Friday, October 29, 2010
Urgency
So as I have said, I am reading Josh McDowell's book "The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict." I am reading it for a few reasons. The main one however is so I can "be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks [me] a reason for the hope that is in [me]..." (1 Peter 3:15). I find it extremely aggrivating when someone tries to argue against Christianity and the existence of God when they have done absolutely no research or investigations of their own to support their theories. Though I have witnessed God's hand in my own life and the life of others far too many times to deny His existence, I want to make sure I am practicing what I preach, So here in lies my main reason for reading this book. Just reading the first chapter of the book makes me sit in complete amazement that people are actually capable of denying God's existence! Biology alone is evidence enough. If one thing were off in the "chemical elements of which all organic bodies are made", even by a fraction, we could never have existed. Even further, the distance between the Earth and the sun; "Only a certain kind of star with a planet just the right distance from the star would provide the necessary conditions for life." The probability of all this happening by chance is highly unlikely. This guy goes on and on with incredible points that feed my assurance of God's existence. People are so unwilling to accept that there is a God, that they refuse to even take the time to investigate their beliefs and validify them. Rather they choose what works best with what THEY want and go on about their lives. The scary thing with that is that all evidence points to God's existence, which means, even though people choose not to recognize it, the Truth of it is still there. So when our lives come to an end, the reality of eternity will also be there. The more I grow in my walk with the Lord, the more my sense of urgency for the lost grows. I have become more and more open and bold in my Faith, ( if you haven't noticed ;) ) because the severity in the consequences of a life without Christ are detrimental. We die without Christ, we live in Hell for eternity. Yet we Christians are so scared of offending, or too busy with our lives, or too caught up in the fluffy feel good side of Christianity that we neglect our whole purpose here on earth. We arent here to accept Christ into our hearts and keep it to ourselves, we are here to share Christ's love with everyone around us. Our place in eternity is secure, but what about those we love? those we work with? heck, even those we don't particulary like? If they die tomorrow, have we shared the Truth of the Gospel with them? if not, then their blood is on our hands too. Paul wasnt timid about his faith, he was loud and direct, and by all means persistent. The man was beaten and in chains for teaching about Christ, and yet from his chains he ministered to those in prison with him and wrote letters to the cities he had helped lead to Christ. Jesus' brother James, who became a believer AFTER Christ's death, was thrown from the temple to his death for teaching about Jesus, and yet upon his fall, he managed to get up on his knees and pray for those that had thrown him! Then he was stoned to death by the very people he prayed for. Makes for a serious call to action as we sit in our warm comfy houses enjoying the incredible gift of life by ourselves now doesnt it? let me tell you, I sure feel lousy, and I pray God helps light a fire under my butt to share His Truth, His love, because I'm not promised tomorrow either.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
New Evidence that Demands a Verdict
I am reading through Josh McDowell's book New Evidence that Demands a Verdict... and since it is incredibly LONG, i just want to share key points that stick out to me throughout it....so here's todays! :)
*Faith, contrary to popular belief, is NOT a blind leap..."Faith in Christianity is based on evidence. It is reasonable faith. Faith in the Christian sense goes beyond reason but not against it...Faith is the assurance of the heart in the adequcy of the evidence."
* "A basic definition of history for me is ' a knowledge of the past based on testimony'." If you dont agree, then I ask, "Do you believe Lincoln lived and was president of the United States?" If so, then I believe it is safe to say niether you, myself, or anyone else we have known has ever personally seen or observed Lincoln right?The only way one knows about his existence is by testimony, physical, verbal and written.
* To tolerate, by definition, does not mean we should accept eachothers beliefs... New World Dictionary of English defines it as " to recognize and respect [other's beliefs, practices, and so forth] without sharing them," and " to bear or put up with [someone or something no especially liked]". The misconception today is that truth is inclusive, that it gathers under its wings claims that oppose each other. The fact however, is that all truth is exclusive --at least to some degree-- for it must exclude as false that which is not true.
* In reference to people accusing Christians of being close-minded..." But are we to remain open-minded when all reason says that there can be only one conclusion?...One should never remain open to a second alternative when only one can be true." It is the person who disbelieves in the face of strong evidence supporting Christianity who is really intolerant and close-minded.
* Norman Geisler points out that, "If Truth is relative, then no one is ever wrong--even when they are.As long as something is true to me, then I'm right even when I'm wrong.The drawback is that I could never learn anything either, because learning is moving from a false belief to a true one--that is, from an absolutely false belief to an absolutely true one."
*It will be seen that minds do not create truth or falsehood. They create beliefs, but when once the beliefs are created, the mind cannot make them true or false. What makes a belief true is a fact, and this fact does not (except in exceptional cases) in any way involve the mind of the person who has the belief."
* Mortimer Adler states, "The truth or falsity of a statement derives from its relation to the ascertainable facts, not from its relation to the judgments that human beings make. I may affirm as a true statement that is in fact false. You may deny as false a statement that is in fact true. My affirmation and your denial in no way alter or affect the truth or falsity of the statement that you and I have wrongly judged.. We do not make statements true or false by affirming or denying them. They have truth or falsity regardless of what we think, what opinions we hold, what judgments we make."
* When there is no objective truth, then there is nothing that is wrong. What most people would consider abhorent ( for example, murder, stealing, and, in the past, lying) must now be accepted because it is acceptable to some people."
* "A person could neither function nor live very long if he consistently acted as though truth were a matter of perspective rather than objective reality. He would bounce checks if only "to him" his bank account had money, he'd drink poison if only "to him" it was lemonade, he'd fall through the thin ice if it was thick "to him", or get hit by a bus if "to him" it was nto moving.To a person that wants to function effectively in the world, the objective correspondence of truth to reality must matter in some sense."
*Faith, contrary to popular belief, is NOT a blind leap..."Faith in Christianity is based on evidence. It is reasonable faith. Faith in the Christian sense goes beyond reason but not against it...Faith is the assurance of the heart in the adequcy of the evidence."
* "A basic definition of history for me is ' a knowledge of the past based on testimony'." If you dont agree, then I ask, "Do you believe Lincoln lived and was president of the United States?" If so, then I believe it is safe to say niether you, myself, or anyone else we have known has ever personally seen or observed Lincoln right?The only way one knows about his existence is by testimony, physical, verbal and written.
* To tolerate, by definition, does not mean we should accept eachothers beliefs... New World Dictionary of English defines it as " to recognize and respect [other's beliefs, practices, and so forth] without sharing them," and " to bear or put up with [someone or something no especially liked]". The misconception today is that truth is inclusive, that it gathers under its wings claims that oppose each other. The fact however, is that all truth is exclusive --at least to some degree-- for it must exclude as false that which is not true.
* In reference to people accusing Christians of being close-minded..." But are we to remain open-minded when all reason says that there can be only one conclusion?...One should never remain open to a second alternative when only one can be true." It is the person who disbelieves in the face of strong evidence supporting Christianity who is really intolerant and close-minded.
* Norman Geisler points out that, "If Truth is relative, then no one is ever wrong--even when they are.As long as something is true to me, then I'm right even when I'm wrong.The drawback is that I could never learn anything either, because learning is moving from a false belief to a true one--that is, from an absolutely false belief to an absolutely true one."
*It will be seen that minds do not create truth or falsehood. They create beliefs, but when once the beliefs are created, the mind cannot make them true or false. What makes a belief true is a fact, and this fact does not (except in exceptional cases) in any way involve the mind of the person who has the belief."
* Mortimer Adler states, "The truth or falsity of a statement derives from its relation to the ascertainable facts, not from its relation to the judgments that human beings make. I may affirm as a true statement that is in fact false. You may deny as false a statement that is in fact true. My affirmation and your denial in no way alter or affect the truth or falsity of the statement that you and I have wrongly judged.. We do not make statements true or false by affirming or denying them. They have truth or falsity regardless of what we think, what opinions we hold, what judgments we make."
* When there is no objective truth, then there is nothing that is wrong. What most people would consider abhorent ( for example, murder, stealing, and, in the past, lying) must now be accepted because it is acceptable to some people."
* "A person could neither function nor live very long if he consistently acted as though truth were a matter of perspective rather than objective reality. He would bounce checks if only "to him" his bank account had money, he'd drink poison if only "to him" it was lemonade, he'd fall through the thin ice if it was thick "to him", or get hit by a bus if "to him" it was nto moving.To a person that wants to function effectively in the world, the objective correspondence of truth to reality must matter in some sense."
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sexual Temptation
I just wrapped up reading Living Above the Level of Mediocrity....EXCELLENT study, I deifnitely recommend it! With that said, this will be my last exerpt from that book, I thought this was an awesome comparison....
Referring to the story of Samson and Delilah:
It is important to understand that Samson's attraction to the woman's looks was not unique to him. The way men and women are drawn to each other is different, as Dr. James Dobson explains:
First, men are primarily excited by visual stimulation...Women, by contrast, are much less visually oriented than men...Second,(and much more important), men are not very discriminating in regard to the person living within an exciting body. A man can walk down a street and be stimulated by a scantily clad female who simmies past him, even though he kows nothing about her personality or values or mental capabilities. He is attracted by the body itself...Women are much more discriminating in their sexual interests. They less commonly become excited by observing a good-looking charmer...;rather, their desire is usually focused on a particular individual whom they respect and admire...Obviously, there are exceptions to these characteristic desires, but the fact remains: sex for men is a more physical thing; sex for women is a deeply emotional experience."
Knowing this, men, can help you develop a more precise and powerful strategy against temptation--both in what you are tempted by and in how you may tempt women. And women, understanding these differences can help you ease a man's battle with the visually enticing--especially in the way you dress--as well as keep you from being tempted by a charmers touch.
C.S. Lewis could have summed up Samson's mistake when he wrote:
"The monstrosity of sexual intercourse outside marriage is that those who indulge in it are trying to isolate one kind of union (the sexual) from all the other kinds of union which were intended to go along with it and make up the total union. The Christian attitude does not mean that there is anyhting wrong about sexual pleasure, anymore than about the pleasure of eating. It means you must not isolate that pleasure and try to get it by itself, anymore than you ought to try to get the pleasures of taste without swallowing and digesting, by chewing things and spitting them out again."
Samson's preoccupation with physical pleasure is one our society shares--in fact, its gratification has virtually become a national pastime. Lewis noted:
"There is nothing to be ashamed of in enjoying your food: there would be everything to be ashamed of if half the world made food the main interest of their lives and spent their time looking at pictures of food and dribbling and smacking their lips."
love love love this :)
Referring to the story of Samson and Delilah:
It is important to understand that Samson's attraction to the woman's looks was not unique to him. The way men and women are drawn to each other is different, as Dr. James Dobson explains:
First, men are primarily excited by visual stimulation...Women, by contrast, are much less visually oriented than men...Second,(and much more important), men are not very discriminating in regard to the person living within an exciting body. A man can walk down a street and be stimulated by a scantily clad female who simmies past him, even though he kows nothing about her personality or values or mental capabilities. He is attracted by the body itself...Women are much more discriminating in their sexual interests. They less commonly become excited by observing a good-looking charmer...;rather, their desire is usually focused on a particular individual whom they respect and admire...Obviously, there are exceptions to these characteristic desires, but the fact remains: sex for men is a more physical thing; sex for women is a deeply emotional experience."
Knowing this, men, can help you develop a more precise and powerful strategy against temptation--both in what you are tempted by and in how you may tempt women. And women, understanding these differences can help you ease a man's battle with the visually enticing--especially in the way you dress--as well as keep you from being tempted by a charmers touch.
C.S. Lewis could have summed up Samson's mistake when he wrote:
"The monstrosity of sexual intercourse outside marriage is that those who indulge in it are trying to isolate one kind of union (the sexual) from all the other kinds of union which were intended to go along with it and make up the total union. The Christian attitude does not mean that there is anyhting wrong about sexual pleasure, anymore than about the pleasure of eating. It means you must not isolate that pleasure and try to get it by itself, anymore than you ought to try to get the pleasures of taste without swallowing and digesting, by chewing things and spitting them out again."
Samson's preoccupation with physical pleasure is one our society shares--in fact, its gratification has virtually become a national pastime. Lewis noted:
"There is nothing to be ashamed of in enjoying your food: there would be everything to be ashamed of if half the world made food the main interest of their lives and spent their time looking at pictures of food and dribbling and smacking their lips."
love love love this :)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Standing Firm When Discouraged
This was part of my devotions this morning, and I thought it was a great one to share!
From the Bible study Living Above the Level of mediocrity: By Charles Swindoll
Getting out of the Well of Discouragement
Five principles emerge in the account of Israel's deliverance that can serve as ropes to lift us from the depths of discouragement.
Openly Acknowledge What Caused Your Condition
Through an unnamed prophet, God gave Israel a direct answer regarding what had caused the nation to fall into the well:
"And I said to you, 'I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live. But you have not obeyed Me.'" (Judges 6:10)
In a word: disobedience. But owning up to their sin, the Israelites took the first step toward climbing out of the well. However, not all who stumbled into that well were there because of disobedience. Gideon, for one, had followed the Lord and kept to the straight and narrow path of obedience. But doubts arose in his mind when he coultn reconcile his circumstances with his faith:
"Then Gideon said to [the Angel of the Lord], 'O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about saying, 'Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.'" (Judges 6:13)
With a mandate of hope, the Lord began to dispel Gideon's doubts and discouragement:
"The Lord looked at him and said, ' Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?' He said to Him, 'O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father's house.' But the Lord said to him, 'Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man." (Judges 6:14-16)
Focus Directly on the Lord, not on the Odds against You
Responding with faith and committment, Gideon built an altar to dedicate himself to the task of delivering Israel:
"Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The Lord is Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites." (Judges 6:24)
The next time we see Gideon, he is alone, outnumbered, and opposed -- in a discouraging situation--but standing firm, nevertheless. (Judges 6:33-35)
Declare Your Allegiance Publicly
When the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, Gideon summoned the troops with a trumpet call ( v.34). God honored his public declaration of allegiance, and the troops rallied behind him. Have you made it known to others where you stand? You may not always be met with acceptance and support, but the trumpet of your testimony must be sounded if you are to gain any degree of victory.
Remember that God Prefers to Work through a Remnant
God does His best work, it seems, when those who serve Him are fewer than those against Him. Note His rationale for paring down the troops to fight the Midianites:
"The Lord said to Gideon, 'The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying 'My own power has delivered me'. " (Judges 7:2)
Bolt by bolt, God radically cut the fabric of Israel's army until at last, only a 300 man swatch remained (Judges 7:3-8). In His divine stich work, God prefers working with remnants. The first church was led by a remnant of 12, and the Reformation was spearheaded by a scrap of pastors. Doubtless, the situaion you're in at school, at work, in your neighborhood, renders you a minority also; But remember, thats one of God's favorite ways to work. So be encouraged--you are in good company!
Do not Accept the Glory after God uses You
God used Gideon in a miraculous way to deliver Israel from the Midianites (v. 9-25). Victorious, the Israelites experienced not only peace, but prosperity as well. For the first time in years, they had roofs over their heads and food on their plates. To express their gratitude, they offered Gideon the monarchy:
"Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, 'Rule over us, both you and your son, also your son's son, for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian." ( Judges 8:22)
It would haev been so easy for the valiant warrior to ride the wave of his military success to the lush shores of fame and fortune. But examine his unselfish response:
"I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you: The Lord shall rule over you." (v.23)
A Concluding Application
At any given time, we are choosing to focus on one of four things: our circumstances, others, ourselves, or the Lord. When outnumbered, Gideon refused to focus on his circumstances. And when victorious against overwhelming odds, he refused to shine the spotlight on himself. Instead he gave the glory to the Lord. An eagle's eyes are amazingly keen. On a clear day, an eagle can spot a dead fish on the surface of a lake five miles away. That's focus! If we're ever to stand firm in the midst of discouragement, we have to develop spiritual eyesight with similar clarity and concentration--even if we're the only bird in the flock to have it.
Have you ever known such deep discouragement as the oppressed Israelites? Have you ever felt as if you were dropped into a well of insurmountable circumstances and left there to die? Maybe you're at the bottom of such a well right now.
Rather than have you name it, answer questions about it, or write a mini essay dealing with youre action plan to overcome this discouragement, we would humbly and softly suggest something else. Find a quiet , private place, and look up to the Lord, as the Israelites did, and cry out to HIm for help.
Unburden your heart to Him, sharing not just the particulars of your circumstances but how desperate, sad, angry, or disheartened you feel. Let His presence and care remind you that you are not alone in this.
"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From whence shall my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither sleep nor slumber." (Psalm 121:1-4)
Gideons are as scarce today as ever, but God still prizes people who stand firmly, focused on Him in the face of discouragement. He looks for people who will "stand in the gap" as He told the prophet Ezekiel,
"I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one." (Ezekiel 22:30)
Our world, too, stands perilously close to destruction. Wars sprout and hang on with all the noxious tenacity of weeds. The powerful few feed on the starving many to satisfy their greed and lust. There's corruptin, oppression, pollution, and persecution. Global warming could jsut as well refer to the heating up of hatred and burtal selfishness as much as anyhting else.
but we dont need to circle the globe to see we're in trouble, do we? The sphere of our own worlds holds enough evidence through the violence, heartbreak, and dispair we read about and know firsthand.
Could you be the Gideon for whom God searches? The one to stand in the gap in your family, school, business, neighborhood,city? What is it you think God would have you do to make an impact for the kingdom?
From the Bible study Living Above the Level of mediocrity: By Charles Swindoll
Getting out of the Well of Discouragement
Five principles emerge in the account of Israel's deliverance that can serve as ropes to lift us from the depths of discouragement.
Openly Acknowledge What Caused Your Condition
Through an unnamed prophet, God gave Israel a direct answer regarding what had caused the nation to fall into the well:
"And I said to you, 'I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live. But you have not obeyed Me.'" (Judges 6:10)
In a word: disobedience. But owning up to their sin, the Israelites took the first step toward climbing out of the well. However, not all who stumbled into that well were there because of disobedience. Gideon, for one, had followed the Lord and kept to the straight and narrow path of obedience. But doubts arose in his mind when he coultn reconcile his circumstances with his faith:
"Then Gideon said to [the Angel of the Lord], 'O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about saying, 'Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.'" (Judges 6:13)
With a mandate of hope, the Lord began to dispel Gideon's doubts and discouragement:
"The Lord looked at him and said, ' Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?' He said to Him, 'O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father's house.' But the Lord said to him, 'Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man." (Judges 6:14-16)
Focus Directly on the Lord, not on the Odds against You
Responding with faith and committment, Gideon built an altar to dedicate himself to the task of delivering Israel:
"Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The Lord is Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites." (Judges 6:24)
The next time we see Gideon, he is alone, outnumbered, and opposed -- in a discouraging situation--but standing firm, nevertheless. (Judges 6:33-35)
Declare Your Allegiance Publicly
When the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, Gideon summoned the troops with a trumpet call ( v.34). God honored his public declaration of allegiance, and the troops rallied behind him. Have you made it known to others where you stand? You may not always be met with acceptance and support, but the trumpet of your testimony must be sounded if you are to gain any degree of victory.
Remember that God Prefers to Work through a Remnant
God does His best work, it seems, when those who serve Him are fewer than those against Him. Note His rationale for paring down the troops to fight the Midianites:
"The Lord said to Gideon, 'The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying 'My own power has delivered me'. " (Judges 7:2)
Bolt by bolt, God radically cut the fabric of Israel's army until at last, only a 300 man swatch remained (Judges 7:3-8). In His divine stich work, God prefers working with remnants. The first church was led by a remnant of 12, and the Reformation was spearheaded by a scrap of pastors. Doubtless, the situaion you're in at school, at work, in your neighborhood, renders you a minority also; But remember, thats one of God's favorite ways to work. So be encouraged--you are in good company!
Do not Accept the Glory after God uses You
God used Gideon in a miraculous way to deliver Israel from the Midianites (v. 9-25). Victorious, the Israelites experienced not only peace, but prosperity as well. For the first time in years, they had roofs over their heads and food on their plates. To express their gratitude, they offered Gideon the monarchy:
"Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, 'Rule over us, both you and your son, also your son's son, for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian." ( Judges 8:22)
It would haev been so easy for the valiant warrior to ride the wave of his military success to the lush shores of fame and fortune. But examine his unselfish response:
"I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you: The Lord shall rule over you." (v.23)
A Concluding Application
At any given time, we are choosing to focus on one of four things: our circumstances, others, ourselves, or the Lord. When outnumbered, Gideon refused to focus on his circumstances. And when victorious against overwhelming odds, he refused to shine the spotlight on himself. Instead he gave the glory to the Lord. An eagle's eyes are amazingly keen. On a clear day, an eagle can spot a dead fish on the surface of a lake five miles away. That's focus! If we're ever to stand firm in the midst of discouragement, we have to develop spiritual eyesight with similar clarity and concentration--even if we're the only bird in the flock to have it.
Have you ever known such deep discouragement as the oppressed Israelites? Have you ever felt as if you were dropped into a well of insurmountable circumstances and left there to die? Maybe you're at the bottom of such a well right now.
Rather than have you name it, answer questions about it, or write a mini essay dealing with youre action plan to overcome this discouragement, we would humbly and softly suggest something else. Find a quiet , private place, and look up to the Lord, as the Israelites did, and cry out to HIm for help.
Unburden your heart to Him, sharing not just the particulars of your circumstances but how desperate, sad, angry, or disheartened you feel. Let His presence and care remind you that you are not alone in this.
"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From whence shall my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither sleep nor slumber." (Psalm 121:1-4)
Gideons are as scarce today as ever, but God still prizes people who stand firmly, focused on Him in the face of discouragement. He looks for people who will "stand in the gap" as He told the prophet Ezekiel,
"I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one." (Ezekiel 22:30)
Our world, too, stands perilously close to destruction. Wars sprout and hang on with all the noxious tenacity of weeds. The powerful few feed on the starving many to satisfy their greed and lust. There's corruptin, oppression, pollution, and persecution. Global warming could jsut as well refer to the heating up of hatred and burtal selfishness as much as anyhting else.
but we dont need to circle the globe to see we're in trouble, do we? The sphere of our own worlds holds enough evidence through the violence, heartbreak, and dispair we read about and know firsthand.
Could you be the Gideon for whom God searches? The one to stand in the gap in your family, school, business, neighborhood,city? What is it you think God would have you do to make an impact for the kingdom?
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Vision
I read this today in my devotion time and thought it was just awesome, so i wanted to share it! :)
Living By Vision: (By Charles Swindoll)
Vision: the ability to see God's presence, power, and plan in spite of obstacles.The alphabet of vision consists of attitude, belief, capacity, determination, and enthusiasm.
* Attitude - When you have vision, your attitude is positive rather than negative, optimistic rather than pessimistic.
*Belief - "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) When you have vision, you have assurance and confidence- not only in God, but in others and in yourself.
*Capacity - When you have vision, you demonstrate a willing capacity to be stretched, to do greater things than you ever dreamed you were capable of, to be a bigger person than you ever thought you could be.
*Determination - When you have vision, you develop the determination to stay at it and hold a constant focus on God, who is watching you and smiling with love at your efforts.
*Enthusiasm - When you have vision, you have the enthusiastic perspective that God is in your corner, fighting for you, not against you.
Theres a story perhaps familiar to you that illustrates succinctly what vision looks like:
An American, visiting in France, came upon a scene where a large church was being erected. He approached three stone masons, one after the other.Of each he asked this question: "What are you doing?" the first replied, "Im cutting stone." The second said, "Im cutting stone for 7 francs a day." The third responded, "I'm helping to build a great cathedral."
Can you see cathedrals in the challenges God has set before you - or just a lot of rough stones? Faith sees the cathedrals; sight sees only the stones.
Living By Vision: (By Charles Swindoll)
Vision: the ability to see God's presence, power, and plan in spite of obstacles.The alphabet of vision consists of attitude, belief, capacity, determination, and enthusiasm.
* Attitude - When you have vision, your attitude is positive rather than negative, optimistic rather than pessimistic.
*Belief - "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) When you have vision, you have assurance and confidence- not only in God, but in others and in yourself.
*Capacity - When you have vision, you demonstrate a willing capacity to be stretched, to do greater things than you ever dreamed you were capable of, to be a bigger person than you ever thought you could be.
*Determination - When you have vision, you develop the determination to stay at it and hold a constant focus on God, who is watching you and smiling with love at your efforts.
*Enthusiasm - When you have vision, you have the enthusiastic perspective that God is in your corner, fighting for you, not against you.
Theres a story perhaps familiar to you that illustrates succinctly what vision looks like:
An American, visiting in France, came upon a scene where a large church was being erected. He approached three stone masons, one after the other.Of each he asked this question: "What are you doing?" the first replied, "Im cutting stone." The second said, "Im cutting stone for 7 francs a day." The third responded, "I'm helping to build a great cathedral."
Can you see cathedrals in the challenges God has set before you - or just a lot of rough stones? Faith sees the cathedrals; sight sees only the stones.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Proverbs 31 Woman
This is the woman I strive to be daily! In our Bible study on Monday nights we have been comparing translations of the Bible in the book of James. After reading my daily bread devotional this morning, which was talking about the Proverbs 31 woman, it occurred to me to see how it translates in the message version of the Bible...its pretty neat , so I thought I would share :)
10 A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. 11 Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. 12 Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. 13 She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. 14 She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. 15 She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. 16 She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. 17 First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. 18 She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. 19 She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. 20 She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. 21 She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. 22 She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. 23 Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. 24 She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. 25 Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. 26 When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. 27 She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. 28 Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: 29 "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!" 30 Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. 31 Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!
10 A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. 11 Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. 12 Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. 13 She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. 14 She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. 15 She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. 16 She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. 17 First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. 18 She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. 19 She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. 20 She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. 21 She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. 22 She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. 23 Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. 24 She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. 25 Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. 26 When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. 27 She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. 28 Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: 29 "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!" 30 Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. 31 Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Controversy
I was told a story a couple days ago about a woman my friend knows who chose to end the life inside her rather than give the baby up for adoption ( to a family that couldnt have children but desperately wanted them), because she didnt WANT to go through the pregnancy. A perfectly capable woman, not a child, not a rape victim ( for those of you who will try to argue) but a woman who felt her life was much better off without the burden of a child. On top of that, yesterday was National coming out day, and later in the day I was also informed that conservative women are "morons". You think Satan is trying to get me to erupt?? :) My first instinct is to argue each case, to get critical and debate. Why? Because I am very passionate about the subject of abortion, if there is one topic that can bring me close to losing my testimony and tearing someone a new one, its that, ending the life of a helpless child. The other topics are typical, and yes can definitely get my riled up, but I've learned that its worthless to debate these things because unless the Spirit is there convicting those people like He is the believer, than my words are bouncing right off. I read in James this week, "There is one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James 4:12) Talk about convicting. If someone doesnt know Christ, doesnt have the Spirit leading, how can I expect them to understand? I would be in the same place had God not came into my life. I believe what I do because I live by the Word of God, but thats not the case for everyone. And even as a Believer, I am still blind to things that I'm sure God views as sin. James also says, " But wisdom that comes from heaven is pure; then peace-loving, coniderate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." (James 3:17-18) That doesnt mean I wont state my case, I'm far too opinionated for that :) But to argue and debate until i'm blue in the face, thats not creating peace. Agreeing to disagree is probably the best route. The message version of 1 Corinthians 13 ( the love chapter) says love doesnt force itself on others and puts up with anything. So I suppose though they attack us, this is where we turn the other cheek and love in return :) Christ does this for me everyday, I am a FAR cry from the woman of God I need to be. I am nothing in light of my Maker. He puts up with my crap daily, doesnt argue, doesnt fight, but loves me unconditionally. He understands my limitations. So, this is where I should do the same. I am no wiser, no better than anyone else. I am simply redeemed. and Praise God for His mercy, because without it I may not be a "moron". :)
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