Intercession

There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.
Luke 23:32-34 NKJV
http://bible.com/114/luk.23.32-34.NKJV

But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who  is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.
Hebrews 7:24-28 NKJV
http://bible.com/114/heb.7.24-28.NKJV

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the  will  of God.
Romans 8:26-27 NKJV
http://bible.com/114/rom.8.26-27.NKJV

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,
Colossians 4:2-3 NKJV
http://bible.com/114/col.4.2-3.NKJV

I pray that this new year we as a people of god will take time to not only to be still in his presence, but to not be afraid to kneel before almighty god. 

"A man is what he is on his knees before God, and nothing more."  Robert Murry M'Cheyne

House fires - this love

Reflecting God - Our light and our salvation

Psalm 27:1-14

The story is told of the famed Scottish hero, Robert Bruce, who, when fleeing his enemies, took refuge in a cave, and prayed for God’s protection. While in the cave, a spider wove a web across its entrance. His pursuers came to the cave, but seeing the spider web across its opening concluded that he could not have entered without breaking the web and went on their way. Later Bruce said, “Without God, a stone wall is as a spider web; with God a spider web is as a stone wall.”

Why is it we are often afraid when we belong to the great God of the universe who sees all, knows all, and loves His children with tender, protective love? Further, He has promised to be with us, even to the end of the world. When the waters are rising and trouble seems bent on our destruction, we should remember our position in the Father’s love. We should exercise the faith He gives us and send our fears packing; for He is our stronghold, and He has promised to stay with us for the long haul.

Battlefield

Many battles are won in the prayer closet.  Often enough they are won not by a single prayer but by intersession and petition of almighty god. 

Keep praying. Pay attention when you offer prayers of thanksgiving. At the same time also pray for us. Pray that God will give us an opportunity to speak the word so that we may tell the mystery about Christ. It is because of this mystery that I am a prisoner. Pray that I may make this mystery as clear as possible. This is what I have to do. Be wise in the way you act toward those who are outside ⌊the Christian faith⌋. Make the most of your opportunities. Everything you say should be kind and well thought out so that you know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:2-6 GW
http://bible.com/70/col.4.2-6.GW

The text below is from a devotional by A.W.Tozer.

I have met christians who insist that it is wrong to pray for the same thing twice, the reason being that if w truly beleive when we pray we have the answer the first time;  any second prayer betrays the unbelief of the first!

There are three things wrong with this teaching.  One is it ignoresa large body of scipture; the second is that it rarely works in practice, even for the saintlest soul; and the third is that, if persisted in, it robs the praying man of two of his mightiest weapons in his warfarewith the flesh and the devil - intersession and petition.

For let it be said without qualification that the effective intersessor is never a one-prayer man, neither does the successful  petitioner win his mighty resources in his first attempt!

It must be noted that such a teaching will very often result in an unconscious spiritual pride.

One has but to note the smug smile of superiority on the face of the one-prayer christian to sence that there is a lot of pride behind the smile.  While other christians wrestle with god in an agony of intersession they sit back in humble pride waiting it out.  They do not pray because they have already prayed.  The devil has no fear of such christians.  He has already won over them, and his technique has been false logic. 

A.W. Tozer

He has searched us

http://youtu.be/7n9KNHwIzyc

Listen to the above link as you read the scripture below. Our God knows us each individually and knows what we need before we ask. 

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.”

Romans 8:18-30 NLT

http://bible.com/116/rom.8.18-30.nlt

Reflecting God - Justice Will Reign

Isaiah 11:1-9

The 1930s were a dark era for the United States. Crime, war, and economic collapse loomed. There was not enough work. Criminal gangs were pillaging and killing. As the president tried to repair the critical state of the fractured country, we were introduced to a legend, one who, at least in the comics and movies, made the commoner feel less small and helpless. He was a champion from far beyond the stars–from the planet Krypton. Superman would stand behind a beam of light, the American flag in his hand, and declare his fight for truth, justice, and the American way.

Not much has changed in 80 years. The superhero still attracts us, but he’s only pretend.

There is only one real source of justice–not “the man of steel” but the Son of Man. He is God himself, and He will bring true justice to the planet that sin has soiled. He will judge with perfect justice and real righteousness. His own blood redeems us from wrath and seals our position among the righteous.

worthy of all our worship and praise

No matter what kind of week you've had, busy, stressful, peaceful or other, our god is still in control and worthy of all our praise.  I am a debtor to all he has done for me!

who you are - kristian stanfill

Your glory speaks in every language
Across the sky to every nation
You are beauty
Unimagined
This is who you are
You are the Lord of my salvation
You are the one who lights my way
Through the dark night
You will lead me 
This is who you are 
This is who you are
Lift it up
Lift it up
Endless praises to our God
Full of grace 
Full of love 
And He’s reigning over us
You are faithful
You are worthy, God 
This is who you are
Day and night
The angels singing
Holy, Holy
Is the Lord
There’s none more worthy
To receive it 
This is who you are 
You hear the cry of every broken heart
You give the hopeless soul a brand new start
You lead the captive in Your freedom song 
This is who you are
And in the night when all our hope is lost
You are the one who won’t give up on us
You hold the orphan in your loving arms 
This is who you are

Reflecting God - but God!

Psalm 143:1-12

In our lifetimes, we will face seasons of grief and distress. None of us is exempt. A few years ago, I discovered an overcoming truth during such a season in my own life. The enemy sought to destroy our family in such a devastating way that pressing darkness threatened to overpower me. I cried to the Lord like David in Psalm 143 and tenaciously clung to the Lord.

One morning while reading Ephesians 2, these words from the fourth verse stood out: “God, who is rich in mercy.” I literally felt light flooding my heart with this realization: No matter the darkness, But God! Despite the deep sorrow, But God! Beyond any troubling circumstance, But God!

The Lord heard my prayers for mercy and relief, and His faithful lovingkindness strengthened me.

Let us choose to rejoice in our faithful Lord. Even when the gloom of loss envelops us, Those looming waves and deafening winds may signal defeat: but God!

Reflecting God - shadow of his wings

Psalm 91:1-16

“Someone must have sense enough and religion enough to cut off the chain of hate and evil, and this can only be done through love” (Martin Luther King, Jr.).

The psalmist, David, certain of God’s love for him, took refuge in the Lord’s angelic protection. How could he be so sure when King Saul’s army was stalking him daily? He lived a life of worship. As we commune with God, we also can be confident of His care.

A missionary in Asia was stalked by dangerous men. He trusted God to make a way out of a difficult situation and God did. It is the privilege of the believer to be sheltered by God, abiding in Him. We are secure in Him as He protects us from danger and disease, like a baby bird under the wings of its mother.

Regardless of the destruction of thousands near us, we are safe under God’s wings. The sprinkling of blood over the doorposts saved the firstborn of Israel. We are secure in Christ.

Reflecting God - betrayed by a kiss

Matthew 26:47-56

“But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man!” (Matthew 26:24b).

Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, leading to His arrest and crucifixion. When a disciple drew a sword and cut off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest, Jesus rebuked the disciple and healed the servant’s ear. Jesus could have called on legions of angels to come to His aid, but He submitted to the cross.

Seeing Jesus comply with the high priests and regiment of soldiers, the disciples fled for fear of their lives. They were only looking at the physical battle and knew they were outmatched. Little did they realize that their fight was not against flesh and blood but “rulers” and “authorities” (Ephesians 6:12).

Jesus did not call the legions of angels for himself, but He can call them for His followers when they are in danger and alone. We can be sure unseen angels are with us if we have requested them in prayer.

Author: M. K. Henderson

Reflecting God - Soldiers of the cross

2 Kings 6:8-23

“Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for others are a sign of strength” (Billy Graham).

The king of Syria planned to make war with Israel. The prophet Elisha warned the Israelite king. Now, the king of Syria wanted to destroy him. Little did he know how unconquerable was Elisha’s powerful God. Elisha’s fearful servant thought death was imminent when he saw the great Syrian army. Elisha admonished him not to fear because those with them outnumbered the Syrian army.

We, too, need to stand with God against injustice, poverty, lawlessness, and other violations of God’s law. We see the enemy all around us but we must open our eyes to see the army of God with us. When our faith is strong, we can strengthen those who do not see God’s army. We know that God is protecting us by His right hand of righteousness.

Like Elisha, we have angels camped around us. We too, can overcome evil with good.

Author: M. K. Henderson

Reflecting God - God of mercy and love.

Psalm 25:1-11

David understood the basis on which he could approach God. When establishing the covenant at Sinai, God passed before Moses declaring: “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin” (Exod. 34:6-7a). On this foundation, David approached God with trust and hope, humility and repentance.

God is trustworthy because of His great mercy and love. God willingly instructs sinners and guides the humble because He is good and upright. David fully recognized his own sinfulness and without presumption called on God to be true to himself in forgiving the sins of the humble penitent.

What relief and encouragement is ours when we recognize that we don’t have to earn the right to come before God. If that were the case, we would never know God as Savior. Our role is to humble ourselves by acknowledging our need and repenting of our sins. 

Come boldly, he is able

“For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall. For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

Hebrews 4:10-16 NLT

http://bible.com/116/heb.4.10-16.nlt

http://youtu.be/WSKmcRuSjBg

“Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”

Hebrews 7:25 NLT

http://bible.com/116/heb.7.25.nlt

http://youtu.be/gtzAciGlgKE

Reflecting God - Victory through Gods peace

Romans 16:17-20, 25-27

Some people assume that when Paul wrote “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (v. 20), he was making a reference to Genesis 3:15, in which God said to the serpent, “He will crush your head and you will strike his heel.” Whatever the case, it certainly brings that passage to mind and serves to reinforce the word God spoke to Satan long before Paul’s time.

We often forget that though we are in a spiritual battle, the war has already been won. It was decided on the cross at Calvary as the words of Jesus echoed through the valley below: “It is finished!” (John 19:30). When He spoke those immortal words, it was because the last nail had been driven not through His flesh, but through Satan’s future.

The peace we enjoy as members of the Kingdom is not achieved by denying that problems exist or burying our heads in the sand. It comes from knowing that we have “overcome the world,” and that “we are more than conquerors” through Christ (1 John 5:4; Romans 8:37).

Author: Tim Stearman

Peace?

I wrote this back in august while on vacation at the beach.  Thought now was a good time to post it.  enjoy!


There's just something about the sounds of the ocean that will soothe a weary soul. Things have been crazy busy at work. Normally I am pretty easy going. But lately I haven't been. Guess it's the stress of this life getting the better of me. Today while sitting on the beach God has reminded me that no matter how busy things get that he still has things well in hand.   To those reading this I don't know where you are today, but remember that no matter how tough things seem, our creator has everything even the smallest detail In the palm of his hands.

“God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake, Before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains. Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, GOD -of-Angel-Armies protects us.

River fountains splash joy, cooling God’s city, this sacred haunt of the Most High. God lives here, the streets are safe, God at your service from crack of dawn. Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten, but Earth does anything he says.

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, GOD -of-Angel-Armies protects us. Attention, all! See the marvels of GOD! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, Bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across his knee. “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, GOD -of-Angel-Armies protects us.”

Psalm 46:1-11 MSG

http://bible.com/97/psa.46.1-11.msg

Third Day - Offering

Worship!

Below are lyrics to a song by william mcdowell.  The first time i heard it i was working 2 1/2 hours away from home on a commercial construction site while listening to pandora.  Generally construction sites are not the place where you would expect god to speak but he did that day.  The song moved me so much i had to find a quiet spot on the site i could just be still and worship my king.  He is worthy of all our worship, My question for you today is who or what are you worshiping?!

 William McDowell - I give myself away

I Give Myself Away Lyrics

Chorus:

I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
(Repeat Above)

Verse 1:
Here I am
Here I stand
Lord, my life is in your hands
Lord, I'm longing to see
Your desires revealed in me

Chorus:

I give myself away
I give myself away
So you can use me
I give myself away
I give myself away
So you can use me

Verse 2:
Take my heart
Take my life
As a living sacrifice
All my dreams, all my plans
Lord I place them in your hands

Chorus:
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me

Chorus:
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me

Verse 3:
My life is not my own
To you I belong
I give myself, I give myself to you
My life is not my own
To you I belong
I give myself, I give myself to you
My life is not my own
to you I belong
I give myself, I give myself to you
(Repeat Above)

My life is not my own
To you I belong
I give myself, I give myself to you

(Chorus: Here I am to worship)
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that
You're my God
Your altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
(Repeat)

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that
You're my God
Your altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

(Repeat)

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that
You're my God
Your altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

Verse 4:
My life is not my own
To you I belong
I give myself I give myself to you
(Repeat)

Read more: William Mcdowell - I Give Myself Away Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

what are you seeking?

1The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it;

2for he founded it on the seas

and established it on the waters.

3Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?

Who may stand in his holy place?

4The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,

who does not trust in an idol

or swear by a false god.

psalm 24:1-4 niv

Who will ascend to the mountain of the lord?  I say lord let me ascend and worship, let me sing an endless hallelujah to the KING!  The world and all in it Belong to the king almighty, let us fall on our face and really seek him.  Dont seek him half heartedly!  Seek him with your whole heart.  Let us approach his holy mountain Clean and Pure!  I only have one question, what are you seeking?  I for one seek my king and his presence!

Reflecting God - shhh what do you hear?

Psalm 46:1-11

“Shh, what do you hear?” It was one of my first hunting lessons. We crouched low beside an old fencerow. I sat still and listened. A light wind clattered the dry leaves that clung to the branches. A squirrel chattered in her nest. Overhead a red-tailed hawk cried. Trying to shift my position earned me the whispered rebuke, “Shh, listen!” I froze, and in the distance, a twig broke. Two deer saw us just as we saw them. They sprang over a tumbled tree and were gone.

“Shh, what do you hear?” “Mountains falling into the heart of the sea, waters roaring and foaming,” the Sons of Korah sang. Along with the sounds of restless, writhing nature, they heard the turmoil of manmade strife, “Nations are in an uproar, kingdoms fall” (v. 6). Above all, an insistent voice invited the hearers, “Be still, and know that I am God” (v. 10).

Above the din of our daily strife our Lord still calls, “Be still, and know that I am God.” What do you hear?

Get up and go.

When will we really be the hands and feet of jesus?  We are blessed beyond words in our freedom to worship when we chose. Has this made us lazy?  Believers all over the world look after one another as one body. In our freedom we struggle to help ourselves much less help others. Believers in other parts of the world endure physical, mental, and emotional for years even decades and all the while leaning on jesus for their daily strength. We sometimes seem to struggle getting out of our own comfort zone. 

“Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”

Romans 13:8-14 NLT

http://bible.com/116/rom.13.8-14.nlt

I am challenged to get out of my own comfort zone and let God lead me being his hands and feet. Who will join me?  @wmhke on Twitter 

Reflecting God - The God Who Redeems

Exodus 5:22—6:9

At the time of the Exodus, the Israelites had been in Egypt for 400 years. As immigrants, they were treated harshly and forced to build cities for their oppressors. For generations they groaned under the yoke of Egyptian injustice. In response to their desperate need, God revealed to Moses that He had not forgotten His covenant to be their God. He then liberated Israel from their slavery and led them to the Promised Land.

While slavery is officially illegal worldwide, there are an estimated 20-30 million slaves in bondage today.

Billions are also in bondage to the guilt and consequences of sin. There is good news, however! The same God who liberated His people centuries ago sent Jesus “to proclaim freedom for the prisoners” (Luke 4:18). As Paul wrote, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2).

Author: Steve Walsh

Circumstances vs Joy

All degres of joy reside in the heart.  How can a christian be full of happiness (if happiness depends on the things that happen) when he is in a world where the devil is doing his best to twist souls away from god, where people are tortured physically, where some are downtrodden and do not get a chance?  It would be the outcome of the most miserable selfishness to be happy under such conditions.  But a joyful heart is never an insult, and joy is never touched by external conditions. 

- Oswald Chambers -

How often am i joyful?
What is the ratio of joy to happiness in my life?
How often do i allow circumstances to determine my mood?

hillsong - lifeline

Reflecting God - fear not, you're loved!

Psalm 16:1-11

Although thinking about the end of the world can be daunting, how wonderful and reassuring is it to know that God will be with us, casting out fear and shielding us with His wings! David’s Psalms answer the cry of our hearts, especially when he proclaims that God won’t abandon us. We all fear abandonment and rejection, but in Psalm 16 David says to the Lord, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11). Once we choose God, we are eternally in the presence of His love!

Even in our darkest hour, God gives us reason to hope and gain strength from His unending supply. “I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken,” David wrote (Psalm 16:8). God rescues and restores our minds, so that we are not “shaken” off our foundation.

We can count on this: God will never stop loving us—no matter what. Rest in His promises, and live for Him like never before!

Reflecting God - living christ's grace today

2 Peter 1:1-11

For so many people, their greatest fear as a Christ-follower is to fall short of the “Pearly Gates.” Many fear that Christ’s invitation will, because of a verbal slip or careless act on their part, cause them to find themselves on the outside looking in. In our attempts to not slip up and to remain “on the inside” we board up within the walls of our churches and our homes refusing to associate with those on the outside, hoping their sin will not infect us.

This belief that sin is a communicable disease causes us to forget that we are the product of God’s powerful, life-altering, world-shaking grace. When we come into contact with this work of grace, we cannot help but find our hearts changed. Our inward bent now begins to be directed outside of ourselves.

In the end, our greatest fear should not be that we will miss out on heaven; rather, our fear should be that others will miss out by our refusal to live out this grace.

Author: Michael Palmer

Reflecting God - The necessity of discipline

Revelation 3:14-22

Discipline is difficult. It’s painful. It’s embarrassing. If we are being disciplined we have been caught, found out, and called to account for the pain we have caused ourselves and others. We like to think that we are beyond discipline, or that we can out-run the consequences created by our actions. We want others to believe that we have everything together and that God would be making better use of his time by focusing on someone else.

Discipline, correction and rebuke are a vital part of the Christian life. As a person moves through life, they are formed, molded and shaped by the people around them. They accumulate, like clothes, the patterns, behaviors and beliefs of others. While some of these actions are healthy, however, many of these patterns are broken and in need of repair or removal.

If we are to be like Christ, we must be willing to do the hard work of self-reflection, and self-reflection is spurred on through the catalyst of the Holy Spirit’s loving rebuke.

Author: Michael Palmer

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

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

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

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:]

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

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

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

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

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