Monday, January 24, 2011

Humankind and the Mind



"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

Where is your mind today? Is it on the things of God or is it wrapped around the things of this world?

We as humans have a hard time grasping the love of God and visualizing things in the spiritual realm because we can not actually see it with our own eyes. So naturally we go to the things we know and can see.

Yet there is often great danger in putting offering our hearts to worldly pleasures. Although many of lifes enjoyments were put here by God, there are still so many more that were put here by Satan.

How many times a day do you hear something on the radio that is crude or of a lower nature? How often do you see billboards that show pictures and sayings of things that are far from God? How many minutes can you watch television without seeing or hearing something that is inappropriate?

This surrounds us on a daily basis and often we think we have no where to hide and we end up running straight for it.

May I offer you a suggestion? Have you ever thought about hiding in the arms of Jesus our Lord and Savior? He wants to protect us from all the darts of this world, but we must be willing to run to Him and flee worldly pleasures. Are you willing to take that first step today?

Monday, December 27, 2010

Dancing Around the Truth



Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  - John 14:6

I have two left feet when it comes to dancing. It's a pretty funny sight to see when I get out on the dance floor. You wanna see me jam? Well that ain't happening now or never! But, did you know that if you have the right dance partner, they can make you look like a pro? 


I am guilty of dancing around the truth. Sometimes I'm afraid to tell others about Jesus and salvation because I'm worried what they might think of me. My two left feet get the best of me and I leave God and the truth out of the picture.


Yet God wants us to dance with Him. He will make us look like a pro every single time. He will twirl us, spin us, waltz us etc.


If we dance with Him, we will never dance around His truth. We will not be afraid of proclaiming the word of our Lord and in the process, we will see many come to know Him. 


How would you feel today if someone died not knowing the Lord because you decided to dance around the truth? Don't wait, ask the Lord to help you dance with Him right now.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Addiction: Fact or Fiction



"Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” - Matthew 19:23

Our internet has been down for a little over a week at home and I've realized how much less stress has been kept out of my life without having to check every little thing when I get home. Not only that, it takes up plenty of time that is wasted on things that really aren't that important.

Now don't get me wrong, I love seeing what everyone is doing on Facebook but there comes a point when it is just completely overwhelming. Or maybe I can say addicting.

There are many things in our lives that become addictions. For you it may be alcohol, looking at things on the internet that are inappropriate, smoking, drugs or a myriad of other things.

But did you know that the Bible talks about addictions as being sins. Even the smallest little thing can become a sin if we desire it more than God.

The rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-30) had this problem. He wanted to know what he had to do to make it to heaven and Jesus told him to give up his riches. Unfortunately his addiction to riches left in a bind and he chose his riches over the kingdom of heaven.

Is there something in your life today that you are choosing over the kingdom of heaven? Take a few minutes to ponder and reflect on this. If so, ask God to take COMPLETE control over your addiction.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

God is Bigger Than That!


"For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things." - 1 John 3:20

Oh the life an ant. Imagine crawling around all day, trying to dodge gigantic feet, cars, trucks, tractors, cats, dogs and much more. Being as clumsy as I am, I wouldn't last a millisecond!

Sometimes there are big things in our lives that condemn us. Maybe you are living in sin and can't seem to find a way to conquer it. Perhaps you are struggling with past sins that Jesus told you He already forgave once you gave your life to him.

Whatever may be the case, you have a God who is bigger than anything you could ever imagine. He does not want you to live in constant condemnation, guilt and fear.

He wants you to fall into His open arms. He will catch you. Step out today and let God be bigger than your world.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Bring on the Pain



"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4

I remember the first time I ever felt pain. Call me a crazy little red-head or whatever you prefer but I had a major thirst for adventure when I was a child.

At five years old, I was rambunctious, lively and pretty much fearless. One day I decided I was going to put on some roller skates that were about four sizes to big for me. I thought I was big stuff! Then I thought it would be absolutely dare devilish to roller skate on my neighbor's grass, down hill.

You can only imagine what happened next. If not, here's the scoop. Of course the roller skates took off down the hill, at a speed I couldn't control and I went tumbling to the ground, breaking my fall with my wrist.

At that point it was shear panic and pain. I remember screaming at the top of my lungs. I was usually pretty good at that, so my neighbors told me. Yet, supposedly nothing was broken.

So I decided it would be a good idea to go to my gymnastics class. With one summersault, I had excruciating pain once again and that time it put me in a cast.

We often feel the pains of this world. We fall down, break our arm, sprain our ankle, get a concussion, etc.

But we also feel a different kind of pain when things in our life seem to be spinning out of control.We must remember one thing, this pain will only last for a while. God promises there will be no more pain once we get to heaven.

Are you ready to put your faith in Jesus and remember that the trials you go through here on earth are just a blink of an eye compared to the painless eternity you will spend in heaven?

Trust in the Lord. He will see you through, even in the midst of unexpected trials.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Teach Me Your Way



There are times in life when things weigh heavy on your heart for others. This has been one of those days for me. So today I want to write a little poem prayer. Sometimes it's good to just let God know what you are feeling. Please enjoy the prayer and maybe it will touch you as well.

Lord,

When shadows fill the day
Teach me Your way
When sorrow feels like it's here to stay
Teach me Your way

When waters carry me out to bay
Teach me Your way
When darkness tempts my heart to stray
Teach my Your way

When it comes to the end of the day
Teach me Your way
When I kneel by my bed and pray
Teach me your way

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Unfailing Love



"The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love." - Psalms 33:5

It's that time of year when everyone gets all "lovey-dovey." I'm sure there are plenty of girls just wishing and praying to get under the mistletoe with their knight in shining armor. Little kids are "really" loving their parents  because they know if they are naughty, they won't be getting anything but coal in their stockings! The stores are packed with unhappy (yet loving) shoppers, getting their "loving" family and friends gifts to put under the tree.

Yes, love is definitely in the "human" air. We are all in that mood. But, I'd like you to take a deep look into your life for a minute and analyze whether the love you are putting on is real or a show.

Are some of you hurting deeply? Have you been wounded, this year, this month, this day? Are you searching for a love that will fill your heart all year round and not just during the Christmas festivities?

You won't find it in you mother, your neighbor, your best friend or your child. They may be able to give human love but they cannot give unconditional love.

I am reminded of one man who walked on this earth, sinless and in LOVE with humankind. Not the love we think of when we say "I love you" to our family members. The love that He has for us is beyond words; beyond imagination and the greatest thing about it is that it's completely free!

Do you need a touch of love for our Savior Jesus Christ? Do you trust Him to love you today? Are you willing to step away from your hurt and anger and let His unfailing love take over your life today? It's a decision you will never regret and it will make this Christmas season the happiest you've ever had.