Take the Next U-Turn

Rev 2:1-5
1 "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:2 'I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot endure evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them {to be} false;3 and you have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake, and have not grown weary.4 'But I have {this} against you, that you have left your first love.5 'Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of its place-- unless you repent.(NAS)

This is a little more scripture than I usually post, but it seemed like less in my Bible study software. Anyway, I thought this entire passage was important and the message within it. It was the passage that our pastor preached out of today. The lesson is fairly simple. Even when it seems like we're doing all the right things, even if they are with a right motive, we are not spiritually sound unless we continue to grow in our love for Christ. The Ephesians had "lost their first love." God took this seriously, as we can see in verse 5. I know that I need to do a little turning around to get back to my first love, those times when I've been so excited about God.

Instrumental Mix-up

I hope it passes. I still want to be a guitar player. I got the bass guitar and now I like playing it more and more. I haven't played my acoustic near as much lately. Maybe it's just because it's a new instrument. I hope that's all there is to it.

Something to Work On

Here's one that made me think a little bit:

Prov 4:20-22
20 My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.21 Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart.22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their whole body.(NAS)

Do I really keep wisdom in the midst of my heart? Do I dwell on God's wisdom (that is where Solomon got his wisdom from) constantly? My answer to that would be sometimes, but not quite enough. Something to work on.

Almost a Programmer

Today I finished my first computer program. It was a rather simple program. All it does is say hello when you push a button, but even Bill Gates had to start somewhere, right? This weekend, I have to write two more programs for my CIS class. The program writing doesn't seem too bad. It's the planning before the programming that's the hard part. Even our textbook seems to omit examples of two of the three steps in the planning process, only giving an example of the easiest part. Overall, programming seems quite a bit less complicated than I would have thought it would be. This could turn into a hobby. I'm looking forward to learning more in this class.

Number 50

It being my second day of classes, I think I'm starting to settle in a little bit. I haven't been hit hard by the homework yet, but I'm sure it's coming. Also, I have now published my 50th post, which really means absolutely nothing, but is worth mentioning anyway.

I found this scripture recently and I think I definitely need to apply it. I often get caught up relying on my own strength and my own wisdom (not that I have much of either), and not only is it wrong and selfish, but it can b stressful and unproductive.
Prov 3:5-7
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.(NAS)

Back Into the Routine

Today, I went back to school. I was a little apprehensive about some of my classes, and although some of my possible fears may have been realized, I think for the most part, I am going to be happy with my schedule this quarter.
Note to self: get more than 3 hours of sleep tonight.

Back to School

Tomorrow, I must return to school. My Christmas break is over, and it's time to lose my free-time. It will be nice to see some friends again, and I'm actually looking forward to some of my classes, but I'd rather just stay home. But, in an effort to do all things without complaining, I'm going to try to make the best of it.

shrewd as serpents

The book of second John only has one chapter. Although Second John is short, it has a clear and stern warning. The book warns against false prophets, those who claim to be believers but teach things contrary to the true gospel. Since the beginning of the church, there have been such people, and today is no exception. We are always to be on our guard.

Matt 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves. (NAS)