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?
15 August 2009
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?
09 August 2009
EMOTIONS: Let Go and Let God
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (KJV)
But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong. (NCV)
Some of us can say we allow our emotions to take control. And if we were to ask our loved ones, friends or family members, they may say we have a problem (anger issues and etc). When in truth, without emotions, you could not experience the power and satisfaction of a relationship with God. In fact, you could also model the character of God in your life. I have to say, don't deny your emotions. If you let things fester, you will eventually blow up and that could be ugly. The flip side is you do not let emotions control you or cause you to sin. That is the worse thing. You need to allow the emotions God has given you to deepen your relationship with Him. These emotions are the fruit of the spirit (Bible verse for today). They will help you experience the drama and power of Christian living, which will also have a profound impact on those you lead, mentor, follow, love and befriend.
Song: Emotions (by LaShun Pace)
Chorus:
All my emotions, I give them to You;
my feelings of hatred, bitterness, unforgiveness,
jealousy, and revengefulness too,
All these emotions, I give them to You.
Verse:
Lord, I need You right about now, right on through here,
when I would do good, evil is all around.
Lord, I need Your spirit, Holy Ghost I need You right now,
'cause if You don't help me I don't know what I might do.
Vamp 1:
I give them to You.
Vamp 2
Help me,
help me Lord.
Vamp 3:
Help me Lord.
Vamp 4:
Help me.
Which emotions help you feel closer to God?
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (KJV)
But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong. (NCV)
Some of us can say we allow our emotions to take control. And if we were to ask our loved ones, friends or family members, they may say we have a problem (anger issues and etc). When in truth, without emotions, you could not experience the power and satisfaction of a relationship with God. In fact, you could also model the character of God in your life. I have to say, don't deny your emotions. If you let things fester, you will eventually blow up and that could be ugly. The flip side is you do not let emotions control you or cause you to sin. That is the worse thing. You need to allow the emotions God has given you to deepen your relationship with Him. These emotions are the fruit of the spirit (Bible verse for today). They will help you experience the drama and power of Christian living, which will also have a profound impact on those you lead, mentor, follow, love and befriend.
Song: Emotions (by LaShun Pace)
Chorus:
All my emotions, I give them to You;
my feelings of hatred, bitterness, unforgiveness,
jealousy, and revengefulness too,
All these emotions, I give them to You.
Verse:
Lord, I need You right about now, right on through here,
when I would do good, evil is all around.
Lord, I need Your spirit, Holy Ghost I need You right now,
'cause if You don't help me I don't know what I might do.
Vamp 1:
I give them to You.
Vamp 2
Help me,
help me Lord.
Vamp 3:
Help me Lord.
Vamp 4:
Help me.
Which emotions help you feel closer to God?
08 August 2009
COMMUNICATION: The Key To Remain In Christ
John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (ASV)
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (NCV)
Being in Public Affairs means communication is vital to everything I do. Without it, I'm lost and I can't pass important information to those who need it most. And too, we keep in touch with people because it is vital to the quality and success of our relationships, whether in marriage, friendships, family relations, or business partnerships. The same principle applies to your relationship with God. You must find ways to communicate with Him. Prayer, meditation, conversation, spiritual journals, singing, and fasting are just a few means of communicating with God. You can also learn to listen as He communicates with you through the same methods for the most part. You see, good communication allows you to experience a breakthrough in your spiritual life. The more time you spend communicating with God, the closer and more successful your relationship with Him will be. And it can also encourage others to do the same.
Quote: ~ Communication is the real work of leadership. ~ Nitin Nohria
Are you in touch with God? How much time do you spend communicating with Him?
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (ASV)
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (NCV)
Being in Public Affairs means communication is vital to everything I do. Without it, I'm lost and I can't pass important information to those who need it most. And too, we keep in touch with people because it is vital to the quality and success of our relationships, whether in marriage, friendships, family relations, or business partnerships. The same principle applies to your relationship with God. You must find ways to communicate with Him. Prayer, meditation, conversation, spiritual journals, singing, and fasting are just a few means of communicating with God. You can also learn to listen as He communicates with you through the same methods for the most part. You see, good communication allows you to experience a breakthrough in your spiritual life. The more time you spend communicating with God, the closer and more successful your relationship with Him will be. And it can also encourage others to do the same.
Quote: ~ Communication is the real work of leadership. ~ Nitin Nohria
Are you in touch with God? How much time do you spend communicating with Him?
07 August 2009
DEFEAT: Not a word in God's vocabulary for us
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (NIV)
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; (KJV)
Defeat is common to all people, yes, even you. It does not make you feel good. Some begin to indulge in the pity-party dance. Others become outraged. And still others push through it and try again for success. What is it about defeat that makes them try again?
Defeat keeps you connected with the realities faced by everyone whether you like it or not. In fact, failing from time to time keeps you humble and dependent on God. Because if you were to win all the time, your character would have no chance to grow in a healthy and spiritual way.
That wrong path could have you become too proud, arrogant, or shallow, and rely only on yourself without regard for the opinions or the help of others. How many of you are guilty including me? The fact is, you must let God help you. Why? He promises to use times of defeat to strengthen your character and keep you humbly dependent on Him. Aren't we supposed to do that anyway?
Song: No Defeat (by Hezekiah Walker)
No more losing, in Jesus I found a blessing
I've got a new life, a new start
A right spirit, a clean heart
No defeat no, I'm going to win
No defeat no, I'm going to win.
(Repeat)
There is victory in Jesus, he gave me the power
I'm more than a conqueror
No defeat no, I'm going to win.
No defeat no, I'm going to win.
And because God is the greatest power, we shall not be defeated.
(Repeat 3x and then modulate)
And because God is the greatest power, we shall not be defeated.
(Repeat and then modulate)
And because God is the greatest power, we shall not be defeated.
(Repeat and then modulate)
And because God is the greatest power, we shall not be defeated.
(Repeat and then modulate)
And because God is the greatest power, we shall not be defeated.
(Repeat 4x)
No defeat no, I'm going to win!
How might God give you victory even when you experience defeat?
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (NIV)
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; (KJV)
Defeat is common to all people, yes, even you. It does not make you feel good. Some begin to indulge in the pity-party dance. Others become outraged. And still others push through it and try again for success. What is it about defeat that makes them try again?
Defeat keeps you connected with the realities faced by everyone whether you like it or not. In fact, failing from time to time keeps you humble and dependent on God. Because if you were to win all the time, your character would have no chance to grow in a healthy and spiritual way.
That wrong path could have you become too proud, arrogant, or shallow, and rely only on yourself without regard for the opinions or the help of others. How many of you are guilty including me? The fact is, you must let God help you. Why? He promises to use times of defeat to strengthen your character and keep you humbly dependent on Him. Aren't we supposed to do that anyway?
Song: No Defeat (by Hezekiah Walker)
No more losing, in Jesus I found a blessing
I've got a new life, a new start
A right spirit, a clean heart
No defeat no, I'm going to win
No defeat no, I'm going to win.
(Repeat)
There is victory in Jesus, he gave me the power
I'm more than a conqueror
No defeat no, I'm going to win.
No defeat no, I'm going to win.
And because God is the greatest power, we shall not be defeated.
(Repeat 3x and then modulate)
And because God is the greatest power, we shall not be defeated.
(Repeat and then modulate)
And because God is the greatest power, we shall not be defeated.
(Repeat and then modulate)
And because God is the greatest power, we shall not be defeated.
(Repeat and then modulate)
And because God is the greatest power, we shall not be defeated.
(Repeat 4x)
No defeat no, I'm going to win!
How might God give you victory even when you experience defeat?
05 August 2009
God Holds Our Future
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." But it was to us that God revealed these things by His Spirit. For His Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. (NLT)
But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]. Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny]. (Amplified Bible)
God makes promises to us, and He keeps them all. The other good thing about His promises is that they are full of abundant blessings. We only need to trust in Him, His promises, and keep the faith each and every day. You see, God promises to reveal enough of the future to give you hope. Let's reflect on Psalm 16:9 as it provides such encouragement: "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiced: my flesh also shall rest in hope."
What hope do we have?
1. There is heaven
2. We know how to get to heaven
3. Our future in heaven will be more wonderful than you can imagine
What else do we need to hope for or in?
God wants you and me to trust Him and demonstrate our belief that what He promises will happen. Think about it. Our trust in God for the future will be an inspiration and an example to a multitude of others that they may be strengthened, encouraged and saved.
Song: The Hammer Holds (by Bebo Norman)
A shapeless piece of steel, that's all I claim to be
This hammer pounds to give me form, this flame, it melts my dreams
I glow with fire and fury, as I'm twisted like a vine
My final shape, my final form I'm sure I'm bound to find
So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the flames
And hurt a little, hurt for me my future is untold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for they, the hammer holds
And the water, it cools me gray, and the hurt's subdued somehow
I have my shape, this sharpened point, what is my purpose now?
And the question still remains, what am I to be?
Perhaps some perfect piece of art displayed for all to see
So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the flames
And hurt a little, hurt for me my future is untold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for they, the hammer holds
The hammer pounds again, but flames I do not feel
This force that drives me, helplessly, through flesh, and wood reveals
A burn that burns much deeper, it's more than I can stand
The reason for my life was to take the life of a guiltless man
So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the pain
And hurt a little, hurt for me, my future is so bold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for they, the hammer holds
This task before me may seem unclear
But it, my maker holds
What detail about the future do you need to entrust to God?
That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." But it was to us that God revealed these things by His Spirit. For His Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. (NLT)
But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]. Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny]. (Amplified Bible)
God makes promises to us, and He keeps them all. The other good thing about His promises is that they are full of abundant blessings. We only need to trust in Him, His promises, and keep the faith each and every day. You see, God promises to reveal enough of the future to give you hope. Let's reflect on Psalm 16:9 as it provides such encouragement: "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiced: my flesh also shall rest in hope."
What hope do we have?
1. There is heaven
2. We know how to get to heaven
3. Our future in heaven will be more wonderful than you can imagine
What else do we need to hope for or in?
God wants you and me to trust Him and demonstrate our belief that what He promises will happen. Think about it. Our trust in God for the future will be an inspiration and an example to a multitude of others that they may be strengthened, encouraged and saved.
Song: The Hammer Holds (by Bebo Norman)
A shapeless piece of steel, that's all I claim to be
This hammer pounds to give me form, this flame, it melts my dreams
I glow with fire and fury, as I'm twisted like a vine
My final shape, my final form I'm sure I'm bound to find
So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the flames
And hurt a little, hurt for me my future is untold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for they, the hammer holds
And the water, it cools me gray, and the hurt's subdued somehow
I have my shape, this sharpened point, what is my purpose now?
And the question still remains, what am I to be?
Perhaps some perfect piece of art displayed for all to see
So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the flames
And hurt a little, hurt for me my future is untold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for they, the hammer holds
The hammer pounds again, but flames I do not feel
This force that drives me, helplessly, through flesh, and wood reveals
A burn that burns much deeper, it's more than I can stand
The reason for my life was to take the life of a guiltless man
So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the pain
And hurt a little, hurt for me, my future is so bold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for they, the hammer holds
This task before me may seem unclear
But it, my maker holds
What detail about the future do you need to entrust to God?
04 August 2009
Investments in God is worth more than all the riches in the world
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (NIV)
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. (NLT)
Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not high-minded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good
foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed. (ASV)
I have to admit I don't know that much about investing. I have managed to maintain and sustain investments I made earlier in life as a single parent at the time. I had to learn a certain amount of trust in order to do it. Now that my Autumn is fourteen, I have tried to get her up to speed on investing, managing money in a more productive and effective manner. Over the years I've learned investing money can be a tool for blessing or a trap for deception. My greatest investment is Christ by ALL means. In a worldly sense, the secret to investing is knowing whom to trust and where to invest. I have listened to my husband, co-workers, and financial advisors and have a better understanding of investing, but I still have my reservations and with the economy crisis I still move forward. How? I use the resources God has given me to do good for others. One example is investing my time and devotion to you through the Inspirational Vitamins. The feedback I get from you, prayers and encouragement are an essential investment to my daily spiritual growth in our heavenly Father. Why don't you invest in helping others too; then your investments will never lose their value. Truthfully, the only lasting investment comes from trusting in God and investing in helping others.
Poem: The Investment (by Robert Frost)
Over back where they speak of life as staying
('You couldn't call it living, for it ain't'),
There was an old, old house renewed with paint,
And in it a piano loudly playing.
Out in the plowed ground in the cold a digger,
Among unearthed potatoes standing still,
Was counting winter dinners, one a hill,
With half an ear to the piano's vigor.
All that piano and new paint back there,
Was it some money suddenly come into?
Or some extravagance young love had been to?
Or old love on an impulse not to care--
Not to sink under being man and wife,
But get some color and music out of life?
Where are you investing your greatest treasures?
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (NIV)
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. (NLT)
Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not high-minded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good
foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed. (ASV)
I have to admit I don't know that much about investing. I have managed to maintain and sustain investments I made earlier in life as a single parent at the time. I had to learn a certain amount of trust in order to do it. Now that my Autumn is fourteen, I have tried to get her up to speed on investing, managing money in a more productive and effective manner. Over the years I've learned investing money can be a tool for blessing or a trap for deception. My greatest investment is Christ by ALL means. In a worldly sense, the secret to investing is knowing whom to trust and where to invest. I have listened to my husband, co-workers, and financial advisors and have a better understanding of investing, but I still have my reservations and with the economy crisis I still move forward. How? I use the resources God has given me to do good for others. One example is investing my time and devotion to you through the Inspirational Vitamins. The feedback I get from you, prayers and encouragement are an essential investment to my daily spiritual growth in our heavenly Father. Why don't you invest in helping others too; then your investments will never lose their value. Truthfully, the only lasting investment comes from trusting in God and investing in helping others.
Poem: The Investment (by Robert Frost)
Over back where they speak of life as staying
('You couldn't call it living, for it ain't'),
There was an old, old house renewed with paint,
And in it a piano loudly playing.
Out in the plowed ground in the cold a digger,
Among unearthed potatoes standing still,
Was counting winter dinners, one a hill,
With half an ear to the piano's vigor.
All that piano and new paint back there,
Was it some money suddenly come into?
Or some extravagance young love had been to?
Or old love on an impulse not to care--
Not to sink under being man and wife,
But get some color and music out of life?
Where are you investing your greatest treasures?
02 August 2009
APPEARANCE: God's Image in Us
1 Samuel 16:7
The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (NLT)
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (NIV)
According to my daughter and niece, actually every preteen to teenager, appearance matters. As a child, it does matter. In the military, our appearance in the uniform also matters. However, you have to make sure you're looking at the right things. What I am saying is ... It's not wrong to pay attention to how you look or how you present your work or your organization to others. You must not neglect your spiritual appearance, which is more important. Whoa. Your spiritual appearance. Have you ever considered that into the Christian work in progress theory/life changing process? If not, begin today.
You see, it's very easy to get distracted by appearances, whether your own or someone else's. There certainly is enough of movie, TV, sports, rock stars and such to influence anyone's appearance these days. Right? More importantly, you can have an incredible impact when other people look right past your outward appearance because of what they see on the inside - God Himself shining through you. God promises that the inward condition of your heart is what matters to Him. And to me that has made all the difference.
Quote: ~ Don't judge men's wealth or godliness by their Sunday appearance. ~ Benjamin Franklin
Do you focus more on your outward appearance or on what God sees inside of you?
The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (NLT)
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (NIV)
According to my daughter and niece, actually every preteen to teenager, appearance matters. As a child, it does matter. In the military, our appearance in the uniform also matters. However, you have to make sure you're looking at the right things. What I am saying is ... It's not wrong to pay attention to how you look or how you present your work or your organization to others. You must not neglect your spiritual appearance, which is more important. Whoa. Your spiritual appearance. Have you ever considered that into the Christian work in progress theory/life changing process? If not, begin today.
You see, it's very easy to get distracted by appearances, whether your own or someone else's. There certainly is enough of movie, TV, sports, rock stars and such to influence anyone's appearance these days. Right? More importantly, you can have an incredible impact when other people look right past your outward appearance because of what they see on the inside - God Himself shining through you. God promises that the inward condition of your heart is what matters to Him. And to me that has made all the difference.
Quote: ~ Don't judge men's wealth or godliness by their Sunday appearance. ~ Benjamin Franklin
Do you focus more on your outward appearance or on what God sees inside of you?
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