The last few weeks I have been busy living life. Blogging takes time for sure, but I am glad I am able to share my experiences with others! God has been moving in my life in a BIG way and I am so grateful!
If you haven't had a chance to check out the website www.thewayofthemaster.com please do! The information on this site really clarifies what God has in store for all of our lives and gives us tools to acomplish them. And the best thing is that it works with the teachings of the Christian church and allows you to grow as a Christ follower. I appreciate that!
Aside from that, I had a "light bulb" moment today, I guess you could say. I was on my way home from my Electrolysis appointment ( Yes, I am not afraid to admit I need a electrolysis...:) ). Anyway, it can be painful to have these little hairs removed from your face, and I realized what a blessing it was! I was actually given a gift certificate from my mom to go to this one elctrolysis and although, this process is painful it is a blessing at the same time. Normally I associate blessing with happiness, joy, peace, or something like that, but to actually realize that God gives us good gifts that do cause some pain, or discomfort seems like an oxy-moron doesn't it? Well, I am thankful - although my chin is still a little sore. ..:)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
My Daily Reading 1/9/09
My New Years Resolution was to read the bible daily. I have a study bible that breaks up the word into daily readings. It is great because all I have to do is look up the day and read the message for that day. It also gives me guidelines on how to meditate on each daily message. For today 1/9/09 it's:
Matthew 5 :1-16
Romans 3:21-31
* I am reading out of the New Living Translation (if you prefer New King James or any other version you can look them up here... www.biblegateway.com ).
Matthew 5:1-16
1 One day as the crowds were gathering Jesus went up the mountainside with his disciples and sat down to teach them. 2 This is what he taught them. 3 God blesses those who realize their need for him. for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. 4 God blesses those who mourn. for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are gentle and lowly; for the whole earth will belong to them. 6 God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will recieve it in full. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too. 13 You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 You are the light of the world - like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. 15 Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Romans 3:21-31
21 But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight- not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the scriptures long ago. 22 We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.
23 For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. 24 Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus. Who has freed us by taking away our sins. 25 For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us. God was being entirely fair and just when he did not punish those who sinned in former times. 26 And he is entirely fair and just in this present time when he declares sinners to be right in his sight because they believe in Jesus.
27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds. It is based on our faith . 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
29 After all, God is not the God of the Jews only, is he? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. 30 There is only on God, and the is only one way of being accepted by him. He makes people right with himself only by faith. Whether they are Jews or Gentiles. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith , does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.
Meditation of the Scriptures: Ask yourself these questions, jot down your answers in a notebook if you wish. This is an exerpt from the New Believer's Bible.
* What is the main subject of the passage?
* To Whom is this passage addressed?
* Who is speaking?
* About what or whom is the preson speaking?
* What is the key verse?
* What does this passage teach me about God?
"Then, in order to see how the word applies to you personally, ask yourself these questions":
*Is there any sin mentioned in the passage that I need to confess or forsake?
*Is there a command given that I should obey?
*Is there a promise made that I can apply to my current circumstances?
*Is there a prayer given that I could pray?
I hope these tools help you as they do me. Have a blessed day!
Matthew 5 :1-16
Romans 3:21-31
* I am reading out of the New Living Translation (if you prefer New King James or any other version you can look them up here... www.biblegateway.com ).
Matthew 5:1-16
1 One day as the crowds were gathering Jesus went up the mountainside with his disciples and sat down to teach them. 2 This is what he taught them. 3 God blesses those who realize their need for him. for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. 4 God blesses those who mourn. for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are gentle and lowly; for the whole earth will belong to them. 6 God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will recieve it in full. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too. 13 You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 You are the light of the world - like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. 15 Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Romans 3:21-31
21 But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight- not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the scriptures long ago. 22 We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.
23 For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. 24 Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus. Who has freed us by taking away our sins. 25 For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us. God was being entirely fair and just when he did not punish those who sinned in former times. 26 And he is entirely fair and just in this present time when he declares sinners to be right in his sight because they believe in Jesus.
27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds. It is based on our faith . 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
29 After all, God is not the God of the Jews only, is he? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. 30 There is only on God, and the is only one way of being accepted by him. He makes people right with himself only by faith. Whether they are Jews or Gentiles. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith , does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.
Meditation of the Scriptures: Ask yourself these questions, jot down your answers in a notebook if you wish. This is an exerpt from the New Believer's Bible.
* What is the main subject of the passage?
* To Whom is this passage addressed?
* Who is speaking?
* About what or whom is the preson speaking?
* What is the key verse?
* What does this passage teach me about God?
"Then, in order to see how the word applies to you personally, ask yourself these questions":
*Is there any sin mentioned in the passage that I need to confess or forsake?
*Is there a command given that I should obey?
*Is there a promise made that I can apply to my current circumstances?
*Is there a prayer given that I could pray?
I hope these tools help you as they do me. Have a blessed day!
Friday, January 2, 2009
The Ten Commandments...
Are you a good person? Have you followed the 10 commandments? find out by clicking on the link to the right labeled "The way of the Master" to find out.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Grace
I wanted to spend time commenting about the aspects of faith that interest me the most.
Grace is an important aspect of the Christian faith. We receive Grace as a Free gift from God. "Similar to a pardon by a Governor of state. He can give a prisoner who is facing execution a pardon, or his Grace, if he wants/wills".
Why would God will for us to have Grace? Because God desires to know each of us. He loves us and wishes to have fellowship with us.
If you find yourself wanting to learn more please contact me. In the meantime ask God to help clarify his message so you may better understand it. The paradigm is that there is a lot to learn, but it's really very simple.
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Grace is an important aspect of the Christian faith. We receive Grace as a Free gift from God. "Similar to a pardon by a Governor of state. He can give a prisoner who is facing execution a pardon, or his Grace, if he wants/wills".
Why would God will for us to have Grace? Because God desires to know each of us. He loves us and wishes to have fellowship with us.
If you find yourself wanting to learn more please contact me. In the meantime ask God to help clarify his message so you may better understand it. The paradigm is that there is a lot to learn, but it's really very simple.
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Questions
I often get asked a lot of questions regarding my faith and Church. For those that do not know me I am Christian and go to The Rock Church (which is a non-denominational Charismatic church) in a city nearby my house. I want to make clear I am learning everyday and that I have not been ordained as a pastor. I hold no employment at TRC, but I have a desire to know God, and to know the Truth. Because I have studied many different religions my family in-particular like to discuss my experiences and conclusions. Because of that curiosity I thought I would share what I found helpful on my journey of getting to know our Father in Heaven, his son Jesus Christ, the power of His Spirit and the message of Hope. These are clearly my thoughts on this matter and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts of my Church or it's staff; although I will try my best to be as bibically correct as possible.
Tonight was a good night for discussion and the topic at hand was how does My faith in Christ compair to the New Age philosophy of a higher power. Because early in my own journey I struggled with this concept I thought it might serve a purpose to post some thoughts and try to help others understand how they differ and why. If I am not clear please ask me and I will do my best to clarify. Obviously for space reasons I will not be able to use a lot of my material, so I welcome questions. For reference I am using information I found online at www.vatican.va .
To Start, the statement below sums up the two sides fairly well. It is my hope that even if you disagree with my viewpoint you will be able to at least follow along and possibly find some "food for thought" in the process.
"For Christians, the spiritual life is a relationship with God which gradually though his grace becomes deeper and in the process also sheds light on our relationship with our fellow men and women, and with the universe.
"Spirituality, in New Age terms means experiencing states of consciousness dominated by a sense of harmony and fusion with the Whole. ..not to meeting the transcendent God in the fullness of love, but a sense of letting one's individuality sink into the great ocean of Being".
Jesus is the difference here. There are many great philosophers, and traditions. There are many good sayings and ancient ways. Jesus is what distinguishes. Jesus was not just a man, or great philosopher. Jesus was divine and he saves us from the mess we can make out of life. Some people find it hard to see ourselves as sinners. I know I struggled with this too. God's spirit will help you understand this. We have all fallen short and understanding this is a process. We are born into a fallen world. Asking God for clarity and forgiveness isn't just you talking to yourself. This allows god to work in your life and make this message relivant.
The Bible is inspired by God.
People say the Bible was written by man. True, it was written by man, but it is inspired by God. What do I mean? I mean that no one would write the bible to just feel good about their journey. The bible contains Good News to those who follow Christ, but it is not easy or comfortable to follow all the time. The bible is God's plan and God's way of communicating with us how to live life. It is full of truth and will convict even the nicest and hard working person. I can find many things I would personally like to leave out if I had written it - just like anyone I don't like to read what I need to work on, but that's the point - it isn't inspired by people or great idea's and that is what makes it realivant yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
A Great quote...
Grace is different that Justice and Mercy:
Justice is getting what we deserve.
Mercy is not getting what we deserve.
Grace is getting what we do not deserve.
Tonight was a good night for discussion and the topic at hand was how does My faith in Christ compair to the New Age philosophy of a higher power. Because early in my own journey I struggled with this concept I thought it might serve a purpose to post some thoughts and try to help others understand how they differ and why. If I am not clear please ask me and I will do my best to clarify. Obviously for space reasons I will not be able to use a lot of my material, so I welcome questions. For reference I am using information I found online at www.vatican.va .
To Start, the statement below sums up the two sides fairly well. It is my hope that even if you disagree with my viewpoint you will be able to at least follow along and possibly find some "food for thought" in the process.
"For Christians, the spiritual life is a relationship with God which gradually though his grace becomes deeper and in the process also sheds light on our relationship with our fellow men and women, and with the universe.
"Spirituality, in New Age terms means experiencing states of consciousness dominated by a sense of harmony and fusion with the Whole. ..not to meeting the transcendent God in the fullness of love, but a sense of letting one's individuality sink into the great ocean of Being".
Jesus is the difference here. There are many great philosophers, and traditions. There are many good sayings and ancient ways. Jesus is what distinguishes. Jesus was not just a man, or great philosopher. Jesus was divine and he saves us from the mess we can make out of life. Some people find it hard to see ourselves as sinners. I know I struggled with this too. God's spirit will help you understand this. We have all fallen short and understanding this is a process. We are born into a fallen world. Asking God for clarity and forgiveness isn't just you talking to yourself. This allows god to work in your life and make this message relivant.
The Bible is inspired by God.
People say the Bible was written by man. True, it was written by man, but it is inspired by God. What do I mean? I mean that no one would write the bible to just feel good about their journey. The bible contains Good News to those who follow Christ, but it is not easy or comfortable to follow all the time. The bible is God's plan and God's way of communicating with us how to live life. It is full of truth and will convict even the nicest and hard working person. I can find many things I would personally like to leave out if I had written it - just like anyone I don't like to read what I need to work on, but that's the point - it isn't inspired by people or great idea's and that is what makes it realivant yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
A Great quote...
Grace is different that Justice and Mercy:
Justice is getting what we deserve.
Mercy is not getting what we deserve.
Grace is getting what we do not deserve.
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