OK, so I have heard this song a lot lately on a local radio station. It really speaks to me. It goes along with the whole Peter thing too. We all have a past we're not proud of, but God can make a difference in our lives, if we let Him.
Love the Light by Ronnie Freeman (album: God Speaking)
I met a man who lost it all
Ten years ago, just like the fall
He gave in and did it his way
Traded his peace for shadows and shame
Now ten years later, with scars to bare
He's climbing back out of his pit of despair
It is no trouble for him to see
His need for a Savior, His need for mercy - cause
(Chorus)
HE LOVES THE LIGHT
HE'S NOT ASHAMED
HE'S NOTHING TO HIDE
EVERYTHING'S CHANGED
VOICES STILL CALL HIM
BACK TO THE NIGHT
BUT HE'S STANDING STRONG NOW
CAUSE HE LOVES, HE LOVES THE LIGHT
He's learning to dance, learning to sing
He's seeing colors he's never seen
You won't hear him deny who he used to be
He's an open book for the world to read
(Chorus)
HE LOVES THE LIGHT AND PEACE AND HOPE
AND FORGIVENESS
NO MORE HIDING, NO MORE SECRETS
HE LOVES THE SUN, HE LOVES THE SKY, THE CLOUDS
AND HE LOVES THE LIGHT
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
An explanation is in order
So, yesterday's post came from a frustrated point of view. I have learned that my duty is to try my best to live for God and it doesn't matter what men think of me. OK, well, that's easier said than done. Someone said something to me that felt like a judgment and I felt like the people that may read this blog need to know it is not any human's place to judge. You don't know what the other person is going through or has been through. You don't know their heart, only God does. I think people would get along better if they stopped trying to be the judge of others and looked on the inside to see what God wants of them.
I had a break-through a while back. I can't actually tell you when it was, but I just got serious with God and asked Him, "what do you want me to do?" You know what immediately came to my mind? A scripture verse I've know for a LONG time! This is why it is crucial to not only read the scriptures, but to apply them to your life. I have known this verse at least half my life and have just recently been trying to make the application. Do I still stumble? Yes, I am human, but I would say I am doing a better job of weighing my words and actions since God reminded me of it.
So here it is:
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
In trying to live by this verse, I have found myself judging myself more and judging others less. It helps, because the focus is on where YOU are with the Lord, not anyone else. For really, if you are watching what others are doing, then you are not focused on the path ahead of you and it can lead you to tripping/stumbling over things you didn't see.
I heard a good sermon on Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Basically, our Christian life is like a marathon. It's steady growth, toward Christ, until we reach the end (earthly death). If a marathon runner gets distracted (as the man that preached this sermon had), he can get injured by things he didn't expect ahead. But, Jesus says in John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
So we need to follow the way HE leads. It may be completely different than what we would have planned but remember God knows what's best for you.
Oh, I wanted to apologize for not getting the sermon notes up. Seriously, I have had some sinus crud for most of the last month or so, as well as a sinus infection that I've now taken 2 antibiotics for. I just haven't felt much like typing up and looking up sermon notes and Scriptures. Hopefully I can try to get the whole series on Peter posted. It's been REALLY good. I am just so thankful that Jesus left us the story of Peter. He was a shoot from the hip, ask questions later, kind of guy that God transformed into the leader of the New Testament church! I'm so glad that God would take someone that not only cursed and maimed others, but also denied the Lord himself and helped him become something admirable. It's like the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly. If he did it for Peter 2000 years ago, he can do it for you and me! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!
I had a break-through a while back. I can't actually tell you when it was, but I just got serious with God and asked Him, "what do you want me to do?" You know what immediately came to my mind? A scripture verse I've know for a LONG time! This is why it is crucial to not only read the scriptures, but to apply them to your life. I have known this verse at least half my life and have just recently been trying to make the application. Do I still stumble? Yes, I am human, but I would say I am doing a better job of weighing my words and actions since God reminded me of it.
So here it is:
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
In trying to live by this verse, I have found myself judging myself more and judging others less. It helps, because the focus is on where YOU are with the Lord, not anyone else. For really, if you are watching what others are doing, then you are not focused on the path ahead of you and it can lead you to tripping/stumbling over things you didn't see.
I heard a good sermon on Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Basically, our Christian life is like a marathon. It's steady growth, toward Christ, until we reach the end (earthly death). If a marathon runner gets distracted (as the man that preached this sermon had), he can get injured by things he didn't expect ahead. But, Jesus says in John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
So we need to follow the way HE leads. It may be completely different than what we would have planned but remember God knows what's best for you.
Oh, I wanted to apologize for not getting the sermon notes up. Seriously, I have had some sinus crud for most of the last month or so, as well as a sinus infection that I've now taken 2 antibiotics for. I just haven't felt much like typing up and looking up sermon notes and Scriptures. Hopefully I can try to get the whole series on Peter posted. It's been REALLY good. I am just so thankful that Jesus left us the story of Peter. He was a shoot from the hip, ask questions later, kind of guy that God transformed into the leader of the New Testament church! I'm so glad that God would take someone that not only cursed and maimed others, but also denied the Lord himself and helped him become something admirable. It's like the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly. If he did it for Peter 2000 years ago, he can do it for you and me! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
A couple of thoughts on being judgmental
James 4:11 Do not speak against one another, brethren He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it.
Matthew 7:1 Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this-- not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.
John 8:15 You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone.
Luke 6:37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.
All verses are in the NASB, but if you are interested in other versions www.biblegateway.com is a great source!
Matthew 7:1 Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this-- not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.
John 8:15 You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone.
Luke 6:37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.
All verses are in the NASB, but if you are interested in other versions www.biblegateway.com is a great source!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
WHY GOD MADE MOMS
OK, sorry I haven't gotten the sermons typed up, but here is a cute one I got in an email today.
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3.. To help us out of there when we were getting born..
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related..
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.
What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3.. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time..
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue..
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
WHEN YOU STOP LAUGHING -- Go Ahead & SEND IT ON TO OTHER MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS, AND AUNTS.....and anyone else who has anything to do with kids or just needs a good laugh!!!
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3.. To help us out of there when we were getting born..
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related..
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.
What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3.. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time..
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue..
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
WHEN YOU STOP LAUGHING -- Go Ahead & SEND IT ON TO OTHER MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS, AND AUNTS.....and anyone else who has anything to do with kids or just needs a good laugh!!!
Monday, February 08, 2010
My poor head
OK, so last week I missed church due to being terribly ill with this sinus crud that's going around. I hate missing church, but SO glad my church has the sermons online!
So anyway, my head is still all stopped up, but I did drag my rear (with a thing of kleenex in my purse) to church for both services yesterday then off to a Sunday School fellowship to watch the big game. I love how my church didn't just cancel Sunday night, but bumped it forward so we could all be there for kick-off!
We had a good time of food, fun and fellowship watching football. Very proud of Tim Tebow for taking the stand he did and really not sure what all the controversy was over that ad, it didn't even mention abortion. Anyway, that was one of the most incredible games I've ever seen played. I didn't have a team in the Superbowl this year, but WOW! Seriously that was a great game to watch! I was glad to see the Saints win it too. Not only are they from the next state over, but they have come SO far and it has taken SO long! I'm pretty sure NO started Mardi Gras early too, lol.
So, sometime this week I plan on posting the sermon notes from yesterday's sermons. I wish I could share all the stuff I'm learning on Wednesday nights too. They do Bible/book studies while the kids have Awanas and I have done a couple of studies by the auther John Ortberg (not completely sure on the spelling of his last name). The first was "If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat" and the current study is "The Life you've always wanted." As much as I enjoyed the boat one, I think the current study has been a real eye opener! Such a blessing! I totally recommend any of his books, but especially The Life You've Always Wanted.
Have a great day!
So anyway, my head is still all stopped up, but I did drag my rear (with a thing of kleenex in my purse) to church for both services yesterday then off to a Sunday School fellowship to watch the big game. I love how my church didn't just cancel Sunday night, but bumped it forward so we could all be there for kick-off!
We had a good time of food, fun and fellowship watching football. Very proud of Tim Tebow for taking the stand he did and really not sure what all the controversy was over that ad, it didn't even mention abortion. Anyway, that was one of the most incredible games I've ever seen played. I didn't have a team in the Superbowl this year, but WOW! Seriously that was a great game to watch! I was glad to see the Saints win it too. Not only are they from the next state over, but they have come SO far and it has taken SO long! I'm pretty sure NO started Mardi Gras early too, lol.
So, sometime this week I plan on posting the sermon notes from yesterday's sermons. I wish I could share all the stuff I'm learning on Wednesday nights too. They do Bible/book studies while the kids have Awanas and I have done a couple of studies by the auther John Ortberg (not completely sure on the spelling of his last name). The first was "If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat" and the current study is "The Life you've always wanted." As much as I enjoyed the boat one, I think the current study has been a real eye opener! Such a blessing! I totally recommend any of his books, but especially The Life You've Always Wanted.
Have a great day!
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