While praying, I had a vision of jumping out of helicopter, high above the ground. I was blindfolded and had no parachute and the Lord was in the helicopter with me, waiting for me to jump.
When we pray, we need jump into it like we're jumping out of a plane (or helicopter in this case)
with no parachute and blindfolded, with total confidence that the Lord is
right behind us and will grab us and lead us to safety. we need that
kind of reckless abandon when we pray. Total faith that we wont see
if we're going to hit the ground or not, total faith that we wont see
if he's 10 inches or 10 thousand feet away and know, that he will be
there. that's how we need to pray. Know he's there. Know he'll hold us
and know that we're totally surrendering to him. If we hold on to
something, anything, it could stifle what path we're on. it could
prevent us from taking that jump and we're stuck flying above our
purpose in cruise control. complacent. We need to let go of everything
our dreams and desires, our worries and issues, our awareness of what
is going on around us, and all worldly things. let it go and give it
all to him. Let him take control, open your ears, open your arms.
that is where, in your deepest most vulnerable state, you will
encounter God and his will. you will hear his voice. you will be the
obedient child listening to their father. Now, read Matthew 6:6.
go into your room, or private place, and take that jump.
Friday, January 8, 2016
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Do you see?
Whoever said ‘seeing is believing’ obviously didn’t have a close relationship with God, or believe he existed at all. John 20:29 quotes Jesus saying “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”. Anyone who has not seen Jesus and believes truly is blessed. It takes great faith to be able to believe in something you necessarily don’t see with the naked eye. The analogy of “Air” was always debated. The analogy states that you don’t see the air around you, yet you know its there, there’s eveidence of it. You cannot see it, but you believe its there. Just as all Christians don’t necessarily “See” God in our midst, there’s eveidence he’s truly there. Jesus is eveidence he’s there. Answered prayers are evidence he’s there. Many people have problems with praying because they feel there’s no way to prove a prayer is really heard and answered. I feel that’s what sets us apart from everything; having faith in what we don’t know.
If you look at many accounts in the bible, where people like you and I, do amazing things without seeing or knowing what they’re doing, or where they’re going. They trusted in God, had faith, and in the end they were rewareded. How can this be so? They came to have a relationship with God. They dared to trust him and enter the unknown and have faith that God will provide.
You may be reading this thinking that you have heard all this before. Or maybe you are thinking you’re nothing like anyone in the Bible. You may even be thinking you’re struggling to move forward or backsliding. Maybe you feel you need to “See” to believe. If you feel that way, then you need to do something! James 1:22 says “Don’t merely listen to the word, and so decieve yourselves. Do what it says”.
My pastor instilled in his peers and fellow Christians, what we believe is 3 keys to being a healthy Christian; Prayer, Word, and Other people. Why these three things? Prayer: because you need to develop a relationship with God and no relationship can exist without communincation. The word: because as it says in James 1:22, it tells us what to do, so do what it says! If we don’t have direction, we’re either headed for failure, or no where! Other people because you can’t do God’s will alone! When Jesus said, Go and make diciples of all the nations; that requires OTHER PEOPLE. As stated in Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken”. So if you have other people you can do Gods will. Also in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”. You don’t need to “See” God to do this. But if you do this, you will see!
If you look at many accounts in the bible, where people like you and I, do amazing things without seeing or knowing what they’re doing, or where they’re going. They trusted in God, had faith, and in the end they were rewareded. How can this be so? They came to have a relationship with God. They dared to trust him and enter the unknown and have faith that God will provide.
You may be reading this thinking that you have heard all this before. Or maybe you are thinking you’re nothing like anyone in the Bible. You may even be thinking you’re struggling to move forward or backsliding. Maybe you feel you need to “See” to believe. If you feel that way, then you need to do something! James 1:22 says “Don’t merely listen to the word, and so decieve yourselves. Do what it says”.
My pastor instilled in his peers and fellow Christians, what we believe is 3 keys to being a healthy Christian; Prayer, Word, and Other people. Why these three things? Prayer: because you need to develop a relationship with God and no relationship can exist without communincation. The word: because as it says in James 1:22, it tells us what to do, so do what it says! If we don’t have direction, we’re either headed for failure, or no where! Other people because you can’t do God’s will alone! When Jesus said, Go and make diciples of all the nations; that requires OTHER PEOPLE. As stated in Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken”. So if you have other people you can do Gods will. Also in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”. You don’t need to “See” God to do this. But if you do this, you will see!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Questions
I recently visited one of my best friends in Florida for his wedding. The wedding happened in a flash as most weddings seem to do. The following day we all met for brunch, said our goodbyes and headed home. My friend (after just being married) was gracious enough to spend some extra time with me, and even took me to the airport. During the voyage to JAX airport my friend brought up the subject of raising kids. If you did not know, I have some experience in this area. I have 4 of my own, and my friends tend to seek wisdom in my experience with parenting so far. I didn’t however; think the conversation would turn into what it did. We began discussing raising kids in terms of faith and morals. My friend, who has studied biology and science for a good part of his life, raised in the same neighborhood, and attended the same youth groups as I, and has the same understanding of religion as I do. So conceivable this conversation should have been more mutually statements we both agreed upon. It turned out, we both realized, we had questions about religion.
My friend knew I follow God and I have a good relationship with the Lord. I could see he was in a place where he had many questions. Questions I did not have all the answers to. I cannot say for certain, aliens exist. I cannot say for certain ghosts are real. I cannot say for certain that I have proof ever account of the bible actually happened exactly the way it was described in every translation in the bible. But I told him, I question myself all the time. I question my faith to see exactly if I’m in the right place or not? I question what is right and wrong. What is moral and what is not. I do often as myself the cliché question "What would Jesus do". I feel if I’m not questioning myself, how else am I going to keep myself in check? I told my friend he should question himself. But ultimately, you have to find faith in something.
I was recently informed of a book called "The Case For Christ" by Lee Stroble. This is a perfect example of someone who had questions, and through everything, found answers and found that he had faith that what he knew was what he believed. I feel each of us needs to not only question ourselves, but not rest until we answer them. Now even in many biblical references and other people experiences, answers don’t come instantly. Many times it was YEARS before they got an answer. But that shouldn’t discourage you! If you have a relationship with God, and live by his will, the answer will be given. Matthew 7:7-8 says "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” It doesn’t say, ask and it will be given to you the instant you ask.
Another example of a great Christian who I do not know personally, but wish I could have, is Job. Through all his suffering, he doesn’t sin or curse God, but questions various things. Questions like 'what’s the point of life when it doesn’t make sense?’ Was it wrong for Job to question life? I don’t believe so. We are human, and in the midst of a hardship, no matter how big or how small, we question every aspect of our lives. But shouldn’t we question ourselves even in good times? I believe so! If we're well off, great job, great family, healthy, and have everything going our way. Shouldn’t we question exactly where we are in life? Shouldn’t we ask ourselves would my relationship with God change if I didn’t have any of this? Why only in hardship do we begin to question God, our faith, ourselves? Is our faith so small that through hardships we back away from God and blame God when we should thank him and honor him for the life he has given us? Even in death we should be thankful he has given us new life in heaven!
How will we answer any question, if we don’t have foundations in Christ? Just as Jesus told us the parable of the seeds that were sown on the different types of soil, and just as 1 Corinthians 3 states, we should have a solid foundation in the Lord. Otherwise we will not last! Our questions will be left unanswered, our faith depleted, our will, destroyed.
What questions do you have? are they questions that you will desperately seek an answer to and strive after God, or are they questions that you will leave unanswered, and leave you empty, faithless, and confused?
My friend knew I follow God and I have a good relationship with the Lord. I could see he was in a place where he had many questions. Questions I did not have all the answers to. I cannot say for certain, aliens exist. I cannot say for certain ghosts are real. I cannot say for certain that I have proof ever account of the bible actually happened exactly the way it was described in every translation in the bible. But I told him, I question myself all the time. I question my faith to see exactly if I’m in the right place or not? I question what is right and wrong. What is moral and what is not. I do often as myself the cliché question "What would Jesus do". I feel if I’m not questioning myself, how else am I going to keep myself in check? I told my friend he should question himself. But ultimately, you have to find faith in something.
I was recently informed of a book called "The Case For Christ" by Lee Stroble. This is a perfect example of someone who had questions, and through everything, found answers and found that he had faith that what he knew was what he believed. I feel each of us needs to not only question ourselves, but not rest until we answer them. Now even in many biblical references and other people experiences, answers don’t come instantly. Many times it was YEARS before they got an answer. But that shouldn’t discourage you! If you have a relationship with God, and live by his will, the answer will be given. Matthew 7:7-8 says "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” It doesn’t say, ask and it will be given to you the instant you ask.
Another example of a great Christian who I do not know personally, but wish I could have, is Job. Through all his suffering, he doesn’t sin or curse God, but questions various things. Questions like 'what’s the point of life when it doesn’t make sense?’ Was it wrong for Job to question life? I don’t believe so. We are human, and in the midst of a hardship, no matter how big or how small, we question every aspect of our lives. But shouldn’t we question ourselves even in good times? I believe so! If we're well off, great job, great family, healthy, and have everything going our way. Shouldn’t we question exactly where we are in life? Shouldn’t we ask ourselves would my relationship with God change if I didn’t have any of this? Why only in hardship do we begin to question God, our faith, ourselves? Is our faith so small that through hardships we back away from God and blame God when we should thank him and honor him for the life he has given us? Even in death we should be thankful he has given us new life in heaven!
How will we answer any question, if we don’t have foundations in Christ? Just as Jesus told us the parable of the seeds that were sown on the different types of soil, and just as 1 Corinthians 3 states, we should have a solid foundation in the Lord. Otherwise we will not last! Our questions will be left unanswered, our faith depleted, our will, destroyed.
What questions do you have? are they questions that you will desperately seek an answer to and strive after God, or are they questions that you will leave unanswered, and leave you empty, faithless, and confused?
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Weakness
1 Corinthians 2:1-4(NIV)
1 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.[a] 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power
Paul address the church in Corinth not as a "Know it all", but rather as someone led by the spirit. In verse three he says he comes in weakness with great fear and trembling. Paul has realized, just as many of us have, that we are only human. And being human, we have limitations. BUT, with God, and having fear of God, we can do many great things. But just as Paul dealt with weakness and weaknesses, so do we.
I'm sure you've heard the saying "you're only as strong as your weakest link". I feel we can look at the church the same way. Its viewed only as good as its weakest link. All it takes is the actions of one Christian to tarnish the label. I'm not saying lets find all the "weak" Christians out there and make them better. I do feel we need to remove the planks in our own eyes before we can even think of that. So where's the best place to start? Our weaknesses. After all, who am I to judge others to assume they're weaker (or have more weaknesses) than me? I'm not perfect by a long shot!
We know our weaknesses, but the devil knows how to take advantage of that. He tempted Jesus in the desert. Jesus Spent (Matthew 4) 40 days and 40 nights fasting. The devil knew Jesus was hungry, so the first thing he tempted him with was food. Anything to draw Jesus away from his communion with God. That's what we need to realize, our temptations don't always lead us into a major moral sin. Sometimes the devil is satisfied in his small victories, like that one puff of a cigarette when your trying to quit, or that one piece of candy on when your on a diet, or that one beer when you know you shouldn't, or maybe you snickered at a joke that was inappropriate. whatever the case, we should try to overcome these small victories. They'll add up and help us when we really need to deal with the larger ones. If you cant say NO to a small test, how will you say no to the tough ones?
So how do we deal with our weaknesses? Identifying them is the first step. From there, discuss them with your brothers and sisters. You're not the only one with those weaknesses. Your church probably has a small group or some kind of support system where you can share these in confidence. You can share your struggles and weaknesses, and have other Christians who share your struggles give you good Godly advice. You may also talk to a pastor or elder. You may even find christian books or websites to aide in your conquering of the weaknesses you've identified. I have found it's good to have a partner or buddy you can talk to on a regular basis that allows you to hold each other accountable. Share your progress daily, and pray with each other. This could be a someone in your church, a christian you work with, or a friend that goes to another church.
I'm not guaranteeing this will rid you of all weaknesses and troubles. But in my experience this helps. And after all we're not perfect, and in our weakness God's power is made perfect. (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Think about your weaknesses, Pray that God makes them known to you and that God strengthens you in you weaknesses.
1 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.[a] 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power
Paul address the church in Corinth not as a "Know it all", but rather as someone led by the spirit. In verse three he says he comes in weakness with great fear and trembling. Paul has realized, just as many of us have, that we are only human. And being human, we have limitations. BUT, with God, and having fear of God, we can do many great things. But just as Paul dealt with weakness and weaknesses, so do we.
I'm sure you've heard the saying "you're only as strong as your weakest link". I feel we can look at the church the same way. Its viewed only as good as its weakest link. All it takes is the actions of one Christian to tarnish the label. I'm not saying lets find all the "weak" Christians out there and make them better. I do feel we need to remove the planks in our own eyes before we can even think of that. So where's the best place to start? Our weaknesses. After all, who am I to judge others to assume they're weaker (or have more weaknesses) than me? I'm not perfect by a long shot!
We know our weaknesses, but the devil knows how to take advantage of that. He tempted Jesus in the desert. Jesus Spent (Matthew 4) 40 days and 40 nights fasting. The devil knew Jesus was hungry, so the first thing he tempted him with was food. Anything to draw Jesus away from his communion with God. That's what we need to realize, our temptations don't always lead us into a major moral sin. Sometimes the devil is satisfied in his small victories, like that one puff of a cigarette when your trying to quit, or that one piece of candy on when your on a diet, or that one beer when you know you shouldn't, or maybe you snickered at a joke that was inappropriate. whatever the case, we should try to overcome these small victories. They'll add up and help us when we really need to deal with the larger ones. If you cant say NO to a small test, how will you say no to the tough ones?
So how do we deal with our weaknesses? Identifying them is the first step. From there, discuss them with your brothers and sisters. You're not the only one with those weaknesses. Your church probably has a small group or some kind of support system where you can share these in confidence. You can share your struggles and weaknesses, and have other Christians who share your struggles give you good Godly advice. You may also talk to a pastor or elder. You may even find christian books or websites to aide in your conquering of the weaknesses you've identified. I have found it's good to have a partner or buddy you can talk to on a regular basis that allows you to hold each other accountable. Share your progress daily, and pray with each other. This could be a someone in your church, a christian you work with, or a friend that goes to another church.
I'm not guaranteeing this will rid you of all weaknesses and troubles. But in my experience this helps. And after all we're not perfect, and in our weakness God's power is made perfect. (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Think about your weaknesses, Pray that God makes them known to you and that God strengthens you in you weaknesses.
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