1 Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come (KJV)
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come (NLT)
Being a service member, staying physically fit is a must. We constantly (or some of us should be) doing some form of physical activity to keep in shape and stay mentally focused at all times. Our fitness even plays an integral part in our evaluations and promotions. Have you considered your spiritual fitness lately?
I remember my brother Reggie Mackey in Afghanistan speaking one Sunday about being fit. He said, "If you are breathing heavy when you go up a flight of stairs and breathe hard, you know you are out of shape." He went on to add being out of shape spiritually. If you don't stay in shape spiritually how will you be able to fight spiritually (paraphrase). It made sense. In fact, God cares deeply about the condition of both your body and your soul. Spiritual exercise should be as purposeful and strenuous as physical exercise. But remember that the benefits of spiritual fitness last for eternity. It's the benefits of physical fitness last only as long as your body. After all, when we leave our temporary home, our body stays behind. But that doesn't mean not to get and stay in shape. So don't get it twisted! Our body is a temple of Christ. However, knowing the eternal benefits of spiritual exercise should motivate you to keep your physical and spiritual health in wholesome balance and help you experience a vibrant relationship with your Creator... the Almighty God.
Poem: Health Of The Mind
by Jerry Brundies
The body can be a source of wealth
Train it right for your health.
When the body is ready
Your mind will steady.
A peace will surround your being
and your face will give off a glow
as your training has brought the healing
your mind and body know
Are you getting enough spiritual exercise?
24 January 2010
Accomplishments In and Through Christ
Romans 1:17
This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." (NLT)
Salvation is truly the greatest of accomplishments ever told and believed. Ironically, it is not accomplished through your own work - it only comes through the work of God in your heart. Salvation is simply a matter of faith, of believing that Jesus Christ died for your sins so that you can live forever with Him in heaven. Now that's a good feeling inside and out. And, you should thank God for accomplishing this tremendous work in and through you daily!
Song: Glory To God, Whose Sovereign Grace
Glory to God, whose sovereign grace
Hath animated senseless stones;
Called us to stand before His face,
And raised us into Abraham’s sons!
The people that in darkness lay,
In sin and error’s deadly shade,
Have seen a glorious gospel day,
In Jesus’ lovely face displayed.
Thou only, Lord, the work hast done,
And bared Thine arm in all our sight;
Hast made the reprobates Thine own,
And claimed the outcasts as Thy right.
Thy single arm, almighty Lord,
To us the great salvation brought,
Thy Word, Thy all-creating Word,
That spake at first the world from naught.
Have you shared your life's greatest accomplishment with those you lead?
This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." (NLT)
Salvation is truly the greatest of accomplishments ever told and believed. Ironically, it is not accomplished through your own work - it only comes through the work of God in your heart. Salvation is simply a matter of faith, of believing that Jesus Christ died for your sins so that you can live forever with Him in heaven. Now that's a good feeling inside and out. And, you should thank God for accomplishing this tremendous work in and through you daily!
Song: Glory To God, Whose Sovereign Grace
Glory to God, whose sovereign grace
Hath animated senseless stones;
Called us to stand before His face,
And raised us into Abraham’s sons!
The people that in darkness lay,
In sin and error’s deadly shade,
Have seen a glorious gospel day,
In Jesus’ lovely face displayed.
Thou only, Lord, the work hast done,
And bared Thine arm in all our sight;
Hast made the reprobates Thine own,
And claimed the outcasts as Thy right.
Thy single arm, almighty Lord,
To us the great salvation brought,
Thy Word, Thy all-creating Word,
That spake at first the world from naught.
Have you shared your life's greatest accomplishment with those you lead?
LIFTED IN GOD
Isaiah 40:26:a
Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things … (KJV)
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? (NIV)
Look up to the skies. Who created all these stars? (NCV)
As a young girl I wanted to be various people and I looked up to them (admired them). My grandfather (aka Daddy), Mary Poppins, Miss Lilly (elementary music teacher), Laura Ingalls, Mary McLeod Bethune, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Oprah Winfrey and Doris Day just to name a few. Then I guess my biggest idol was Whitney Houston. Boy was I devastated to see her life spiral down without any regard to doing what's right in spite of. Notice I said "idol". Like time, my bruises were healed. And so will yours. You see, God allows us to awaken from a state in our lives to where we have to look up. And as you look up, you have to face whatever that is eye-to-eye. God was right there in the midst of all my happiness, trials and tribulations. I had to look Him right in the eyes and stake hold in His power. Once I did that, all that craziness didn't matter. I can say with every step, tear, and shout - victory was declared in the name of Jesus. So whenever you have an issue or you feel like saying something … look up and talk to Him. He's there always willing to listen come rain or shine.
Song: Love Lifted Me
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!
All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I'll cling
In His blessèd presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul's best songs,
Faithful, loving service too, to Him belongs.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!
Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.
He's the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!
When you look for strength, do you see God? When you just want to share your joy, is it with God first?
Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things … (KJV)
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? (NIV)
Look up to the skies. Who created all these stars? (NCV)
As a young girl I wanted to be various people and I looked up to them (admired them). My grandfather (aka Daddy), Mary Poppins, Miss Lilly (elementary music teacher), Laura Ingalls, Mary McLeod Bethune, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Oprah Winfrey and Doris Day just to name a few. Then I guess my biggest idol was Whitney Houston. Boy was I devastated to see her life spiral down without any regard to doing what's right in spite of. Notice I said "idol". Like time, my bruises were healed. And so will yours. You see, God allows us to awaken from a state in our lives to where we have to look up. And as you look up, you have to face whatever that is eye-to-eye. God was right there in the midst of all my happiness, trials and tribulations. I had to look Him right in the eyes and stake hold in His power. Once I did that, all that craziness didn't matter. I can say with every step, tear, and shout - victory was declared in the name of Jesus. So whenever you have an issue or you feel like saying something … look up and talk to Him. He's there always willing to listen come rain or shine.
Song: Love Lifted Me
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!
All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I'll cling
In His blessèd presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul's best songs,
Faithful, loving service too, to Him belongs.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!
Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.
He's the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!
When you look for strength, do you see God? When you just want to share your joy, is it with God first?
28 December 2009
Living A Life of Holiness
And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified. -Acts 20:32 (ASV)
One of ministry classes talked about the Attitude of Excellence. Of course it wasn't addressing His attitude, instead it focused on my attitude. It posed the question, "Am I wearing the attitude of God?" An attitude of Godly excellence which leads to holiness among other things. To answer that question, I had to dig deep within. I was able to answer that question while in Afghanistan during the Christmas season of 2008. Nothing was more clear than the Candlelight Service program. We (Afghan, Turkish, Canadian, German, British, American and many more nations) celebrated the birth of Christ. It was truly glorious, amazing, and loving. The attitude we displayed was marvelous in His light.
But what does it mean to live a holy life? It means living in God's authority. Living a life of holiness also has countless practical benefits. You see, it brings peace and confidence into your life. There is freedom from addiction, guilt, shame, depression, oppression, and loneliness. It brings you into closer fellowship with God and comes with the promise of an eternal inheritance in heaven. All of these things and so much more help you lead with greater confidence, maturity, and perspective. Now, isn't that wearing an attitude of excellence through holiness.
Song: When I Look Into Your Holiness (Archive - St. Teklahimanout Orthodox Church - Egypt)
1- When I look into Your holiness
When I gaze into Your loveliness
When all things that surround become shadows
In the light of You
R- I worship You, I worship You
The reason I live is to worship You
I worship You, I worship You
The reason I live is to worship You
2- When I've found the joy of reaching Your heart
When my will becomes enthralled in Your love
When all things that surround become shadows
In the light of You
When you work hard at living a holy life, how will it affect those you lead?
One of ministry classes talked about the Attitude of Excellence. Of course it wasn't addressing His attitude, instead it focused on my attitude. It posed the question, "Am I wearing the attitude of God?" An attitude of Godly excellence which leads to holiness among other things. To answer that question, I had to dig deep within. I was able to answer that question while in Afghanistan during the Christmas season of 2008. Nothing was more clear than the Candlelight Service program. We (Afghan, Turkish, Canadian, German, British, American and many more nations) celebrated the birth of Christ. It was truly glorious, amazing, and loving. The attitude we displayed was marvelous in His light.
But what does it mean to live a holy life? It means living in God's authority. Living a life of holiness also has countless practical benefits. You see, it brings peace and confidence into your life. There is freedom from addiction, guilt, shame, depression, oppression, and loneliness. It brings you into closer fellowship with God and comes with the promise of an eternal inheritance in heaven. All of these things and so much more help you lead with greater confidence, maturity, and perspective. Now, isn't that wearing an attitude of excellence through holiness.
Song: When I Look Into Your Holiness (Archive - St. Teklahimanout Orthodox Church - Egypt)
1- When I look into Your holiness
When I gaze into Your loveliness
When all things that surround become shadows
In the light of You
R- I worship You, I worship You
The reason I live is to worship You
I worship You, I worship You
The reason I live is to worship You
2- When I've found the joy of reaching Your heart
When my will becomes enthralled in Your love
When all things that surround become shadows
In the light of You
When you work hard at living a holy life, how will it affect those you lead?
02 September 2009
Comfort In All Situations
Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (NIV)
When tragedy strikes or problems overwhelm you, do you wonder what happened to God? Do you wonder why He would allow these things to happen? Everybody does. In fact, during Mother's Day our pastor announced that a Soldier had died in Iraq. His mother was there worshiping God. I could only think of her courage and strength, and I questioned if I could be that strong. She knew God could heal and comfort her, and she chose to be near Him at that very moment.
Our nagging doubts might cause us to question whether God still loves us from day to day depending on the circumstances/situation at hand. It's when we lose confidence that God cares about us, we are in danger of pushing Him away and separating ourself from our only source of hope. When tough times come, we must move immediately toward God, not away from Him. We will receive comfort and gain perspective.
Song: Comfort Song (by Hokus Pick)
I put my comfort in my stuff The more I get, well it's never quite Enough
Life without it would be really rough I put my comfort in my stuff
Give it up, let it go Step out of your comfort zone
God is big, we are small Yea, yeah super small
I put my comfort in my looks My face has grazed the front
Of magazines and books I don't want to get beat up by a crook
I put my comfort in my looks
Give it up, let it go Step out of your comfort zone
God is great, we are lame Yeah (x6) really lame
I put my comfort in my cash With t-bills, bonds and back accounts
It's really quite a stash I hope the stock market doesn't crash
I put my comfort in my cash
Give it up, let it go Step out of your comfort zone
God is rich, we are poor Yeah (x13) extremely poor
I find my comfort in God's grace When I'm in heaven I will look him in The face
The one thing that could never be Replaced Is the comfort of God's grace
Give it up, let it go Step out of your comfort zone
Happiness is relative Based upon the way we live
Give it up, let it go Step out of your comfort zone
God is great all The time Yeah (x30) all The time.
Do you still believe that God cares about you even when trouble comes your way? How can you learn to expect comfort instead of doubting His presence?
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (NIV)
When tragedy strikes or problems overwhelm you, do you wonder what happened to God? Do you wonder why He would allow these things to happen? Everybody does. In fact, during Mother's Day our pastor announced that a Soldier had died in Iraq. His mother was there worshiping God. I could only think of her courage and strength, and I questioned if I could be that strong. She knew God could heal and comfort her, and she chose to be near Him at that very moment.
Our nagging doubts might cause us to question whether God still loves us from day to day depending on the circumstances/situation at hand. It's when we lose confidence that God cares about us, we are in danger of pushing Him away and separating ourself from our only source of hope. When tough times come, we must move immediately toward God, not away from Him. We will receive comfort and gain perspective.
Song: Comfort Song (by Hokus Pick)
I put my comfort in my stuff The more I get, well it's never quite Enough
Life without it would be really rough I put my comfort in my stuff
Give it up, let it go Step out of your comfort zone
God is big, we are small Yea, yeah super small
I put my comfort in my looks My face has grazed the front
Of magazines and books I don't want to get beat up by a crook
I put my comfort in my looks
Give it up, let it go Step out of your comfort zone
God is great, we are lame Yeah (x6) really lame
I put my comfort in my cash With t-bills, bonds and back accounts
It's really quite a stash I hope the stock market doesn't crash
I put my comfort in my cash
Give it up, let it go Step out of your comfort zone
God is rich, we are poor Yeah (x13) extremely poor
I find my comfort in God's grace When I'm in heaven I will look him in The face
The one thing that could never be Replaced Is the comfort of God's grace
Give it up, let it go Step out of your comfort zone
Happiness is relative Based upon the way we live
Give it up, let it go Step out of your comfort zone
God is great all The time Yeah (x30) all The time.
Do you still believe that God cares about you even when trouble comes your way? How can you learn to expect comfort instead of doubting His presence?
15 August 2009
SACRIFICE: What Does It Really Mean To You
Hebrews 9:27-28
Just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly awaiting for Him. (NLT)
Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (NIV)
Do you know what it means to sacrifice? Did you do it willingly or was it out of spite or to meet a requirement? I know as a parent, I have made several sacrifices and still continue so that my children have a better life. How is that sacrifice any different from the "ultimate" sacrifice?
Let's see. In the Old Testament, God's people offered sacrifices to Him as part of their worship. It was the through the blood of an animal. The animal's blood was shed as a substitute for the punishment the people deserved for their sin. In fact, all the sacrifices of the Old Testament anticipated the ultimate sacrifice of God's own Son, Jesus, on the cross for the sins of the world. Now, that is The ULTIMATE Sacrifice.
So, whenever you must sacrifice or give up something, you can be reminded in some small way of God's greatest sacrifice and His promise of eternal life in heaven because of it. Jesus paid it all, and my all is to Him.
Sacrifice Lyrics (Big Daddy Weave)
God of Glory, God of Might
King of Heaven, Lord of Light
Though my ways are less than wise
I come to praise You
Jesus, Master, Savior, Friend
Your mercy seems to have no end
And though all I have to bring is sin
I come to praise You
And my righteousness, is as filthy rags
But You exchange them for the good things that You have
Chorus:
Lord I want to sing..
I wanna sing you a song, I wanna lift up my voice
As I lift my hands, Lord I make my choice
That from this moment on until the end of my days
I want to offer up my life as a sacrifice of praise,
As a sacrifice of praise
God of Glory, God of Might
King of Heaven, Lord of Light
Though my ways are less than wise,
I come to praise You
Jesus, Master, Savior, Friend
Your mercy seems to have no end
And though all I have to bring is sin
I come to praise You
And my righteousness, is as filthy rags
But You exchange them for the good things that You have
(Chorus)
I want to show You just how much I love You
I want to love You with my life (4x)
(Chorus 2x)
© 2002 Fervent / Spirit-Led
What can you sacrifice today to remind you of Jesus' greatest sacrifice?
Just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly awaiting for Him. (NLT)
Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (NIV)
Do you know what it means to sacrifice? Did you do it willingly or was it out of spite or to meet a requirement? I know as a parent, I have made several sacrifices and still continue so that my children have a better life. How is that sacrifice any different from the "ultimate" sacrifice?
Let's see. In the Old Testament, God's people offered sacrifices to Him as part of their worship. It was the through the blood of an animal. The animal's blood was shed as a substitute for the punishment the people deserved for their sin. In fact, all the sacrifices of the Old Testament anticipated the ultimate sacrifice of God's own Son, Jesus, on the cross for the sins of the world. Now, that is The ULTIMATE Sacrifice.
So, whenever you must sacrifice or give up something, you can be reminded in some small way of God's greatest sacrifice and His promise of eternal life in heaven because of it. Jesus paid it all, and my all is to Him.
Sacrifice Lyrics (Big Daddy Weave)
God of Glory, God of Might
King of Heaven, Lord of Light
Though my ways are less than wise
I come to praise You
Jesus, Master, Savior, Friend
Your mercy seems to have no end
And though all I have to bring is sin
I come to praise You
And my righteousness, is as filthy rags
But You exchange them for the good things that You have
Chorus:
Lord I want to sing..
I wanna sing you a song, I wanna lift up my voice
As I lift my hands, Lord I make my choice
That from this moment on until the end of my days
I want to offer up my life as a sacrifice of praise,
As a sacrifice of praise
God of Glory, God of Might
King of Heaven, Lord of Light
Though my ways are less than wise,
I come to praise You
Jesus, Master, Savior, Friend
Your mercy seems to have no end
And though all I have to bring is sin
I come to praise You
And my righteousness, is as filthy rags
But You exchange them for the good things that You have
(Chorus)
I want to show You just how much I love You
I want to love You with my life (4x)
(Chorus 2x)
© 2002 Fervent / Spirit-Led
What can you sacrifice today to remind you of Jesus' greatest sacrifice?
11 August 2009
God's Goodness Pours In and Out of You if You Let It
James 3:13
If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an
honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from
wisdom. (NLT)
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show how by good
conduct that his works are done in meekness of wisdom. (NKJV)
There is a soap opera on television called Passions. I admit I watched it a few times (six to be exact), but after a while it became quite boring and funny. It began to put witches/warlocks in the plot, sex, and drugs, and all that supposed jazz. It appealed to the younger generation. Whatever. Back to reality, we all have a passion for something and there's nothing wrong with desires and passions. However, those desires and passions should be good and healthy. Right? Too often we let sinful desires linger in our minds (lust, covetous, greed, fashion, appearance, speech, duty position/title). When that happens, they creep down into our hearts. There is victory. You can resist bad thoughts and wrong desires by spending more time doing good deeds. My mother said, "the good out weighs the bad." Therefore, living out God's goodness is a proactive way to curb your sinful desires and encourage your passion for serving God and others. Also, influencing the character of others, which is an important part of leadership, requires that goodness - in thoughts and actions - is an integral part of your daily life.
Song: It Is Good (by Don Adler )
It is good it is good it is good
To give thanks to the Lord on high
To sing of Your faithfulness and loving kindness
Both day and night
To play on our instruments sweet songs of praise
For the things You do
It is good it is good it is good
To give thanks to You
For though the wicked spring up like the grass
And are everywhere
Soon they will perish
But all those planted in Your house will grow without end
Sing it again
For though we struggle
And trials and troubles still come our way
You won't forsake us
Your Word has told us
Your promises will never end
Sing it again
Why give Him praise
Because He is worthy
Why should we sing
He loves you and me
Why give Him thanks
Because He forgave us
Why celebrate
Because we are free
And when should we thank Him
Both morning and evening
In what circumstance
The good and the bad
Is it always easy
No it's not so easy
But is it good
Yes it's good it is good it is good
It is good it is good it is good
To give thanks to You
It is good it is good it is good
To give thanks to You
How can you plan to live out God's goodness today?
If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an
honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from
wisdom. (NLT)
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show how by good
conduct that his works are done in meekness of wisdom. (NKJV)
There is a soap opera on television called Passions. I admit I watched it a few times (six to be exact), but after a while it became quite boring and funny. It began to put witches/warlocks in the plot, sex, and drugs, and all that supposed jazz. It appealed to the younger generation. Whatever. Back to reality, we all have a passion for something and there's nothing wrong with desires and passions. However, those desires and passions should be good and healthy. Right? Too often we let sinful desires linger in our minds (lust, covetous, greed, fashion, appearance, speech, duty position/title). When that happens, they creep down into our hearts. There is victory. You can resist bad thoughts and wrong desires by spending more time doing good deeds. My mother said, "the good out weighs the bad." Therefore, living out God's goodness is a proactive way to curb your sinful desires and encourage your passion for serving God and others. Also, influencing the character of others, which is an important part of leadership, requires that goodness - in thoughts and actions - is an integral part of your daily life.
Song: It Is Good (by Don Adler )
It is good it is good it is good
To give thanks to the Lord on high
To sing of Your faithfulness and loving kindness
Both day and night
To play on our instruments sweet songs of praise
For the things You do
It is good it is good it is good
To give thanks to You
For though the wicked spring up like the grass
And are everywhere
Soon they will perish
But all those planted in Your house will grow without end
Sing it again
For though we struggle
And trials and troubles still come our way
You won't forsake us
Your Word has told us
Your promises will never end
Sing it again
Why give Him praise
Because He is worthy
Why should we sing
He loves you and me
Why give Him thanks
Because He forgave us
Why celebrate
Because we are free
And when should we thank Him
Both morning and evening
In what circumstance
The good and the bad
Is it always easy
No it's not so easy
But is it good
Yes it's good it is good it is good
It is good it is good it is good
To give thanks to You
It is good it is good it is good
To give thanks to You
How can you plan to live out God's goodness today?
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