He Knows Us...Day 19

Jeremiah 29:13

"If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."

Jeremiah wrote this for all the Jews that were far away from their homeland, they were taken by the Babylonians.  Many thought they would never see Israel again, many felt abandoned and alone.  

Jeremiah is reminding all of us that God is here.  Our hearts must continue to seek and learn about God.  Jeremiah says to search with all of our heart.  Christ is the most valuable thing in our life.  Many times we do not treat Him with the value He deserves.  We do not seek with all of our heart, we do not talk to Him or read about Him.  Be encouraged, He knows us and only wants us to know Him. 

Jeremiah 29:11-14

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.  I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

New Habits...Day 18

2 Corinthians 5:17
"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
When Christ draws us to Him and we accept Him into our heart and life we become new, different, changed.  Our old ways, our old life and our old desires are replaced with new ones that come from Christ. Although we will still struggle, our change should be evident to all.

Matthew 5:16
"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

It takes 21 days to form a habit, thus the reason we are doing this study.  There are many habits that we need to get rid of.  Many may old habits have disappeared when we accepted Christ.  These are to be replaced with habits that are Christ like, studying His Word, prayer, service and love.

What habits do you have since accepting Christ?  Which ones do you need to work on?  Do you have any that still need to change? 

All you need...Day 17

2 Corinthians 12:9

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

What a comfort to know that God truly provides all we need.  Even when we think we need more or we don't have enough of something specific.  This verse just reminds me that God provides it all!  I tend to get prideful and God always helps to keep me humble.  He needs me to be humble so He can do the work He needs to do through me.  When I claim it for myself, I fail.  When I surrender it to God, He succeeds and makes me strong.

I need God's grace in every area of my life.  There is not a single part of my life that I want to keep God away from.

What a great song, I think Corey may have sung it before:

My faithful Father, enduring Friend 

Your tender mercy’s like a river with no end 

It overwhelms me, covers my sin 

Each time I come into Your presence 

I stand in wonder once again

CHORUS: 
Your grace still amazes me 
Your love is still a mystery 
Each day I fall on my knees 
Your grace still amazes me 
‘Cause Your grace still amazes me

Oh, patient Saviour, You make me whole 
You are the Author and the Healer of my soul 
What can I give You, Lord, what can I say 
I know there’s no way to repay You 
Only to offer You my praise

It’s deeper, it’s wider 
It’s stronger, it’s higher 
It’s deeper it’s wider 
It’s stronger, it’s higher
than anything my eyes can see

God Provides...Day 16

Matthew 6:33

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."

Jesus is speaking on worry in the verses before.  It is a big reminder that God will provide and He is in total control!  Why do we worry about the things that we have no control over.  If our focus is on the things of this world and stressing over them, how can we be focused on God?

Seriously, are you really focused on God when you are stressed over a class?  What about that big project or test?  God wants us to be prepared, to be ready...He does not want us to lose focus because we procrastinated or feel everything is stressing us out!

God is a giver, not a stressor.

God is in control, not of chaos.

God is peace and comfort, not agony and worry.

How can we line up our day and life with what He wants?  "Seek Him first and He will provide everything we need." 

Give it away...Day 15

Luke 6:38

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

Wow, what a great verse.  Before this verse, Jesus is talking about judging others and forgiving others.  Our giving may be forgiveness or a heart that is ready to understand and listen instead of rushing to judgment.  Christ wants us to be givers, an example of giving in everything we do.  Our first gift should be giving our heart and life to Christ.  If you have not given your heart, you can not fully understand everything that God desires for your life.  You can not understand the complete joy that sacrifice and giving can bring.

Again, it is not all about money.  It is giving of every part of your life, your ear to really listen, your hands and feet to help, your voice to speak into someone's life and maybe even your hair...

Yes, I said hair.  My daughter Sara just had 11" of her hair cut for Locks of Love.  Locks of Love takes this hair and makes hair pieces for children that are going through cancer treatments or may have other diseases that cause hair loss.  It was awesome to see her do it and to see how she wanted to give and help someone she did not even know!  The hair and time i took to grow it were nothing compared to the blessing she received when she cut it all off!  She is nine years old...just think what you could do and how you could be blessed!

The choice is yours...Day 14

John 8:12

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

Decisions, Decisions...they are always tough to make, but we have to face them everyday.  The toughest ones always deal with sin.  We can feel the Holy Spirit inside of us letting us know which way to go, but we still feel the temptation as well.  Jesus is making it clear which way to always go.  Not only does He say to stay in the light, but He also gives us two promise to live by if we do:

1. We shall not walk in darkness

2. We will have the light that leads to life.

We will stay out of darkness (sin, world) and have the one thing that leads to eternal life!  When you really take time to break down the decisions you have, they really can become very simple.  Why would anyone stay in a place that is dark, sin-filled and leads to misery?  There is a better choice that is filled with light, openness, forgiveness and leads to eternity.

The choice is yours...

Our Safe Place...Day 13

No Fear...

Psalm 46:1-2

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

I am not a big fan of scary/horror movies.  For the main reason that I do not believe that God gives us a Spirit of fear.  Instead, God provides us a Spirit of comfort, strength and help.  God is our safe place when everything else is going wrong.  He is also our safe place when everything is going great!

What is it that we fear and how can we overcome through God's strength?  What or who is it that we turn to in times of trouble instead of God?

God is our refuge...our safe place!

Are you wearing the right shoes...Day 12

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!"

Peace (defined by Webster's Dictionary)

1: a state of tranquility or quiet: as a: freedom from civil disturbance b: a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom peace>2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions3: harmony in personal relations4 a: a state or period of mutual concord between governments b: a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity5—used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell
This world can try and provide peace in so many different ways: drugs to relieve stress, bath soaps ("Calgon take me away"), yoga, massages, and vacations.  All of things might be able to relieve some stress, but it is always only temporary.  God is the only one that can provide a peace that lasts forever.  How can you claim that promise of peace that He gives us?
Focus on God!  Have you ever noticed when you focus on God more, your day is smoother, you become less reactive to situations.  You tend to think and pray more before you speak.  Focusing on God gives us a peace that we need to tie on everyday...just like shoes!
Ephesians 6:15 "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared."

Hope...Day 11

Psalm 71:5

"O Lord, you alone are my hope.  I've trusted you, O Lord, from childhood."

"You alone"...God alone is all we need.  Try to depend on anyone or anything else and see what happens.  They all fail you, I fail people.  It is only God alone who never fails.  Over the years, I have put my trust in relationships, school, job, money, but only God has remained.  Don't waste your years like me trying to do it yourself through other things and other people.  Instead, realize today that God is our one source of total trust, hope and love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 "Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love." 

Greater Than...Day 10

1 John 4:4

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

I always had a problem in school with "greater than" or "less than".  But John makes quite clear for all us...we are greater for two reasons:

1. We are God's, we are His!

2. We are greater than the world.  Not because of us, but because He lives in us!

Remember Philippians 4:13?

I am so thankful I am God's...I have tried to do it myself and can remember the misery and the failure.  I still fail, but I know I have a God that will encourage, support, provide wisdom and love to a man that desperately needs it!

Submit first...Day 9

James 4:7

Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James teaches us the easy one step program for all Christians:

1. Give yourself to God.

When you do that, it will be easier to resist the devil, temptation and sin.  The hardest part is understanding what it means to submit.  It truly means giving God every part of your life and it begins with your time with Him.  You won't give God anything if you don't know Him and don't spend time with Him.  Think about it, you rarely give things to strangers.  Instead you give meaningful items to people you have a relationship with.  Christ wants that relationship with you!

Confession...Day 8

Honesty time....I have a hard time admitting that I am wrong.  Feel free to ask Mala as she will let you know quickly that I always think I am right.  The truth is, I am wrong a lot...a lot more than I want to be.  Either due to sin, pride or just plain stupidity!  I not only have to confess to a holy, perfect God, but I also have to ask forgiveness from others.

1 John 1:9

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

God is faithful and just and is a cleaner!  I am so thankful that He will cleanse my dirty sin from me!  Confession is the key and must begin with me as an individual.  God can not force it, just like you can not force someone else to ask for forgiveness when they have hurt you.  

Two things to do today...

1. Ask God to forgive you of your sin.  When is that last time you have asked?

2. Seek forgiveness from someone else that you may have hurt.

Paintball and Conquerors...Day 7

This study was perfect after playing paintball on Saturday!

1 John 5:4

…whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. And who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God?

John writes this to remind us that we can overcome the temptations of this world through Jesus. 

It was a great day on Saturday, but getting "taken out" by paintballs can be a little painful.  After the first hit, however, you realize that you can handle it.  This world tries to do the same thing.  Satan wants to "take us out", but through our faith in Christ and the power that He will give us, we can overcome any temptation...what a promise from God!

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.

We are FREE...Day 6

Romans 8:1-2

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

There is a great song by worship artist Todd Fields...

When I think of freedom, two things to come to mind.  The song above by Todd fields and the scene in Brave Heart where Mel Gibson's character says the following..."They can take our lives, but they cannot take our FREEDOM!"

It is all about true FREEDOM.  The devil wants to take away that freedom and hold us in bondage to it.  The devil never wants to release us from it or allow us to forget it.

Christ, however, longs to forgive us, restore us and complete us.  We no longer need to feel unacceptable by anyone.  If the God of the universe loves us and accepts us, then we should truly feel love and accepted.

It has to begin with us and who we are trying to find acceptance from...is it God or the world?  Is it Christ or our friends?  Be FREE today!

Power, Love and Control...Day 5

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and self-discipline."

Power: remember Philippians 4:13 from day three?

Love: Jesus is the ultimate example.  One that I strive for, but fail.  I was reminded yesterday at just how easy it is to fail at loving.  There is a book on marketing called, "Prove It, before you Promote It".  It reminded me that we need to show love with our actions (proving it) before we share with our mouth (promoting) with the people when know and that are around us.  Are we walking example of the gospel?

Self-Discipline: I have done a study on Christian Monks and the self-discipline they have.  I do not agree with complete removal from this world like the monks do, but their discipline is unmatched.  They are completely focused and unhindered by this world.  There are areas in my life that I need to focus more.  I can only ask God for the Power and Strength to do it and I must try! 

Never Let me Down...Day 4

1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

There is an 80's song by Depeche Mode called "Never Let Me Down Again".  The song is all about trusting someone again after they have let you down.  They can reassure you, but you still know that they have let you down in the past.

	depeche mode - never let me down again
	Found at skreemr.com

People will always let us down, but God never will fail us.  Not only will He not fail us, but He wants a constant relationship for us.  My prayer today is that the adults and students doing this study will hear from God and draw closer to Him.

I also pray that it will help to remind me to try my hardest to not let people down in the future.

Where is your Strength...Day 3

Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Three words really stick out to me in this verse:

Everything

Him

Strength

Paul writes that we can do everything, not just some things or not just Church things, but everything.  No, we are not going to be able to catch a bullet with our teeth like Brock Gill did at YEC:

But, when we are focused on Christ, we will find strength in Him.  He will provide not only physical strength, but emotional strength as well.  

We can strengthen ourselves through the Word.  We can strengthen others through Godly encouragement and prayer.

Our daily life is filled with challenges (peer pressure, just trying to fit in, school, tests, dealing with friends, dealing with parents, money, job, homework) only Christ can gives us the focus, attitude and strength we NEED to deal with all the stuff we are faced with everyday! 

Where is Your Focus...Day 2

Luke 12-29-31 "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."

Godless people focus on the things of this world and worry themselves over it constantly.  In fact many Christians do the same thing.  Christ, however, gives us a promise that if we focus on Him, then He will take care of us.  

We must understand where we are spending the majority of our waking hours.  What is our life focused on?  School?  Work?  TV?  Video Games?  Music?  Texting?  Does any of that glorify God...could you use it to glorify God?!

God wants our priority to be on HIM, serving His people and loving the people He loves!  It can be very hard to do, but with His strength, we can do it!

Philippians 4:13 "I can do EVERYTHING through Him who gives me strength."

Luke 12:34 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

New 21 Day Study...Day 1

This is a new study that we will be doing for the next 21 days!  The goal is to form a habit that will continue for the rest of our life.  If you already have a quiet time, this will help keep you focused and directed.  Please respond with your thoughts and be encouraged!

Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

ASK

SEEK

KNOCK

All three are very similar.  When Jesus repeats a thought multiple times, it is usually important.  Jesus wants us to know that He hears us when we pray.  He also wants us to know that He desires a personal relationship with us!

Jesus invites us to speak to him, to have a conversation.  He is a personal God that wants daily fellowship with His children.

What are you asking God for?

More studies like this to keep me focused!

What are you seeking His will for?

Continued focus in marriage, family and balance with work and school.  For Him to direct the way I should go.

What doors of opportunity has God presented to you?

Revealing old friends and how I can encourage them and speak into their lives!

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

We must ASK God first! We must SEEK God first! And Knock on God's door first!

Something to Fight For...

What a great night last night!  We began a new series called "Something to Fight For".  Last night our focus was on TRUTH and how we should be fighting for TRUTH!

I had a couple of thoughts following last nights message:

1. How do we see God's Word?  Do you believe it to be 100% TRUTH?  If you are not at 100%, why not?  Where do you see problems when it comes to TRUTH and God's Word?

2. What color is your ballon?  Is it red or do you tend to make it blue or green?

I pray that everyone will continue to focus on what is eternally important!  See ya next Wednesday!

2009...How will this year be different for you?

What will you do to draw closer to Christ?

How will you share Christ with others?

What changes will you make?

What choices do you need to make?

Think about it a while and let me know...either by comments or by sending me an email!