Alright y'all, here is today's (Tuesday) post!
God smiles when I trust him.
"The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust his love." Pslam 147:11
Question: Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust him most?
Everything! In decisions that we make and issues that we face. The Bible says that God will not put you through anything that you cannot handle. It's loving Him and He will guide you where you need to go, whether you like it or not!
Think about college. Applying, scholarships, roommates, etc., God is wanting you to trust Him throught that process. Even if you don't get accepted to the college that you wanted to go, He will take you to the college where HE wants you to go. It's part of His plan and His purpose for you.
Praying and reading scripture are just a few ways to seek God and Him communicating to you. Offer yourself to Him with prayers, praises and thanksgiving. Give Him you WHOLE heart and say what you need to say, leave nothing behind.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Purpose Driven Life pt. 8
I was planned for God's pleasure.
"The Lord takes pleasure in his people." Psalm 149:4
Question: What common taks could I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus?
When Steph were dating and engaged, I live in an apartment with two other guys and she lived in a house with nine other girls. Before I would go home at night, we prayed together. It was an excellent time to be with God as a couple and giving Him thanks and offering our prayers from what happened to our day. Lately, that has not happened since we've been married. That is something that I was to do again and in the morning. We (everyone) just get stuck in a routine and if something is "off" then our whole day is messed up.
What did you think about the meaning of "worship"? It's all true about what the author says. Later on Rick will go more in-depth about worship in later in the book.
"This is what real worship is all about - falling in love with Jesus."
"The Lord takes pleasure in his people." Psalm 149:4
Question: What common taks could I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus?
When Steph were dating and engaged, I live in an apartment with two other guys and she lived in a house with nine other girls. Before I would go home at night, we prayed together. It was an excellent time to be with God as a couple and giving Him thanks and offering our prayers from what happened to our day. Lately, that has not happened since we've been married. That is something that I was to do again and in the morning. We (everyone) just get stuck in a routine and if something is "off" then our whole day is messed up.
What did you think about the meaning of "worship"? It's all true about what the author says. Later on Rick will go more in-depth about worship in later in the book.
"This is what real worship is all about - falling in love with Jesus."
Purpose Driven Life pt. 7
Alright, we've hit the one week mark!!!
It's all for him.
"For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." Romans 11:36
Question: Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?
This is by far the best one yet. He really puts it out there and challenges us to live a life for God's glory. Asking "what's God's glory" seems like an easy question, but a difficult one to answer. For me, it's praying to Him and thanking Him. He gave us what He has provided for us. Nature, air, a house, family, friends, etc., and remember that this is on loan to us. Two of the most awe-inspiring things that I see how beautiful and how powerful God is, is looking at a sunset and a thunderstorm. Those are the things for me that I want to thank God for His glory and power!
Finally I want to list the five ways we can bring glory to God:
1. We bring God glory by worshiping him.
2. We bring God glory by loving other believers.
3. We bring God glory be becoming like Christ.
4. We bring God glory by serving others with our gifts.
5. We bring God glory by telling others about him.
Now replace the "We" with "I" and read it back to yourself, do you do all of those??
It's all for him.
"For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." Romans 11:36
Question: Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?
This is by far the best one yet. He really puts it out there and challenges us to live a life for God's glory. Asking "what's God's glory" seems like an easy question, but a difficult one to answer. For me, it's praying to Him and thanking Him. He gave us what He has provided for us. Nature, air, a house, family, friends, etc., and remember that this is on loan to us. Two of the most awe-inspiring things that I see how beautiful and how powerful God is, is looking at a sunset and a thunderstorm. Those are the things for me that I want to thank God for His glory and power!
Finally I want to list the five ways we can bring glory to God:
1. We bring God glory by worshiping him.
2. We bring God glory by loving other believers.
3. We bring God glory be becoming like Christ.
4. We bring God glory by serving others with our gifts.
5. We bring God glory by telling others about him.
Now replace the "We" with "I" and read it back to yourself, do you do all of those??
Purpose Driven Life pt. 6
This world is not my home.
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18
Question: How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?
Ok, now that is a tough question. Lately my wife and I have said that we would like to get new furniture, new t.v., new garden pots, and a puppy! It's something that the character Caleb says in the movie Fireproof, "those are called preferences". In way, it is. We are slammed everyday with advertisements saying to get the latest phone, clothes, t.v., etc. The more "hip and modern" we are, the more we fit into society. Like the book says, life on earth is just temporary.
We need to fix our eyes on Jesus, on what is holy. For me it's saying that we need to be thankful of what we have right now because there are far WORSE places in the world and some people do have nearly the things that we have. We need to serve and love others, just as Christ did when he was here. Remember, we are ambassadors to Christ.
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18
Question: How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?
Ok, now that is a tough question. Lately my wife and I have said that we would like to get new furniture, new t.v., new garden pots, and a puppy! It's something that the character Caleb says in the movie Fireproof, "those are called preferences". In way, it is. We are slammed everyday with advertisements saying to get the latest phone, clothes, t.v., etc. The more "hip and modern" we are, the more we fit into society. Like the book says, life on earth is just temporary.
We need to fix our eyes on Jesus, on what is holy. For me it's saying that we need to be thankful of what we have right now because there are far WORSE places in the world and some people do have nearly the things that we have. We need to serve and love others, just as Christ did when he was here. Remember, we are ambassadors to Christ.
Purpose Driven Life pt. 5
Hey y'all! Hope you are getting a lot from this book so far! I was out of town and here are the next few days, enjoy!
Day Five: Life is a test and a trust.
"Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones." Luke 16:10
Question: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?
Immediately the first thing that popped in my head was searching for a job. I knew what God called me to do (youth ministry) now it was my turn to seek where He wanted me to be. God really tested me on perseverance, hope, and patience. I applied for about 250+ jobs before God presented me to St. Francis. Some of the greatest matters that God has entrusted me is leading the youth to God. Showing them what it is like to have a relationship with God and Jesus and to showing them that having this relationship doesn't only happen in church, it happens outside of church as well.
One thing that Rick Warren (the author) says that I think really stands out is what he says in the beginning, "The way you see your life shapes your life." Is that true for you???
Day Five: Life is a test and a trust.
"Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones." Luke 16:10
Question: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?
Immediately the first thing that popped in my head was searching for a job. I knew what God called me to do (youth ministry) now it was my turn to seek where He wanted me to be. God really tested me on perseverance, hope, and patience. I applied for about 250+ jobs before God presented me to St. Francis. Some of the greatest matters that God has entrusted me is leading the youth to God. Showing them what it is like to have a relationship with God and Jesus and to showing them that having this relationship doesn't only happen in church, it happens outside of church as well.
One thing that Rick Warren (the author) says that I think really stands out is what he says in the beginning, "The way you see your life shapes your life." Is that true for you???
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Purpose Driven Life pt. 4
Day FOOOOOUUUUR!
There is more to life than just here and now.
"The world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever." 1 John 2:17
Question: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?
Ok, this one is an obvious one for me and I'm doing it right now...watching t.v. Usually when I get home from work I watch some t.v., talk to the mrs. and then we watch our favorite shows. The one thing that I NEED to start doing more is more reading, especially the Bible. It's something that you need know and read everyday, it's the manual on life. It's been tough, but we are going to get rid of our satellite dish service soon and I think that'll be the first step! It's been especially hard because I don't really have anyone to talk to about what I read. I would usually tell the Mrs., but she has been out of town lately. However, change is coming and lets get cracking on that Bible!!!
There is more to life than just here and now.
"The world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever." 1 John 2:17
Question: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?
Ok, this one is an obvious one for me and I'm doing it right now...watching t.v. Usually when I get home from work I watch some t.v., talk to the mrs. and then we watch our favorite shows. The one thing that I NEED to start doing more is more reading, especially the Bible. It's something that you need know and read everyday, it's the manual on life. It's been tough, but we are going to get rid of our satellite dish service soon and I think that'll be the first step! It's been especially hard because I don't really have anyone to talk to about what I read. I would usually tell the Mrs., but she has been out of town lately. However, change is coming and lets get cracking on that Bible!!!
Purpose Driven Life pt. 3
Day Three, 37 more to go!
"Living on purpose is the path to peace."
"You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you." Isaiah 26:3
Question: What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want it to be?
Wow, this is a tough one! I would guess that say would say that my "driving force" is serving others and being kind. For me, those things are great, but I also want it to be these words, "courageous" and "risk-taker". For me it's been a challenge to take risks, but in order to find what my purpose is and to grow as a Christian, there are risks that I will have to take. Not sure what they are, but I'm sure that God knows!
"Living on purpose is the path to peace."
"You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you." Isaiah 26:3
Question: What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want it to be?
Wow, this is a tough one! I would guess that say would say that my "driving force" is serving others and being kind. For me, those things are great, but I also want it to be these words, "courageous" and "risk-taker". For me it's been a challenge to take risks, but in order to find what my purpose is and to grow as a Christian, there are risks that I will have to take. Not sure what they are, but I'm sure that God knows!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Purpose Driven Life pt. 2
Here we go, day 2!
Today's theme is "You are not an accident".
"I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born." Isaiah 44:2
Question: I know that God uniquely created me. What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?
First thing that popped in my head were the words "physical appearance". Everyday we are bombarded by advertisements with clothes, exercise equipment, and pills that will "make us skinny". For me, it's my weight that I struggle with. Growing up I was a big guy. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul writes in his first letter to the Corinthians saying,
"Do you not know that you body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" 1 Cor. 6:19
This is the body that God has given me, a temple for the Holy Spirit. Now it doesn't focus on weight, but also what you do to your body.
I've started working out at Anytime Fitness here in Chapin and I feel so much better when I leave (of course being a little sore as well) and I want to take better care of my body.
Today's theme is "You are not an accident".
"I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born." Isaiah 44:2
Question: I know that God uniquely created me. What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?
First thing that popped in my head were the words "physical appearance". Everyday we are bombarded by advertisements with clothes, exercise equipment, and pills that will "make us skinny". For me, it's my weight that I struggle with. Growing up I was a big guy. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul writes in his first letter to the Corinthians saying,
"Do you not know that you body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" 1 Cor. 6:19
This is the body that God has given me, a temple for the Holy Spirit. Now it doesn't focus on weight, but also what you do to your body.
I've started working out at Anytime Fitness here in Chapin and I feel so much better when I leave (of course being a little sore as well) and I want to take better care of my body.
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Purpose Driven Life, day 1
Our HS EYC has begun a 40 day spiritual journey! We are reading the book "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California. Starting today, I am also on this journey and will be giving my thoughts and instights after each chapter. 40 days = 40 chapters. Here is day 1:
"Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him." Colossians 1:16b
Question: In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?
For me, that's probably one of the most difficult questions. We often live in a "me" type society, like what will this product do for "me", what are you going to do for "me", how can you serve "me", etc. The first thing that I can remind myself that life is living for God is surrounding myself with other believers. When Jesus first started the Church, it was Pentecost. It wasn't the first construction of a church building, it was the start of a community of believers who came together and worshiped God. Being surrounded by fellow Christians gives you the accountability and the fellowship that you can receive and grow. Once we turn and start becoming "me" monsters, that's when we begin to lose focus on living for God and focusing on us, our own desires, not God's.
Also when we surround ourselves with media, including texting, facebook, etc., we are sometimes not mindful of what the message is conveying to us or to others (such as texting). You could be listening to a song on the radio and it sounds great with the chords, rocking guitar, the thumping of the bass, but are you listening to the lyrics and know what he/she/they are REALLY saying? But once you have a mindful attitude of what you see, hear, and think you'll discover that "hey, maybe I shouldn't be listening to that song" or "I don't think watching this t.v. program is healthy". Again, it's having that mindful attitude of living for God, and not becoming a "me" monster.
"Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him." Colossians 1:16b
Question: In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?
For me, that's probably one of the most difficult questions. We often live in a "me" type society, like what will this product do for "me", what are you going to do for "me", how can you serve "me", etc. The first thing that I can remind myself that life is living for God is surrounding myself with other believers. When Jesus first started the Church, it was Pentecost. It wasn't the first construction of a church building, it was the start of a community of believers who came together and worshiped God. Being surrounded by fellow Christians gives you the accountability and the fellowship that you can receive and grow. Once we turn and start becoming "me" monsters, that's when we begin to lose focus on living for God and focusing on us, our own desires, not God's.
Also when we surround ourselves with media, including texting, facebook, etc., we are sometimes not mindful of what the message is conveying to us or to others (such as texting). You could be listening to a song on the radio and it sounds great with the chords, rocking guitar, the thumping of the bass, but are you listening to the lyrics and know what he/she/they are REALLY saying? But once you have a mindful attitude of what you see, hear, and think you'll discover that "hey, maybe I shouldn't be listening to that song" or "I don't think watching this t.v. program is healthy". Again, it's having that mindful attitude of living for God, and not becoming a "me" monster.
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