Point of View:
I want to start today’s devotional with a quote that has really changed my perspective on how I overcome the things holding me back from living a life glorifying to God. So, here it is: “Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain.” This simple quote really got me thinking. So many times we focus way too much on wanting to overcome what we are struggling with (The mountain), that the size of the struggle crushes us underneath it. We are saying we want to quit or overcome something but we are leaving all these pebbles in our life. We are tripping up and falling down instead of Moving on up and overcoming our struggles. What’s up with that? Lets try to change our process of how we overcome struggles. Lets change this I’ll tackle the beast mindset, and start thinking about strategic little moves that will eventually have us concurring the struggles we are dealing with, and start glorifying God through our actions and thoughts. So…
The Challenge:
What are the mountains your trying to overcome right now? (Mountains = Things you struggle with that are keeping you from glorifying God.) That’s the first thing I want us all to identify. Once you have done that, the second thing I want us to think about is what are the pebbles in our path? (Pebbles = the little things causing you to participate in that sin.) Lastly, I want you to identify your map! (Map = the thing or things that are going to help you avoid the slip up’s, fall downs and pebbles.) I want you to try overcoming your struggles in this way and remember that through Jesus, you can be victorious!
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving us the strength, knowledge and wisdom to overcome the pebbles and mountains in our life.
• Ask for guidance, as avoiding the pebbles is tough, but possible through Christ.
• Pray that you would be able to identify the pebbles, overcome them, and guide others around them as well. Through Christ, You can be victorious!
The Word:
I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins. 26 Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend (team up and conquer) together; State your case, that you may be acquitted (set free from your charges). – Isaiah 43:25-26
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
His Will or You’re Will - August 25, 2011
Point of View:
So, I’m sure that you have probably planned out a fun event or weekend before, right? Maybe it was a vacation, seeing a movie with some friends, going to the beach, or even something big like what college to go to. All these things take planning. When we start making plans, we normally start checking with people to make sure it's okay and check what their availability is, right? However, we often forget one big person important to our plans though; God! We ignorantly make plans, thinking that we are guaranteed tomorrow! What’s up with that? I think James was asking himself the same question when he was writing verses 13-17 in chapter 4. James says; “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” James makes a good point here; we don’t know what will happen tomorrow! We should be making our plans this way: “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” We aren’t guaranteed our next step, breath, or thought. We are graciously given all these things by our Father in Heaven, God. Don’t take for granted God’s gracious gift of life. Everyday, the Lord gives us opportunities to glorify Him, whether on a vacation or at home, He is worthy of our praise. So…
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to make plans that are not centered on you, but centered on God. Instead of ignorantly making plans, let’s stop and pray. Ask for God’s will to be played out instead of our own. Remember this: Everyday is a good day to praise God. So, no matter what place or time, center your life, plans, and friends around Christ.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving us life today. May we glorify Him today and always.
• Ask for guidance as you make plans. It’s easy to be selfish when you’re the only one planning, so tag team!
• Pray for understanding. It's time to understand that we shouldn't try to put God into our plans but realize that we are in His.
The Word:
13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
- James 4:13-17
So, I’m sure that you have probably planned out a fun event or weekend before, right? Maybe it was a vacation, seeing a movie with some friends, going to the beach, or even something big like what college to go to. All these things take planning. When we start making plans, we normally start checking with people to make sure it's okay and check what their availability is, right? However, we often forget one big person important to our plans though; God! We ignorantly make plans, thinking that we are guaranteed tomorrow! What’s up with that? I think James was asking himself the same question when he was writing verses 13-17 in chapter 4. James says; “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” James makes a good point here; we don’t know what will happen tomorrow! We should be making our plans this way: “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” We aren’t guaranteed our next step, breath, or thought. We are graciously given all these things by our Father in Heaven, God. Don’t take for granted God’s gracious gift of life. Everyday, the Lord gives us opportunities to glorify Him, whether on a vacation or at home, He is worthy of our praise. So…
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to make plans that are not centered on you, but centered on God. Instead of ignorantly making plans, let’s stop and pray. Ask for God’s will to be played out instead of our own. Remember this: Everyday is a good day to praise God. So, no matter what place or time, center your life, plans, and friends around Christ.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving us life today. May we glorify Him today and always.
• Ask for guidance as you make plans. It’s easy to be selfish when you’re the only one planning, so tag team!
• Pray for understanding. It's time to understand that we shouldn't try to put God into our plans but realize that we are in His.
The Word:
13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
- James 4:13-17
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Being Doers of the Word - August 23, 2011
Point of View:
Have you ever been at church and heard a great, challenging message that inspired you to change? I know I have. Here is a tougher question for you; have you ever heard a great, challenging message that encouraged you to change… and you ignored it and didn’t change? Maybe you felt inspired to change or quit doing something but after a couple hours or days of ignoring those feelings, you just forgot all about them and moved on. It is easy to do that if you have never read James 1: 22-25 before. Verse 22 says: “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” This verse clearly states that we should not just be hearing the word but doing it! James even goes on to say that “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” You see, James is trying to make a strong point here. In today’s terms, I think that James is pretty much putting it this way: “Just as you don’t forget what you look like when you walk away from the mirror, don’t forget who you should be living for and how you should be living. Strive to be like Christ and do what the Bible says.” If you feel like you are tired of just looking in that mirror and then moving on with your life, or if you need the extra boost to make that next step take a look at the challenge below…
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to be doers of the word! Stop making excuses and walking away and ignoring the Word of God, embrace it! Don’t let anything stand in your way, do what the Word says!
Prayer Points:
- Thank God for the constant forgiveness that He shows us.
- Ask that you would be able to take a stand and be a doer of the Word, not just a listener.
- Pray for those who sometimes don’t even want to hear the Word. May God work in the hearts and create a never-ending passion for the Word!
The Word:
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. - James 1: 22-25
Have you ever been at church and heard a great, challenging message that inspired you to change? I know I have. Here is a tougher question for you; have you ever heard a great, challenging message that encouraged you to change… and you ignored it and didn’t change? Maybe you felt inspired to change or quit doing something but after a couple hours or days of ignoring those feelings, you just forgot all about them and moved on. It is easy to do that if you have never read James 1: 22-25 before. Verse 22 says: “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” This verse clearly states that we should not just be hearing the word but doing it! James even goes on to say that “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” You see, James is trying to make a strong point here. In today’s terms, I think that James is pretty much putting it this way: “Just as you don’t forget what you look like when you walk away from the mirror, don’t forget who you should be living for and how you should be living. Strive to be like Christ and do what the Bible says.” If you feel like you are tired of just looking in that mirror and then moving on with your life, or if you need the extra boost to make that next step take a look at the challenge below…
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to be doers of the word! Stop making excuses and walking away and ignoring the Word of God, embrace it! Don’t let anything stand in your way, do what the Word says!
Prayer Points:
- Thank God for the constant forgiveness that He shows us.
- Ask that you would be able to take a stand and be a doer of the Word, not just a listener.
- Pray for those who sometimes don’t even want to hear the Word. May God work in the hearts and create a never-ending passion for the Word!
The Word:
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. - James 1: 22-25
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Doubting Your Salvation August 18th, 2011
Point of View:
So I am sure that allot of us could say that we have doubted our salvation/faith at one time or another, right? We might have even asked God to “come into our hearts”, “save us” or “Express that we put our faith in Jesus” more than one time. Now as humans, we tend to do this allot. We doubt if people are telling the truth, doubt people’s workmanship and even doubt the reasoning behind what’s going on in our lives. Naturally… we’re doubters! Now does that mean that we should except that we doubt things and just merely move on? No! We should be studying up on the things we doubt so that we can get a better understanding on those topics and come to doubt those things no longer. So, lets take a look at salvation and try to better understand just how much God loves us, and is committed to having a relationship with us. 2 Timothy 2:13 always amazes me, it says that even if we are faithless, He remains faithful. Now that really is unconditional love at its finest! You see, He loves us even though we have sinned, currently do sin, and will continue to sin. He is faithful through it all, and loves us no matter what. So, that being said, why should we doubt promises to forgive us, and love us unconditionally? That’s just it, we shouldn’t! So…
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to take a good look at the areas/things that you currently doubt right now. Be in prayer as you look to understand those areas, and seek wisdom and understanding from your Father in Heaven, God. Seek scripture, be in prayer, and ask dependable people questions. For It's better to look dumb and know the answers, then look smart and know nothing. For what good is appearance? You see, the mind is a powerful tool! And if submissive to God the Father, can wield great power and discernment. We just have to learn to quit doubting, and seek wisdom from the giver of life, God.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for sending His loving sacrifice Jesus Christ to come down and die for our sins.
• Ask that you would be able to wrap your mind around just how much God loves you, and all that he has done for you. Remember that He doesn’t have to love us, but chooses to.
• Pray for wisdom and discernment as you look to conquer your doubts. Remember that He will never quit on you and will always remain faithful.
The Word:
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
- 2 Timothy 2:13
16"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
– John 3:16-17
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
– Romans 5:8
So I am sure that allot of us could say that we have doubted our salvation/faith at one time or another, right? We might have even asked God to “come into our hearts”, “save us” or “Express that we put our faith in Jesus” more than one time. Now as humans, we tend to do this allot. We doubt if people are telling the truth, doubt people’s workmanship and even doubt the reasoning behind what’s going on in our lives. Naturally… we’re doubters! Now does that mean that we should except that we doubt things and just merely move on? No! We should be studying up on the things we doubt so that we can get a better understanding on those topics and come to doubt those things no longer. So, lets take a look at salvation and try to better understand just how much God loves us, and is committed to having a relationship with us. 2 Timothy 2:13 always amazes me, it says that even if we are faithless, He remains faithful. Now that really is unconditional love at its finest! You see, He loves us even though we have sinned, currently do sin, and will continue to sin. He is faithful through it all, and loves us no matter what. So, that being said, why should we doubt promises to forgive us, and love us unconditionally? That’s just it, we shouldn’t! So…
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to take a good look at the areas/things that you currently doubt right now. Be in prayer as you look to understand those areas, and seek wisdom and understanding from your Father in Heaven, God. Seek scripture, be in prayer, and ask dependable people questions. For It's better to look dumb and know the answers, then look smart and know nothing. For what good is appearance? You see, the mind is a powerful tool! And if submissive to God the Father, can wield great power and discernment. We just have to learn to quit doubting, and seek wisdom from the giver of life, God.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for sending His loving sacrifice Jesus Christ to come down and die for our sins.
• Ask that you would be able to wrap your mind around just how much God loves you, and all that he has done for you. Remember that He doesn’t have to love us, but chooses to.
• Pray for wisdom and discernment as you look to conquer your doubts. Remember that He will never quit on you and will always remain faithful.
The Word:
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
- 2 Timothy 2:13
16"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
– John 3:16-17
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
– Romans 5:8
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Doubting Your Significance in Christ - August 16th, 2011
Point of View:
You can be used by Christ! Did you know that? It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from or what you’ve did… God can use you! That’s awesome, isn’t it? Now I’m sure that you’ve all heard something similar to that before, but what did you do about it once you heard that? Did you just simply agree and think; “oh, that’s great” and then not work towards being an effective tool for Christ? Or do you pray, asking God to reveal where he wants you, educate yourself, and then take the steps it takes to get there? It seems like allot of the time we just want to hear that we can be used by Christ, but doubt that it is possible for it to actually happen. So…
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to be in prayer. We need to take action and be what we where meant to be, glorifying vessels. So, without stalling, lets take some time to spend some real time with God.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for using us, sinners, to glorify His name. May we be submissive to His will, and not let anything hold us back from God and His plans.
• Ask that He would revile where He wants you to be, and what He wants you to do. Spend some time just pouring out your heart to Him, asking how you can be useful. If you’re willing, you will be used.
• Pray that God would expose any area that He is not being glorified, and ask that you would have the strength, accountability and bravery to conquer your present struggles, and give God the glory.
The Word:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, - 2 Timothy 1:9
For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. – 1 Corinthians 1 26:27
You can be used by Christ! Did you know that? It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from or what you’ve did… God can use you! That’s awesome, isn’t it? Now I’m sure that you’ve all heard something similar to that before, but what did you do about it once you heard that? Did you just simply agree and think; “oh, that’s great” and then not work towards being an effective tool for Christ? Or do you pray, asking God to reveal where he wants you, educate yourself, and then take the steps it takes to get there? It seems like allot of the time we just want to hear that we can be used by Christ, but doubt that it is possible for it to actually happen. So…
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to be in prayer. We need to take action and be what we where meant to be, glorifying vessels. So, without stalling, lets take some time to spend some real time with God.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for using us, sinners, to glorify His name. May we be submissive to His will, and not let anything hold us back from God and His plans.
• Ask that He would revile where He wants you to be, and what He wants you to do. Spend some time just pouring out your heart to Him, asking how you can be useful. If you’re willing, you will be used.
• Pray that God would expose any area that He is not being glorified, and ask that you would have the strength, accountability and bravery to conquer your present struggles, and give God the glory.
The Word:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, - 2 Timothy 1:9
For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. – 1 Corinthians 1 26:27
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Doubting God’s Love August 11th, 2011
Point of View:
“Actions speak louder than words." I remember hearing this so many times growing up that I think I became rather numb to it. LOL! If I said I was going to do a chore, make my bed or get better grades this semester, “actions speak louder than words” was normally said shortly after. This was usually said to encourage me not to just say what sounds good, but to push me to take initiative, and prove my motivation through my actions. Now why do I tell you this? I tell you this because, as Humans, I think actions do mean more to us than any amount of words that can be read off of a page, or said. Realizing this, that is how I plan on showing you God's love for us, through action! (Even though the word love appears more than 500 times in the Bible.) So, let's start out by looking at some scripture. John 3:16 says; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Now you might know this verse already, but I bring it up because it is “the action”. Because of our sin we deserve to be eternally separated from God in a place called Hell. But God loved us so much, He took action! He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who came down from Heaven to Earth and died on the Cross for our sins. Not because He had to (John 3:17), but because He wants to have a relationship with us, and took action. Now that’s Love! God gave what he didn’t have to (Jesus), Jesus died for what He didn’t do (Sin) and rose again to prove what he shouldn’t have had to prove (That He was God in the flesh). So there’s action for you… let it speak loud!
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to take a good look at the verses below. They are very “action” oriented, and I hope that they will express how much God loves you, and wants to have a relationship with you. If you already have a relationship with Jesus, Share that knowledge with others, so that they may come to know Jesus as their personal savior. God took action to have a relationship with you, now will you take action and share His name with them? Choice is yours…
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for sending His loving sacrifice Jesus Christ to come down and die for our sins.
• Ask that you would be able to wrap your mind around just how much God loves you, and all that he has done for you.
• Pray that you would be brave enough to share the saving knowledge of Jesus with others.
The Word:
16"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
– John 3:16-17
38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
– Romans 8:38-39
17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing
–Zephaniah 3:17
“Actions speak louder than words." I remember hearing this so many times growing up that I think I became rather numb to it. LOL! If I said I was going to do a chore, make my bed or get better grades this semester, “actions speak louder than words” was normally said shortly after. This was usually said to encourage me not to just say what sounds good, but to push me to take initiative, and prove my motivation through my actions. Now why do I tell you this? I tell you this because, as Humans, I think actions do mean more to us than any amount of words that can be read off of a page, or said. Realizing this, that is how I plan on showing you God's love for us, through action! (Even though the word love appears more than 500 times in the Bible.) So, let's start out by looking at some scripture. John 3:16 says; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Now you might know this verse already, but I bring it up because it is “the action”. Because of our sin we deserve to be eternally separated from God in a place called Hell. But God loved us so much, He took action! He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who came down from Heaven to Earth and died on the Cross for our sins. Not because He had to (John 3:17), but because He wants to have a relationship with us, and took action. Now that’s Love! God gave what he didn’t have to (Jesus), Jesus died for what He didn’t do (Sin) and rose again to prove what he shouldn’t have had to prove (That He was God in the flesh). So there’s action for you… let it speak loud!
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to take a good look at the verses below. They are very “action” oriented, and I hope that they will express how much God loves you, and wants to have a relationship with you. If you already have a relationship with Jesus, Share that knowledge with others, so that they may come to know Jesus as their personal savior. God took action to have a relationship with you, now will you take action and share His name with them? Choice is yours…
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for sending His loving sacrifice Jesus Christ to come down and die for our sins.
• Ask that you would be able to wrap your mind around just how much God loves you, and all that he has done for you.
• Pray that you would be brave enough to share the saving knowledge of Jesus with others.
The Word:
16"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
– John 3:16-17
38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
– Romans 8:38-39
17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing
–Zephaniah 3:17
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Doubting God’s Forgiveness - August 9th, 2011
Point of View:
This topic right here was one that I struggled with allot when I first got saved. I thought that there was no way that all the things I’ve done wrong could be forgiven, maybe some of them, but not all of them. Well, I was wrong! Lol. He can, and did! So, maybe your asking yourself “does He forgive us” and “if so, how can He”? Well, lets turn to the Bible for the answers. 1 John 1:9 says ” If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” So according to this verse right here, if we want to be forgiven, all we have to do is admit that we have messed up, and ask for forgiveness, that’s it. If we do that, “He will forgive us of our sins.” That’s awesome! So that’s how we can be forgiven, but check this out; Isaiah 43:25-26 tells us that He blots out our sin, and not only does He do that, but He doesn’t not remember our sins. Why? Because “Love keeps no record of wrong” -1 Cor. 13:5. So when we are forgiven, We aren’t viewed as somebody who has done all this wrong, but we are viewed through Christ perfect blood that was shed for us, and we are viewed as righteous (which is defined Perfectly Wonderful). So, Don’t let your past describe who you are, but let Jesus, our Savior and Lord define who you are! So…..
The Challenge:
Isaiah 43, verse 26 says; “Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend (team up and conquer) together; State your case, that you may be acquitted (set free from your charges).” So if your not hype right now, maybe you don’t get that, let me break this down! Jesus is saying He wont remember your wrong doings, just remember Him. He’s saying yo, lets team up and conquer the things your struggling with. With me you will be victorious! All He asks is that you “state your case” or spill your guts as I would say, and when you do, you will be ”acquitted” for, which broken down means: set free from your charges/sin. So, I challenge you to spill your guts and team up. You can be victorious!!!!
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving us Jesus who is blotting out our sins, and choosing not to remember them and our old sinful ways, but looking forward and offering us a partnership that will push on and conquer.
• Ask that once forgiven, you could forgive yourself. Remember that we are not defined by the bad things we have done, but by Christ, and we are new creations in Him.
• Pray that God would expose any area that He is not being glorified, and ask that you would have the strength, accountability and bravery to conquer your present struggles, and give God the glory.
The Word:
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1John 1:9
I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins. 26 Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend (team up and conquer) together; State your case, that you may be acquitted (set free from your charges). – Isaiah 43:25-26
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
This topic right here was one that I struggled with allot when I first got saved. I thought that there was no way that all the things I’ve done wrong could be forgiven, maybe some of them, but not all of them. Well, I was wrong! Lol. He can, and did! So, maybe your asking yourself “does He forgive us” and “if so, how can He”? Well, lets turn to the Bible for the answers. 1 John 1:9 says ” If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” So according to this verse right here, if we want to be forgiven, all we have to do is admit that we have messed up, and ask for forgiveness, that’s it. If we do that, “He will forgive us of our sins.” That’s awesome! So that’s how we can be forgiven, but check this out; Isaiah 43:25-26 tells us that He blots out our sin, and not only does He do that, but He doesn’t not remember our sins. Why? Because “Love keeps no record of wrong” -1 Cor. 13:5. So when we are forgiven, We aren’t viewed as somebody who has done all this wrong, but we are viewed through Christ perfect blood that was shed for us, and we are viewed as righteous (which is defined Perfectly Wonderful). So, Don’t let your past describe who you are, but let Jesus, our Savior and Lord define who you are! So…..
The Challenge:
Isaiah 43, verse 26 says; “Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend (team up and conquer) together; State your case, that you may be acquitted (set free from your charges).” So if your not hype right now, maybe you don’t get that, let me break this down! Jesus is saying He wont remember your wrong doings, just remember Him. He’s saying yo, lets team up and conquer the things your struggling with. With me you will be victorious! All He asks is that you “state your case” or spill your guts as I would say, and when you do, you will be ”acquitted” for, which broken down means: set free from your charges/sin. So, I challenge you to spill your guts and team up. You can be victorious!!!!
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving us Jesus who is blotting out our sins, and choosing not to remember them and our old sinful ways, but looking forward and offering us a partnership that will push on and conquer.
• Ask that once forgiven, you could forgive yourself. Remember that we are not defined by the bad things we have done, but by Christ, and we are new creations in Him.
• Pray that God would expose any area that He is not being glorified, and ask that you would have the strength, accountability and bravery to conquer your present struggles, and give God the glory.
The Word:
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1John 1:9
I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins. 26 Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend (team up and conquer) together; State your case, that you may be acquitted (set free from your charges). – Isaiah 43:25-26
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Mustard Seed Must Grow - August 4th, 2011
Point of View:
After looking for several weeks at the idea of casting aside our doubt, and becoming excited about the Lord being able to use us in new and exciting ways once we do the question inevitably arises, “but how do I cast aside my doubt?” It is all very well and good to tell a friend or yourself to just not worry and to ignore the big warning signs that the devil puts up all around. However, unless we are to take some kind of action that doubt is going to remain begrudgingly there, clinging tight to every decision we make. If someone that you care about or yourself is struggling to remove doubt from their heart, then the best course of action is to take action!
The Challenge:
This may seems counterproductive at first. How can I take action for the Lord to remove doubt if doubt is the very thing holding me back? This is a fair question, and the answer is, little steps. God gives everyone the strength and courage to carry out His will, that is a promise, and though the mountain may seem high, with training it can be climbed. Pray to God to fill you with courage to take the small steps first in putting your trust in Him and not doubting. You have to learn to walk before you run, and run before you can fly.
Prayer Points:
• Pray that the Lord fill you with the courage that you need to take small steps in putting aside your doubt for Him.
• Thank God that the challenges that you see as needing to be overcome, or goals that you have bring you closer, as well as make you stronger in Christ. The weight is our gift.
• Reflect upon the amazing situation that we are in that we may be in a relationship with a God who wants us to grow and to conquer the mountains in our lives so that we may climb closer to Him!
The Word:
"The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' The Lord replied. 'If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.” - Luke 17:5-6
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13
After looking for several weeks at the idea of casting aside our doubt, and becoming excited about the Lord being able to use us in new and exciting ways once we do the question inevitably arises, “but how do I cast aside my doubt?” It is all very well and good to tell a friend or yourself to just not worry and to ignore the big warning signs that the devil puts up all around. However, unless we are to take some kind of action that doubt is going to remain begrudgingly there, clinging tight to every decision we make. If someone that you care about or yourself is struggling to remove doubt from their heart, then the best course of action is to take action!
The Challenge:
This may seems counterproductive at first. How can I take action for the Lord to remove doubt if doubt is the very thing holding me back? This is a fair question, and the answer is, little steps. God gives everyone the strength and courage to carry out His will, that is a promise, and though the mountain may seem high, with training it can be climbed. Pray to God to fill you with courage to take the small steps first in putting your trust in Him and not doubting. You have to learn to walk before you run, and run before you can fly.
Prayer Points:
• Pray that the Lord fill you with the courage that you need to take small steps in putting aside your doubt for Him.
• Thank God that the challenges that you see as needing to be overcome, or goals that you have bring you closer, as well as make you stronger in Christ. The weight is our gift.
• Reflect upon the amazing situation that we are in that we may be in a relationship with a God who wants us to grow and to conquer the mountains in our lives so that we may climb closer to Him!
The Word:
"The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' The Lord replied. 'If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.” - Luke 17:5-6
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Doubt Your Doubts, and Believe your Beliefs - August 2, 2011
Point of View:
So during the month of August, my good friend and loyal proofreader Carter and I are going to dig into some of the common ways we doubt God. We will attempt to show you how you can search the scriptures and know what the Bible says about doubting, and help us find the information we need to doubt no longer. We are choosing to dig into this topic because I think if we’re all honest here, at one time or another we have or currently do doubt God for whatever number of reasons. Carter and I both feel that doubts are not meant to be permanent, but just things that should be prayed about, studied, and overcome. If you have been struggling with some of the tough questions of Christianity, or have your doubts, please join us Thursday as we dig into the first devotional in our series on Doubting.
The Challenge:
Let’s not worry about looking foolish or dumb for asking questions or sharing our doubts, but address the real topics we are dealing with. I challenge you to be honest. Weather that’s with us, your teen and young adult pastor and/or your youth leader, be honest and share your doubts with someone who will be willing to study that topic with you. Let's stop acting like we have all the answers and got this whole thing figured out. I look forward to growing together, and I hope that this month’s devotional series can help you break through some of your doubts to strengthen your faith as you grow closer to God. If you have any doubts that you would like us to dig into, just hit me up on Facebook, or leave it as a comment on our Youtube channel. If we are unable due to time to cover your topic in the devotional then either Carter or myself can respond to you personally via email.
Prayer Points:
• Spend some time in prayer today and tomorrow just asking God to show you where He feels you doubt, or limit Him by not having faith in certain areas.
• Thank God for giving us another day of life. May we use it to glorify Him.
• Ask that we would be open to what He wants to teach us.
• Pray that you would be able to understand what the Bible says about doubting, and that you will be able to blast through your doubts and grow closer to God as you strengthen your faith.
The Word:
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” - Mathew 14:31
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” - John 20:27
So during the month of August, my good friend and loyal proofreader Carter and I are going to dig into some of the common ways we doubt God. We will attempt to show you how you can search the scriptures and know what the Bible says about doubting, and help us find the information we need to doubt no longer. We are choosing to dig into this topic because I think if we’re all honest here, at one time or another we have or currently do doubt God for whatever number of reasons. Carter and I both feel that doubts are not meant to be permanent, but just things that should be prayed about, studied, and overcome. If you have been struggling with some of the tough questions of Christianity, or have your doubts, please join us Thursday as we dig into the first devotional in our series on Doubting.
The Challenge:
Let’s not worry about looking foolish or dumb for asking questions or sharing our doubts, but address the real topics we are dealing with. I challenge you to be honest. Weather that’s with us, your teen and young adult pastor and/or your youth leader, be honest and share your doubts with someone who will be willing to study that topic with you. Let's stop acting like we have all the answers and got this whole thing figured out. I look forward to growing together, and I hope that this month’s devotional series can help you break through some of your doubts to strengthen your faith as you grow closer to God. If you have any doubts that you would like us to dig into, just hit me up on Facebook, or leave it as a comment on our Youtube channel. If we are unable due to time to cover your topic in the devotional then either Carter or myself can respond to you personally via email.
Prayer Points:
• Spend some time in prayer today and tomorrow just asking God to show you where He feels you doubt, or limit Him by not having faith in certain areas.
• Thank God for giving us another day of life. May we use it to glorify Him.
• Ask that we would be open to what He wants to teach us.
• Pray that you would be able to understand what the Bible says about doubting, and that you will be able to blast through your doubts and grow closer to God as you strengthen your faith.
The Word:
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” - Mathew 14:31
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” - John 20:27
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)