Well i did it. I upgraded my CD library and got Remedy by The David Crowder Band.
It is ....AMAZING
David Crowder is an amazing artist who constructs songs and praise to God that is downright stellar. That is right....STELLAR.
Here is a taste of REMEDY by David Crowder:
Here we are, Here we are
The broken and used
Mistreated, abused
Here we are
Here You are, here You are
The beautiful one
Who came like a Son
Here You are
So we lift up our voices
We open our hands
To cling to the love
That has freed us from sin
He is the one
Who has saved us from sin
He is the one
Who embraced us
He is the one who has come
And is coming again
He's the remedy
Here we are, here we are
Bandaged and bruised
Awaiting a cure
Here we are
Here You are, here You are
Our beautiful King
Bringing relief
Here You are with us
He is the one
Who has saved us
He is the one
Who forgave us
He is the one who has come
And is coming again
He's the remedy
Oh, I can't comprehend
I can't take it all in
Never understand
Such perfect love come
For the broken and beat
for the wounded and weak
Oh, come fall at His feet
He's the remedy
He's the remedy
So sing, sing
You are the one
Who has saved us
You are the one
Who forgave us
You are the one who has come
And is coming again
To make it alright
Oh, to make it alright
You're the remedy
Oh, in us
You're the remedy
Let us be the remedy
Let us bring the remedy
What an amazing song. He is the remedy. We can bring the remedy. But we have to get out to those who need Christ and show that we have the remedy.
I hope these words will impact you to get out and "go". Spread the answer.
Peace
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Friday, September 7, 2007
Me, Myself, & Bob
Yes Bob the tomato. It is a great new book written by Phil Vischer the creator of VeggieTales (one of my favorite).
This book is packed full of his experience and all that came with the show about veggies. I would highly recommend it to anyone as a good read and very interesting. (no matter who you are)
Good quote in the book:
"God loves you. Not because of what you can do, or even because of what you can become if you work really, really hard. He loves you because He made you. He loves you just the way you are. He loves you even when you aren't doing anything at all. We really shouldn't attempt to do anything with God until we have learned to find our worth in Him alone."
This book is packed full of his experience and all that came with the show about veggies. I would highly recommend it to anyone as a good read and very interesting. (no matter who you are)
Good quote in the book:
"God loves you. Not because of what you can do, or even because of what you can become if you work really, really hard. He loves you because He made you. He loves you just the way you are. He loves you even when you aren't doing anything at all. We really shouldn't attempt to do anything with God until we have learned to find our worth in Him alone."
Life is Precious
Take it seriously. God has graciously given us today, that is all. I am more aware of that than ever. My family and i almost weren't here after a hotel stay over the weekend that included "free" Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Not exactly what we were expecting. But after many headaches and some uneasy feelings about the longterm effects, we are still here.
Life passes us by so quickly these days. Take time today and be close to God. Spend some time with him, in His prescence. Hug your family, Love your neighbor, and live the life that you have today. For we are but a vapor.
Peace
Life passes us by so quickly these days. Take time today and be close to God. Spend some time with him, in His prescence. Hug your family, Love your neighbor, and live the life that you have today. For we are but a vapor.
Peace
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
God is...
God is pretty AMAZING! No matter what He is faithful. Place your trust in Him and be amazed because He will never let you down.
Peace
Peace
Monday, July 30, 2007
Energy Drinks???
Energy drinks. There are so many to choose from, so many varieties, so many sizes.
If i took a poll of today's teenage population I bet I would find that somewhere between 60-70% of teens and young adults drink the "energy" drink.
Some people can't live without having one first thing in the morning. Kind of like the Coffee of the 2000's the energy drinks have been a craze and become hugely (not sure that is a word) popular in the last couple of years.
I personally have never had one, but those i talk to just rave about how good they are.
For those of you reading this who drink those cans of "energy", how many of you have read the label?
The contents may not be as good for you as you might think. One label reads:"Do not consume if you are pregnant, or a small child." What determines what a small child is (i was never a SMALL child)? Another reads:"Do not consume more than three a day". What if it is a really long day? And what happens if i do?
Problem is that these drinks contain high levels of caffeine. A drug in and of itself, caffeine, is disguised these days in very slick covers. It is in coffee, cola, and now energy drinks. Why do we think we need energy drinks?
Common answers:
"to give me a pick-up in the morning" - get a good nights rest.
"i couldn't make it through the day without one" - How did anyone make it 5 years ago before energy drinks?
"they taste so good" - so does water, try it again for the first time. Plus it is good for you.
There are lots of things we as people think we need, but in reality God has everything prepared for us.
Why do we feel like we always have to be running around? (Hence the reason for a caffeine boost in the first place.
What is wrong with a little rest?
I think we need to evaluate our priorities and try to do things a little differently. Let's get rid of the caffeine and the energy drings and get a hold of something that will have deeper meaning and impact in our lives. Let's get our energy from God's Word and let let that be what gives us our charge and energy on a daily, even moment by moment, basis.
Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
If i took a poll of today's teenage population I bet I would find that somewhere between 60-70% of teens and young adults drink the "energy" drink.
Some people can't live without having one first thing in the morning. Kind of like the Coffee of the 2000's the energy drinks have been a craze and become hugely (not sure that is a word) popular in the last couple of years.
I personally have never had one, but those i talk to just rave about how good they are.
For those of you reading this who drink those cans of "energy", how many of you have read the label?
The contents may not be as good for you as you might think. One label reads:"Do not consume if you are pregnant, or a small child." What determines what a small child is (i was never a SMALL child)? Another reads:"Do not consume more than three a day". What if it is a really long day? And what happens if i do?
Problem is that these drinks contain high levels of caffeine. A drug in and of itself, caffeine, is disguised these days in very slick covers. It is in coffee, cola, and now energy drinks. Why do we think we need energy drinks?
Common answers:
"to give me a pick-up in the morning" - get a good nights rest.
"i couldn't make it through the day without one" - How did anyone make it 5 years ago before energy drinks?
"they taste so good" - so does water, try it again for the first time. Plus it is good for you.
There are lots of things we as people think we need, but in reality God has everything prepared for us.
Why do we feel like we always have to be running around? (Hence the reason for a caffeine boost in the first place.
What is wrong with a little rest?
I think we need to evaluate our priorities and try to do things a little differently. Let's get rid of the caffeine and the energy drings and get a hold of something that will have deeper meaning and impact in our lives. Let's get our energy from God's Word and let let that be what gives us our charge and energy on a daily, even moment by moment, basis.
Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Monday, July 23, 2007
LOVE WINS!* part dos
I would like to take this moment to apologize for my last blog. I evidently offended some people. That was not my intent. The body of Christ is meant to build each other up. So if you do read my blog, first thank you for reading and second if my words offended, i am sorry.
The main point: No matter what you do, where you are, or who you are......nothing really matters but love. God showed His love for us and we must as faithful followers....echo His example and Love others. When we do, we are most clearly resembling our Savior.
LOVE WINS!
The main point: No matter what you do, where you are, or who you are......nothing really matters but love. God showed His love for us and we must as faithful followers....echo His example and Love others. When we do, we are most clearly resembling our Savior.
LOVE WINS!
Monday, July 9, 2007
LOVE WINS!*
LOVE WINS! To borrow that phrase from Rob Bell. Love does actually win. No matter where you are, no matter who you are...LOVE WINS.
Love won for us at the cross. Love kept Christ there. Love keeps us faithful to him.
There is a freedom in Love. If you love in the Biblical context(John 13:34)....LOVE WINS. Love is stronger than any choice of words. Love is action. To quote my favorite band of all time (DC Talk) "Love is a verb" Love in and of itself is action. You can not have love without action. You can say "I love you" but until you actual "do" love, love doesn't happen. Love is not just giving someone a place to be. Love is giving a piece of your life, your time, your energy, your effort.
I know this firsthand. I know LOVE WINS with my wife, with my kids, in fact with my entire family. I know that LOVE WINS with the body of Christ.
People know you genuinely care for and love them. They call, Email and text you to let you know their life decisions...it proves that LOVE WINS!
What a blessing.
What a LOVE.
LOVE WINS!!! all the time.
Peace
B
1 Corinthians 13
Love won for us at the cross. Love kept Christ there. Love keeps us faithful to him.
There is a freedom in Love. If you love in the Biblical context(John 13:34)....LOVE WINS. Love is stronger than any choice of words. Love is action. To quote my favorite band of all time (DC Talk) "Love is a verb" Love in and of itself is action. You can not have love without action. You can say "I love you" but until you actual "do" love, love doesn't happen. Love is not just giving someone a place to be. Love is giving a piece of your life, your time, your energy, your effort.
I know this firsthand. I know LOVE WINS with my wife, with my kids, in fact with my entire family. I know that LOVE WINS with the body of Christ.
People know you genuinely care for and love them. They call, Email and text you to let you know their life decisions...it proves that LOVE WINS!
What a blessing.
What a LOVE.
LOVE WINS!!! all the time.
Peace
B
1 Corinthians 13
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Summer is on it's way
Summer is coming. School will be out in a few days, if it is not already out for you. So the big questions for the beginning of the summer:
Where am I going to work?
Will all my friends be available to hang with?
Where am i going on vacation?
How late will i get to sleep in everyday?
How am i going to reflect Christ everyday?
Yeah the last one is one that 90% of us never ask before summer and probably never ask at all. But we should ask it of ourselves....EVERYDAY.
We are suppose to be Christ's mirrors to the unbelieving masses around us. But if we don't take Christ and His challenge personally, those that see us won't take it seriously either.
Do something bold this summer...Be a transparent, passionate follower of Christ. Be a clean mirror.
Now make it a great day!
Peace
B
Where am I going to work?
Will all my friends be available to hang with?
Where am i going on vacation?
How late will i get to sleep in everyday?
How am i going to reflect Christ everyday?
Yeah the last one is one that 90% of us never ask before summer and probably never ask at all. But we should ask it of ourselves....EVERYDAY.
We are suppose to be Christ's mirrors to the unbelieving masses around us. But if we don't take Christ and His challenge personally, those that see us won't take it seriously either.
Do something bold this summer...Be a transparent, passionate follower of Christ. Be a clean mirror.
Now make it a great day!
Peace
B
Friday, May 11, 2007
time
Time keeps on tickin, tickin, tickin into the future...
and i don't get my blog updated.
Been workin on something really cool though, so i have an excuse. (Actually Paul has done most of the work)
Check out www.buildabridgeministries.com
You can go there now, or it officially launches on the 15th of May.
Peace
I'll be back blogging in a week.
and i don't get my blog updated.
Been workin on something really cool though, so i have an excuse. (Actually Paul has done most of the work)
Check out www.buildabridgeministries.com
You can go there now, or it officially launches on the 15th of May.
Peace
I'll be back blogging in a week.
Monday, April 16, 2007
May Your Kingdom be what wakes us up and lays us down
Came across a great song from TobyMac off of his "Portable Sounds" CD.
Here are the words:
Father God, I am clay in your hands / help me to stay that way through all life's demands / 'Cause they chip and they nag and they pull at me / And every little thing i make up my mind to be / Like I'm gonna be a daddy whose in the mix / And I'm gonna be a husband who stays legit / And I pray that I'm and artist who rises above the road that is wide and filled with self love / Everything that I see draws me / Though it's only in You that I can truly see that its a feast for the eyes - a low blow to purpose / And I'm a little kid at a three ring circus / I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul / Don't wanna walk away let me hear the people say / I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul / Don't wanna walk away let me hear the people say / The paparazzi flashes and that they think that it's you / But they don't know that who you are is not what you do / True, we get it twisted when we peak at the charts / Yo before we part from the start where's your heart? / You a pimp, hustler? / Tell me what's your title / America has no more stars now we call them idols / You sit idle / While we teach prosperity / The first thing to prosper should be inside of me / We're free ... / Not because of 22's on the range / But Christ came in range we said yes now we changed / Not the same even though i made the fall / Since i got that call no more Saul now I'm Paul (yep) / How do i sense the tide that's rising? / Desensitizing me from living in light of eternity / How do I sense the tide that's rising? / It's hypnotizing me from living in the light of eternity / I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul / Don't wanna walk away let me hear the people say / I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul / Don't wanna walk away let me hear the people say / Father forgive us when we get consumed by the things of this world that fight for our love ... our passion / As our eyes are open wide and on you grant us the priviledge of Your worldview / And may Your Kingdom be what wakes us up and lays us down.
Awesome song and so fitting. A lot of people fail to realize the world is trying to pull everyone in and we have to stay focused if we are going to persevere and maintain what God is trying to do in/through us. You may not be an artist, but you are a missionary that God has called to reach out.
Peace
Here are the words:
Father God, I am clay in your hands / help me to stay that way through all life's demands / 'Cause they chip and they nag and they pull at me / And every little thing i make up my mind to be / Like I'm gonna be a daddy whose in the mix / And I'm gonna be a husband who stays legit / And I pray that I'm and artist who rises above the road that is wide and filled with self love / Everything that I see draws me / Though it's only in You that I can truly see that its a feast for the eyes - a low blow to purpose / And I'm a little kid at a three ring circus / I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul / Don't wanna walk away let me hear the people say / I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul / Don't wanna walk away let me hear the people say / The paparazzi flashes and that they think that it's you / But they don't know that who you are is not what you do / True, we get it twisted when we peak at the charts / Yo before we part from the start where's your heart? / You a pimp, hustler? / Tell me what's your title / America has no more stars now we call them idols / You sit idle / While we teach prosperity / The first thing to prosper should be inside of me / We're free ... / Not because of 22's on the range / But Christ came in range we said yes now we changed / Not the same even though i made the fall / Since i got that call no more Saul now I'm Paul (yep) / How do i sense the tide that's rising? / Desensitizing me from living in light of eternity / How do I sense the tide that's rising? / It's hypnotizing me from living in the light of eternity / I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul / Don't wanna walk away let me hear the people say / I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul / Don't wanna walk away let me hear the people say / Father forgive us when we get consumed by the things of this world that fight for our love ... our passion / As our eyes are open wide and on you grant us the priviledge of Your worldview / And may Your Kingdom be what wakes us up and lays us down.
Awesome song and so fitting. A lot of people fail to realize the world is trying to pull everyone in and we have to stay focused if we are going to persevere and maintain what God is trying to do in/through us. You may not be an artist, but you are a missionary that God has called to reach out.
Peace
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Great Quote from David Nasser
"I grew frustrated after watching person after person walk away from church conferences and youth rallies with an inflamed desire to serve God but no practical understanding of how to daily walk in faith. I saw people looking for God in an emotional moment of bliss more than they were looking for Him in the Word of God. They were looking for God's will through the latest song or magazine or book. God is speaking to us, but not necessarily through the latest song or sermon. These are good things, and God reveals Himself through those, but He's mainly speaking to us through the Bible."
Quote by David Nasser as printed in CCM Magazine
So what is God's will for your life? My question for you is, where are you looking for the answer? We have to DAILY walk in faith and follow Him.
Quote by David Nasser as printed in CCM Magazine
So what is God's will for your life? My question for you is, where are you looking for the answer? We have to DAILY walk in faith and follow Him.
Friday, March 16, 2007
So it's been a week...
How are you doing with the challenge? Be like Jesus.
It is a daily pursuit.
What did you do last week to show Jesus to others?
Did you stand out/up for Christ or just blend with the masses?
What will it take for us a people to stand for the creator and Savior of the world?
We all have free time. what we do with it is our choice. Are we wasting our time with Idle junk(video games, Girlfriend/boyfriends, sleep, food) that doesn't benefit us or others? Why don't we impact people with the Gospel every chance we get?
Two Choices “Live with Risk or Waste our Lives” – Piper
So what is your choice?
Are you using excuses? "I am too young to make a differences." "I don't know what to do." 'Ii am a realatively new Christian."
Excuses are like boogers, everyone has them. Are you picking yours? If you are picking your excuses (what did you think i was referring to picking?) just remember that all an excuse is....an excuse is a reason for failure.
We live, and move and have our being thanks to the Creator God. He has given His all for us. Let's start giving our all for Him. And let's start by starting. Not by saying we want to start, by by doin. Let's put action in our faith and start a revolution! God is ready and we should be too.
Reflect Christ! It improves your whole appearance.
Let's strive to be Christ to those around us, it may be the only example they ever see.
Take your life SERIOUSLY...God is counting on you.
Peace
b
It is a daily pursuit.
What did you do last week to show Jesus to others?
Did you stand out/up for Christ or just blend with the masses?
What will it take for us a people to stand for the creator and Savior of the world?
We all have free time. what we do with it is our choice. Are we wasting our time with Idle junk(video games, Girlfriend/boyfriends, sleep, food) that doesn't benefit us or others? Why don't we impact people with the Gospel every chance we get?
Two Choices “Live with Risk or Waste our Lives” – Piper
So what is your choice?
Are you using excuses? "I am too young to make a differences." "I don't know what to do." 'Ii am a realatively new Christian."
Excuses are like boogers, everyone has them. Are you picking yours? If you are picking your excuses (what did you think i was referring to picking?) just remember that all an excuse is....an excuse is a reason for failure.
We live, and move and have our being thanks to the Creator God. He has given His all for us. Let's start giving our all for Him. And let's start by starting. Not by saying we want to start, by by doin. Let's put action in our faith and start a revolution! God is ready and we should be too.
Reflect Christ! It improves your whole appearance.
Let's strive to be Christ to those around us, it may be the only example they ever see.
Take your life SERIOUSLY...God is counting on you.
Peace
b
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Yeah I know it has been awhile
Have you ever gotten away from something and just missed it so much you would do anything to do it again?
Ever felt that way about your relationship with God.
We're never too close but sometimes we are too comfortable.
We feel that we are close enough to God and don't stretch ourselves. We start looking around and comparing. We start thinking maybe we are the most "Christian" person ever.
We need to wake up. Jesus is the only one who walked this planet and is worthy of that title.
God is good, but we aren't. It takes work.
I have been reading the 119th Psalm. Absolutely amazing.
Need encouragement? try it. You'll like it.
Well i will be back soon. until then read the 119th Psalm.
Just trying to be like Jesus. It's hard and i am not even close, but i t is definately worth the effort.
Not matter what!
Ever felt that way about your relationship with God.
We're never too close but sometimes we are too comfortable.
We feel that we are close enough to God and don't stretch ourselves. We start looking around and comparing. We start thinking maybe we are the most "Christian" person ever.
We need to wake up. Jesus is the only one who walked this planet and is worthy of that title.
God is good, but we aren't. It takes work.
I have been reading the 119th Psalm. Absolutely amazing.
Need encouragement? try it. You'll like it.
Well i will be back soon. until then read the 119th Psalm.
Just trying to be like Jesus. It's hard and i am not even close, but i t is definately worth the effort.
Not matter what!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Winning is everything
How many of you in here actually play sports?
What sports are represented?
How many of you like to win?
What does it feel like to win?
How many of you like to lose?
We like to win don’t we? It is an amazing feeling when you can push yourself to the limits and accomplish something.
Winning takes place on all fronts, athletics, school, home, and spiritually as well.
And this morning I want you to walk away with the main point:
WINNING IS EVERYTHING.
We are told by Paul. That if you are going to be the man or woman that God wants you to be, you have to be a winner.
If you have your bibles turn to:
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others; I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Most of us in here get this passage. In one way or another we apply that to our lives. Probably most of us in here have applied it to our respective sports because we want to be the best in that sport.
But how many of us daily apply it to our walk with God?
God has a course laid out for us.
Matthew 7:13-14
13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
So we all know that in this life. We have a course. God has something for each and every one of us to do here. According to the text, it is a small path. Not many people will be on the same path as us.
Jeremiah 29:11 tells us:
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God has it all planned out for us. He has something that is right for each and every one of us. God wants us to succeed.
He wants us to accomplish the thing that he has set out before us.
But sometimes we get in the way. Whether it is because of arrogance or pride, whatever it is it blocks us from the provision and blessing that God has for us.
We need to rely on God wholeheartedly here on earth.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says:
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Does that mean that if we trust in the Lord with everything that it will be easy? No way. It is a daily battle. It is the battle or competition if you will that builds into exactly what God wants us to be.
There will be trials in this battle there will be persecution.
The bible tells us that in
2 Timothy 3:12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
But the good thing is we know that already. We know what we’re up against. We just need to train and prepare ourselves everyday.
We need to take on the challenge like James, in James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Our coach and biggest fan, God, is training us to be the person (athlete if you will) for Him, in this battle.
What a privilege!
What an honor!
But what are we doing?
Are we training like we should?
Is anything besides winning even an option for us?
Those are questions you must answer.
If you’re on the side of the cross, you’re on the right team. I have read the book and know who wins. But what are we doing for our friends and family? Are we taking a winning mentality into battle on a daily basis? If not, we need to start praying for that area of our lives.
What happens if you’re that person that says, “Brian I try to do great things but I always fail.” Or “I try to do stuff for God but it never works out.”
God sees your heart. He sees you are doing your best for Him.
Remember what god wants from us?
God wants us to be all about him.
What are the two greatest commandments?
Love God
Love others more than ourselves.
We win when we do this daily.
Let’s be about winning. Let’s be about winning at home, at school and in life.
Let’s take this challenge head on, because as Paul said and we know:
WINNING IS EVERYTHING!
What sports are represented?
How many of you like to win?
What does it feel like to win?
How many of you like to lose?
We like to win don’t we? It is an amazing feeling when you can push yourself to the limits and accomplish something.
Winning takes place on all fronts, athletics, school, home, and spiritually as well.
And this morning I want you to walk away with the main point:
WINNING IS EVERYTHING.
We are told by Paul. That if you are going to be the man or woman that God wants you to be, you have to be a winner.
If you have your bibles turn to:
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others; I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Most of us in here get this passage. In one way or another we apply that to our lives. Probably most of us in here have applied it to our respective sports because we want to be the best in that sport.
But how many of us daily apply it to our walk with God?
God has a course laid out for us.
Matthew 7:13-14
13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
So we all know that in this life. We have a course. God has something for each and every one of us to do here. According to the text, it is a small path. Not many people will be on the same path as us.
Jeremiah 29:11 tells us:
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God has it all planned out for us. He has something that is right for each and every one of us. God wants us to succeed.
He wants us to accomplish the thing that he has set out before us.
But sometimes we get in the way. Whether it is because of arrogance or pride, whatever it is it blocks us from the provision and blessing that God has for us.
We need to rely on God wholeheartedly here on earth.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says:
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Does that mean that if we trust in the Lord with everything that it will be easy? No way. It is a daily battle. It is the battle or competition if you will that builds into exactly what God wants us to be.
There will be trials in this battle there will be persecution.
The bible tells us that in
2 Timothy 3:12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
But the good thing is we know that already. We know what we’re up against. We just need to train and prepare ourselves everyday.
We need to take on the challenge like James, in James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Our coach and biggest fan, God, is training us to be the person (athlete if you will) for Him, in this battle.
What a privilege!
What an honor!
But what are we doing?
Are we training like we should?
Is anything besides winning even an option for us?
Those are questions you must answer.
If you’re on the side of the cross, you’re on the right team. I have read the book and know who wins. But what are we doing for our friends and family? Are we taking a winning mentality into battle on a daily basis? If not, we need to start praying for that area of our lives.
What happens if you’re that person that says, “Brian I try to do great things but I always fail.” Or “I try to do stuff for God but it never works out.”
God sees your heart. He sees you are doing your best for Him.
Remember what god wants from us?
God wants us to be all about him.
What are the two greatest commandments?
Love God
Love others more than ourselves.
We win when we do this daily.
Let’s be about winning. Let’s be about winning at home, at school and in life.
Let’s take this challenge head on, because as Paul said and we know:
WINNING IS EVERYTHING!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
Have you considered...
Job?
His life has some amazing attributes. He was abandoned by all his friends and those close to him. But what did he do? He took the high road! In everything, his attitude and words. AMAZING!
Have you ever had a rough day? week? year? how did you handle it? Read Job it could change your life.
Love truth. defend truth, and truth will set you free.
PEaCe to all
B
His life has some amazing attributes. He was abandoned by all his friends and those close to him. But what did he do? He took the high road! In everything, his attitude and words. AMAZING!
Have you ever had a rough day? week? year? how did you handle it? Read Job it could change your life.
Love truth. defend truth, and truth will set you free.
PEaCe to all
B
Thursday, January 11, 2007
What do you reflect.....?
How many of you have a:
Cell phone?
MySpace?
Car?
Boyfriend or girlfriend?
Good relationship with your parents?
Good relationship with God?
How many of you think about your relationship with God when:
Your on your cell phone?
On My Space?
In your car?
With your bf or gf?
With your parents?
What are cell phones all about?
Why is MySpace generally all about?
Generally all the stuff in our lives (cell phones, cars, MySpace) and the stuff we do (tanning, how we spend our money, where we spend our time) is all about us.
It is generally the mindset of taking care of number 1.
Me, mine, myself mentality.
The average Christian goes to church one time a week. (and in all actuality they probably open their bibles less than that.) But they go to church.
Why do we go to church?
Pick up chicks?
Cause we have to?
We don’t do it to be noticed in our new dress, we don’t do it for attention to ourselves, we need to come for God. We do it all for Him.
I think it is important for us to remember the reason we are all here (on this planet)…is for God. It is for us to be open to His leading and His direction.
The focus lately in my view has shifted where church and Christianity is more of a “me first” mentality. Where we show up to be noticed in our new dress, or to bring attention to ourselves in some way.
And in doing that we miss the whole point of being Christian. We miss the one who can help; we miss out on a lot because we focus on ourselves.
So what am I trying to say…. “Get over yourself”
I want you to know I am not picking on any one person. I am not singling you out in any way, but…. Some of you will be convicted with some of the stuff that is said. Some of you may feel it is directed right at you, that is a God thing. And if he speaks to you through this and to your heart, ACT on IT! Change. Modify your behavior to be God’s instrument.
Basically how the “normal” human being acts is one of selfishness. It is all about “me”.
From friends we have just because they think we’re cool and build us up.
Maybe it is ways we act to get attention for ourselves. (whether it is good attention or bad, I don’t think it matters these days as long as your name is known for something.)
This all about me mentality is funny. It is funny because for the majority of us we say we love God and follow His ways.
Romans 12:10 says:
10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
How many of us act that way on a regular basis? Not many. Generally the mentality is honor myself and everyone else can take care of themselves. That is sad.
Ephesians 4:2 says:
2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Hebrews 10:24 says:
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
We are ok with the Hebrews quote as long as we add the ending that we remain above them in stature and importance.
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. “and let us remain more popular, better off and above them..”
A lot of times we are more like Cain, than Abel.
1 John 3:11 describes this for us:
11This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous. 13Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. 14We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
We don’t like to put others above ourselves because that makes us vulnerable. We don’t want anyone in front of us because that means we have to depend on someone other than ourselves, and that is scary.
It is for that same reason we suppress God even below us in importance, because that requires faith and trust.
A school teacher lost her life savings in a business scheme that had been elaborately explained by a swindler. When her investment disappeared and her dream was shattered, she went to the Better Business Bureau. "Why on earth didn't you come to us first?" the official asked. "Didn't you know about the Better Business Bureau?" "Oh, yes," said the lady sadly. "I've always known about you. But I didn't come because I was afraid you'd tell me not to do it." The folly of human nature is that even though we know where the answers lie--God's Word--we don't turn there for fear of what it will say.
Jerry Lambert.
We know what we’re supposed to do. We know how we’re supposed to live but we don’t for fear of what that would mean to us.
Instead we think it is good to stand out for the wrong reasons….just because we need that attention.
For example:
Who can make the biggest disruption to get the most attention
(Whether that is at school, or at church. )
Who can be the biggest rebel (anyone ever wanted to be a rebel? You know have the bad boy or bad girl connotation?)
some examples of this:
§ “Yeah me and my boyfriend went all the way.”
End result: “Yeah my boyfriend just used me and we broke up.” or
“I’m pregnant”
Both end results are apart from what God wants for your life. Both miss the mark.
Both are results of selfish motives.
Both end in pain and anguish
Cell phone?
MySpace?
Car?
Boyfriend or girlfriend?
Good relationship with your parents?
Good relationship with God?
How many of you think about your relationship with God when:
Your on your cell phone?
On My Space?
In your car?
With your bf or gf?
With your parents?
What are cell phones all about?
Why is MySpace generally all about?
Generally all the stuff in our lives (cell phones, cars, MySpace) and the stuff we do (tanning, how we spend our money, where we spend our time) is all about us.
It is generally the mindset of taking care of number 1.
Me, mine, myself mentality.
The average Christian goes to church one time a week. (and in all actuality they probably open their bibles less than that.) But they go to church.
Why do we go to church?
Pick up chicks?
Cause we have to?
We don’t do it to be noticed in our new dress, we don’t do it for attention to ourselves, we need to come for God. We do it all for Him.
I think it is important for us to remember the reason we are all here (on this planet)…is for God. It is for us to be open to His leading and His direction.
The focus lately in my view has shifted where church and Christianity is more of a “me first” mentality. Where we show up to be noticed in our new dress, or to bring attention to ourselves in some way.
And in doing that we miss the whole point of being Christian. We miss the one who can help; we miss out on a lot because we focus on ourselves.
So what am I trying to say…. “Get over yourself”
I want you to know I am not picking on any one person. I am not singling you out in any way, but…. Some of you will be convicted with some of the stuff that is said. Some of you may feel it is directed right at you, that is a God thing. And if he speaks to you through this and to your heart, ACT on IT! Change. Modify your behavior to be God’s instrument.
Basically how the “normal” human being acts is one of selfishness. It is all about “me”.
From friends we have just because they think we’re cool and build us up.
Maybe it is ways we act to get attention for ourselves. (whether it is good attention or bad, I don’t think it matters these days as long as your name is known for something.)
This all about me mentality is funny. It is funny because for the majority of us we say we love God and follow His ways.
Romans 12:10 says:
10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
How many of us act that way on a regular basis? Not many. Generally the mentality is honor myself and everyone else can take care of themselves. That is sad.
Ephesians 4:2 says:
2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Hebrews 10:24 says:
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
We are ok with the Hebrews quote as long as we add the ending that we remain above them in stature and importance.
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. “and let us remain more popular, better off and above them..”
A lot of times we are more like Cain, than Abel.
1 John 3:11 describes this for us:
11This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous. 13Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. 14We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
We don’t like to put others above ourselves because that makes us vulnerable. We don’t want anyone in front of us because that means we have to depend on someone other than ourselves, and that is scary.
It is for that same reason we suppress God even below us in importance, because that requires faith and trust.
A school teacher lost her life savings in a business scheme that had been elaborately explained by a swindler. When her investment disappeared and her dream was shattered, she went to the Better Business Bureau. "Why on earth didn't you come to us first?" the official asked. "Didn't you know about the Better Business Bureau?" "Oh, yes," said the lady sadly. "I've always known about you. But I didn't come because I was afraid you'd tell me not to do it." The folly of human nature is that even though we know where the answers lie--God's Word--we don't turn there for fear of what it will say.
Jerry Lambert.
We know what we’re supposed to do. We know how we’re supposed to live but we don’t for fear of what that would mean to us.
Instead we think it is good to stand out for the wrong reasons….just because we need that attention.
For example:
Who can make the biggest disruption to get the most attention
(Whether that is at school, or at church. )
Who can be the biggest rebel (anyone ever wanted to be a rebel? You know have the bad boy or bad girl connotation?)
some examples of this:
§ “Yeah me and my boyfriend went all the way.”
End result: “Yeah my boyfriend just used me and we broke up.” or
“I’m pregnant”
Both end results are apart from what God wants for your life. Both miss the mark.
Both are results of selfish motives.
Both end in pain and anguish
How about:
§ “I snuck out of my house and went to that party.”
End result: “yeah, I got drunk and I’m really not sure what I did last night”
“well I got in trouble when I got back and my parents found out”
Both results end in broken trust. When you disobey your parents or an adult for
§ “I snuck out of my house and went to that party.”
End result: “yeah, I got drunk and I’m really not sure what I did last night”
“well I got in trouble when I got back and my parents found out”
Both results end in broken trust. When you disobey your parents or an adult for
selfish reasons, trust is broken. Once trust is broken the one who has broken the trust
has the responsibility to rebuild it.
How about:
§ “Yeah well my MySpace is trashier than yours.”
End result: “people keep calling me trashy”
“weird guys keep hitting on me on MySpace”
The results are because of your actions. You act trashy; sooner or later you’ll be called trash. If you don’t want to attract flies, quit acting like trash.
Some people are under the misconception that hey can act one way around church and another away from it. You can. You can if you have no real relationship with Christ.
Some people talk to me one way, whether that’s in person or on MySpace, and then use different language around others or even on their MySpace. You can. You can if you’re fake. You can if you don’t have a clue what God expects or wants with your life.
Revelation 3:15-17
15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
So what do we do? Well first of all we suck it up. We decide what we want and what we believe. Then we look at some Biblical examples of people who were not about themselves but were open to God’s direction:
God uses the people we would least expect.
12 disciple’s à ordinary people but they followed Jesus, wholeheartedly.
David à youngest of his family and smallest in size. He was called a man after God’s own heart.
Gideon à least of his people, smallest tribe, smallest family in size and stature. Was a great leader and warrior for God.
None of them looked for themselves. All of them sought God in all they did. They weren’t in the relationship for selfish reasons.
As Christian’s we’re not suppose to pull attention to ourselves. We’re supposed to direct attention to God. We are merely called to be mirrors. And we all are mirrors.
§ “Yeah well my MySpace is trashier than yours.”
End result: “people keep calling me trashy”
“weird guys keep hitting on me on MySpace”
The results are because of your actions. You act trashy; sooner or later you’ll be called trash. If you don’t want to attract flies, quit acting like trash.
Some people are under the misconception that hey can act one way around church and another away from it. You can. You can if you have no real relationship with Christ.
Some people talk to me one way, whether that’s in person or on MySpace, and then use different language around others or even on their MySpace. You can. You can if you’re fake. You can if you don’t have a clue what God expects or wants with your life.
Revelation 3:15-17
15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
So what do we do? Well first of all we suck it up. We decide what we want and what we believe. Then we look at some Biblical examples of people who were not about themselves but were open to God’s direction:
God uses the people we would least expect.
12 disciple’s à ordinary people but they followed Jesus, wholeheartedly.
David à youngest of his family and smallest in size. He was called a man after God’s own heart.
Gideon à least of his people, smallest tribe, smallest family in size and stature. Was a great leader and warrior for God.
None of them looked for themselves. All of them sought God in all they did. They weren’t in the relationship for selfish reasons.
As Christian’s we’re not suppose to pull attention to ourselves. We’re supposed to direct attention to God. We are merely called to be mirrors. And we all are mirrors.
But what does your life reflect?
2 Corinthians 5:17
17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17
17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Friday, January 5, 2007
The first blog.
In light of events that have transpired in recent days i thought long and hard about what my first offering would be. Well here it is. I once taught this to a group of teens, of whom i love very much. I thought it was very appropriate for me right now.
We will all have pain and suffering in our lives due to the words and deeds of others.
So in those moments, in those low times, what should our response be?
What should we do?
We should "Build a Bridge"
You’ve heard of the Panama Canal. But long before there was a Panama Canal there was a Panama Railroad. A case could be made that it was the most difficult railroad built anywhere at any time. Built in 1850 at the height of the California gold rush, it was the first ocean-to ocean railroad, its completion predating the Union Pacific by fourteen years.
Mile for mile it also appears to have cost more in dollars and human life than any railroad ever built…
The surveys made by its builders produced important geographic revelations that had direct bearing on the decision to build the Panama Canal along the same route...
Still, the simple fact that it was built remains the overriding wonder, given the astonishing difficulties that had to be overcome and the means at hand in the 1850’s. Present day engineers who had experience in jungle construction wonder how in the world it was ever managed…
It is almost inconceivable…that the railroad survey—just the survey—could have been made by a comparative handful of men who had no proper equipment for topographic reconnaissance (no helicopters, no aerial photography), no modern machines, nor the least understanding of the causes of malaria or yellow fever.
There was no such thing as an insect repellent, no bulldozers, no chain saws, no canned goods, not one reliable map…
The original line was five foot, or broad, gauge, and it was built as hurriedly and cheaply as circumstances would allow…. Still, this one little stretch of track took nearly five years to build and cost $8 million, which averages out to a little less than ten miles a year and an unheard-of $168,000 per mile.
Part of the construction problem can be appreciated in a single statistic. In those forty-seven and a half miles it was necessary to build 170 bridges of more than twelve feet each in length.
David McCullough, Brave Companions (New York: Touchstone, 1992), 90.
The people who worked on the Panama Railroad built 170 bridges why?
- To get where they needed to be.
They faced a lot of struggles and had to go over a lot of difficult areas to get where they needed to be.
They faced a lot of opposition, from lack of proper equipment to the environment they had to work in. But the pressed on and got where they needed to be.
Does anyone know where we need to be as Christians?
We need to be unified with others and with Christ.
Romans 15:5-6
5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A lot of times in our walk we aren’t unified but we are divisive.
Why would we as everyday people ever need to build a bridge?
You are human.
I am human.
I am pretty sure everyone reading this is human. And if you are human, I guarantee you are going to mess something up.
You are going to let someone down, you are going to hurt someone’s feelings, and you are going to say or do something that is not very wise.
The fact of the matter is we are all human and make mistakes.
Some more, some less, but we all do it.
At one point or another you have let someone down.
Your parents, your friends, your co-workers, God.
We all do it. We fail.
Sometimes we learn.
And if we don’t learn then we fail again in exactly the same way.
For those that learn we get to fail in new ways.
We have all screwed up.
When we mess up people get hurt and we need to seek their forgiveness. We need to turn from what we did and seek the other person’s forgiveness.
We need to go to that person and start repairing that relationship. Start building a bridge back where it used to be.
A couple married for 15 years began having more than usual disagreements. They wanted to make their marriage work and agreed on an idea the wife had.
For one month they planned to drop a slip in a "Fault" box.
The boxes would provide a place to let the other know about daily irritations.
The wife was diligent in her efforts and approach: "leaving the jelly top off the jar," "wet towels on the shower floor," "dirty socks not in hamper," on and on until the end of the month.
After dinner, at the end of the month, they exchanged boxes. The husband reflected on what he had done wrong.
Then the wife opened her box and began reading. They were all the same, the message on each slip was, "I love you!"
Let’s face it. As faulty as we are in these human bodies, every time you turn around, you are going to have to build another bridge. Bridges cost. They cost money and time.
But it is worth the time and the effort if we want to live the abundant life that God has for us on this Earth.
Think about it…when someone wrongs you or you are the one that wronged someone, think of the emotions that can result:
Anger - doesn’t benefit us at all. In fact it can make the situation only worse not better
Stress - doesn’t help much. Makes us feel like we want to throw up, but that is about it. All we have to
show for stress is what we ate earlier and an ulcer.
Worry – Who of us by worrying adds a single day to their lives? (that almost sounds biblical)
Anxiety – Get you some gray hair early. Be anxious for nothing.
All those emotions that come do us really no good.
We need to move on, we need to move forward, we need to build a bridge and get over it.
You might say well I would get over it easier if they would just say they are sorry. Well the cold hard facts are that there are people in this world who refuse to say they’re sorry.
They never admit to any wrong doing, nor will they probably ever. What do you do with people like that?
You pray for them first. You pray that God would open their eyes. Then you move on, move forward, you build a bridge and get over it.
So a couple of hints for you when it comes to forgiveness:
- First of all if you are a God-fearing person. Seek forgiveness when you screw-up.
Make steps to rebuild the relationship you hurt by your wrongdoing.
We talk about changing the world, but no one wants to change themselves.
We have to be willing to do a little work to be where God wants us to be. Our sinful self needs a little discipline and we need to mature. We need to change ourselves.
- Secondly, if you have been wronged, talk to the person and point out how they hurt you. They may not even know they did anything wrong.
If they repent then forgive them and rebuild that relationship.
Luke 17:3-4
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."
Mark Twain said, “Forgiveness is the fragrance that the flower leaves on the heel of the one who crushed it.”
Andy Stanley said, “If you are a Christian, you are not expected to treat others the way you’ve been treated by others; you have been called to treat people the way you have been treated by your Father in heaven. You don’t forgive because the other person deserves it; you forgive because you have been forgiven.”
If the person that hurt you doesn’t repent…build a bridge, forgive them anyway and move on.
o Make sure not to put yourself in that situation again. Don’t set yourself up to re-enact the pain and anguish you went through again.
Our example in building this bridge is Christ….He was a carpenter (knew a little about building)
If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator; If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist; If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist; If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer; But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.
We’re told in
Philippians 2:5
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus
So we need to have a Christ-like attitude in all that we do, especially when it comes to forgiveness.
Psalm 103:12
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Think about that. That’s pretty far. How often do we bring up stuff that we should have moved past?
Matthew 18:21-22
21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Christ was mocked, spit on and crucified, and His words were “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”
He built that bridge for us.
He forgave us when we didn’t even deserve it.
Kind of humbling isn’t it.
Forgiveness takes work. Forgiveness takes effort.
We will have to build many bridges in our lifetime. Similar to the Panama Railroad. Not sure how many you will have to build. Bridges cost time and money, but in the end people will be amazed at your life and your example. People will be amazed at your passion in pursuing God and the Unity in Him. All the while living a life with your attitude and behavior that points others straight to Christ.
So let’s all have the spirit of unity that was spoken of in Romans 15. And if something gets in the way, let’s all just “Build a Bridge and get over it.”
In light of events that have transpired in recent days i thought long and hard about what my first offering would be. Well here it is. I once taught this to a group of teens, of whom i love very much. I thought it was very appropriate for me right now.
We will all have pain and suffering in our lives due to the words and deeds of others.
So in those moments, in those low times, what should our response be?
What should we do?
We should "Build a Bridge"
You’ve heard of the Panama Canal. But long before there was a Panama Canal there was a Panama Railroad. A case could be made that it was the most difficult railroad built anywhere at any time. Built in 1850 at the height of the California gold rush, it was the first ocean-to ocean railroad, its completion predating the Union Pacific by fourteen years.
Mile for mile it also appears to have cost more in dollars and human life than any railroad ever built…
The surveys made by its builders produced important geographic revelations that had direct bearing on the decision to build the Panama Canal along the same route...
Still, the simple fact that it was built remains the overriding wonder, given the astonishing difficulties that had to be overcome and the means at hand in the 1850’s. Present day engineers who had experience in jungle construction wonder how in the world it was ever managed…
It is almost inconceivable…that the railroad survey—just the survey—could have been made by a comparative handful of men who had no proper equipment for topographic reconnaissance (no helicopters, no aerial photography), no modern machines, nor the least understanding of the causes of malaria or yellow fever.
There was no such thing as an insect repellent, no bulldozers, no chain saws, no canned goods, not one reliable map…
The original line was five foot, or broad, gauge, and it was built as hurriedly and cheaply as circumstances would allow…. Still, this one little stretch of track took nearly five years to build and cost $8 million, which averages out to a little less than ten miles a year and an unheard-of $168,000 per mile.
Part of the construction problem can be appreciated in a single statistic. In those forty-seven and a half miles it was necessary to build 170 bridges of more than twelve feet each in length.
David McCullough, Brave Companions (New York: Touchstone, 1992), 90.
The people who worked on the Panama Railroad built 170 bridges why?
- To get where they needed to be.
They faced a lot of struggles and had to go over a lot of difficult areas to get where they needed to be.
They faced a lot of opposition, from lack of proper equipment to the environment they had to work in. But the pressed on and got where they needed to be.
Does anyone know where we need to be as Christians?
We need to be unified with others and with Christ.
Romans 15:5-6
5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A lot of times in our walk we aren’t unified but we are divisive.
Why would we as everyday people ever need to build a bridge?
You are human.
I am human.
I am pretty sure everyone reading this is human. And if you are human, I guarantee you are going to mess something up.
You are going to let someone down, you are going to hurt someone’s feelings, and you are going to say or do something that is not very wise.
The fact of the matter is we are all human and make mistakes.
Some more, some less, but we all do it.
At one point or another you have let someone down.
Your parents, your friends, your co-workers, God.
We all do it. We fail.
Sometimes we learn.
And if we don’t learn then we fail again in exactly the same way.
For those that learn we get to fail in new ways.
We have all screwed up.
When we mess up people get hurt and we need to seek their forgiveness. We need to turn from what we did and seek the other person’s forgiveness.
We need to go to that person and start repairing that relationship. Start building a bridge back where it used to be.
A couple married for 15 years began having more than usual disagreements. They wanted to make their marriage work and agreed on an idea the wife had.
For one month they planned to drop a slip in a "Fault" box.
The boxes would provide a place to let the other know about daily irritations.
The wife was diligent in her efforts and approach: "leaving the jelly top off the jar," "wet towels on the shower floor," "dirty socks not in hamper," on and on until the end of the month.
After dinner, at the end of the month, they exchanged boxes. The husband reflected on what he had done wrong.
Then the wife opened her box and began reading. They were all the same, the message on each slip was, "I love you!"
Let’s face it. As faulty as we are in these human bodies, every time you turn around, you are going to have to build another bridge. Bridges cost. They cost money and time.
But it is worth the time and the effort if we want to live the abundant life that God has for us on this Earth.
Think about it…when someone wrongs you or you are the one that wronged someone, think of the emotions that can result:
Anger - doesn’t benefit us at all. In fact it can make the situation only worse not better
Stress - doesn’t help much. Makes us feel like we want to throw up, but that is about it. All we have to
show for stress is what we ate earlier and an ulcer.
Worry – Who of us by worrying adds a single day to their lives? (that almost sounds biblical)
Anxiety – Get you some gray hair early. Be anxious for nothing.
All those emotions that come do us really no good.
We need to move on, we need to move forward, we need to build a bridge and get over it.
You might say well I would get over it easier if they would just say they are sorry. Well the cold hard facts are that there are people in this world who refuse to say they’re sorry.
They never admit to any wrong doing, nor will they probably ever. What do you do with people like that?
You pray for them first. You pray that God would open their eyes. Then you move on, move forward, you build a bridge and get over it.
So a couple of hints for you when it comes to forgiveness:
- First of all if you are a God-fearing person. Seek forgiveness when you screw-up.
Make steps to rebuild the relationship you hurt by your wrongdoing.
We talk about changing the world, but no one wants to change themselves.
We have to be willing to do a little work to be where God wants us to be. Our sinful self needs a little discipline and we need to mature. We need to change ourselves.
- Secondly, if you have been wronged, talk to the person and point out how they hurt you. They may not even know they did anything wrong.
If they repent then forgive them and rebuild that relationship.
Luke 17:3-4
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."
Mark Twain said, “Forgiveness is the fragrance that the flower leaves on the heel of the one who crushed it.”
Andy Stanley said, “If you are a Christian, you are not expected to treat others the way you’ve been treated by others; you have been called to treat people the way you have been treated by your Father in heaven. You don’t forgive because the other person deserves it; you forgive because you have been forgiven.”
If the person that hurt you doesn’t repent…build a bridge, forgive them anyway and move on.
o Make sure not to put yourself in that situation again. Don’t set yourself up to re-enact the pain and anguish you went through again.
Our example in building this bridge is Christ….He was a carpenter (knew a little about building)
If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator; If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist; If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist; If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer; But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.
We’re told in
Philippians 2:5
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus
So we need to have a Christ-like attitude in all that we do, especially when it comes to forgiveness.
Psalm 103:12
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Think about that. That’s pretty far. How often do we bring up stuff that we should have moved past?
Matthew 18:21-22
21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Christ was mocked, spit on and crucified, and His words were “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”
He built that bridge for us.
He forgave us when we didn’t even deserve it.
Kind of humbling isn’t it.
Forgiveness takes work. Forgiveness takes effort.
We will have to build many bridges in our lifetime. Similar to the Panama Railroad. Not sure how many you will have to build. Bridges cost time and money, but in the end people will be amazed at your life and your example. People will be amazed at your passion in pursuing God and the Unity in Him. All the while living a life with your attitude and behavior that points others straight to Christ.
So let’s all have the spirit of unity that was spoken of in Romans 15. And if something gets in the way, let’s all just “Build a Bridge and get over it.”
Monday, January 1, 2007
Welcome to my blogger
Hello all in response to highly technical computer savvy (insert big words here) happenings, I have now decided to begin posting on this blogger page rather than on my myspace page. So feel free to drop me a line, let me know what's going on or post random pictures/messages. Much love
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