Mark 10:26-27
26 And they were even more astonished and said to Him, "Then who can be saved?"27 Looking upon them, Jesus said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."(NAS)
The only way we are saved is through God and the sacrifice of His son. We have nothing to do with it. NOTHING.
Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, {it is} the gift of God;(NAS)
Even the faith to believe in Jesus' salvation comes from God.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
"Help My Unbelief"
In Mark 9:14-29, Jesus encounters a boy who is posessed by a spirit, preventing him from seeing or hearing anything since birth. Here is the conversation that follows between Jesus and the boy's father:
Mark 9:21-24
21 And He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood.22 "And it has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!"23 And Jesus said to him,"' If You can!' All things are possible to him who believes."24 Immediately the boy's father cried out and {began} saying, "I do believe; help my unbelief."(NAS)
Sometimes, it is hard to truly believe that God is in control, or perhaps just hard to remember it. In the end, though, even the faith to trust God comes from God. The other thing that stands out in this passage is part of Jesus' response: "All things are possible to him who believes." If that isn't encouraging, I don't know what is. Faith is a powerful thing.
Matt 17:20 And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you.(NAS)
Mark 9:21-24
21 And He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood.22 "And it has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!"23 And Jesus said to him,"' If You can!' All things are possible to him who believes."24 Immediately the boy's father cried out and {began} saying, "I do believe; help my unbelief."(NAS)
Sometimes, it is hard to truly believe that God is in control, or perhaps just hard to remember it. In the end, though, even the faith to trust God comes from God. The other thing that stands out in this passage is part of Jesus' response: "All things are possible to him who believes." If that isn't encouraging, I don't know what is. Faith is a powerful thing.
Matt 17:20 And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you.(NAS)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Great Verses
Here are a couple great verses:
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.(NAS)
John 14:2-3
2 "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.3 "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, {there} you may be also.(NAS)
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.(NAS)
John 14:2-3
2 "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.3 "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, {there} you may be also.(NAS)
Monday, February 25, 2008
Delayed Testing
We were supposed to have a test today in history class. At least that was the story last week. Friday, we ended up moving the study session to Monday and hence, the test to Tuesday to go hear a presentation from an African warrior. That was pretty cool. Today, everything was moved again so we could see a presentation by a nurse recently graduated from college who has started an organization to deal with Aids in Africa. So we've learned a lot about Africa in a class that really has nothing to do with Africa; all facts from the current time period, which definitely has nothing to do with Western Civilizations 1. Now the study session is tomorrow and the test is Wednesday. All these delays after already being significantly behind in the class. It's a good thing history is a subject not dependant upon previous learning, because there's no way we're getting through all the material in this class.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Today's Message
1 Cor 6:9-11
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,10 nor thieves, nor {the} covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God.11 And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.(NAS)
The message in church today was from this passage. Being Christian means that we have been changed. As believers, we are no longer slaves to sin, and to go back to such things is like going back to the garbage dump for food. Knowing that we have been saved from sin should make us be disgusted with going back. Not to say that we will never sin again, but it should be our desire to run away from such things.
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,10 nor thieves, nor {the} covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God.11 And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.(NAS)
The message in church today was from this passage. Being Christian means that we have been changed. As believers, we are no longer slaves to sin, and to go back to such things is like going back to the garbage dump for food. Knowing that we have been saved from sin should make us be disgusted with going back. Not to say that we will never sin again, but it should be our desire to run away from such things.
# 100
Tonight is post number 100. This has become something a little different than I had planned at first.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
New One
Mark 4:26-29
26 And He was saying, "The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil;27 and goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts up and grows-- how, he himself does not know.28 "The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head.29 "But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."(NAS)
Reading Mark, I ran across this parable. I'd never before heard this one that I could remember. Spreading the gospel is like sowing seed. We are not the ones who make the seed grow and produce; that is the job of the Holy Spirit. We are simply to go out and "preach the good news."
26 And He was saying, "The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil;27 and goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts up and grows-- how, he himself does not know.28 "The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head.29 "But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."(NAS)
Reading Mark, I ran across this parable. I'd never before heard this one that I could remember. Spreading the gospel is like sowing seed. We are not the ones who make the seed grow and produce; that is the job of the Holy Spirit. We are simply to go out and "preach the good news."
Friday, February 22, 2008
Uff-Da
For a while, I thought I was so sure. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Maybe that was part of the problem.
The thing is, lately I haven't been so sure that what I thought before is really what I'm supposed to be doing. In short, I need prayer. Where should I go to school? What should I major in? What should my career be?
Prov 19:21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, but the counsel of the LORD, it will stand.(NAS)
Prov 20:24 Man's steps are {ordained} by the LORD, how then can man understand his way?(NAS)
Seems like that's where God wants me; always guessing. Uff-Da. Or perhaps just unsure enough to depend on Him.
The thing is, lately I haven't been so sure that what I thought before is really what I'm supposed to be doing. In short, I need prayer. Where should I go to school? What should I major in? What should my career be?
Prov 19:21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, but the counsel of the LORD, it will stand.(NAS)
Prov 20:24 Man's steps are {ordained} by the LORD, how then can man understand his way?(NAS)
Seems like that's where God wants me; always guessing. Uff-Da. Or perhaps just unsure enough to depend on Him.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Healing Wounds
Prov 20:30 Stripes that wound scour away evil, and strokes {reach} the innermost parts.(NAS)
This verse reminds me of the promise:
Rom 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to {His} purpose.(NAS)
Even wounds that we endure work to perfect our character. Everything that happens is part of God's plan no matter how painful or difficult it is to understand.
This verse reminds me of the promise:
Rom 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to {His} purpose.(NAS)
Even wounds that we endure work to perfect our character. Everything that happens is part of God's plan no matter how painful or difficult it is to understand.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
It's Just a Bonus
Reading the story about Jesus healing the paralytic, (Mark 2:1-12) something struck me. When the paralytic was brought to Him, Jesus did not first address his physical ailment. What did He say? "Son, your sins are forgiven."
Then, just as a bonus, Jesus healed his physical ailment as well.
Sometimes people get the wrong idea about Christianity. The priority is spiritual purity through Jesus Christ and the worship we give Him because He is our Savior and our Lord. So often, the attitude becomes: "What can Jesus give me next? What will He bless me with? When I have the faith, God will heal me of this or give me that." God already gave us the greatest gift imaginable, He sent His son to give us eternal life. Anything else is just extra.
Then, just as a bonus, Jesus healed his physical ailment as well.
Sometimes people get the wrong idea about Christianity. The priority is spiritual purity through Jesus Christ and the worship we give Him because He is our Savior and our Lord. So often, the attitude becomes: "What can Jesus give me next? What will He bless me with? When I have the faith, God will heal me of this or give me that." God already gave us the greatest gift imaginable, He sent His son to give us eternal life. Anything else is just extra.
Monday, February 18, 2008
BBs Vs. Paintball
Before I ask the dreaded question, let me clarify:
I am entirely aware that some people are going to have very strong feelings about this subject. I am not trying to start an argument, and in fact, I will say that I definitely don't want to argue with anyone.
What are your feelings on whether airsoft or paintball is better and why?
I will admit that I like airsoft better for the sake of the available accessories and realistic look and feel of the weapons. I have a biased opinion, however, because I've only gone paintballing one time.
As far as I know, airsoft guns have a higher rate of fire, a greater potential for speed and distance, and the advantage of being lighter on the cash long term. As I already said, airsoft guns look more like real guns, and they also feel like real guns, because, well... because they're modeled after real guns.
But then again, I don't know very much about paintball. What do you think?
I am entirely aware that some people are going to have very strong feelings about this subject. I am not trying to start an argument, and in fact, I will say that I definitely don't want to argue with anyone.
What are your feelings on whether airsoft or paintball is better and why?
I will admit that I like airsoft better for the sake of the available accessories and realistic look and feel of the weapons. I have a biased opinion, however, because I've only gone paintballing one time.
As far as I know, airsoft guns have a higher rate of fire, a greater potential for speed and distance, and the advantage of being lighter on the cash long term. As I already said, airsoft guns look more like real guns, and they also feel like real guns, because, well... because they're modeled after real guns.
But then again, I don't know very much about paintball. What do you think?
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Lawsuits
1 Cor 6:1-8
1 Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you not competent {to constitute} the smallest law courts?3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, matters of this life?4 If then you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church?5 I say {this} to your shame. {Is it} so, {that} there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren,6 but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers?7 Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?8 On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud, and that {your} brethren.(NAS)
The message today was about lawsuits among believers. Believers should not bring one another to court as the church is more than sufficient to handle any such disputes. This is also to be avoided because it ruins our testimony to unbelievers.
Furthermore, there are some cases where it is just better to be wronged than to pursue a situation further.
1 Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you not competent {to constitute} the smallest law courts?3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, matters of this life?4 If then you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church?5 I say {this} to your shame. {Is it} so, {that} there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren,6 but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers?7 Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?8 On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud, and that {your} brethren.(NAS)
The message today was about lawsuits among believers. Believers should not bring one another to court as the church is more than sufficient to handle any such disputes. This is also to be avoided because it ruins our testimony to unbelievers.
Furthermore, there are some cases where it is just better to be wronged than to pursue a situation further.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Prayers Answered
This week was a pretty wild week.
Wednesday, I met my ride to school in a different location than usual, and we left later than usual. Next, we went to a coffee stand. At the coffee stand, a new recruit told us she wasn't allowed to make coffee, yet, so we had to wait for the senior officer to return from the restroom. Next, we encountered an accident on the road. When we finally got to campus, it was 8:58. My class is at 9:00. I had to walk/run with my two backpacks all the way to the other side of campus. My PE teacher is a big stickler for being on time. If I'm one minute late, it counts as an absence. I was 5 minutes late. My teacher was pretty upset, and let me know it. It was only my first time being late, and I reminded her, so she apologized. On top of that, my prayer that I somehow wouldn't have to make up an absence was answered.
Otherwise, there has been something bothering me a lot lately, and I didn't know how to deal with it. After a lot of prayer, it seems like I know the answer to the issue without even knowing. Perhaps I just know that it doesn't matter; or that it doesn't have to be up to me.
Ps 55:22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.(NIV)
Wednesday, I met my ride to school in a different location than usual, and we left later than usual. Next, we went to a coffee stand. At the coffee stand, a new recruit told us she wasn't allowed to make coffee, yet, so we had to wait for the senior officer to return from the restroom. Next, we encountered an accident on the road. When we finally got to campus, it was 8:58. My class is at 9:00. I had to walk/run with my two backpacks all the way to the other side of campus. My PE teacher is a big stickler for being on time. If I'm one minute late, it counts as an absence. I was 5 minutes late. My teacher was pretty upset, and let me know it. It was only my first time being late, and I reminded her, so she apologized. On top of that, my prayer that I somehow wouldn't have to make up an absence was answered.
Otherwise, there has been something bothering me a lot lately, and I didn't know how to deal with it. After a lot of prayer, it seems like I know the answer to the issue without even knowing. Perhaps I just know that it doesn't matter; or that it doesn't have to be up to me.
Ps 55:22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.(NIV)
Friday, February 15, 2008
Short Day
At the beginning of this quarter, I found out that I was going to have a different teacher for my computer class than originally scheduled. Later this quarter, I found out that the teacher my class ended up with was going to have surgery and be out for a couple weeks, so we got a substitute. Yesterday, the substitute told us he wasn't going to be there today. Looks like we needed a substitute substitute substitute for class today. Then my music teacher was gone today, apparently from being sick, so my 3-class Friday turned into a one-class Friday. I wish that could happen every week.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
GOD IS LOVE
Today being Valentine's Day, (Happy Valentine's Day, by the way) the subject in youth group was love; God's love. More importantly, the focus was on the fact that God IS love.
Instead of going to the expected place to talk about love (1 Corinthians 13. The chapter that says love is patient, love is kind, etc.), the message came from 1 John 4:7-19. Actually, the message came from a lot of different places, as we were given seven truths about God's love, but it was all summarized by this passage.
I Jn 4:16 And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.(NAS)
The seven truths about God's love ( there are more):
1. God created us and gave us life(Gen. 2:7)
2. God created us in His image and gave us free will (Gen. 1:28)
3. When we rejected God, he didn't return the favor:
(Gen. 3:21-24)
When Adam and Eve fell, he took away immortallity so that we wouldn't have to live forever in our fallen state
4. Even though every single human is sinful and won't seek God, he sent His son anyway (Luke 19:10)
5. God knew Jesus would be rejected and sent Him anyway (John 8:23-30)
6. God allows blinded people to see the truth of the Gospel leading to salvation (Rom. 8:29-30)
7. We have the promise of eternal life where suffering will be a thing of the past. (Revelation 21)
Instead of going to the expected place to talk about love (1 Corinthians 13. The chapter that says love is patient, love is kind, etc.), the message came from 1 John 4:7-19. Actually, the message came from a lot of different places, as we were given seven truths about God's love, but it was all summarized by this passage.
I Jn 4:16 And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.(NAS)
The seven truths about God's love ( there are more):
1. God created us and gave us life(Gen. 2:7)
2. God created us in His image and gave us free will (Gen. 1:28)
3. When we rejected God, he didn't return the favor:
(Gen. 3:21-24)
When Adam and Eve fell, he took away immortallity so that we wouldn't have to live forever in our fallen state
4. Even though every single human is sinful and won't seek God, he sent His son anyway (Luke 19:10)
5. God knew Jesus would be rejected and sent Him anyway (John 8:23-30)
6. God allows blinded people to see the truth of the Gospel leading to salvation (Rom. 8:29-30)
7. We have the promise of eternal life where suffering will be a thing of the past. (Revelation 21)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Job or job?
I remember a while back, my nephew forgot his reading book for his reading homework. Being friends with his teacher, we asked him what to do. He said to read whatever he could find. My nephew, Nathan, decided to read from the Bible. Of all the places to pick, he started reading from Job. No matter how many times it was explained to him, he just kept pronouncing Job like the job you would get a Burger King (with a short o instead of a long o).
Maybe this is just a bit of a tangent. What I wanted to say is that Job has a great deal to teach us. In the first chapter alone, Job looses his servants, oxen, donkeys, sheep, camels, and all 10 of his children. To top it all off, this all happens in one day. In fact, the Bible repeats the phrase "While he was speaking..." between every messenger. Talk about a bad day. The messengers were practically tripping over each other telling Job the bad news. After all this, Job still honors the Lord:
Job 1:20-22
20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped.21 And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD."22 Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.(NAS)
Through all that he lost; through all that we experience or lose, God is still in control. And he still deserves our praise.
Maybe this is just a bit of a tangent. What I wanted to say is that Job has a great deal to teach us. In the first chapter alone, Job looses his servants, oxen, donkeys, sheep, camels, and all 10 of his children. To top it all off, this all happens in one day. In fact, the Bible repeats the phrase "While he was speaking..." between every messenger. Talk about a bad day. The messengers were practically tripping over each other telling Job the bad news. After all this, Job still honors the Lord:
Job 1:20-22
20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped.21 And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD."22 Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.(NAS)
Through all that he lost; through all that we experience or lose, God is still in control. And he still deserves our praise.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Sacrifice
Heb 2:7-10
7 "Thou hast made him for a little while lower than the angels; Thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, and hast appointed him over the works of Thy hands;8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet." For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him.9 But we do see Him who has been made for a little while lower than the angels, {namely,} Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.(NAS)
Although Jesus is God, when He payed for our sins, He was humbled. He became like a man in every way. At the time that He took our sins on the cross, He was even separated from the Father. Jesus sacrificed everything for us, shouldn't we do the same for Him? I know I'm not always willing to do so. But we should be.
7 "Thou hast made him for a little while lower than the angels; Thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, and hast appointed him over the works of Thy hands;8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet." For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him.9 But we do see Him who has been made for a little while lower than the angels, {namely,} Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.(NAS)
Although Jesus is God, when He payed for our sins, He was humbled. He became like a man in every way. At the time that He took our sins on the cross, He was even separated from the Father. Jesus sacrificed everything for us, shouldn't we do the same for Him? I know I'm not always willing to do so. But we should be.
Monday, February 11, 2008
What Day of the Week Is It?
Today was sort of a pseudo-Fridific Monday. What I mean by that is that it was Monday and Friday at the same time.
Monday, because the weekend ended and I had to return to school, but Friday because I have tomorrow off. Advantage: I only have to go to school 4 days this week. Unfortunately, I also have to experience Monday twice. Not looking forward to that.
Monday, because the weekend ended and I had to return to school, but Friday because I have tomorrow off. Advantage: I only have to go to school 4 days this week. Unfortunately, I also have to experience Monday twice. Not looking forward to that.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Wish I Were There
Today's Sunday school message was one of those events I just wish I could have seen:
Matt 12:6-13
6 "But I say to you, that something greater than the temple is here.7 "But if you had known what this means, 'I desire compassion, and not a sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent.8 "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."9 And departing from there, He went into their synagogue.10 And behold, {there was} a man with a withered hand. And they questioned Him, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"-- in order that they might accuse Him.11 And He said to them, "What man shall there be among you, who shall have one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it, and lift it out?12 "Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."13 Then He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand!" And he stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other.(NAS)
In these verses, we see part of Jesus' response to an accusation by the Pharisees. The Pharisees claimed that Jesus' disciples were in sin by picking grain and eating it on the sabbath. In the years since the 10 commandments were given, the religious leaders had added enormous amounts of laws onto those given by God. In the Talmud, there were 12 chapters just on the sabbath. They were all restrictions. It had gotten so ridiculous that the sabbath had gone from being about rest to being about all the work involved in not working. They weren't allowed to walk more than a certain distance, move certain objects, eat a certain amount of food.
In verses 7 and 9, Jesus is basically claiming that He is God. We know that this is true, but I wish I were there to see the looks on the Pharisees' faces when Jesus told them all of this (on top of the fact that he healed the other man's hand). In all rights, one would think that such a response would humble the Pharisees, but after this, they start plotting how to destroy Jesus. Their hearts had become so hardened that they weren't willing to see what was right in front of them. To have all of the head information available and still deny Jesus and His Lordship in one's heart is something that the Bible says can't be forgiven. That is a scary prospect.
Matt 12:6-13
6 "But I say to you, that something greater than the temple is here.7 "But if you had known what this means, 'I desire compassion, and not a sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent.8 "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."9 And departing from there, He went into their synagogue.10 And behold, {there was} a man with a withered hand. And they questioned Him, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"-- in order that they might accuse Him.11 And He said to them, "What man shall there be among you, who shall have one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it, and lift it out?12 "Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."13 Then He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand!" And he stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other.(NAS)
In these verses, we see part of Jesus' response to an accusation by the Pharisees. The Pharisees claimed that Jesus' disciples were in sin by picking grain and eating it on the sabbath. In the years since the 10 commandments were given, the religious leaders had added enormous amounts of laws onto those given by God. In the Talmud, there were 12 chapters just on the sabbath. They were all restrictions. It had gotten so ridiculous that the sabbath had gone from being about rest to being about all the work involved in not working. They weren't allowed to walk more than a certain distance, move certain objects, eat a certain amount of food.
In verses 7 and 9, Jesus is basically claiming that He is God. We know that this is true, but I wish I were there to see the looks on the Pharisees' faces when Jesus told them all of this (on top of the fact that he healed the other man's hand). In all rights, one would think that such a response would humble the Pharisees, but after this, they start plotting how to destroy Jesus. Their hearts had become so hardened that they weren't willing to see what was right in front of them. To have all of the head information available and still deny Jesus and His Lordship in one's heart is something that the Bible says can't be forgiven. That is a scary prospect.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Shine
Matt 5:14-16
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 "Nor do {men} light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.(NAS)
I am not sure how well I've been doing being a light. It seems to me more like I've been hiding in the bushes. Oftentimes, I live my life with my eyes to the ground. I open doors for people, try to be polite, but I rarely talk to people I don't already know. Not exacly a light on a lampstand. I may know less than half a dozen non-Christians, and less than that do I know well.
Surprise, surprise... another area in my life that I need to pray about.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 "Nor do {men} light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.(NAS)
I am not sure how well I've been doing being a light. It seems to me more like I've been hiding in the bushes. Oftentimes, I live my life with my eyes to the ground. I open doors for people, try to be polite, but I rarely talk to people I don't already know. Not exacly a light on a lampstand. I may know less than half a dozen non-Christians, and less than that do I know well.
Surprise, surprise... another area in my life that I need to pray about.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Content with Anything
Last night in youth group we finished Philippians. Philippians 4:11 & 12 talk about being content.
Phil 4:11-12
11 Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.(NAS)
In America we have a nasty habit of never being satisfied with what we have. As Christians, not being content with what we have is like telling God that he is not enough for us, that we need more. We should be satisfied with our life no matter what things are like, because whether we have plenty or are in want, we still have Jesus.
Phil 4:11-12
11 Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.(NAS)
In America we have a nasty habit of never being satisfied with what we have. As Christians, not being content with what we have is like telling God that he is not enough for us, that we need more. We should be satisfied with our life no matter what things are like, because whether we have plenty or are in want, we still have Jesus.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Not For Me
I've decided that I am not the kind of person that exercises for fun. Some people are actually addicted to running until they crash, but I don't think that's me.
Weightlifting is okay, but we did cardio in weightlifting class today. Besides the fact that 30 minutes on the stair climber is excruciatingly boring, it is a little bit painful. After a little under 5 minutes (after 10 minutes on the treadmill), a general feeling of tiredness comes. After 15 minutes, the legs hurt and I start seriously considering stopping. Right around this time, I am also running low on moisture in my body, so my mouth is dry and sticky.
The good news: after those first 15 minutes, it doesn't get worse. The boredom doesn't go away, though. Maybe it would be better if I were running outside. Just a change of scenery would be nice.
Weightlifting is okay, but we did cardio in weightlifting class today. Besides the fact that 30 minutes on the stair climber is excruciatingly boring, it is a little bit painful. After a little under 5 minutes (after 10 minutes on the treadmill), a general feeling of tiredness comes. After 15 minutes, the legs hurt and I start seriously considering stopping. Right around this time, I am also running low on moisture in my body, so my mouth is dry and sticky.
The good news: after those first 15 minutes, it doesn't get worse. The boredom doesn't go away, though. Maybe it would be better if I were running outside. Just a change of scenery would be nice.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Righteousness
Matt 5:20 "For I say to you, that unless your righteousness surpasses {that} of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.(NAS)
The "righteousness" of the Pharisees came from following the Law and all of the restrictions that they had added to the Law. They may have seemed righteous on the surface, but their hearts were not in the right place. To be part of the kingdom of heaven, our righteousness needs not to come from our own selfish desires to "look good" in front of others or "seem" righteous. It needs to be a result of a changed heart and a covering of our sins through Jesus Christ. Through that, we will desire to follow the law to glorify God.
The "righteousness" of the Pharisees came from following the Law and all of the restrictions that they had added to the Law. They may have seemed righteous on the surface, but their hearts were not in the right place. To be part of the kingdom of heaven, our righteousness needs not to come from our own selfish desires to "look good" in front of others or "seem" righteous. It needs to be a result of a changed heart and a covering of our sins through Jesus Christ. Through that, we will desire to follow the law to glorify God.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Church Family
Matt 12:46-50
46 While He was still speaking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him.47 And someone said to Him, "Behold, your mother and your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to you."48 But He answered the one who was telling Him and said, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?"49 And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, "Behold, My mother and My brothers!50 "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother."(NAS)
We all have families, some larger than others. Some are a little crazy at times, and others are just not good. Through Jesus, though, we have another family: the family of God. We are all brothers and sisters through Jesus Christ, and I think that means that the church family is just as important as our earthly families. Jesus Himself is definitely more important than our earthly families:
Matt 10:37-39
37 "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.38 "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.39 "He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it.(NAS)
46 While He was still speaking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him.47 And someone said to Him, "Behold, your mother and your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to you."48 But He answered the one who was telling Him and said, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?"49 And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, "Behold, My mother and My brothers!50 "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother."(NAS)
We all have families, some larger than others. Some are a little crazy at times, and others are just not good. Through Jesus, though, we have another family: the family of God. We are all brothers and sisters through Jesus Christ, and I think that means that the church family is just as important as our earthly families. Jesus Himself is definitely more important than our earthly families:
Matt 10:37-39
37 "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.38 "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.39 "He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it.(NAS)
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Discipline
The message today was out of 1 Corinthians 5. In this passage, Paul rebukes the church of Corinth for not dealing with sin in the proper way. The church of Corinth was proud of their lack of action, probably because they thought they were being loving.
Sin needs to be dealt with in the churh to cleanse the church:
1 Cor 5:6-7
6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump {of dough} 7 Clean out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, just as you are {in fact} unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.(NAS)
Sin also needs to be dealt with so that the sinner might repent and change their ways:
1 Cor 5:5 {I have decided} to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.(NAS)
It seems that one of the biggest problems in the church of America today is "being loving." Accepting someone as a person and accepting their sin are not the same thing. In fact, if we really want to be loving, we should bring discipline on a brother in sin in the hope that he will be restored. We are not to judge those outside of the church, but major sin does not belong in the church.
Sin needs to be dealt with in the churh to cleanse the church:
1 Cor 5:6-7
6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump {of dough} 7 Clean out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, just as you are {in fact} unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.(NAS)
Sin also needs to be dealt with so that the sinner might repent and change their ways:
1 Cor 5:5 {I have decided} to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.(NAS)
It seems that one of the biggest problems in the church of America today is "being loving." Accepting someone as a person and accepting their sin are not the same thing. In fact, if we really want to be loving, we should bring discipline on a brother in sin in the hope that he will be restored. We are not to judge those outside of the church, but major sin does not belong in the church.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Lack of Sleep
Last night was another night of movies, video games, pizza, and music with friends. It's nice to do such things on a Friday night, because you have no responsibilities the next day, right?
Well, maybe not. I had an eye appointment today for my annual contact lense prescription. It wasn't too much fun going to an eye exam after having had four hours sleep the night before, if that. Okay, probably closer to two real hours of sleep. The rest was lying awake talking, staring at the ceiling, or otherwise not sleeping, but mostly just staring at the ceiling.
Normally the ocasionall lack of sleep doesn't bother me, but my eyes were tired, and that was magnified by the air blowing, light flashing, squinting at ridiculously small letters, and various other tests of the like performed on my poor, tired eyeballs. Next time, the eye appointment will not be scheduled the day after a late night (or was it early morning?).
Well, maybe not. I had an eye appointment today for my annual contact lense prescription. It wasn't too much fun going to an eye exam after having had four hours sleep the night before, if that. Okay, probably closer to two real hours of sleep. The rest was lying awake talking, staring at the ceiling, or otherwise not sleeping, but mostly just staring at the ceiling.
Normally the ocasionall lack of sleep doesn't bother me, but my eyes were tired, and that was magnified by the air blowing, light flashing, squinting at ridiculously small letters, and various other tests of the like performed on my poor, tired eyeballs. Next time, the eye appointment will not be scheduled the day after a late night (or was it early morning?).
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