Over time, the Lord began to show her that He wanted to become her Husband. After two and one-half years without a boyfriend, she asked the Lord to show her how to fall in love with Him. Days later, she received a phone call from someone asking her if she could go on a three-day retreat. She instantly knew God was answering her prayer. He showed her that she could have the same kind of intimacy with Him that she could have with a human husband. She thought this to be strange for the obvious reasons most would think it strange. However, God began to demonstrate to her a level of intimacy that she never thought possible.
Intimacy with God is not a fairy tale God teases us with in the Bible. He really desires to have intimacy with you and me. Ask God to reveal Himself to you in personal and intimate ways. He desires to do this.
Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide with the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, an many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it..
"Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10a).
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Boundaries and God's blessings
Each of us must have freedom and boundaries in our work life. Whenever you are hired for a job, you must have the freedom to make certain decisions. You must have the authority to manage things within your area of expertise. You must also have limits within your area of responsibility. You need to know where those limits are and stay within them. Both freedom and boundaries are always under the umbrella of God's authority and our authorities at work.
Jesus understood these boundaries. When He was tempted for 40 days by the devil after being baptized, He was challenged by satan to go outside His freedom and boundaries. (See Matthew 4:1-11.) Satan said that He had the power to turn a stone into bread. Jesus was hungry and easily could have justified using His power to feed Himself. However, Jesus understood He could do nothing outside the boundaries of God's will for His life. It was God's will for Jesus to be tempted and to withstand the temptation. God was showing His Son that "man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Mt. 4:4b).
Jesus did not perform miracles out of pride in Himself, he did if for the glory of God and to further the kingdom of God. We must do everything for the glory of God and then we can do anything, "even greater things than these". It is not by our power but God's power.
Jesus understood these boundaries. When He was tempted for 40 days by the devil after being baptized, He was challenged by satan to go outside His freedom and boundaries. (See Matthew 4:1-11.) Satan said that He had the power to turn a stone into bread. Jesus was hungry and easily could have justified using His power to feed Himself. However, Jesus understood He could do nothing outside the boundaries of God's will for His life. It was God's will for Jesus to be tempted and to withstand the temptation. God was showing His Son that "man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Mt. 4:4b).
Jesus did not perform miracles out of pride in Himself, he did if for the glory of God and to further the kingdom of God. We must do everything for the glory of God and then we can do anything, "even greater things than these". It is not by our power but God's power.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Will you perform as the Maker designed
His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" - Matthew 25:21
Testing allows one to discover how well a product is made when placed under extreme stress. Increasing the pulling pressure between two objects reveals the amount of tension that can be withstood in a chain link. Eventually, the "choking" point occurs. In sports, we ascertain the "choking" point for athletes by putting them into a pressure situation. At what point will the athlete lose concentration and collapse under the pressure? It is under these stressful times that we discover how well we have been trained to withstand the pressure and make right decisions regardless of outside influences.
In my younger days I played sports. I came to observe that we fail under pressure usually because we reach a point where our ability to focus on execution yields to concern about outcome. This worry about outcome forces us to lose our concentration. The fear of failure begins to rule our emotions and actions, which ultimately results in our failure. What we fear has come upon us. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
In life, we see giving in to pressure in the form of compulsive behavior, withdrawal, anger, abuse, moral failure, and dishonesty, to name just a few manifestations.
Jesus never yielded to pressure. He never made decisions based on outcome. He always made the right decision. He always performed the same no matter what the circumstance. He lived a life based on absolutes, not circumstances. He never gave in to "situational ethics."
As God entrusts us with more and more responsibility, He brings more and more pressures into our lives to "test the product," to make sure that He can give even more responsibility to us. This process helps us see where we are in our maturity and determines our level of future responsibility.
Are you a product that can withstand the product test? Will you perform as the Maker designed no matter what outside pressures come? Know that you cannot perform well unless you are continually in relationship with and obedient to the one who made you. Trust the product developer today. He has made you to perform well under pressure.
Testing allows one to discover how well a product is made when placed under extreme stress. Increasing the pulling pressure between two objects reveals the amount of tension that can be withstood in a chain link. Eventually, the "choking" point occurs. In sports, we ascertain the "choking" point for athletes by putting them into a pressure situation. At what point will the athlete lose concentration and collapse under the pressure? It is under these stressful times that we discover how well we have been trained to withstand the pressure and make right decisions regardless of outside influences.
In my younger days I played sports. I came to observe that we fail under pressure usually because we reach a point where our ability to focus on execution yields to concern about outcome. This worry about outcome forces us to lose our concentration. The fear of failure begins to rule our emotions and actions, which ultimately results in our failure. What we fear has come upon us. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
In life, we see giving in to pressure in the form of compulsive behavior, withdrawal, anger, abuse, moral failure, and dishonesty, to name just a few manifestations.
Jesus never yielded to pressure. He never made decisions based on outcome. He always made the right decision. He always performed the same no matter what the circumstance. He lived a life based on absolutes, not circumstances. He never gave in to "situational ethics."
As God entrusts us with more and more responsibility, He brings more and more pressures into our lives to "test the product," to make sure that He can give even more responsibility to us. This process helps us see where we are in our maturity and determines our level of future responsibility.
Are you a product that can withstand the product test? Will you perform as the Maker designed no matter what outside pressures come? Know that you cannot perform well unless you are continually in relationship with and obedient to the one who made you. Trust the product developer today. He has made you to perform well under pressure.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Answered Prayer - Pay for Trinity Next Year 2009-2010
Tiffany and I have been praying that God would provide ability for us to send girls to Trinity again for 2009 and 2010 year. We are getting $25,000 in taxes back
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Being Faithful at work
A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. - Proverbs 28:20
There is a distinct difference between the workplace believer who operates based on living in the Promised Land versus the one who operates in Egypt. In Egypt, the workplace believer sweats and toils to generate an outcome. The final objective is foremost in their mind. Outcome is everything.
In the Promised Land, we learn that obedience is the only thing that matters. We are called to execute, and leave outcome to God. Sometimes that outcome is very positive, yielding a return. In other cases, we may not yield a corresponding return. We may even get a negative outcome. The difference is that we know that we have been faithful to what God has called us to and we yield results to God. God often blesses obedience beyond what we deserve. If God brings wealth to your life, it should come as a by-product of obedience, not an end in itself.
God may call each of us to be obedient to situations that may not yield immediate, positive results. It is in these times that our faith must be obedience-based versus outcome-based. What if Jesus had considered the immediate ramifications of whether he would go to the cross? Based on the immediate outcome, the decision would have been an easy one. Who wants to die on a cross? However, for Him there was a higher purpose in that obedience. We are called to this same kind of obedience. This means putting our own flesh on the line daily, dying to our own self-will.
There is a distinct difference between the workplace believer who operates based on living in the Promised Land versus the one who operates in Egypt. In Egypt, the workplace believer sweats and toils to generate an outcome. The final objective is foremost in their mind. Outcome is everything.
In the Promised Land, we learn that obedience is the only thing that matters. We are called to execute, and leave outcome to God. Sometimes that outcome is very positive, yielding a return. In other cases, we may not yield a corresponding return. We may even get a negative outcome. The difference is that we know that we have been faithful to what God has called us to and we yield results to God. God often blesses obedience beyond what we deserve. If God brings wealth to your life, it should come as a by-product of obedience, not an end in itself.
God may call each of us to be obedient to situations that may not yield immediate, positive results. It is in these times that our faith must be obedience-based versus outcome-based. What if Jesus had considered the immediate ramifications of whether he would go to the cross? Based on the immediate outcome, the decision would have been an easy one. Who wants to die on a cross? However, for Him there was a higher purpose in that obedience. We are called to this same kind of obedience. This means putting our own flesh on the line daily, dying to our own self-will.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Consequences of Faith
We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. - Romans 6:4
When we commit ourselves to fully follow Christ, He begins a "circumcision" process in each of us designed to rid all that is of the world system from our lives. This circumcision is required of every believer. Moses had much preparation from God for His calling to free the people of Israel from Egypt. He spent years in training as a young boy in the family of Pharaoh. He tried to free the people through the flesh by killing an Egyptian. That cost him 40 years in the desert of loneliness and toil before God said he was prepared to free the people from their suffering. God invested much in Moses; however, that preparation was not enough. Experience and preparation had to be mixed with obedience. God required his family to be circumcised. Moses failed to circumcise his son before returning to Egypt. This was so important to God that He was going to kill Moses if he did not uphold his commandment. "At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him" (Ex. 4:24).
Are there any areas in your life that have not come under the lordship of Christ? Is there any lack of obedience that will prevent you from being used fully by the Lord? Ask Him to show you this today so that you might be fully used of God.
When we commit ourselves to fully follow Christ, He begins a "circumcision" process in each of us designed to rid all that is of the world system from our lives. This circumcision is required of every believer. Moses had much preparation from God for His calling to free the people of Israel from Egypt. He spent years in training as a young boy in the family of Pharaoh. He tried to free the people through the flesh by killing an Egyptian. That cost him 40 years in the desert of loneliness and toil before God said he was prepared to free the people from their suffering. God invested much in Moses; however, that preparation was not enough. Experience and preparation had to be mixed with obedience. God required his family to be circumcised. Moses failed to circumcise his son before returning to Egypt. This was so important to God that He was going to kill Moses if he did not uphold his commandment. "At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him" (Ex. 4:24).
Are there any areas in your life that have not come under the lordship of Christ? Is there any lack of obedience that will prevent you from being used fully by the Lord? Ask Him to show you this today so that you might be fully used of God.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Scriptures for Sexual Immorality
Ecclesiastes 3:15 - That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been, and God requires an account of what is past.
Ecclesiastes 6:3 - If a man begets a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his oul is not satisfied with goodness, or indeed he has not burial, I say that a stillborn child is better than he - this has more rest than that man
Ecclesiastes 6:3 - If a man begets a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his oul is not satisfied with goodness, or indeed he has not burial, I say that a stillborn child is better than he - this has more rest than that man
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Scripture for Work
Ecclesiastes 5:3 For a dream comes true through much activity
Acts 20:34 34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.
2Thessalonians 3:8
8nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
1 Kings 11:28
28 Now Jeroboam was a man of standing, and when Solomon saw how well the young man did his work, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph.
Proverbs 10:4-5
4 Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
Proverbs 10:26
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so is a sluggard to those who send him.
Proverbs 12:24
24 Diligent hands will rule,
but laziness ends in slave labor.
Proverbs 13:4
4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
Proverbs 14:23
23 All hard work brings a profit,
but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Acts 20:34 34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.
2Thessalonians 3:8
8nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
1 Kings 11:28
28 Now Jeroboam was a man of standing, and when Solomon saw how well the young man did his work, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph.
Proverbs 10:4-5
4 Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
Proverbs 10:26
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so is a sluggard to those who send him.
Proverbs 12:24
24 Diligent hands will rule,
but laziness ends in slave labor.
Proverbs 13:4
4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
Proverbs 14:23
23 All hard work brings a profit,
but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Selling Your Birthright
Esau was brother to Jacob. One day he came back from hunting in the fields. He was hungry and tired. His brother Jacob was preparing some stew and Esau asked Jacob for a bowl. Jacob used this time to negotiate for what seems unimaginable - the family birthright.
Why would Esau take his birthright so lightly? Because he did not understand its value. Every business day countless men and women exchange their birthrights for worldly goods, because they see what the world has to offer as more valuable than what God might offer.
This is not all their fault. Satan has blinded the minds and hearts of men and women for centuries. He does not want them to know the tremendous gold mine that awaits the child of God. Their inheritance is filled with meaning, purpose, and rewards that await them both here and in Heaven. Satan keeps men and women from seeing the real value of their own godly inheritance.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Matthew 7:26 Building a Strong Foundation
Matthew 7:26 - But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
Why do I think I know best? Why do I think God will take care of me no matter what I do. God tells us to put his words into practice. I want a house build on solid rock not on sand. I haven't had my house swept away yet but if I keep going my way, I will. The laws of nature, God's created laws bear fruit in your life. God, I want a life where I bear fruit and am not cut off from you.
Why do I think I know best? Why do I think God will take care of me no matter what I do. God tells us to put his words into practice. I want a house build on solid rock not on sand. I haven't had my house swept away yet but if I keep going my way, I will. The laws of nature, God's created laws bear fruit in your life. God, I want a life where I bear fruit and am not cut off from you.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Faith and Wisdom James 1 - One of most meaningful in Bible
James 1:6-7 But when you ask God, you must believe. Do not doubt God. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea. The wind blows the wave up and down. He who doubts is thinking two different things at the same time. He cannot decide about anything he does. A person like that should not think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
James1:13-15 When someone is being tempted, he should not say, "God is tempting me." Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone. It is the evil that a person wants that tempts him. His own evil desire leads him away and holds him. This desire causes sin. Then the sin grows and brings death.
James1:13-15 When someone is being tempted, he should not say, "God is tempting me." Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone. It is the evil that a person wants that tempts him. His own evil desire leads him away and holds him. This desire causes sin. Then the sin grows and brings death.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Every Man's Battle
I just picked the book up yesterday. I have really been struggling with my sexual impulses. The first chapter and intro convicted me of how the life and thoughts that I have are so worldly and so indescent. Loving Christ should separate me from these things. My flesh has been winning and God's best cannot be present when that happens. I look at what I have been doing and I think "Do you really have faith, do you really believe?" In the book, the author writes "It's wrong, I admitted, but it's such a small thing. It was a far cry from Playboy, I told myself". How many times have I justified it. It is wrong and I need to cut it out totally.
"Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions......
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways
and sinners will turn back to you." Psalm 51:1, 12-13
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity" Ephesians 5:3
"Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions......
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways
and sinners will turn back to you." Psalm 51:1, 12-13
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity" Ephesians 5:3
Thursday, January 1, 2009
My Utmost for His Highest
Philippians 1:20 - "For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better....... 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live."
We can be completely confident in God's will for us and boast in God and his plan. Our purpose and our goal here is to be our Utmost for HIS Highest - our best for Him not matter what we view to be the cost in other realms of our lives. I must stop pondering what God tells me and try to justify everything through the view of my life but through the view of God's life for me. Just trust and He will lead the way - be confident in Him.
"When we think seriously about what it wil cost others if we obey the call of Jesus, we tell God He doesn't know what our obedience will mean. Keep to the point - He does know. Shut out every other thought and keep yourself before God in this one thing only - my utmost for His highest. I am determined to be absolutely and entirely for Him and Him alone. ..... Pual was determined tha nothing would stop him from doing exactly what God wanted.
We can be completely confident in God's will for us and boast in God and his plan. Our purpose and our goal here is to be our Utmost for HIS Highest - our best for Him not matter what we view to be the cost in other realms of our lives. I must stop pondering what God tells me and try to justify everything through the view of my life but through the view of God's life for me. Just trust and He will lead the way - be confident in Him.
"When we think seriously about what it wil cost others if we obey the call of Jesus, we tell God He doesn't know what our obedience will mean. Keep to the point - He does know. Shut out every other thought and keep yourself before God in this one thing only - my utmost for His highest. I am determined to be absolutely and entirely for Him and Him alone. ..... Pual was determined tha nothing would stop him from doing exactly what God wanted.
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