"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord test the heart." -Proverbs 17:3
"Jesus said to him, "Away from Me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.'" Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him."-Matthew 4:10-11
Here is a popular debate over the years: "Who do I blame for my problems?" In most cases there are three choices involved. I can blame myself, I can blame satan, or I can blame God(the popular choice for some reason). I thought we could look in Matthew and see how Jesus handled his temptation in the desert. While he does not come out and blame any one I do find it helpful the way he handled the situation. For each of the three temptations Jesus used scripture to solve the temptation.
Today we always want to blame someone else for our problems. We could stomp our toe on a door facing and we would blame the builder for putting a door way in that spot! I like to think that everything that happens, good and bad, is some form of a test. A way to always be sizing me up to see where I am progressing and where I am lacking. This doesn't mean I always respond in the best of ways but maybe that is God showing me how to gain self control. I believe there is a simple solution to the question who causes things to happen to us. I love to hear our elders say "that mean ole devil is testing you." Well you know what, once again they are right. However if we look behind the scenes my Bible teaches me that my God is and always will be stronger then satan. Therefore God will never allow satan to test us with more than we can handle. (heard that before huh) The last part is the part is where most fail to search. Why is God testing me? The proverbs for today tells us the God will test us. Therefore is it possible that maybe he is trying to show us that there are may places he wants to improve us. Is it possible he wants us to see the good in situations instead of blaming Him or satan (because we know we would never blame ourselves). Is it possible that the simple solution to handle things would be to simply read and study the teachings and examples He has set forth? Is it possible...He is right again...as always!
I right this blog today because of all the things that are going on around us. Hurricanes, crime, families separating, the slowing of the economy. I listen to our presidential nominee's, I listen to the people on television, and I read the latest headlines and NO ONE ever takes responsibility to ask how can we help. They simply blame someone else and somehow keep the spotlight on themselves by doing this. Lets change this view, lets change how we handle things, lets start a new fad of taking responsibility, find the good in situations, and search for ways to improve our ourselves and each other.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
IT'S BACK!!!
After some computer/Internet issues we are back up and going! Sorry for the delay.
One thing I try to do each day is read a chapter in Proverbs. That is where the idea for this blog is from. Each day's writings have some backing from Proverbs and that is intentional. Today is obviously the 16th. Let's look at two verses in Proverbs 16.
"To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue." Proverbs 16:1
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3
One of my biggest problems and greatest attributes is I dream to large. The reason this is a problem is I dream large and often. The reason it is an attribute I believe reflects an old saying: "Without a dream the people perish." The problem is I have so many plans and dreams I never commit to any of them. Everyday it's a new idea, a new invention, a new goal. The next morning those sets of dreams have faded and a new set have taken priority.
Should I stop dreaming? I don't believe that is the case. I think the answers fall in these two verses. I often have plans that I dream up, only to have the Lord say "not now, not yet," or just "NO." It often leads to disappointment, however by Him saying "no" I am sure it saves me from greater disappointment. I think that maybe this is the case for most of us. In a recent Bible study over half the people in attendance requested prayer because they are unhappy with their current jobs. I wonder if the reason is because God is now leading them in a different direction. Is he? Are we listening? A better question of why we might be stuck in a rut of unhappiness at work is this: He is starting to open our eyes to a new direction however we are not ready to commit to the new plans he has for us. I challenge all who read this just as I am challenging myself: COMMIT. Commit to the plans he has for you. Commit to praying about them daily. Commit to giving Him 100%. Commit to success.
One thing I try to do each day is read a chapter in Proverbs. That is where the idea for this blog is from. Each day's writings have some backing from Proverbs and that is intentional. Today is obviously the 16th. Let's look at two verses in Proverbs 16.
"To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue." Proverbs 16:1
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3
One of my biggest problems and greatest attributes is I dream to large. The reason this is a problem is I dream large and often. The reason it is an attribute I believe reflects an old saying: "Without a dream the people perish." The problem is I have so many plans and dreams I never commit to any of them. Everyday it's a new idea, a new invention, a new goal. The next morning those sets of dreams have faded and a new set have taken priority.
Should I stop dreaming? I don't believe that is the case. I think the answers fall in these two verses. I often have plans that I dream up, only to have the Lord say "not now, not yet," or just "NO." It often leads to disappointment, however by Him saying "no" I am sure it saves me from greater disappointment. I think that maybe this is the case for most of us. In a recent Bible study over half the people in attendance requested prayer because they are unhappy with their current jobs. I wonder if the reason is because God is now leading them in a different direction. Is he? Are we listening? A better question of why we might be stuck in a rut of unhappiness at work is this: He is starting to open our eyes to a new direction however we are not ready to commit to the new plans he has for us. I challenge all who read this just as I am challenging myself: COMMIT. Commit to the plans he has for you. Commit to praying about them daily. Commit to giving Him 100%. Commit to success.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Those who do not know...
"I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!" -Proverbs 30:2-4
There is a Third Day song titled "Cry Out to Jesus." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOb8ihacSM4 Here is the video for those who want to see it) It talks of those who see no hope; however, little do they know all they have to do is cry out to Jesus. I think about this song and then I think about this Proverb. A part of scripture written LONG before Christ's birth, life, death and RESURRECTION (He his alive in case you doubt). Written about a man that long before the world had ever seen the Son of God was CRYING OUT to know of this man. He was admitting his ignorance and begging for someone to tell him about Chirst. Am I the only one that finds it interesting that a man hundreds of years before Chirst will cry out however we feel the need to fix everything ourselves? We serve a Savior that loves us so much He gave up is only son so we could be with Him one day and yet we feel the need to do everything ourselves. Maybe this man in Proverbs wasn't as ignorant as he thought and if he is this ignorant, yet still knew to cry out for the Son of Man, where do the people of today who have full knowledge and don't cry out rank? I also ask this, if the lost cried out then, what makes us so sure they aren't crying out now. So often we hear people say they are just looking for something. Why is it we have what they are looking for yet so many times refuse to give it to them? Also, if they are looking for something, why is it not obvious to them we have found it? We serve an all consuming Savior, let's make sure we always stay all consumed so that others will find the same answers we have.
There is a Third Day song titled "Cry Out to Jesus." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOb8ihacSM4 Here is the video for those who want to see it) It talks of those who see no hope; however, little do they know all they have to do is cry out to Jesus. I think about this song and then I think about this Proverb. A part of scripture written LONG before Christ's birth, life, death and RESURRECTION (He his alive in case you doubt). Written about a man that long before the world had ever seen the Son of God was CRYING OUT to know of this man. He was admitting his ignorance and begging for someone to tell him about Chirst. Am I the only one that finds it interesting that a man hundreds of years before Chirst will cry out however we feel the need to fix everything ourselves? We serve a Savior that loves us so much He gave up is only son so we could be with Him one day and yet we feel the need to do everything ourselves. Maybe this man in Proverbs wasn't as ignorant as he thought and if he is this ignorant, yet still knew to cry out for the Son of Man, where do the people of today who have full knowledge and don't cry out rank? I also ask this, if the lost cried out then, what makes us so sure they aren't crying out now. So often we hear people say they are just looking for something. Why is it we have what they are looking for yet so many times refuse to give it to them? Also, if they are looking for something, why is it not obvious to them we have found it? We serve an all consuming Savior, let's make sure we always stay all consumed so that others will find the same answers we have.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Don't Fade
"All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." -I Peter 1:24-25
I really like this verse when it is broken down. Lets look at it step by step.
1-There are millions of blades of grass in the world just as there are millions of people.
2-A flower in a field stands out and can be seen for miles. A person who is different stands out the same way.
3-All grass and flowers will wither and die just as all people do.
4-The word of the Lord stands forever.
Lets add to this a little bit. If the word of God stands forever and the word is in us then shouldn't lead us to believe that our "legacy" will stand forever. That can be a scary thought. "What kind of legacy do I have," you might ask? That is for you to decide. We have a choice to be a blade of grass or to be a beautiful flower. If we chose the road of the flower, always remember that you will create your own history. Always strive to make sure that is a legacy you want around for 100's of years...just like the word that is in us.
I really like this verse when it is broken down. Lets look at it step by step.
1-There are millions of blades of grass in the world just as there are millions of people.
2-A flower in a field stands out and can be seen for miles. A person who is different stands out the same way.
3-All grass and flowers will wither and die just as all people do.
4-The word of the Lord stands forever.
Lets add to this a little bit. If the word of God stands forever and the word is in us then shouldn't lead us to believe that our "legacy" will stand forever. That can be a scary thought. "What kind of legacy do I have," you might ask? That is for you to decide. We have a choice to be a blade of grass or to be a beautiful flower. If we chose the road of the flower, always remember that you will create your own history. Always strive to make sure that is a legacy you want around for 100's of years...just like the word that is in us.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Word of God Speak
"Finding myself at a lost for words, and the funny thing is, it's okay. The last thing I need, is to be heard, but to hear, what you would say."-Mercy Me "Word of God Speak"
What a world we live in! We are a part of a society that constantly feels the need to make their opinion felt. Everyone feels as if they must put their stamp on every conversation that exist. That they must be a part of every problem, every time of joy, every situation. Think about it. The only thing on television are reality shows. (I mean reality shows are real, right?) What makes reality shows so popular? We want to be a part of other peoples lives. That's not all bad, if we are doing it to be a shoulder to cry on and a friend to laugh with. It just amazes me at how we are so much more involved with the things around our lives than our own life. At this point you are thinking, "Wow this guy has an axe to grind!" Your right. I am sick and tired of the crap we have to be surrounded by everyday. Here's a better example. We have a country singer who sings one song asking "Jesus take the wheel" and the next she is talking about destroying another persons vehicle and ruining their life. Am I the only one that sees a problem with this? Sadly you could take a poll and about half our church congregations could sing her latest hits. If we as Christians can quote the words to these songs and tell you everything in the lives of those on television however we can not tell you what the sermon on the mount is about and what is going on in the lives of those who sat next to us in church this past Sunday. If this is you, it's time to have a reality check. It's time to get things right. It's time to start fighting back. I will do this alone if necessary, I won't do it happily because this is something we should all be pushing for. I quoted this song by Mercy Me because it is more true today than ever before. It's time we all quit using our own words and our own excuses and start praying that God will pour down on us. It's time we cry out for the wisdom that only he our Savior can give. It's time to not only cry out, it's time to listen and prepare to act on it. If this has offended you I ask you why. I ask you to ask yourself why, then I ask you to ask God why. I think your answer will come and I think it will include an anger to start fighting for the things that we so often preach about. The Will of God.
What a world we live in! We are a part of a society that constantly feels the need to make their opinion felt. Everyone feels as if they must put their stamp on every conversation that exist. That they must be a part of every problem, every time of joy, every situation. Think about it. The only thing on television are reality shows. (I mean reality shows are real, right?) What makes reality shows so popular? We want to be a part of other peoples lives. That's not all bad, if we are doing it to be a shoulder to cry on and a friend to laugh with. It just amazes me at how we are so much more involved with the things around our lives than our own life. At this point you are thinking, "Wow this guy has an axe to grind!" Your right. I am sick and tired of the crap we have to be surrounded by everyday. Here's a better example. We have a country singer who sings one song asking "Jesus take the wheel" and the next she is talking about destroying another persons vehicle and ruining their life. Am I the only one that sees a problem with this? Sadly you could take a poll and about half our church congregations could sing her latest hits. If we as Christians can quote the words to these songs and tell you everything in the lives of those on television however we can not tell you what the sermon on the mount is about and what is going on in the lives of those who sat next to us in church this past Sunday. If this is you, it's time to have a reality check. It's time to get things right. It's time to start fighting back. I will do this alone if necessary, I won't do it happily because this is something we should all be pushing for. I quoted this song by Mercy Me because it is more true today than ever before. It's time we all quit using our own words and our own excuses and start praying that God will pour down on us. It's time we cry out for the wisdom that only he our Savior can give. It's time to not only cry out, it's time to listen and prepare to act on it. If this has offended you I ask you why. I ask you to ask yourself why, then I ask you to ask God why. I think your answer will come and I think it will include an anger to start fighting for the things that we so often preach about. The Will of God.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Henry Ford
Here is a quote by Henry Ford and one from Proverbs:
"Those who have never made a mistake usually work for those who have."-H. Ford
"He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise."-Proverbs 11:29
It is no wonder Henry Ford was a successful man. He had it all figured out. He just didn't know it. Henry helped make the automobile industry what it is today. He did not do it by getting it right the first time. However he at least tried to do it right. I don't know much about him as a person, I just know he was one who gave his dream all he had and believed in doing it the right way. The only way for him to figure out what the right ways were to manufacturing a car was to have his share of bumps along the way. In the end he created a company and many will argue he created and entire industry. Henry is no different than all of us. We all have dreams that we want to achieve. Most of us ask ourselves many times daily, "What am I doing? This isn't what I pictured myself doing." Most of us will never fulfill our dreams because we are scared of failure. Failure only occurs when we have a fall and never get up...and LEARN! I hope if you read this it will help you and myself see that it is OK to take a chance and go for you dreams. You get one life and one chance. Give it a shot. You are going to mess up, just like in everything. There is not one thing you are good at in life that you haven't made mistakes so that you can learn a better way. You will mess up today and learn, don't you wish you were making these mistakes while you were doing what you love? If you are doing what you love, don't be afraid to mess up, because it is then you will earn wisdom.
"Those who have never made a mistake usually work for those who have."-H. Ford
"He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise."-Proverbs 11:29
It is no wonder Henry Ford was a successful man. He had it all figured out. He just didn't know it. Henry helped make the automobile industry what it is today. He did not do it by getting it right the first time. However he at least tried to do it right. I don't know much about him as a person, I just know he was one who gave his dream all he had and believed in doing it the right way. The only way for him to figure out what the right ways were to manufacturing a car was to have his share of bumps along the way. In the end he created a company and many will argue he created and entire industry. Henry is no different than all of us. We all have dreams that we want to achieve. Most of us ask ourselves many times daily, "What am I doing? This isn't what I pictured myself doing." Most of us will never fulfill our dreams because we are scared of failure. Failure only occurs when we have a fall and never get up...and LEARN! I hope if you read this it will help you and myself see that it is OK to take a chance and go for you dreams. You get one life and one chance. Give it a shot. You are going to mess up, just like in everything. There is not one thing you are good at in life that you haven't made mistakes so that you can learn a better way. You will mess up today and learn, don't you wish you were making these mistakes while you were doing what you love? If you are doing what you love, don't be afraid to mess up, because it is then you will earn wisdom.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
ANTS!!!
I have to ask, is there another human alive that despises ants like myself. I can not stand them. What good do they serve? They make big ole honk'n hills in my yard, they get in the garage to eat the least little thing on the ground, and they bite you every chance they get. Then after you think you have killed all of them or put enough poison out that they will stay away...BOOM there's twice as many back again. Then to rub salt in an open wound Proverbs 6:6-8 (Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in the summer and gathers its food at harvest) tells us how great and wonderful are the ants. Obviously Solomon never had any of these ants! However, I do think I understand his point. These little creatures have no ruler, yet they do things in perfect harmony to survive. Not only do they survive but they multiply and farther their hold (in my yard!) I think about myself and how I have the greatest ruler of all and even have a big instruction manual on how to live, yet I screw it up all the time. I don't like ants on so many levels, however I must admit I am in awe of how they operate. Maybe at some point in time I will learn to be more like them. You know, do the right things, at the right times, the right ways, for the right reasons. Maybe then I will recognize how blessed I truly am and not even ants can take away from that!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
For Your Viewing Pleasure
"For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths." Proverbs 5:21
There are sometimes in life that we LOVE that verse. When you help someone out, or buy the meal for a family behind you without them having any idea, or take the time to do things around the house because you love the others in the home (not because it's your job), etc. There are millions of things we are so glad are in full view of the Lord. It's the other things that cause us to hate that verse. To make it worse it says "He examines all our paths." So not only can he see the bad things, he knows our heart when we do the good things. So he knows if we are doing those things just to get praise. Think about this verse. Think about why you perform your daily activities. Why do you help others? God's glory is going to show through no matter what we do. Satan on his best (or worst) day can not put a shade tree in the way of his bright and beautiful glory. Can you imagine how great it will be when we are always in the midst of his glory? Can you imagine how great things can be now when we pray that he always will use us to farther his glory.
There are sometimes in life that we LOVE that verse. When you help someone out, or buy the meal for a family behind you without them having any idea, or take the time to do things around the house because you love the others in the home (not because it's your job), etc. There are millions of things we are so glad are in full view of the Lord. It's the other things that cause us to hate that verse. To make it worse it says "He examines all our paths." So not only can he see the bad things, he knows our heart when we do the good things. So he knows if we are doing those things just to get praise. Think about this verse. Think about why you perform your daily activities. Why do you help others? God's glory is going to show through no matter what we do. Satan on his best (or worst) day can not put a shade tree in the way of his bright and beautiful glory. Can you imagine how great it will be when we are always in the midst of his glory? Can you imagine how great things can be now when we pray that he always will use us to farther his glory.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Isaiah 40:28-31
View the video FIRST
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=139f9c4c0036b123ee12
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint!" Isaiah 40:28-31
"The Lord is the everlasting God"
What was your favorite part of the skit? I can watch that video a million times and every time I see the man playing God throw the rope down at the end I get chills. In my head I think about how she is so trapped in sin and there was only one way God can save her. He had to sacrifice his own life. I think about how Jesus cried out "Father if there is any way please pass this cup." However, God knew there was only one way and that was to sacrifice his own. Isn't it refreshing though to know that we serve an everlasting God. I must ask you this though. Isaiah says, "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength..." What are you doing with your renewed strength. Are you returning to the things that made you weak to begin with or are you taking that renewed strength and striving for excellence? Today is the only day we have to work with, make it count. When you place your head on your pillow tonight, think back and ask yourself, "what did I do with my renewed strength?" Then make a commitment to yourself and your Father, "if You give me another day, I will do even more, with your guidance." The Lord is the everlasting God, aren't you glad your blessed enough to be on his team!
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=139f9c4c0036b123ee12
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint!" Isaiah 40:28-31
"The Lord is the everlasting God"
What was your favorite part of the skit? I can watch that video a million times and every time I see the man playing God throw the rope down at the end I get chills. In my head I think about how she is so trapped in sin and there was only one way God can save her. He had to sacrifice his own life. I think about how Jesus cried out "Father if there is any way please pass this cup." However, God knew there was only one way and that was to sacrifice his own. Isn't it refreshing though to know that we serve an everlasting God. I must ask you this though. Isaiah says, "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength..." What are you doing with your renewed strength. Are you returning to the things that made you weak to begin with or are you taking that renewed strength and striving for excellence? Today is the only day we have to work with, make it count. When you place your head on your pillow tonight, think back and ask yourself, "what did I do with my renewed strength?" Then make a commitment to yourself and your Father, "if You give me another day, I will do even more, with your guidance." The Lord is the everlasting God, aren't you glad your blessed enough to be on his team!
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