Hey guys, I know it's been awhile since I posted a blog - my bad. No, really, it is. I've gotten so caught up in everything else, my responsibility to you guys has just taken a back seat. And, for that, I am so sorry.
Life happens. We get busy and we grow up - get bills to pay, start college, begin careers, so on and so forth. All of these things happen and we start to forget. We forget what God has done for us, what He's saved us from, what it feels like to rest in His peace.
Mostly, people think this only happens when you graduate high school; in fact, some people call it 'graduating from youth group.' But high school doesn't save you from life. People will tell you all the time that, when you graduate, you'll enter the real world. Well, from where I'm standing, the real world isn't really all that different. Situations change but life is life. There's always stress and something that needs to be done NOW.
In the midst of all this, it's only too easy to push God away. Yeah, most of the time we'll still go to church, worship, have a great night, then post something on Facebook. But, after awhile, that starts to be it and our faith is only real to us on Thursday nights. We only care one night a week. Daily we say we're Christians, and we may not curse or gossip or party, but neither do we seek God.
I hold the belief that there are three aspects to our personal walks: prayer, worship, and reading.
It is so important that we keep up with these things! Soooo important. Without it, we start to lose touch with the reality of our faith. We really do. And I'm guilty of it just as much and possibly more than the next person.
You've heard of the 'Ten and Ten' thing, right? Spend ten minutes a night praying and ten reading your Bible? I add worship to this (a) because it's my passion and (b) because He deserves to be praised.
If you think about it, when we worship, it is us pouring out our hearts to Him, telling Him how wonderful He is, thanking Him for what He's done, claiming what we know He is going to do. Reading our Bibles is one of the greatest ways God speaks to us. It instructs, convicts, and directs in ways no friend or loved one ever could. Prayer is a conversation. It is a time for us to speak to Him, to lay our concerns at His feet and beg for His help and forgiveness, but it's also a time for us to wait on Him and listen.
These are the things that usually go first when we get busy. There are things in life that just HAVE to get done, and I know all about that. But I think we look at it with the wrong perspective: we see our devotional time as optional and our responsibilities (homework, work, chores, etc.) as required. Technically, that means we're guilty of prioritizing wrong. We put these other things as more important in our lives than seeking after the God that we claim to serve.
This is something I've been working on and I really just want to encourage you guys too. If you're already good with this, the give the rest of us some pointers ;)
Love you all!
-Brittinni
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Comfort
Things happen. A lot. People get sick. We fight with our parents. We lose friends, family members. It happens. And when it does, we feel like our world is crashing down around us.
You have a fight with your best friend and you guys stop talking. It rips you apart and you feel like your heart is broken. Or you and your boyfriend/girlfriend break up and you're crushed.
Most of the time, we look at those situations and it's miserable. Being Christians, we know we're supposed to be okay be assured that God is going to work all things out. But when you're in that situation, it's not so easy to do.
You feel hopeless and lost.
Romans 8:28 says
"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (NIV)
Most people look at this and say 'yeah, God is going to make something good out of this because I'm a Christian and I love Him.' But people ignore the last part of the verse.
"...who have been called according to His purpose."
Yes, something good will come out of whatever situation you find yourself in. But, more than that, it's all in God's plan. We have a purpose from Him. Specifically designed for each of us individually.
Everything that happens, it grows us. It defines our testimony, and it pushes us closer to the purpose He has for us. When someone walks out of your life, it's because someone else is going to walk in it and that will be a part of the purpose He has for you.
Yes, it'll all work out for your good. But, I think, more importantly, you can take comfort in knowing that, not only is God's hand in your situation, but it's guiding your situation. Drawing you nearer to Him and to the purpose He has for your life.
--Brittinni
You have a fight with your best friend and you guys stop talking. It rips you apart and you feel like your heart is broken. Or you and your boyfriend/girlfriend break up and you're crushed.
Most of the time, we look at those situations and it's miserable. Being Christians, we know we're supposed to be okay be assured that God is going to work all things out. But when you're in that situation, it's not so easy to do.
You feel hopeless and lost.
Romans 8:28 says
"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (NIV)
Most people look at this and say 'yeah, God is going to make something good out of this because I'm a Christian and I love Him.' But people ignore the last part of the verse.
"...who have been called according to His purpose."
Yes, something good will come out of whatever situation you find yourself in. But, more than that, it's all in God's plan. We have a purpose from Him. Specifically designed for each of us individually.
Everything that happens, it grows us. It defines our testimony, and it pushes us closer to the purpose He has for us. When someone walks out of your life, it's because someone else is going to walk in it and that will be a part of the purpose He has for you.
Yes, it'll all work out for your good. But, I think, more importantly, you can take comfort in knowing that, not only is God's hand in your situation, but it's guiding your situation. Drawing you nearer to Him and to the purpose He has for your life.
--Brittinni
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Reverse Pride
There are countless verses in the Bible about pride; about the dangers of it and how God hates it (Prov. 6:16-17). Now, we are always so quick to recognize pride and point it out in others and occasionally ourselves, but I think we often forget that the essence of pride is simple self-centeredness.
Pride is generally assumed to be thinking too highly of one's self, and there is a fine line that we have to walk between thinking too much of ourselves and thinking too little.
We have to find our identity in Christ and realize that we really aren't worth anything, but at the same time He sees us as invaluable.
But when we focus too much on how we aren't really worth anything, and we believe the lies of the enemy trying to tell us that we will never accomplish anything and God can't use us, we lose any confidence and self-esteem we may have had.
That seems a bit obvious, but what we don't always see is that low self-esteem and insecurity is the same thing as pride. It's still a form of self-centeredness. You still are thinking only about yourself, even if it is in thinking that you are worthless and God will never be able to use you, or the things you have done are to terrible for Him to save you.
Honestly, the only reason I even mention this is it's been a lesson that God has been teaching me. I am usually one that suffers from pride but God opened my eyes to it years ago while I was performing one Sunday morning. After that, I quit singing and tried to focus solely on God. Since then, I have not performed on a stage. That was over three years ago.
The whole situation caused me to be very cautious when it comes to pride, but I never realized that it opened me up to 'reverse pride'. In trying so hard to stay humble and awed at the thought and presence of the Lord, I lost my sense of worth in Him and started to believe the lies of the enemy, who pointed out my flaws and mistakes I made, telling me God could never forgive me.
But that is a lie. Pure and simple.
The Bible tells us that He sees us as priceless treasures. At the same time, it also says that there is none righteous, no not one.
If we look entirely to Him, keep our focus on Him alone and realize that there is nothing else in this world or beyond it that matters at all, then we won't have to worry about walking the fine line between thinking too much of ourselves or too little. It will all just fall in line.
-Brittinni
Pride is generally assumed to be thinking too highly of one's self, and there is a fine line that we have to walk between thinking too much of ourselves and thinking too little.
We have to find our identity in Christ and realize that we really aren't worth anything, but at the same time He sees us as invaluable.
But when we focus too much on how we aren't really worth anything, and we believe the lies of the enemy trying to tell us that we will never accomplish anything and God can't use us, we lose any confidence and self-esteem we may have had.
That seems a bit obvious, but what we don't always see is that low self-esteem and insecurity is the same thing as pride. It's still a form of self-centeredness. You still are thinking only about yourself, even if it is in thinking that you are worthless and God will never be able to use you, or the things you have done are to terrible for Him to save you.
Honestly, the only reason I even mention this is it's been a lesson that God has been teaching me. I am usually one that suffers from pride but God opened my eyes to it years ago while I was performing one Sunday morning. After that, I quit singing and tried to focus solely on God. Since then, I have not performed on a stage. That was over three years ago.
The whole situation caused me to be very cautious when it comes to pride, but I never realized that it opened me up to 'reverse pride'. In trying so hard to stay humble and awed at the thought and presence of the Lord, I lost my sense of worth in Him and started to believe the lies of the enemy, who pointed out my flaws and mistakes I made, telling me God could never forgive me.
But that is a lie. Pure and simple.
The Bible tells us that He sees us as priceless treasures. At the same time, it also says that there is none righteous, no not one.
If we look entirely to Him, keep our focus on Him alone and realize that there is nothing else in this world or beyond it that matters at all, then we won't have to worry about walking the fine line between thinking too much of ourselves or too little. It will all just fall in line.
-Brittinni
Friday, November 5, 2010
Focus Where It Should Be
Psalm 1:1-6 (GW)
(1)Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. (2) Rather, he delights in the teachings of the LORD and reflects on his teachings day and night. (3) He is like a tree planted beside streams- a tree that produces fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. He succeeds in everything he does. (4) Wicked people are not like that. Instead, they are like husks that the wind blows away. (5) That is why wicked people will not be able to stand in the judgment and sinners will not be able to stand where righteous people gather. (6) The LORD knows the way of righteous people, but the way of wicked people will end.
I noticed a little while ago that a few kids are saying that there is no way that God asks us to only think about Him and pray to Him and read our Bibles.
It's true that it's unrealistic for leaders/pastors/etc. to expect that of anyone, but ideally, that IS what God asks from us. He wants our total devotion. The Psalmist describes a man who "delights in the teaching of the LORD and reflects on his teachings day and night."
This is who we're supposed to desire to be. We are called to seek to be Christ-like in all that we do. Our thoughts, words, and actions need to be glorifying to God. Our focus should be on Him at all times.
The funny thing is, if we can manage to do this (which is a hard thing and is only accomplished when we fight past our flesh, and even then it's easy to slip up), you start to notice that the temptations that come into your life are suddenly easier to walk away from.
Being in a car or room with your girlfriend/boyfriend alone becomes a little uncomfortable. That music on the radio starts to seem a little obscene and dirty and, rather than just turning it down when curse words come on, you feel like turning it off.
God wants to be first in our lives. Yes, we fail and we make mistakes and we get distracted. But, more often than that, we deliberately put Him on the sidelines. We think 'oh I went to youth tonight, I don't have to read, worship, and pray tonight. I got my fill.' And the next night it's a little easier to just skip out on it, and soon it's a fight to get into the Word and to pray and worship on our own.
But that's not how it has to be. We can think only on Him, pray to Him without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17), and reflect on His Word day and night.
It's hard but it's not impossible, so be encouraged!!
-Brittinni
(1)Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. (2) Rather, he delights in the teachings of the LORD and reflects on his teachings day and night. (3) He is like a tree planted beside streams- a tree that produces fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. He succeeds in everything he does. (4) Wicked people are not like that. Instead, they are like husks that the wind blows away. (5) That is why wicked people will not be able to stand in the judgment and sinners will not be able to stand where righteous people gather. (6) The LORD knows the way of righteous people, but the way of wicked people will end.
I noticed a little while ago that a few kids are saying that there is no way that God asks us to only think about Him and pray to Him and read our Bibles.
It's true that it's unrealistic for leaders/pastors/etc. to expect that of anyone, but ideally, that IS what God asks from us. He wants our total devotion. The Psalmist describes a man who "delights in the teaching of the LORD and reflects on his teachings day and night."
This is who we're supposed to desire to be. We are called to seek to be Christ-like in all that we do. Our thoughts, words, and actions need to be glorifying to God. Our focus should be on Him at all times.
The funny thing is, if we can manage to do this (which is a hard thing and is only accomplished when we fight past our flesh, and even then it's easy to slip up), you start to notice that the temptations that come into your life are suddenly easier to walk away from.
Being in a car or room with your girlfriend/boyfriend alone becomes a little uncomfortable. That music on the radio starts to seem a little obscene and dirty and, rather than just turning it down when curse words come on, you feel like turning it off.
God wants to be first in our lives. Yes, we fail and we make mistakes and we get distracted. But, more often than that, we deliberately put Him on the sidelines. We think 'oh I went to youth tonight, I don't have to read, worship, and pray tonight. I got my fill.' And the next night it's a little easier to just skip out on it, and soon it's a fight to get into the Word and to pray and worship on our own.
But that's not how it has to be. We can think only on Him, pray to Him without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17), and reflect on His Word day and night.
It's hard but it's not impossible, so be encouraged!!
-Brittinni
Saturday, October 30, 2010
What You See is Not All There Is... Battling Darkness
So, here we are in the middle of an unseen battle between the kingdoms of light (Jesus) and darkness (Satan). There are three things we need to know in this battle.
First, we can't treat our enemy lightly. Don't get caught up in the deception that Satan is some harmless little goofball in a red suit with horns and a pitchfork. His power and authority, while limited, is to be recognized. Jude 9-10 says even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, would not bring a direct accusation against Satan, but said, "The Lord rebuke you". Read the story in Mark 5:2-8 about the incredible physical power the demoniac who lived among the tombs exhibited.
1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour." Does that sound like an enemy we should just brush off and take lightly?
Secondly, we must not flirt with darkness. I believe there are many Christians, young and old, who think it's ok to dabble with some questionable things. The word occult means "hidden", and the enemy uses many things that might seem harmless at first glance. Let's look at what the Bible says about how God views a Christian’s involvement with the occult. "And do not let your people practice fortune-telling or sorcery, or allow them to interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. Anyone who does these things is an object of horror and disgust to the LORD." Deuteronomy 18:10-12. Pretty clear, eh?
While we can use "personal conviction" as an excuse to watch, listen or read something, I believe the question we need to ask is, "What is the source?". If we have to analyze and dig to find a biblical, godly meaning in something to justify our desire to associate with it... is it really good?
I don't think God has a gray area, that is on both sides of the fence, where His children can play because their personal convictions allow it. “Obey God because you are His children. Don't slip back into your old ways of doing evil; you didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God-- who chose you to be his children-- is holy. For he himself has said, ‘You must be Holy because I am holy.’" 1 Peter 1:14-16
Isaiah 5:20 says, “Destruction is certain for those that say evil is good and good is evil; that light is dark and dark is light; that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter." 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says, “Keep away from every kind of evil." We simply have no excuse to flirt with anything that has occult or demonic ties.
Lastly, we need to know that we don’t fight with our power, but with God’s authority. So many people live what I call, Roller Coaster Christianity because they are trying to fight the battle against darkness in their own power. They move one step forward and two steps back, all the while becoming more frustrated, angry or depressed because they never seem to have victory over the enemy.
Matthew 10:1 say, “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.” He gave them AUTHORITY, not power. It is with the authority in Jesus’ name that we come against the kingdom of darkness.
There is a story in Acts 19, that tells of seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish priest, who went around casting out evil spirits. One day they came upon a demon possessed man and they tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus. The evil spirit answered, "I know Jesus, and I know Paul. But who are you?" and proceeded to beat all seven of the men so badly, they ran out of the house naked and badly injured. Because they didn't have a personal relationship with Jesus, they could not operate in His authority, but only in their own power.
We also must use the shield of faith and the Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) in this battle. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4), he consistently responded with Scripture. The enemy cannot overcome the Word of God, and this is why we must read it, study it, and get it into our hearts.
I’ll close with this. “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.” James 4:7-8. If we will surrender every part of our lives to Christ, holding nothing back, and resist any temptation to compromise, the enemy WILL flee.
Remember, we are not fighting FOR victory, we are fighting FROM victory!
-P Dave
First, we can't treat our enemy lightly. Don't get caught up in the deception that Satan is some harmless little goofball in a red suit with horns and a pitchfork. His power and authority, while limited, is to be recognized. Jude 9-10 says even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, would not bring a direct accusation against Satan, but said, "The Lord rebuke you". Read the story in Mark 5:2-8 about the incredible physical power the demoniac who lived among the tombs exhibited.
1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour." Does that sound like an enemy we should just brush off and take lightly?
Secondly, we must not flirt with darkness. I believe there are many Christians, young and old, who think it's ok to dabble with some questionable things. The word occult means "hidden", and the enemy uses many things that might seem harmless at first glance. Let's look at what the Bible says about how God views a Christian’s involvement with the occult. "And do not let your people practice fortune-telling or sorcery, or allow them to interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. Anyone who does these things is an object of horror and disgust to the LORD." Deuteronomy 18:10-12. Pretty clear, eh?
While we can use "personal conviction" as an excuse to watch, listen or read something, I believe the question we need to ask is, "What is the source?". If we have to analyze and dig to find a biblical, godly meaning in something to justify our desire to associate with it... is it really good?
I don't think God has a gray area, that is on both sides of the fence, where His children can play because their personal convictions allow it. “Obey God because you are His children. Don't slip back into your old ways of doing evil; you didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God-- who chose you to be his children-- is holy. For he himself has said, ‘You must be Holy because I am holy.’" 1 Peter 1:14-16
Isaiah 5:20 says, “Destruction is certain for those that say evil is good and good is evil; that light is dark and dark is light; that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter." 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says, “Keep away from every kind of evil." We simply have no excuse to flirt with anything that has occult or demonic ties.
Lastly, we need to know that we don’t fight with our power, but with God’s authority. So many people live what I call, Roller Coaster Christianity because they are trying to fight the battle against darkness in their own power. They move one step forward and two steps back, all the while becoming more frustrated, angry or depressed because they never seem to have victory over the enemy.
Matthew 10:1 say, “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.” He gave them AUTHORITY, not power. It is with the authority in Jesus’ name that we come against the kingdom of darkness.
There is a story in Acts 19, that tells of seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish priest, who went around casting out evil spirits. One day they came upon a demon possessed man and they tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus. The evil spirit answered, "I know Jesus, and I know Paul. But who are you?" and proceeded to beat all seven of the men so badly, they ran out of the house naked and badly injured. Because they didn't have a personal relationship with Jesus, they could not operate in His authority, but only in their own power.
We also must use the shield of faith and the Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) in this battle. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4), he consistently responded with Scripture. The enemy cannot overcome the Word of God, and this is why we must read it, study it, and get it into our hearts.
I’ll close with this. “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.” James 4:7-8. If we will surrender every part of our lives to Christ, holding nothing back, and resist any temptation to compromise, the enemy WILL flee.
Remember, we are not fighting FOR victory, we are fighting FROM victory!
-P Dave
Friday, October 29, 2010
What You See is Not All There Is... Satan and his demons
Last night we closed the Supernatural series discussing Satan and his demons. There was so much I wanted to cover, but there was not enough time in the service to adequately do so, hence my appearance on the Ref Devo this week. So I would like to recap the message from last night and include a few additional things in a two part devotional this week. Here's part one...
First, we need to know that Satan is a real, created being. He was one of the most beautiful and highest ranking angels in Heaven and his name was Lucifer, or morning star. You can read about his creation and attributes in Ezekiel 28:12-17. Verses 16 and 17 describe his sin: pride, and the resulting punishment: losing his authority and being expelled from Heaven. In Isaiah 14:12-14, he made five "I will" statements, the last being, 'I will make myself like the Most High'. God's answer to that was essentially, 'No, you will not. I am God, and there is NONE like Me'. The lie that we can be like God or gods, is prevalent in many religions today and Satan used it in Genesis 3:5 when he tempted Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.
The Bible says a third of the angels followed Satan in rebellion against their Creator, and were also cast out of Heaven (Revelation 12:4). Many believe these fallen angels are the demons who serve Satan now. One thing we should understand is that not every bad thing is caused by demons. If you have a bad hair day, don't blame it on the 'demon of bad hair'. Another key point is that born again Christians CANNOT be demon possessed. The instant you commit your life to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in your spirit, and Satan no longer has any claim on your life. We CAN, however, be influenced and oppressed by demonic spirits, especially if we give them permission to operate in our lives. Last night we discussed four things that demons do.
First, demons influence leaders of nations. All you need to do is watch the news or read the paper to see the evil in many nations. How could Hitler and Stalin be evil enough to order the murder of millions of their own innocent people? What could possibly influence a nation's highest court to enact laws that allow the murder of millions of unborn babies? Daniel 10:13 speaks of the spirit prince of Persia, a demonic entity apparently appointed to influence the human ruler of Persia.
Second, demons desire to inflict suffering on you. Matthew 17:15-18 tells the story of a young boy who attempted to kill himself several times, had seizures, and suffered terribly. He was immediately made completely well, however, after Jesus cast a demon out of him. My youngest brother's step-son, suffering from severe depression, hung and killed himself at 9 years old. Nine years old! Demons inflict suffering, often through depression, with the ultimate goal being suicide. The thief's (Satan's) purpose is to steal, kill and destroy.
Thirdly, demons scheme to lure you away from God. They watch and study us, constantly looking for ways to bring deception. "Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from what we believe; they will follow lying spirits and teachings that come from demons." 1 Timothy 4:1 NLT. There are many people who have been swayed to follow false teaching and this verse tells us the origin of that false teaching is demonic. It is vital that we study and know the Word of God, so we can discern the truth from the lies. Be aware, there are things we can read, watch and listen to, that in initial appearance, may seem good, but everything is not always as it seems. "But I am not surprised! Even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder his servants can also do it by pretending to be godly ministers." 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NLT
Lastly, demons want to paralyze you with fear. Evil, in it's purest form, brings with it an innate sense of fear, but perfect love (God) casts out all fear. Having a fear of failure, being afraid of losing a loved one, or being worried sick about school are all forms of fear that the enemy uses to paralyze us. Remember, "God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline" 2 Timothy 1:7.
In the second part of this post, we'll discuss three ways we battle the kingdom of darkness.
-P Dave
First, we need to know that Satan is a real, created being. He was one of the most beautiful and highest ranking angels in Heaven and his name was Lucifer, or morning star. You can read about his creation and attributes in Ezekiel 28:12-17. Verses 16 and 17 describe his sin: pride, and the resulting punishment: losing his authority and being expelled from Heaven. In Isaiah 14:12-14, he made five "I will" statements, the last being, 'I will make myself like the Most High'. God's answer to that was essentially, 'No, you will not. I am God, and there is NONE like Me'. The lie that we can be like God or gods, is prevalent in many religions today and Satan used it in Genesis 3:5 when he tempted Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.
The Bible says a third of the angels followed Satan in rebellion against their Creator, and were also cast out of Heaven (Revelation 12:4). Many believe these fallen angels are the demons who serve Satan now. One thing we should understand is that not every bad thing is caused by demons. If you have a bad hair day, don't blame it on the 'demon of bad hair'. Another key point is that born again Christians CANNOT be demon possessed. The instant you commit your life to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in your spirit, and Satan no longer has any claim on your life. We CAN, however, be influenced and oppressed by demonic spirits, especially if we give them permission to operate in our lives. Last night we discussed four things that demons do.
First, demons influence leaders of nations. All you need to do is watch the news or read the paper to see the evil in many nations. How could Hitler and Stalin be evil enough to order the murder of millions of their own innocent people? What could possibly influence a nation's highest court to enact laws that allow the murder of millions of unborn babies? Daniel 10:13 speaks of the spirit prince of Persia, a demonic entity apparently appointed to influence the human ruler of Persia.
Second, demons desire to inflict suffering on you. Matthew 17:15-18 tells the story of a young boy who attempted to kill himself several times, had seizures, and suffered terribly. He was immediately made completely well, however, after Jesus cast a demon out of him. My youngest brother's step-son, suffering from severe depression, hung and killed himself at 9 years old. Nine years old! Demons inflict suffering, often through depression, with the ultimate goal being suicide. The thief's (Satan's) purpose is to steal, kill and destroy.
Thirdly, demons scheme to lure you away from God. They watch and study us, constantly looking for ways to bring deception. "Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from what we believe; they will follow lying spirits and teachings that come from demons." 1 Timothy 4:1 NLT. There are many people who have been swayed to follow false teaching and this verse tells us the origin of that false teaching is demonic. It is vital that we study and know the Word of God, so we can discern the truth from the lies. Be aware, there are things we can read, watch and listen to, that in initial appearance, may seem good, but everything is not always as it seems. "But I am not surprised! Even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder his servants can also do it by pretending to be godly ministers." 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NLT
Lastly, demons want to paralyze you with fear. Evil, in it's purest form, brings with it an innate sense of fear, but perfect love (God) casts out all fear. Having a fear of failure, being afraid of losing a loved one, or being worried sick about school are all forms of fear that the enemy uses to paralyze us. Remember, "God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline" 2 Timothy 1:7.
In the second part of this post, we'll discuss three ways we battle the kingdom of darkness.
-P Dave
Friday, October 22, 2010
Supernatural
Last service was intense for us all. Wouldn’t you say? Although it probably didn’t relate to the majority of us specifically, we all should have went home a little more knowledgeable. If you missed Reformation last Thursday night, or need a refresher, during service we had three lovely people describe to us their testimonies, all in which had similar trends, for example: witchcraft, idolatry, etc. I believe, although we may not all partake in these things on a daily basis, there may be some things we can change in our lives to avoid ungodly activities (even more then we already do).
To begin, there was a mention of Harry Potter and Twilight. I never realized it before, but now I believe that even though I don’t know it to be true, I still allowed vampires/magic into my life. We are buying books, posters, t-shirts, etc. which are all pleasing to the enemy. He is trying to win over that part of ourselves; the part where we defend Harry Potter and Twilight when it is being “bad-mouthed“. When was the last time you defended Jesus? He is truth. He is the one we should spend our time reading about, talking about, and praying about. I liked when Joe said something along the lines of, “If you can live without it, do you really need it?” Genuinely think about that.
Okay, so if you’re not a Twilight freak like me, or at least I was, what are some other things you idolize? Your cell phone? Facebook? How about: a famous star, like Oprah Winfrey? Rock bands? Your youth pastors? Guess what, none of these things or people are God. All of the people in your life have fallen short of the glory of God. Stop idolizing those secular, worldly things. Start focusing on God.
(By the way, my Twilight posters, books, and t-shirts are being thrown away today; you do the same?)
Please comment! All of this is up for discussion. And I would love for you to add things I’ve left out, or things you come up with on your own.
-Autumn
To begin, there was a mention of Harry Potter and Twilight. I never realized it before, but now I believe that even though I don’t know it to be true, I still allowed vampires/magic into my life. We are buying books, posters, t-shirts, etc. which are all pleasing to the enemy. He is trying to win over that part of ourselves; the part where we defend Harry Potter and Twilight when it is being “bad-mouthed“. When was the last time you defended Jesus? He is truth. He is the one we should spend our time reading about, talking about, and praying about. I liked when Joe said something along the lines of, “If you can live without it, do you really need it?” Genuinely think about that.
Okay, so if you’re not a Twilight freak like me, or at least I was, what are some other things you idolize? Your cell phone? Facebook? How about: a famous star, like Oprah Winfrey? Rock bands? Your youth pastors? Guess what, none of these things or people are God. All of the people in your life have fallen short of the glory of God. Stop idolizing those secular, worldly things. Start focusing on God.
(By the way, my Twilight posters, books, and t-shirts are being thrown away today; you do the same?)
Please comment! All of this is up for discussion. And I would love for you to add things I’ve left out, or things you come up with on your own.
-Autumn
Friday, October 15, 2010
Faith With Knowledge
Have you been reading your Bible lately? Or do you think you can get by without it? How much do you truly know about your religion? I have just recently discovered pretty shocking stuff. I thought that I would let you in on it.
An article written by Heather Horn talks about a new study. “In a survey of religious knowledge, Americans did fairly poorly displaying little knowledge of world religions. Americans did not even know much about their own religions. A shocking forty-five percent of Catholics incorrectly answered a question about Catholicism and Communion, for example. To make matters worse, those who scored highest on this survey were atheists and agnostics. The next-highest scoring groups were Jews and Mormons.”
I don’t want this to be condemning. I want it to be inspiring. I want you to strive to read your Bible daily. Although reading multiple chapters a day is excellent, if you can only read half a chapter, DO IT. Don’t let the amount of what you read set you back. You are not a failure. I actually praise you for trying! Reading something is better than reading nothing.
Hosea 4:6- “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge…you have ignored the law of your God...” Knowledge is so important. We have been trained to listen to teachers and complete homework all our lives, but when it comes to reading our Bible- it’s our choice, our decision. We were never really taught to take initiative to learn something that doesn’t involve getting a letter grade in the end.
Also, even though the vast majority of your readings will be God speaking to you through the word, don’t be discouraged when you can’t seem to relate to what you are reading. Remember, you are reading for knowledge and wisdom, not always just for improvement.
I know you’ve heard it before, but if you haven’t- ALWAYS double check what you hear. Your pastors and leaders aren’t always right. It is your responsibly to read through the Bible to make sure what was spoken is truly God’s word. Don’t always automatically believe what you hear.
Proverbs 24:5- "A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength."
-Autumn
An article written by Heather Horn talks about a new study. “In a survey of religious knowledge, Americans did fairly poorly displaying little knowledge of world religions. Americans did not even know much about their own religions. A shocking forty-five percent of Catholics incorrectly answered a question about Catholicism and Communion, for example. To make matters worse, those who scored highest on this survey were atheists and agnostics. The next-highest scoring groups were Jews and Mormons.”
I don’t want this to be condemning. I want it to be inspiring. I want you to strive to read your Bible daily. Although reading multiple chapters a day is excellent, if you can only read half a chapter, DO IT. Don’t let the amount of what you read set you back. You are not a failure. I actually praise you for trying! Reading something is better than reading nothing.
Hosea 4:6- “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge…you have ignored the law of your God...” Knowledge is so important. We have been trained to listen to teachers and complete homework all our lives, but when it comes to reading our Bible- it’s our choice, our decision. We were never really taught to take initiative to learn something that doesn’t involve getting a letter grade in the end.
Also, even though the vast majority of your readings will be God speaking to you through the word, don’t be discouraged when you can’t seem to relate to what you are reading. Remember, you are reading for knowledge and wisdom, not always just for improvement.
I know you’ve heard it before, but if you haven’t- ALWAYS double check what you hear. Your pastors and leaders aren’t always right. It is your responsibly to read through the Bible to make sure what was spoken is truly God’s word. Don’t always automatically believe what you hear.
Proverbs 24:5- "A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength."
-Autumn
Friday, October 8, 2010
Taming Your Temper
So, I am going to be completely honest with you guys. I have been struggling with this for a while now. So, as I write this, I plan to learn and grow in this subject, just as I pray you do. Subject being: dealing with anger, stress, and our attitude. Are you the one to get annoyed easily? Do you often get frustrated with people? Well, let me ask you, how do you cope? Do you walk away to vent, or do you walk away and isolate yourself from all human contact? Do you confront people with an honest, level-headed attitude, or do you yell until you get your point across?
Are you the kind of person who holds grudges? As Christians, we should forgive and move on. With much experience, I understand this is extremely hard. It may easy to forgive (verbalizing “I forgive you”), but you may struggle to completely forget. Meaning, every time you see their face, you’re reminded of what you supposedly forgave them for. Now, together, we need to all let go of our pasts; let go of our anger. It’s not worth holding on to. It’s not worth damaging your walk with God because of it.
Need help when it comes to managing your problems? If you’re having an issue with someone, and don’t know what to do, talk to a leader or accountability partner. I cannot stress that enough. Don’t go around flaunting your problems with multiple people. If you do this, you are allowing your friends to fall. I say this because gossip easily forms when you tell multiple people your problem pertaining another person. Your accountability partner and/or leaders are the perfect people to talk to when you are angry with someone, and need help venting/fixing the problem.
REMEMBER- talk needs to turn into action; talk without action is just more gossip.
Proverbs 14:17 reads, “The quick-tempered do foolish things, and those who devise evil schemes are hated.” Don’t allow yourself to be easily aggravated. It only makes you more frustrated with people, and them more frustrated with you. Go into situations with a positive, understanding mind. Be patient with people; nobody is perfect. “Those who are patient have a great understanding, but the quick-tempered display foolishness.” Proverbs 14:29
Telling people you’re angry does not give you the permission to keep treating them badly. If you are stressed and admit it out loud let that inform you to stop showing it. It will only make people around you stressed too.
We should control our anger instead of letting our anger control us.
-Autumn
Are you the kind of person who holds grudges? As Christians, we should forgive and move on. With much experience, I understand this is extremely hard. It may easy to forgive (verbalizing “I forgive you”), but you may struggle to completely forget. Meaning, every time you see their face, you’re reminded of what you supposedly forgave them for. Now, together, we need to all let go of our pasts; let go of our anger. It’s not worth holding on to. It’s not worth damaging your walk with God because of it.
Need help when it comes to managing your problems? If you’re having an issue with someone, and don’t know what to do, talk to a leader or accountability partner. I cannot stress that enough. Don’t go around flaunting your problems with multiple people. If you do this, you are allowing your friends to fall. I say this because gossip easily forms when you tell multiple people your problem pertaining another person. Your accountability partner and/or leaders are the perfect people to talk to when you are angry with someone, and need help venting/fixing the problem.
REMEMBER- talk needs to turn into action; talk without action is just more gossip.
Proverbs 14:17 reads, “The quick-tempered do foolish things, and those who devise evil schemes are hated.” Don’t allow yourself to be easily aggravated. It only makes you more frustrated with people, and them more frustrated with you. Go into situations with a positive, understanding mind. Be patient with people; nobody is perfect. “Those who are patient have a great understanding, but the quick-tempered display foolishness.” Proverbs 14:29
Telling people you’re angry does not give you the permission to keep treating them badly. If you are stressed and admit it out loud let that inform you to stop showing it. It will only make people around you stressed too.
We should control our anger instead of letting our anger control us.
-Autumn
Friday, October 1, 2010
Judging Others
Judging others, it seems pretty straight forward- don’t do it. We all know it’s wrong; we all know it hurts the feelings of the people we talk about. But why do we choose to do it anyway? Why do we look at the girl walking by and automatically hate her? Why do we see a man on the side of the street and think- all he wants is my money? Is there anything more pleasant than discussing someone’s fault? We tend to make unnecessary judgments before we even begin to know the real truth.
I think it’s time to bring back the saying- ‘What would Jesus do?’ If we truly want to please God, we must obey His standards. In John 8:15-16 it states, “You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father also.” We need to make the commitment to stop judging- whether it is people we know (like our closest friends), or people we don’t know (like the group of kids talking during a movie).
Remember the statement we learned in elementary school? If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. Scripture wise we read, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” in Matthew 7:1-2. If you are judging others, except for it to happen to you.
Overall, strive on not jumping to conclusions, we do not know the history of others. It is a must that we do not envy their happiness, we do not laugh when they are hurt, and we do not judge others in a negative way under any circumstances.
-Autumn
I think it’s time to bring back the saying- ‘What would Jesus do?’ If we truly want to please God, we must obey His standards. In John 8:15-16 it states, “You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father also.” We need to make the commitment to stop judging- whether it is people we know (like our closest friends), or people we don’t know (like the group of kids talking during a movie).
Remember the statement we learned in elementary school? If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. Scripture wise we read, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” in Matthew 7:1-2. If you are judging others, except for it to happen to you.
Overall, strive on not jumping to conclusions, we do not know the history of others. It is a must that we do not envy their happiness, we do not laugh when they are hurt, and we do not judge others in a negative way under any circumstances.
-Autumn
Friday, September 24, 2010
Forgiven
Matthew's Gospel shows that Jesus Christ was the Messiah and everything Jesus said was true. One thing that Jesus said a lot of was to forgive. Forgiveness was talked about in every Gospel and is a matter that people tend to take too lightly.
(NLT) Matthew 18:21-22 - "Then Peter came to him and asked, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone* who sins against me? Seven times?" "No!" Jesus replied, "seventy times seven!*"
This verse isn't telling us to forgive someone only 490 times, but rather that we shouldn't even keep track of how many times we forgive people. Have you ever felt like you were holding on to something that happened in the past and you just couldn't let it go? Talk to God about it, let him know how you feel and ask for forgiveness, but also let him know you forgive those who have hurt you. Do you ever feel like you just can't forgive someone? It's difficult sometimes to let go of the issues that distract us from God. Those issues can cloud our minds and pull us away from what God has for you today. Forgive and be forgiven.
(NLT) Mark 12:25 - But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.*"
- Alex
(NLT) Matthew 18:21-22 - "Then Peter came to him and asked, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone* who sins against me? Seven times?" "No!" Jesus replied, "seventy times seven!*"
This verse isn't telling us to forgive someone only 490 times, but rather that we shouldn't even keep track of how many times we forgive people. Have you ever felt like you were holding on to something that happened in the past and you just couldn't let it go? Talk to God about it, let him know how you feel and ask for forgiveness, but also let him know you forgive those who have hurt you. Do you ever feel like you just can't forgive someone? It's difficult sometimes to let go of the issues that distract us from God. Those issues can cloud our minds and pull us away from what God has for you today. Forgive and be forgiven.
(NLT) Mark 12:25 - But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.*"
- Alex
Friday, September 17, 2010
Honoring One Another
The book of James is written by James to show a lot about how Christians ought to live. It was written to encourage Christians to be vibrant in their faith through concrete action, honoring one another with the right motives. James calls us to be authentic Christians by honoring one another, by loving everyone we come across equally.
(NLT) James 2:2-4 - "For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting* dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"- well, doesn't this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives?"
Unfortunately so many people show their love more for some people rather showing equal love for everyone. People tend to judge each other by their actions, thinking you can only judge by words. This is dishonoring. Has there ever been a time where you just felt a friend was more loving towards other people? We should be an example by striving to be more honorable than our friends. Has there ever been a time in your life where you just felt out of place and unloved because people just didn't act the same around you as they do with their other friends? Now, has there ever been a time where you acted more excited to see someone and less excited to see someone else within the same day?
(NLT) Romans 12:10 - "Love each other with genuine affection,* and take delight in honoring each other."
- Alex
(NLT) James 2:2-4 - "For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting* dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"- well, doesn't this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives?"
Unfortunately so many people show their love more for some people rather showing equal love for everyone. People tend to judge each other by their actions, thinking you can only judge by words. This is dishonoring. Has there ever been a time where you just felt a friend was more loving towards other people? We should be an example by striving to be more honorable than our friends. Has there ever been a time in your life where you just felt out of place and unloved because people just didn't act the same around you as they do with their other friends? Now, has there ever been a time where you acted more excited to see someone and less excited to see someone else within the same day?
(NLT) Romans 12:10 - "Love each other with genuine affection,* and take delight in honoring each other."
- Alex
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Unity in Heart
Philippians is a letter that Paul wrote in the New Testament while he was in prison. Paul writes to the church of Philippi and in the letter encourages the Philippians to have unity with love. He wants them to keep growing as one by loving and caring for each other. Even in prison he is still content that his brothers and sisters are rejoicing in unity under God. Pauls passion and life was "to know God," and he found that living in unity is how we can grow closer to God.
(NLT) Philippians 2:2 - "Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose."
Unity means the state of being united into one. As Christians we need to live as one. Living for God means having the same purpose, to strive to be like Christ. Christians are all fighting the same battle against the flesh and against the same enemy. There are always people out there who feel alone, and they need Christians to be there for them, to be God's light.
Has there ever been a time when you just needed someone to be there for you in person and just listen or tell you something good? As Christians we need to be the light for every person we come across. How do we be the light? Tell me how you have been the light. How can we apply this verse to our lives? Sometimes it's so obvious as to how we can apply this verse that people forget that we aren't alone. Unfortunately, I see people not being a light and just focusing on their own lives, forgetting to be there for their brothers and sisters. Don't forget we are all brothers and sisters under God and loving each other is the best way to come together in unity.
If you want more on Unity and the Heart keep reading Philippians 2:1-11
- Alex
(NLT) Philippians 2:2 - "Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose."
Unity means the state of being united into one. As Christians we need to live as one. Living for God means having the same purpose, to strive to be like Christ. Christians are all fighting the same battle against the flesh and against the same enemy. There are always people out there who feel alone, and they need Christians to be there for them, to be God's light.
Has there ever been a time when you just needed someone to be there for you in person and just listen or tell you something good? As Christians we need to be the light for every person we come across. How do we be the light? Tell me how you have been the light. How can we apply this verse to our lives? Sometimes it's so obvious as to how we can apply this verse that people forget that we aren't alone. Unfortunately, I see people not being a light and just focusing on their own lives, forgetting to be there for their brothers and sisters. Don't forget we are all brothers and sisters under God and loving each other is the best way to come together in unity.
If you want more on Unity and the Heart keep reading Philippians 2:1-11
- Alex
Monday, September 6, 2010
Guard your Heart
Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (New American Standard Bible)
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23 (New Living Translation)
When Nehemiah began rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, it was about restoring the people of Israel. After the walls were completed the Law of Moses, given by God, was declared (Neh. 8). God has already begun the work of restoring us, and if we hope to keep it going we must protect ourselves. Reading Nehemiah chapter 4, you can see the opposition the Israelites faced in the form of irreverent merchants, traitors, and threat of an attack. In the same way we must be on our Guard so God can continue the great work in us. If we are so naïve to think the enemy doesn’t have plans to derail us, we will go down even faster.
As Proverbs 4:23 commands, guard your hearts. Everything comes from your heart. Every relationship takes root in your heart, and every lie and manipulative act has a spot in your heart. The thing about your heart is that those things don’t just leave until you get rid of them. Sometimes, people who have had chaos throughout their lives will often remain in that pattern of thinking even after they accept Christ. It’s something rooted in their heart. That’s why you still see Christians who have constant drama in their lives. Sure, there will be trouble times, but before any of that happened there was already trouble in their hearts. We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control what happens in us.
Our hearts are but a container for what we store inside.
Life in God is about a restoration to being all He has made us to be. At the end of Nehemiah the walls are rebuilt, but there is trouble inside Jerusalem, still. Even after this amazing story of restoration for Israel, Nehemiah must return to Jerusalem to rebuke the elders and set things right (13:7). Trouble remains on the inside.
We wonder why we constantly feel the way we do. It’s because we may still have old ways of living and thinking in us. We have to give our hearts and everything in us to God. It’s a process, but we must learn to recognize the wrong things and thinking that we still do, and give it to God.
The day your done growing is the day you’re done.
Ask God to show you what remains, which isn’t of him. This is something that never ends as long as we live.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
-fonzi
Friday, July 16, 2010
Nehemiah 7-9
We pick up in Nehemiah 7 when the wall has finally been rebuilt, the gates put in, and guards assigned to their posts.
In chapter 7, Nehemiah writes of how many citizens had fled the city, during the attacks. He makes a compiled list of all the families and priests that lived in the city to call them back to begin rebuilding the homes inside the city walls. The governor of Jerusalem, Nehemiah, gives gold to help with rebuilding and many heads of their families give as well. Now, with people, finances and motivation, Jerusalem can start to be rebuilt.
In chapter 8, Ezra the priest begins reading the Books of Moses, starting on the first day of the seventh month and ending eight days later. It also writes about how many Levites and ones returning from exile make temporary houses out of olive branches. They make these houses near the main gate, where Ezra is reading the Law, as to not miss anything he says.
Chapter 9 is mainly a lengthy prayer to the Lord, explaining much of the past of the people of Jerusalem and asking for forgiveness on behalf of their ancestors and their people. The last few verses say that many agreed with this prayer and wished to make a binding agreement with the Lord and had many leaders and Levites seal this agreement.
-Alec
In chapter 7, Nehemiah writes of how many citizens had fled the city, during the attacks. He makes a compiled list of all the families and priests that lived in the city to call them back to begin rebuilding the homes inside the city walls. The governor of Jerusalem, Nehemiah, gives gold to help with rebuilding and many heads of their families give as well. Now, with people, finances and motivation, Jerusalem can start to be rebuilt.
In chapter 8, Ezra the priest begins reading the Books of Moses, starting on the first day of the seventh month and ending eight days later. It also writes about how many Levites and ones returning from exile make temporary houses out of olive branches. They make these houses near the main gate, where Ezra is reading the Law, as to not miss anything he says.
Chapter 9 is mainly a lengthy prayer to the Lord, explaining much of the past of the people of Jerusalem and asking for forgiveness on behalf of their ancestors and their people. The last few verses say that many agreed with this prayer and wished to make a binding agreement with the Lord and had many leaders and Levites seal this agreement.
-Alec
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Nehemiah 4-6
There is so much packed into this weeks devotional and I want you guys to read it and get out fo it what you can and post to share and glean for others.
Chapter 4 is about the opposition that Nehemiah and the Israelites faced during the reconstruction of the wall. It starts off with the ridicule they took from all the neighboring governors opposed to the reconstruction of the wall and their plot to attack and destroy all the Israelites and their work on the wall. The second half of the chapter is about the workers and how they were planning to defend themselves while working and how they would rely on God to pull them through.
Chapter 5 shows the humility and lack of greed on Nehemiah's part as he was doing all he could to help the Israelites in need. The officials and nobles who owned their land and charged them heavily for everything listened to Nehemiah and his wisdom and lifted the taxations and interest that they were charging the Israelites. Even when he became the governor he maintained his integrity and humility and did not take from the people because he knew it would be to hard on him. That is a great example of trying to bring justice to the people by not taking and giving plentifully.
Chapter 6 has even further threats and intimidation of Nehemiah about the rebuilding that failed and God had carried Nehemiah through the finishing of the walls and setting the doors in their place. Many of the surrounding territories were in fear because they realized it was finished because the God of heaven was with them. The wall and gates were completed in 52 days.....let me rephrase that; the completely demolished and burned walls of Jerusalem surrounding the ENTIRE city was rebuilt in 52 DAYS!!!11 What an incredible and powerful God we serve.
Please post with your responses and what you got from these chapters because I for sure would LOVE to learn something you got from this devotional and your point of view.
-Billium
Chapter 4 is about the opposition that Nehemiah and the Israelites faced during the reconstruction of the wall. It starts off with the ridicule they took from all the neighboring governors opposed to the reconstruction of the wall and their plot to attack and destroy all the Israelites and their work on the wall. The second half of the chapter is about the workers and how they were planning to defend themselves while working and how they would rely on God to pull them through.
Chapter 5 shows the humility and lack of greed on Nehemiah's part as he was doing all he could to help the Israelites in need. The officials and nobles who owned their land and charged them heavily for everything listened to Nehemiah and his wisdom and lifted the taxations and interest that they were charging the Israelites. Even when he became the governor he maintained his integrity and humility and did not take from the people because he knew it would be to hard on him. That is a great example of trying to bring justice to the people by not taking and giving plentifully.
Chapter 6 has even further threats and intimidation of Nehemiah about the rebuilding that failed and God had carried Nehemiah through the finishing of the walls and setting the doors in their place. Many of the surrounding territories were in fear because they realized it was finished because the God of heaven was with them. The wall and gates were completed in 52 days.....let me rephrase that; the completely demolished and burned walls of Jerusalem surrounding the ENTIRE city was rebuilt in 52 DAYS!!!11 What an incredible and powerful God we serve.
Please post with your responses and what you got from these chapters because I for sure would LOVE to learn something you got from this devotional and your point of view.
-Billium
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Nehemiah 1-3
As you may know, we have just wrapped up 1 Timothy. Which means, it's time for a new book! We have decided to go into the Old Testament with Nehemiah. We are going to be going through three chapters a week, so make sure that you are on top of that. Nehemiah was written in first person, which means it was written by Nehemiah himself. He wrote it from Jerusalem when he returned with the third group of exiles. He writes to tell us about the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and the faith that was rebuilt alongside the walls. He will face opposition and scrutiny from enemies. Knowing this, he still completes what God has called him to do, even though he was fearful of what might happen. While reading these first few chapters, I encourage you to look at the situations around you that you may be fearful of. What are you doing with this? Are you going after Gods calling regardless? Are you seeking His heart even when your in despair?
In chapter one, Nehemiah learns about the state that Jerusalem is in. His brother came to visit, and when Nehemiah asked how Jerusalem was, his brother told him things were not well and that the wall of Jerusalem had been torn down. Nehemiah wept for his people. In his despair, he looked to God and sought His counsel. Nehemiah he fasted and prayed for days asking Him to remember what God told Moses. He wanted nothing more than to rebuild the Wall that was gone. For that, he needed the King's favor.
Chapter two and three goes on to explain to us Nehemiah's actions. He was a cup bearer to King Artaxerxes's during his reign. While bringing the King wine, the King asked him why he was so sad looking. He explained what had happened and the King gave him permission to go help rebuild the cities walls. When Nehemiah entered, he spoke to the city officials and Jewish leaders. He told them of the trouble and told them what God had said. They replied instantly saying to rebuild the wall. In Nehemiah 2:19, Nehemiah receives some opposition, but quickly replies telling them that God will help them succeed. This is proven when high priests began rebuilding and dedicating the gates and walls.
-Bridget
In chapter one, Nehemiah learns about the state that Jerusalem is in. His brother came to visit, and when Nehemiah asked how Jerusalem was, his brother told him things were not well and that the wall of Jerusalem had been torn down. Nehemiah wept for his people. In his despair, he looked to God and sought His counsel. Nehemiah he fasted and prayed for days asking Him to remember what God told Moses. He wanted nothing more than to rebuild the Wall that was gone. For that, he needed the King's favor.
Chapter two and three goes on to explain to us Nehemiah's actions. He was a cup bearer to King Artaxerxes's during his reign. While bringing the King wine, the King asked him why he was so sad looking. He explained what had happened and the King gave him permission to go help rebuild the cities walls. When Nehemiah entered, he spoke to the city officials and Jewish leaders. He told them of the trouble and told them what God had said. They replied instantly saying to rebuild the wall. In Nehemiah 2:19, Nehemiah receives some opposition, but quickly replies telling them that God will help them succeed. This is proven when high priests began rebuilding and dedicating the gates and walls.
-Bridget
Thursday, June 24, 2010
1 Timothy 6
As we wrap up 1 Timothy, Paul gives a few final words to Timothy. He first speaks of the rich and wealthy and how many of them were once believers themselves, but gave into the temptation of "knowledge" which only leads to selfishness. He says they will not inherit God's kingdom because their eyes are blocked by greed and they will continue to follow that path forever.
He then goes on to say, to stay away from all who are like this as they will bring nothing to you, but hardships and will only try to bring you down. I think he says this to speak to Timothy as he was young and impressionable. I think this really impacts us and young people in general because we must guard our hearts against attacks, but not completely seclude ourselves to the saved because if we do, how will others come to Christ?
He then goes on to say, to stay away from all who are like this as they will bring nothing to you, but hardships and will only try to bring you down. I think he says this to speak to Timothy as he was young and impressionable. I think this really impacts us and young people in general because we must guard our hearts against attacks, but not completely seclude ourselves to the saved because if we do, how will others come to Christ?
Friday, June 18, 2010
1 Timothy 5
This chapter contains a lot of wisdom and advice from Paul. The Apostle Paul was a very wise teacher and leader. The things he tells Timothy are for the purpose of serving people through the church, but also not to let the church be taken advantage of by people with bad intentions.
At verse twenty-two Paul says some interesting things to timothy regarding the laying on of hands. What does the laying on of hands mean though? It does not have any kind of spiritual power or meaning. It was a way for appointing the offices in the church. So Paul is saying not to elect someone who has been recently saved. The things that new believer says will be counted against Timothy as well.
Paul was a wise teacher in advising his student not to compromise for the need of elders. The church of Ephesus was exploding and needed many teachers.
That is just some of the background here. There really is so much wisdom in this chapter. Read this chapter in a couple different translations. Remember leave comments and talk about this stuff with each other.
Two good websites for commentaries and translations are biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.org.
-fonzi
At verse twenty-two Paul says some interesting things to timothy regarding the laying on of hands. What does the laying on of hands mean though? It does not have any kind of spiritual power or meaning. It was a way for appointing the offices in the church. So Paul is saying not to elect someone who has been recently saved. The things that new believer says will be counted against Timothy as well.
Paul was a wise teacher in advising his student not to compromise for the need of elders. The church of Ephesus was exploding and needed many teachers.
That is just some of the background here. There really is so much wisdom in this chapter. Read this chapter in a couple different translations. Remember leave comments and talk about this stuff with each other.
Two good websites for commentaries and translations are biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.org.
-fonzi
Thursday, June 10, 2010
1 Timothy 4
This chapter is a continuation of Paul's instructions to Timothy on how the Church of Christ should conduct themselves. The beginning of this chapter talks about the many who will fall away from their faith and be induced by the liars and slanderers of the world. Then, it transfers to the ones who stay true on their path with God and how it is their, and our, job to bring correction to their ways, but at the same time love and support them.
Verse 12 speaks again of not letting age hold you back from your calling that God has placed on your life. Verse 13 goes on to Timothy's calling to preach the Word and share the gospel in public, among the people. These two verses make me think of our generation and how we all think we can change the world by ourselves. And although that is true, I think its speaking more about not looking at the world as a whole, but as lots of small sections and we need to conquer our own section to contribute to the whole. Timothy had to defeat his own fears about his age and his relative success in leading people to Christ to truly fulfill his calling. Yet, once he did, he had great success and accomplished a lot in his lifetime. Don't we also need to overcome our fear of talking to our friends at school about God or saying a quick prayer before eating dinner with our family?
If we go through this life always wondering "what if?" how will we ever know, or do, what God has called us to? How will we know if that best friend of ours, that turned their back on God, would have come back to church, if we never called them? How will we ever know that the lonely kid at lunch would grow up to be a great preacher of the gospel, if we didn't just say hi and get to know them? Just as Timothy did, we must rise against the odds, say NO to the slanderers and liars and be a light to the people in our life. Will you conquer your section? Will you be a Timothy?
Verse 12 speaks again of not letting age hold you back from your calling that God has placed on your life. Verse 13 goes on to Timothy's calling to preach the Word and share the gospel in public, among the people. These two verses make me think of our generation and how we all think we can change the world by ourselves. And although that is true, I think its speaking more about not looking at the world as a whole, but as lots of small sections and we need to conquer our own section to contribute to the whole. Timothy had to defeat his own fears about his age and his relative success in leading people to Christ to truly fulfill his calling. Yet, once he did, he had great success and accomplished a lot in his lifetime. Don't we also need to overcome our fear of talking to our friends at school about God or saying a quick prayer before eating dinner with our family?
If we go through this life always wondering "what if?" how will we ever know, or do, what God has called us to? How will we know if that best friend of ours, that turned their back on God, would have come back to church, if we never called them? How will we ever know that the lonely kid at lunch would grow up to be a great preacher of the gospel, if we didn't just say hi and get to know them? Just as Timothy did, we must rise against the odds, say NO to the slanderers and liars and be a light to the people in our life. Will you conquer your section? Will you be a Timothy?
Friday, June 4, 2010
1 Timothy 3
Is he a good neighbor and friend? Does he get drunk? Is he faithful to his wife? Is he abusive? Is he greedy? These things are important to find out because, "This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth."(v.7).
This is such a powerful chapter, and though you may think you are not looking to be an elder or deacon anytime soon, you are the church. So let's have a few words on that shall we.
This chapter is split focusing on the character of a leader; then Paul changes it up and gives some heart behind the pragmatics (look it up). What is it that makes a leader? It obviously does not have much to do with the position. Timothy probably had the power to make anyone an elder, but most of the guidelines were about character, which determined a deacon’s ability to preach the gospel. Character is vital to being apart of the church, because if the truth is tainted, how is it truth.
We may not all be called to be an elder, leader, or even janitor of a church, but we are all apart of THE church, united through Christ. Paul was telling Timothy to find someone who would be a good example in character. That is what leadership is about, and in some way we all lead this church, especially the janitors.
Read through, and even write down some of the traits Paul talks about. Are you living up to this standard that is set before us? Are you married? No, ok then don't worry about that one. Are you a good neighbor and friend? Are you an example to those around you?
There are so many good things in this chapter; don’t let me stop your thinking, read it yourself and let God speak to you through this.
“Example is not the most important thing about leadership. It is the only thing.” Albert Schweitzer
-fonzi
Thursday, May 13, 2010
1 Timothy 1 & 2
It's time for a new book! This time around we chose to do 1 Timothy and we will also be doing 2 chapters a week for this book so be prepared for that. This book is a letter written by Paul and sent to Timothy who was in Ephesus at the time. Timothy was Paul's apprentice and Paul was sending him instruction and encouragement while he was away. This letter contains a lot of instruction that was specific to the church in Ephesus, things that Paul wanted to make sure that Timothy was aware of.
Chapter one has Paul telling Timothy about certain people that he needs to wary of. These people started doing the things that they wanted instead of things that glorify the Lord. Focus on checking your own heart and see if your actions are glorifying to the Lord.
Chapter two is Paul telling Timothy how to conduct worship at the church. Again, understand that some of these instructions (mostly when talking about how women should act), are only written when Paul says things to the church of Ephesus. Pray about this chapter and see what the Lord has for you because it will be different for you.
I look forward to hearing your feedback and what God is showing you, I love all of you and I hope that you have a great week.
- Stephen
Friday, May 7, 2010
Jonah 4
Before I give some understanding to Jonah. Remember that you must read and think about the word of God on your own.
In this last chapter of Jonah, I felt perplexed as to what Jonah was saying. He is disappointed that God spared Ninevah. Remember, the book is called Jonah, not Ninevah. Jonah was an Israelite, and before the time of Jesus and Martin Luther King jr., the Israelites were not the biggest fans of people who were not like them. Gentiles, to the Jews, were seen as lower, and undeserving of God's mercy. Jonah did the job God commanded him to, but deep down, it could be said, he hoped they would still be obliterated.
God's Salvation is for everyone. Sometimes, I wonder who we are following, when we become too self-righteous for others. This chapter changed my perspective on Jonah, and convicted me in new ways.
Let this chapter really sink in, and re-read this book a few times. There is great, hidden wisdom, inside God's mystery, and God says some profound things in Jonah.
-fonzi
In this last chapter of Jonah, I felt perplexed as to what Jonah was saying. He is disappointed that God spared Ninevah. Remember, the book is called Jonah, not Ninevah. Jonah was an Israelite, and before the time of Jesus and Martin Luther King jr., the Israelites were not the biggest fans of people who were not like them. Gentiles, to the Jews, were seen as lower, and undeserving of God's mercy. Jonah did the job God commanded him to, but deep down, it could be said, he hoped they would still be obliterated.
God's Salvation is for everyone. Sometimes, I wonder who we are following, when we become too self-righteous for others. This chapter changed my perspective on Jonah, and convicted me in new ways.
Let this chapter really sink in, and re-read this book a few times. There is great, hidden wisdom, inside God's mystery, and God says some profound things in Jonah.
-fonzi
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Jonah 3
Here we are in the third week of Jonah. Chapter 3 is another very short chapter (10 verses in fact so you can read it in a good 30 seconds or less). Even though it is so short, it is also so powerful. In this chapter we truly see the grace that God shows to those that obey Him.
We pick up in this chapter with Jonah finally deciding to obey God. We can only assume that he didn't want to be swallowed by a fish again so he goes to Nineveh. Now understand that Nineveh is the capital of the very large Assyrian empire. These were very wicked people and that is why God wanted to destroy the city.
We read that Jonah just strolls in and tells the people that in 40 days the city is going to be destroyed. Normally when a prophet does this, he is thrown out of the city or killed. Focus on what happens in Nineveh. These 10 short verses show such grace and forgiveness. Really apply that in your own life and the results of it may astound you. I look forward to seeing what God shows you through this because it is going to be so good.
- Stephen
Friday, April 23, 2010
Jonah 2
So we pick up in chapter two where we find our friend Jonah crying out to God from inside of a great fish. He finds himself in a time of arrest. A time where God has actually spared his life from the sea's waves, but still faces difficult choices to return to God. It is a time of repentance, and trust.
God sent this fish to spare Jonah's life, and not let him drown in the ocean. This gives us an idea of what it's like when God sees something in us that is jacked up. He will spare us and forgive us, but that doesn't mean things will immediately be easy again. God's judgment is far better than falling to the consequences of sin. Often, God's judgment is actually mercy, if you knew the consequence of sin.
So, as you read this chapter be reminded how God is with us through any situation, even when there is terrible stuff in us. He wants to cleanse and bring us to the point repentance, just as He did with Jonah. Also, sometimes God allows us to go through difficult times to let us know that he is serious about getting to us.
Take some time to examine yourself. Have you been dodging God because of the shame of something, or have you just been running away from who He wants you to be? Find out what boat you're on, cuz if it's the wrong one, you're probably gonna get tossed off.
-fonzi
God sent this fish to spare Jonah's life, and not let him drown in the ocean. This gives us an idea of what it's like when God sees something in us that is jacked up. He will spare us and forgive us, but that doesn't mean things will immediately be easy again. God's judgment is far better than falling to the consequences of sin. Often, God's judgment is actually mercy, if you knew the consequence of sin.
So, as you read this chapter be reminded how God is with us through any situation, even when there is terrible stuff in us. He wants to cleanse and bring us to the point repentance, just as He did with Jonah. Also, sometimes God allows us to go through difficult times to let us know that he is serious about getting to us.
Take some time to examine yourself. Have you been dodging God because of the shame of something, or have you just been running away from who He wants you to be? Find out what boat you're on, cuz if it's the wrong one, you're probably gonna get tossed off.
-fonzi
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Jonah 1
Because we finished the book of 1 Peter last week, it is time to start a new book. The book we chose is Jonah. Jonah is an Old Testament book and it is about a prophet that decided he didn't want to do what the Lord told him to do.
Chapter one sets up the story of Jonah and gives the book direction. This chapter also shows a calling from the Lord over Jonah and the direct disobedience of Jonah for God's will. This is an instance when not following God's will for your life not only affects you, but others around you.
While reading this passage, focus on how God can use a situation of disobedience for His glory. Notice the sailors reactions to their fear of the Lord and watch the outcome. After reading the passage pray and ask God to reveal an application for your life.
How is your submission affecting your life? Testimony? Relationships?
Are there areas of disobedience in your life that may be affecting others?
Do you see God using it for good regardless of you possibly not submitting?
-Aaron
Thursday, April 8, 2010
1 Peter 5
This week is the final week of our study of 1 Peter. In many ways this chapter is one of the most applicable and important chapters in Peter. It can teach you things no matter where you are in your Christianity.
Allow God to speak through the simplicity of this chapter. Peter wrote things down in a very plain way so that everyone could understand them. I also encourage you to not assume that you fall into the follower section of this chapter. Some of you are leaders to more people than you know and you can learn from this chapter in multiple ways.
Since this is the last chapter in 1 Peter, you should reflect on the book as a whole. Even if you have to read through the whole book again I suggest you do so. Just by reading the few comments posted every week I can see that God is revealing new truths to you. I love all of you and I look forward to reading the comments that you post about this chapter.
- Stephen
Thursday, March 25, 2010
1 Peter 4
This week we are reading 1 Peter 4. This chapter has a lot in it to digest so I suggest reading it more than once and meditating on what it says and how you can apply it to your own life. This chapter is generally split up into two sections, living for God and suffering for God.
Last week we learned how to apply scriptures to our lives that are not specifically written to us where we are at in life (i.e when Corey talked about marriage). This week I encourage you to apply that same principle when Peter talks about physically suffering for God.
In America we don't really know what other Christians around the world are going through because we don't suffer the same way they do. All of the same principles can still be applied in your own life. So even though you may not relate to the word 'suffering' the same way still apply what it talks about.
I look forward to reading all of the comments this week because the text is so full of principles and godly things. Just pray about what you are reading and what it could mean to others around the world that suffer differently than you do. Be sure to update us on what is on your mind.
- Stephen
Thursday, March 18, 2010
1 Peter 3
These past few days people have been commenting on freedom and growth. On submission and about living rightly in the face of opposition. The ongoing conversation has been beautiful. In chapter 2 we read about how God has chosen His people to live lives of righteousness in a world lacking such a thing. We saw that proper authority should be submitted to and that hate is not the response for hate, but love is. Jesus lived this example.
This week we will be delving into the concepts of suffering and patience. Of inward focus and what is important inside instead of whats on the outside.
The first section of chapter 3 is usually skipped over by unmarried people due to the title of the section, in most bibles it's called "Husbands and Wives" Let me warn you that if you skip this section of text or simply read past it without giving it much thought or application to your own life then you are missing some intense biblical principal and an opportunity for God to speak to you.
There is a lot of depth to this text, all of it. Don't be fooled in any way by it's lack of wordage. The weight of it can be found if you let it sink in. Don't just read it but let it effect the way you think, let it sit into your heart for a while. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to apply it to yourself. Then share it with others and let us know what comes out of those interactions here. Go live, learn and share.
- Corey
This week we will be delving into the concepts of suffering and patience. Of inward focus and what is important inside instead of whats on the outside.
The first section of chapter 3 is usually skipped over by unmarried people due to the title of the section, in most bibles it's called "Husbands and Wives" Let me warn you that if you skip this section of text or simply read past it without giving it much thought or application to your own life then you are missing some intense biblical principal and an opportunity for God to speak to you.
There is a lot of depth to this text, all of it. Don't be fooled in any way by it's lack of wordage. The weight of it can be found if you let it sink in. Don't just read it but let it effect the way you think, let it sit into your heart for a while. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to apply it to yourself. Then share it with others and let us know what comes out of those interactions here. Go live, learn and share.
- Corey
Thursday, March 11, 2010
1 Peter 2
Over the course of the last week we have been reading through the first chapter of 1st Peter. Peter writes to the believers who have been scattered and are without a place. He writes to them about hope and a better tomorrow filled with things that will not perish. A love that will last forever, things "more precious than gold" the scripture says.
Moving on in this next week we journey toward a new section in this text pointed toward growth and moving forward in our walk with Christ. When reading chapter two I'd like you to see where Peter speaks of how the Lord was rejected by men and yet chosen by God. There is also a parallel made in this chapter to people who are following the Lord being made into a spiritual house of living stone. Just as He is a living stone.
Again as you read, take notice to the concept of honoring authority so that God may be glorified. Doing good works is not for our own sake but for His.
There is so much to talk about in this chapter and we are so very eager for you to comment here and share your hearts but more importantly we want you to share your thoughts and beliefs with those around you in your life. Those who are also reading through this scripture. Challenge each other to think and talk about new ideas. Dig in with each other on this and share what comes out of it here by commenting on this blog. Again, we are eager to hear it.
- Corey
Moving on in this next week we journey toward a new section in this text pointed toward growth and moving forward in our walk with Christ. When reading chapter two I'd like you to see where Peter speaks of how the Lord was rejected by men and yet chosen by God. There is also a parallel made in this chapter to people who are following the Lord being made into a spiritual house of living stone. Just as He is a living stone.
Again as you read, take notice to the concept of honoring authority so that God may be glorified. Doing good works is not for our own sake but for His.
There is so much to talk about in this chapter and we are so very eager for you to comment here and share your hearts but more importantly we want you to share your thoughts and beliefs with those around you in your life. Those who are also reading through this scripture. Challenge each other to think and talk about new ideas. Dig in with each other on this and share what comes out of it here by commenting on this blog. Again, we are eager to hear it.
- Corey
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Journey Begins...
We start in the book of 1st Peter.
In this first chapter we ask you to read it carefully, thoroughly searching for what's happening deep within the text. This text was not written to any one person or church, but as you read in the first two lines, it is written to all the believers who have been chased out and scattered after the death of Jesus.
As you read through this chapter imagine how it must have felt - Having a sense of community being so close to Jesus in one moment and then the next to be running for your life from persecution, fearing death at almost every turn.
Notice during this chapter how Peter speaks of concepts, like trials, joy and hope, and brings into the light the thought material things won't be with us forever. Some things, though, will be with us forever and it's those things that truly matter.
Keep this in your hearts this week as you continue to read and discuss this chapter with friends. Let these scriptures move you to meaningful thought and conversation. It's our desire and prayer that we all grow in our walk with Christ through this experience.
In this first chapter we ask you to read it carefully, thoroughly searching for what's happening deep within the text. This text was not written to any one person or church, but as you read in the first two lines, it is written to all the believers who have been chased out and scattered after the death of Jesus.
As you read through this chapter imagine how it must have felt - Having a sense of community being so close to Jesus in one moment and then the next to be running for your life from persecution, fearing death at almost every turn.
Notice during this chapter how Peter speaks of concepts, like trials, joy and hope, and brings into the light the thought material things won't be with us forever. Some things, though, will be with us forever and it's those things that truly matter.
Keep this in your hearts this week as you continue to read and discuss this chapter with friends. Let these scriptures move you to meaningful thought and conversation. It's our desire and prayer that we all grow in our walk with Christ through this experience.
Monday, February 22, 2010
first contact
Reformation is a group of young people united to create justice and bring life to a world without. We have a desire to be family, and the idea behind that is growth. We must grow together to come closer, and so we begin our journey into the word of God.
This is the first of our weekly devotional, and we ask that everyone who reads this leave a comment and continue the conversation. Taking the conversation beyond here is the ultimate goal of this devotional. We hope you will share what you learn and what God shows you with friends and strangers alike.
-RE
This is the first of our weekly devotional, and we ask that everyone who reads this leave a comment and continue the conversation. Taking the conversation beyond here is the ultimate goal of this devotional. We hope you will share what you learn and what God shows you with friends and strangers alike.
-RE
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