One Line Drawing of Jesus Christ - Enjoy
1/8/08 - Life Journal - Oh, for the faith of Abraham
Genesis 22:1-3
Abraham seems pretty calm here considering the circumstances. There's a reason he's listed near the beginning of "the faith chapter" of the bible, Hebrews 11. He exercised his faith in the covenant that God made with him like no one in history ever has. He was standing there, knife in the air, ready to strike down his son because he believed what God said. God would provide an alternate sacrifice or raise Isaac from the dead. Abraham had no doubt about this for God had said to him, "I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted." He knew his name would continue on through Isaac for God also told him, "...for through Isaac shall your offspring be named." Right up until God intercedes with the ram Abraham never lost faith. You can hear it in his words; "Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you" and "God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son."
God has made numerous promises with me; from his plans to prosper and not harm me (Jer.29:11) to not being tempted above what I can handle (1 Cor.10:13) to the ultimate in covenants in sacrificing His son, in whom if we believe, we will have eternal life. Can I live my life as Abraham did, free from this world because I hold the promises of God to be true? It's the only way to go. The liberation to live in Him is awesome. Anything else is treating God as if He has lied and His sacrifice is wasted.
God, I feel so free when I am living in You but I still recede to my past. It's happening less and less. I live for the day when it happens no more.
My Wii just called me...
Go to FOX news to read about Panasonic's new 150" Plasma TV. (Remember the tiny little 103 incher cost $70,000!)
Do you want to be healed?
The question posed to the paralytic in John 5:6 seems a little dumb at first with the answer seemingly being an obvious yes, but Dan Phillips over at Pyromaniacs points out the reality behind this question. Whether it's concerning a person's salvation or a handicap/weakness/addiction they may have the answer might not always be what you think. The following clipped from his blog goes a long way to explain why some seem to always drift back to, or never want to leave in the first place, situations or afflictions that most of us would flee from in an instant if we were posed this question.
Much as you and I might recoil from another's state in life, that person might not share our revulsion. One can grow to identify with a condition, to find meaning and individuality and significance in something that of itself offers nothing desirable whatever. Whether it be a natural handicap or a totally different weakness, failing, misery, affliction or sin, we can come to think of ourselves as Noble Sufferers, as Tragic Victims, as Tormented Souls. So (pathetically and unhealthily) rewarding is this identification, that we unknowingly have no real desire to be parted from our badge of uniqueness, our gimmick, our shtick.
This is particularly the case in our American culture, where we have come to prize, seek out, cultivate, and luxuriate in the status of victimhood.
Thanks Dan, it brings a little light on a puzzle lot's of us are faced with in our lives.
The Gospel in 40 Languages
Just found a little nugget on Pulpit Magazine that may be useful to someone out there. Here's a link to John MacArthur's church, Grace Community, that has Gospel presentations in 40 languages.
1/7/08 - Life Journal - Pillar of Salt
Genesis 26:19
In a moment of hesitation Lot's wife took one last glance at her old life. One second of disobedience was enough to include her in God's wrath upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Thank God we are living under His grace. How often have I looked back on things I've done in my past with longing, remembering all the supposed fun and good times I've had. I'm still completely slipping into my old self, forget about just reminiscing. I should have been a pillar of salt a long time ago. I have been freed from the destruction of this world, the most incredible gift of grace and salvation and I still look back! What am I doing? Will I ever stop?
God, why? All you've done for me and still this disobedience?
Tarpon Springs teens have it easy!
Men jump into the icy water of a lake in an attempt to grab a wooden cross on Epiphany Day in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia.
1/6/08 - Life Journal - The Nation of Ishmael
"You are now with child
and you will have a son.
You shall name him Ishmael,
for the LORD has heard of your misery.
He will be a wild donkey of a man;
his hand will be against everyone
and everyone's hand against him,
and he will live in hostility
toward all his brothers."
Genesis 16:11,12
Islam traces it's roots back to Abram, just as Christianity and Judaism but the "family tree" shoots off from there. Their genealogy flows through Ishmael, the son of Abram and Hagar. It's interesting that God's grace can be seen here also. He could have struck down Ishamael but he didn't. He made a separate covenant for him through his mother. We have the Muslims to always remind us of the lack of faith on Sarai's part. Our hands are against them and they do live in hostility with us.
We christians and jew have thousands of years working against any efforts we make towards peace or conversion. The "mother" of their race was cast out of her house for obeying the command of her master. We can't expect that their be no animosity between us and that we can easily convince them of the divinity of Jesus. We need to hear where they're coming from, listening with respect while still asserting our beliefs. A writer on the Desiring God blog wrote, "Should we tiptoe around with sealed lips to avoid offense? Definitely not. But the cross should be the only stumbling block, not our refusal to listen well. By showing respect through our willingness to listen to Muslims' thoughts, we may also earn their respect. If we listen to their message, they are far more likely to listen to ours. I bet you'd be surprised just how willing a Muslim friend or co-worker would be to have a conversation with you about your faith in God when you ask him about his.
Father, again it comes down to love, but do I have it in me?
B.Y.S.S.
A new mantra for me courtesy of Eddy Williams of Tampa Baptist Church. Click his name to read his entire Life Journal entry for today and learn more about Simon Peter and B.Y.S.S. (because you said so).
His question to us is "What do you need to say that to this morning?" Is Jesus telling you to do something that sounds absolutely impossible if not completely insane? Remember this group of fishermen, then meditate on Luke 1:37, "For nothing is impossible with God."
Is this girl cool or what?
Typical Florida girl, less than a week old and already sunbathing! Everything is going absolutely awesome with little Ansley. She's putting on some weight and her vital's are getting all sorted out. Thanks for all your prayers!
You can get updates from her new website www.ansleymayfield.com
Is this generation amazing? Already has a website and the rumor is that Adam has already put an iPhone on order for her.
1/5/08 - Life Journal - Drop Everything
Genesis 12:4
So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:11
"Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:27,28
Three great examples of unquestioning obedience. Abram, Simon and Levi. All secure in their lives. Living with family, doing well financially. All of them dropped everything and followed the command to get up and go. They immediately recognized the authority and started a new life in line with His plan for them. In hindsight we know they would later become significant leaders of a people and a world-wide movement as Abraham, Peter and Matthew but all they had was the word of God spoken to them and the faith to go through with His wishes.
It's easy for me to take a "risk" when I know the outcome of the situation. So why is it so hard for me to make this leap? If my faith is true there is no risk. Jesus told me to drop everything, pick up His cross and follow. I know the end of the story already, the victory is won and I will stand before Him one day. Where's this hesitation coming from and what exactly does following mean in my circumstance? Become a missionary? Go into full time ministry? Continue my "day job" and be a tentmaker like Paul for the rest of my life? The only answers will come through prayer and diligiently paying attention for that still small voice.
Father, speak to me, what is my cross to bear for you?
Worship - Sunday 1/6/07
The big day has arrived! We kick off our first service at Churchwell Elementary school this Sunday @ 10:30. We'll all be there getting it ready on Saturday so hopefully it looks like we know what we're doing. I'll be honest, we'll need all the help we can get, beginning with prayer. It's for Him and we can't do it without Him. Pray that we become an intrical part of the North Lakeland community and we become a church that is first on people's list when they have a need or help with anything in there day to day lives. We're here to serve you. Our door is always open.
On to the worship...
It's going to be great getting in a rehearsal at the school on Saturdays. Now we can really dial in our sound so there will be no obstructions between you and the Father. Here's our set for Sunday:
Made to Worship
God of Wonders
Indescribable
Whisper My Name
Matchless
Came to the Rescue
Come help us kick off a new era of the Church and community working together for the betterment of everyone!
Small World artist dies at 84
Joyce Carlson, who helped create the sickening sweet "It's a Small World" ride passed away at 84. They should close the ride permanently in her honor. No, seriously, close the ride!
A world of tears
It's a world of hopes
And a world of fears
There's so much that we share
That it's time we're aware
It's a small world after all
ACK! Now that's gonna be in my head for days!!!!!!!!!!
You can't imagine the hatred I receive when people find out I don't like this ride. Again, my thoughts don't represent those of Journey Church............ =]
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