Thursday, December 31, 2009

NEW YEAR'S IS ALMOST HERE

Forget resolutions... let's talk service.
 
Who will you serve in 2010?
 
How will you contribute to the outreach of the Gospel in 2010?
 
How will you become more like Christ in 2010?
 
What lengths will you got o for someone to hear the Good News who hasn't heard yet?
 
What will you do in 2010 that you have not done for Christ yet?
 
What steps of faith will you take?
 
With how much boldness will you proclaim His Name?
 
Forget resolutions... let's talk service!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

A Heart to Worship

The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. 
1 Thessalonians 1:8 - 10
 
Why does man worship?
 
Why do we find every tribe of people on the planet yearning to worship someone or something?  Most people desire to "be a part of something bigger than themselves".  Why is that?
 
God has placed inside every human a longing to worship.  If they choose to reject Him that need will be fulfilled by worshiping the creation rather than the Creator.
(See Romans 1)
 
The question before all of us is simple:
 
Am I worshiping the One true God?

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

It's Snowing!

:)

Something worth reading

I am not trying to funnel devotional writing to others, but here is something we all will benefit from reading.
 
 
Blessings!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Faithful Service

Recently, Daniela's computer was fixed.

(a couple of months ago it got a really nasty virus)

Anyway, I am writing this from that machine. I really appreciate the familiarity I once enjoyed. This machine has been in our home(s) for years. It just... well... works for us. It is a simple machine and, when it's not sick, is a rather reliable /faithful machine.

As I got to thinking about that, I started wondering if there is any service for the Lord that I do that is simple and faithful?

It would be a good idea to ask yourself the same question... Is my service to the Lord simple and faithful?

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Sammy the not-so-red-nosed Sam

:)

The sacrifice of prioritizing!

The desire to do a thing must carry with it the willingness to sacrifice for it.

 

Greetings.

 

Recently I have been thinking about the statement above.  What am I willing to sacrifice for?  Now, let me challenge you to do the same… but in a slightly different way.

 

What do you spend your time on now that takes away from things you could / should be doing?

 

To put it another way, how much time do you waste on selfish things, when you could be spending your time encouraging and building up others?  How much time during your day is consumed with trivial things that need not get done?

 

Maybe we do sacrifice our time, talent, and treasure… but for the wrong things?

 

It's all a matter of priorities.

 

…when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Galatians 4:4 - 5

Thursday, December 24, 2009

A Savior is born!

(So sorry for not blogging in a while… excuseexcuse… there.  Now I am out of excuses.)


"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all."

-- Peter Drucker

Mr. Drucker has a great point there. Whether ministry, business, house work… anything really.

 

Why did Jesus come to earth?  Why was He born in a manger?  Why was He born to poor country folks?  Why did He suffer the rejection and undergo the turmoil (not to mention the crucifixion!)?  Why?  Is saving humanity from their sin, "that which should not be done at all"?

 

Clearly in the heart and mind of God, we are His special possession.  You remember that today… and tomorrow… and anytime you feel like no one cares.  Jesus cares.

 

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Monday, December 21, 2009

Christmas Rap

We have some talented students.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Izzy the Not-so-red nosed...

Ana's Birthday Cookie

Ohhhhhh Yaaaaaaaaa !!!!!!!

Perspective

This is a video I shot after some guacamole fell on Daniela's pants.
It sure looks like a duck at furst, but once you gain some
perspective... you see it's really just a stain.

I'm sure that in your life, gaining a little perspective on certain
things would reap great benefits.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Generosity and Wealth!

Better a little with the fear of the LORD
than great wealth with turmoil.
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened calf with hatred.
Proverbs 15:16 - 17
 
It is hard not to notice that in our country, we are blessed.  Sure, there is somewhat of a problem with our economy at the moment, but a candid look at the history of the U.S.A. will show that we are, most certainly, blessed.  And that should serve as a great caution to us.  Often times the Lord used wealth (or the lack thereof) as a refining agent... something designed to purge impurities from our lives.
 
Here are a few things to ask yourself regarding wealth:
 
1.  Do I see my "net worth" as being on wall street, or in Christ?
 
2.  Am I being a good steward with what the Lord has entrusted to me?
 
3.  Am I being generous with what the Lord has blessed me with?
 
4.  Am I seeking to be a blessing?
 
All a man's ways seem innocent to him,
but motives are weighed by the LORD.
Proverbs 16:2
 

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Timidly following Christ?

I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:3 - 7

 

Paul wrote 2 Timothy to a young guy named... of all things... Timothy.

 

Timothy had a lot going for him.  He learned at Paul's side.  He was well spoken of not only by Paul, but we can assume from the other apostles.  But he, like all of us, wrestled with timidity.

 

What makes us back down from doing what we know we ought?

 

Fear of man?  Possibly.  There is always the fear that we will not be well received.

 

Insecurity? Possibly.  There is always the potential for the nagging feeling that we are not able to accomplish such and such a job for the Lord.

 

Are there more than two? Of course. But the reasons for timidity are not nearly as important as the call to be powerful (in your faith), loving, and self disciplined.  Ask yourself today:

 

What has the Lord called me to and equipped me for that I am not boldly pursuing?

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Soldiers of the Cross

"The scientific name for an animal that doesn't either run from or fight its enemies is lunch."

-- Michael Friedman

I know it has been a while since my last post.  But, as we all know, things happen.  Today is not like any other day.  It certainly is not like yesterday, and will undoubtedly be altogether different from tomorrow. 

 

Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down and talking to a young guy in the military.  Over the years, I have really come to appreciate the character and passion of these folks.  The men and women that serve us by fighting for our freedom are highly trained and it shows.

 

We are called to be soldiers for Christ:
 
To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home…
Philemon 1 and 2
 
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.
Philippians 2:25
 
There are other references we could look to, but is it really necessary?  Paul, a man called out by God to take the gospel to the gentiles sees the Christians life as many things... a relationship... a betrothal... a master builder designing the most amazing structure.  But he also sees it as a battle that everyone is engaged in.  The question, then, is:
 
Are you willing to fight for your King?
 
If so, are you sharpening your sword and charging into the trenches everyday?
 
If not... why not?
 
 

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Consider the Scriptures

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:14 - 17

 
Timothy, like all of us, was tempted to veer from what he was taught... the truth about Christ.  Notice what Paul does here... he doesn't appeal to modern methods... he doesn't appeal to special knowledge... he doesn't even pull rank and say, "I am the Apostle Paul and you will do what I say."
 
What is the basis for Paul's charge to Timothy? "...you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."  Paul appeals to the power of the Gospel and the Scriptures that proclaim it!
 
The next time you are faced with the temptation to veer from the truth... consider "the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."
 
Shalom.
 
 
 

Tuesday, December 1, 2009