Psalm 86:11 Teach me your ways O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.
I would have to say that this verse is one of my all time favorites in the Psalms. I want the Lord to teach me His ways. Teaching me his ways is not just from him speaking to me or what a pastor teaches at church. It is what I read throughout the Bible. It is my understanding what God has instructed for my life. I want to know everything about living according to His truth. This means that I need to be able to apply what I have read and heard and seen. I want to be pure in heart, but most of all I want to honor Him. That purity of heart will come from knowing him in a personal way and focusing my whole heart on him. When I do that then I will honor him.
I have a son and a daughter. Both of them are teenagers. Both of them are selfish at times and at other times they are giving and loving towards others. When I see how they act, I can see both my wife and I in them. My children try to emulate how they see me and my reactions to events around me. My prayer is that they will see God through my reactions and that they will want to honor him in what they do and not just try to emulate me.
Recently, I took on a job at Lowes and one at Starbucks. I thought that I could handle two full time jobs and be able to function as a father. I then realized that I was not able to do all three and my abilities as a father were failing. I now only work at Starbucks and am hoping that my position there will allow for me to be able to be more of a dad to my kids and a husband to my wife as the Lord wants me to.
Scripture reading and analysis from the eyes of a Soldier.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
The Jobs
Proverbs 6:6-11 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
The past few days have been really busy for me. About three weeks ago I started working at Lowe's Home Improvement as a seasonal employee. I am getting full time hours but no benefits. At the same time I applied at Lowe's, I also applied at Starbucks. Yesterday, I started working at Starbucks as well. (Starbucks offers employees benefits for part time and full time employees.) So yesterday I opened at Starbucks and closed at Lowe's. This is something that I never really thought that I would have to do, but as I look at how I will be able to provide for my family, I realized that I am going to have to sacrifice some to ensure that they have a roof over their head and food to eat.
Some people look at me like I am crazy. They see me as working myself into an early grave. I look at it like this. For everything there is a season. The ants work hard during the summer to be able to survive during the winter. I am working hard now so that we will be able to survive later on. I am just thankful that I am able to have a job. There are so many people out there right now that are unable to find employement and are struggling to take care of their family. I feel that God provided a means for me to be able to take care of my family.
Praise the Lord!
The past few days have been really busy for me. About three weeks ago I started working at Lowe's Home Improvement as a seasonal employee. I am getting full time hours but no benefits. At the same time I applied at Lowe's, I also applied at Starbucks. Yesterday, I started working at Starbucks as well. (Starbucks offers employees benefits for part time and full time employees.) So yesterday I opened at Starbucks and closed at Lowe's. This is something that I never really thought that I would have to do, but as I look at how I will be able to provide for my family, I realized that I am going to have to sacrifice some to ensure that they have a roof over their head and food to eat.
Some people look at me like I am crazy. They see me as working myself into an early grave. I look at it like this. For everything there is a season. The ants work hard during the summer to be able to survive during the winter. I am working hard now so that we will be able to survive later on. I am just thankful that I am able to have a job. There are so many people out there right now that are unable to find employement and are struggling to take care of their family. I feel that God provided a means for me to be able to take care of my family.
Praise the Lord!
Monday, March 4, 2013
God's Peace
Numbers 6: 24-26 "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace."
Many pastors over the years have used this blessing as the closing of their service or their benediction. It is a verse that I have found comfort in over the years. In all honesty it was a verse that I had not read in context until today.
It is amazing how God can use certain verses at certain times to bless his people. Over the past five days, my wife has been in Virginia. I have been playing single parent and trying to take care everything at home. Not only have I been running my son to drivers ed and my son and daughter to school and practices, but I have also started a job where it is not as easy to just up and leave. This can add to the stress of everything.
My wife comes home today and I will be picking her up. Then there is work. Then I start another new job tomorrow at 5 am. Then there is my daughter's softball practices and church commitments and the mission trip that I still need to raise support for. The list goes on and on. The awesome thing in all of this is that I know that God is in control and that He is giving me peace so that I don't stress out about it all. I think that he lets me just take in a little bit at a time so that I do have a peace. He is protecting me and is being gracious to me. May I always understand this and not allow myself to stress out and become overwhelmed. He is right there to help me through it if I allow him.
Many pastors over the years have used this blessing as the closing of their service or their benediction. It is a verse that I have found comfort in over the years. In all honesty it was a verse that I had not read in context until today.
It is amazing how God can use certain verses at certain times to bless his people. Over the past five days, my wife has been in Virginia. I have been playing single parent and trying to take care everything at home. Not only have I been running my son to drivers ed and my son and daughter to school and practices, but I have also started a job where it is not as easy to just up and leave. This can add to the stress of everything.
My wife comes home today and I will be picking her up. Then there is work. Then I start another new job tomorrow at 5 am. Then there is my daughter's softball practices and church commitments and the mission trip that I still need to raise support for. The list goes on and on. The awesome thing in all of this is that I know that God is in control and that He is giving me peace so that I don't stress out about it all. I think that he lets me just take in a little bit at a time so that I do have a peace. He is protecting me and is being gracious to me. May I always understand this and not allow myself to stress out and become overwhelmed. He is right there to help me through it if I allow him.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
The root of foul language.
Luke 6:45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasure of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.
Over the past few weeks it has been brought to my attention that one of my children has been using profanity at school. The excuse that was give to me was that no where in the Bible does it say the we shouldn't "cuss". So the other night my wife and I sat down with my child and discussed in great length where in the Bible it talks about using foul language. I then had the child write down the verses and have now posted them all around the house for my whole family to learn and ponder. This verse is the one that is posted on our computer.
This verse also reminds me that no matter how bad the day gets, or how bad I disagree with someone, I can always have something good to say if I have good stored in my heart. My prayer is that I continue to fill my heart with good and not evil. I only want to be a light to those around me.
Over the past few weeks it has been brought to my attention that one of my children has been using profanity at school. The excuse that was give to me was that no where in the Bible does it say the we shouldn't "cuss". So the other night my wife and I sat down with my child and discussed in great length where in the Bible it talks about using foul language. I then had the child write down the verses and have now posted them all around the house for my whole family to learn and ponder. This verse is the one that is posted on our computer.
This verse also reminds me that no matter how bad the day gets, or how bad I disagree with someone, I can always have something good to say if I have good stored in my heart. My prayer is that I continue to fill my heart with good and not evil. I only want to be a light to those around me.
Monday, February 25, 2013
A Repentant heart
Psalm 51:17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
I remember, when I was a child, I would get into trouble. When that would happen I would try to do whatever I could to get back into my parent's good graces. I would make my parent's bed, or wash the dishes, or vacuum the living room, all in hopes that my mother or dad would not be mad at me anymore. All they really wanted was for me to be genuinely repentant for what I had done.
This is the way it is with God as well. God doesn't want our sacrifices. He doesn't want us to do a bunch of works in hopes that we will be accepted by Him. He wants us to have broken heart. God wants us to be TRULY repentant. Repentance is not just a figure of speech. It means to turn from our sin. That is what God wants. He wants us to turn from our sin and to never go back to it. Choose today to confess your sin, repent and turn from it.
I remember, when I was a child, I would get into trouble. When that would happen I would try to do whatever I could to get back into my parent's good graces. I would make my parent's bed, or wash the dishes, or vacuum the living room, all in hopes that my mother or dad would not be mad at me anymore. All they really wanted was for me to be genuinely repentant for what I had done.
This is the way it is with God as well. God doesn't want our sacrifices. He doesn't want us to do a bunch of works in hopes that we will be accepted by Him. He wants us to have broken heart. God wants us to be TRULY repentant. Repentance is not just a figure of speech. It means to turn from our sin. That is what God wants. He wants us to turn from our sin and to never go back to it. Choose today to confess your sin, repent and turn from it.
Friday, February 22, 2013
God is still on the Throne
Psalm 45:6-7 Your throne, O God endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. You love justice and hate evil. Therefore God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.
Sometimes I wonder how much longer God will allow the depravity of this world to continue. I wonder if He is aware of what is going on. We see children being disobedient to their parents. We see parents disobeying the laws of the land. We see Governments changing laws to appease the few. We see infidelity, homosexuality, sex before marriage, lying, stealing, murdering, and every other depravity known to man. It just makes me wonder how much longer God's patience will continue.
Then I am reminded of this verse. God's reign will continue. He is still on the throne. No matter how we feel, God knows the final outcome. If we go to the end of the Bible, in Revelation, we see that He wins. Sin may be winning the battles right now, but God will win the war.
Take Heart, God is Still on the Throne!
Sometimes I wonder how much longer God will allow the depravity of this world to continue. I wonder if He is aware of what is going on. We see children being disobedient to their parents. We see parents disobeying the laws of the land. We see Governments changing laws to appease the few. We see infidelity, homosexuality, sex before marriage, lying, stealing, murdering, and every other depravity known to man. It just makes me wonder how much longer God's patience will continue.
Then I am reminded of this verse. God's reign will continue. He is still on the throne. No matter how we feel, God knows the final outcome. If we go to the end of the Bible, in Revelation, we see that He wins. Sin may be winning the battles right now, but God will win the war.
Take Heart, God is Still on the Throne!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Directions
Have you ever put in an address in your GPS and it tells you to go a different way than you thought you should go? I have a GPS that is a little bit older and the maps haven't been updated in forever. So when I plug in an address, I will get the general direction that I am supposed to be going, however, I feel that I know what is best and will not always obey the directions that the GPS is telling me to go. There have been several times that I have done this when I end up having to turn around because I have gotten lost.
So it is in life. God knows the direction that he wants us to go. He knows the final destination and may at times reveal that destination to us. The issue is that we as humans try to plan our route to get to that destination. When we do that, rather than allowing God to direct our steps we can become confused and lost and then we turn to God to get us out of the mess that we got into.
A perfect example of this is where my wife and I are right now. We are feeling led to go into the mission field to serve God. We are looking at partnering with Saturation Church Planting Internation (SCPI). We are having to be very careful to allow God to take us to the next step and to not get in front of his direction. Daily I am having to remind myself that I need to allow God to be in the Driver's Seat and I can sit in the rear passenger seat. Too often I am trying to tell him where I need to go and how fast he should be going to get me there. Only God ultimately knows the direction for my life and how fast he wants me to get there.
NOTE:
I would ask you to pray for my God Parent's today and over the next couple of weeks. Their names are David and Susan Ott and tomorrow they will bury their son David Jr. David was 22 years old and was a senior in college. Please lift his whole family up in prayer during this time of sorrow.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The Details.
Leviticus 12:1 The Lord said to Moses, "Give the following instructions to the people of Israel."
It has been years since I read all of the law that God gave to the Israelites. I am amazed at the detail that God goes into to ensure that the Israelites understood exactly what was wrong. At times it almost seemed repetitive, however, God wanted to ensure the Israelites understood exactly what would make them unclean. The interesting thing about this is that there was no way that the Israelites (or any man) could ever keep all the commands that God required.
God is a Holy God. He is without sin. If man sins then they are unclean and are unable to have a relationship with God. Once man is unclean, they must present a blood sacrifice to God to cover their sin. God knew that even the blood sacrifice of animals would not cover the sin forever. So he came down in the form of a man, Christ Jesus, to be the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. Because Christ was sacrificed and died for the sins of all mankind, those who repent and believe on him will have everlasting life.
It has been years since I read all of the law that God gave to the Israelites. I am amazed at the detail that God goes into to ensure that the Israelites understood exactly what was wrong. At times it almost seemed repetitive, however, God wanted to ensure the Israelites understood exactly what would make them unclean. The interesting thing about this is that there was no way that the Israelites (or any man) could ever keep all the commands that God required.
God is a Holy God. He is without sin. If man sins then they are unclean and are unable to have a relationship with God. Once man is unclean, they must present a blood sacrifice to God to cover their sin. God knew that even the blood sacrifice of animals would not cover the sin forever. So he came down in the form of a man, Christ Jesus, to be the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. Because Christ was sacrificed and died for the sins of all mankind, those who repent and believe on him will have everlasting life.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Who is God to you?
Psalm 36:5 Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
It is a beautiful crisp morning here in Middle Tennessee. I am sitting in my kitchen facing the back yard. As I look up I see wispy clouds floating by and the beauty of the sun shining through. I am reminded just how awesome God is. God knows every need that we have and also every want that we desire. He knows the little things that cause us worry and pain. He knows when we sin and fall short of his glory. No matter what, God still loves us through it all. He is the Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. He is there to see us through it all because he loves us.
When you read this verse, just as it is, it seems that David is just worshipping God. If you read it in context, you see that David is pleading with God. First in verses 1-4 David is speaking about how the sinful devise evil plots and make no attempts to turn away from their ways. Then in 5-9 David gives glory to God. He sings praises to his name. In 10-12 David makes his personal request that God administer justice to those who were oppressing David. What an example of prayer for us.
So many times we go to God with our wants and desires immediately. That is not how we should be praying to Him. We should be focusing on who he is more than what our needs are. When we do that we begin to see God for who he is...GOD. He is not just a Mr Fix It. Instead he is the Creator of the Universe. He is the Everlasting. He is Love.
What is he to you?
It is a beautiful crisp morning here in Middle Tennessee. I am sitting in my kitchen facing the back yard. As I look up I see wispy clouds floating by and the beauty of the sun shining through. I am reminded just how awesome God is. God knows every need that we have and also every want that we desire. He knows the little things that cause us worry and pain. He knows when we sin and fall short of his glory. No matter what, God still loves us through it all. He is the Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. He is there to see us through it all because he loves us.
When you read this verse, just as it is, it seems that David is just worshipping God. If you read it in context, you see that David is pleading with God. First in verses 1-4 David is speaking about how the sinful devise evil plots and make no attempts to turn away from their ways. Then in 5-9 David gives glory to God. He sings praises to his name. In 10-12 David makes his personal request that God administer justice to those who were oppressing David. What an example of prayer for us.
So many times we go to God with our wants and desires immediately. That is not how we should be praying to Him. We should be focusing on who he is more than what our needs are. When we do that we begin to see God for who he is...GOD. He is not just a Mr Fix It. Instead he is the Creator of the Universe. He is the Everlasting. He is Love.
What is he to you?
Thursday, February 14, 2013
God's Forgiveness
Psalm 32:1-2 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty.
It is very encouraging to know that the Lord forgives us. There are many times that I have to approach His throne in complete humility and repent from my sins. When I come before Him, I must be completely honest with him and tell him what I have done. When I do that, He forgives me and puts my sin where it is never seen again.
So many times when we sin and God has forgiven us, Satan will bring our sin back up to our remembrance. He will try to make us feel guilty again for something that God has already forgiven us for. This is when we need to remind him what the scriptures say here. God has already forgiven me and he no longer remembers it anymore. If God has forgiven me, then I don't need to continue to beat myself up for that sin any longer.
Not only does Satan want to cause me to continue to feel guilty, he is also trying to take my eyes off of my Heavenly Father. If I am focusing on how bad I am and how bad my sin was, then I am not focusing on how wonderful God is. I am losing focus on the saving nature of God. I am losing focus on how merciful He is. God would rather us come to his throne and ask forgiveness and leave our sin forever so that we can truly worship Him for who he is. It is a joy when I can focus on the loving nature of God rather than the sinful nature of me.
It is very encouraging to know that the Lord forgives us. There are many times that I have to approach His throne in complete humility and repent from my sins. When I come before Him, I must be completely honest with him and tell him what I have done. When I do that, He forgives me and puts my sin where it is never seen again.
So many times when we sin and God has forgiven us, Satan will bring our sin back up to our remembrance. He will try to make us feel guilty again for something that God has already forgiven us for. This is when we need to remind him what the scriptures say here. God has already forgiven me and he no longer remembers it anymore. If God has forgiven me, then I don't need to continue to beat myself up for that sin any longer.
Not only does Satan want to cause me to continue to feel guilty, he is also trying to take my eyes off of my Heavenly Father. If I am focusing on how bad I am and how bad my sin was, then I am not focusing on how wonderful God is. I am losing focus on the saving nature of God. I am losing focus on how merciful He is. God would rather us come to his throne and ask forgiveness and leave our sin forever so that we can truly worship Him for who he is. It is a joy when I can focus on the loving nature of God rather than the sinful nature of me.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The Task
Exodus 36:1 "The Lord has gifted Bezalel, Ohiliab, and the other skilled craftsmen with wisdom and ability to perform any task involved in building the sanctuary. Let them construct and furnish the Tabernacle, just as the Lord has commanded."
Yesterday, in my quiet time, I read this verse in Exodus. I was reading chapters 36, 37 and 38 of Exodus. These chapters talk about how these men fashioned the different items for the Tabernacle. Each item was crafted especially the way that God had directed. What amazes me is that this is the verse that has been going through my mind for the past day. The Lord gifted these men with wisdom and abilities to perform the task that he had for them. I imagine that when the men heard what had to be done, they were probably a little overwhelmed. The awesome thing about scripture though is that it then described how each task was accomplished. These men took the large task that they had and broke it down into small tasks. This allowed them to see progress and they were then able to finish the enormous task that the Lord had set them apart for.
What task is weighing you down? Do you know that God has set you apart and gifted you for that task? It can be very overwhelming, but if you look at it in small sub tasks, then before you know it the task will be accomplished and God will be glorified in it.
Yesterday, in my quiet time, I read this verse in Exodus. I was reading chapters 36, 37 and 38 of Exodus. These chapters talk about how these men fashioned the different items for the Tabernacle. Each item was crafted especially the way that God had directed. What amazes me is that this is the verse that has been going through my mind for the past day. The Lord gifted these men with wisdom and abilities to perform the task that he had for them. I imagine that when the men heard what had to be done, they were probably a little overwhelmed. The awesome thing about scripture though is that it then described how each task was accomplished. These men took the large task that they had and broke it down into small tasks. This allowed them to see progress and they were then able to finish the enormous task that the Lord had set them apart for.
What task is weighing you down? Do you know that God has set you apart and gifted you for that task? It can be very overwhelming, but if you look at it in small sub tasks, then before you know it the task will be accomplished and God will be glorified in it.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Trusting God
Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
How I wish that I could be like David when he sings about how he trusts God with all of his heart. It is such a struggle most times to trust God with everything. Sure I am able to trust him with the little things, but when it comes to things like funding a mission trip, or dealing with family problems it seems like it is so much harder. I get so frustrated and then I start to rely on my own understanding rather than falling at the feet of the Lord and asking for help. God wants to help. He wants to prove just how big he really is. So many times I don't allow Him to show me because I step in and try to take control of it. Then I really mess it all up. I wonder when I will be willing to really trust God with all of my heart.
How I wish that I could be like David when he sings about how he trusts God with all of his heart. It is such a struggle most times to trust God with everything. Sure I am able to trust him with the little things, but when it comes to things like funding a mission trip, or dealing with family problems it seems like it is so much harder. I get so frustrated and then I start to rely on my own understanding rather than falling at the feet of the Lord and asking for help. God wants to help. He wants to prove just how big he really is. So many times I don't allow Him to show me because I step in and try to take control of it. Then I really mess it all up. I wonder when I will be willing to really trust God with all of my heart.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Memories
1 Corinthians 1:31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord."
Yesterday was a hard day for me. I got to make a trip down memory lane and go back to my last unit, for probably the last time, to receive my end of tour award. I took my family with me and recounted some of the memories that I had from my travels back and forth to Fort Campbell. For those of you who didn't know, I drove an hour and 45 minutes one way to work every day for almost a year and a half. With that being said, let me boast about how good our Lord truly is.
When I got to Fort Campbell yesterday, a flood of emotions hit me. I saw myself still in uniform. I saw familiar faces and new faces. The thing that hit me the most was just the emotion of knowing that these were my brothers and sisters in arms that were preparing to go back into harms way. The 101st Airborne Division is always preparing for the next conflict or peacekeeping mission. They call it their "Next Rendezvous with Destiny." When I was giving my farewell speech, I got choked up thinking of them leaving without me. I have to remember though, that I have a "Rendezvous" with a plan that God has laid for my life. He has been training me for this day for a long time and soon the time will come when my wife and I will be moving forward towards that "Rendezvous." Until that time, I will continue to train and prepare as any good Soldier must do.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Mentors
Psalm 16:3 The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!
Over the past 20 years I have spent a lot of time trying to surround myself with heroes. These heroes were Godly men and women who spent their life living what they believed. I spent lots of time at church trying to glean all that I could from them . The one thing that I felt that I lacked though was a mentor. Now I have had other mentors in my past. There are those who mentored me while I was in the military. There are those who mentored me when I was much younger. I remember specifically someone who I truly respect and love even to this day. His name is Johnny Lawler. He was the hero who helped lead me to the cross of Calvary.
As I proceed down this path that I call life, I have seen that I want and need someone who has been where I stand. I need someone that is further along in his journey. I am thankful to have hopefully found that man. He is a missionary and has been one for over 35 years. He is a very Godly man and has the ultimate calling to reach every man, woman, and child with the Gospel of Christ. I am very thankful that I have been blessed to call Gary Bowman my mentor and friend.
I write all of this, not to specifically talk about my mentor, but to encourage you to find someone who you can trust and who is further along in their journey to be mentored by. They can help give you advise when you need it or they can help pray for you in times of need. Either way, find a godly man (if you are a man) or woman (if you are a woman) and allow them to influence your life for the cause of Christ.
Over the past 20 years I have spent a lot of time trying to surround myself with heroes. These heroes were Godly men and women who spent their life living what they believed. I spent lots of time at church trying to glean all that I could from them . The one thing that I felt that I lacked though was a mentor. Now I have had other mentors in my past. There are those who mentored me while I was in the military. There are those who mentored me when I was much younger. I remember specifically someone who I truly respect and love even to this day. His name is Johnny Lawler. He was the hero who helped lead me to the cross of Calvary.
As I proceed down this path that I call life, I have seen that I want and need someone who has been where I stand. I need someone that is further along in his journey. I am thankful to have hopefully found that man. He is a missionary and has been one for over 35 years. He is a very Godly man and has the ultimate calling to reach every man, woman, and child with the Gospel of Christ. I am very thankful that I have been blessed to call Gary Bowman my mentor and friend.
I write all of this, not to specifically talk about my mentor, but to encourage you to find someone who you can trust and who is further along in their journey to be mentored by. They can help give you advise when you need it or they can help pray for you in times of need. Either way, find a godly man (if you are a man) or woman (if you are a woman) and allow them to influence your life for the cause of Christ.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Who is your God?
Exodus 20:3 "You must not have any other god but me."
Many of us learned the Ten Commandments when we were children. I remember having it posted in our house for a while for us to learn and try to understand. Our country was founded on the principles founded in the Ten Commandments. Most courts have the Ten Commandments displayed somewhere prominently because the American Judicial System was based on the Ten Commandments. As the years have progressed, it seems that the Ten Commandments have been put by the wayside. In our country today people don't want to acknowledge that there is a God. Instead they look to themselves to be their god. Everything that is said and done ultimately has a an underlying result of how it will affect them.
When I look at the Ten Commandments, I have to look at the first verse. Everything else in the commandments is derived from the first verse. If we place God first in our life and honor him with everything that we do, then all of the other rules will be followed without any problem. It is when we place something higher than God that our lives end up in turmoil.
I was speaking to my son the other day regarding him working out. He is so energized by being able to be physically fit. He keeps telling me that his goal is to get a six pack. He wants to look good. We discussed that it was okay to want to look good, however, he needed to be careful to not go to the extreme. When he begins to focus on his body and how he looks more than he focuses on God and what God wants then that becomes an issue. I encouraged him to focus on his physical appearance, but to focus more on his spiritual walk with his heavenly father.
What do you have that is above God? Is it your work? What about your family? How about yourself? We must be careful to not place our self higher than God.
Lord, Keep me humble so that I may always know that you are God and I am not.
Many of us learned the Ten Commandments when we were children. I remember having it posted in our house for a while for us to learn and try to understand. Our country was founded on the principles founded in the Ten Commandments. Most courts have the Ten Commandments displayed somewhere prominently because the American Judicial System was based on the Ten Commandments. As the years have progressed, it seems that the Ten Commandments have been put by the wayside. In our country today people don't want to acknowledge that there is a God. Instead they look to themselves to be their god. Everything that is said and done ultimately has a an underlying result of how it will affect them.
When I look at the Ten Commandments, I have to look at the first verse. Everything else in the commandments is derived from the first verse. If we place God first in our life and honor him with everything that we do, then all of the other rules will be followed without any problem. It is when we place something higher than God that our lives end up in turmoil.
I was speaking to my son the other day regarding him working out. He is so energized by being able to be physically fit. He keeps telling me that his goal is to get a six pack. He wants to look good. We discussed that it was okay to want to look good, however, he needed to be careful to not go to the extreme. When he begins to focus on his body and how he looks more than he focuses on God and what God wants then that becomes an issue. I encouraged him to focus on his physical appearance, but to focus more on his spiritual walk with his heavenly father.
What do you have that is above God? Is it your work? What about your family? How about yourself? We must be careful to not place our self higher than God.
Lord, Keep me humble so that I may always know that you are God and I am not.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Praise from the Grave
Psalms 6:4-5 Return, O Lord, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love. For the dead do not remember you. Who can praise you from the grave?
The Psalmist David has such a way with words. In the 6th chapter of Psalms, David is praying for mercy. He sees himself as a sinner and because of that God's anger is upon him. In verse 4 we see David pleading for God to return and rescue him. Not only does David ask God to rescue him, but he appeals to God because of God's love. All of this leads up to verse five. In verse five, David makes it real. He tells God, "The dead don't remember who you are...they won't praise you from the grave." In other words, If there is no way for redemption and forgiveness, then all maen will not have a way to worship past the grave.
We worship an awesome God. He does love us very much. He cannot stand it when we sin though. That sin automatically signs our death warrant. But because God loved us, he made a way for us to have a relationship with him. He came down in the form of a man and paid the ultimate price for my sins. He died to rescue me and you. The climax to that event though was not the death of Christ Jesus (God in Man) but it was the resurrection of Christ. It proved that God has power over death. Those who repent and believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus will be set free from the bondage of death. Therefore God has made a way for us to continue to live once our earthly bodies are put in the grave.
The Psalmist David has such a way with words. In the 6th chapter of Psalms, David is praying for mercy. He sees himself as a sinner and because of that God's anger is upon him. In verse 4 we see David pleading for God to return and rescue him. Not only does David ask God to rescue him, but he appeals to God because of God's love. All of this leads up to verse five. In verse five, David makes it real. He tells God, "The dead don't remember who you are...they won't praise you from the grave." In other words, If there is no way for redemption and forgiveness, then all maen will not have a way to worship past the grave.
We worship an awesome God. He does love us very much. He cannot stand it when we sin though. That sin automatically signs our death warrant. But because God loved us, he made a way for us to have a relationship with him. He came down in the form of a man and paid the ultimate price for my sins. He died to rescue me and you. The climax to that event though was not the death of Christ Jesus (God in Man) but it was the resurrection of Christ. It proved that God has power over death. Those who repent and believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus will be set free from the bondage of death. Therefore God has made a way for us to continue to live once our earthly bodies are put in the grave.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Anger
Psalm 4:4 Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.
Anger is such a hard thing to control. We say angry words in haste. We hurt those we love because we respond in anger. We are content to hurt others when we get angry because we were hurt by them first. What causes us to react in this way? In most cases people get angry because we were offended by someone or something. It might be that someone was wasting our time or belittling us in some way.
Last evening I received a phone call from someone who was taking a survey for the Department of Defense. He told me that it might take up to 15 minutes to complete. I was thinking it won't take that long because most surveys don't really apply to me. As we progressed through the survey, he began to ask questions that I had just answered over and over and over again. I became very frustrated and it began to anger me.
As I look back on the event and try to decipher why I was getting so angry, I realized that it was because I was feeling like he was wasting my time. I ended up hanging up on him because I just didn't want to continue to feel the anger. This probably was not the best way to handle the situation.
Anger is a reaction that comes in quickly due to a circumstance but the biggest thing that we must do is not allow that anger to control us. There are times that we all get angry, but how we respond when we get angry is what truly matters. The second part of this scripture is the best response for when we get angry: think about it and remain silent. If we are silent (and don't act on our anger) then we don't sin. This is what God wants. Today, when you are tempted to do something in anger, think about this verse.
Anger is such a hard thing to control. We say angry words in haste. We hurt those we love because we respond in anger. We are content to hurt others when we get angry because we were hurt by them first. What causes us to react in this way? In most cases people get angry because we were offended by someone or something. It might be that someone was wasting our time or belittling us in some way.
Last evening I received a phone call from someone who was taking a survey for the Department of Defense. He told me that it might take up to 15 minutes to complete. I was thinking it won't take that long because most surveys don't really apply to me. As we progressed through the survey, he began to ask questions that I had just answered over and over and over again. I became very frustrated and it began to anger me.
As I look back on the event and try to decipher why I was getting so angry, I realized that it was because I was feeling like he was wasting my time. I ended up hanging up on him because I just didn't want to continue to feel the anger. This probably was not the best way to handle the situation.
Anger is a reaction that comes in quickly due to a circumstance but the biggest thing that we must do is not allow that anger to control us. There are times that we all get angry, but how we respond when we get angry is what truly matters. The second part of this scripture is the best response for when we get angry: think about it and remain silent. If we are silent (and don't act on our anger) then we don't sin. This is what God wants. Today, when you are tempted to do something in anger, think about this verse.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Nicaragua Mission Trip 27 April to 4 May 2013
30 January 2013
Over the past 19 years I have many opportunities to share my
faith while serving in the military. I
have been to seven different countries and traveled to numerous states during
that time. One of my regrets that I
have had was that I was unable to go on a “Missions trip” to a foreign country
due to my military obligations. Now that
I am out of the military I am finally able to go to other countries and serve
in a different capacity.
On April 27th 2013 I will be leaving to go to Nicaragua for a week
with a group of 25 to 30 men from Thompson Station Church. We will be partnering with Chosen Children’s
Ministry. (www.chosenchildrenministries.org
) While in Nicaragua we will be building a
transition home at an orphanage and doing general maintenance on the orphanage
and adjacent mission house. This
transition home is for young ladies that are aging out of the orphanage and the
Nicaraguan Government is kicking them out on the street with no place to go or
family to take them in. We will also be
doing some evangelism and feedings.
As I go, I ask you to bathe my team in prayer. We will definitely need it. When the time comes closer, I will send out
specific prayer requests that you can petition our heavenly Father for. One request that I ask for now is regarding
that of support. Please pray how you may
be able to help. I must raise $1800
dollars by the 20th of March.
If you choose to support me in this endeavor, please use the response
card found at http://www.thompsonstationchurch.org/uploads/Response%20Card%202013.pdf
. The team leader is Brent Jones. ***Please do not include my name on your check.
***
If you have any questions about what we will be doing please
give me a call or email me. I would love
to tell you what God is doing in Nicaragua and also in my life.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support as I seek
to serve God where ever He leads.
Sincerely,
Eric Scheidt
404-797-3814
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Purity of Heart
Psalm 86:11 Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.
What is purity? Websters dictionary defines purity as the state of being pure. When I think of purity, I think of a perfectly white dress or shirt. There are no blemishes at all on them. Once you put them on though there is no way that you can keep them perfectly clean. No matter how hard you try that shirt or dress will always end up dirty.
It is the same way with our hearts. No matter how hard we try we cannot have a perfect or unblemished heart. Our heart is full of sin. The only way that we can have an unblemished or pure heart is if we allow God's truth to permeate it. God's truth can be found in His Word. As we read and meditate on the Word, we will find that we become more focused on what He wants and desires. The more that we want and desire to live for God, the more we honor him. That is the ultimate goal, to honor God.
Today, I want to live for God more than I did yesterday. Tomorrow, I want to live for him more than I did today. May I always be focused on living according to the truth that God has laid out in His Word.
What is purity? Websters dictionary defines purity as the state of being pure. When I think of purity, I think of a perfectly white dress or shirt. There are no blemishes at all on them. Once you put them on though there is no way that you can keep them perfectly clean. No matter how hard you try that shirt or dress will always end up dirty.
It is the same way with our hearts. No matter how hard we try we cannot have a perfect or unblemished heart. Our heart is full of sin. The only way that we can have an unblemished or pure heart is if we allow God's truth to permeate it. God's truth can be found in His Word. As we read and meditate on the Word, we will find that we become more focused on what He wants and desires. The more that we want and desire to live for God, the more we honor him. That is the ultimate goal, to honor God.
Today, I want to live for God more than I did yesterday. Tomorrow, I want to live for him more than I did today. May I always be focused on living according to the truth that God has laid out in His Word.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Stop Complaining!
Job 40:3 Then Job replied to the Lord, " I am nothing-how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say."
Does it ever seem that we complain too much about our situations? It seems that we can never be happy with the hand we have been dealt. Recently, I was trying to help a friend of mine move a gun safe. As soon as we saw how heavy and big it was, he began to become very negative and start complaining. Ultimately, we were not able to put the safe where the owner needed it. I was talking with my son later about it and he said he was very upset because it seemed to him that the negative attitude caused the whole team to give up.
This happens everyday. It may not be when someone is trying to move a safe. Instead it might be when a big decision is being made about the future of your family. Or it could be a business decision. When we seek God's guidance, we need to go with a joyful heart and not to dwell on the negative within our circumstances. Our God is not going to place us in a situation that he doesn't think we can handle, so stop complaining!
I was recently reading a blog that my sister, Mandy writes. She and her husband, Chad, moved their entire family of 6 children to Thailand a couple of weeks ago. She was writing about how even in Thailand she could still see God's provision. God blessed her by giving her a beautiful sunset when she needed it. He also gave them a great church family to help build them up while they are there. I am certain that she could be focusing on all the negative, but she has learned to see God in the little things and be thankful.
Oh the lessons that I can learn from her. If you want to read more about her and her family you can read her blog at http://seventhsmith.blogspot.com/2013/01/time-warp.html.
Does it ever seem that we complain too much about our situations? It seems that we can never be happy with the hand we have been dealt. Recently, I was trying to help a friend of mine move a gun safe. As soon as we saw how heavy and big it was, he began to become very negative and start complaining. Ultimately, we were not able to put the safe where the owner needed it. I was talking with my son later about it and he said he was very upset because it seemed to him that the negative attitude caused the whole team to give up.
This happens everyday. It may not be when someone is trying to move a safe. Instead it might be when a big decision is being made about the future of your family. Or it could be a business decision. When we seek God's guidance, we need to go with a joyful heart and not to dwell on the negative within our circumstances. Our God is not going to place us in a situation that he doesn't think we can handle, so stop complaining!
I was recently reading a blog that my sister, Mandy writes. She and her husband, Chad, moved their entire family of 6 children to Thailand a couple of weeks ago. She was writing about how even in Thailand she could still see God's provision. God blessed her by giving her a beautiful sunset when she needed it. He also gave them a great church family to help build them up while they are there. I am certain that she could be focusing on all the negative, but she has learned to see God in the little things and be thankful.
Oh the lessons that I can learn from her. If you want to read more about her and her family you can read her blog at http://seventhsmith.blogspot.com/2013/01/time-warp.html.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Temptations
1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Every day there are temptations that are thrown my way. Sometimes the temptations are focused on what makes me feel good, while others might be about what I could do to put me on a pedestal. All of these temptations are hard to overcome, especially those that make me feel important. God, however, is not going to allow the temptation to be more than I can handle. If there is an temptation then God will give me a way to overcome it.
Every day there are temptations that are thrown my way. Sometimes the temptations are focused on what makes me feel good, while others might be about what I could do to put me on a pedestal. All of these temptations are hard to overcome, especially those that make me feel important. God, however, is not going to allow the temptation to be more than I can handle. If there is an temptation then God will give me a way to overcome it.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
My Shepherd
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
Recently, I have been a little worried about how everything was going to play out with me departing the Army and how my family was going to survive. I began to worry about finances and how I would be able to provide for my family. I was then reminded that God is my shepherd. He provides for his sheep every day. He will ensure that all of my needs are taken care of and that we are safe. Scripture doesn't say that I will have everything that I want. Instead, I am assured that my basic necessities will be met.
Another interesting fact about this verse is the fact that God is my shepherd. A shepherd leads his flock by gently nudging them as needed away from harm. The shepherd doesn't force the sheep to go any one direction. Instead, the sheep have plenty of area to graze and move in the general direction that the shepherd wants them to go. I believe this is the way God is with us. There are many places that I can go that are within the will of God. If I were to run near the cliff or catastrophe in life, God would have to nudge me back away from it. It seems that God wants me to be in His will by serving Him. If I am just willing to serve Him, then I am moving in the direction that He wants me to go.
Recently, I have been a little worried about how everything was going to play out with me departing the Army and how my family was going to survive. I began to worry about finances and how I would be able to provide for my family. I was then reminded that God is my shepherd. He provides for his sheep every day. He will ensure that all of my needs are taken care of and that we are safe. Scripture doesn't say that I will have everything that I want. Instead, I am assured that my basic necessities will be met.
Another interesting fact about this verse is the fact that God is my shepherd. A shepherd leads his flock by gently nudging them as needed away from harm. The shepherd doesn't force the sheep to go any one direction. Instead, the sheep have plenty of area to graze and move in the general direction that the shepherd wants them to go. I believe this is the way God is with us. There are many places that I can go that are within the will of God. If I were to run near the cliff or catastrophe in life, God would have to nudge me back away from it. It seems that God wants me to be in His will by serving Him. If I am just willing to serve Him, then I am moving in the direction that He wants me to go.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
It was all God's plan
Genesis 45:5-8
5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. 6 This famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors.[a] 8 So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser[b] to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.
There have been times in my life that I struggled to see God in them. I remember a day when I was preparing to leave college because I couldn't financially afford it. As I look back on that day, I remember thinking that I could have just stayed and tried to finance it or signed a contract with the Army and then I would have become an officer. I would have had a degree when I was 22 rather than 33 and I would have been making a lot of money as an officer.
Then I thought about what I wouldn't have. I wouldn't have met my best friend, Ryan. I wouldn't have met my wife, Michelle. I wouldn't have met my mentor, Sergeant Dangerfield. He wouldn't have gottent saved because he would have not found my Bible. The list goes on and on.
See God had a plan that was much greater than any plan that I could have ever come up with. Even when I thought things were not going the way that I had planned, God can be seen still orchestrating my life. He is on the throne and has a plan. Sometimes we just need to realize it.
5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. 6 This famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors.[a] 8 So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser[b] to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.
There have been times in my life that I struggled to see God in them. I remember a day when I was preparing to leave college because I couldn't financially afford it. As I look back on that day, I remember thinking that I could have just stayed and tried to finance it or signed a contract with the Army and then I would have become an officer. I would have had a degree when I was 22 rather than 33 and I would have been making a lot of money as an officer.
Then I thought about what I wouldn't have. I wouldn't have met my best friend, Ryan. I wouldn't have met my wife, Michelle. I wouldn't have met my mentor, Sergeant Dangerfield. He wouldn't have gottent saved because he would have not found my Bible. The list goes on and on.
See God had a plan that was much greater than any plan that I could have ever come up with. Even when I thought things were not going the way that I had planned, God can be seen still orchestrating my life. He is on the throne and has a plan. Sometimes we just need to realize it.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Perspective
Ephesians 1:17 (NLT) "Asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God."
Imagine you are traveling along and there is a car sitting on the side of the road with its hazards on. What is the first thought that comes into your head? For some it would be that person might be having mechanical problems. Others might think that they have run out of gas. Still others might look a little more intently to see if the people might need some help. All of this happens in about 6 seconds from the time you see the vehicle until the time you pass it and it is in your rear view. Very few would actually stop to help.
I remember when I was a teenager, my dad had a flat or was broken down on a highway in Atlanta. Someone in overalls pulled up and offered to help my father. That person was a christian and ended up becoming some of my parents greatest friends.
There were several other times when I was growing up when the car that I was riding broke down we needed assistance. Someone always stopped to help.
Today, as I drive along the highway, I am surprised at how many people are broken down on the side of the highway. What surprises me more is how many times I drive by because I am apathetic. I am more concerned about my personal safety than I am about stopping to help someone on the side of the road. Where is my perspective?
I should be focused on the lives of those around me. As a Christian, I am the hands and feet of Christ. It is my job to love on those who are unlovable. Today's verse kinda hit home with this. I should not be trying to do this in my own personal power, but I should ask God to give me spiritual wisdom and insight so that I can grow and my perspective or world view may change.
What about you? Where is your perspective today? Are you living to serve Christ, or are you living to serve yourself?
Imagine you are traveling along and there is a car sitting on the side of the road with its hazards on. What is the first thought that comes into your head? For some it would be that person might be having mechanical problems. Others might think that they have run out of gas. Still others might look a little more intently to see if the people might need some help. All of this happens in about 6 seconds from the time you see the vehicle until the time you pass it and it is in your rear view. Very few would actually stop to help.
I remember when I was a teenager, my dad had a flat or was broken down on a highway in Atlanta. Someone in overalls pulled up and offered to help my father. That person was a christian and ended up becoming some of my parents greatest friends.
There were several other times when I was growing up when the car that I was riding broke down we needed assistance. Someone always stopped to help.
Today, as I drive along the highway, I am surprised at how many people are broken down on the side of the highway. What surprises me more is how many times I drive by because I am apathetic. I am more concerned about my personal safety than I am about stopping to help someone on the side of the road. Where is my perspective?
I should be focused on the lives of those around me. As a Christian, I am the hands and feet of Christ. It is my job to love on those who are unlovable. Today's verse kinda hit home with this. I should not be trying to do this in my own personal power, but I should ask God to give me spiritual wisdom and insight so that I can grow and my perspective or world view may change.
What about you? Where is your perspective today? Are you living to serve Christ, or are you living to serve yourself?
Friday, January 18, 2013
In indianapolis
Job 27:11 NLT
I will teach you about God’s power.
I will not conceal anything concerning the Almighty.
Yesterday I left Tennessee to go to Indiana to help a church planter finish his basement. I am beginning to see how God is providing even on the little things. He has provided the sheetrock and screws and mud free of charge.
I would ask that you pray for our team of four. Pray for our safety and that none of us get sick. Pray also for Jeremiah (the church planter) as he must attend the funeral tomorrow for his aunt who died unexpectedly.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Assurance of Life.
Job 24:22 "God in his power, drags away the rich. They may rise high, but they have no assurance of life."
In this chapter Job is talking about how the wicked get away with everything. Or so it seems. He discusses how it seems the poor must wait for the "Almighty to bring the wicked to judgement." Sometimes it doesn't seem fair that those who are living a life outside of the will of God and who are taking advantage of others seem to be the ones who are more successful. If everything stopped there then Job might be right.
But it doesn't. In verse 22 Job says, "They may rise high, but they have no assurance of life." This verse has dual meanings. Initially, it means that they will die just as any other person does. They are not guaranteed life. They could be here today and gone tomorrow.
The second meaning is of a spiritual nature. Many people feel that their riches will buy them heaven. They feel that because they are rich that it will change the status that they will receive in Heaven. They don't realize that their riches will not get them into heaven. In John 14:6 Jesus says that He is the way the truth and the life. No one will get to heaven accept through Him.
This has to prick your heart. No matter how rich or poor someone is, they are all the same in the eyes or God. They are sinners. If they look to Jesus for salvation, then He will save them.
What about you? Do you look to your self for salvation, or do you realize that there is nothing that you can do to get yourself to heaven? Take the time today to realize that you are a sinner and that you are in need of a Saviour. Jesus is there and when asked, He will save you.
In this chapter Job is talking about how the wicked get away with everything. Or so it seems. He discusses how it seems the poor must wait for the "Almighty to bring the wicked to judgement." Sometimes it doesn't seem fair that those who are living a life outside of the will of God and who are taking advantage of others seem to be the ones who are more successful. If everything stopped there then Job might be right.
But it doesn't. In verse 22 Job says, "They may rise high, but they have no assurance of life." This verse has dual meanings. Initially, it means that they will die just as any other person does. They are not guaranteed life. They could be here today and gone tomorrow.
The second meaning is of a spiritual nature. Many people feel that their riches will buy them heaven. They feel that because they are rich that it will change the status that they will receive in Heaven. They don't realize that their riches will not get them into heaven. In John 14:6 Jesus says that He is the way the truth and the life. No one will get to heaven accept through Him.
This has to prick your heart. No matter how rich or poor someone is, they are all the same in the eyes or God. They are sinners. If they look to Jesus for salvation, then He will save them.
What about you? Do you look to your self for salvation, or do you realize that there is nothing that you can do to get yourself to heaven? Take the time today to realize that you are a sinner and that you are in need of a Saviour. Jesus is there and when asked, He will save you.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Where is your focus?
Psalm 36
For the choir director: A psalm of David, the servant of the Lord.
1 Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts.
They have no fear of God at all.
2 In their blind conceit,
they cannot see how wicked they really are.
3 Everything they say is crooked and deceitful.
They refuse to act wisely or do good.
4 They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots.
Their actions are never good.
They make no attempt to turn from evil.
They have no fear of God at all.
2 In their blind conceit,
they cannot see how wicked they really are.
3 Everything they say is crooked and deceitful.
They refuse to act wisely or do good.
4 They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots.
Their actions are never good.
They make no attempt to turn from evil.
5 Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
7 How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.
8 You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
9 For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
7 How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.
8 You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
9 For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.
10 Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you;
give justice to those with honest hearts.
11 Don’t let the proud trample me
or the wicked push me around.
12 Look! Those who do evil have fallen!
They are thrown down, never to rise again.
give justice to those with honest hearts.
11 Don’t let the proud trample me
or the wicked push me around.
12 Look! Those who do evil have fallen!
They are thrown down, never to rise again.
As I read this chapter this morning, I am reminded how easy it is for Christians to get caught up in the ways of the world. We start thinking about how bad this world has become. The "wicked" are continuously flaunting what they do, while the "Christian" is trying to just keep his head above water. We get to the point where we are thinking more about the ways of the world and what the world should or shouldn't be doing that we lose focus on our true reason for living.
This is exactly what the enemy wants. Satan wants believers to stop thinking about our Heavenly Father and to become engrossed in the ways of the world. If we begin to focus on the sins of the world, we lose focus on our Redeemer.
I like how David writes this Psalm. First, he expresses concern about the sin that is in the world. He doesn't allow that to become the focus of the passage though. Instead the focus changes to God's love and how great it is. My prayer is that my focus will be on God and not on the ways of the world.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
God is in Control
Isaiah 45:5-6 I am the Lord; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don't even now me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the Lord, and there is no other.
Job 21:2 "Can a person do anything to help God? Can even a wise person be helpful to him?"
When I left the military I was promised a severance check for the years of service that I had put in. I was told that I should receive it 10 -14 days after my last day. As a mortal man, I am starting to stress a little, because I have yet to see the check. Today I have bills that are due and am not able to pay them because I don't have the money to do it. This can become very unnerving. I know that the money will come, however I want it to come in my time.
Then I am reminded of the two verses in our passages today. First of all, God is in control. He has and is preparing me for battle. Whether that is a spiritual battle or a physical battle, I have been prepared. Secondly, God doesn't need my help. He has everything in the palm of his hand. He wants my unnending love, no matter what the situation is. When the bill collectors start calling, He wants me to still glorify Him. When there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, I need to still worship Him. When I see my Aunt on death's doorstep, I will still bring honor to Him. Whatever the cause of distress, I will still worship and serve the Lord!
Job 21:2 "Can a person do anything to help God? Can even a wise person be helpful to him?"
When I left the military I was promised a severance check for the years of service that I had put in. I was told that I should receive it 10 -14 days after my last day. As a mortal man, I am starting to stress a little, because I have yet to see the check. Today I have bills that are due and am not able to pay them because I don't have the money to do it. This can become very unnerving. I know that the money will come, however I want it to come in my time.
Then I am reminded of the two verses in our passages today. First of all, God is in control. He has and is preparing me for battle. Whether that is a spiritual battle or a physical battle, I have been prepared. Secondly, God doesn't need my help. He has everything in the palm of his hand. He wants my unnending love, no matter what the situation is. When the bill collectors start calling, He wants me to still glorify Him. When there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, I need to still worship Him. When I see my Aunt on death's doorstep, I will still bring honor to Him. Whatever the cause of distress, I will still worship and serve the Lord!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Why the wicked prosper.
Job 21:7; 22-26
7 “Why do the wicked prosper,
growing old and powerful?...
22 “But who can teach a lesson to God,
since he judges even the most powerful?
23 One person dies in prosperity,
completely comfortable and secure,
24 the picture of good health,
vigorous and fit.
25 Another person dies in bitter poverty,
never having tasted the good life.
26 But both are buried in the same dust,
both eaten by the same maggots.
growing old and powerful?...
22 “But who can teach a lesson to God,
since he judges even the most powerful?
23 One person dies in prosperity,
completely comfortable and secure,
24 the picture of good health,
vigorous and fit.
25 Another person dies in bitter poverty,
never having tasted the good life.
26 But both are buried in the same dust,
both eaten by the same maggots.
Recently, I have been having some deep conversations with my daughter about the "world" and how Christians should not be doing everything that the "world" tells us we should do. I think it is extremely hard to grasp why we shouldn't do everything the world has to to offer. Especially for a child who is trying to understand what it means to be a Christian, but also wants to fit in the world. It is even harder when we see those that we love who are in pain or on their death bed. We wonder, why God would allow someone who was a great believer to be taken at an early age, and He allows those who flaunt their sin to continue to live to be old and grey.
When I read this chapter of Job today, I couldn't help but understand just a little of what Job was saying. Why is it that those who refuse to acknowledge that God is King and instead continue in sin become powerful and prosperous? Why are they not punished for their sin. Why are they not held accountable for their sin? Then I read verse 26. The good and the bad are buried in the same dust. They are all held accountable for their sin eventually. ALL mankind dies. That is the ultimate punishment for all man's sin. We don't know the hour or the day but we will all be held accountable for the life we have lived.
The next question that I have to ask is, what makes someone more wicked than me? Ultimately, there is nothing that separates me from the wicked. The Bible says that "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." We all deserve the penalty of death because of sin. The only difference between me and the wicked is that I have accepted Jesus' gift that he freely gave. He took my sins on himself and carried them to the cross. He then died in my place as my punishment for being wicked. He asked that I follow Him and be willing to live for Him. I made a conscious decision to follow Christ. That is the difference. The wicked choose to walk in sin, but I choose to walk in the grace of my Reedemer.
You can make that choice too. I pray that you would do that today.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Pessimism vs. Optimism
Job 16:1-5 Then Job spoke again:
2 “I have heard all this before.
What miserable comforters you are!
3 Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air?
What makes you keep on talking?
4 I could say the same things if you were in my place.
I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you.
5 But if it were me, I would encourage you.
I would try to take away your grief."
What miserable comforters you are!
3 Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air?
What makes you keep on talking?
4 I could say the same things if you were in my place.
I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you.
5 But if it were me, I would encourage you.
I would try to take away your grief."
How many times have you heard, "Well they must have done something to deserve that," or "We can't get that accomplished," or "I can't believe we are doing it that way"? One of the things that I can't stand is when someone complains about something and doesn't have a solution for it. Complaining people can be so aggrevating. Pessimism is going to be one of the downfalls of our culture. People complain about everything.
Optimism on the other hand is a dying art. To find out if you are optimistic ask yourself, "Is the glass half full or half empty?" If you said, "Half full" then you are optimistic. You have to make a conscious decision to be optimistic. When I was in Iraq, I saw many times that I could have been pessimistic. I didn't always agree with what the plan was, however, I always tried to put a positive outlook on what the mission was. Sometimes just being positive can go a long way in helping brighten someone's day.
Today, I will choose to be optimistic. What about you?
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Sacrifice
Genesis 22:12 "Don't lay a hand on the boy!" the angel said. "Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son."
Today, as I was reading this passage, a question came to my mind. Would I be willing to sacrifice my son for the will of God? I believe that physically, it would be very hard to sacrifice Emery. I also don't believe that God would ask me to do it physically. Instead, God may ask that I sacrifice my dreams and aspirations, of what I want for Emery, for the cause of Christ.
Over the past four or five months I have really struggled with this. We moved to Tennessee primarily so that Emery would have a balanced and stable four years of high-school. As I have been looking for opportunities to serve God, every position would require that we move. I have spoken with Emery and he has voiced that he is willing to go where ever I feel lead to go. This doesn't make it any easier on me though.
Today, through a Godly man, I received a message. God wanted me to be willing to sacrifice my son for his will, however I wouldn't have to. God needs to prepare me and my family, where we are now, for what He wants us to do in the future. Right now I am continuing to wait on God and walk forward as He directs.
Today, as I was reading this passage, a question came to my mind. Would I be willing to sacrifice my son for the will of God? I believe that physically, it would be very hard to sacrifice Emery. I also don't believe that God would ask me to do it physically. Instead, God may ask that I sacrifice my dreams and aspirations, of what I want for Emery, for the cause of Christ.
Over the past four or five months I have really struggled with this. We moved to Tennessee primarily so that Emery would have a balanced and stable four years of high-school. As I have been looking for opportunities to serve God, every position would require that we move. I have spoken with Emery and he has voiced that he is willing to go where ever I feel lead to go. This doesn't make it any easier on me though.
Today, through a Godly man, I received a message. God wanted me to be willing to sacrifice my son for his will, however I wouldn't have to. God needs to prepare me and my family, where we are now, for what He wants us to do in the future. Right now I am continuing to wait on God and walk forward as He directs.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
"One, One more."
Psalm 39:4-5 "Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered-how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath."
Yesterday I turned 40 years old. To some turning 40 means that I am over the hill. Others think that my best years are behind me. As I reflect on the time that I have had on this earth, I realize that there are so many more things that I have yet to accomplish. I know that if God chose to take me today I would be ready, however I know that there are people who I am responsible for. I have a daughter who I want to walk down the aisle. I have a son who I want to see become a great man of God. I have a wife who I want to grow old with. All of these are small experiences though, compared to the lives that God has preordained me to affect.
When God called me to serve Him, I didn't realize the affect that I would have. If I were to ask God how many people He wanted me to talk with I think He would say "One, Just one more." That is truly the way I need to look at those around me. My goal should not be to reach thousands of people. Instead, it should be to establish a relationship with just one. Those ones will turn in to as many as God wants, however in my mind it should be just one.
I don't know how long my life will last, but I know that while I am here on this earth I need to be just reaching out to "one, one more."
Yesterday I turned 40 years old. To some turning 40 means that I am over the hill. Others think that my best years are behind me. As I reflect on the time that I have had on this earth, I realize that there are so many more things that I have yet to accomplish. I know that if God chose to take me today I would be ready, however I know that there are people who I am responsible for. I have a daughter who I want to walk down the aisle. I have a son who I want to see become a great man of God. I have a wife who I want to grow old with. All of these are small experiences though, compared to the lives that God has preordained me to affect.
When God called me to serve Him, I didn't realize the affect that I would have. If I were to ask God how many people He wanted me to talk with I think He would say "One, Just one more." That is truly the way I need to look at those around me. My goal should not be to reach thousands of people. Instead, it should be to establish a relationship with just one. Those ones will turn in to as many as God wants, however in my mind it should be just one.
I don't know how long my life will last, but I know that while I am here on this earth I need to be just reaching out to "one, one more."
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
What has God saved you from?
Genesis 19:15-16; 26
15 At dawn the next morning the angels became insistent. “Hurry,” they said to Lot. “Take your wife and your two daughters who are here. Get out right now, or you will be swept away in the destruction of the city!”
16 When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the Lord was merciful:
26 But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.
This morning when I read about Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah, I saw something that I hadn't seen before. God showed His mercy even when Lot hesitated. Lot had been given an opportunity to flee from evil, and he hesitated. Instead he had to be dragged out of the city, so that he wouldn't be destroyed along with Sodom and Gomorrah.
The second thing that I realized was that Lot's wife looked back. As a child, in Sunday School, I was taught about Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt. I always understood that it happened because she disobeyed God and looked back. This may have been one reason, but I believe that there was an underlying reason as well. Lot's wife was looking back to the sinful life that she had led. She was not willing to let it go, even though God had saved her from it.
When Christ set us free from the bondage of sin and death, it was as if we were pulled out of Sodom and Gomorrah. The command is that we don't look back. I think that it is wise that we remember what God has done for us, however we don't need to look back longingly at what we could have had. We need to look forward to what He has in store for us.
Yesterday I had a talk with a co-worker that I worked with 3 years ago. I was told that there was a position open back where I had worked. It sounded really good, however that is not where God has been leading me. I was looking back longingly to what I remember and what I knew. I would be relying on my own strength, not on God's. This verse today was what I needed to hear.
Thank you Lord for the messages that you give from Your Word.
15 At dawn the next morning the angels became insistent. “Hurry,” they said to Lot. “Take your wife and your two daughters who are here. Get out right now, or you will be swept away in the destruction of the city!”
16 When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the Lord was merciful:
26 But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.
This morning when I read about Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah, I saw something that I hadn't seen before. God showed His mercy even when Lot hesitated. Lot had been given an opportunity to flee from evil, and he hesitated. Instead he had to be dragged out of the city, so that he wouldn't be destroyed along with Sodom and Gomorrah.
The second thing that I realized was that Lot's wife looked back. As a child, in Sunday School, I was taught about Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt. I always understood that it happened because she disobeyed God and looked back. This may have been one reason, but I believe that there was an underlying reason as well. Lot's wife was looking back to the sinful life that she had led. She was not willing to let it go, even though God had saved her from it.
When Christ set us free from the bondage of sin and death, it was as if we were pulled out of Sodom and Gomorrah. The command is that we don't look back. I think that it is wise that we remember what God has done for us, however we don't need to look back longingly at what we could have had. We need to look forward to what He has in store for us.
Yesterday I had a talk with a co-worker that I worked with 3 years ago. I was told that there was a position open back where I had worked. It sounded really good, however that is not where God has been leading me. I was looking back longingly to what I remember and what I knew. I would be relying on my own strength, not on God's. This verse today was what I needed to hear.
Thank you Lord for the messages that you give from Your Word.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Lifting up Holy Hands
JOB 11:13-17
13“If only you would prepare your heart
and lift up your hands to him in prayer!
14 Get rid of your sins,
and leave all iniquity behind you.
15 Then your face will brighten with innocence.
You will be strong and free of fear.
16 You will forget your misery;
it will be like water flowing away.
17 Your life will be brighter than the noonday.
Even darkness will be as bright as morning.
I remember when my son was very little. Whenever he wanted something or when he was scared because he was alone he would run and try to find me. He would then raise his arms up for me to pick him up. He would drop everything else and would reach for his daddy. When he did that I would pick him up and comfort him. He would forget whatever was making him sad and he would become happy again.
That is the way it is with our Heavenly Father. When we are in trouble, we need to run to Him and reach out for Him. In reaching out to Him with arms open wide, we drop everything that would interfere with our relationship with Him. God wants us to want Him. He just doesn't want anything else in the way.
What is causing interference in your life? What keeps you from uplifting both hands to God. Let go of it today and see how much happier you will be.
13“If only you would prepare your heart
and lift up your hands to him in prayer!
14 Get rid of your sins,
and leave all iniquity behind you.
15 Then your face will brighten with innocence.
You will be strong and free of fear.
16 You will forget your misery;
it will be like water flowing away.
17 Your life will be brighter than the noonday.
Even darkness will be as bright as morning.
I remember when my son was very little. Whenever he wanted something or when he was scared because he was alone he would run and try to find me. He would then raise his arms up for me to pick him up. He would drop everything else and would reach for his daddy. When he did that I would pick him up and comfort him. He would forget whatever was making him sad and he would become happy again.
That is the way it is with our Heavenly Father. When we are in trouble, we need to run to Him and reach out for Him. In reaching out to Him with arms open wide, we drop everything that would interfere with our relationship with Him. God wants us to want Him. He just doesn't want anything else in the way.
What is causing interference in your life? What keeps you from uplifting both hands to God. Let go of it today and see how much happier you will be.
Friday, January 4, 2013
To Live or Die
Job 6:8-11 (NLT) "Oh that I might have my request, that God would grant my desire. I wish he would crush me. I wish he would reach out his hand and kill me. At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One. But I don't have the strength to endure. I have nothing to live for."
How are you feeling today? Are you tired of being in pain or feeling sick? Have you gotten to the point where you feel like Job? Sometimes it seems that people get to the point that they desire to die rather than facing the pain or agony that they are living in.
Here are some staggering statistics from the Army: As of October 2012 there were 166 suicides in the Active Component. In the Reserves/National Guard there 116 during the same time. In all of 2011 there were 165 Suicides among the Active Component and 118 in the Reserve/National Guard. These numbers are the most that the Army has seen since it has started keeping track of suicides.
Life is tough. As I get older I notice that it doesn't get any easier. But I don't feel that Suicide is an option. Every one of these Soldiers who decided that life wasn't worth living any longer had a reason. For many it was due to conflict that had happened at home. For others it was due to the inability to readjust after coming back home from war. All were in need of help.
When I read the book of Job, I see a man who was despondent. He was at the end of his rope. He was by all extents and purposes clinically depressed. But he had something that many people don't have. He had friends who saw a need and came to sit with him and comfort him. He also had a heavenly Father who was in control.
If you see someone who is hurting, be a friend to them. They need someone who can just be there to comfort them and lift them up. It could just save their life. Most importantly, they need you to lift them up in prayer. When you pray for our Soldiers, continue to pray that God will bring them home safe, but also pray that God can heal their unseen wounds as well.
How are you feeling today? Are you tired of being in pain or feeling sick? Have you gotten to the point where you feel like Job? Sometimes it seems that people get to the point that they desire to die rather than facing the pain or agony that they are living in.
Here are some staggering statistics from the Army: As of October 2012 there were 166 suicides in the Active Component. In the Reserves/National Guard there 116 during the same time. In all of 2011 there were 165 Suicides among the Active Component and 118 in the Reserve/National Guard. These numbers are the most that the Army has seen since it has started keeping track of suicides.
Life is tough. As I get older I notice that it doesn't get any easier. But I don't feel that Suicide is an option. Every one of these Soldiers who decided that life wasn't worth living any longer had a reason. For many it was due to conflict that had happened at home. For others it was due to the inability to readjust after coming back home from war. All were in need of help.
When I read the book of Job, I see a man who was despondent. He was at the end of his rope. He was by all extents and purposes clinically depressed. But he had something that many people don't have. He had friends who saw a need and came to sit with him and comfort him. He also had a heavenly Father who was in control.
If you see someone who is hurting, be a friend to them. They need someone who can just be there to comfort them and lift them up. It could just save their life. Most importantly, they need you to lift them up in prayer. When you pray for our Soldiers, continue to pray that God will bring them home safe, but also pray that God can heal their unseen wounds as well.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Walking with God
In a couple of days I will be turning 40 years old. To me that is a milestone. Many people talk about how turning 40 is "over the hill." People act like there is nothing good that happens after 40. It can become quite depressing.
This morning I was reading in Genesis and I was reading about Enoch and how he was 65 years old when he had his son Methuselah (didn't realize he was Methuselah's father until today). Then the Bible says, "After the birth of Methuselah, Enoch lived in close fellowship with God for another 300 years, and he had other sons and daughters." (Genesis 5:22, NLT) Enoch was not a powerful man. The Bible doesn't talk about how Enoch was a great warrior or a great leader. Instead, it says that Enoch had children and most importantly he "walked with God."
As I read more in the scripture, I also read that Methuselah was the father of Lamech and that Lamech was the father of Noah. Noah was a man who was chosen by God to build the ark because he lived in close fellowship with God. Enoch was Noah's Great Grandfather. If Enoch had not been a man of God, and set that example for his children, I wonder if Noah would have been walking with God. If Noah had not been walking with God, then the story of the flood would have been very different.
So how does this apply to me or you? Sometimes, we feel that we have to do something powerful or great to be "Someone." Enoch was a nobody. He just wanted to have a close relationship with his Creator. He lead his family that way. He lived what he believed and he was rewarded for it. I need to live what I believe, everyday. I may not see the rewards here on earth, but I will reap my rewards in Heaven one day.
So turning 40 really isn't all that bad. My life is only just begun. I am going to live it to the fullest and live it for God.
This morning I was reading in Genesis and I was reading about Enoch and how he was 65 years old when he had his son Methuselah (didn't realize he was Methuselah's father until today). Then the Bible says, "After the birth of Methuselah, Enoch lived in close fellowship with God for another 300 years, and he had other sons and daughters." (Genesis 5:22, NLT) Enoch was not a powerful man. The Bible doesn't talk about how Enoch was a great warrior or a great leader. Instead, it says that Enoch had children and most importantly he "walked with God."
As I read more in the scripture, I also read that Methuselah was the father of Lamech and that Lamech was the father of Noah. Noah was a man who was chosen by God to build the ark because he lived in close fellowship with God. Enoch was Noah's Great Grandfather. If Enoch had not been a man of God, and set that example for his children, I wonder if Noah would have been walking with God. If Noah had not been walking with God, then the story of the flood would have been very different.
So how does this apply to me or you? Sometimes, we feel that we have to do something powerful or great to be "Someone." Enoch was a nobody. He just wanted to have a close relationship with his Creator. He lead his family that way. He lived what he believed and he was rewarded for it. I need to live what I believe, everyday. I may not see the rewards here on earth, but I will reap my rewards in Heaven one day.
So turning 40 really isn't all that bad. My life is only just begun. I am going to live it to the fullest and live it for God.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Blind Faith
Every year at the beginning of the year I try to look to what I will be doing 5 years from now and 10 years from now. It is what has been effectively called our five years plan and 10 year plan. My wife, Michelle always gets annoyed about it because it was always planned out for us anyway with the Army. This year is a little different. Instead of having a five year plan, I have no plan. I can't even see what is going to be happening in a year. This can be a little frustrating. This morning I was reminded in Psalms 32:8-9 "The Lord says, "I will quide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control."
As I look at this year and what is laid out before me, I have been trying to focus on how I wanted God was leading me and my family in a certain direction. I have been so focused on the trying to wait on God and trying to listen for His direction, I have neglected to understand what He has been trying to tell me. This morning I was reminded by Oswald Chambers what true faith was. Chambers writes in My Utmost for His Highest (Barbour Books Copyright 1935) "You do not know what you are going to do; the only thing you know is that God knows what he is doing. Continually revise your attitude towards God and see if it is a going out of everything, trusting in God entirely."(pg 2)
When a horse is trained, he needs a bit and bridle to force it to go in the direction that the rider wants it to go, however once the horse is fully trained, the horse and rider are literally one. They can be fluid in everything they do. So it is with our relationship with God. There are times that we may need a bit and bridle for Him to control us, however, God's desire is that our relationship be fluid. He wants us to trust Him in everything. That means that I must revise my attitude to one that completely trusting in Him. If I completely trust God, He will guide me along the best path for my life.
As I look at this year and what is laid out before me, I have been trying to focus on how I wanted God was leading me and my family in a certain direction. I have been so focused on the trying to wait on God and trying to listen for His direction, I have neglected to understand what He has been trying to tell me. This morning I was reminded by Oswald Chambers what true faith was. Chambers writes in My Utmost for His Highest (Barbour Books Copyright 1935) "You do not know what you are going to do; the only thing you know is that God knows what he is doing. Continually revise your attitude towards God and see if it is a going out of everything, trusting in God entirely."(pg 2)
When a horse is trained, he needs a bit and bridle to force it to go in the direction that the rider wants it to go, however once the horse is fully trained, the horse and rider are literally one. They can be fluid in everything they do. So it is with our relationship with God. There are times that we may need a bit and bridle for Him to control us, however, God's desire is that our relationship be fluid. He wants us to trust Him in everything. That means that I must revise my attitude to one that completely trusting in Him. If I completely trust God, He will guide me along the best path for my life.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
January 1, 2013---A New Beginning!
Every year I try to start fresh by reading my Bible and spending time with God daily. This normally goes on for about a month and then I get too busy to keep it up on a regular basis. This year I intend to do it a little different. God is my lifeline, therefore, I should be spending more time with Him and less with being concerned about what is going on around me in this world. I also have decided that one way for me to be sure that I am reading and spending time in God's Word is if I start up my Word from a Soldier again. This will allow others to see what I am reading and join me on my journey.
For those of you who don't know, I completed my service in the Army on December 27th. It was bitter sweet. Everything that I have known for the past 19 years was tied up in the fact that I was a Soldier in the US Army. Now I no longer have that identity. As I begin this new journey in life, I am realizing that the only identity that I need is that of my identity in Christ.
That leads us to today's Scripture. Job 1:8 "Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.'”
Job was a man who set himself from the world. He was blameless. He kept himself from any appearance of evil. In fact he was a great father as well. He prayed to God on his Children's behalf just in case they had sinned. He was truly an umbrella of protection for his family. It seems that he took his job as the spiritual leader of his house very seriously. The awesome thing about this is that God took notice of him.
God took special notice in who Job was and what he was about. Notice God didn't say, "have you noticed my friend Job? Do you see how rich he is? How popular he is? How everyone likes him?"
Instead God says, "he is my servant...he is the finest man on earth...he is blameless and has COMPLETE integrity...He fears me and runs from evil." Job was probably not the most popular. (In fact in chapter two he only has three friends come visit when he is sick.) But Job was righteous. He was honest and he lived for and served the Lord in everything he did.
When God looks down at you, what does He see? Does He see someone who is trying to get by doing the bare minimum to get to heaven? Does he see someone who is trying to live in this world. Or is He seeing someone who knows that this world is not their home, but while you are living here you are living in a way to glorify Him in everything that you do?
My goal this year is that I will live my life for Christ in everything I do. I don't want there to ever be a question as to where my loyalties lie. I am a Soldier for the KING of Kings and Lord of Lords.
To join me on my reading journey read Genesis 1,2 and Job 1,2 today.
For those of you who don't know, I completed my service in the Army on December 27th. It was bitter sweet. Everything that I have known for the past 19 years was tied up in the fact that I was a Soldier in the US Army. Now I no longer have that identity. As I begin this new journey in life, I am realizing that the only identity that I need is that of my identity in Christ.
That leads us to today's Scripture. Job 1:8 "Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.'”
Job was a man who set himself from the world. He was blameless. He kept himself from any appearance of evil. In fact he was a great father as well. He prayed to God on his Children's behalf just in case they had sinned. He was truly an umbrella of protection for his family. It seems that he took his job as the spiritual leader of his house very seriously. The awesome thing about this is that God took notice of him.
God took special notice in who Job was and what he was about. Notice God didn't say, "have you noticed my friend Job? Do you see how rich he is? How popular he is? How everyone likes him?"
Instead God says, "he is my servant...he is the finest man on earth...he is blameless and has COMPLETE integrity...He fears me and runs from evil." Job was probably not the most popular. (In fact in chapter two he only has three friends come visit when he is sick.) But Job was righteous. He was honest and he lived for and served the Lord in everything he did.
When God looks down at you, what does He see? Does He see someone who is trying to get by doing the bare minimum to get to heaven? Does he see someone who is trying to live in this world. Or is He seeing someone who knows that this world is not their home, but while you are living here you are living in a way to glorify Him in everything that you do?
My goal this year is that I will live my life for Christ in everything I do. I don't want there to ever be a question as to where my loyalties lie. I am a Soldier for the KING of Kings and Lord of Lords.
To join me on my reading journey read Genesis 1,2 and Job 1,2 today.
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