Our plane tickets have been purchased for our flight to Sandiego this spring but yet feels so far away still. Time has been moving right along though. Suzy and I have had $400.00 come in so far to cover the $600.oo for the plane tickets. What a blessing, Praise God!
Where many seem so supportive we've gotten a lot of bad feed back. People trying to talk us out of going, telling us horror stories and such. People sending us letters and clippings of news events trying to detour us and telling us they won't support us. I understand many of those only have a healthy concern. I don't expect anything less from a people who just sit around and watch CNN or 20/20. Fear keeps people locked up. We're choosing to walk in faith. But as I look around I see many other Christians walking in fear as well. This concerns me and makes me wonder if this is normal or is satan working overtime lately.
Frankly I don't give a hoot what the devil schemes up because I know my God is bigger. God has a set standard above anything the devil can throw against me and I trust God's Word. His Word sets me free and that is where He wants me. Jesus came so that I could have life and have it more abundantly. That's how I plan on living it.
On a side note we still need to raise at least another $600.oo come May. We have a few plans in store and in action. We will have a rummage sale in April and Suzy has signed up to where this apron in church which says 'Here Am I Lord, Send Me'. Throughout the service people will put their loose change or bills in it and all the proceeds will go towards sending Suzy on the trip. With the rise in gas we will more than likely need a few extra bucks. We except prayer and cash and if you feel the urge to send us some moola I can guarantee all will go towards this missions trip. Message me if you need an address.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Human Nature Doubts
Feb. 17th (Matt. 28:17)
Isn't that just like our human nature. We can witness God's goodness-blessing after blessing-watch His words come to pass and still later doubt. When man came into this world he was innocent. Later falling into sin and living in the fallen state if you will. God sent His only son Jesus to die on the cross and redeem us with His blood. Now to be in the redeemed state. But sadly we still carry over the sinful nature which wages war with the Spirit (Romans 8:7). Jesus over came the sinful nature because we couldn't and He paid our price. We still are prone to doubt in our minds because of this human nature. When we come to the reality of who we are as people, sinful and in need of salvation, we then can turn to Jesus who gave it all and be filled with His Spirit.(Romans 8:9 You however are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
Father, Help me not to doubt and live according to the Spirit that lives in me. I want to live, Lord. Help me to put off the sinful nature.
Isn't that just like our human nature. We can witness God's goodness-blessing after blessing-watch His words come to pass and still later doubt. When man came into this world he was innocent. Later falling into sin and living in the fallen state if you will. God sent His only son Jesus to die on the cross and redeem us with His blood. Now to be in the redeemed state. But sadly we still carry over the sinful nature which wages war with the Spirit (Romans 8:7). Jesus over came the sinful nature because we couldn't and He paid our price. We still are prone to doubt in our minds because of this human nature. When we come to the reality of who we are as people, sinful and in need of salvation, we then can turn to Jesus who gave it all and be filled with His Spirit.(Romans 8:9 You however are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
Father, Help me not to doubt and live according to the Spirit that lives in me. I want to live, Lord. Help me to put off the sinful nature.
Being Mocked
Feb. 15th (Matt. 27:29)
Jesus Himself was mocked for calling himself the Son of God and King. They made fun of Him, spit on him, hit him, hurled insults at him, used his own words against him and etc. In the same way we too will be mocked and insulted because of his name. Our beliefs will be thrown in our faces and we will be made fun of. If we are vocal in what we believe-if we are acting out what we believe you can be certain that you will be mocked and made fun of. Jesus said that we should remember that the world hated him first. If we carry the name of Jesus with us in life we are targets.
Always remembering Who's battle it is will help us persevere through mocking. I always think I must be doing something right when people tease. Pray for those who do you wrong as Jesus did at the cross. They know not what they do. Also recall how blessed you are. Matt 5:10-Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness. The world thinks there is no gain by doing good or right, but we like vs. 10 says, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Jesus Himself was mocked for calling himself the Son of God and King. They made fun of Him, spit on him, hit him, hurled insults at him, used his own words against him and etc. In the same way we too will be mocked and insulted because of his name. Our beliefs will be thrown in our faces and we will be made fun of. If we are vocal in what we believe-if we are acting out what we believe you can be certain that you will be mocked and made fun of. Jesus said that we should remember that the world hated him first. If we carry the name of Jesus with us in life we are targets.
Always remembering Who's battle it is will help us persevere through mocking. I always think I must be doing something right when people tease. Pray for those who do you wrong as Jesus did at the cross. They know not what they do. Also recall how blessed you are. Matt 5:10-Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness. The world thinks there is no gain by doing good or right, but we like vs. 10 says, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Busy Body
Jan 27th (Exodus 18:18)
Even as far back as in Moses' time we see what can happen when we get too involved in our ministry. There is a time to admit we need help. We need a break, the work is too heavy. Moses was headed in a downward spiral and was wearing himself out. We will never be fully charged or capable to fulfil our own calling if we try to do everything ourselves.
Learn to lean on others and their talents. Often I think I have to do it all myself so it gets done right but that's not the case. Pick your help carefully and spread the work load out evenly. Like Moses I should take the advise when it comes and admit I need help.
Father, Help me serve accurately and efficiently, not taking on too much. May I know my limits and listen to others around me.
Even as far back as in Moses' time we see what can happen when we get too involved in our ministry. There is a time to admit we need help. We need a break, the work is too heavy. Moses was headed in a downward spiral and was wearing himself out. We will never be fully charged or capable to fulfil our own calling if we try to do everything ourselves.
Learn to lean on others and their talents. Often I think I have to do it all myself so it gets done right but that's not the case. Pick your help carefully and spread the work load out evenly. Like Moses I should take the advise when it comes and admit I need help.
Father, Help me serve accurately and efficiently, not taking on too much. May I know my limits and listen to others around me.
Impure Motives
Jan 26th (Matt. 17:23)
I think possibly the disciples were grieved by impure motives. They thought Jesus was the messiah that was coming to set up an earthly kingdom to reign. If they had their minds set on the things above they would have heard Jesus' message more clearly and been filled with joy that He would raise to life again in three days. Having the wrong mindset will cause us to miss the true picture, the real blessing.
We must always be checking our motives. Testing our hearts. By faithful discipline of studying God's Word we can keep ourselves in check. Taking the time for God's Word and revelations to sink into our hearts and change us will help keep our motives pure.
Lord, when you speak, I will listen. I want your word to change me. To grip my very heart. Through my changed heart may I impact others as a rippling effect.
I think possibly the disciples were grieved by impure motives. They thought Jesus was the messiah that was coming to set up an earthly kingdom to reign. If they had their minds set on the things above they would have heard Jesus' message more clearly and been filled with joy that He would raise to life again in three days. Having the wrong mindset will cause us to miss the true picture, the real blessing.
We must always be checking our motives. Testing our hearts. By faithful discipline of studying God's Word we can keep ourselves in check. Taking the time for God's Word and revelations to sink into our hearts and change us will help keep our motives pure.
Lord, when you speak, I will listen. I want your word to change me. To grip my very heart. Through my changed heart may I impact others as a rippling effect.
Evil Heart Deceitful Lips
Jan 23rd (Matt. 15:11)
In verse 18 Jesus says the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart. Verse 19 says for out of the heart come evil thoughts. Man's heart is evil and needs cleansing. The only way we can put our hearts in check is lining up our thoughts and motives with God's Word. 1 Peter 3:9 says, Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing. vs 10 "whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech." We must purify our hearts before the Lord. Guarding our tongues is essential to the Christian life but guarding our hearts is even more essential since the things that come from his mouth come from his heart.
In verse 18 Jesus says the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart. Verse 19 says for out of the heart come evil thoughts. Man's heart is evil and needs cleansing. The only way we can put our hearts in check is lining up our thoughts and motives with God's Word. 1 Peter 3:9 says, Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing. vs 10 "whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech." We must purify our hearts before the Lord. Guarding our tongues is essential to the Christian life but guarding our hearts is even more essential since the things that come from his mouth come from his heart.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Feed The Poor
Jan 16th (Matt. 11:5)
Often times we think of the poor as one without a nickel. But in reality the poor is the one without hope. Without the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ we are poor in spirit. The Bible mentions a lot about meeting the needs of the poor. Our first thoughts go to starving children, homeless, orphans and others who are financially strained.
What about the abundance of wealthy people in towns all over America or anywhere else on this planet but are spiritually malnourished. We often skip over someone who seems to have it all together. They have a big house, nice car, boat, toys, family and friends or whatever the equation but they are poor in spirit. Like Jesus did, lets give the good news to the poor. No matter their situation.
(prayer) Lord, open my eyes to see the poor that are in need. I do believe we should help those less fortunate but I don't want to overlook those who look ok on the outside yet are starving on the inside. Amen.
Often times we think of the poor as one without a nickel. But in reality the poor is the one without hope. Without the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ we are poor in spirit. The Bible mentions a lot about meeting the needs of the poor. Our first thoughts go to starving children, homeless, orphans and others who are financially strained.
What about the abundance of wealthy people in towns all over America or anywhere else on this planet but are spiritually malnourished. We often skip over someone who seems to have it all together. They have a big house, nice car, boat, toys, family and friends or whatever the equation but they are poor in spirit. Like Jesus did, lets give the good news to the poor. No matter their situation.
(prayer) Lord, open my eyes to see the poor that are in need. I do believe we should help those less fortunate but I don't want to overlook those who look ok on the outside yet are starving on the inside. Amen.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Tijuana, Mexico Trip 2011
Today my wife, Suzy, and I signed on the dotted line saying that we are on board for a missions trip to Tijuana, Mexico. We will be spending our time building a house for a family in need. This will be a first time for both Suzy and I to venture on a missions trip. Our journey begins on May 25th when we fly into Sandiego, California. Another first on our list is eating at the In and Out Burger before crossing the border which I am super stoked about. Of course I've never been to California either and will wish I could stay longer I'm sure. Also I believe we will take some time to visit the ocean which this deprived boy has yet to see. Oh-ya, and I've never flown before so I guess I will be getting a bunch of never done befores off my list. We plan on building the small two story house in 4 or 5 days. We will venture home June 1st.
God is really speaking to His people at this time about giving more of themselves and what they have. I've been evaluating what is on my plate of life and discovering that there is so much that can be done away with. When we free up time and resources we can bless God's Kingdom like nothing else before bringing God Glory. People need to be fed, sheltered and above all else need to hear the gospel. We can all do a part in this world and help many suffering souls.
God is really speaking to His people at this time about giving more of themselves and what they have. I've been evaluating what is on my plate of life and discovering that there is so much that can be done away with. When we free up time and resources we can bless God's Kingdom like nothing else before bringing God Glory. People need to be fed, sheltered and above all else need to hear the gospel. We can all do a part in this world and help many suffering souls.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)