Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)
Alicia and I were recently presented an opportunity that we both have had to prayerfully turn completely over to God to show us the way. (Believe me, I can count the times on one hand that I have honestly taken that approaching the past, rather than make a major decision based on impulse or selfish ambition.) This time, without going into specific detail, I have been seeking God daily, even though the answers have not been clear and I have had to wait patiently for God's direction.
Eventually, after continue to dig deeper, I know that I will come to the point of hearing God answer my question with a "Yes, this is what is you need to do" or "No, you need to avoid this."
The only way we can achieve this kind of dependence on God's guidance is by staying in constant communication with Him through prayer and remaining grounded in His Word.
He wants what is good for us, but we truely have no way of knowing unless we move closer to Him to discern what His will for our life is.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Fall on Me
Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3)
I was blessed to hear one of the passengers/survivors from the "Miracle on the Hudson" speak at a business luncheon earlier this week. During the outstanding presentation, I kept thinking to myself how helpless that all of the flight crew and other 150 passengers must have felt as the US Airways jetliner hit a flock of geese and began to crash only minutes after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in NYC. The story had a miraculous ending as everyone on board survived and the plane made a perfect landing in the frigid Hudson River.
Living the Spirit-filled life begins with the realization that we are absolutely helpless and hopeless without the power of the Holy Spirit. Until we have an understanding that God is in total control of our lives and everything in the universe, we will never experience the true power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within each believer.
When we don't draw our strength from the Holy Spirit, we work in vein and only use our strength. It may not take walking away from a near disasterous plane crash for us to realize that God is in control and we are helpless, but God is an expert at creating circumstances so that we find ourselves completely dependent on Him.
I was blessed to hear one of the passengers/survivors from the "Miracle on the Hudson" speak at a business luncheon earlier this week. During the outstanding presentation, I kept thinking to myself how helpless that all of the flight crew and other 150 passengers must have felt as the US Airways jetliner hit a flock of geese and began to crash only minutes after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in NYC. The story had a miraculous ending as everyone on board survived and the plane made a perfect landing in the frigid Hudson River.
Living the Spirit-filled life begins with the realization that we are absolutely helpless and hopeless without the power of the Holy Spirit. Until we have an understanding that God is in total control of our lives and everything in the universe, we will never experience the true power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within each believer.
When we don't draw our strength from the Holy Spirit, we work in vein and only use our strength. It may not take walking away from a near disasterous plane crash for us to realize that God is in control and we are helpless, but God is an expert at creating circumstances so that we find ourselves completely dependent on Him.
Belong
"Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject you as evil on the account of the Son of Man!" -Jesus Christ (Luke 22:6)
I get a kick out of dropping my boys off at day care in the mornings. Elliott is in a class with about eight other wild and crazy three year-old boys and only one girl. (Poor thing!) Many mornings when I drop Elliott off, some of the other boys have already been playing together and I enjoy watching Elliott work his way into the group. If you think about it, even as adults, we all have the same longing to fit in, be accepted, and be a part of a group. It's difficult to be considered an "outsider" and people will go to great lengths to work their way into belonging.
Look at the stickers on the cars you see on the road and most are little reminders of that driver being a part of some type of group. Tri-Atheletes, swimmers, soccer players, tennis fanatics, golfers, Disney freaks, Repulicans, Democrats, churches, bands, etc.-people like being accepted and finding their identity with others.
Jesus knew about rejection all too well. In fact, He considered it a blessing to be an "outsider" and feels that we should do the same. We will recieve God's eternal blessings in heaven for the ridicule and rejection we endure today. As Christians, we know that this earth is not our final destination; our true home will be in heaven. Other believers are outsiders too and their friendship and companionship can help with accountability when times are tough trying to remain faithful to God's will for your life.
We are simply passing through and we will one day be called back "home" and be blessed for the hardships we endured as believers while we were on this earth.
I get a kick out of dropping my boys off at day care in the mornings. Elliott is in a class with about eight other wild and crazy three year-old boys and only one girl. (Poor thing!) Many mornings when I drop Elliott off, some of the other boys have already been playing together and I enjoy watching Elliott work his way into the group. If you think about it, even as adults, we all have the same longing to fit in, be accepted, and be a part of a group. It's difficult to be considered an "outsider" and people will go to great lengths to work their way into belonging.
Look at the stickers on the cars you see on the road and most are little reminders of that driver being a part of some type of group. Tri-Atheletes, swimmers, soccer players, tennis fanatics, golfers, Disney freaks, Repulicans, Democrats, churches, bands, etc.-people like being accepted and finding their identity with others.
Jesus knew about rejection all too well. In fact, He considered it a blessing to be an "outsider" and feels that we should do the same. We will recieve God's eternal blessings in heaven for the ridicule and rejection we endure today. As Christians, we know that this earth is not our final destination; our true home will be in heaven. Other believers are outsiders too and their friendship and companionship can help with accountability when times are tough trying to remain faithful to God's will for your life.
We are simply passing through and we will one day be called back "home" and be blessed for the hardships we endured as believers while we were on this earth.
Beautiful Day
There is no fear in love; but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears punishment has not been perfected in love. (1 John 4:18)
Have you ever began to step out in faith and do something new or go some place that was foreign or make a new commitment, but the thought of actually going through with it caused you to be gripped with fear? There have been numerous occasions during my life that I can recall being scared out of my mind about taking a leap of faith. One of the biggest leaps of faith that any man or woman can take is marriage-it's a lifelong commitment and covenant with God. Another huge leap of faith is becoming a parent and having children. What about taking a role with a new company and moving to a new city where you don't know anyone or have any family nearby? I can say that Alicia and I basically decided that facing only one major lifestyle change was not enough, she became pregnant with Elliott only after a few months of marriage and I left the company I was working for in Atlanta to take a new career path in Knoxville, TN. There were many moments of doubt and unabashed fear during the first years of our marriage, but God was faithful and has been by our side every single step of the way.
If we trust God is He who He says He is, shouldn't we have nothing to fear? Sure, but that's easier said than done. Satan is the master of creating doubt in our minds so that you become fearful of trusting God and then paralyzed in our efforts to make progress or go through with something.
Our best defense is reading His Word. There is much power in reading God's story of love and faithfulness to His people. God's promises that He "will not fail you or forsake you" in Deuteronomy 31:6. So the next time Satan tries to discourage you or scare you to take a leap of faith, find your power in His Word. He is good to His people and will NEVER break His promise to deliver you....
Have you ever began to step out in faith and do something new or go some place that was foreign or make a new commitment, but the thought of actually going through with it caused you to be gripped with fear? There have been numerous occasions during my life that I can recall being scared out of my mind about taking a leap of faith. One of the biggest leaps of faith that any man or woman can take is marriage-it's a lifelong commitment and covenant with God. Another huge leap of faith is becoming a parent and having children. What about taking a role with a new company and moving to a new city where you don't know anyone or have any family nearby? I can say that Alicia and I basically decided that facing only one major lifestyle change was not enough, she became pregnant with Elliott only after a few months of marriage and I left the company I was working for in Atlanta to take a new career path in Knoxville, TN. There were many moments of doubt and unabashed fear during the first years of our marriage, but God was faithful and has been by our side every single step of the way.
If we trust God is He who He says He is, shouldn't we have nothing to fear? Sure, but that's easier said than done. Satan is the master of creating doubt in our minds so that you become fearful of trusting God and then paralyzed in our efforts to make progress or go through with something.
Our best defense is reading His Word. There is much power in reading God's story of love and faithfulness to His people. God's promises that He "will not fail you or forsake you" in Deuteronomy 31:6. So the next time Satan tries to discourage you or scare you to take a leap of faith, find your power in His Word. He is good to His people and will NEVER break His promise to deliver you....
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Quiet
When you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. (Matthew 6:6)
Moments of peace and quiet are a few and far between with two young boys. If it's not toys or screaming and singing or playing, there is almost always some kind of noise coming from our home. Finding a quiet time to pray requires some planning and waking up extra early in the mornings for me.
Jesus often retreated to pray in solitude after speaking to large crowds, teaching His disciples or performing miracles. He knew the value of spending those quiet moments in conversation with His Father.
Regardless of how hectic and busy our lives are, we must always save some time to be still and quiet so that we may hear God's voice. Even if it's a few quick seconds a day in the car or even in the bathroom, find the time to enjoy His presence every day...He promises to hear you and will reward you!
Moments of peace and quiet are a few and far between with two young boys. If it's not toys or screaming and singing or playing, there is almost always some kind of noise coming from our home. Finding a quiet time to pray requires some planning and waking up extra early in the mornings for me.
Jesus often retreated to pray in solitude after speaking to large crowds, teaching His disciples or performing miracles. He knew the value of spending those quiet moments in conversation with His Father.
Regardless of how hectic and busy our lives are, we must always save some time to be still and quiet so that we may hear God's voice. Even if it's a few quick seconds a day in the car or even in the bathroom, find the time to enjoy His presence every day...He promises to hear you and will reward you!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Real Love
Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39)
I sure have been blessed with wonderful neighbors in the places I have lived. Many of those neighbors also have become lifelong friends in whom I treasure. It's always made it hard when life happens and I have had to move to another part of town or different city/state. We have really been blessed with with some special neighbors here in Knoxville and absolutely love our neighbors!
Jesus said that loving your neighbor as yourself is the second greatest commandment, after loving God with all of your heart. That must make neighborly love pretty important, right?
We all have a natural and fleshly instinct to look after ourselves first, but it's when we look to meet the needs of others like it's ourselves that we begin to fulfill Jesus' commandment.
This world is in desperate need of love. This can't be overstated enough. Love directed inward is useless, but love directed outward can help change this world one person at a time!
I sure have been blessed with wonderful neighbors in the places I have lived. Many of those neighbors also have become lifelong friends in whom I treasure. It's always made it hard when life happens and I have had to move to another part of town or different city/state. We have really been blessed with with some special neighbors here in Knoxville and absolutely love our neighbors!
Jesus said that loving your neighbor as yourself is the second greatest commandment, after loving God with all of your heart. That must make neighborly love pretty important, right?
We all have a natural and fleshly instinct to look after ourselves first, but it's when we look to meet the needs of others like it's ourselves that we begin to fulfill Jesus' commandment.
This world is in desperate need of love. This can't be overstated enough. Love directed inward is useless, but love directed outward can help change this world one person at a time!
Under A Mountain
Pay everyone what is owed: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:7-8)
What a blessing and liberating feeling I had this week as I cut a check to Ford Credit and paid off the outstanding debt owed on my car! As hard as it was not to splurge, Alicia and I used every bit of our income tax returns to pay off my car just as we had done the prior year for her Honda Pilot. No car payment next month! Other than our mortgage and monthly expenses Alicia and I are virtually debt-free. It's taken us the better part of five years to dig ourselves out of financial disaster, but I am pretty excited to say the least.
You must understand that it wasn't too long ago that I carried five different credit cards with a total debt owed around $65,000. Yes, you read that correctly, $65,000. I must give credit to where credit is due-my lovely wife, Alicia, is very conservative and fiscally responsible when it comes to money. On the other hand, I am the big spender who used to live by the philosophy "of spend it all while you are alive because you can't take any money with you when you leave this earth." My mom and dad have bailed me out of debt too many times to count and God has blessed me with a wonderful support group of friends and family that have encouraged me along the way.
The problem with my immature way of thinking was that it wasn't my money to begin with. I had borrowed money from my "buddies" over at Visa, Master Card and American Express and was barely able to make the minimum monthly payments. I had no way to pay it back because at the time, I was just finishing school at Auburn and owed way more than I earned. Debt is a huge problem for the average American. Not paying back what you owe is, by Biblical standards, wrong.
God wants us to be free in all areas of our life, including our finances. When we withhold what is rightfully due or owed, we are guilty of stealing, which is sin. It may seem like an impossible task to accomplish, but with God's help, there is no mountain of debt that is beyond His realm to help you repay. His help won't be a quick fix, as many of God's blessings come in His perfect timing in accordance to His perfect will, but He always takes care of His beloved children. We must learn to trust Him with everything, especially our finances.
What a blessing and liberating feeling I had this week as I cut a check to Ford Credit and paid off the outstanding debt owed on my car! As hard as it was not to splurge, Alicia and I used every bit of our income tax returns to pay off my car just as we had done the prior year for her Honda Pilot. No car payment next month! Other than our mortgage and monthly expenses Alicia and I are virtually debt-free. It's taken us the better part of five years to dig ourselves out of financial disaster, but I am pretty excited to say the least.
You must understand that it wasn't too long ago that I carried five different credit cards with a total debt owed around $65,000. Yes, you read that correctly, $65,000. I must give credit to where credit is due-my lovely wife, Alicia, is very conservative and fiscally responsible when it comes to money. On the other hand, I am the big spender who used to live by the philosophy "of spend it all while you are alive because you can't take any money with you when you leave this earth." My mom and dad have bailed me out of debt too many times to count and God has blessed me with a wonderful support group of friends and family that have encouraged me along the way.
The problem with my immature way of thinking was that it wasn't my money to begin with. I had borrowed money from my "buddies" over at Visa, Master Card and American Express and was barely able to make the minimum monthly payments. I had no way to pay it back because at the time, I was just finishing school at Auburn and owed way more than I earned. Debt is a huge problem for the average American. Not paying back what you owe is, by Biblical standards, wrong.
God wants us to be free in all areas of our life, including our finances. When we withhold what is rightfully due or owed, we are guilty of stealing, which is sin. It may seem like an impossible task to accomplish, but with God's help, there is no mountain of debt that is beyond His realm to help you repay. His help won't be a quick fix, as many of God's blessings come in His perfect timing in accordance to His perfect will, but He always takes care of His beloved children. We must learn to trust Him with everything, especially our finances.
Friday, March 25, 2011
All I Want Is You
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind."
-Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:37)
I read a wonderful Charles Stanley devotion yesterday that made me feel somewhat convicted about my own attitude. This past football season was unreal for the Auburn family. I personally spent countless amounts of my free time listening to sports talk radio, loking at message boards like Bleacher Report and Auburn Undercover and all of my (and my family's) weekends were spent watching college football. Auburn went on to win the BCS and for the first time in my life, my favorite team and alma mater were the National Champs! Looking back over the months during college football season, I continued to write my Daily DEVOs, taught Sunday School and attended worship regularly, but I can't recall how many times I actually dug deep into my Bible or even read it for that matter. You see, I was going through the motions of serving God and what might have appeared to be faithful servanthood was nothing more than lip service.
My idol had become Auburn football for those few months. It's not that sports, college football, or even Auburn are bad things, but anything that we give a higher priority to over the Lord is. When we place a higher value on other activities or relationships, our hearts to grow cold towards God. Christ warned the Ephesians, who were distracted and complacent followers that were laboring for every reason but the right one, "What I want is not your empty service; I want you!"
Whatever it is in your life that has taken priority over Christ's place in your heart needs to be put back in its proper place. A place to start is by humbly seeking God's forgiveness through repentance. Regularly praying and spending time in the Word are also ways to reignite your passion for Christ.
"Dear Father, we love you for loving us first and not turning your back on us even when we put something else or someone else ahead of you. Amen"
-Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:37)
I read a wonderful Charles Stanley devotion yesterday that made me feel somewhat convicted about my own attitude. This past football season was unreal for the Auburn family. I personally spent countless amounts of my free time listening to sports talk radio, loking at message boards like Bleacher Report and Auburn Undercover and all of my (and my family's) weekends were spent watching college football. Auburn went on to win the BCS and for the first time in my life, my favorite team and alma mater were the National Champs! Looking back over the months during college football season, I continued to write my Daily DEVOs, taught Sunday School and attended worship regularly, but I can't recall how many times I actually dug deep into my Bible or even read it for that matter. You see, I was going through the motions of serving God and what might have appeared to be faithful servanthood was nothing more than lip service.
My idol had become Auburn football for those few months. It's not that sports, college football, or even Auburn are bad things, but anything that we give a higher priority to over the Lord is. When we place a higher value on other activities or relationships, our hearts to grow cold towards God. Christ warned the Ephesians, who were distracted and complacent followers that were laboring for every reason but the right one, "What I want is not your empty service; I want you!"
Whatever it is in your life that has taken priority over Christ's place in your heart needs to be put back in its proper place. A place to start is by humbly seeking God's forgiveness through repentance. Regularly praying and spending time in the Word are also ways to reignite your passion for Christ.
"Dear Father, we love you for loving us first and not turning your back on us even when we put something else or someone else ahead of you. Amen"
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Best
Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God. (Romans 5:1)
Growing up, my little sister was blessed with all of the athletic ability and I was the family artist. Leslie was the MVP on the women's basketball team the year Springwood School won the AISA State Championship, I won first place in the in the district art show. Leslie excelled in just about any sport she played and I had to work my tail off to be second in state in men's doubles. I did take my artwork somewhat seriously and was never happy with my final sketches, drawings, and paintings. You see, I strived for perfection. My sister was the same way, but it was in whatever sport she was playing. Much of that mentality has stayed with me throughout the years. In my career, marriage, etc.
The fact of the matter is that striving for perfection is useless. You may be asking, "what should I do, just give up?" Absolutely not. You should never give up on trying your very best. I am referring to trying to live a flawless and perfect life. It just isn't possible. Trying to live an error-free life on your own strength is unfathomable. You will simply run yourself ragged trying to achieve the impossible. Asking for God's help and strength-anything is possible and the sky is the limit.
Trust your life to the One who was and is perfect, holy, and good!
Growing up, my little sister was blessed with all of the athletic ability and I was the family artist. Leslie was the MVP on the women's basketball team the year Springwood School won the AISA State Championship, I won first place in the in the district art show. Leslie excelled in just about any sport she played and I had to work my tail off to be second in state in men's doubles. I did take my artwork somewhat seriously and was never happy with my final sketches, drawings, and paintings. You see, I strived for perfection. My sister was the same way, but it was in whatever sport she was playing. Much of that mentality has stayed with me throughout the years. In my career, marriage, etc.
The fact of the matter is that striving for perfection is useless. You may be asking, "what should I do, just give up?" Absolutely not. You should never give up on trying your very best. I am referring to trying to live a flawless and perfect life. It just isn't possible. Trying to live an error-free life on your own strength is unfathomable. You will simply run yourself ragged trying to achieve the impossible. Asking for God's help and strength-anything is possible and the sky is the limit.
Trust your life to the One who was and is perfect, holy, and good!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
New Attitude
You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though He existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled Himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death-even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8)
Alicia asked me to run to Target last night on my way home from work to pick up a few items. It never fails, but on any given day at any given time at Turkey Creek, you are bound to see some reckless driving. Yesterday I nearly had two incidents as I was almost rear-ended while trying to park by a driver that was tailgating me too close while talking on the phone and not paying a bit of attention to what they were doing. The second close call came on the way out of the store; a lady in a Cadillac was speeding across the parking lot and almost ran over me and took out the lady who was loading her items into the SUV beside me. It's no wonder that the number of "Road Rage" cases in the United States grow larger and larger each year.
Twenty years ago, "Road Rage" wasn't even a common phrase. So what's happened? Are we so used to having things instantly that we have forgotten what it is like to be patient and wait for something? Coming from the horrid driving conditions I became accustomed to when we lived in Atlanta, Knoxville traffic isn't really that bad. Too many people have no consideration for other people on the road nowadays. Mix that together with advances in modern technology and we as a society don't understand the meaning of steadfastness or patience. I believe that some of us even have a God-complex. "My schedule is the only one that matters." "I must get to where I am going, who cares about the person I just cut off on the exit ramp." "I am so busy that I must multi-task and yap on the cell phone while I drive drive so that get everything done." Sound familiar?
Take Paul's words about Jesus' attitude to heart...here is the Son of God, the One who can summon all the angels in heaven at any given moment, walking among us on this earth, going through the same struggles and trials that we all deal with to this very day. Big point-Jesus did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped. Even more amazing, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on the cross! You can't make this stuff up...He was, is, and will always be the genuine article. His attitude is the one we should all try and replicate in our own lives. I need to remember this the next time I sit behind the wheel of my car to drive, or when my wife calls me to see how my day is going, or when things are not going the way I'd like them to at the office, and so on and so on....imagine how different things would be if we had Jesus' attitude!
Alicia asked me to run to Target last night on my way home from work to pick up a few items. It never fails, but on any given day at any given time at Turkey Creek, you are bound to see some reckless driving. Yesterday I nearly had two incidents as I was almost rear-ended while trying to park by a driver that was tailgating me too close while talking on the phone and not paying a bit of attention to what they were doing. The second close call came on the way out of the store; a lady in a Cadillac was speeding across the parking lot and almost ran over me and took out the lady who was loading her items into the SUV beside me. It's no wonder that the number of "Road Rage" cases in the United States grow larger and larger each year.
Twenty years ago, "Road Rage" wasn't even a common phrase. So what's happened? Are we so used to having things instantly that we have forgotten what it is like to be patient and wait for something? Coming from the horrid driving conditions I became accustomed to when we lived in Atlanta, Knoxville traffic isn't really that bad. Too many people have no consideration for other people on the road nowadays. Mix that together with advances in modern technology and we as a society don't understand the meaning of steadfastness or patience. I believe that some of us even have a God-complex. "My schedule is the only one that matters." "I must get to where I am going, who cares about the person I just cut off on the exit ramp." "I am so busy that I must multi-task and yap on the cell phone while I drive drive so that get everything done." Sound familiar?
Take Paul's words about Jesus' attitude to heart...here is the Son of God, the One who can summon all the angels in heaven at any given moment, walking among us on this earth, going through the same struggles and trials that we all deal with to this very day. Big point-Jesus did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped. Even more amazing, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on the cross! You can't make this stuff up...He was, is, and will always be the genuine article. His attitude is the one we should all try and replicate in our own lives. I need to remember this the next time I sit behind the wheel of my car to drive, or when my wife calls me to see how my day is going, or when things are not going the way I'd like them to at the office, and so on and so on....imagine how different things would be if we had Jesus' attitude!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Love Action
"If you ask anything in my name, I will do it. If you love me, you will obey my commandments. Then I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever-the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it does not see Him or know Him. But you know Him, because He resides with you and will be in you." -Jesus Christ (John 14:14-24)
Sometimes I think that luring a cat into a bathtub full of water would be an easier task to accomplish than having a three year old child behave. It's funny how I can always barter with our son and promise him the reward of watching cartoons or getting a new toy if he is obedient. Much like a child, I often feel convicted about falling short of Jesus' expectations of me.
I could write a million daily devotionals about loving God and my outwardly projected commitment may look good to others, but God knows the true motives of my heart. We can go to church every time the doors are open, serve in ministry, go on mission trips, feed the homeless, teach Sunday school, and say all the right words, but the truth is that unless we are obediently following God's Word, we are only giving Him lukewarm devotion.
If we truly love God, we must stay grounded in His Word and actually follow His commands. That last statement may sound harsh, but it's true. Even if you are only reading one verse a day, make the time to meditate on His Word and stay faithful Him in love.
Sometimes I think that luring a cat into a bathtub full of water would be an easier task to accomplish than having a three year old child behave. It's funny how I can always barter with our son and promise him the reward of watching cartoons or getting a new toy if he is obedient. Much like a child, I often feel convicted about falling short of Jesus' expectations of me.
I could write a million daily devotionals about loving God and my outwardly projected commitment may look good to others, but God knows the true motives of my heart. We can go to church every time the doors are open, serve in ministry, go on mission trips, feed the homeless, teach Sunday school, and say all the right words, but the truth is that unless we are obediently following God's Word, we are only giving Him lukewarm devotion.
If we truly love God, we must stay grounded in His Word and actually follow His commands. That last statement may sound harsh, but it's true. Even if you are only reading one verse a day, make the time to meditate on His Word and stay faithful Him in love.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Help!
Since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude He had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. (1 Peter 4:1)
It has been almost two weeks since I last used smokeless tobacco. If I am perfectly honest, there have been several moments that I felt weak and desperately wanted to reach for the metal tin can in the console of my car. I am proud to say that I have resisted the temptation so far, and writing about it helps hold me accountable to my goal of quitting.
Have you ever been asked to do something or set out to achieve something but felt like giving up? I know have before and there are things that I still regret I unfortunately never completed. When God calls us to a task, we should especially not give up. Not only would you miss the blessing of finishing and reaching your goal, but not trusting God's promise may result in some sort of loving discipline from Him as well.
Just because God wants or asks you to do something does not mean that it will be easy. The more important the task, the higher degree of difficulty it will often become. Don't give up when the going gets tough. Keep moving forward in faith; God is good to His people and will always answer the call to help!
It has been almost two weeks since I last used smokeless tobacco. If I am perfectly honest, there have been several moments that I felt weak and desperately wanted to reach for the metal tin can in the console of my car. I am proud to say that I have resisted the temptation so far, and writing about it helps hold me accountable to my goal of quitting.
Have you ever been asked to do something or set out to achieve something but felt like giving up? I know have before and there are things that I still regret I unfortunately never completed. When God calls us to a task, we should especially not give up. Not only would you miss the blessing of finishing and reaching your goal, but not trusting God's promise may result in some sort of loving discipline from Him as well.
Just because God wants or asks you to do something does not mean that it will be easy. The more important the task, the higher degree of difficulty it will often become. Don't give up when the going gets tough. Keep moving forward in faith; God is good to His people and will always answer the call to help!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Joy and Pain
In His kindness, God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. (1 Peter 5:10)
This past Friday was such a cool day on so many levels...for starters, I worked a half day, managed to write some new business, had lunch a Jimmy John's (the best!!), the weather was a picture-perfect sunny day, and to top it all off, I took Elliott to the sporting goods store to purchase his first tee-ball equipment; a glove, a bat, tee, and some practice balls.
Everything was honkey-dory until it came to finding a bat that was the perfect length, drop, and weight for a three-year old. The price of the bats began at $29.99 and some cost as much as $500.00! Elliott had his mind set on a bat that was suitable for a much older player and refused to let go of a 31 inch, $100 aluminum beauty. In my efforts to find a more suitable and less expensive bat, I was not paying attention and it happened, Elliott dropped a bat on top of my foot, which was barely protected by my Chaco sandal. My foot throbbed in pain for a few moments and I desperately tried to keep my composure, after all we were doing manly things.
The pain I experienced in this long-winded story made me forget for a few moments that God was still with me. Some feel pain and immediately think that God has abandoned them. Others experience difficulty and forget all that God has promised. God will never desert those who follow Him.
He will never take the day off and forget about you and what you are dealing with. Even if you are experiencing pain for a time, never forget that God will be there to see you through the healing process.
He is good all the time, all the time He is good!
This past Friday was such a cool day on so many levels...for starters, I worked a half day, managed to write some new business, had lunch a Jimmy John's (the best!!), the weather was a picture-perfect sunny day, and to top it all off, I took Elliott to the sporting goods store to purchase his first tee-ball equipment; a glove, a bat, tee, and some practice balls.
Everything was honkey-dory until it came to finding a bat that was the perfect length, drop, and weight for a three-year old. The price of the bats began at $29.99 and some cost as much as $500.00! Elliott had his mind set on a bat that was suitable for a much older player and refused to let go of a 31 inch, $100 aluminum beauty. In my efforts to find a more suitable and less expensive bat, I was not paying attention and it happened, Elliott dropped a bat on top of my foot, which was barely protected by my Chaco sandal. My foot throbbed in pain for a few moments and I desperately tried to keep my composure, after all we were doing manly things.
The pain I experienced in this long-winded story made me forget for a few moments that God was still with me. Some feel pain and immediately think that God has abandoned them. Others experience difficulty and forget all that God has promised. God will never desert those who follow Him.
He will never take the day off and forget about you and what you are dealing with. Even if you are experiencing pain for a time, never forget that God will be there to see you through the healing process.
He is good all the time, all the time He is good!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
I look up toward the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth! The Lord is your protector; the Lord is the shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day, or the moon by night. (Psalm 121:1-2,5-6)
Have you ever wondered why we sometimes experience unrest when we are alone? Some people in desperation move in and out of relationships to fill the void of emptiness. Others fill the void with substances like drugs and alcohol. In my journey, I have been guilty of all of the above until I realized that I was created to be in fellowship with God. In fact, all of us are created to be in fellowship with our loving Father.
Simply put, God did not make us to go through life on our own; He wants us to have relationships with other people, but the number one relationship He wants us to enjoy is one with Him. When we attempt to have our needs met apart from God, our efforts are futile and lead only to major disappointment and despair. God is the only One who is capable of filling the emptiness of the human heart.
Only God can meet our deepest longings and needs for the love that we all need.
Have you ever wondered why we sometimes experience unrest when we are alone? Some people in desperation move in and out of relationships to fill the void of emptiness. Others fill the void with substances like drugs and alcohol. In my journey, I have been guilty of all of the above until I realized that I was created to be in fellowship with God. In fact, all of us are created to be in fellowship with our loving Father.
Simply put, God did not make us to go through life on our own; He wants us to have relationships with other people, but the number one relationship He wants us to enjoy is one with Him. When we attempt to have our needs met apart from God, our efforts are futile and lead only to major disappointment and despair. God is the only One who is capable of filling the emptiness of the human heart.
Only God can meet our deepest longings and needs for the love that we all need.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Teacher
My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for they will provide a long and full life, and they will add well-being to you. Do not let truth and mercy leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. (Proverbs 3:1-3)
Do you remember the one teacher that left the greatest impression on you as a child? I was so blessed to have one of the greatest high school English teachers on the planet, Bianca Freeman. I excelled in language arts and her class was one that challenged me, even over classes I dreaded the most in high school, like algebra and geometry. The thing about it was that I never earned anything above a C during my four years of college preparatory English. I was the Editor-In-Chief of the school newspaper and was an "average" student. At one point, I approached her about my grades and even found the courage to ask why I never earned a grade higher than a "C." Her response was that I was an extremely talented writer, but I was just plain lazy. The truth hurts, but she was right on and had me pegged. I have never forgotten that day and it has carried into my adult life. Every project, Blog, posting, email, or text I have composed since high school has carried Mrs.. Freeman's mark. I aced my business writing course at Auburn University...a solid "A." My emails at work are well-crafted, effective and I will be hard pressed to ever hit "send" on an email that contains poor grammar or misspelled words.
Much like I have never forgotten the teachings of my favorite high school English teacher, I try to take time out of each day to meditate on God's Word. Sure, there are plenty of times that I read hastily or just skim through a devotional in the morning, but I have remained faithful to my commitment to learn and read at least some Scripture every single day. We can't just show up to church once a week and hear a good sermon and expect to fully understand all of God's truths. We must take the time to invest in Him and the Bible is a great place to start.
Do you remember the one teacher that left the greatest impression on you as a child? I was so blessed to have one of the greatest high school English teachers on the planet, Bianca Freeman. I excelled in language arts and her class was one that challenged me, even over classes I dreaded the most in high school, like algebra and geometry. The thing about it was that I never earned anything above a C during my four years of college preparatory English. I was the Editor-In-Chief of the school newspaper and was an "average" student. At one point, I approached her about my grades and even found the courage to ask why I never earned a grade higher than a "C." Her response was that I was an extremely talented writer, but I was just plain lazy. The truth hurts, but she was right on and had me pegged. I have never forgotten that day and it has carried into my adult life. Every project, Blog, posting, email, or text I have composed since high school has carried Mrs.. Freeman's mark. I aced my business writing course at Auburn University...a solid "A." My emails at work are well-crafted, effective and I will be hard pressed to ever hit "send" on an email that contains poor grammar or misspelled words.
Much like I have never forgotten the teachings of my favorite high school English teacher, I try to take time out of each day to meditate on God's Word. Sure, there are plenty of times that I read hastily or just skim through a devotional in the morning, but I have remained faithful to my commitment to learn and read at least some Scripture every single day. We can't just show up to church once a week and hear a good sermon and expect to fully understand all of God's truths. We must take the time to invest in Him and the Bible is a great place to start.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Simple
You were wearied with the length of your way in trying to find rest and satisfaction in alliance apart from the true God, yet you did not say, there is no result or profit. (Isaiah 57:10)
We have a close friend who always seems to complain about not having enough time to do everything they want to do. Boy, have I used that excuse many times before! It's not that we don't have enough time, it's that our once simple lives have become too complex in doing trivial things that eat away at our schedules. How/when does life move away from being simple to something so complex? It is relative to where we our in our journey. I remember thinking how stressful college was; having to balance showing up for class in between Phish and Widespread Panic shows, going out four and five nights a week, waiting tables and working as a disc jockey. Looking back, I had it made! I didn't have the pressures of performing in my career and a family to support. Then again, I wasn't exactly walking the straight and narrow path either, but that's another story for another day.
The above verse from Isaiah states "You are wearied out through the multiplicity of your ways." It is widely accepted in today's society that more is always better, but at what cost? Are we truly following God's will for our lives when we are so busy filling our days with our self-centered agendas? I believe the answer is a resounding "NO."
Instead of making everything difficult and centered around ourselves, we should simplify and enjoy the peace and satisfaction that comes from following God's plan for our lives.
"Fear, mismanaged, leads to sin. Sin leads to hiding. Since we've all sinned, we all hide, not in bushes, but in eighty-hour workweeks, temper tantrums, and religious busyness. We avoid contact with God." -Max Lucado
We have a close friend who always seems to complain about not having enough time to do everything they want to do. Boy, have I used that excuse many times before! It's not that we don't have enough time, it's that our once simple lives have become too complex in doing trivial things that eat away at our schedules. How/when does life move away from being simple to something so complex? It is relative to where we our in our journey. I remember thinking how stressful college was; having to balance showing up for class in between Phish and Widespread Panic shows, going out four and five nights a week, waiting tables and working as a disc jockey. Looking back, I had it made! I didn't have the pressures of performing in my career and a family to support. Then again, I wasn't exactly walking the straight and narrow path either, but that's another story for another day.
The above verse from Isaiah states "You are wearied out through the multiplicity of your ways." It is widely accepted in today's society that more is always better, but at what cost? Are we truly following God's will for our lives when we are so busy filling our days with our self-centered agendas? I believe the answer is a resounding "NO."
Instead of making everything difficult and centered around ourselves, we should simplify and enjoy the peace and satisfaction that comes from following God's plan for our lives.
"Fear, mismanaged, leads to sin. Sin leads to hiding. Since we've all sinned, we all hide, not in bushes, but in eighty-hour workweeks, temper tantrums, and religious busyness. We avoid contact with God." -Max Lucado
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wake Up Dead Man
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead... (1 Peter 1:3)
Many people will at least agree that Jesus actually lived on this earth and died many years ago. The hard truth to swallow for some is that not only did He live and die, but He was resurrected and conquered the grave. Believing in His resurrection is paramount to our identity as believers and to our Christian faith.
Furthermore, Jesus is the Son of God, who died a gruesome death on the cross for our sins and then lived again victorious over death. What do you believe? Does it make you uncomfortable to hear the word resurrection? Do you believe that only our Creator could return Himself to life again?
True hope is found in Jesus' resurrection. Could you imagine the despair His faithful followers felt during the aftermath of His crucifixion? That same despair and hopelessness must be what it's like to not know that our Savior lives.
As a believer, we can face death with no fear, but understanding that the end of our time on this earth is only the beginning chapter in a book that is written in God's love that will never end. The best is yet to come as we too will conquer death with Jesus!
Many people will at least agree that Jesus actually lived on this earth and died many years ago. The hard truth to swallow for some is that not only did He live and die, but He was resurrected and conquered the grave. Believing in His resurrection is paramount to our identity as believers and to our Christian faith.
Furthermore, Jesus is the Son of God, who died a gruesome death on the cross for our sins and then lived again victorious over death. What do you believe? Does it make you uncomfortable to hear the word resurrection? Do you believe that only our Creator could return Himself to life again?
True hope is found in Jesus' resurrection. Could you imagine the despair His faithful followers felt during the aftermath of His crucifixion? That same despair and hopelessness must be what it's like to not know that our Savior lives.
As a believer, we can face death with no fear, but understanding that the end of our time on this earth is only the beginning chapter in a book that is written in God's love that will never end. The best is yet to come as we too will conquer death with Jesus!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
So Far Away
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers. (1 Peter 3:12)
Have you ever tried to carry on a conversation with someone who is in another room or on the opposite side of the house? It's pretty difficult and frustrating. I know it's one of my pet peeves and it often leads to a misunderstanding between me and Alicia. Do you often feel that God is far away when you say your prayers to Him?
When facing adversity or difficulties, thinking about our Heavenly Father brings a person peace. It's when we focus on things other than God that we become stressed and start to worry with anxiety. When we focus on God, we must see Him right in the thick of our problem, standing with us and not off in some distant place.
It's easy to see God in the future...as we draw our last breath or something more of a milestone than our everyday life, but trust me, He is present with us every moment of every day on our journey.
Have you ever tried to carry on a conversation with someone who is in another room or on the opposite side of the house? It's pretty difficult and frustrating. I know it's one of my pet peeves and it often leads to a misunderstanding between me and Alicia. Do you often feel that God is far away when you say your prayers to Him?
When facing adversity or difficulties, thinking about our Heavenly Father brings a person peace. It's when we focus on things other than God that we become stressed and start to worry with anxiety. When we focus on God, we must see Him right in the thick of our problem, standing with us and not off in some distant place.
It's easy to see God in the future...as we draw our last breath or something more of a milestone than our everyday life, but trust me, He is present with us every moment of every day on our journey.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Back On Track
Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. (Psalm 55:22)
God cares for each of us and helps us whenever we ask Him to. This week was no exception for me as the season of Lent began on Wednesday night.
Let me preface this story by saying that God sometimes employs some Unconventional and unexpected methods by which He answers our prayers. I was feeling great on Tuesday morning, and went to work like it was any other day. By about 3:45 pm that same day, I began to feel weak and sick. Wednesday, I was running a fever, achy, had a sore throat, stuffy, and basically had the will to do nothing. Thursday was even worse, as I went to the doctor and he confirmed that I had the flu. It was tough as I had kept my distance from the rest of the family to not infect anyone else, and I had to cancel all of the scheduled meetings I had last week. All of this turned out to be a huge blessing for me as I had not used any smokeless tobacco since Tuesday evening! Going back to Lent, I had tried to give up my "nasty habit" last year, but failed miserably. This time, God had different plans for me. I was going to quit because I had prayed about it and asked for His help. I really didn't want to quit, but God didn't give me the choice this time around.
I am on day five now and am proud to say that I am nicotine-free. It feels good and to be honest, this was the last thing that I thought I would be able to say today, then again, I thought that having my flu vaccine was good to help prevent me from catching the flu this year too.
Thanks be to God!
God cares for each of us and helps us whenever we ask Him to. This week was no exception for me as the season of Lent began on Wednesday night.
Let me preface this story by saying that God sometimes employs some Unconventional and unexpected methods by which He answers our prayers. I was feeling great on Tuesday morning, and went to work like it was any other day. By about 3:45 pm that same day, I began to feel weak and sick. Wednesday, I was running a fever, achy, had a sore throat, stuffy, and basically had the will to do nothing. Thursday was even worse, as I went to the doctor and he confirmed that I had the flu. It was tough as I had kept my distance from the rest of the family to not infect anyone else, and I had to cancel all of the scheduled meetings I had last week. All of this turned out to be a huge blessing for me as I had not used any smokeless tobacco since Tuesday evening! Going back to Lent, I had tried to give up my "nasty habit" last year, but failed miserably. This time, God had different plans for me. I was going to quit because I had prayed about it and asked for His help. I really didn't want to quit, but God didn't give me the choice this time around.
I am on day five now and am proud to say that I am nicotine-free. It feels good and to be honest, this was the last thing that I thought I would be able to say today, then again, I thought that having my flu vaccine was good to help prevent me from catching the flu this year too.
Thanks be to God!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
A Friend Of The Devil
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. (Romans 7:15-18)
If I had a dollar for every time I used "the devil made me do it" as an excuse for my poor choice of actions, I'd be a rich man. Of course, it sounds like a valid excuse, but ultimately, we are responsible for our own actions.
We cannot use the power of sin or Satan as an excuse because they have both been defeated by Christ. When we refuse Christ's help to resist temptations, sin is stronger than we are and we may find ourselves defenseless against an attack. This is why we should never try to stand up to sin alone, but depend on Christ who has conquered sin once and for all.
When we tap into His never ending power and strength, we can stand tall and not give into our temptations and the sins that so easily entangle us.
If I had a dollar for every time I used "the devil made me do it" as an excuse for my poor choice of actions, I'd be a rich man. Of course, it sounds like a valid excuse, but ultimately, we are responsible for our own actions.
We cannot use the power of sin or Satan as an excuse because they have both been defeated by Christ. When we refuse Christ's help to resist temptations, sin is stronger than we are and we may find ourselves defenseless against an attack. This is why we should never try to stand up to sin alone, but depend on Christ who has conquered sin once and for all.
When we tap into His never ending power and strength, we can stand tall and not give into our temptations and the sins that so easily entangle us.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
With or Without Reason
"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" At this they picked up stones to stone Him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. (John 8:58-59)
Have you ever been in the heat of an argument or trying to prove a point to your children and uttered something ridiculously simple like, "Because I said so?"
When Jesus spoke the words above from John 8:58, He spoke one of the most radical and powerful statements of His lifetime. He boldly proclaimed His divinity when He said that He existed before Abraham was born. In addition to claiming that He was around before Abraham, He also applied God's holy name-"I am."
Jesus' claim is one that demands a response and cannot be ignored. The Jewish leaders attempted to stone Jesus for blasphemy, because He claimed equality with God. Who do you say He is? Is He truly God or just a great prophet that did nice things for others?
If I was on the outside looking in, I would struggle with Jesus' sanity knowing that He made such outrageous claims like existing before Abraham or that He is God. The truth is that Jesus is God, so how will you respond to His claims?
Friday, March 11, 2011
Open Arms
Those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. (John 6:37)
After watching American Idol on Wednesday night, I couldn't help but feel sorry for some of the singers that are competing to win, knowing that they are all talented, but one will be eliminated until the last one standing. This one contestant had an amazing voice, but her song selection and arrangement left much to be desired. The show is certainly different this season without Simon Cowell. Rejection is one thing, but Simon would take it to a whole new level...
We don't have to worry about God ever rejecting us. God accepts everyone who comes to Him in faith; even those who have rejected Him before. You can always approach Him knowing that He will not brush you off and He always make time to listen to you.
He will always love you, always responds, and is always there for you. This world can be a cruel place sometimes.
God does not turn His back on you...in His arms you can find the Heavenly example of what it means to accept others.
After watching American Idol on Wednesday night, I couldn't help but feel sorry for some of the singers that are competing to win, knowing that they are all talented, but one will be eliminated until the last one standing. This one contestant had an amazing voice, but her song selection and arrangement left much to be desired. The show is certainly different this season without Simon Cowell. Rejection is one thing, but Simon would take it to a whole new level...
We don't have to worry about God ever rejecting us. God accepts everyone who comes to Him in faith; even those who have rejected Him before. You can always approach Him knowing that He will not brush you off and He always make time to listen to you.
He will always love you, always responds, and is always there for you. This world can be a cruel place sometimes.
God does not turn His back on you...in His arms you can find the Heavenly example of what it means to accept others.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Love and Pride
Anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 18:4)
Some days in my mind, I wish that I could just be a young child again; full of life, humility, and love. What has happened to me? As a married adult father of two, I have more responsibilities than I could possibly name here. Being a father has taught me a valuable lesson that the less I strive to bring honor to myself, the more God honors and blesses me.
Humility opens the door for God to work in your life because you are willing to seek His help and give Him the glory and honor.
Pride is true weakness, for it relies on your selfish and bloated ego. True strength is in humility, for its effects reach deep into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Some days in my mind, I wish that I could just be a young child again; full of life, humility, and love. What has happened to me? As a married adult father of two, I have more responsibilities than I could possibly name here. Being a father has taught me a valuable lesson that the less I strive to bring honor to myself, the more God honors and blesses me.
Humility opens the door for God to work in your life because you are willing to seek His help and give Him the glory and honor.
Pride is true weakness, for it relies on your selfish and bloated ego. True strength is in humility, for its effects reach deep into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Don't Change
In Christ we too have been claimed as God's own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will. (Ephesians 1:11)
Following the terrorist attacks on 9/11, some experts believe that life and the way we used to do things will never be the same again. Some people believe at God is at fault for all of the world's tragedies as well, which make them doubt whether or not He is in control.
One thing that is certain and true, there is no circumstance that will ever catch our Loving Father off guard or surprise Him. No matter what changes you face, God remains the same!
He promises to walk with you the rest of your life and no tragedy or circumstance is beyond His control.
When we realize how truly awesome this is; the Creator of life, who's love and power is never-ending, loves us more than we fathom, we begin to have a peace deep within our souls. Trust in Him and never worry about Him changing His mind about you...He has always loved you, still loves you, and always will!
Following the terrorist attacks on 9/11, some experts believe that life and the way we used to do things will never be the same again. Some people believe at God is at fault for all of the world's tragedies as well, which make them doubt whether or not He is in control.
One thing that is certain and true, there is no circumstance that will ever catch our Loving Father off guard or surprise Him. No matter what changes you face, God remains the same!
He promises to walk with you the rest of your life and no tragedy or circumstance is beyond His control.
When we realize how truly awesome this is; the Creator of life, who's love and power is never-ending, loves us more than we fathom, we begin to have a peace deep within our souls. Trust in Him and never worry about Him changing His mind about you...He has always loved you, still loves you, and always will!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
It's A Mistake
Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)
We just recently purchased a nice SLR camera and I have been enjoying taking photos of the family and scenic shots around Knoxville. I have been fooling around with some of the features on the camera and have taken some fantastic shots by adjusting the aperture. In optics, an aperture is a hole or an opening through which light travels. Without getting too technical, a wide aperture shot results in an image that is sharp around what the lens is focusing on and blurred otherwise.
Much like adjusting the lens of a camera, the same happens in a temptation to sin. If we only focus on what we need in the heat of a moment, the rest of the big picture of our lives begins to be blurred. We shut out all reasoning and consequence of our sins and focus on the temporary pleasure.
In order to build our defense against this tactic of the enemy, we must learn to keep the focus clear on the big picture. There is never a temptation we will face that God won't provide a way out for us.
We just recently purchased a nice SLR camera and I have been enjoying taking photos of the family and scenic shots around Knoxville. I have been fooling around with some of the features on the camera and have taken some fantastic shots by adjusting the aperture. In optics, an aperture is a hole or an opening through which light travels. Without getting too technical, a wide aperture shot results in an image that is sharp around what the lens is focusing on and blurred otherwise.
Much like adjusting the lens of a camera, the same happens in a temptation to sin. If we only focus on what we need in the heat of a moment, the rest of the big picture of our lives begins to be blurred. We shut out all reasoning and consequence of our sins and focus on the temporary pleasure.
In order to build our defense against this tactic of the enemy, we must learn to keep the focus clear on the big picture. There is never a temptation we will face that God won't provide a way out for us.
Monday, March 7, 2011
William, It Was Really Nothing
The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from dangers, so why should I tremble? (Psalm 27:1)
It literally rained in Knoxville all weekend long, so I did my best to coax Elliott into watching, E.T., one of my favorite movies of all-time. I told him about the story of how E.T. was left behind on earth and a little boy that shared Elliott's name found him and brought the alien home to live with him. It was "all systems go" until Elliott asked to see the DVD packaging. When he saw E.T.'s glowing finger, he became scared for some strange reason. (I can't say anything, I was petrified in the 80s during the Super-Bowl when Michael Jackson debuted his Thriller video!)
Fear turns our focus away from God and toward the troubles that intimidate us. We must learn to look at our fears and troubles as opportunities to rely on God for His help, guidance, and all-mighty power.
There is no problem that is too big for our loving Father who promises to save and deliver His people!
It literally rained in Knoxville all weekend long, so I did my best to coax Elliott into watching, E.T., one of my favorite movies of all-time. I told him about the story of how E.T. was left behind on earth and a little boy that shared Elliott's name found him and brought the alien home to live with him. It was "all systems go" until Elliott asked to see the DVD packaging. When he saw E.T.'s glowing finger, he became scared for some strange reason. (I can't say anything, I was petrified in the 80s during the Super-Bowl when Michael Jackson debuted his Thriller video!)
Fear turns our focus away from God and toward the troubles that intimidate us. We must learn to look at our fears and troubles as opportunities to rely on God for His help, guidance, and all-mighty power.
There is no problem that is too big for our loving Father who promises to save and deliver His people!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
(Don't You) Forget About Me
Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God, and there is none like me. (Isaiah 46:9)
I have no problem forgetting about things that aren't important to me. I couldn't tell you what time shows like Grey's Anatomy or Survivor come on or what channel they are, but I could literally give you a full recap of every episode of Lost, 24, and Dexter.
Of all things that are important to us, God should be the most important. When He is first in your life, you remember all that He has done for you in the past, which helps you go to Him when you need help. Additionally, when you recall all that He has blessed you with, you can't help but to share with others and reaffirm your faith in Him.
He is good and His mercy endures forever!
I have no problem forgetting about things that aren't important to me. I couldn't tell you what time shows like Grey's Anatomy or Survivor come on or what channel they are, but I could literally give you a full recap of every episode of Lost, 24, and Dexter.
Of all things that are important to us, God should be the most important. When He is first in your life, you remember all that He has done for you in the past, which helps you go to Him when you need help. Additionally, when you recall all that He has blessed you with, you can't help but to share with others and reaffirm your faith in Him.
He is good and His mercy endures forever!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
What Are You Waiting For?
At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)
We live in a culture where people make up excuses for just about everything. "He/she made me do it," "I just don't have the time/money right now," and "My dog ate my homework" are some of the most common. If you are like me, you have surely made an excuse to not commit or have provided an excuse to back out of something you did not necessarily want to do.
People often treat their faith with much of the same regard. "It's God's fault that I have been diagnosed with cancer" or "I am not willing to follow Christ, because I don't want to quit _____." Whatever the particular situation, we can come up with an excuse to avoid Jesus in our lives.
The Bible promises us that we will one day have a face to face encounter with Jesus Christ. At that point, He will either know that you have accepted Him as Lord and Savior or will know that you have denied Him.
Deal with any excuses you may have today so that you will be ready when that day arrives.
We live in a culture where people make up excuses for just about everything. "He/she made me do it," "I just don't have the time/money right now," and "My dog ate my homework" are some of the most common. If you are like me, you have surely made an excuse to not commit or have provided an excuse to back out of something you did not necessarily want to do.
People often treat their faith with much of the same regard. "It's God's fault that I have been diagnosed with cancer" or "I am not willing to follow Christ, because I don't want to quit _____." Whatever the particular situation, we can come up with an excuse to avoid Jesus in our lives.
The Bible promises us that we will one day have a face to face encounter with Jesus Christ. At that point, He will either know that you have accepted Him as Lord and Savior or will know that you have denied Him.
Deal with any excuses you may have today so that you will be ready when that day arrives.
Friday, March 4, 2011
One For The Vine
Being somewhat knowledgeable about the process of making wine, I was always amazed at how rapidly the grape vines grow and blossom each spring to produce a fresh harvest. In one of Jesus' most commonly known parables, He taught His disciples that He is the True Vine.
The disciples were made aware of Jesus' departure, so He wanted to instill in His followers that there was much work to do after His going away. If they were to carry on the work of the Lord, they needed to know how to produce that kind of fruit in their lives. The same holds true for each of us today.
We are well over 2000 years removed from the night Jesus taught the parable of the vine, but yet the Lord's work continues on. You see, we must learn that Jesus is the vine, meaning we must submit and abide to His will. Being separated from Him is like telling Him, " Thanks, but NO thanks. I can do this on my own." Try removing a branch from a grape vine. Eventually it will wither and die. Again, the same is true for us.
Jesus desires to live through each of us so that we will bear fruit unto the Heavenly Father...
Thursday, March 3, 2011
I'll Be Back
"In a little while you will see me no longer; again after a little while, you will see me." -Jesus Christ (John 16:16)
If you have ever had to say a temporary "goodbye" to someone you love dearly, it is often a very difficult and heart wrenching situation. When Alicia and I began dating, she lived in Marietta, GA which was about and hour and half away from my home in West Point, GA. We were so giddy and in love that the thought of being away from each other for a brief period of time led us to pine away for each other. Of course, we still miss each other when I travel for work or when we go to visit our family and friends, but it is a little different with kids in the equation!
If have always wondered how the disciples must have felt when Jesus told them He was going away for some time and then would return again. His disciples had given up everything; their families, jobs, all the material items they had to follow Him.
A few days later, Jesus was crucified much to the horror and sadness of a few faithful followers. Think of must despair they must have felt as they sealed up His tomb in the cave. Now think of the feelings of overwhelming excitement and joy they must have experienced three days later when they saw their Lord and Savior living and breathing again!
Praise be to God for never breaking His promises to each one of us.
If you have ever had to say a temporary "goodbye" to someone you love dearly, it is often a very difficult and heart wrenching situation. When Alicia and I began dating, she lived in Marietta, GA which was about and hour and half away from my home in West Point, GA. We were so giddy and in love that the thought of being away from each other for a brief period of time led us to pine away for each other. Of course, we still miss each other when I travel for work or when we go to visit our family and friends, but it is a little different with kids in the equation!
If have always wondered how the disciples must have felt when Jesus told them He was going away for some time and then would return again. His disciples had given up everything; their families, jobs, all the material items they had to follow Him.
A few days later, Jesus was crucified much to the horror and sadness of a few faithful followers. Think of must despair they must have felt as they sealed up His tomb in the cave. Now think of the feelings of overwhelming excitement and joy they must have experienced three days later when they saw their Lord and Savior living and breathing again!
Praise be to God for never breaking His promises to each one of us.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Weather With You
Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall praise Him, my Help and my God. (Psalm 42:5)
Tuesday morning in Knoxville, TN was a beautiful sunny day! The only evidence of the storms and flooding from the day before was made evident by the mud and rocks that covered parts of the road, trash cans that had rolled down the street, and fences that had been wiped out in a matter of minutes. I watched as cars tried to make it safely across Northshore Drive on Monday afternoon and one van actually got stranded in the rushing waters. Our JSL office even flooded in certain areas and a few offices are still soaked.
The unpredictable weather is like our lives sometimes. It's often when you least expect it that disaster strikes. When it does, you have two choices; you can become discouraged, or choose to be hopeful. Discouragement destroys hope, so the devil will always attempt to discourage you. God's Word repeatedly tells us not to be discouraged or dismayed.
When discouraged, we must go to our Father and ask for His courage and strength. Tomorrow is a brand new day. Despite the storms we face in our life, they don't last forever. It's after the storms that the sun returns, the skies clear, and life continues on. Refuse to be discouraged knowing that God loves you more than you could possibly fathom and have hope in Him!!!
Tuesday morning in Knoxville, TN was a beautiful sunny day! The only evidence of the storms and flooding from the day before was made evident by the mud and rocks that covered parts of the road, trash cans that had rolled down the street, and fences that had been wiped out in a matter of minutes. I watched as cars tried to make it safely across Northshore Drive on Monday afternoon and one van actually got stranded in the rushing waters. Our JSL office even flooded in certain areas and a few offices are still soaked.
The unpredictable weather is like our lives sometimes. It's often when you least expect it that disaster strikes. When it does, you have two choices; you can become discouraged, or choose to be hopeful. Discouragement destroys hope, so the devil will always attempt to discourage you. God's Word repeatedly tells us not to be discouraged or dismayed.
When discouraged, we must go to our Father and ask for His courage and strength. Tomorrow is a brand new day. Despite the storms we face in our life, they don't last forever. It's after the storms that the sun returns, the skies clear, and life continues on. Refuse to be discouraged knowing that God loves you more than you could possibly fathom and have hope in Him!!!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The Greatest Love Of All
"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." -Jesus (Matthew 18:10)
As a parent, we all look forward to those rare times when we are able to have a family member, friend, or babysitter watch the kids so we can enjoy some adult fun. We were blessed over the weekend because Alicia's parents took both boys to Atlanta on Thursday for some good ol' quality time with the grandparents. Alicia and I enjoyed going out to dinner and lunch, grocery shopping together, finishing Season 4 of Dexter, cleaning the house, and running errands that we normally couldn't do together with both children. By Sunday, the quietness in the house was deafening; we really missed both boys and were eager to welcome them home again.
Just being away from Elliott and Elijah for a couple of days made me realize what a blessing they truly are. It also made me realize that there are some days that I take that blessing for granted. Our concern for children must match God's treatment of them and sadly, there are many children that are neglected and abused. Jesus clearly states that certain angels are assigned to watch over children, each with direct access to God.
The very least we can do is make time from our busy schedules to spend time with our children and show the love that God has for them....take the time and make time!
As a parent, we all look forward to those rare times when we are able to have a family member, friend, or babysitter watch the kids so we can enjoy some adult fun. We were blessed over the weekend because Alicia's parents took both boys to Atlanta on Thursday for some good ol' quality time with the grandparents. Alicia and I enjoyed going out to dinner and lunch, grocery shopping together, finishing Season 4 of Dexter, cleaning the house, and running errands that we normally couldn't do together with both children. By Sunday, the quietness in the house was deafening; we really missed both boys and were eager to welcome them home again.
Just being away from Elliott and Elijah for a couple of days made me realize what a blessing they truly are. It also made me realize that there are some days that I take that blessing for granted. Our concern for children must match God's treatment of them and sadly, there are many children that are neglected and abused. Jesus clearly states that certain angels are assigned to watch over children, each with direct access to God.
The very least we can do is make time from our busy schedules to spend time with our children and show the love that God has for them....take the time and make time!
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