"A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic - on the level with a man who says he is a poached egg - or he would be the devil of hell. You must take your choice. Either this was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us." - C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” - Matthew 16:15
Often times throughout our day, we here a lot of different things about who Jesus is. Whether it's on the radio, TV, movies, or in conversations we have with people, it seems like everyone has some sort of opinion of who Jesus is. The thing is though, we don't get to pick and choose who Jesus is. His Word has revealed exactly who He is. And Jesus has posed the same question to us that He did those disciples in Caesarea Philippi. How you answer this question has eternal implications. Who do you say that He is?
Want to know what's going on?
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
Too easily pleased
"It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." - C.S. Lewis
While reading through C.S. Lewis' classic The Weight of Glory I was struck anew by this quote. Daily we chase things that are not worth our time and effort and act as if they are of infinite worth. If only we would realize that in Christ we have more than we could ever fathom. My prayer this month for us is that we would come to know and understand more what we have been given and that we would rest in that.
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 2:4-7
While reading through C.S. Lewis' classic The Weight of Glory I was struck anew by this quote. Daily we chase things that are not worth our time and effort and act as if they are of infinite worth. If only we would realize that in Christ we have more than we could ever fathom. My prayer this month for us is that we would come to know and understand more what we have been given and that we would rest in that.
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 2:4-7
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Student Life Daytona
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
1 Corinthians 16:13
The Christian life isn’t easy and some would say it shouldn’t be. So, how do your students look at their Christian life? Do they look at it as a chore? Do they look at it as a challenge? Do they see it as a journey and not a destination? We want to help your students live a life without boundaries. A life in which they are bold not just for the sake of being seen, but bold because they serve a God that is bold. A God that that sees what they can become. How do they do that? They do that by Being on Guard, Standing Firm in the Faith. Being Courageous and Being Bold. Being Audacious.
Plan on joining us this July 9th-13th. Cost is $280.
Student Life Heartbeat from Student Life on Vimeo.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
New Year!
Happy New Year everyone! As we start off 2012, how about joining us as we read through the Bible together? This year we will be using the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading plan. It will take you around 25-30 minutes each day. You can even use your mobile device or follow along online.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Tis the season
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
About this time last year, I had the privilege of joining 22,000 high school seniors and college students at a conference. During one of the evening sessions, we sang several Christmas carols. As we sang "O Holy Night" I was struck a new by the goodness that God gave us when He sent His son to live among us. There is so much caught up in the words this song expresses were we to dwell on them, we could only begin to scratch the surface of what happened that night.
I am constantly in awe that God has brought salvation to us who so often turn our backs on Him. None of this is a surprise to our all knowing God yet He still sent His one and only Son to us that holy night. So though we are celebrating the season of His birth, let us not forget what His death has brought us. Salvation is here! O Holy Night!
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." - Isaiah 52:7
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
About this time last year, I had the privilege of joining 22,000 high school seniors and college students at a conference. During one of the evening sessions, we sang several Christmas carols. As we sang "O Holy Night" I was struck a new by the goodness that God gave us when He sent His son to live among us. There is so much caught up in the words this song expresses were we to dwell on them, we could only begin to scratch the surface of what happened that night.
I am constantly in awe that God has brought salvation to us who so often turn our backs on Him. None of this is a surprise to our all knowing God yet He still sent His one and only Son to us that holy night. So though we are celebrating the season of His birth, let us not forget what His death has brought us. Salvation is here! O Holy Night!
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." - Isaiah 52:7
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Halloween on Mission?
"What if we ran Halloween through the grid of the gospel and pondered whether there might be a third path beyond naïveté and retreat? What if we took the perspective that all of life, Halloween included, is an opportunity for gospel advance? What if we saw Halloween not as a retreat but as a kind of gospel trick—an occasion to extend Christ’s cause on precisely the night when Satan may feel his strongest?"
Here's the rest of the article.
Here's the rest of the article.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
First Importance
"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-5
As I have been studying the life of Paul, several things have stood out to me but one thing in particular. Paul realized that everywhere he went, God had him there to share the Gospel. Whether he was in the busy city of Ephesus, the confines of prison, or traveling throughout the ancient world, Paul understood that God brought him to those areas to bring the Gospel there. Our lives aren't any different. If we are God's children, we are to bring the Gospel everywhere that we are. The reason that we own a business isn't so that we can make a living and take care of our family, although that is incredibly important. It's to share the Gospel with absolutely everyone we are with. If we are working a job making a living, our primary reason for doing so is not to provide for ourselves and our family. It is to bring the Gospel to that workplace. If we are a stay at home mom, our main reason isn't to take care of the kids and the house. It is to saturate that home with the Gospel.
Paul realized that God placed him where He did not for his benefit, but to bring the Gospel to those who have not heard. What if we viewed our lives this way? My prayer is that this will become our way of living and that many would come to know that Christ is Lord and that He is greater than everything.
As I have been studying the life of Paul, several things have stood out to me but one thing in particular. Paul realized that everywhere he went, God had him there to share the Gospel. Whether he was in the busy city of Ephesus, the confines of prison, or traveling throughout the ancient world, Paul understood that God brought him to those areas to bring the Gospel there. Our lives aren't any different. If we are God's children, we are to bring the Gospel everywhere that we are. The reason that we own a business isn't so that we can make a living and take care of our family, although that is incredibly important. It's to share the Gospel with absolutely everyone we are with. If we are working a job making a living, our primary reason for doing so is not to provide for ourselves and our family. It is to bring the Gospel to that workplace. If we are a stay at home mom, our main reason isn't to take care of the kids and the house. It is to saturate that home with the Gospel.
Paul realized that God placed him where He did not for his benefit, but to bring the Gospel to those who have not heard. What if we viewed our lives this way? My prayer is that this will become our way of living and that many would come to know that Christ is Lord and that He is greater than everything.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
HALLELUJAH, WHAT A SAVIOR!
Words and Music by Philip P. Bliss, 1838–1876
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering … He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. (Isaiah 53:3)
A life of praise is not something that can be worked up. Rather, it is a remembrance and a response to Christ’s sacrificial death on our behalf. As we reflect on who Christ is and what He has accomplished for us, what He provides in our daily lives as an advocate before God, and what He has promised for our future, our hearts are melted before Him. We bow at His feet in humble adoration and proclaim with all sincerity, “Hallelujah, What a Savior!”
It is said that the word Hallelujah is basically the same in all languages. It seems as though God has given this word as a preparation for the great celebration of heaven, when His children from every tribe, language, people and nation shall have been gathered home to sing their eternal “Hallelujah to the Lamb!”
Philip Bliss, along with Ira Sankey, was one of the truly important leaders and publishers of early gospel music. Before his tragic train accident death at the age of 38, he wrote hundreds of gospel songs, many of which are still widely sung today. “Hallelujah, What a Savior!” is one of the best and most enduring of the songs produced by Bliss. The first four stanzas present Christ’s atoning work simply and clearly. The last stanza, “When He comes, our glorious King,” is in an entirely different mood, joyful and triumphant in its anticipation of the praise that will continue throughout eternity —“Hallelujah, What a Savior!”
“Man of Sorrows!” what a name for the Son of God, who came ruined sinners to reclaim! Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned He stood-—Sealed my pardon with His blood: Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Guilty, vile and helpless we, spotless Lamb of God was He; full atonement! can it be? Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Lifted up was He to die, “It is finished,” was His cry; now in heav’n exalted high: Hallelujah, what a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King, all His ransomed home to bring, then anew this song we’ll sing: Hallelujah, what a Savior!
For Today: Isaiah 53:3-6; Philippians 2:7–11; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 2:24
Carry your “Hallelujah, what a Savior!” with you into every situation. Reflect often on Christ’s atoning work on your behalf and the glorious promise of His return.
Osbeck, K. W. (1990). Amazing grace 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications.
Words and Music by Philip P. Bliss, 1838–1876
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering … He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. (Isaiah 53:3)
A life of praise is not something that can be worked up. Rather, it is a remembrance and a response to Christ’s sacrificial death on our behalf. As we reflect on who Christ is and what He has accomplished for us, what He provides in our daily lives as an advocate before God, and what He has promised for our future, our hearts are melted before Him. We bow at His feet in humble adoration and proclaim with all sincerity, “Hallelujah, What a Savior!”
It is said that the word Hallelujah is basically the same in all languages. It seems as though God has given this word as a preparation for the great celebration of heaven, when His children from every tribe, language, people and nation shall have been gathered home to sing their eternal “Hallelujah to the Lamb!”
Philip Bliss, along with Ira Sankey, was one of the truly important leaders and publishers of early gospel music. Before his tragic train accident death at the age of 38, he wrote hundreds of gospel songs, many of which are still widely sung today. “Hallelujah, What a Savior!” is one of the best and most enduring of the songs produced by Bliss. The first four stanzas present Christ’s atoning work simply and clearly. The last stanza, “When He comes, our glorious King,” is in an entirely different mood, joyful and triumphant in its anticipation of the praise that will continue throughout eternity —“Hallelujah, What a Savior!”
“Man of Sorrows!” what a name for the Son of God, who came ruined sinners to reclaim! Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned He stood-—Sealed my pardon with His blood: Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Guilty, vile and helpless we, spotless Lamb of God was He; full atonement! can it be? Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Lifted up was He to die, “It is finished,” was His cry; now in heav’n exalted high: Hallelujah, what a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King, all His ransomed home to bring, then anew this song we’ll sing: Hallelujah, what a Savior!
For Today: Isaiah 53:3-6; Philippians 2:7–11; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 2:24
Carry your “Hallelujah, what a Savior!” with you into every situation. Reflect often on Christ’s atoning work on your behalf and the glorious promise of His return.
Osbeck, K. W. (1990). Amazing grace 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Spurgeon on Guidance
“Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.”
— Psalm 73:24
The Psalmist felt his need of divine guidance. He had just been discovering the foolishness of his own heart, and lest he should be constantly led astray by it, he resolved that God’s counsel should henceforth guide him. A sense of our own folly is a great step towards being wise, when it leads us to rely on the wisdom of the Lord. The blind man leans on his friend’s arm and reaches home in safety, and so would we give ourselves up implicitly to divine guidance, nothing doubting; assured that though we cannot see, it is always safe to trust the all-seeing God. “Thou shalt,” is a blessed expression of confidence. He was sure that the Lord would not decline the condescending task. There is a word for thee, O believer; rest thou in it. Be assured that thy God will be thy counsellor and friend; he shall guide thee; he will direct all thy ways. In his written Word thou hast this assurance in part fulfilled, for holy Scripture is his counsel to thee. Happy are we to have God’s Word always to guide us! What were the mariner without his compass? And what were the Christian without the Bible? This is the unerring chart, the map in which every shoal is described, and all the channels from the quicksands of destruction to the haven of salvation mapped and marked by one who knows all the way. Blessed be thou, O God, that we may trust thee to guide us now, and guide us even to the end! After this guidance through life, the Psalmist anticipates a divine reception at last—“and afterward receive me to glory.” What a thought for thee, believer! God himself will receive thee to glory—thee! Wandering, erring, straying, yet he will bring thee safe at last to glory! This is thy portion; live on it this day, and if perplexities should surround thee, go in the strength of this text straight to the throne.
Spurgeon, C. H. (2006). Morning and evening : Daily readings (Complete and unabridged; New modern edition.). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.
— Psalm 73:24
The Psalmist felt his need of divine guidance. He had just been discovering the foolishness of his own heart, and lest he should be constantly led astray by it, he resolved that God’s counsel should henceforth guide him. A sense of our own folly is a great step towards being wise, when it leads us to rely on the wisdom of the Lord. The blind man leans on his friend’s arm and reaches home in safety, and so would we give ourselves up implicitly to divine guidance, nothing doubting; assured that though we cannot see, it is always safe to trust the all-seeing God. “Thou shalt,” is a blessed expression of confidence. He was sure that the Lord would not decline the condescending task. There is a word for thee, O believer; rest thou in it. Be assured that thy God will be thy counsellor and friend; he shall guide thee; he will direct all thy ways. In his written Word thou hast this assurance in part fulfilled, for holy Scripture is his counsel to thee. Happy are we to have God’s Word always to guide us! What were the mariner without his compass? And what were the Christian without the Bible? This is the unerring chart, the map in which every shoal is described, and all the channels from the quicksands of destruction to the haven of salvation mapped and marked by one who knows all the way. Blessed be thou, O God, that we may trust thee to guide us now, and guide us even to the end! After this guidance through life, the Psalmist anticipates a divine reception at last—“and afterward receive me to glory.” What a thought for thee, believer! God himself will receive thee to glory—thee! Wandering, erring, straying, yet he will bring thee safe at last to glory! This is thy portion; live on it this day, and if perplexities should surround thee, go in the strength of this text straight to the throne.
Spurgeon, C. H. (2006). Morning and evening : Daily readings (Complete and unabridged; New modern edition.). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
20 signs you are growing in grace
Here is a list of some signs that you are growing in grace from Scotty Ward Smith who is a pastor in Franklin, TN. Great stuff for us to wrestle with.
A sign you’re growing in grace…
1… is that everybody notices it but you.
2… is movement from destructive cynicism towards redemptive engagement. Anybody can spew.
3… is that you’re less like a drive-by-shooting with criticisms & more of a healing presence.
4… is evident when you receive feedback non-defensively and give it clearly & lovingly.
5… is evident when people don’t feel like they have to walk on egg shells around you as much.
6… is that you are more disgusted with your critical spirit than offended by others’ sins.
7. You catch people “doing it right” in a 3 to 1 ratio to “doing it wrong”.
8. You’re in your seat in the worship center 7 minutes early to pray for the service.
9. You throw less pity-parties, because you go to Jesus quicker than to self-contempt.
10… is a commitment to give your spouse focused, unrushed attention at the END of the day.
11… is a commitment to pray for people you’d really rather gossip about.
12. The gospel still astonishes & humbles you. It’s not just cliche or the name of your tribe.
13. You desire less stuff rather than simply buying more.
14. You’re increasingly less quarrelsome, sarcastic and easily offended.
15. It’s getting easier not to retaliate, get even, or even crave God’s vengeance.
16. You feel like you’re just beginning to appreciate all the riches and depth of John 3:16.
17. Compliments don’t intoxicate you and criticism doesn’t decimate you.
18. You’re not known as an “us versus them” kind of a separatist believer.
19. As you grow more confident theologically you don’t grow equally more cocky.
20. The love of Jesus is compelling you to be more generous with your time, talent & treasure.
A sign you’re growing in grace…
1… is that everybody notices it but you.
2… is movement from destructive cynicism towards redemptive engagement. Anybody can spew.
3… is that you’re less like a drive-by-shooting with criticisms & more of a healing presence.
4… is evident when you receive feedback non-defensively and give it clearly & lovingly.
5… is evident when people don’t feel like they have to walk on egg shells around you as much.
6… is that you are more disgusted with your critical spirit than offended by others’ sins.
7. You catch people “doing it right” in a 3 to 1 ratio to “doing it wrong”.
8. You’re in your seat in the worship center 7 minutes early to pray for the service.
9. You throw less pity-parties, because you go to Jesus quicker than to self-contempt.
10… is a commitment to give your spouse focused, unrushed attention at the END of the day.
11… is a commitment to pray for people you’d really rather gossip about.
12. The gospel still astonishes & humbles you. It’s not just cliche or the name of your tribe.
13. You desire less stuff rather than simply buying more.
14. You’re increasingly less quarrelsome, sarcastic and easily offended.
15. It’s getting easier not to retaliate, get even, or even crave God’s vengeance.
16. You feel like you’re just beginning to appreciate all the riches and depth of John 3:16.
17. Compliments don’t intoxicate you and criticism doesn’t decimate you.
18. You’re not known as an “us versus them” kind of a separatist believer.
19. As you grow more confident theologically you don’t grow equally more cocky.
20. The love of Jesus is compelling you to be more generous with your time, talent & treasure.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Collision Axis Conference
On August 12th and 13th, we will be going to the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts for the Collision Worldview training event. We will leave about 3:30 on Friday and be traveling back that night. We will leave again Saturday morning and travel back after it is over. This conference is for students and their parents. Cost is $10 per person. There will be a concert on Friday night by Rush of Fools. This will be a powerful time as we get the students prepared to own their faith before they start school the next week. Here is the information from the website.
"We encourage underage thinking ... so if you like movies, music, surfing the internet, and thinking deeply this conference is for you. The Axis team, will be digging deeply into some of the biggest ideas that exist. Students will be challenged to not only know what they believe, but how their faith should effect their lives every day. We hope to see students move from apathy to action."
Here's the website link.
"We encourage underage thinking ... so if you like movies, music, surfing the internet, and thinking deeply this conference is for you. The Axis team, will be digging deeply into some of the biggest ideas that exist. Students will be challenged to not only know what they believe, but how their faith should effect their lives every day. We hope to see students move from apathy to action."
Here's the website link.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Report from Fuge!
Greetings from the Bluegrass State! We're here in Williamsburg, Kentucky enjoying m-fuge. So far, we have had 2 days of ministry tracks. Most of our group is doing some sort of Paint, Construction, or Yard Work. We have been able to meet some really great folks here in this area. The city of Williamsburg is home to the University of the Cumberlands. Outside of the college campus, there are only 5,000 folks who live here. It has been a neat change from our past m-fuge's which have all been in major cities. The city is so small that there is not a coffee shop for 30 miles much less a Starbucks. Nonetheless, God is good.
Our camp pastor is from outside of Nashville and took us through 1 Corinthians 2 last night. It was awesome teaching time as we learned about the crucifixion and what Christ went through for us. After worship tonight, the camp is putting on a variety show. Josh and Ben will be playing so we can't wait for that. Thanks so much for all your prayers. We'll post some more pics as we get them.
Our camp pastor is from outside of Nashville and took us through 1 Corinthians 2 last night. It was awesome teaching time as we learned about the crucifixion and what Christ went through for us. After worship tonight, the camp is putting on a variety show. Josh and Ben will be playing so we can't wait for that. Thanks so much for all your prayers. We'll post some more pics as we get them.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
First night at Fuge!
I figured since we were gonna be in eastern Kentucky, might as well celebrate with a little bluegrass.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Grace
"Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." - Ephesians 2:11-13
As I was reading back through Ephesians a couple of days ago, I was struck by the magnitude of God's grace. We who were alienated from God are now able to be brought close to Him only by His grace. There was nothing that was desirable about us that He should need us (Acts 17:25). We are only able to be friends with Him by His grace. The summer is a time when a lot of us have the opportunity to rest and relax. As we do, let's spend some time focusing on His grace. Such a deep and incredible thing for us to focus on and remember this summer.
As I was reading back through Ephesians a couple of days ago, I was struck by the magnitude of God's grace. We who were alienated from God are now able to be brought close to Him only by His grace. There was nothing that was desirable about us that He should need us (Acts 17:25). We are only able to be friends with Him by His grace. The summer is a time when a lot of us have the opportunity to rest and relax. As we do, let's spend some time focusing on His grace. Such a deep and incredible thing for us to focus on and remember this summer.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
God Never Hurries
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." - 2 Peter 3:9-10
One day while reading through this section in 2nd Peter, I was reminded of the promise that Peter speaks of. The promise found throughout the scriptures (Colossians 1:20, 2nd Corinthians 5:18, Ephesians 1:10) is that God is making everything right again through Jesus Christ for His Glory. At times it is hard for us to see and believe this. We tend to think that we have the all the right answers to fix what is wrong only to realize that when we rely on ourselves, we make a bigger mess. God has a plan to make all things right again. He will accomplish His purpose in His time. We are to rest in this and work for this. One of my favorite writers, A.W. Tozer writes in his excellent book Knowledge of the Holy "God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves." My prayer is that you will rest in this deep truth and work for His Glory in all things.
One day while reading through this section in 2nd Peter, I was reminded of the promise that Peter speaks of. The promise found throughout the scriptures (Colossians 1:20, 2nd Corinthians 5:18, Ephesians 1:10) is that God is making everything right again through Jesus Christ for His Glory. At times it is hard for us to see and believe this. We tend to think that we have the all the right answers to fix what is wrong only to realize that when we rely on ourselves, we make a bigger mess. God has a plan to make all things right again. He will accomplish His purpose in His time. We are to rest in this and work for this. One of my favorite writers, A.W. Tozer writes in his excellent book Knowledge of the Holy "God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves." My prayer is that you will rest in this deep truth and work for His Glory in all things.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Easter
"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." - 1 Peter 2:24
I was reading through 1st Peter last week and came across verse 24 and was immediately reminded of the goodness that was accomplished on the cross. Peter reminds us that because of our sin, we were unable to have a right relationship with a Holy God. But, through the incredible work done on the cross by Christ, we are healed and made right before Him. Our debt has been forgiven. Our lives made new. This is why we battle sin every single moment.
This incredible gift.
This is what we celebrate at Easter.
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift." - 2 Corinthians 9:15
I was reading through 1st Peter last week and came across verse 24 and was immediately reminded of the goodness that was accomplished on the cross. Peter reminds us that because of our sin, we were unable to have a right relationship with a Holy God. But, through the incredible work done on the cross by Christ, we are healed and made right before Him. Our debt has been forgiven. Our lives made new. This is why we battle sin every single moment.
This incredible gift.
This is what we celebrate at Easter.
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift." - 2 Corinthians 9:15
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Shaken
"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." - Hebrews 12:28-29
Seems like every time you turn on the news you hear of some amazing thing that is going on in the world. Whether it be the seemingly daily earthquakes, the constant unrest in the Middle East, or the struggles we have right here, things just seem to be chaotic. Isn't it good to know that we serve a God who is in control of it all and has an amazing plan in place? When we see the things happening all around us we know that His kingdom cannot be shaken and that we coheirs of this kingdom with Christ. I'm more and more thankful everyday that God is in the process of rescuing all of this mess for His good.
Seems like every time you turn on the news you hear of some amazing thing that is going on in the world. Whether it be the seemingly daily earthquakes, the constant unrest in the Middle East, or the struggles we have right here, things just seem to be chaotic. Isn't it good to know that we serve a God who is in control of it all and has an amazing plan in place? When we see the things happening all around us we know that His kingdom cannot be shaken and that we coheirs of this kingdom with Christ. I'm more and more thankful everyday that God is in the process of rescuing all of this mess for His good.
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