Devotional Wrap Up: A Healthy Respect for God?

April 15, 2012 in Theology and Scripture, Thoughts, Thoughts on Life with 0 Comments

respect

As I am sure some of you do, I stick with a daily reading plan to direct the times I spend with God during the week. (I also like to use the My Utmost For His Highest devotional. – Link is on the right.) As I go through this I usually like to compile my thoughts from the readings and try to draw consistency from the times I spent to see what God has told me through the week. Below are a few of the thoughts that I had as I was working through what God had for me this past week.

What is a Healthy Respect For God?

This week I was bombarded by the nagging question that would just not give in. No matter what I did, it was weighing on my heart and staring me in the face through the Scripture or illustrating itself in personal experiences. So what does it truly mean to have a healthy respect for God? Throughout this week, God has revealed a few things that can be outlined under two elements of respecting God.

Respect for God In Our Relationship with God

  • Our respect for God must begin in relationship to Him.
    • After all, even the secular world knows that you cannot love something you do not know. How then can we respect someone we do not know? We cannot. Jesus calls all to abide in Him. Meaning that we are to stay in Him through the study of His Word and through prayer. John 15:1-17
  • Our respect for God must be rooted in understanding and obeying God’s law.
    • Luke 16:17 - Jesus states that  not one dot of the law will pass away. His point was that we are to continue to keep the law of God. This is not because we have to obtain salvation through the law but that we may walk in the light of God because of what He has done for us. (Think of the way a son respects and honors his father through behaving and being obedient to the father’s command)
  • Our respect for God’s ways must be above our respect for the ways of men.
    • Luke 16:14-15 - It is common practice for society to always go with what works even when it may not be the most upright thing to do. We see stories all the time in the news of politicians and business men getting in trouble for unethical conduct. However in this passage of Luke, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for such worldly action of seeking the approval of men in violation of God’s law.

Respect for God In Our Relationship with One Another

  • Our respect for God is rooted in the grace we give to one another.
    • Luke 16:1-8 - In this parable Jesus makes a very key point about the master’s (God’s) desire for those who manage His assets. That the managers are to give it away. This may be in the mercy or forgiveness for those who have wronged you or just the patience that you have for someone who is need of help. It should also be in leading others to the grace in which you have once received through Jesus.
  • Our respect for God is shown in the value we have for people in relation to our worldly possessions.
    • Let’s face it when it comes down to people and possessions, we all know which is more valuable. People. You can’t buy a new person (morally) but you can always buy a new car. But we do not always act in this way. I have seen with my eyes how people can lose it over their coffee not being made correctly and then berating the barista .
    • Luke 16:9 - In this statement, Jesus tells us to remember that the things of this life are temporary but that we are to use those things with love to make friends and share His grace.

Action Steps:

  • Start a relationship with Him.
    • How? First click on “The Story” Link on the right pane of this page and go through the content. If you have not made the decision, do it today. Then get into the Bible and start reading.
  • Once you have a relationship with God, act like it. Find out what His law is and walk in it.
  • Be a person of integrity. Be mindful of the correct thing to do and do not sacrifice the correct thing for what works.
  • Give grace to others. Be patient and have peace. Share what God is teaching you.
  • Value people enough to spend on them and share the things of this world that you may bless them.

Devotional Wrap Up: Dealing with difficult situations in the middle of God’s Calling

April 9, 2012 in Theology and Scripture, Thoughts, Thoughts on Life with 1 Comment

As I am sure some of you do, I stick with a daily reading plan to direct the times I spend with God during the week. (I also like to use the My Utmost For His Highest devotional. – Link is on the right.) As I go through this I usually like to compile my thoughts from the readings and try to draw consistency from the times I spent to see what God has told me through the week. Below are a few of the thoughts that I had as I was working through what God had for me this past week.

Dealing with the difficult situations in the middle of God’s Calling

  • Keep Your Focus on Target
    • Always remember where the situation lies in the big scheme of things. Is this obstacle in the way life altering or just a speed bump in the road.
    • Never focus on the task. You may be doing great things or you may want to do great things but what really matters is the relationship you have with God. (Luke 10:17-20) Always remember the privilege it is and count yourself blessed to have the opportunity to be in relationship with God. There are some that did not have this blessing. (Luke 10:21-24)
    • Do not focus on the chores of life which pass away but keep your focus on Him who will not be taken away. (Luke 10:38-42)

  • Keep Your Commitment
    • If you have been called to it, You must finish well no matter the costs. (2 Timothy 4:6)
    • You are the only one who can carry out this for yourself in God’s power.
    • Do not stray. If you do, you will only sympathize for yourself and that will get you no where.
    • If you do stray, it is okay. Recommit yourself to the task and push forward to completion.
  • Keep Your Anxiety Low
    • Do not fear the earthly obstacle standing between you and finishing well. Whether this is a man or an organization. If God has called you to it, He will help you through it. He is greater than the things of this world. (Luke 12:4-7)
    • Do not fear for the material things. God cares for you a desires for you to succeed in His will. Stay close to Him and you will be taken care of as He desires. (Luke 12:22-34)

 

Revive This Nation; FBC Nixon, TX Day 3-4 #RTN12 @SWBTS

March 14, 2012 in Thoughts, Thoughts on Life with 0 Comments

IMG_0890

Well the Lord is moving in Nixon, TX! We are having a great time and it is awesome to see all that God is doing in the hearts of His people.

On Monday we went to the town of Gonzales to do a little visitation which was good. We were able to encourage those who are dealing with illness and pray for them.

Cool old house in Gonzales

Through out the town there were several really cool, Southern houses that would be really neat to fix up and live in.

Monday night I preached on 1John 2:1-17 and Kristen helped Etta and Pastor Michael lead worship. There was a big response to God’s calling that night and everyone was encouraged.

Etta & Kristen Singing

Tuesday Pastor Michael and Etta took us to Goliad to do a little sight seeing.

Goliad Court House in the town square.

The "Hanging Tree" outside the courthouse. Swift justice was displayed under these limbs.

Pastor Michael jamming out on an antique piano as the girls shopped inside

Lunch at the Empresario = AMAZING!

Kristen outside the Empresario

We then traveled down the road to the memorial and fort at Goliad for a little Texas History education. (Kristen was in History teacher heaven)

Memorial for the Massacre at Goliad

Wild flowers at the memorial

Memorial Caption

The Chapel at Fort Goliad

Fortress wall at Fort Goliad

Inside the chapel at Fort Goliad

After a fun afternoon of walking around and checking out the sights, we headed back to Nixon to prepare for the services. After cleaning up and going over my notes, Kristen and I headed to the church to minister to the people.

Me Preaching Revival at FBC Nixon

We had a great showing tonight with many new people. It seems that the Lord is working and drawing people from the town in. I was able to preach 1 John 2:18-3:1 in the service and the Lord is continuing to move in the people. I have seen it with my eyes and I am encouraged by their faith and commitment to the Lord every time I am able to share God’s Word with them.

Tomorrow we are bringing the revival to a close but I am praying that revival continues within the church and this town. I am praying that God continues to draw men and women into His grace through this church and that God continues to use these people for His glory to build His Kingdom.

You can check out more information about FBC Nixon at www.FBCNixon.org. 

 

Revive This Nation; FBC Nixon, TX Day 1-2 #RTN12 @SWBTS

March 12, 2012 in Thoughts, Thoughts on Life, Uncategorized with 0 Comments

FBC Nixon Sanctuary

Well, as most of you probably know Kristen and I committed to preach a Spring Break Revival this year at a lovely Church in Nixon, TX.

We left Saturday morning to travel to Nixon and get settled in with our prayer warriors Nita and Sandra.

Us leaving Fort Worth in the Rain (passing the seminary exit on I35)

Kristen loved her Breakfast for Lunch from Cracker Barrel.

After a few hours and a few stops we arrived in Nixon. This wonderful small town is full of history and loving people.

With a population between 2,000 and 2,500, Nixon is what you would expect from a small Texas town .

Once in town, we drove around a little before meeting with Pastor Michael Linton and his wife Etta. We then went out to dinner and settled in for the night in anticipation for a great morning at FBC Nixon.

Picture of the House we are staying in to come.

Sunday morning we arose to the thunder storms rolling  through the city and the excitement for God to move in the hearts of His people. Immediately upon entering the Church we where welcomed with open arms. Everyone here at the church is very eager to serve and love one another. Kristen and I are truly encouraged by that.

FBC Nixon

In the morning service I was able to preach through the first four verses of 1John (1:1-4) and everything went great. The church had a very nice lunch fixed for the congregation after and we stayed into the afternoon to fellowship with the members.

FBC Nixon Sanctuary

FBC Nixon Fellowship Hall (I am writing this blog there now)

The evening service was good as well. I was able to preach through 1John 1:5-2:7 and the Spirit was moving. After the service, Pastor Michael and I were able to pray for the deacons and the deacons were able to pray for the congregation. The congregation then prayed for their leadership. It was completely brought on in the moment and was exciting to see how God was leading. I truly believe that God is preparing the members of this church to make a big impact on His Kingdom.

Please keep the church, the community and myself in your prayers. We have 3 more services over the next 3 days.

I will try to keep this updated every evening but wifi service is not just a Starbucks away. So I will update this as I can.

You can check out more information about FBC Nixon at www.FBCNixon.org. 

 

Why is Hatred Such a Serious Sin?

March 7, 2012 in Theology and Scripture, Thoughts, Uncategorized with 0 Comments

love_and_hate_by_baro24

This week in one of the church’s Bible studies we were asked the question

“Why is hatred so serious a sin?”

And as I started to think through the answer of this I was brought to many different verses and ideas on why hate is such a serious issue in the believers life. I have outlined my findings below.

Hatred in the heart of God’s People is rebellion against God

 (Lev 19:17-18 ESV) 17 “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

We see that as far back as the Old Testament book of Leviticus that God was concerned about hatred in the heart of His people.  In this passage God also contrasts hate with love as the mark of His people when He commands them to not harbor hate in their hearts but to Love their neighbors as themselves.

In the New Testament, Jesus confirms the love that is expected from God’s people when he explains the greatest commandment to the scribe in Mark 12: 28b-32.

(Mark 12: 28b-32 ESV) “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him.

Throughout the entire Bible we are called as believers to love other people. Therefore, if we harbor hate in our hearts toward another, we are disobeying God’s direct command to love and not hate.

Hatred in the Heart is a sign of our fallen condition

(1John 3:14-15 ESV) 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

John outlines hatred in our heart as a signal of our sinful nature and that the love for others is an indication of our relationship with Christ and evidence of the eternal life we have in him. We should also notice the strict condemnation of hate which results in murder and no eternal life.

(Matt 15:18-20) 18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”

Jesus outlines that our heart is the origin of our sin; it is what defiles us as believers. As outlined in the passage above, our hearts are the source for out hate through murder and other rebellious acts. We can see that hate comes from our heart as a result of our fallen nature separated from God.

Hatred in the Heart identifies you with the world

(Luke 6:22-23 ESV)   [22] “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! [23] Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

(1 John 3:13 ESV)  [13] Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.

Jesus and John in these passages clearly describe the reaction of hate that the world will give to Christians based on their relationship with Christ. When it comes to the believer and the world we often see the characteristic of hate displayed in everyday life. Whether we are driving down the road, negotiating a business deal or trying to get through the grocery story, we see people act in hate toward one another intentionally and unintentionally. This is because our heart is naturally hateful and worldly.

In contrast to hate, the Scripture calls us to observe love in our lives.

(1 John 3:11 ESV)  [11] For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

(John 13:35 ESV) [35] By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

(John 15:12-13 ESV) [12] “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. [13] Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Over and over the Scriptures call us to unity, community and love in the name of Him who gave us grace. We are called to Love and to be Loving. This is an outward indication of our internal salvation.

If you are not practicing love but practicing hate, you are aligning with the world.

So back to the Question;   Why is hatred such a serious sin?

1.       Hatred is complete rebellion against God

Knowing the command of God to love and not practicing it is rebellion.

2.       Hatred is the mark of our fallen nature

If you are a Christian and practicing hate, you are reverting back to your old nature. You have been made new in Christ. (2Cor.5:17) Walk in the newness of life and obey Him in loving your neighbor as yourself.

3.       Hatred is not aligning with God’s will for your life but identifying with the World

As Christians we will be identified with Christ inasmuch as we have love for one another. Failing to love as Christ as loved us is contradictory to the very Spirit that He has placed within us.

Book Review : The Millenials by @ThomRainer & Jess Rainer

March 1, 2012 in Book Reviews and Notes, Ministry Resources, Resources, Resources for All with 0 Comments


Click to Find Millennials on Amazon!

So I am sitting here at Starbucks and I just finished reading the Millennials by Thom and Jess Rainer and let me tell you, this is a good read. In this book, the Rainers work through research and interviews to bring the predominant views of the largest generation in America to date.

As I read through this book, being categorized as a Millennial myself, I found my ideals and views being described to me through the stats of my generation. It was very profound and almost nostalgic as some of the case studies described what they believe and desire with their words almost lining up with mine exactly.

Here are a few of the things that Characterize the Millennials: (But NOT all)

  • Millennials Value Family!
    • They value the connection and advice from their parents
    • They desire a close knit family
    • They place a very high value on marriage (80% believe they will only marry once)
  • Millennials Value Social Connection!
    • Through technology and social networks
    • Through their school or work environments
  • Millennials Want to Make a Difference!
    • They believe it is their responsibility to change the world
    • They want to serve outside of the church walls
    • They desire to help others who cant help themselves (adoption, serving the poor, providing for the needy)
So who would benefit from reading this book?
  • Pastor’s and Church Ministry Leaders

The American Church landscape is about to come to cross roads and in order to remain relevant, the church is going to need to shift to attract the Millennial generation. If you are a church leader or ministry leader, this book will give you practical insight into how you can communicate more effectively to reach the Millennials.

  • Business People

With the Millennials being the largest generation in American history, the business world will change. Read this book to find out what the Millennials value.

  • Those who have children who are Millennials (children born between 1980-1991)

Want to understand and remain connected with your fast paced, technology driven children? This book will give you some insight into what they are thinking and may inspire some actions steps you can take to talk to your kids and help them in the future. (FYI- I am giving this book to my mother now. :P )

A Quick Description from Amazon –  “At more than 78 million strong, the Millennials—those born between 1980 and 2000—have surpassed the Boomers as the larger and more influential generation in America. Now, as its members begin to reach adulthood, where the traits of a generation really take shape, best-selling research author Thom Rainer (Simple Church) and his son Jess (a Millennial born in 1985) present the first major investigative work on Millennials from a Christian worldview perspective.

Sure to interest even the secularists who study this group, The Millennials is based on 1200 interviews with its namesakes that aim to better understand them personally, professionally, and spiritually. Chapters report intriguing how-and-why findings on family matters (they are closer-knit than previous generations), their desire for diversity (consider the wave of mixed race and ethnic adoptions), Millennials and the new workplace, their attitude toward money, the media, the environment, and perhaps most tellingly, religion.

The authors close with a thoughtful response to how the church can engage and minister to what is now in fact the largest generation in America’s history.”

 

Here is a copy of the table  of Contents for you to get a grasp of all the subjects that are covered.
Ch. 1 – Meet the Millennial
Ch.2 – A Millennial Perspective
Ch. 3 – It’s a Family Affair
Ch. 4 – The New Normal of Openness and Diversity
Ch. 5 – Motivating Millennial
Ch. 6 – The New Workplace
Ch. 7 – The Mediating Generation
Ch. 8 – The Millennials and Media
Ch. 9 – The Millennials and Money
Ch. 10 – Their Strange Religious World
Ch. 11 – The Church Responds to the Millennials

 

I am in no way affiliated with the publisher or writer of this book. But I endorse this because it impacted my life and I would like that same blessing for you. Click Here for Other Recommended Reading!If the Author or Publisher has an issue with this post, please let me know and I will remove it.

Regeneration; a Word study

February 27, 2012 in Theology and Scripture, Thoughts, Uncategorized with 0 Comments

Regeneration-Through-Fasting

I was recently in a Bible study where the question below came up and I found that there is some confusion on the subject. So I decided to do a little research and found myself immersed in good stuff that I thought I would share.

“What is regeneration?”

With regeneration being a common theme in the Scripture and an essential element to the Christian faith, I thought I may be able to shed a little light on the subject for you.

The Greek word for Regeneration is paliggenesia (paliggenesia) and the meaning is to be renewed. It is important to note that it is a passive verb, meaning that we do not perform the action but the action is performed on us.

(Passive verbs describe an action that the subject of the sentence receives. For example, in the sentence “I was regenerated by God”, regenerated would be a passive verb because was done by God to me.)

Typically we see the Bible use the term in two different ways: In the life of a believer and in the Heavens and Earth.

In the life of the believer:

In the life of a believer, regeneration is played out at salvation. For example, picture Saul in Acts (chapter 7-8). We are introduced to him as he is persecuting the early Christian church and murdering Christians. Then Jesus confronts Saul on the Road to Damascus and Saul is changed (chapter 9). Saul changes his name to Paul and he starts preaching and teaching the Christian faith. Saul was regenerated to Paul. He was transformed through the Holy Spirit.

The Holman Bible Dictionary states Regeneration like this:

REGENERATION Special act of God in which the recipient is passive. God alone awakens the person spiritually through the power of His Holy Spirit. Both the OT and NT also speak of the renewing of the individual. In a technical sense the act of regeneration takes place at the moment of conversion as the individual is spiritually awakened.

So we can align regeneration with the renewing of our souls through salvation in Christ. This renewal is not something that we are able to accomplish for ourselves but something God does within us.

We see this in passages like Titus 3:5 (he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,) where Paul outlines for Titus the renewal that we receive through salvation, not because of works but through the saving power of the Holy Spirit.

In the Heavens and Earth:

The Bible also speaks of a renewal or regeneration of the Heavens and Earth at the end of times in passages like.

Matt 19:28-29 “28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Revelation 21:1-3 “21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

So in conclusion, Regeneration is the renewal of God’s presence in our lives now through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit for the believer and the renewal of the heavens and the earth upon His return.

I hope this sheds a little light on the subject. If you have other questions, please let me know.

Anthony

 

Book Review : How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart

February 7, 2012 in Book Reviews and Notes, Ministry Resources, Resources, Resources for All with 0 Comments


Click to Find How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth on Amazon.com

Do you read the Bible sometimes and wonder what you were supposed to get out of it?

Do you know the differences between all the different Bible translations?
Do you know how the books of the Bible are different from one another and how to read them?

 

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!

 

In this book Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart will equip you to find the tools you need to interpret Scripture, to find the best Bible translation for your needs and go through the books of the Bible based on their context and history. Through this book Fee and Stuart have equipped the common person to handle the Scriptures in the way they need to be handled for a sound interpretation. I would encourage everyone who is a believer to read and understand the content of this book.

 

Here is a copy of the table  of Contents for you to get a grasp of all the subjects that are covered.

 

Ch. 1 – Introduction: The Need to Interpret
Ch.2 – The Basic Tool: A Good Translation
Ch. 3 – The Epistles: Learning to think Contextually
Ch. 4 – The Epistles: The Hermeneutical Questions
Ch. 5 – The Old Testament Narratives: Their Proper Use
Ch. 6 – Acts: The Question of Historical Precedent
Ch. 7 – The Gospels: One Story, Many Demensions
Ch. 8 – The Parables: Do you get the point?
Ch. 9 – The Law(s): Covenant Stipulations for Israel
Ch. 10 – The Prophets: Enforcing the Covenant in Israel
Ch. 11 – The Psalms: Israel’s Prayers and Ours
Ch. 12 – Wisdom: Then and Now
Ch. 13 – The Revelation: Images of Judgement and Hope

 

I am in no way affiliated with the publisher or writer of this book. But I endorse this because it impacted my life and I would like that same blessing for you. Click Here for Other Recommended Reading!If the Author or Publisher has an issue with this post, please let me know and I will remove it.

Questions to Ask to Determine God’s Will For Your Life

January 29, 2012 in Theology and Scripture, Thoughts with 0 Comments

hearing_from_god

I have received a lot of questions lately about how to know if God is telling you something. So as I have been thinking through this and how God talks with me, I have started to put a list together of questions I ask myself whenever I feel that God is trying to tell me something. This is not exhaustive by any means but I believe it is a great start.

1 ) Did the Calling or Opportunity begin with God?

-Did this calling come in a time of prayer, Bible study or worship?

-How did you come upon it? Was it revealed in Scripture or did you hear it or see it?

-Write the details down. Note the specifics of what occurred.

2 ) Are you willing to do it?

-God makes us passionate about what He calls us to. Are you passionate about the calling?

-God calls us to things we cannot get away from. Could you leave the calling if wanted to?

3 ) Are you gifted to do it? 

-Look into your past, has God been equipping your for the task?

-Do others encourage you when you do the duties of your calling?

4 ) Does the calling conflict with God’s Word in any way?

-God is constant and unchanging. He will not go against His Word. Is it consistent with what you read in Scripture?

5 ) Is God saying anything through James 3:13-18 in regards to your calling?

(James 3:13-18 ESV) Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

6 ) Does this demonstrate the fruit of the Holy Spirit?

(Galatians 5:22-24 ESV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

7 ) Does God confirm the calling to you through prayer and further study?

-God will often times repeat His will for me through further study. Is He repeating himself to you?

8 ) Do you believe that now is God’s timing to follow through?

-Is God telling you now is the correct time or is it for a future time?

9 ) Are you forcing the call from your own will? 

-We must have faith for Him to place us where we He desires us to be. Are you pushing something under the guise of His will?

10 ) Does this decision bring glory to God?

How do you know when God is telling you to do something? (Answer in a Comment)

Have you seen a Burning Bush lately?

January 27, 2012 in Theology and Scripture, Thoughts with 0 Comments

Exodus 3: The Burning Bush

1 Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4 When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

 

That day was as normal as any other. Moses was just going through his normal routine of taking care of the flock.  But on that particular day, something out of the ordinary caught Moses’ attention.  And instead of just carrying on, or simply turning back to the flock – which certainly demanded some part of Moses’ immediate attention.  Moses turned aside to see what was really going on here.  After he turned aside, God spoke.  Did you catch that? After, not before.  God waited to speak to Moses until he had his undivided attention.  Then, God spoke such profound words that Moses’ life would never be the same again. Never ever.  God revealed His true character, and Moses was transformed.

 

Have you been longing to hear from God?

 You may not even be aware that there exists in your heart an unwillingness to turn your full, entire, complete, undivided attention to your Lord and Savior.  Maybe God has been trying to get your attention for quite sometime now.  If you’re anything like me, then there may be some crazy things going on in and around your life.  God will use our circumstances and people to get us to stop and think, “What in the world is going on here?!”  I have definitely found myself saying exactly that these past few weeks.

 

Are you ready to hear the voice of God?

 Turn your full attention to your God and Savior. Give Him your undivided attention, totally focused on who He is.  He will speak to you words so profound! Words of wisdom and truth – and He will speak them right into your very heart.  Right into the very core, the very midst of wherever you need Him most.  His words will sustain you, and stabilize you. He will fill you with understanding and give you insight into whatever you are facing.
I think that we can both agree that receiving all of that – ooh! Don’t we want that!! – is worth stopping, pausing, and turning to see…to take a closer look at the bush that has just caught fire.

 

Dig deep into the Word this week! That is where you will find Him!!

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