Last night while Nancy and I were having our date night I stopped by "Lifeway" to buy Nancy a new book for her devotional time. By the way, I would encourage husbands who are seeking to disciple your family to provide your wife with resources that you think would be helpful in her spiritual development. Nancy is definitely capable of selecting her own material, but she trusts me as the spiritual leader with suggesting material that I think would be beneficial to her. She told me she wanted to focus on prayer and so I went in for the purpose of finding a couple of good options on prayer. (If your anticipating a great story or testimony right now, stop, because that's not what happened). Rather, what happened is what almost always happens when I go into a Christian bookstore; I go in looking for one thing and come out with a bunch of things. Does anyone else seem to have this problem? I am a sucker for books! I lack self control. I confess! Is it okay to lack self control when it comes to buying Christian material for the feeding of your soul and your spiritual development? (Not that I already have many books from the last visits to the Christian Bookstore or websites that I haven't read yet, that I had to have the last time I justified the investment to the expansion of my personal library.)
So anyway, I did it, I broke down, I came out with more than I went in for and I just wanted to share my new purchases. If you really love reading, new books are like new toys, you want to tell people about them and take them all out...so anyway. Here's what I got.
A.W. Tozer: The Pursuit of Man
A.W. Tozer: The Purpose of Man
Jerry Bridges: "The Discipline of Grace" *Remember that one Brian! Remember the one I bought you that time; that you so enjoyed. (BTW, this will tell me if you are reading my blog posts...I expect a comment)
Francis Chan: Forgotten God (Bela has already snatched...Nancy was a little bitter about this, but I told her I would by her another one.)
Craig Groeschel: The Christian Atheist *I am so excited about this book. I hope I am not let down. I love the title and the subject matter. Caption: Believeing in God but living as If He doesn't Exist.
Philip Yancey: Prayer (Does it really make a difference)
Billy Hybels: Too busy not to pray
Jim Cymbala: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (I love this book on prayer!)
A new DVD on the story of Ruth (Family Night)
DVD's on the Case for Christ and the Case for Faith (I want the kids to watch these with me)
Bringing your kids to Christ and 20 things I need to tell my wife (2 small books)
So there you have it, a typical trip to Lifeway for me.
BTW...I did achieve my purpose, I did offer Nancy several books on prayer. She has chosen to begin with "The Pursuit of Man" and "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire"
If you have read any of these books and would like to comment I would love to hear what you have to say. I will try to share with you my thoughts about these materials as I go thru them.
Hope your finding time to give attendance to reading and to apply your heart to knowledge and instruction. Prov. 23:23 "Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding."
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
How to fight the battle against sin in our lives
This is a video clip used to provoke thoughts concerning the intense battle we have with indwelling sin.
I have posted below the video a link to the 2 full-length messages preached by John Piper on "How to make war against sin" These messages can be read or listened to on-line. If you are serious about Holiness and victory over sin, or if you need to get serious about a life of holiness then I encourage you to listen to these messages.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2002/
I have posted below the video a link to the 2 full-length messages preached by John Piper on "How to make war against sin" These messages can be read or listened to on-line. If you are serious about Holiness and victory over sin, or if you need to get serious about a life of holiness then I encourage you to listen to these messages.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2002/
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
This message might change your life!
I listened to this message this morning by the grace of God. I pass it along to you because of it's foundational message concerning the Purpose of God for the universe, His church, and especially YOUR LIFE.
This message should change your life. I must admit that in order for it to bring forth its full fruit in my life I must spend more time in meditation, examination, and supplication concerning the truths it contained.
Dear friends, I implore you to set aside all potential for distraction and pray for God to reveal and develop this truth in you for the glory of God.
David Platt: Extravagant Grace, Extravagant Glory: Psalm 67
http://www.chbcaudio.org/audio/2010/03-14-10.mp3
This message should change your life. I must admit that in order for it to bring forth its full fruit in my life I must spend more time in meditation, examination, and supplication concerning the truths it contained.
Dear friends, I implore you to set aside all potential for distraction and pray for God to reveal and develop this truth in you for the glory of God.
David Platt: Extravagant Grace, Extravagant Glory: Psalm 67
http://www.chbcaudio.org/audio/2010/03-14-10.mp3
Monday, March 15, 2010
Lessons from Peter and John on Witnessing
Acts 4:5-22
And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes,6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked,"By what power or by what name have you done this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.11 This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,16 saying,"What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." 18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.19 But Peter and John answered and said to them,"Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
NKJV
I want to pull a few thoughts out of this text that I heard in a message last week for your meditation.
What can we learn from Peter and John on how to faithfully proclaim the Gospel?
I. The Empowerment for sharing the Gospel.
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them,
The word of God specifically notes before Peter shares with boldness that there was a significant factor contributing to His ability to share; He was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus told His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until you are endued with Power from on High.
Acts 1:8 "And you shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses"
Witnessing is dependent upon the filling and empowering of the Holy Spirit. Are you filled with the Holy Spirit today? Could that be the reason for your inability to share your faith?
Peter certainly struggled to Testify of Christ before he was filled with the Holy Spirit. As a matter of fact he was so weak and afraid in His flesh that He denied that he even knew Him. Let this be a reminder of our need for the filling of the Holy Spirit each moment for the purpose of sharing Christ with the world.
II. The Evidence for Sharing the Gospel.
If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
In this passage the healing of a lame man gave evidence to the power of Christ and set the stage for Peter and John to bear witness that Jesus was the Risen Christ.
Question: What evidence is on display in our lives and in our churches today that give us the opportunity to share the testimony of Christ?
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
The text says that the hearers marveled at the way Peter and John gave witness because they were uneducated and untrained men. Then without knowing the referenced where the source of their testimony came from..."they had been with Jesus"
In this verse we see that it is not instruction that you need to share Jesus with others, but Intimacy.
It is not more education that is necessary for us to be effective in sharing Jesus with others, it is more experience with the Lord Jesus.
This goes all the way back to the invitation Jesus gave some young fishermen on the shore of Galilee.
"Follow ME and I will make you to become fishers of men"
And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes,6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked,"By what power or by what name have you done this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.11 This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,16 saying,"What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." 18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.19 But Peter and John answered and said to them,"Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
NKJV
I want to pull a few thoughts out of this text that I heard in a message last week for your meditation.
What can we learn from Peter and John on how to faithfully proclaim the Gospel?
I. The Empowerment for sharing the Gospel.
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them,
The word of God specifically notes before Peter shares with boldness that there was a significant factor contributing to His ability to share; He was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus told His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until you are endued with Power from on High.
Acts 1:8 "And you shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses"
Witnessing is dependent upon the filling and empowering of the Holy Spirit. Are you filled with the Holy Spirit today? Could that be the reason for your inability to share your faith?
Peter certainly struggled to Testify of Christ before he was filled with the Holy Spirit. As a matter of fact he was so weak and afraid in His flesh that He denied that he even knew Him. Let this be a reminder of our need for the filling of the Holy Spirit each moment for the purpose of sharing Christ with the world.
II. The Evidence for Sharing the Gospel.
If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
In this passage the healing of a lame man gave evidence to the power of Christ and set the stage for Peter and John to bear witness that Jesus was the Risen Christ.
Question: What evidence is on display in our lives and in our churches today that give us the opportunity to share the testimony of Christ?
- The scripture speaks that we give evidence of the power of the Gospel and the risen Christ through the power of God in our lives producing love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodnees, faithfulness, and self-control.
- The scripture teaches that men will see our good works and glorify our Father who is in Heaven. What evidence would be found in your life, in your family, in your church, that would give you an opportunity to let it be known to all, that what you see is the result of the power of Jesus Christ.
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
The text says that the hearers marveled at the way Peter and John gave witness because they were uneducated and untrained men. Then without knowing the referenced where the source of their testimony came from..."they had been with Jesus"
In this verse we see that it is not instruction that you need to share Jesus with others, but Intimacy.
It is not more education that is necessary for us to be effective in sharing Jesus with others, it is more experience with the Lord Jesus.
This goes all the way back to the invitation Jesus gave some young fishermen on the shore of Galilee.
"Follow ME and I will make you to become fishers of men"
- Are you filled with the Holy Spirit today? If not, Why? Eph. 5:18 "Be being filled with the Spirit"
- Is there evidence of God at work in your life that will afford you the opportunity to share with others what Jesus has done in your life?
- Do you have a story to tell others because you have been with Jesus? All anyone needs in order to share Jesus is a personal experience that comes from a personal walk with Him.
Worship: The Ultimate Priority #1
Wow! What an incredible day yesterday as we focused out attention and our affections on the worship of our God. I thank God for the preaching and the leadership of Terry Williams Director of the Dept. of Music and Worship for the Florida Baptist Convention. I am thankful for the Grace of God in sharing His word with us that we might learn what His priority is and how we can most effectively accomplish that for His Glory and our Satisfaction. Lastly, I want to thank God for His Mercy and Grace extended toward us thru the Precious Holy Spirit to reveal His Glory to us, to dwell with us, to enable us to come into His presence, by the blood of Jesus, and worship Him. To God be the Glory.
Here are a few things I want to encourage you to ponder as you grow in this grace of worship:
1. Keep the Main thing the Main thing.
What is the main thing?
Mt. 22:37 "Jesus said to him, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all you mind.' This is the FIRST and great commandment"
Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. BUT ONE things is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which whill not be taken away from her. (v.40 Mary sat at Jesus feet and heard His word)
Rev. 2:2 "I know your works, your labor, ...Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your FIRST love."
There is a Biblical Chronology of Priority: Worship, Walk, Work, in that order.
*Prioritize worshipping God this week by loving Him with your will, your Desires, your emotions, your effections, and your intellect. Sit at His feet, pour out your love, praise, thanksgiving, and sacrifice unto Him.
I Peter 2:5 "you also...a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifics acceptable to God thru our Lord Jesus Christ"
Heb 13:5 "Therefore by Him let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually which is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name."
Ps. 100:1 "Make a joyful shout to the LORD...serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing...enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courst with Praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name."
Continue in the words which you heard this Sunday until they have brought forth the fruit of worship in your life.
John 4:23 "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him"
Mark 14:3-9 Mary pours out on the Lord Jesus an alabaster box of oil worth 1 yrs. wages and worshiped Him. The Lord Jesus said she had done a "beautiful" work and that wherever the gospel is preached this shall be a memorial to her. The link between this story and the gospel is she is illustrating the very essence of the Gospel. The Gospel reconciles us unto God that we may sit at His feet, know Him, touch Him, love Him, and worship Him. Is that what the Gospel has done for you?
Accountability:
I want to ask those of you who have time and are able to comment on what steps you have taken to be a worshipper this week. What kind of committment have you made to live a life of worship. I am looking forward to hearing from you, as well as, others who are reading the blog as well.
Here are a few things I want to encourage you to ponder as you grow in this grace of worship:
1. Keep the Main thing the Main thing.
What is the main thing?
Mt. 22:37 "Jesus said to him, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all you mind.' This is the FIRST and great commandment"
Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. BUT ONE things is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which whill not be taken away from her. (v.40 Mary sat at Jesus feet and heard His word)
Rev. 2:2 "I know your works, your labor, ...Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your FIRST love."
There is a Biblical Chronology of Priority: Worship, Walk, Work, in that order.
*Prioritize worshipping God this week by loving Him with your will, your Desires, your emotions, your effections, and your intellect. Sit at His feet, pour out your love, praise, thanksgiving, and sacrifice unto Him.
I Peter 2:5 "you also...a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifics acceptable to God thru our Lord Jesus Christ"
Heb 13:5 "Therefore by Him let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually which is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name."
Ps. 100:1 "Make a joyful shout to the LORD...serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing...enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courst with Praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name."
Continue in the words which you heard this Sunday until they have brought forth the fruit of worship in your life.
John 4:23 "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him"
Mark 14:3-9 Mary pours out on the Lord Jesus an alabaster box of oil worth 1 yrs. wages and worshiped Him. The Lord Jesus said she had done a "beautiful" work and that wherever the gospel is preached this shall be a memorial to her. The link between this story and the gospel is she is illustrating the very essence of the Gospel. The Gospel reconciles us unto God that we may sit at His feet, know Him, touch Him, love Him, and worship Him. Is that what the Gospel has done for you?
Accountability:
I want to ask those of you who have time and are able to comment on what steps you have taken to be a worshipper this week. What kind of committment have you made to live a life of worship. I am looking forward to hearing from you, as well as, others who are reading the blog as well.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Christy Nockels: A Mighty Fortress
I want to make everyone aware of a singer whose music ministers to me and leads me to worship my God. Her name is Christy Nockels if you don't have any of her stuff go check it out.
Here's her Song: "A Mighty Fortress"
Here's her Song: "A Mighty Fortress"
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Building Faith at Home #1
Last Sunday night I shared a visionary message about our committment to building faith at home and how multigenerational faith is formed best within the structure of the family. This concept has been abandoned to a large degree as the church has taken a much larger role in the spiritual formation of our children. I believe the church is a great instrument in the evangelization and discipleship of our children and students, but I do not believe the church is the primary instrument; that is reserved for parents and grandparents. This uncharted territory for many of our families may seem overwhelming or even hopeless. I encourage you to take heart. This is a principle we are committing to for the long haul and over the next few months we are going to continually provide training and assistance for our families as we embark on this journey of building faith at home. One of the tools that I will use is making resources available thru the blog. Please check back regularly for continued instruction, motivation, and innovation. In the video I've posted below you will find simple, yet practical, methods for passing your faith along. Keep me informed of your progress!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Sermon Prep or worship
Yesterday was one of those days where everything was a struggle.
I woke up at 5:15, came over to the church, started the coffee, and got ready to start my day in God's Word, Prayer, and worshipping in His presence.
My first obstacle was my mind was running everywhere thinking about all the things that had to be done that day. I tried to read a chapter in the book I am reading on Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength(Primal by Mark Batterson), but I really struggled with focus.
My second obstacle was "Fatigue"! Man, I was sooo sleepy yesterday morning. This really affects your ability to comprehend as you read, as well as, to pray with fervency. This was definitely one of those morning where I could fall asleep praying. So, I tried singing, I tried walking (too cold), I tried it all, but to no avail. Finally, I went home at 7:00 to get the kids up for school having not really gotten into God's word, or having "really" prayed or worshipped. I did my best, but I was starting to feel discouraged and overwhelmed; I really needed that window to count because Wed. is sermon prep day.
So, I get back into the office, and if any of you can identify with this, once you get in the office, it's hard to have "Quiet Time". E-mails, Phone calls, projects, etc...but I continue to strive to just spend time with God because I know that without Him I can do nothing. If anything of eternal value is to happen tonight at church it will be thru prayer and not my ability to prepare a sermon and speak.
Before I know it I've just concluded a 43 min. conversation with Randall over ministry issues and margin for sermon prep time is now slim to none; but I still just want to meet with God not prepare a sermon. Do you ever have moments like this? Where you really battle between do I go ahead and do what needs to be done or do I clear the schedule and just spend time with God? I tend to have these fairly often. I guess I'm just a pretty strong believer on everything flows out of the time you spend at His feet, the time you spend pursuing the Vine, and that when you keep this the priority God seems to add to you everything else. (I do want to insert here that I am not legalistic about the blessings of God and I know that God blesses many times in spite of us, and that his blessings are of Grace. But Grace also flows thru Divinely ordained means).
So, I made my decision, I don't care about preparing the message, I will trust God for that, I NEED GOD! So, I think about all the resources available to stir my heart with the word of God and I'm looking for something specific now. Something you need to learn when choosing reading or listening material is that there are certain writers, speakers, and books of the Bible that focus on specific needs. My need wasn't so much doctrinal, ecclesiological, instructional, as I needed something worshipful. The Glory of God! I remembered KP telling me about a message he had listened to by David Platt (whom I had never listened to) about "where the Glory dwells". That sounded like just what I wanted to hear. Over the next 59 minutes I listened to God's word and it changed my day. It stirred my soul. It was the greatest thing that happened to me the entire day! Those thoughts changed my heart toward God, they overflowed into my worship at church last night, and they continue to renew my mind today. Sermon Prep would not have done that; only sitting at His feet. There is a great lesson to be learned in the difference between ministering for Him and ministering to Him. My heart this morning is to share with you the lesson in my life of when to work for Him and when to worship before Him.
May God bless you as you worship.
Here is the link to the message I listened to by David Platt.
http://www.brookhills.org/audio/276/CHRONICLE-PART1-6_AUD.mp3
I woke up at 5:15, came over to the church, started the coffee, and got ready to start my day in God's Word, Prayer, and worshipping in His presence.
My first obstacle was my mind was running everywhere thinking about all the things that had to be done that day. I tried to read a chapter in the book I am reading on Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength(Primal by Mark Batterson), but I really struggled with focus.
My second obstacle was "Fatigue"! Man, I was sooo sleepy yesterday morning. This really affects your ability to comprehend as you read, as well as, to pray with fervency. This was definitely one of those morning where I could fall asleep praying. So, I tried singing, I tried walking (too cold), I tried it all, but to no avail. Finally, I went home at 7:00 to get the kids up for school having not really gotten into God's word, or having "really" prayed or worshipped. I did my best, but I was starting to feel discouraged and overwhelmed; I really needed that window to count because Wed. is sermon prep day.
So, I get back into the office, and if any of you can identify with this, once you get in the office, it's hard to have "Quiet Time". E-mails, Phone calls, projects, etc...but I continue to strive to just spend time with God because I know that without Him I can do nothing. If anything of eternal value is to happen tonight at church it will be thru prayer and not my ability to prepare a sermon and speak.
Before I know it I've just concluded a 43 min. conversation with Randall over ministry issues and margin for sermon prep time is now slim to none; but I still just want to meet with God not prepare a sermon. Do you ever have moments like this? Where you really battle between do I go ahead and do what needs to be done or do I clear the schedule and just spend time with God? I tend to have these fairly often. I guess I'm just a pretty strong believer on everything flows out of the time you spend at His feet, the time you spend pursuing the Vine, and that when you keep this the priority God seems to add to you everything else. (I do want to insert here that I am not legalistic about the blessings of God and I know that God blesses many times in spite of us, and that his blessings are of Grace. But Grace also flows thru Divinely ordained means).
So, I made my decision, I don't care about preparing the message, I will trust God for that, I NEED GOD! So, I think about all the resources available to stir my heart with the word of God and I'm looking for something specific now. Something you need to learn when choosing reading or listening material is that there are certain writers, speakers, and books of the Bible that focus on specific needs. My need wasn't so much doctrinal, ecclesiological, instructional, as I needed something worshipful. The Glory of God! I remembered KP telling me about a message he had listened to by David Platt (whom I had never listened to) about "where the Glory dwells". That sounded like just what I wanted to hear. Over the next 59 minutes I listened to God's word and it changed my day. It stirred my soul. It was the greatest thing that happened to me the entire day! Those thoughts changed my heart toward God, they overflowed into my worship at church last night, and they continue to renew my mind today. Sermon Prep would not have done that; only sitting at His feet. There is a great lesson to be learned in the difference between ministering for Him and ministering to Him. My heart this morning is to share with you the lesson in my life of when to work for Him and when to worship before Him.
May God bless you as you worship.
Here is the link to the message I listened to by David Platt.
http://www.brookhills.org/audio/276/CHRONICLE-PART1-6_AUD.mp3
Monday, March 1, 2010
Ramblings
Too tired to post a devotion so I thought I would just share some thoughts.
Started reading "Primal" this morning. It is the new Book by Mark Batterson Author of "Wild Goose Chase" and "In a pit with a lion on a Snowy day" The emphasis is on taking Christianity back to its simplest form. "Love the LORD your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength"
Do we overcomplicate it sometimes? Do we get wrapped up sometimes doing so much for Him instead of just being with Him. I know I do.
I listed a quote on Twitter today that kind of summed up what God spoke to me about today.
Mark Batterson wrote "I've discovered when I've lost my way spiritually, the way forward is often backward"
Can you look back on your walk with God and remember special seasons of Love for God.
I wrote down some things today.
I remember lights off, two candles burning, and a radio playing worship songs as I was at total peace in the presence of my God and Christianity was at it's primal stage. Loving God with all my heart.
I remember waking up one of the first Easter mornings after becoming a Christian and driving down to the boat ramp and sitting at the waters edge shouting praises to the God of Creation and the Savior of my soul.
I thought back on the times where our worship Pastor and my cousin Garrett would go in the sanctuary and get in the presence of God and worship and pray with all our might. We would call out on God, we would pray over one another, we would walk the aisles and pray, we would pray over the choir loft, and just get lost in the presence of God, and that was Christianity.
There are many more situations that I could write of, but the point is, this is Christianity in its primal form and I don't ever want to get away from just being in Love with the God who is in love with me.
I love you Father. I love you Jesus. I love you Holy Spirit.
You are my Glory and Song. You are my joy; my delight.
You are my Dearly Beloved and I worship you.
Started reading "Primal" this morning. It is the new Book by Mark Batterson Author of "Wild Goose Chase" and "In a pit with a lion on a Snowy day" The emphasis is on taking Christianity back to its simplest form. "Love the LORD your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength"
Do we overcomplicate it sometimes? Do we get wrapped up sometimes doing so much for Him instead of just being with Him. I know I do.
I listed a quote on Twitter today that kind of summed up what God spoke to me about today.
Mark Batterson wrote "I've discovered when I've lost my way spiritually, the way forward is often backward"
Can you look back on your walk with God and remember special seasons of Love for God.
I wrote down some things today.
I remember lights off, two candles burning, and a radio playing worship songs as I was at total peace in the presence of my God and Christianity was at it's primal stage. Loving God with all my heart.
I remember waking up one of the first Easter mornings after becoming a Christian and driving down to the boat ramp and sitting at the waters edge shouting praises to the God of Creation and the Savior of my soul.
I thought back on the times where our worship Pastor and my cousin Garrett would go in the sanctuary and get in the presence of God and worship and pray with all our might. We would call out on God, we would pray over one another, we would walk the aisles and pray, we would pray over the choir loft, and just get lost in the presence of God, and that was Christianity.
There are many more situations that I could write of, but the point is, this is Christianity in its primal form and I don't ever want to get away from just being in Love with the God who is in love with me.
I love you Father. I love you Jesus. I love you Holy Spirit.
You are my Glory and Song. You are my joy; my delight.
You are my Dearly Beloved and I worship you.
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