A couple of key words used in almost any advertising are, free or sale. These words have us take a closer look at the offer because these words mean we personally will not have to sacrifice very much. These words excite us because someone else is paying for our discount and we are getting the deal.
When we have a potential to save a few dollars we focus on the offer. We might save a few pennies from a sale coupon or a few thousand dollars on a good offer on a new home or vehicle at a discount.
People scramble for a sale, yet when it comes to receiving eternal life there is great resistance! I find this amazing! A free gift from God Himself and many seem to show little interest. God speaks from His throne, sends His only Son, gifts us with the Holy Spirit and rebirths all who will chose this free gift. Wow!
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Chose life, God Himself paid the cost. His offer to us is,... it's free!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Conflict Is GOOD!
Why is conflict good?
With conflict comes "real" communication. Both parties in the difficulty lay out the real issues that are bringing them to disagreement. When surface stuff is removed and quick, shallow answers are exhausted a person must become real or the conflict spirals out of control.
Conflict is also a way to show the heart investment of the individuals. When a person is willing to enter conflict with another it is usually because they value something in that particular situation. If a person does not value the situation they often opt to disengage or fake peace so conflict will end. They show themselves as not having an true interest in how the situation will play out.
It is interesting to note that the LORD Himself is in direct conflict with the world. He is the offended party. We know He values our relationship because He does not just pull out and leave us but has become personally involved to deal with this major conflict. At the end this conflict will turn out to be good because He will again be glorified in the greatest wickedness of man and we will benefit from this conflict by receiving life, life everlasting.
Conflict is good IF one handles it correctly. There are good ways to fight. It must ALWAYS be done with respect and a seeking to understand the other party. Without a true care for one another there is little hope that conflict will end healthy in that situation. This is why the Lord instucts us to love one another and to love even our enemies. Without this love conflict will not be addressed in a positive way and instead of strengthening a relationship it tears the relationship down.
Think of the conflicts you have had in your life. Did they start because you both thought you were right on a situation that you both valued? Did you lose respect for each other and then the conflict began unhealthy? How did you resolve it? Did you have to become transparent and vulnerable before the other person? Are you healthier now that you have come through the conflict and are on the other side?
Conflict is good IF one handles it correctly!
2 Corinthians 7:4 "Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. 5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,..."
With conflict comes "real" communication. Both parties in the difficulty lay out the real issues that are bringing them to disagreement. When surface stuff is removed and quick, shallow answers are exhausted a person must become real or the conflict spirals out of control.
Conflict is also a way to show the heart investment of the individuals. When a person is willing to enter conflict with another it is usually because they value something in that particular situation. If a person does not value the situation they often opt to disengage or fake peace so conflict will end. They show themselves as not having an true interest in how the situation will play out.
It is interesting to note that the LORD Himself is in direct conflict with the world. He is the offended party. We know He values our relationship because He does not just pull out and leave us but has become personally involved to deal with this major conflict. At the end this conflict will turn out to be good because He will again be glorified in the greatest wickedness of man and we will benefit from this conflict by receiving life, life everlasting.
Conflict is good IF one handles it correctly. There are good ways to fight. It must ALWAYS be done with respect and a seeking to understand the other party. Without a true care for one another there is little hope that conflict will end healthy in that situation. This is why the Lord instucts us to love one another and to love even our enemies. Without this love conflict will not be addressed in a positive way and instead of strengthening a relationship it tears the relationship down.
Think of the conflicts you have had in your life. Did they start because you both thought you were right on a situation that you both valued? Did you lose respect for each other and then the conflict began unhealthy? How did you resolve it? Did you have to become transparent and vulnerable before the other person? Are you healthier now that you have come through the conflict and are on the other side?
Conflict is good IF one handles it correctly!
2 Corinthians 7:4 "Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. 5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,..."
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Back from The Rest
The two day retreat at Barnabas Retreat Centre was great. Wanda and I enjoyed ourselves with the other pastors and wives. There was lots of laughter and joy. The meals were excellent.
What makes a time away, special? Why is this sort of thing needed?
Rest is a gift from the Lord. And work is a gift also. Both are needed for us to experience a high quality life. Too much of either begins to bring the quality of life down for us. If a person works and works and seems to have little to no time off, we see the broken relationship all around them begin to form. If a person seeks to not work at all and just lay around all day, soon we see the disrespect from others begin to surface. Work and rest are needed in their proper amounts.
I really appreciated this past couple of days of rest because of the activities I had been involved in during the earlier days. I find my assignment as pastor of Royal Heights not physically demanding by can be emotionally and intellectually demanding. There are many decisions to make and almost all have some kind of effect on a person or family.
A rest renews my mind. Clears my focus. Sets things in order that were slowing falling out of balance. I'm glad to be back from my rest. I feel ready to go!
Ephesians 4:22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
What makes a time away, special? Why is this sort of thing needed?
Rest is a gift from the Lord. And work is a gift also. Both are needed for us to experience a high quality life. Too much of either begins to bring the quality of life down for us. If a person works and works and seems to have little to no time off, we see the broken relationship all around them begin to form. If a person seeks to not work at all and just lay around all day, soon we see the disrespect from others begin to surface. Work and rest are needed in their proper amounts.
I really appreciated this past couple of days of rest because of the activities I had been involved in during the earlier days. I find my assignment as pastor of Royal Heights not physically demanding by can be emotionally and intellectually demanding. There are many decisions to make and almost all have some kind of effect on a person or family.
A rest renews my mind. Clears my focus. Sets things in order that were slowing falling out of balance. I'm glad to be back from my rest. I feel ready to go!
Ephesians 4:22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Pastors with pastors
My wife, Wanda and I, are heading off for a Thursday - Friday retreat event with other pastors and their wives in the greater Vancouver area. I am anticipating a great time.
I don't know why we call these things "retreats" and not "advances" because at the end of the time we normally are refreshed and ready to tackle things anew in the life of our spiritual communities, but retreats they are. The last time we went to this same place it was a great time to connect with other people going through simular experiences.
My hope at this retreat is to connect deeper with my wife. Who is the greatest woman on the planet. To reconnect with some good pastoral friends and to finish reading the book "The Shack" that I started reading a little while ago when my friend bought me a copy. It's a very interesting book. Worth the read!
These experiences are like the Sabbaths of life. These are great times to rest in the Lord. Enjoy the company of others. Slow down and smell the coffee!
Mark 1:35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
I don't know why we call these things "retreats" and not "advances" because at the end of the time we normally are refreshed and ready to tackle things anew in the life of our spiritual communities, but retreats they are. The last time we went to this same place it was a great time to connect with other people going through simular experiences.
My hope at this retreat is to connect deeper with my wife. Who is the greatest woman on the planet. To reconnect with some good pastoral friends and to finish reading the book "The Shack" that I started reading a little while ago when my friend bought me a copy. It's a very interesting book. Worth the read!
These experiences are like the Sabbaths of life. These are great times to rest in the Lord. Enjoy the company of others. Slow down and smell the coffee!
Mark 1:35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Coming Soon
12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."
Revelation 22
16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."
Revelation 22
Friday, February 15, 2008
Soon
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." Matthew 25:13
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I Went to a HOME Group Tonight
Tonight, Wanda and I went to a HOME Group, which we call H- Health Group. It reminded us of the New Testament spirit of a the book of Acts. As a matter of fact, all eight of us sat around reading the 19th chapter of Acts, going through simple questions as we studied the Word of God.
Before the meeting began we sat together around a great meal served by Joan, our host lady of the hour. The food was simple and created natural conversation of each person. We discovered we were from all different parts of the world. The flavour of the food represented the flavour of the varieties of cultures.
As the study began, we mainly read from the English version of the Bible, with one reading from the Persian dialect. Questions were asked that pulled the body life into the room. Each person contributing for the betterment of the whole.
As we concluded the meeting we wrote down the people's names of the lost who the Lord was having us encounter. Again each person had a name, some more than five of a lost person they were dealing with. We bowed our heads and lifted them up before the Lord.
Wanda was so moved by the spirit of the meeting she broke out in a song reflective of the moment. "Lord, we pray for this city..."
Acts 20:18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Before the meeting began we sat together around a great meal served by Joan, our host lady of the hour. The food was simple and created natural conversation of each person. We discovered we were from all different parts of the world. The flavour of the food represented the flavour of the varieties of cultures.
As the study began, we mainly read from the English version of the Bible, with one reading from the Persian dialect. Questions were asked that pulled the body life into the room. Each person contributing for the betterment of the whole.
As we concluded the meeting we wrote down the people's names of the lost who the Lord was having us encounter. Again each person had a name, some more than five of a lost person they were dealing with. We bowed our heads and lifted them up before the Lord.
Wanda was so moved by the spirit of the meeting she broke out in a song reflective of the moment. "Lord, we pray for this city..."
Acts 20:18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Elected by God Himself
The USA is gettin into the elections. People are deciding on "who?". The elections we conduct are based our the strength, character and wisdom of the candiate. We elect someone because we see hope in the future of this person. The election of God is the opposite of this type of election.
God so elects those who will be His on the total sovereignity of His glorious grace. He does not elect us to salvation on anything we will do, whether good or evil, whether past or future. It is God alone who choses us. You are a Christian, not because you chose Him but because He chose you. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Romans 9:11 ...for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls,...
John Piper is the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church. On December 15, 2002, he wrote this song to be sung during the exposition of Romans 9:6-13.
God's mighty word can never fail,
Though some be lost and saints be frail.
There is a chosen Israel,
Who cherished Christ and never fell.
All the elect in Christ prevail,
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
O, be not proud of ethnic roots,
Or rest your hope on human fruits.
Let no one boast in flesh and bones,
God makes his offspring out of stones.
All the elect in Christ prevail,
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
God will not share his sovereign reign,
Though one should plot, it is in vain.
God's mighty promise rules the earth:
The barren woman will give birth!
All the elect in Christ prevail,
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
All-sovereign grace saved us in Christ,
Before our birth pure grace sufficed,
Not from our deeds that man enthralls
Or from our faith, but him who calls.
All the elect in Christ prevail,
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
Sing now to God for sovereign grace;
Rejoice that we may see His face.
Come savor now His firm embrace,
This is our everlasting place.
All the elect in Christ prevail,
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
God so elects those who will be His on the total sovereignity of His glorious grace. He does not elect us to salvation on anything we will do, whether good or evil, whether past or future. It is God alone who choses us. You are a Christian, not because you chose Him but because He chose you. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Romans 9:11 ...for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls,...
John Piper is the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church. On December 15, 2002, he wrote this song to be sung during the exposition of Romans 9:6-13.
God's mighty word can never fail,
Though some be lost and saints be frail.
There is a chosen Israel,
Who cherished Christ and never fell.
All the elect in Christ prevail,
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
O, be not proud of ethnic roots,
Or rest your hope on human fruits.
Let no one boast in flesh and bones,
God makes his offspring out of stones.
All the elect in Christ prevail,
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
God will not share his sovereign reign,
Though one should plot, it is in vain.
God's mighty promise rules the earth:
The barren woman will give birth!
All the elect in Christ prevail,
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
All-sovereign grace saved us in Christ,
Before our birth pure grace sufficed,
Not from our deeds that man enthralls
Or from our faith, but him who calls.
All the elect in Christ prevail,
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
Sing now to God for sovereign grace;
Rejoice that we may see His face.
Come savor now His firm embrace,
This is our everlasting place.
All the elect in Christ prevail,
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
God's purpose stands it cannot fail.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
What Inspired the Apostle Paul?
2 Corinthians 4: 1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.
Paul was motivated because of what he saw, he was witness to the great effect this message of God had on people. Paul saw with his own eyes people who where in total spiritual darkness come to total spiritual freedom in Christ. This inspired him.
Can you imagine how inspired he was when he saw the effect that God's power had on the people?
A young boy lays before him, dead. Fallen to his death. With a prayer and a touch of his hand the eyes open. Life returns! Oh, the effect of the power of the gospel!
What motivates you?
Have you ever lead a man to the Lord?
Have you ever lead a young seeker to Christ?
To see eyes that were dead when they first entered the room. Eyes that were full of guilt and shame. Eyes that spoke of deep hurt and mistrust. Turn into eyes of joy and peace. Turn into eyes of life and truth.
If this doesn't motivate you, what does?
I remember talking to a young lady who had a few hours early shared the gospel with her friend and he had accept her witness. The man had placed his faith in Christ.
She was so happy.
She talked about the experience.
She talked about his response.
She talked about how she felt.
She talked about what she had to do next.
Her eyes were alive!
She saw the effect of the gospel!
She was never the same.
She was alive for the first time.
If you are bored with church, let me ask you one question, "When was the last time you lead someone to Christ? When was the last time you shared the gospel with a non believer? When last did you present the gospel?"
If you have never saw the gospel's effect, you are missing a major motivational factor in the life of a believer. This one fact, witnessing the power of the gospel on the life of another, motivates a person. It drives them to continue to live in the faith with power and passion.
To see this change in another is a great privilege. God wants each one in the church to experience it. He gave to the church evangelists so that they could teach and equip all the believers to share their faith. IF you struggle to know how to declare your faith to another call the office (604-584-4626) and we will arrange for you to go with someone as they go out into the world to witness.
Paul was motivated because of what he saw, he was witness to the great effect this message of God had on people. Paul saw with his own eyes people who where in total spiritual darkness come to total spiritual freedom in Christ. This inspired him.
Can you imagine how inspired he was when he saw the effect that God's power had on the people?
A young boy lays before him, dead. Fallen to his death. With a prayer and a touch of his hand the eyes open. Life returns! Oh, the effect of the power of the gospel!
What motivates you?
Have you ever lead a man to the Lord?
Have you ever lead a young seeker to Christ?
To see eyes that were dead when they first entered the room. Eyes that were full of guilt and shame. Eyes that spoke of deep hurt and mistrust. Turn into eyes of joy and peace. Turn into eyes of life and truth.
If this doesn't motivate you, what does?
I remember talking to a young lady who had a few hours early shared the gospel with her friend and he had accept her witness. The man had placed his faith in Christ.
She was so happy.
She talked about the experience.
She talked about his response.
She talked about how she felt.
She talked about what she had to do next.
Her eyes were alive!
She saw the effect of the gospel!
She was never the same.
She was alive for the first time.
If you are bored with church, let me ask you one question, "When was the last time you lead someone to Christ? When was the last time you shared the gospel with a non believer? When last did you present the gospel?"
If you have never saw the gospel's effect, you are missing a major motivational factor in the life of a believer. This one fact, witnessing the power of the gospel on the life of another, motivates a person. It drives them to continue to live in the faith with power and passion.
To see this change in another is a great privilege. God wants each one in the church to experience it. He gave to the church evangelists so that they could teach and equip all the believers to share their faith. IF you struggle to know how to declare your faith to another call the office (604-584-4626) and we will arrange for you to go with someone as they go out into the world to witness.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Christ's Standard for a Disciple
We were told by the Lord to go make disciples. What is one of those? What do they do? What are some character traits we are looking for in a disciple?
I read somehwere some of these thoughts and I think they apply here very well.
First, we know a disciple is committed to the Lordship of Christ.
Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
This means to love the Lord as top priority. Be willing to do God's will in spite of the cost to yourself. Be imitate and obey Jesus Christ as your Lord. Give up all you have which include all your rights and possessions to God.
Second, a disciple is committed to abiding in God's Word.
"If you abide in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine." John 8:31
Abide means to continue in, rely on as a branch does the vine. It implies both getting to know the Bible and consistently obeying its teachings for daily living.
Third, a disciple is committed to loving the brethren.
"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35
Biblical love is defined as unconditional or not towards the behaviour of another but to their personhood.
Forth, a disciple is one who bears much fruit.
"By this my Father is glorified that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples." John 15:8
The Bible tells of four types of fruit that a disciple bears are:
a. Fruit of the Spirit - character (Galatians 5:22-23)
b. Fruit of lips - conversation (Hebrews 13:15)
c. Fruit of deeds - conduct (Colossians 1:10, Hebrews 12:11)
d. Fruit of life - converts (John 4:36, Romans 1:13, John 15)
I read somehwere some of these thoughts and I think they apply here very well.
First, we know a disciple is committed to the Lordship of Christ.
Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
This means to love the Lord as top priority. Be willing to do God's will in spite of the cost to yourself. Be imitate and obey Jesus Christ as your Lord. Give up all you have which include all your rights and possessions to God.
Second, a disciple is committed to abiding in God's Word.
"If you abide in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine." John 8:31
Abide means to continue in, rely on as a branch does the vine. It implies both getting to know the Bible and consistently obeying its teachings for daily living.
Third, a disciple is committed to loving the brethren.
"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35
Biblical love is defined as unconditional or not towards the behaviour of another but to their personhood.
Forth, a disciple is one who bears much fruit.
"By this my Father is glorified that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples." John 15:8
The Bible tells of four types of fruit that a disciple bears are:
a. Fruit of the Spirit - character (Galatians 5:22-23)
b. Fruit of lips - conversation (Hebrews 13:15)
c. Fruit of deeds - conduct (Colossians 1:10, Hebrews 12:11)
d. Fruit of life - converts (John 4:36, Romans 1:13, John 15)
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
How Did the Saints of Old Live?
When you read the Bible you get a clear understanding there were some of the old saints who knew how Christianity worked. They knew how to walk with God in power. They impacted their society and friends in ways that have effected us 2000 years later!
How did the saints of old live? Here is a list of six things I think were common to many.
1. They desired to live to the glory of God. They saw "living for the glory of God" as central to the "why?" they get up in the mornig and do life. This was a pressing thought and value in their lives.
2. They read the Holy Scriptures. They knew the Word of God in thought and heart. They used the Word has their guide in all decisions of life. So the wisdom of God was seen by all. The hid it in their heart so they would not sin against God.
3. They prayed. And how they prayed. They prayed as if God really did hear them and was concerned for them. They prayed beyond a short prayer at a meal or before they went to bed. They prayed as if this was the way to have a viberate realtionship with God Himself.
4. They thought about themselves only in Christ. They talked Christ all the time. They saw each other as in Christ. What they did to each other they believed they did to Christ Himself. Love was the outpouring of this belief.
5. They thought about the world as victims. They saw the lost as captivated by the Evil One. They sought to be on mission with God to rescue the dying and bring them into the land of the living. The world was pitied because it did not know a Saviour like their Jesus.
6. They realized that they were just passing through. They understood that soon this was passing so they lived for the eternal and the eternal reward. The clinged to Christ and the cross instead of the passing wealth and the fame of the earth.
Titus 2:12-13
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; {13} Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
How did the saints of old live? Here is a list of six things I think were common to many.
1. They desired to live to the glory of God. They saw "living for the glory of God" as central to the "why?" they get up in the mornig and do life. This was a pressing thought and value in their lives.
2. They read the Holy Scriptures. They knew the Word of God in thought and heart. They used the Word has their guide in all decisions of life. So the wisdom of God was seen by all. The hid it in their heart so they would not sin against God.
3. They prayed. And how they prayed. They prayed as if God really did hear them and was concerned for them. They prayed beyond a short prayer at a meal or before they went to bed. They prayed as if this was the way to have a viberate realtionship with God Himself.
4. They thought about themselves only in Christ. They talked Christ all the time. They saw each other as in Christ. What they did to each other they believed they did to Christ Himself. Love was the outpouring of this belief.
5. They thought about the world as victims. They saw the lost as captivated by the Evil One. They sought to be on mission with God to rescue the dying and bring them into the land of the living. The world was pitied because it did not know a Saviour like their Jesus.
6. They realized that they were just passing through. They understood that soon this was passing so they lived for the eternal and the eternal reward. The clinged to Christ and the cross instead of the passing wealth and the fame of the earth.
Titus 2:12-13
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; {13} Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Heros of the Faith
Heros are hard to come by,...I mean personal heros. It is easy to see why certian people have their heros. People have come into their lives at critical times and brought huge value to them in some way. A hero brings value to a relationship.
But do you have any heros? Do you have someone who walks out in the real world bringing enormous value to you in some way? Do you have a person out there who you personally know you would be less of a person if this man or woman was not involved in your life?
The Bible gives us a list of heros of the faith that impacted their world.
Hebrews 11
4 By faith Abel...
5 By faith Enoch...
7 By faith Noah...
8 By faith Abraham...
11 By faith Sarah...
20 By faith Isaac...
21 By faith Jacob...
22 By faith Joseph...
23 By faith Moses...
These men and women impacted their world. People spoke of them with respect and reverance. They are heros of the faith. God continues to produce these type of heros. Big and small, we have examples of people who are living out a deep relationship with the Lord. They affect us.
Will you be someone's hero?
But do you have any heros? Do you have someone who walks out in the real world bringing enormous value to you in some way? Do you have a person out there who you personally know you would be less of a person if this man or woman was not involved in your life?
The Bible gives us a list of heros of the faith that impacted their world.
Hebrews 11
4 By faith Abel...
5 By faith Enoch...
7 By faith Noah...
8 By faith Abraham...
11 By faith Sarah...
20 By faith Isaac...
21 By faith Jacob...
22 By faith Joseph...
23 By faith Moses...
These men and women impacted their world. People spoke of them with respect and reverance. They are heros of the faith. God continues to produce these type of heros. Big and small, we have examples of people who are living out a deep relationship with the Lord. They affect us.
Will you be someone's hero?
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Sovereignity of God Verses
I ran across a page of great sovereignity of God verses. I post them here so some can go through them in their devotion time with the Lord.
God's purposes are unstoppable. God can do whatever He pleases:
Isaiah 46:10;
43:13; 55:11
Psalm 33:10, 11; 135:6-10; 115:3
Proverbs 19:21
Job 42:2
Romans 9:19
Hebrews 6:17
God is in complete control of everything:
Daniel 1:9; 4:17, 35
Exodus 11:3
Proverbs 21:1
Ezra 1:1
2 Chronicles 20:6Acts 1:7
Exodus 34:24
1 Kings 8:57-58
1 Chronicles 29:18-19
2 Corinthians 8:16
Jeremiah 10:13
God determines whatsoever comes to pass:
Proverbs 16:1, 4, 7, 9, 33; 20:24; 21:1
Jeremiah 10:23
Lamentations 3:37, 38
Amos 3:6
Acts 17:26-27
Daniel 2:21; 4:35
Psalm 139:16
Ephesians 1:11
Romans 11:36
John 3:27
Job 12:9-10; 14:5
God is sovereign over (controls) evil, sin, and calamity without ever being guilty of wrong:
Isaiah 44:18; 45:7; 19:2; 63:17
Job chapters 1 and 2
Job 1:11-12, 21-22; 2:3, 10
Job 12:9-10; 42:11
Psalm 105:25
Exodus 4:11, 21; 7:2-4, 13, 22; 10:27
Romans 9:17, 18-23
1 Kings 22:19-23
1 Chronicles 21:1 with 2 Samuel 24:1
2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12
Genesis 45:5-8; 50:20
Revelation 17:17; 13:5; 13:7
Acts 2:23; 3:18; 4:27, 28
Luke 22:22
John 13:27-31; 19:11
God's purposes are unstoppable. God can do whatever He pleases:
Isaiah 46:10;
43:13; 55:11
Psalm 33:10, 11; 135:6-10; 115:3
Proverbs 19:21
Job 42:2
Romans 9:19
Hebrews 6:17
God is in complete control of everything:
Daniel 1:9; 4:17, 35
Exodus 11:3
Proverbs 21:1
Ezra 1:1
2 Chronicles 20:6Acts 1:7
Exodus 34:24
1 Kings 8:57-58
1 Chronicles 29:18-19
2 Corinthians 8:16
Jeremiah 10:13
God determines whatsoever comes to pass:
Proverbs 16:1, 4, 7, 9, 33; 20:24; 21:1
Jeremiah 10:23
Lamentations 3:37, 38
Amos 3:6
Acts 17:26-27
Daniel 2:21; 4:35
Psalm 139:16
Ephesians 1:11
Romans 11:36
John 3:27
Job 12:9-10; 14:5
God is sovereign over (controls) evil, sin, and calamity without ever being guilty of wrong:
Isaiah 44:18; 45:7; 19:2; 63:17
Job chapters 1 and 2
Job 1:11-12, 21-22; 2:3, 10
Job 12:9-10; 42:11
Psalm 105:25
Exodus 4:11, 21; 7:2-4, 13, 22; 10:27
Romans 9:17, 18-23
1 Kings 22:19-23
1 Chronicles 21:1 with 2 Samuel 24:1
2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12
Genesis 45:5-8; 50:20
Revelation 17:17; 13:5; 13:7
Acts 2:23; 3:18; 4:27, 28
Luke 22:22
John 13:27-31; 19:11
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