No Pain.. No Gain.

30 01 2012

Good evening readers! How has life been treating you? I would be lying if I responded that my life is going well. Tonight, I just want to write about what is going on in my life. I really hope you don’t mind.

Life, in general has been tough the last couple of months. I lost my job on Nov. 14th. I, by the grace of God, found work again by the beginning of December. It isn’t full-time, but helps with the bills. Both my wife and myself thought things would calm down and everything would be fine. Mid December, we found out that my wife would be without a job by the end of the year. End of the year actually meant the Wednesday before Christmas. This shocked both of us.

Since then, we are living on my part-time pay and un-employment funds for my wife. We are barely making it, but we are making it. Frustration about finances are there, along with wondering where God will put my wife. Life is rough…

We know though that God will take care of us. He has in the past, and He will now, and in the future. I still ask the question though… Why? I have always heard the expression that God won’t give us anything we can’t handle. I will just say that it is really hard.

Please pray for my wife and I.

Until next time readers, God Bless!

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Categories : Employment, Life

Erasing Hell

17 07 2011

Good afternoon readers! Wow! It has been a long time since I have sat down an actually written a blog post. I will be honest. It was partially due to a vacation that I went on, and partially due to laziness. I apologize.

Well I am going to start reading and blogging about Francis Chan’s new book Erasing Hell. I have enjoyed all of his books so far, so I am really excited to read this one.

 

Until then readers, God Bless!

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Categories : Blog, Book, Erasing Hell

The Love of God

26 01 2011

Good evening readers! I hope everyone is doing well this evening! Well I found a guest writer!! YAY!

If you care to be a guest writer, check out the Look Who’s Talking post a few posts back.

This evenings post is written by a reader of mine in New Zealand. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Claire loves God, revival, LOST, music, movies, chunky rings, vintage tees, coffee and conversation… dreaming of revival and living to know God and make Him known…. She blogs at www.onepassiononedevotion.wordpress.com and tweets at @fireball3316

THE LOVE OF GOD

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

God’s love is amazing. It’s everlasting. It’s life changing. Eternity changing. Lavish.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him. Psalms 103:11

The revelation of God’s love for each of us begins in a way with salvation but there is so much more on offer. We’re created to know God, to know His love, to have supernatural relationship with Him here on Earth as well as on the other side of eternity. We’re created to feel His presence and live in friendship with God. It begins with being born again but continues through love.

A revelation of God’s love keeps our eyes fixed upon Him and His greatness and His gloriousness and on what He is doing over what our circumstances say.

A revelation of God’s love will get you through the darkest times – the flood and the fire – because we have it settled in our soul that God loves us and that He is with us and for us and that nothing can separate us from His love and that in those times He is our refuge and our strength. A revelation of God’s love reminds our heart and soul to trust in our Almighty God. It rests in Him. Our hearts are confident when filled with His love.

A revelation of God’s love will overflow out of us and spill onto others as we want them to experience the reality of salvation and relationship with God. It keeps us excited about the future and the adventure that God has planned out for us and keeps us pressing forward into that. When the woman with the alabaster jar (Mark 14) came and broke it over Jesus – the fragrance of the oil filled the house – it transformed the atmosphere and people became aware of something remarkable – the presence of Jesus – in our lives, when we respond to the revelation of God’s love for us it overflows and touches other people and people see God at work in our lives.

A revelation of His love restrains us and keeps us walking on the narrow path, throwing off those things that want to distract and entangle us. “A daily encounter with the love of God will produce a daily compulsion of obedience to the voice of God.” The Ramp

God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:8-11

God is love. Do you know His love?

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19


 




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Categories : 1 John, Blog, Ephesians, Love, Mark, Psalms, Relationship, Scripture

What Christmas Shouldn’t Be

22 12 2010

Good EARLY morning readers. Was was up, so I thought I would post a blog. Christmas is three days away. Can you believe it?

I am re-posting a blog from last year for today’s post. I hope you don’t mind. I think it is still significant, so I wanted to hit on it again.

This was originally posted in a blog entry called Commercializing Christmas. I hope you enjoy. I would like to know your thoughts if you would like to give them.

————————————–

More and more each year, I see the world, specifically the United States, forgetting the true meaning of Christmas. I don’t know when the commercializing of Christmas really began, but as an adult I am able to open my eyes to it more than a small child.

Christmas shopping for some of us is a year round activity. We focus on what we are going to get one another throughout the whole year. Some people’s Christmas shopping begins the day after Thanksgiving on Black Friday. Commercializing Christmas has gotten so bad, that it even takes over the holiday of Thanksgiving all together. I first hand have seen people camping out at large retailers during their Thanksgiving holiday just to get the latest gadget for Christmas.

Also, have you ever noticed how people’s attitude changes during the Christmas season? People or more in a hurry, and seem to be more rude this time of year. People seem to want to give more to others in need. Most of the time I believe it is out of guilt, instead of out of wanting to actually help.

Oh, and another thing. People and businesses are more inclined to say Happy Holidays, instead of Merry Christmas in hopes that they don’t get sued. Yes I understand that it may be the ” politically correct ” thing to say, but I believe this contributes to the loss of the real meaning of Christmas.

———————–

All this post is really meant to do is to open your eyes up to the true meaning of Christmas. It is to celebrate the life of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is also a time to spend time with family and create memories that will last for eternity.

So during this Christmas, remember what you are celebrating.

“ Without the birth of Christ, there would be no Christmas. Without Christmas, there wouldn’t be a Christmas break, and winter would be really boring.“— Shannon Fouts, wife of Pastor Rodney Fouts.

Until next time readers, God Bless!

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Categories : Christmas, Life

Everyday Jesus

9 04 2010

Good afternoon readers. I hope your day is going great!

Today, exactly one week has passed since Good Friday. It is exactly one week since the time Jesus was crucified.

Easter is a very significant holiday for Christians. It celebrates what Jesus did for us. But why can’t we celebrate that all year round?

Our lives are so busy in this fast-paced world of technology that we often put Jesus and our spiritual lives aside. For most of us, our spiritual lives are only brought out on Sundays. For some of us, it isn’t even brought out at all.

I myself struggle with connecting with my Heavenly Father on a daily basis. I guess what I am trying to say is that, for what Jesus has done for us, we shouldn’t put Him on a back burner. The thought of Jesus dying on the cross, raising from the dead, and ascending into heaven should always be floating around in our mind.

So readers, I ask you the following:

Is Jesus and His life only something you think about twice a year?

Are you living everyday to the fullest and celebrating the life that Jesus has given you in Him?

Until next time readers, God Bless!

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Categories : Life, Love, Relationship

The Face of Jesus

31 03 2010

Good afternoon readers. I hope everyone’s day is going great so far.

I was reading an article online about Jesus Christ, and I wanted to share it with you. The article is about the History Channel’s study of the face of Jesus. They did a special on it where scientists looked at the Shroud of Turin, and created a 3D face of Jesus.

Of course there is controversy about the Shroud of Turin actually being what Jesus was wrapped in after he was crucified. If you don’t know what I am talking about, click here. Now with the 3D rendering of Jesus, people continue to have mixed feelings. Watch the following videos.

So readers, what do you think? Is this the face of Jesus? Is this what you think  Jesus looked like? Is this something that should have been left to mystery?

What are your thoughts?

I myself, really don’t know if I would want to know what Jesus looked like. In my opinion, it really shouldn’t matter.

Until next time readers, God Bless!

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Categories : News, Technology

Scripture Thursday — 1 Peter 4:12-13

11 03 2010

Hello readers! Today is Scripture Thursday and we will be looking at a great verse today!

1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

Let’s look at different translations:

(ASV) “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you:13 but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.”

(The Message) “Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job.13 Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.”

(KJV) “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.“

——

So what does this mean?

Right now I am going through some trials of my own. This verse really spoke to me, because when I go through these trials, I always think, ” Woe is me..” In retrospect, I really should be thankful that my trials aren’t as bad as Christ’s were. Christ suffered a whole lot more than anyone person has or ever will. I also have to think and know that God will pull me out of this.

What does this verse mean to you?

Until next time readers, God Bless!

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Categories : 1 Peter, Scripture, Scripture Thursday, Trust

Tech. Tuesday — The Bible and the Iphone

9 03 2010

Good afternoon readers! Sorry about the late post, but it is Tech. Tuesday! Today we are going to look at the Bible and the Iphone. Ever since the Iphone came out, it has been considered the best  “smartphone” technology, and continues to be the best according to consumers. Several thousand applications have been developed to be used on the phone and itouch devices.

One of the most important applications I have on my phone is the Bible. Several different applications have been made for the Bible, but I use the application created by the folks over at YouVersion.com.

It gives you the capability to view many translations, see what others think about a verse, read a Bible plan, etc.; all from your phone screen. How cool is that?

So readers, do you think that the Bible applications are a necessity for a “smartphone” user? If you do, what application do you have? If not, why not?

Until next time readers, God Bless!

* I and this blog do not get paid to share this with you.

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Categories : Scripture, Tech. Tuesday, Technology

Are You… Lost??

2 02 2010

Hello readers! The popular tv show Lost starts its final season tonight. I haven’t seen any episodes, but from what I have heard, it is a good show. The focus of this post is not about what is going on on tv tonight, but what is going on in the world around us and even what is going on in our own backyard.

There are so many people in this world that are considered to be “lost” or ” un-saved”. I can’t even fathom how big of a number it is. This is either by a decision to not follow Christ, or just simply not even having the opportunity to know Him.

The largest group of people who haven’t had the opportunity to know Him fall into what the church likes to call the  10/40 window. Most of the people groups still unreached by the gospel live in places stretching across the maps of northern Africa and Asia. For more information on the 10/40 window click here.

Now I would like to turn attention to an even more important topic.. Are you… Lost?

Here in the United States, most people have heard about the man named Jesus. But some of them don’t have a relationship with Him. Do you have a relationship with the Son of God? If not, here is some information on how you can establish that relationship.

The message of the Bible is abundantly clear. We have all sinned against God (Romans 3:23). Because of our sin, we deserve to be eternally separated from God (Romans 6:23). Because of His love for us (John 3:16), God took on human form and died in our place, taking the punishment that we deserve (Romans 5:8; 2 Cor. 5:21). God promises forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven to all who receive, by grace through faith, Jesus Christ as Savior (John 1:12; 3:16; 5:24; Acts 16:31).

If you would like to become a Christian, please pray this prayer with me.

Lord, I know I am a sinner. I am coming to you to repent of my sins. I believe that you sent your one and only Son to Earth, He died, and arose on the 3rd day. I am truly grateful for your love. Please come into me now and make me new.

In Your Name I Pray… Amen.

Until next time readers, God Bless!

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Categories : 2 Corinthians, Acts, John, Relationship, Romans, Salvation

Supernatural Church

1 02 2010

Hello readers! Well, it has been a great ride through Francis Chan’s Forgotten God Today we finish the book by looking at Chapter 7.

In this chapter, Mr. Chan points out the difference between a Holy Spirit led church, and churches that don’t. He says that society has created a whole brand of non-Holy Spirit following churches and even Christians who are not disciples. These are a new group of ” followers” who do not follow.

I like what he says in the middle of page 143 as well.

If all God asked for were faceless numbers to fill the churches, then we would all be doing all right. Most of us would feel pretty confident. But simply having a good speaker, a service that is short and engaging, a good venue, and whatever else we add to the mix does not make a “good” or “successful” church. God intended for His bride, those who claim His name, to be much more than this.

God is not interested in numbers. He cares most about the faithfulness, not the size, of His bride. He cares about whether people are lovers of Him.

Some churches of today, and the people who attend them could be compared to the prophets of Baal. (1 Kings 18), more than Elijah. Elijah was the prophet of God. Below is a brief summary provided by Mr. Chan.

The prophets of Baal had a loud, passionate worship gathering that lasted from morning till evening. When they were done, they had a great time of fellowship. But “no one answered; no one paid attention” (18:29). After all of that, Elijah prayed. God heard his prayer, and fire came down from heaven. After it was all over, the prophets of Baal were saying, “The LORD— he is God! the LORD— he is God!” (18:39 NIV). They didn’t say, “Elijah is a great speaker” or “Elijah sure knows how to connect with God!” They were stunned by God. They were in awe of His power. They knew that what they experienced could not have been manipulated by Elijah. They experienced the power of God.


Along with the gatherings we attend as church goers, we need to use the same principle in our personal lives. People should be able to see the transformation in our lives after we accept Jesus Christ into our life. They should see His works in us and say, “The LORD– He is God” instead of, “Wow, Isn’t _____ a great person?”. We shouldn’t  let people think we are responsible for the change. The Holy Spirit should be the main focus!

Well readers, I am going to stop there. I wanna leave you with some questions.

  1. Do you attend that is like the prophets of Baal or the prophet of Elijah?
  2. Does your church pride itself on a great speaker, a great worship, great programs, number of members, etc…? Or does it pride itself on its following of the Holy Spirit?
  3. Is the Holy Spirit the focus in your life?

Until next time readers, God Bless!

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Categories : 1 Kings, Book, Forgotten God

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