, signs, and wonders. As a result, a nation bound in slavery for 400 years was freed. A magic stick wasn’t necessary. Bulging muscles weren’t needed. A million bags of gold couldn’t help. A yielded staff in the hands of God was more than enough.
So what has God called YOU to do? What edict of greatness did He create YOU for? Yeah I know, I know… You aren’t smart enough. You aren’t networked enough. You aren’t wealthy enough. You come from the wrong family. You went to the wrong school (or didn’t go to school at all!). You live in the wrong neighborhood. Your skin is the wrong color. You are too old. You are too young. Too much of this. Not enough of that.
Excuses, excuses, excuses… When exposed to God’s vision we are all tempted to do exactly what Moses did: Make excuses why we aren’t the one that God is looking for. And the root of our excuse can be summed up in one sentence: We don’t believe we have what it takes to accomplish the task.
But if God’s destiny relied on our resources, then we’re all in a ton of trouble. God is not asking for extraordinary things to do extraordinary stuff. He is just asking for extraordinary willingness. Extraordinary obedience. Extraordinary abandonment. Extraordinary surrender. Extraordinary worship. He is simply asking for what is in our hands and our heart.
If we will zealously commit ourselves to His task and the little we have to Him, He will bless and empower us beyond our wildest dreams. God has created you for greatness. God has destined you for an amazing calling. Stop making excuses.
He already knows what you DON’T have. He wants to see what you DO have. He is asking, “Whatcha Got?” Now take what you’ve got and give it to Him. When you give God what you’ve got, you get to see what He’s got. And He’s got ALOT. Just wait and see. He used a dude with a stick and transformed a nation. He’ll use what you have to do wonders too.
So…Whatcha Got?
Scripture Of The Day: "Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground." - Exodus 4:2-3
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Time To Renew
In Romans 12:2 the Greek word for “renew” is anakainosis and it means “renovation” or a “complete change for the better.” I just love that. For us to renew our minds we must actually strive to make a complete change for the better. I can think of no better way to “renew our minds” than by diving into the Word of God. Not only diving into it, but allowing it to submerge our very being. When we fill our minds with the truth of God’s Word, we will be changed from the inside out.
Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Merely “doing” something good or right without the right heart won’t last. We will find ourselves overwhelmed because we are trying to stay on a spiritual treadmill of sorts. But when we hide, treasure and breathe the word of God, we are less likely to walk in sin.
The Bible is clear that there is power in God’s Word. In fact, we are told in Hebrews 4:12 that it is “living and active…sharper than any double-edged sword…penetrating even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow…judging the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
When you find yourself fretting over that thing you keep fretting over, encourage yourself by proclaiming Matthew 6:34 over your life. When you feel picked on and wonder if anyone is on your side, declare Romans 8:31 and walk in victory. There is a verse to apply to every situation in life. Today is the day to claim them!
Friend, there is power in the Word. And I am more than confident that it will be the determining force to renew your mind today and every day.
Scripture Of The Day: "Do not conform any longer 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." - Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Those Who Believe
On this most special night, Jesus, The Son of God is in the Garden of Gethsemane and had been praying to His Father about what He knew was about to happen to Him. Jesus did not want to have to go through all that He was and was going to continue to endure, yet He made the choice to suffer a horrible death, so that we could live free. Someone who was a part of His life and Ministry, Judas, came to the Garden guiding an assembly of soldiers and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. This group came with Judas carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing what they had come to do, steps forward and asked Who they were looking for and they tell Him. Jesus responds and says I AM HE! Then The Bible tells us that they all fell back onto the ground! Their bodies could not handle the Power of God just when Jesus spoke Who He was and is, and they ALL fell to the ground, including Judas!
Just SOME of the names of Jesus are Bridegroom (Matthew 9:15), The Chief Corner Stone (Ephesians 2:20), The Savior of the world (John 4:42), Redeemer or Defender (Job 19:25), The Anointed One (Psalm 2:2), The Provider (Genesis 22:14), The Son of God (John 1:34), The Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), The Counselor, The Last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45-47), The Maker and Builder, The Advocate (1John 2:1), The Resurrection and The Life (John 11:25), The Nazarene, Living Water (John 4:10),The Alpha and Omega, The First and The Last, The Beginning and The End (Revelation 22:13), Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23), Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and The Lamb of God (John 1:29)!
Judas was standing right there and heard Jesus say I AM HE and felt The Power of God go through him to the point that he fell backwards to the ground! Yet he still went on with what he wanted and what he willed to do. Judas walked with Jesus, he ate with Him and saw all the miracles and heard all the teaching of Jesus first hand. Judas was even the Accountant for The Ministry! Yet Judas missed everything because he chose to just go through the motions of following God, instead of having an intimate relationship and knowing Jesus and Who He really IS!
See, you can look like you are a follower of Jesus Christ and miss Jesus, Himself! From the outside Judas looked very devoted because he was doing work for Jesus, but inside Judas never really knew Him. So, let us learn and ask OURSELVES are we basing our relationship with God by what we DO or Who He IS? Are we following our own agenda or are we following HIM? Are we trying to conform Jesus to our ways and ways of thinking or are we conforming to Him and His Ways? Beginning today, get to know The Lord through His Word and see how wonderful He is and how many facets there are to Him. Do not just LOOK LIKE you know Him, really do! I pray you have a New Life, a deeper life, a rich life – The Life with God! Not just a life that’s routine, but an amazing journey that isdaily leading you to a New Life in Christ. I pray in Jesus Name that you will encounter Him and His Power and truly WHO HE IS!
Scripture Of The Day: “Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward to meet them. “Who are you looking for?” he asked. 5 “Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied. “I Am he,” Jesus said. (Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.) 6 As Jesus said “I Am he,” they all drew back and fell to the ground!” - John 18:4-6 (NLT)
Monday, January 9, 2012
Not The Same
One of my favorite TV shows is "Extreme Makeover-Home Edition." It's a reality show with a team of contractors, designers and workers that go around the country remodeling homes that are run down, all torn up and in need of improvement and change. Each episode features a project that would usually take at least four months, but the entire house is totally and completely rebuilt in seven days. This show believes in the old becoming new. The lives of the families chosen for the project are radically changed forever from being a part of this experience! Having a new home is a gift from the show.
It was revealed to me in the Word that this is what God has done for each of us in Christ Jesus – a makeover. Notice I didn't say He put "make-up" on us. We all know what "make-up" is; it's a substance that makes you look better and after a while it wears off or you have to take it off. No, God did a "re-make" on us – permanent and completely brand new! We've been "rebuilt, remodeled, renovated, renewed, restored and improved" and we've been radically changed! Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. (Ephesians 2:1, NLT). But God showed His love toward us when we were in that condition. The makeover by the Father that takes place in those who believe and receive His Son begins with new life. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5, NLT).
We can't take any credit for the makeover; it was a gift from God. God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8-9, NLT). We were messed up, torn up, with all kinds of "dirt, decay, mold, cracks, holes, leaks, broken pieces and parts" just like those homes on that show. We were in need of a makeover, and the only way it could happen extremely was through CHRIST!
What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old is gone. A new life has begun! All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, NLT). So Encourage and remind yourself, and also remember to share it with someone else, "I'm not what I used to be and I don't look like I used to. I've had an extreme makeover!"
Scripture Of The Day: "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." - Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Faces
My oldest daughter came downstairs after getting dressed for school, preparing her breakfast to start the day. I stopped what I was doing and watched. Watched as she toasted her bread, opened a box of cereal, etc.
For these few moments, I was mesmerized.
I was taken aback because of all the cool things she could do. Thinking back to when she was a little baby, I recalled her first day on earth. Looking at her now, a full 14 years later I was…speechless. Not only was she smart, talented, and amazing, but she was also…beautiful.
She looked just like her mother this morning, hair swept in a thick braid twisting down her neck to slender shoulders. She walked just like her mom this morning, gliding across the kitchen floor with unusual grace. In many ways, my 12 year-old princess has become a younger version of my wife. Her face is so much like her face. It held me in spellbound awe. It made me think of the genesis of our earliest beginnings.
You and I come from God. We were created in His image, and carry shades of His likeness. Sadly because of the Fall of Man, this connection can be difficult to see. Because of sin’s presence, human nature is fragmented and schizophrenic. Like Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, where the principle character routinely manifested both horror and beauty; as human beings we are prone to a similar duplicity.
Deep in the human heart’s core there is a battle being waged. Between light and dark, good and evil, heaven and hell. A war. A conflict. Over image. Likeness. Genetics. Blueprints. Natures. For faces.
As in, whose likeness will we allow ourselves to be fashioned in? The One who designed us, or the Devil that comes to pervert what God created? Will we be children of light, or the offspring of darkness? Will we put on His face? Or his face? Every day this battle is waged. On the basis of how we choose, how we act, and how we live, will determine whose image we will ultimately reflect.
Today…what face will be your face?
Scripture Of The Day: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” -Genesis 1:27
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Meeting With God
By Dr. Charles F. Stanley
Many of us have been blessed with close friends. Imagine if we never spent time with them but instead just thought and talked about how wonderful these special people are. Wouldn’t such behavior be foolish? Yet some Christians do just that.
Despite accumulating vast knowledge about God and the Bible, they miss out on rich fellowship with the Father, the best friend anyone could ever have.
It is possible to fill our lives with spiritual information and activities—all of which are good—but fail to develop a close relationship with the Lord. Take a quick inventory to see if this might be true of you: Do you attend church only out of a sense of duty? Do you pray with lofty or repetitive words rather than speaking to God from the heart? Do you serve solely out of obligation?
In Scripture, we read about many people whose personal encounter with the Lord was energizing and life-changing. Abraham, Gideon, Moses, and Paul were just a few who spoke with Him one-on-one (Genesis 7:4; Judges 6:12, 14; Exodus 3:2; Acts 9:3-6). We probably don’t expect dramatic “burning bush” experiences today, yet all believers should still have precious, intimate times with God. Whenever we open His Word and invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate its meaning, we can hear directly from our heavenly Father.
The Bible tells us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Walking closely with the Lord takes commitment and time. Start now by dedicating a portion of your day to meeting with your Friend.
Scripture Of The Day: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” - James 4:8
Dr. Charles F. Stanley, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta and founder of In Touch Ministries, is a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than 35 books. “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” can be heard around the world via radio and television broadcasts, the handheld In Touch Messenger and the ministries…
Many of us have been blessed with close friends. Imagine if we never spent time with them but instead just thought and talked about how wonderful these special people are. Wouldn’t such behavior be foolish? Yet some Christians do just that.
Despite accumulating vast knowledge about God and the Bible, they miss out on rich fellowship with the Father, the best friend anyone could ever have.
It is possible to fill our lives with spiritual information and activities—all of which are good—but fail to develop a close relationship with the Lord. Take a quick inventory to see if this might be true of you: Do you attend church only out of a sense of duty? Do you pray with lofty or repetitive words rather than speaking to God from the heart? Do you serve solely out of obligation?
In Scripture, we read about many people whose personal encounter with the Lord was energizing and life-changing. Abraham, Gideon, Moses, and Paul were just a few who spoke with Him one-on-one (Genesis 7:4; Judges 6:12, 14; Exodus 3:2; Acts 9:3-6). We probably don’t expect dramatic “burning bush” experiences today, yet all believers should still have precious, intimate times with God. Whenever we open His Word and invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate its meaning, we can hear directly from our heavenly Father.
The Bible tells us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Walking closely with the Lord takes commitment and time. Start now by dedicating a portion of your day to meeting with your Friend.
Scripture Of The Day: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” - James 4:8
Dr. Charles F. Stanley, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta and founder of In Touch Ministries, is a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than 35 books. “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” can be heard around the world via radio and television broadcasts, the handheld In Touch Messenger and the ministries…
Friday, January 14, 2011
Excess Baggage
By Greg Laurie
I am the kind of a person who likes to drag a lot of stuff with me when I travel. I have been traveling for many years, yet I still overpack. I want to bring everything I own. But excess baggage makes traveling more complicated.
In the same way, when you are running the race of life, you need to run light. Sometimes we drag along a lot of excess weight. But notice that the Bible tells us to "strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress."
Sin is sin, and there are certain non-negotiables to which we must hold fast. Then there might be something that is a weight in your life that may not necessarily be a weight in another's life. By that I mean, there may be something you are doing that is impeding your spiritual progress. Periodically, I need to take stock of my life as a Christian and look at the things I am doing with my time. I need to ask myself the question, "Is it a wing or a weight? Is it speeding me on my way spiritually, or is it slowing me down? Is it increasing my spiritual appetite, or is it dulling it?"
How often we are so busy doing a lot of things that aren't really all that important, but they seem important at the time. We need to ask ourselves if we need to do all of those things. Are they slowing you down?
Lay aside the weight and the sin that hinders your progress.
Scripture Of The Day: "Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." - Hebrews 12:1
Greg Laurie serves as the Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. For more about Greg, log onto http://harvest.org
I am the kind of a person who likes to drag a lot of stuff with me when I travel. I have been traveling for many years, yet I still overpack. I want to bring everything I own. But excess baggage makes traveling more complicated.
In the same way, when you are running the race of life, you need to run light. Sometimes we drag along a lot of excess weight. But notice that the Bible tells us to "strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress."
Sin is sin, and there are certain non-negotiables to which we must hold fast. Then there might be something that is a weight in your life that may not necessarily be a weight in another's life. By that I mean, there may be something you are doing that is impeding your spiritual progress. Periodically, I need to take stock of my life as a Christian and look at the things I am doing with my time. I need to ask myself the question, "Is it a wing or a weight? Is it speeding me on my way spiritually, or is it slowing me down? Is it increasing my spiritual appetite, or is it dulling it?"
How often we are so busy doing a lot of things that aren't really all that important, but they seem important at the time. We need to ask ourselves if we need to do all of those things. Are they slowing you down?
Lay aside the weight and the sin that hinders your progress.
Scripture Of The Day: "Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." - Hebrews 12:1
Greg Laurie serves as the Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. For more about Greg, log onto http://harvest.org
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Begin Again
By Sharon Frame
The desperate father refused to eat or drink. For days he laid prostrate on the floor of his house and wept. He begged God to heal his sick child. After all, it was HIS sin of adultery that had angered the Almighty. The child was innocent. But heaven showed no mercy. The baby boy died seven days later.
It was a most scandalous crime. King David had an alliance with a married woman. The bewitching Bathsheba got pregnant. David had her husband killed to cover up his tracks and claim her as his new wife. But then the word of God came and convicted him.
King David agonized over his son while the child was alive. But when he drew his last breath, David stopped mourning. He got up from the floor, washed his face and went to the temple to worship God. He then went home and ate a big meal. His quick recovery shocked his servants. How could he shut the door to his loss so fast? But what was done was done. David would waste no more time living in regret. It was time to begin again. Some people choose to pitch a tent around their failures and camp out.
David wasn’t having that. He decided to accept God’s forgiveness, and release his guilt and emotional baggage. That’s the only way he could move forward.
What is it that you insist on holding on to that God has instructed you to let go? Is it a destructive relationship? a bad habit? No amount of prayer or fasting will make it good. God says release it. It stands in the way of your new beginning.
This New Year doesn’t need to be saddled with old baggage. Take a cue from King David. He took three key steps to begin again.
First, the moment his son died, David released his guilt and grief. Suddenly, he saw clearly enough to reconnect to his true purpose. And that was simply to serve God.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 says: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
David’s sin had severed his fellowship with God and blocked his vision. Once he fully released it, he went straight to “church” to worship.
That was the second step David took. He got refreshed.
Each new day, God gives us 86,400 seconds to refresh, to begin again. Unlike your vacation days or cell phone minutes, these seconds don’t roll over. You can’t accumulate time. Spend it living your purpose not regretting your past.
The day you release and refresh, is the day you begin to reclaim right-standing with God. This third step is the only way to true peace and prosperity. Reclaiming right-standing simply means to accept God’s forgiveness, and forgive yourself! This was key to David’s deliverance.
No matter how shameful our past failures, God urges us to begin again. Here is an amazing irony: From the ashes of our “mess,” God can create something marvelous.
David didn’t want to lose his child, even though it symbolized his “mess.” God replaced him with Solomon, the second child born to David and Bathsheba. Solomon would rise to become one of the greatest rulers of ancient Israel and the wisest man in the world during his time.
What personal greatness might you be holding up because you won’t release old hurts and failures? The birth of your “Solomon” cannot occur while you linger in the grave yard of your past mistakes. The lord said in Isaiah 43:19, “Behold I do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
God has made a way for us to release, refresh and reclaim our rightful place in Him. Now is the time to begin again.
Scripture Of The Day: "Behold I do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” - Isaiah 43:19
Sharon Frame is an author, empowerment speaker, former CNN anchor and award-winning TV journalist whose passion is to encourage and equip women. Her latest book is Wired to Win! The ultimate guide for women who want to Plug In, Power Up and Push Through to Personal Greatness! For more information, visit http://www.sharonframespeaks.com…
The desperate father refused to eat or drink. For days he laid prostrate on the floor of his house and wept. He begged God to heal his sick child. After all, it was HIS sin of adultery that had angered the Almighty. The child was innocent. But heaven showed no mercy. The baby boy died seven days later.
It was a most scandalous crime. King David had an alliance with a married woman. The bewitching Bathsheba got pregnant. David had her husband killed to cover up his tracks and claim her as his new wife. But then the word of God came and convicted him.
King David agonized over his son while the child was alive. But when he drew his last breath, David stopped mourning. He got up from the floor, washed his face and went to the temple to worship God. He then went home and ate a big meal. His quick recovery shocked his servants. How could he shut the door to his loss so fast? But what was done was done. David would waste no more time living in regret. It was time to begin again. Some people choose to pitch a tent around their failures and camp out.
David wasn’t having that. He decided to accept God’s forgiveness, and release his guilt and emotional baggage. That’s the only way he could move forward.
What is it that you insist on holding on to that God has instructed you to let go? Is it a destructive relationship? a bad habit? No amount of prayer or fasting will make it good. God says release it. It stands in the way of your new beginning.
This New Year doesn’t need to be saddled with old baggage. Take a cue from King David. He took three key steps to begin again.
First, the moment his son died, David released his guilt and grief. Suddenly, he saw clearly enough to reconnect to his true purpose. And that was simply to serve God.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 says: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
David’s sin had severed his fellowship with God and blocked his vision. Once he fully released it, he went straight to “church” to worship.
That was the second step David took. He got refreshed.
Each new day, God gives us 86,400 seconds to refresh, to begin again. Unlike your vacation days or cell phone minutes, these seconds don’t roll over. You can’t accumulate time. Spend it living your purpose not regretting your past.
The day you release and refresh, is the day you begin to reclaim right-standing with God. This third step is the only way to true peace and prosperity. Reclaiming right-standing simply means to accept God’s forgiveness, and forgive yourself! This was key to David’s deliverance.
No matter how shameful our past failures, God urges us to begin again. Here is an amazing irony: From the ashes of our “mess,” God can create something marvelous.
David didn’t want to lose his child, even though it symbolized his “mess.” God replaced him with Solomon, the second child born to David and Bathsheba. Solomon would rise to become one of the greatest rulers of ancient Israel and the wisest man in the world during his time.
What personal greatness might you be holding up because you won’t release old hurts and failures? The birth of your “Solomon” cannot occur while you linger in the grave yard of your past mistakes. The lord said in Isaiah 43:19, “Behold I do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
God has made a way for us to release, refresh and reclaim our rightful place in Him. Now is the time to begin again.
Scripture Of The Day: "Behold I do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” - Isaiah 43:19
Sharon Frame is an author, empowerment speaker, former CNN anchor and award-winning TV journalist whose passion is to encourage and equip women. Her latest book is Wired to Win! The ultimate guide for women who want to Plug In, Power Up and Push Through to Personal Greatness! For more information, visit http://www.sharonframespeaks.com…
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
New Life In Christ
By Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
In Colossians 3:9-10, Paul wrote: "...since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him."
Notice that you have to put off the old man with his deeds and you must put on the new man. This new man has been renewed in the image of Jesus, who created all things (Colossians 1:16). Neither your body nor your lifestyle will automatically change when you become a Christian. You must change them.
The good news is that while you were the "old man" you could not change many things about yourself. However, now that you are a new man, you can put on the things that go with someone who is created in the image Jesus.
When the Bible says "the old man," it means the old lifestyle, the old way of doing things. "The old man" was subject to lying, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy conversation and the like (Colossians 3:8-9). You must "put them off" by no longer doing them. Then you must start doing the things shown in the Word.
"Yeah, but how do I do that?" How do you curse someone out? You open your mouth and words pour out. Only now, you open your mouth and let nice things, good things, friendly things pour out, instead of all that garbage. The "old things" are a matter of habit that must be broken. You will have to work at it. You have a commandment from God to do this and you can do it through Jesus.
You cannot "put off the old man and put on the new" in your own strength. However, you can do all things in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13). You may not always feel like doing it, but feelings do not count. You cannot go by feelings. We must learn to walk by the Word of God.
Your body and mind will be telling you to do something else. Thoughts will tell you that it is too hard to resist the old habits. But the spirit-man that is the real you will be saying, 'No, this is God's way. This is what I have to do to enjoy the fullness of God.'
Staying in the Word and then acting upon it is what brings about a quality lifestyle in Jesus. A victorious life does not just happen. You must purpose to do the Word.
You may think, "This sounds to me like a whole lot of work." Really, it is not any more work than all of the foolish, non-productive things that you were accustomed to doing before the new birth. The only reason it seems hard is because you are making a change, and human nature rebels against change.
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to curse? All those words I used more than 40 years ago, I could let come out of my mouth again. I have not forgotten them. However, once you re-educate yourself to speak God's words and to do things God's way, spiritual things become easier, and you now have the Holy Spirit to help you.
After a while it will become just as easy to spend time praying and studying the Bible as not to do these things. What is hard is making up your mind to pray and to stay in the Word. Once your mind is made up, once you are committed, the rest is comparatively easy.
The "new man" is God's man - a spiritual man. The new man is a man recreated in the image and likeness of God. The new man searches the Word of God to find the parameters of his new life. The new man puts God's Word into operation through his mind and deeds. Therefore, put off the old man and you too will live a victorious, overcoming life in Jesus!
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price is the founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center West in Los Angeles and CCC East in Manhattan. To obtain more information about his ministry, please call (800) 927-3436 or visit http://www.faithdome.org.
In Colossians 3:9-10, Paul wrote: "...since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him."
Notice that you have to put off the old man with his deeds and you must put on the new man. This new man has been renewed in the image of Jesus, who created all things (Colossians 1:16). Neither your body nor your lifestyle will automatically change when you become a Christian. You must change them.
The good news is that while you were the "old man" you could not change many things about yourself. However, now that you are a new man, you can put on the things that go with someone who is created in the image Jesus.
When the Bible says "the old man," it means the old lifestyle, the old way of doing things. "The old man" was subject to lying, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy conversation and the like (Colossians 3:8-9). You must "put them off" by no longer doing them. Then you must start doing the things shown in the Word.
"Yeah, but how do I do that?" How do you curse someone out? You open your mouth and words pour out. Only now, you open your mouth and let nice things, good things, friendly things pour out, instead of all that garbage. The "old things" are a matter of habit that must be broken. You will have to work at it. You have a commandment from God to do this and you can do it through Jesus.
You cannot "put off the old man and put on the new" in your own strength. However, you can do all things in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13). You may not always feel like doing it, but feelings do not count. You cannot go by feelings. We must learn to walk by the Word of God.
Your body and mind will be telling you to do something else. Thoughts will tell you that it is too hard to resist the old habits. But the spirit-man that is the real you will be saying, 'No, this is God's way. This is what I have to do to enjoy the fullness of God.'
Staying in the Word and then acting upon it is what brings about a quality lifestyle in Jesus. A victorious life does not just happen. You must purpose to do the Word.
You may think, "This sounds to me like a whole lot of work." Really, it is not any more work than all of the foolish, non-productive things that you were accustomed to doing before the new birth. The only reason it seems hard is because you are making a change, and human nature rebels against change.
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to curse? All those words I used more than 40 years ago, I could let come out of my mouth again. I have not forgotten them. However, once you re-educate yourself to speak God's words and to do things God's way, spiritual things become easier, and you now have the Holy Spirit to help you.
After a while it will become just as easy to spend time praying and studying the Bible as not to do these things. What is hard is making up your mind to pray and to stay in the Word. Once your mind is made up, once you are committed, the rest is comparatively easy.
The "new man" is God's man - a spiritual man. The new man is a man recreated in the image and likeness of God. The new man searches the Word of God to find the parameters of his new life. The new man puts God's Word into operation through his mind and deeds. Therefore, put off the old man and you too will live a victorious, overcoming life in Jesus!
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price is the founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center West in Los Angeles and CCC East in Manhattan. To obtain more information about his ministry, please call (800) 927-3436 or visit http://www.faithdome.org.
Monday, January 10, 2011
How to Know God is Leading You
By Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
God guides us by closing one door then opening another. Abraham didn't know where he was going, but he knew he couldn't stay where he was - and that's enough to create movement in the right direction. Knowing you can't stay where you are is often the starting point of God's guidance. And it usually begins with an inward stirring and restlessness in your soul. Seasons have beginnings and endings. When a season is over, you sense it's time to move!
"They headed north [to]...Bithynia, but again the Spirit...said no. So instead they went on through Mysia province to the city of Troas. That night Paul had a vision. In his dream he saw a man over in Macedonia, Greece, pleading with him, 'Come over here and help us.' Well, that settled it. We would go to Macedonia, for we could only conclude that God was sending us to preach the Good News there" (Acts 16:7-10 TLB).
Notice, when God kept Paul from going into Asia, Paul didn't stay there praying and asking "why?" - he just kept moving. For Paul, trying something and it not working out was no big deal. He believed that his gift to God was his willing heart and his mobility, and that God's gift to him was that He would always guide him to where he needed to be. What God prevents, denies, or keeps us away from, is as much divine guidance as what He permits and opens up to us.
Every door that didn't open, every opportunity you didn't get, every call that didn't come, is as much God's guidance as those that did. Think about it!
Scripture Of The Day: "Abraham...obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." - Hebrews 11:8 NIV
Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. For over twenty years, Bishop Jenkins’ unique method of preaching and teaching has opened doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. For more information, visit him at http://www.eejministries.org…
God guides us by closing one door then opening another. Abraham didn't know where he was going, but he knew he couldn't stay where he was - and that's enough to create movement in the right direction. Knowing you can't stay where you are is often the starting point of God's guidance. And it usually begins with an inward stirring and restlessness in your soul. Seasons have beginnings and endings. When a season is over, you sense it's time to move!
"They headed north [to]...Bithynia, but again the Spirit...said no. So instead they went on through Mysia province to the city of Troas. That night Paul had a vision. In his dream he saw a man over in Macedonia, Greece, pleading with him, 'Come over here and help us.' Well, that settled it. We would go to Macedonia, for we could only conclude that God was sending us to preach the Good News there" (Acts 16:7-10 TLB).
Notice, when God kept Paul from going into Asia, Paul didn't stay there praying and asking "why?" - he just kept moving. For Paul, trying something and it not working out was no big deal. He believed that his gift to God was his willing heart and his mobility, and that God's gift to him was that He would always guide him to where he needed to be. What God prevents, denies, or keeps us away from, is as much divine guidance as what He permits and opens up to us.
Every door that didn't open, every opportunity you didn't get, every call that didn't come, is as much God's guidance as those that did. Think about it!
Scripture Of The Day: "Abraham...obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." - Hebrews 11:8 NIV
Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. For over twenty years, Bishop Jenkins’ unique method of preaching and teaching has opened doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. For more information, visit him at http://www.eejministries.org…
Sunday, January 9, 2011
I Am Resolved
By Alan Riley
There's an old gospel song that I've always liked to sing around the New Year called "I Am Resolved." Since polls tell us that a large number of us will carry on the tradition of making New Year's Resolutions, the words of this old song make a couple of great suggestions for worthy resolutions for you and me:
I am resolved no longer to linger
Charmed by the world's delight
Things that are higher
Things that are nobler
These have allured my sight
It is so easy for us to get distracted by the "world's delight" and fail to make progress in our walk with and relationship with the Lord. In this New Year, I am resolved to set my sights on things that are higher and nobler.
I am resolved to go to the Savior
Leaving my sin and strife
He is the true one
He is the just one
He hath the words of life
As the time drew nearer for Jesus to give up His life, the going got tough for Jesus and those who followed Him. The Pharisees sought to trick Him into "blasphemy" and put Him to death. People were all in for the free food for 5,000 or getting healed from all manner of sicknesses and diseases, but now He began to talk about taking up your cross and following Him. The Bible tells us that many who had followed Him followed Him no more. Jesus turned to the disciples and said, "Will you leave also?" Simon Peter quickly replied, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of life!" In this New Year, I am resolved to follow Jesus no matter what my circumstances.
I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin
Friends may oppose me
Foes may beset me
Still will I enter in
Today, just as it was 2,000 years ago, Jesus has many fair weather friends. If you don't believe it, just see how church attendance drops the next time a big rainstorm comes on Sunday. Around the world there are believers who risk their lives by coming to worship, and in the West, we are deterred by a few drops of water. This year, I am resolved to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, no matter who or what may oppose me.
I am resolved and who will go with me?
Come friends without delay
Taught by the Bible
Led by the Spirit
We'll walk the heavenly way
This year I am resolved to share the Good News of Jesus with people that He places me in contact with. I want to be passionate about bringing people with me to heaven.
Striving to keep these resolutions will reap eternal benefits!
Scripture Of The Day: "Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it." - Mark 8:34-35
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (http://www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith’s sister media property. He can be found blogging at http://www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at http://www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.…
There's an old gospel song that I've always liked to sing around the New Year called "I Am Resolved." Since polls tell us that a large number of us will carry on the tradition of making New Year's Resolutions, the words of this old song make a couple of great suggestions for worthy resolutions for you and me:
I am resolved no longer to linger
Charmed by the world's delight
Things that are higher
Things that are nobler
These have allured my sight
It is so easy for us to get distracted by the "world's delight" and fail to make progress in our walk with and relationship with the Lord. In this New Year, I am resolved to set my sights on things that are higher and nobler.
I am resolved to go to the Savior
Leaving my sin and strife
He is the true one
He is the just one
He hath the words of life
As the time drew nearer for Jesus to give up His life, the going got tough for Jesus and those who followed Him. The Pharisees sought to trick Him into "blasphemy" and put Him to death. People were all in for the free food for 5,000 or getting healed from all manner of sicknesses and diseases, but now He began to talk about taking up your cross and following Him. The Bible tells us that many who had followed Him followed Him no more. Jesus turned to the disciples and said, "Will you leave also?" Simon Peter quickly replied, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of life!" In this New Year, I am resolved to follow Jesus no matter what my circumstances.
I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin
Friends may oppose me
Foes may beset me
Still will I enter in
Today, just as it was 2,000 years ago, Jesus has many fair weather friends. If you don't believe it, just see how church attendance drops the next time a big rainstorm comes on Sunday. Around the world there are believers who risk their lives by coming to worship, and in the West, we are deterred by a few drops of water. This year, I am resolved to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, no matter who or what may oppose me.
I am resolved and who will go with me?
Come friends without delay
Taught by the Bible
Led by the Spirit
We'll walk the heavenly way
This year I am resolved to share the Good News of Jesus with people that He places me in contact with. I want to be passionate about bringing people with me to heaven.
Striving to keep these resolutions will reap eternal benefits!
Scripture Of The Day: "Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it." - Mark 8:34-35
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (http://www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith’s sister media property. He can be found blogging at http://www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at http://www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.…
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