Ever been in a "funk"? I know I have...even today. But, what's that supposed to mean, anyway? Is it not feeling well? Is it not doing well? Is it wasted time? Is it not caring about anything (or many things) for a season?
I searched the word "waste" in the Bible. I found John 6:12 where, after feeding 5 thousand men (plus any women and children with them), Jesus had the disciples gather the leftovers. He told them to "Let nothing be wasted." Do you think that is an appropriate charge for us? Hey, you...you there that He created..."LET NOTHING BE WASTED!"
You see, just as Jesus created the miracle of feeding 5 thousand men and those with them, and even did the same another time for 4 thousand men plus, he has also created you! You, yes YOU are His creation! Have you contemplated the meaning of that today? Do you realize how precious you are?
If Jesus didn't want 12 baskets of leftover food to be wasted, how much more does He desire for our lives to not be wasted? Perhaps you will join me even yet today in renewing your strength, mounting up as on the wings of an eagle, and go...go forth...go on...go out...just go...
AND BE NOT WASTED!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thanks? Trust? What's This All About, Anyway?
Our pastor spoke on Trust and Forgiveness on Sunday. He emphasized the trust that must exist between a pastor and the congregation for the body to function like it must. He emphasized that sometimes we don't hear all the gory details about an issue because the staff is charged with doing what's right in EVERY circumstance...with EVERYone's concerns, reputation, and dignity in the balance.
As I reflect on many significant events in my life over the last 2 - 3 years, I am reminded to be thankful. Thankful for a God who loves me, in spite of who I have often been (or, how I have often acted). Thankful for wonderful children. Thankful for a loving and caring wife, even though we're no longer together.
But, today I am also very thankful that I serve a risen Savior, under leadership that works really hard at following His leading. I am thankful that, in spite of so many negative opinions and thoughts, the leadership at our church stays focused on what GOD wants...and does their best to help the rest of us do the same.
How about you? Are you THANKFUL for your church's leadership? Do you crtitique and criticize, or do you remind them that you appreciate their service and dedication? If you've struggled to understand and support them, maybe you can try to SUPPORT them first. Then, you might find that God will help you UNDERSTAND them!
Happy Thanksgiving!
As I reflect on many significant events in my life over the last 2 - 3 years, I am reminded to be thankful. Thankful for a God who loves me, in spite of who I have often been (or, how I have often acted). Thankful for wonderful children. Thankful for a loving and caring wife, even though we're no longer together.
But, today I am also very thankful that I serve a risen Savior, under leadership that works really hard at following His leading. I am thankful that, in spite of so many negative opinions and thoughts, the leadership at our church stays focused on what GOD wants...and does their best to help the rest of us do the same.
How about you? Are you THANKFUL for your church's leadership? Do you crtitique and criticize, or do you remind them that you appreciate their service and dedication? If you've struggled to understand and support them, maybe you can try to SUPPORT them first. Then, you might find that God will help you UNDERSTAND them!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Are You Under the Law, or Under Grace?
I know I've probably posted on this before, but I was reminded again this morning of a few simple truths about God's Grace vs. The Law....namely:
1) The law leads to only one place. Death.
2) The U.S. has more "laws" than any country in Europe, but yet cannot build jails fast enough to meet the need. What better evidence that the "law" accomplishes nothing in and of itself?
3) The Bible speaks of the believer being "In Christ" TEN TIMES MORE OFTEN than it speaks of Christ "being in us."
4) As Neil Anderson has so eloquently put it in his book, "Victory Over The Darkness", we are NOT sinners saved by Grace...we are now Saints who occasionally sin.
Are you still burdened with the need to fulfill the law? Are you still trying to be "good enough?" Do you really accept that NOTHING you can do will ever EARN God's Grace? Jesus did all the "doing" necessary! Are you living a victorious, grateful, and energetic life in the knowledge that His Grace is enough for you? Don't let Satan steal this truth from you, dear friend! Go in Victory today!
1) The law leads to only one place. Death.
2) The U.S. has more "laws" than any country in Europe, but yet cannot build jails fast enough to meet the need. What better evidence that the "law" accomplishes nothing in and of itself?
3) The Bible speaks of the believer being "In Christ" TEN TIMES MORE OFTEN than it speaks of Christ "being in us."
4) As Neil Anderson has so eloquently put it in his book, "Victory Over The Darkness", we are NOT sinners saved by Grace...we are now Saints who occasionally sin.
Are you still burdened with the need to fulfill the law? Are you still trying to be "good enough?" Do you really accept that NOTHING you can do will ever EARN God's Grace? Jesus did all the "doing" necessary! Are you living a victorious, grateful, and energetic life in the knowledge that His Grace is enough for you? Don't let Satan steal this truth from you, dear friend! Go in Victory today!
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