Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Reflecting God - distinctive mark


Matthew 5:38-48

It is human nature to fight back whenever we are threatened, whenever we are treated unjustly, or whenever we are hurt.  However, it is godly to show mercy and love, even when we don’t get the treatment we hoped for.

The fact we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us is the very distinctive mark we carry as Christians. It is good to know that the love God shared with us is sufficient to help us to love our enemies. It might not be an easy task. Yet, we can see God working in our lives when we do so. It is a matter of faith and trust in the Lord who loves us–as well those who hurt us. His redemption plan includes all humanity, even our enemies!

That does not mean we will remain in the place of suffering just for the amusement of our enemies. But, it means we will pray for those who persecute us. It means that whenever we have the opportunity to payback we will offer compassion instead. It also means that, when needed, we will suffer in order to create what is good.

Author: Tabita Rothmann Gonzalez

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Reflecting God - are we the body?

 

1 Timothy 3:14—4:10

Paul writes to Timothy about how we are to live as the body of Christ. We should never forget that Christ is the head of the Church. When we live in this way, the church is a beautiful place to be! It’s meant to be a community of support, accountability, submission and service to one another.

When Christ isn’t the head, the church is in danger of becoming something else. How do we know if Christ is the head? Paul says it requires training. If you want to run a marathon, you train. If you want to learn a new language, you train. If you want to learn a new skill, you train. So it is with our Christian walk.

We must be trained up in Christ! When we memorize what Jesus has said, when we allow the Spirit to convict and teach us, when we act out our faith in loving service we become part of His body. When we train to be like Christ, we become more like Him! When we become more like Christ, the church is what it is meant to be. Let’s commit to the body, of which Christ is the head, thanking God for what He has created.

Author: Olivia Metcalf

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Reflecting God -The cornerstone

 

1 Peter 2:1-12

You and I have a responsibility. While we are intended to stand up against injustice, Peter writes that it starts in a different place. We must, he tells us, rid ourselves “of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind” (1 Peter 2:1). Our life in Christ isn’t merely about us however, what is on the inside must be seen on the outside. He writes further of our responsibility to “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9b).

When God called the people of Israel to be His chosen people it was so they would be a blessing to all nations. They were meant to be a light pointing those around them to the one true God.

This is our call as well. We are set apart! We are chosen! We are meant to be holy! We are to tell the truth of our God’s love! In so doing we invite others to step into the light. When we live the life that is made possible by Christ, the cornerstone, revival will break out.

Author: Olivia Metcalf

Saturday, July 18, 2015

who holds your rope?

A long time ago there was a famous bottenist. He was visiting Scotland at the time. One day on a walk he noticed some rare flowers growing in the cleft of a rock. They were several hundred feet up. He wanted to get a sample so he could study them. Alas they were so far up he couldn't reach them from the ground. He couldn't reach them by leaning over the edge. There was a family who lived close by who had small twin daughters.  He asked them if one of them would be willing to do him a favior.  He told them he would tie a rope tightly around the waist of one of them and lower them down to get a sample he could study.  One of the twins told them she would do it on one condition, that her daddy hold the rope.  Are you letting your heavenly daddy hold the rope today?  We cant hold it on our own as much as we try sometimes.  The best thing we can do is let go of our right to ourselves and let our hevenly father hold the rope. 

Dont misinterpret suffering or present hardships for a lack of his presence.  He said he would never leave us or forsake us.  Look at present suffering as refinment for a greater day ahead.  There is a story in a book by nik ripken of a man named dmitri.  He (dmitri) fell in love with jesus during the communitst reign in russia.  

The following youtube link explains it better than i can.  I pray it moves you as it moved me. 

The Insanity of God - Dmitri's Unbelievable Story: http://youtu.be/4XCN__jBi2s

integrity at any price

below are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs.  I find it all too often in these days we are too busy to stop and enjoy a simple game of catch, or swimming with your children, or loved one.  If you or I were gone tomorrow, what legacy would we leave?  I for one want my children to know that i loved them with all i am.  Our heavenly father loves us in the same way.  I want to leave behind a godly legacy that is so overwhelming and so obvious that they cant help but follow it. The way might be narrow and rocky, but it's the only path worth taking.


Phillips, Craig, and Dean - Nothing to Prove



You taught me how to ride a bike
Tie my shoes and fly a plane
How to swim and how to fish
To see a star and make a wish

Said it’s ok to make mistakes
Just don’t get stuck in yesterday
Forgive, forget and move ahead
‘Cause life is what you’re livin’ in

Now you’re gone and all I have
Are memories I hold dear
But if I’m quiet I hear your voice
Still ringin’ in my ears

[Chorus:]
Sayin’ live with no excuses
Love with no regrets
Laugh a lot and leave this life
With nothing left unsaid
Make this world a better place
Don’t be afraid to cry
When it’s finally time to say goodbye
There’s nothin’ to prove, nothin’ to lose, nothin’ to hide

You said life cannot be measured by
The place you live, the car you drive
The thing that counts the day you die
Is who you are and what’s inside

So tell the truth, don’t ever lie
Integrity at any price
Your words, you’re bought, you’re highest prized
So guard it close and live your life

So many things I learned from you
‘Bout life and love and play
I learned more by how you lived
Than what I heard you say

[Repeat Chorus:]

I only wanna live my life
Half as well as you
To leave behind what I receive
Is all I wanna do

[Repeat Chorus:]

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Reflecting God - heir force

Romans 8:1-17

I will never think of either the word “heir” or “air” the same again. That is because one year my younger sister’s Bible quizzing team called themselves “Heir Force.” They had it all: camouflage t-shirts and a marching cadence to yell through the hallways. They were cute kids with a winning record.

Despite my mental chuckle, we do have incredible force behind the claim of “heirs with Christ.” Heaven and earth belong to Him. Angel armies march at His command. Demons tremble in fear at His Name. However, with the great power also comes great responsibility and suffering. Christ died for the sins of this world, and he calls us to take up our cross and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). We must share in His sufferings to share in His glory.

The power of Romans 8 should not be missed. By the Spirit we are God’s children (vv. 14-15). He will help us live every day free from slavery to sin (vv. 1-13), and we have a great inheritance in Him (v. 17). We should not forget our place in the ranks of the “Heir Force.”

Author: Laura E. Roller


Reflecting God - be mine


Deuteronomy 26:16—27:10

My family moved cross-country frequently during my childhood. In each new place, I struggled to find a place to belong and people to love. I grew tired of constant transition.

The Israelites dragged themselves across the desert for years on end. Because of their previous disobedience, they forfeited their purpose and a place to belong. That is when God stepped in yet again. He reminded them – in essence – you all are my kids now. I will love you like no other nation. You must remember and follow my commands. They, in turn, worshipped and praised Him. What a refreshing feeling! Instead of wandering aimlessly, their belonging and purpose were restored.

God offers us the same privilege today. We are His children if we accept His Fatherhood. He will be our Father, we will be co-heirs with Christ, and the Holy Spirit will be alongside us every day. We are joined in a community of believers who set out to follow God’s commands and worship Him together.

No matter how many times we move or things change, we know our true home and our True Father are in heaven.

Author: Laura E. Roller

Monday, July 13, 2015

Reflecting God - Hope Brings God’s Strength

Isaiah 40:21-31

Human beings have short attention spans. We focus on what we can see, feel, smell, and taste right now, right in this moment. It’s important for us to be present in the moment. But we can’t live there. We may find that the present moment is terrible. If all we feel is suffering, or hunger, or oppression, or sickness right now we will miss out on what life is really about.

Isaiah wants those who will listen to wake up! It’s not a new message, he tells the people. It’s the same one that has been told since the beginning of all things. What is this message? God cares for us. God cares about our weariness, our pain, our suffering. God cares about our joys, our successes, our dreams. God cares. Isaiah reminds us to listen, to remember and to be people of hope.

Listen to the message: God cares. Remember the past: God has been faithful and that won’t change. Step forward in trust: when we trust in the Lord, no matter what we face, God will provide renewal, life and strength.

Author: Olivia Metcalf

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Arrow

I want my life to be an arrow pointing not only those i know, but those i dont know to the one who came to me when i wasnt worth coming to.  I want my life to point all who i know and dont know to the narrow path.  The road less traveled is the one worth traveling.  Lord use me for your glory. 

Ephesians 5:1-6, 8-20 NLT

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Keith green - make my life a prayer to you (live)

Make my life a prayer to you
I wanna do what you want me to
No empty words and no white lies
No token prayers no compromise

I wanna shine the light you gave
Through your son you sent to save us
From ourselves and our despair
It comforts me to know you're really there

[Chorus]
Well I wanna thank you know
For being patient with me
Oh it's so hard to see
When my eyes are on me
I guess I'll have to trus
And just believe what you say
Oh you're coming again
Coming to take me away

I wanna die and let you give
Your life to me so I might live
And share the hope you gave me
The love that set me free

I wanna tell the world out there
You're not some fable or fairy tale
That I've made up inside my head
You're God the son and you've risen from the dead

[Chorus]

I wanna die and let you give
Your life to me so I might live
And share the hope you gave me
The love that set me free

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Reflecting God - no "isms" needed

Ephesians 2:11-18

We have so many “isms” which separate us; racism, sexism, ageism, elitism, and intellectualism are just a few. All humans are great at creating these invisible barriers within our minds and constructing social norms, taboos and etiquettes to divide us from one another. We each have an “ism” we follow.

In our scripture today, Paul is writing to a church divided between those who maintained the Jewish rituals and those who did not. Paul looks beyond Judaism and Paganism and calls for unity. Paul does not point to another “ism” but to a person, Jesus Christ.   It is a point we need to consider today. Jesus makes this issue personal; because we must wrestle with the implication of what He did. Are we going to embrace the new humanity Jesus created? Are we going to give our “isms” over to Him? Will we receive the good news that together we can stand before the Father in one Spirit? Or are we going to retreat back behind our invisible barrier holding tightly to our “isms”?

Author: Paul Sheneman

Friday, July 10, 2015

Reflecting God - gods restoring mercy

Romans 9:14-29

God is not required to have mercy on us; He is Sovereign. He would be justified to deal with us as our sins deserve. Yet, in His mercy He provides another way. As the scriptures explain, it is not simply the physical children of Abraham who are regarded as his “offspring,” but those who accept the promise of God by faith (Romans 9:8).

To those who reject His offer of forgiveness in Christ God is justified in His wrath. Yet God shows patience and compassion. God offers salvation even to those who may ultimately reject Him! It is God who offers mercy; people, sadly, refuse the offer. Our salvation does not depend on what we deserve.

In the end it is no wonder that people who refuse God’s offer of forgiveness are punished for their sin. However, it is amazing that God offers forgiveness to all who turn from sin and to Christ for salvation. As Paul wrote elsewhere, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

Author: Jennifer Woodard

Reflecting God - Chaotic Waters

Isaiah 43:1-13

I can remember the fear I felt standing on the edge of the river bank preparing to brave the chaotic flood waters in a canoe. New to canoeing I believed my emerging skill and the help of my friend would be enough to conquer the unknown. However, my fear was quickly affirmed as fierce torrents suddenly appeared and swept us into uncontrollable pitches sending us overboard.

The same type of fear grips me when I think about the prejudices hidden in my heart. These prejudices are like the unknown torrents in the river. Once they emerge, they can seize me and throw me into a way of acting that grieves the heart of the One who has redeemed and called me by name.

Isaiah encourages us to not fear as we wade into the life giving waters of the Christian faith. The basis of our confidence is unlike my naïve faith in my canoeing abilities. We gain confidence by remembering that God’s redeeming work is already beginning. We can trust God to be with us, protect us, and transform us.

Author: Paul Sheneman

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Goodbye, or see you later?

Endless Hallelujah - Matt Redman

Only one life will soon be past, only whats done for Christ will last!

The longer this life goes, the more I long for somewhere I have never been.  The more loved ones I say goodbye to the more I long to be where my Jesus is.  I long to walk the streets of heaven with grandparents who have gone on before me, I long to be reunited with pets that have gone on and are playing in the Meadows of heaven waiting on me to return to them.  Most of all I long to be where my Lord and Savior is.  This life is nothing but a mist and nothing that can be seen in this life will last, it is as dust and is only temporary.  This past Monday my wife's grandmother took that ride on the old ship of Zion.  Today we lay her to rest, but it is not a good bye, only see you later.  One day we will see her again when our time on this earth is up.

Only One Life
Poem by C.T. Studd
“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”
— extra stanza —
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”

Saturday, July 4, 2015

unity

The muskox, an arctic bovine living in herds of 12–24, has a unique defensive strategy. When they’re feeling threatened by a predator, they form a circle.
You’ll find them shoulder-to-shoulder, an intimidating wall of mammoth heads and horns, staring down their enemies. In the midst of this impenetrable circle you’ll find the calves and weaker members of the herd. As long as they stick together, they’re virtually 

it sems to me that here as of late the church is somewhat divided on important issues.  we are called in 1 corinthians to be one body.  

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 NLT

The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

We are all different parts of the body but each part does a spcific task.  The world seems to be spireling out of control with seemingly no end in sight.  Evil is so close to achiveing its goal, now in my opinion is the time for us (the church) to shine even more brightly (matthew 5:13-16).

as my pastor says be light go shine!

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Reflecting God - gods restoring love

Below is today's devotional I receive via email. Enjoy!



John 21:7-25

John 21 is an intimate setting: a group of friends, breakfast on the beach, a walk, and an intimate conversation. Three times Jesus asks, “Peter, do you love me?” Surely Peter was already overwhelmed with grief at his betrayal of the Lord. Was Jesus being cruel? Never! Jesus often ministered by asking questions that cut through the fog of fear, self-centeredness, guilt or failure.

What Peter saw in himself was someone whose actions had failed the Lord. What Christ saw was someone who would allow God to use him fully. Jesus had been with Peter at every turn. He caught him when he sank (Matt. 14:31), corrected his attitude in the garden (Jn. 18:11), and looked directly at Peter when the rooster crowed (Luke 22:61).

We are not alone as we endeavor to follow Christ. He is here, leading us forward, walking beside, and directing from behind. He does not look at our failures with disappointment or disgust. He wants to lovingly restore in us all that falls short of His glory and goodness

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Reflecting God - with us

Below in a devotional I receive via email I wanted to share. I did not write it, it is titled reflecting God. Enjoy!



Isaiah 63:7-14

God leads his people. But it is not always through the calm, balmy days of summer. It may be carving a path through the roaring chaos of overwhelming grief, or into shelter from the clash of anger and frustration, or even while being swept along on a flood of painful memories. Joining Jesus on the journey is not flood insurance policy, nor does it protect our possessions from fire or damage.

We can find confidence and courage, because “This is how you guided your people.” God once led and still leads His people himself. This is where our hope and security lie. He does not send a substitute to conduct the trip. He did not simply give us a map and send us on our way. No, God is with us on this journey, providing pillars of fire and cloud. He parts waters.  He sends His Holy Spirit to dwell within us and among us.

Trials and suffering need not lead us to despair, but hope. Isaiah reminds us that the God who has done it before and will do it again, with us!

Author: Julia Roat-Abla