Psalm 36: 5-9
"Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgements area a great deep; O Lord, You preseve man and beast.
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust underthe shadow of Your wings. They are abudantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light."
Lord, God, I am feeding on you today, give me strength. I wait on You. Thank you, Lord. When I think about the way you love me, You are so jealous for me! 'Love like a hurricane, and I am the tree; bending beneath the weight of Your love and mercy. And all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory! How you love us!'
God, bless my time today, you know what work I need to get done, give me Your joy this week. Thank you, God. In your Son Jesus' name. amen.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Church member verses Christian
The two are not synonymous. But I feel like I keep seeing and hearing that people believe they are. A Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Pentecostal, Church of Christ member, Lutheran, Bible Church member, all can be Christian. But church attendance and/or membership is neither a requirement nor does it automatically make you or I a Christian.
It is two different things altogether.
A Christian by definition, is a person who sees themselves as a sinner in need of God's forgiveness, AND accepts God's forgiveness given freely through Jesus Christ, knowing that they themselves can do nothing to remedy their sin.
One could attend a church for years, and not be a Christian. People have different reasons. It could be that going to church, maybe a particular church, is the social norm, and it is expected that they are there. A person could think that their participation in the rituals somehow makes them better or more worthy before God and/or other people. This makes them a church member and a good church participant even, but it does not make them a Christian (see the definition above).
Let me also say, that a person who reads the Bible also does not automatically make a person a Christian. An atheist can read his Bible, and still be an atheist, so that does not make one a Christian also. The same goes for service work. A Muslim, Jewish person, Buddhist, Christian, and Atheist (sounds like I am going to start a joke) could all be at a soup kitchen lovingly serving folks.
To quote a paraphrased version of John 1:12-13 (Jesus Storybook Bible)
"For anyone who says yes to Jesus
For anyone who believes what Jesus said
For anyone who will just reach out to take it
Then God will give them this wonderful gift:
To be born into a whole new Life
To be who they really are
Who God always made them to be -
Their own true selves -
God's dear Child. "
I know this blog post may upset some people, and many may disagree with me. But honestly, I just had to post it, it's been on my heart and on my mind for a while. And I write it with love in my heart, and with the intent of just clarifying and not hurting anyone's feelings. If you disagree with me, and think what I said is wrong, that's fine. I just encourage you to pray about it, seek His answers. Ask God to reveal His truth to you.
It is two different things altogether.
A Christian by definition, is a person who sees themselves as a sinner in need of God's forgiveness, AND accepts God's forgiveness given freely through Jesus Christ, knowing that they themselves can do nothing to remedy their sin.
One could attend a church for years, and not be a Christian. People have different reasons. It could be that going to church, maybe a particular church, is the social norm, and it is expected that they are there. A person could think that their participation in the rituals somehow makes them better or more worthy before God and/or other people. This makes them a church member and a good church participant even, but it does not make them a Christian (see the definition above).
Let me also say, that a person who reads the Bible also does not automatically make a person a Christian. An atheist can read his Bible, and still be an atheist, so that does not make one a Christian also. The same goes for service work. A Muslim, Jewish person, Buddhist, Christian, and Atheist (sounds like I am going to start a joke) could all be at a soup kitchen lovingly serving folks.
To quote a paraphrased version of John 1:12-13 (Jesus Storybook Bible)
"For anyone who says yes to Jesus
For anyone who believes what Jesus said
For anyone who will just reach out to take it
Then God will give them this wonderful gift:
To be born into a whole new Life
To be who they really are
Who God always made them to be -
Their own true selves -
God's dear Child. "
I know this blog post may upset some people, and many may disagree with me. But honestly, I just had to post it, it's been on my heart and on my mind for a while. And I write it with love in my heart, and with the intent of just clarifying and not hurting anyone's feelings. If you disagree with me, and think what I said is wrong, that's fine. I just encourage you to pray about it, seek His answers. Ask God to reveal His truth to you.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Alex's answers to common questions, part 1
I found this link to the website of Christian apologist, Alex McFarland. Thought I would share it because of his precise, intelligent, and easy to understand answers to common questions we face today. His answers speak the truth in love, and are biblically sound. enjoy.
Alex's answers to common questions, part 1
Alex's answers to common questions, part 1
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Race (before, during, and after)
I can understand, that for many people, running long distance and training for a long distance race is not necessarily a spiritual experience. However, for me; God used this time to draw me closer to Him. From the beginning, I knew that this was something I was suppost to do. I was going to do this for Ashley, to run a half marathon, was something I never thought I would do, and for Ashley, I know that cancer is something she would never have signed up for either.
During most of my training runs, I listened to worship music and prayed as I ran. I prayed for people I passed by, I prayed for Zach and our marriage, I prayed for family, I prayed for people hurting, I prayed for forgiveness of my sins, places I failed, and for His mercy and love. God opened my eyes to His love. One run in particular, I do not have good enough words to describe it, but I saw each person in my life who I know: family, friends, and acquaintances, and I SAW, if only a glimpse, the intense love God has for that person. For each individual. It was like a bright glow, warm, rainbow of light. By the way, God's heart ache's for you.
The night before the race, I laid in bed and meditated on Psalm 40. Here are some of the verses:
V. 1-3 "I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth-Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord." --That's me!
During the race, my ipod played songs that helped push me along. Here are the songs that I particularly remember that lifted me up (not all necessarily Christian, and not all fast pace, but each I remember brought me joy and God used to nudge me forward)
Listen to the Sound (Building 429) - at mile 5, almost half way...almost. His grace is reaching for us, His grace is reaching out!
Light up the Sky (The Afters) - He is with me.
7x70 (Chris August) - but forgiveness made a way.
Never say Never (The Fray) - Don't let me go, don't let me go.
This one's for the girls (Martina McBride)
Work That (Mary J. Blige) - I think about mile 7 or so. MJB told me to "work what you got, I'm talkin about things that I know. Be yourself!"
Meant to Live (Switchfoot)
Let's Get it Started (Black Eyed Peas)
Eye of the Tiger (Surviver mix) - mile 9 needed this!
Ray of Light (Madonna)
Where you Lead me (Mercy Me)
And then, today, the day after the big race. God has led me to His word, to guide me into the wisdom to know that like a long distance race, life is not easy. But with Jesus, it is never in vain.
Acts 20:24 "...Nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2 "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..."
I also want to say, that I could not have done it without the love and support of my family, my husband, and the encouragment of the TEAM in Training folks! I know God used each of them as well to inspire me to keep moving. It reminded me, that as a Christian, I do not live on an island. God uses others to encourage, teach, learn, and challenge us! I love each of you very much. I am so blessed to have such an encouraging family of support. And how blessed I was to experience it. Go Team Ashley!
During most of my training runs, I listened to worship music and prayed as I ran. I prayed for people I passed by, I prayed for Zach and our marriage, I prayed for family, I prayed for people hurting, I prayed for forgiveness of my sins, places I failed, and for His mercy and love. God opened my eyes to His love. One run in particular, I do not have good enough words to describe it, but I saw each person in my life who I know: family, friends, and acquaintances, and I SAW, if only a glimpse, the intense love God has for that person. For each individual. It was like a bright glow, warm, rainbow of light. By the way, God's heart ache's for you.
The night before the race, I laid in bed and meditated on Psalm 40. Here are some of the verses:
V. 1-3 "I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth-Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord." --That's me!
During the race, my ipod played songs that helped push me along. Here are the songs that I particularly remember that lifted me up (not all necessarily Christian, and not all fast pace, but each I remember brought me joy and God used to nudge me forward)
Listen to the Sound (Building 429) - at mile 5, almost half way...almost. His grace is reaching for us, His grace is reaching out!
Light up the Sky (The Afters) - He is with me.
7x70 (Chris August) - but forgiveness made a way.
Never say Never (The Fray) - Don't let me go, don't let me go.
This one's for the girls (Martina McBride)
Work That (Mary J. Blige) - I think about mile 7 or so. MJB told me to "work what you got, I'm talkin about things that I know. Be yourself!"
Meant to Live (Switchfoot)
Let's Get it Started (Black Eyed Peas)
Eye of the Tiger (Surviver mix) - mile 9 needed this!
Ray of Light (Madonna)
Where you Lead me (Mercy Me)
And then, today, the day after the big race. God has led me to His word, to guide me into the wisdom to know that like a long distance race, life is not easy. But with Jesus, it is never in vain.
Acts 20:24 "...Nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2 "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..."
I also want to say, that I could not have done it without the love and support of my family, my husband, and the encouragment of the TEAM in Training folks! I know God used each of them as well to inspire me to keep moving. It reminded me, that as a Christian, I do not live on an island. God uses others to encourage, teach, learn, and challenge us! I love each of you very much. I am so blessed to have such an encouraging family of support. And how blessed I was to experience it. Go Team Ashley!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
We remember
Today, on September 11, 2011 we remember that horrific day for our country 10 years ago. I don't think President Obama could have picked a better reading for the beginning of the memorial service in New York, as I heard him pray Psalm 46 from the Bible.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.
'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Selah
As the families who lost their loved ones read the names, nearly 3000 people who died that day. I pray they take these words to heart, I pray we look to Lord Almighty, the God of Jacob, who is ever present in our troubles. I am praying for our great, free country today. That we look to God for our comfort and strength.
Friday, September 2, 2011
For when life happens
Hebrews 10:32, 35-36
"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." *
(V. 39) "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." *
Colossians 2:6-10
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, stregthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." *
1 Peter 1:21-22
"Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." *
Colossians 3:12-14
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." *
*Praying all this is locked secure in my heart today, and forever and ever.
"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." *
(V. 39) "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." *
Colossians 2:6-10
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, stregthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." *
1 Peter 1:21-22
"Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." *
Colossians 3:12-14
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." *
*Praying all this is locked secure in my heart today, and forever and ever.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
True confessions continue, fall study.
Toward the end of Luke's Gospel, in Chapter 24, we read the account of Jesus' bodily resurrection from the dead. And after this is discovered by Mary; and confirned by Peter, the disciples were perplexed.
Verse 13 begins, two of them on 'the road to Emmaus' discussing the recent events.
V. 15-16 "As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him."
To paraphrase, they basically tell this 'stranger' that they are disappointed and confused, they thought Jesus was the Messiah to redeem Israel. But, sadly, the one they thought was the Messiah to save them was killed 3 days ago, and now, his body is gone. Some of the women even claimed to have seen visions of angels, who say he is alive.
Jesus responds. (v. 25-27) "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?
"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."
Enter our fall study. Jesus himself tells us that from the Beginning, the stories have whispered His name and told what He was sent to do, so that we may know Him. A fresh perspective on the Old Testament, instead of just 'life lessons' and 'wise principles' we are going to read about how the Plan has ALWAYS been for Jesus. I am excited to begin this 10 week study this fall with the lovely Jessica Garret!
(John 8:58) "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I AM!"
http://www.amazon.com/Promised-One-10-week-Bible-Study/dp/1433526255/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313371195&sr=8-1
Verse 13 begins, two of them on 'the road to Emmaus' discussing the recent events.
V. 15-16 "As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him."
To paraphrase, they basically tell this 'stranger' that they are disappointed and confused, they thought Jesus was the Messiah to redeem Israel. But, sadly, the one they thought was the Messiah to save them was killed 3 days ago, and now, his body is gone. Some of the women even claimed to have seen visions of angels, who say he is alive.
Jesus responds. (v. 25-27) "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?
"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."
Enter our fall study. Jesus himself tells us that from the Beginning, the stories have whispered His name and told what He was sent to do, so that we may know Him. A fresh perspective on the Old Testament, instead of just 'life lessons' and 'wise principles' we are going to read about how the Plan has ALWAYS been for Jesus. I am excited to begin this 10 week study this fall with the lovely Jessica Garret!
(John 8:58) "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I AM!"
http://www.amazon.com/Promised-One-10-week-Bible-Study/dp/1433526255/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313371195&sr=8-1
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