A man came by to see me the other day and to pick up some materials to be distributed to those that he met along his journeys.
He mentioned a survey that was taken to prison inmates and the observation made by their actions.
When Mothers Day was approaching, the prison wardens, and guards and other staff bought from their own pockets , hundreds of cards to be sent to Mother, honoring her on that day.
The prisoners were told that whom ever desired a card, could have one or several, totally without obligation, if only they were mailed to the one that they called Mother.
The postage would be paid by those making the offer.
ALMOST EVERY prisoner came forward to take a card.
When Fathers Day was approaching the same prison staff made the decision to extend the same offer to a similar group of men, but the results were not what they had expected.
NONE of the prisoners came forward.
What does this say about the state of our Fathers?
A song by Harry Chapin may just give us something to think about:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk_eCI19RIs
My child arrived just the other day
He came into the world in the usual way.
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away.
And he was talking before I knew it and as he grew,
He said, “I’m gonna be like you, Dad,
You know I’m gonna be like you”
And in the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy ran off with the man in the moon
When you coming home, dad, I don’t know when
But well get together then, Son
You know well have a good time then.
My son turned ten just the other day
He said thanks for the ball, Dad, come on lets play
Can you teach me to throw?
I said not today, I got a lot to do
He said “That’s O.K.”
And then He walked away, but his smile never dimmed
And said “I’m gonna be like him,
Yeah
You know I’m gonna be like him.
Well he came home from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
“Son, I’m proud of you, can you sit for a while?”
He shook his head and he said with a smile,
“What I’d really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
“See you later can I have them please?”
I’ve long since retired, my sons moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind”
He said I’d love to Dad, if I could find the time.
You see my new jobs a hassle, and the kids have the flu.
But its sure nice talking to you, Dad.
Its been sure nice talking to you…………
And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me,
He’d grown up just like me, My boy was just like me…….
At d2lifeministries our prayers go out to all the fathers as we continue to raise, guide and instruct our children.
I don’t know what phase of fatherhood that you may be in, but we always remember that we do have a Heavenly Father to help us along the way.
When we make mistakes, as we will, may we humbly go to our Father and confess our shortcomings, and look to Him for wisdom.
Luke 1:17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.
Fathers, don’t fail your children.
Repent of self
Repent of pride
Be for you son or daughter as our Heavenly Father is for you.
AVAILABLE and READY
CLOSE AND NOT FAR AWAY
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
DISCLESHIP SERIES 1
LESSON 6
HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH
1. How Do You Know God Wants You To Share Your Faith?
A. We are called to be like Jesus.
He came to reconcile the world to Himself.
He has committed to us the Word and ministry of
reconciliation, making us His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:19-20).
B. We are called to be “a light” to this world (Matthew 5:14).
We are to proclaim the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into
“His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
C. Jesus sent the disciples into the world to preach the gospel to every
creature. (Mark 16:15).
Jesus made it clear whatever He said to them,He said to all. (Mark 13:37).
D. Paul told the Roman believers that their preaching to others was a key
ingredient to others being saved. “How shall they call on Him if they
haven’t believed? How shall they believe on Him if they have never
heard? How shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)
All believers must confess Christ before others, this is a key ingredient in
your own salvation (Matthew 10:32-33).
E. Jesus said He would make His Disciples, “become fishers of men” (Mark
1:17).
2. Why Don’t Christians Share Their Faith More?
A. Fear of rejection (Luke 10:16) (Matthew10:26).
B. Fear of bodily harm (Matthew 10:28).
C. Being more concerned about the approval of men than the approval
of God ((John 12:42) (John 7:13).
D. Feeling inadequate (Exodus 3:11) (Exodus 4:10).
3. How Do You Become A Fisher Of Men?
If we take the analogy Jesus used we will be able to understand this better.
What does it take to become a good fisherman? A fishing pole, good
equipment, bait, and the experience to use the equipment at the right place and the right time. Immediately you realize you don’t become an expert fisherman over-night. The same is true with fishers of men.
A. First, you need a pole. Without a fishing pole you have no ability to
fish at all.
Your Spiritual ability comes from the power of the HolySpirit.
The Holy Spirit gives you power, boldness, and love (Acts 1:8)
(Acts 4:31) (Galatians 5:22).
B. Next, you need good equipment to use with your pole.
The Word of Godis the equipment you can have to answer peoples questions (2 Timothy
3:16-17).
You must study the Word diligently because people want to know Gods opinion on a subject, not yours or mine.
C. Next, you need bait.
What is someone interested in or what question dothey want an answer for?
The Holy Spirit takes His Word, gives you boldness, and then applies it to the specific need of an individual.
He does this by bringing a passage to your remembrance that fit’s the problem.
Now you know exactly what to say (John 4:1-14) (Acts 2:14-21) (Acts 7:1-54).
D. Last you need experience.
Those who catch a lot of fish know where to fish, and how to use their equipment to present the bait to the fish.
To become a good fisher of men takes time.
The more you share the Gospelthe better you will get at it.
4. How Do You Approach Someone?
A. First, sometimes people approach you.
This is usually because your life has been a witness to them and they want to know why you are different(John 3:2) (Acts 2:12-16).
Make sure that you take these opportunitiesbecause the person has an obvious immediate interest!
These are Divinely ordained situations!!!!
B. The passive approach.
1. From a normal conversation a person may share a problem they are
having in their marriage, job, or personal life; they may be talking
about a current event in the news, or their concern with world affairs.
Ask them if they are interested in Spiritual things.
Ask them if they have ever considered what the Bible says about that issue. Ask if you
could give them a book or a tape on the subject (John 4:14-24).
2. Share your testimony with them if the issues they are concerned about
were the same as your experiences.
Share how Christ has answered your questions and given you peace(Mark 5:19).
3. Invite someone to lunch or dinner to establish these opportunities for
conversation (Luke 19:5).
C. The direct approach.
1. This is where you simply ask the person if you could share the Gospel
with them. The Holy Spirit may open your eyes to someone who seems
interested in Spiritual thing as He did with Phillip(Acts 8:29).
Anotherexample is Paul and Lydia (Acts 16:13).
2. This can be done on the street, door to door, or on your break times in
your workplace(Acts 17:17).
5. What Do You Say Once You Start Talking ?
A. For a new Christian , just share your testimony.
Tell them what the Lord Jesus has done for you personally.
It is very hard for someone to disagreewith you because, it happened to you!
This is where Jesus told the demonpossessed man to start (Mark 5:19), and used the same method with the Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob (John 4:7-28)
B. Make sure you share the primary facts!
1. Who is Jesus (John 1:1,14)?
God come in human flesh(John 14:9).
2. What has He done for them?
He paid the penalty for Mans sin(Romans 5:6,9,10,19).
He was raised from the dead, that He mightlive as proof that He was the Son of God (Romans 1:4).
He came to give each of us real life (John 10:10) and eternal life(John 17:3).
3. Why did He have to do this?
Because we are sinners and there is a penalty for our sins (Romans 3:23) (Romans 6:23).
4. How can they receive this?
By asking for His forgiveness(Matthew 7:7)(1 John 1:9); calling on His name (Romans 10:13) (Acts 4:12);and receiving Him personally into their hearts (John 1:12).
C. Also make sure there is point of decision.
Ask them, “What’s stopping you from receiving Christ right now into your heart?”.
You haven’t fully shared the Gospel if you don’t ask for a decision (Joshua 24:15)
(1 Kings 18:21) (Acts 26:27) (Acts 13:44-46) (Acts 17:30-34).
LESSON 6
HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH
1. How Do You Know God Wants You To Share Your Faith?
A. We are called to be like Jesus.
He came to reconcile the world to Himself.
He has committed to us the Word and ministry of
reconciliation, making us His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:19-20).
B. We are called to be “a light” to this world (Matthew 5:14).
We are to proclaim the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into
“His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
C. Jesus sent the disciples into the world to preach the gospel to every
creature. (Mark 16:15).
Jesus made it clear whatever He said to them,He said to all. (Mark 13:37).
D. Paul told the Roman believers that their preaching to others was a key
ingredient to others being saved. “How shall they call on Him if they
haven’t believed? How shall they believe on Him if they have never
heard? How shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)
All believers must confess Christ before others, this is a key ingredient in
your own salvation (Matthew 10:32-33).
E. Jesus said He would make His Disciples, “become fishers of men” (Mark
1:17).
2. Why Don’t Christians Share Their Faith More?
A. Fear of rejection (Luke 10:16) (Matthew10:26).
B. Fear of bodily harm (Matthew 10:28).
C. Being more concerned about the approval of men than the approval
of God ((John 12:42) (John 7:13).
D. Feeling inadequate (Exodus 3:11) (Exodus 4:10).
3. How Do You Become A Fisher Of Men?
If we take the analogy Jesus used we will be able to understand this better.
What does it take to become a good fisherman? A fishing pole, good
equipment, bait, and the experience to use the equipment at the right place and the right time. Immediately you realize you don’t become an expert fisherman over-night. The same is true with fishers of men.
A. First, you need a pole. Without a fishing pole you have no ability to
fish at all.
Your Spiritual ability comes from the power of the HolySpirit.
The Holy Spirit gives you power, boldness, and love (Acts 1:8)
(Acts 4:31) (Galatians 5:22).
B. Next, you need good equipment to use with your pole.
The Word of Godis the equipment you can have to answer peoples questions (2 Timothy
3:16-17).
You must study the Word diligently because people want to know Gods opinion on a subject, not yours or mine.
C. Next, you need bait.
What is someone interested in or what question dothey want an answer for?
The Holy Spirit takes His Word, gives you boldness, and then applies it to the specific need of an individual.
He does this by bringing a passage to your remembrance that fit’s the problem.
Now you know exactly what to say (John 4:1-14) (Acts 2:14-21) (Acts 7:1-54).
D. Last you need experience.
Those who catch a lot of fish know where to fish, and how to use their equipment to present the bait to the fish.
To become a good fisher of men takes time.
The more you share the Gospelthe better you will get at it.
4. How Do You Approach Someone?
A. First, sometimes people approach you.
This is usually because your life has been a witness to them and they want to know why you are different(John 3:2) (Acts 2:12-16).
Make sure that you take these opportunitiesbecause the person has an obvious immediate interest!
These are Divinely ordained situations!!!!
B. The passive approach.
1. From a normal conversation a person may share a problem they are
having in their marriage, job, or personal life; they may be talking
about a current event in the news, or their concern with world affairs.
Ask them if they are interested in Spiritual things.
Ask them if they have ever considered what the Bible says about that issue. Ask if you
could give them a book or a tape on the subject (John 4:14-24).
2. Share your testimony with them if the issues they are concerned about
were the same as your experiences.
Share how Christ has answered your questions and given you peace(Mark 5:19).
3. Invite someone to lunch or dinner to establish these opportunities for
conversation (Luke 19:5).
C. The direct approach.
1. This is where you simply ask the person if you could share the Gospel
with them. The Holy Spirit may open your eyes to someone who seems
interested in Spiritual thing as He did with Phillip(Acts 8:29).
Anotherexample is Paul and Lydia (Acts 16:13).
2. This can be done on the street, door to door, or on your break times in
your workplace(Acts 17:17).
5. What Do You Say Once You Start Talking ?
A. For a new Christian , just share your testimony.
Tell them what the Lord Jesus has done for you personally.
It is very hard for someone to disagreewith you because, it happened to you!
This is where Jesus told the demonpossessed man to start (Mark 5:19), and used the same method with the Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob (John 4:7-28)
B. Make sure you share the primary facts!
1. Who is Jesus (John 1:1,14)?
God come in human flesh(John 14:9).
2. What has He done for them?
He paid the penalty for Mans sin(Romans 5:6,9,10,19).
He was raised from the dead, that He mightlive as proof that He was the Son of God (Romans 1:4).
He came to give each of us real life (John 10:10) and eternal life(John 17:3).
3. Why did He have to do this?
Because we are sinners and there is a penalty for our sins (Romans 3:23) (Romans 6:23).
4. How can they receive this?
By asking for His forgiveness(Matthew 7:7)(1 John 1:9); calling on His name (Romans 10:13) (Acts 4:12);and receiving Him personally into their hearts (John 1:12).
C. Also make sure there is point of decision.
Ask them, “What’s stopping you from receiving Christ right now into your heart?”.
You haven’t fully shared the Gospel if you don’t ask for a decision (Joshua 24:15)
(1 Kings 18:21) (Acts 26:27) (Acts 13:44-46) (Acts 17:30-34).
Sunday, April 26, 2009
“The Mystery Flu” The day is over and you are driving home.
You tune in your radio.
You hear a little news blurb about a remote village in India where some villagers have died suddenly, strangely, of a type of flu that has never been seen before.
It is not your typical influenza, but several are dead and many more are desperately ill.
The symptoms are severe, and they are sending a team from the Center for Disease Control to conduct an investigation.
In the whirl of moment you do not think much of it, as your only concern is to return home to those who await you.
On the ride home from church on Sunday, you hear another story on the radio news that rivets your attention, only this time the death toll is not a few, but there are multiple thousands in a remote spot in India that are dying.
On a cable news service that you are viewing the story goes major with wall to wall coverage.
Governments the world over are pouring aid and investigators into the area to ease the suffering, but more importantly to identify the illness and to develop a strategy to contain the growing circle of exposure.
On Monday morning, it is the Headline Story in your area newspaper.
It is no longer contained in India, but has spread regionally to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and is beginning to appear in even more distant areas, and is becoming so discussed that the name of “the mystery flu” is coined and used by everyone.
The President has mentioned that he and everyone within his sphere of influence are praying and hoping that all will turn out all right “over there”.
But everyone we speak to is concerned, what is it, will it be contained, will it just mutate and go away, or will it attack me, and those who are mine?
Then we hear that the President of France has just made an announcement that rattles the continent of Europe.
He will close the borders of France with no air travel allowed from, or into any area where “the mystery flu” is suspected of having a foothold.
Later that day when you again visit the cable news feed you are appalled when an interview is ran and is being translated from French with English captions of a weeping woman who states “There is a man being treated in a hospital in Paris that is dying from “the mystery flu.”
It has now officially spread to Europe and panic in a personal and global reality begins to set in.
The symptoms stated as simply as possibly are beginning to be made known, first there is an incubation period of about a week, and then the early onset begins to resemble flu, with a fever and aches and pains, and then four days later you are desperately ill with a majority of your internal organs going through varying degrees of failure, and no one who exhibits any of the later symptoms will survive.
Borders of many nations all over the world are closed in an attempt to slow down the infection rate.
Finally the President makes his proclamation “Due to a national security risk, all flights to and from Europe and Asia have been cancelled. There will be no exceptions. No one moves into or out of the country until there is a resolution of this thing called “the mystery flu.”
Within a week the world has been thrust into an unbelievable fear.
In the market places, items are being sold that are promoted as a preventative or even a cure, and people are snapping them up at rates that will not allow the shelf inventory to be maintained.
“The mystery flu” is the only topic of discussion, at your workplace, at your health club, at your beauty shop, and in the media.
Television stations are interviewing ministers, both local and national, and there are lines being drawn between those who represent the church.
Some are stating that the problem is overblown, some that it will pass, some that it is just a testing, and some state that it is a judgment being poured out on humanity.
While others are stating that there are some who will escape the taint of death.
On Wednesday night across the nation, church doors are open, some that would normally be closed, as a matter of business decision.
It doesn’t matter now, times are desperate, and the houses are full.
Suddenly some one bursts in and shouts for someone to turn on a radio, as the news is out that now the horror, of “the mystery flu’ has arrived.
In a hospital on the east coast of the U.S.of A., several people have been hospitalized and are in the final life stages of “the mystery flu.”
Within hours the news media is reporting that nationwide people are exhibiting symptoms that can have only one cause, “the mystery flu.”
Doctors, Scientists, Immunologist, all are working around the clock to find an antidote, a vaccine, or a cure.
Just as suddenly as the appearance of the disease, the discovery is made, and yes, there is a cure for the dreaded disease.
It will take only one thing. The uninfected blood of the innocent and undefiled. Someone who even though exposed, has not become infected.
In every community, in every state in the nation, the call goes out , martial law is imposed, and it is required of all people no matter the age or life status, to report to centers that have been setup, for immediate blood testing.
It is urgent!
All of humanity will be doomed if the blood of the perfect one is not identified.
The order is given on Friday that all of the people on your side of town will report to the parking lot of the local hospital.
As you arrive you are met by a long line of folks and by many doctors, nurses and volunteers, dressed in hospital garb, and running to and fro.
There are stations set up where blood is being drawn from each individual, with no exceptions being made.
After you and your family have had your turn at the mandatory donation area, you are informed to go to a staging area to wait until your name is called, at which time you will in all probability be allowed to return to your home.
You wait idly, scared, uncertain of the future, and thinking that surely the world is coming to an end, and that there likely is no hope.
Suddenly a young man charges through the crowd yelling at the top of his lungs a name that sounds like it could be yours.
He approaches your staging area yelling louder and frantically waving a sheet of paper.
Your small son tugs at your pants, saying, “Daddy, that man is calling my name.”
Before you can gather your thoughts they have laid hold upon your son.
“Wait just a minute” you protest. “What is happening here?”
The medical representatives say “Its O.K., his blood is clean. His blood is pure. We want to make certain that he does not have the disease. We think he has the right type.”
Five minutes later the doctors and nurses come out of the building, all of them laughing and crying and hugging one another.
It is the first time you have seen anyone laugh in over a week, and an old doctor approaches you and says, “Thank you sir, Your sons blood is perfect and pure, and it will allow us to make the necessary vaccine.”
The word ripples across the parking lot slowly at first and then like a wave that is crashing upon a beach. The celebration starts with people singing, praying and giving thanks that there will be a vaccination and any who will take it will be saved from the death brought on by “the mystery flu.”
Your celebration is short lived as the same old doctor pulls you aside and states to you that “We really did not expect the donor to be a minor……and that we need you to sign a consent form.”
“No problem” you agree, until you see the amount of blood that is required.
You soon realize that it is too much.
You see the doctors smile fade as he watches you grow pale with dread.
Through a numb mind, you hear him say, “We need it all, it will cost him his life, but we are talking about the entirety of humanity, after all.”
Please agree and sign quickly, there is not a moment to waste as many perish each moment that we delay.
“Can you not just give him a transfusion?” You ask.
You are given a choice. “Would you like to be present as we take the blood?”
Could you walk back to the room where he is and answer his questions?
“Daddy, Momma, what is going on, why cant we just go home, I’m scared!”
Would you be able to take his hand and explain to him that you would never let anything happen to him that was unnecessary?
How would you feel as he cried out for you to help him escape those he realized were his captors.
Would you cringe as he yelled out “DADDY!!!!”
“WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME”
The cure is given and offered freely to all who would accept it.
Many do.
Many more do not and will suffer the consequences of refusing the blood that heals.
It is a choice that they have been allowed to make for themselves.
The next Sunday, a community wide celebration honoring your son is planned, the emphasis will be on the extreme price that he paid to keep humanity from “the mystery flu.”
Sunday comes, and the building where the celebration is to take place is almost empty.
Would you be heart sick and angered that so many who have benefited from your sons ultimate sacrifice have so quickly forgotten what happened.
Would you be glad that in their new freedom that they prefer to sleep off a hangover, or to spend time at the lake, to go shopping, or to a movie , or just to sit at home with no care at all that a seat that only they can fill is empty and the celebration is less without them.
Would you yell out “My son died, why don’t you care?’
Can you hear God yell out, “My Son died for you. Don’t you know how much I care?”
Author is currently unknown
………………………………............................................................................................................................................
1 John 1:5-10 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and the word is not in us.”
All of us who are washed in the blood of the perfect sacrifice, should attempt to be in the house of celebration at every possible chance; what a great chance to honor our King and Savior with the saints of God.
Please read in the book for yourself; all of Revelation chapter 5, and we will see a worthy celebration that is being thrown for the One who gave Himself so that we could live, in eternity.
There is no GOD like JEHOVAH who alone would give himself as a ransom for those whom HE loves.
You tune in your radio.
You hear a little news blurb about a remote village in India where some villagers have died suddenly, strangely, of a type of flu that has never been seen before.
It is not your typical influenza, but several are dead and many more are desperately ill.
The symptoms are severe, and they are sending a team from the Center for Disease Control to conduct an investigation.
In the whirl of moment you do not think much of it, as your only concern is to return home to those who await you.
On the ride home from church on Sunday, you hear another story on the radio news that rivets your attention, only this time the death toll is not a few, but there are multiple thousands in a remote spot in India that are dying.
On a cable news service that you are viewing the story goes major with wall to wall coverage.
Governments the world over are pouring aid and investigators into the area to ease the suffering, but more importantly to identify the illness and to develop a strategy to contain the growing circle of exposure.
On Monday morning, it is the Headline Story in your area newspaper.
It is no longer contained in India, but has spread regionally to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and is beginning to appear in even more distant areas, and is becoming so discussed that the name of “the mystery flu” is coined and used by everyone.
The President has mentioned that he and everyone within his sphere of influence are praying and hoping that all will turn out all right “over there”.
But everyone we speak to is concerned, what is it, will it be contained, will it just mutate and go away, or will it attack me, and those who are mine?
Then we hear that the President of France has just made an announcement that rattles the continent of Europe.
He will close the borders of France with no air travel allowed from, or into any area where “the mystery flu” is suspected of having a foothold.
Later that day when you again visit the cable news feed you are appalled when an interview is ran and is being translated from French with English captions of a weeping woman who states “There is a man being treated in a hospital in Paris that is dying from “the mystery flu.”
It has now officially spread to Europe and panic in a personal and global reality begins to set in.
The symptoms stated as simply as possibly are beginning to be made known, first there is an incubation period of about a week, and then the early onset begins to resemble flu, with a fever and aches and pains, and then four days later you are desperately ill with a majority of your internal organs going through varying degrees of failure, and no one who exhibits any of the later symptoms will survive.
Borders of many nations all over the world are closed in an attempt to slow down the infection rate.
Finally the President makes his proclamation “Due to a national security risk, all flights to and from Europe and Asia have been cancelled. There will be no exceptions. No one moves into or out of the country until there is a resolution of this thing called “the mystery flu.”
Within a week the world has been thrust into an unbelievable fear.
In the market places, items are being sold that are promoted as a preventative or even a cure, and people are snapping them up at rates that will not allow the shelf inventory to be maintained.
“The mystery flu” is the only topic of discussion, at your workplace, at your health club, at your beauty shop, and in the media.
Television stations are interviewing ministers, both local and national, and there are lines being drawn between those who represent the church.
Some are stating that the problem is overblown, some that it will pass, some that it is just a testing, and some state that it is a judgment being poured out on humanity.
While others are stating that there are some who will escape the taint of death.
On Wednesday night across the nation, church doors are open, some that would normally be closed, as a matter of business decision.
It doesn’t matter now, times are desperate, and the houses are full.
Suddenly some one bursts in and shouts for someone to turn on a radio, as the news is out that now the horror, of “the mystery flu’ has arrived.
In a hospital on the east coast of the U.S.of A., several people have been hospitalized and are in the final life stages of “the mystery flu.”
Within hours the news media is reporting that nationwide people are exhibiting symptoms that can have only one cause, “the mystery flu.”
Doctors, Scientists, Immunologist, all are working around the clock to find an antidote, a vaccine, or a cure.
Just as suddenly as the appearance of the disease, the discovery is made, and yes, there is a cure for the dreaded disease.
It will take only one thing. The uninfected blood of the innocent and undefiled. Someone who even though exposed, has not become infected.
In every community, in every state in the nation, the call goes out , martial law is imposed, and it is required of all people no matter the age or life status, to report to centers that have been setup, for immediate blood testing.
It is urgent!
All of humanity will be doomed if the blood of the perfect one is not identified.
The order is given on Friday that all of the people on your side of town will report to the parking lot of the local hospital.
As you arrive you are met by a long line of folks and by many doctors, nurses and volunteers, dressed in hospital garb, and running to and fro.
There are stations set up where blood is being drawn from each individual, with no exceptions being made.
After you and your family have had your turn at the mandatory donation area, you are informed to go to a staging area to wait until your name is called, at which time you will in all probability be allowed to return to your home.
You wait idly, scared, uncertain of the future, and thinking that surely the world is coming to an end, and that there likely is no hope.
Suddenly a young man charges through the crowd yelling at the top of his lungs a name that sounds like it could be yours.
He approaches your staging area yelling louder and frantically waving a sheet of paper.
Your small son tugs at your pants, saying, “Daddy, that man is calling my name.”
Before you can gather your thoughts they have laid hold upon your son.
“Wait just a minute” you protest. “What is happening here?”
The medical representatives say “Its O.K., his blood is clean. His blood is pure. We want to make certain that he does not have the disease. We think he has the right type.”
Five minutes later the doctors and nurses come out of the building, all of them laughing and crying and hugging one another.
It is the first time you have seen anyone laugh in over a week, and an old doctor approaches you and says, “Thank you sir, Your sons blood is perfect and pure, and it will allow us to make the necessary vaccine.”
The word ripples across the parking lot slowly at first and then like a wave that is crashing upon a beach. The celebration starts with people singing, praying and giving thanks that there will be a vaccination and any who will take it will be saved from the death brought on by “the mystery flu.”
Your celebration is short lived as the same old doctor pulls you aside and states to you that “We really did not expect the donor to be a minor……and that we need you to sign a consent form.”
“No problem” you agree, until you see the amount of blood that is required.
You soon realize that it is too much.
You see the doctors smile fade as he watches you grow pale with dread.
Through a numb mind, you hear him say, “We need it all, it will cost him his life, but we are talking about the entirety of humanity, after all.”
Please agree and sign quickly, there is not a moment to waste as many perish each moment that we delay.
“Can you not just give him a transfusion?” You ask.
You are given a choice. “Would you like to be present as we take the blood?”
Could you walk back to the room where he is and answer his questions?
“Daddy, Momma, what is going on, why cant we just go home, I’m scared!”
Would you be able to take his hand and explain to him that you would never let anything happen to him that was unnecessary?
How would you feel as he cried out for you to help him escape those he realized were his captors.
Would you cringe as he yelled out “DADDY!!!!”
“WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME”
The cure is given and offered freely to all who would accept it.
Many do.
Many more do not and will suffer the consequences of refusing the blood that heals.
It is a choice that they have been allowed to make for themselves.
The next Sunday, a community wide celebration honoring your son is planned, the emphasis will be on the extreme price that he paid to keep humanity from “the mystery flu.”
Sunday comes, and the building where the celebration is to take place is almost empty.
Would you be heart sick and angered that so many who have benefited from your sons ultimate sacrifice have so quickly forgotten what happened.
Would you be glad that in their new freedom that they prefer to sleep off a hangover, or to spend time at the lake, to go shopping, or to a movie , or just to sit at home with no care at all that a seat that only they can fill is empty and the celebration is less without them.
Would you yell out “My son died, why don’t you care?’
Can you hear God yell out, “My Son died for you. Don’t you know how much I care?”
Author is currently unknown
………………………………............................................................................................................................................
1 John 1:5-10 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and the word is not in us.”
All of us who are washed in the blood of the perfect sacrifice, should attempt to be in the house of celebration at every possible chance; what a great chance to honor our King and Savior with the saints of God.
Please read in the book for yourself; all of Revelation chapter 5, and we will see a worthy celebration that is being thrown for the One who gave Himself so that we could live, in eternity.
There is no GOD like JEHOVAH who alone would give himself as a ransom for those whom HE loves.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
WHAT IS THE PASSION WEEK AND WHY ARE ITS EVENTS IMPORTANT TO ME TODAY ? Discipleship Series One
Added Lesson
1. What is Passion Week ?
Passion Week is the time described in, Matthew ch21-27 and Mark ch 11-15 and Luke ch 19-23 and John ch 12-19
Passion Week includes the triumphant entry, Jesus cleansing the temple for the 2nd time, Jesus giving the Olivet Discourse, Jesus and the disciples celebrating the Passover, Jesus arrest scourging , trial, mockery, beatings, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection.
It is considered Passion Week because of what Jesus willingly went through on our behalf.
How should we celebrate Passion Week ?
We should be passionate in our worship our service and our proclamation of the Gospel of Christ.
2. What is Palm Sunday ?
Palm Sunday is the day we remember Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem, exactly one week before His resurrection. (Matthew 21:1-11)
450 years earlier the Prophet Zechariah had prophesied (Zechariah 9:9)
(Matthew 21:7-9 ) records the fullfillment of that prophecy.
It is known as Palm Sunday because of the Palm branches that were laid on the road as Jesus entered Jerusalem.
Palm Sunday was the fullfillment of Prophet Daniels “seventy weeks of seven” prophecy. (Daniel 9:25)
(John 1:11) tells us that His own knew Him not.
Five days later they chose Barrabas, (Matthew 27:22-23).
3. What Is Maundy Thursday ?
It is that day that Jesus celebrated the last Passover and instituted what we know as the Lords Supper.
Two important events are the focus of Maundy Thursday.
1. Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples and thereby instituted the Lords Supper/Communion (Luke 22:19-20).
2. Jesus washed the disciples feet as an act of humility and service, thereby setting an example that we should serve one another in humility (John 13:3-17). Some churches still observe foot washing ceremonies.
The word Maundy comes from the Latin word for command. Jesus commanded that His disciples should love one another.
Should Christians observe Maundy Thursday ?
It is a good thing to remember the Last Supper and it is good to remember the humility that Christ exhibited toward his disciples, we should however be careful to avoid ritualistic observances unless they are truly focused on our relationship with Messiah.
4. WHAT IS GOOD FRIDAY ?
It is the traditional day of Christs crucifixion .
Are Christians commanded to celebrate Good Friday ?
(Romans 14:5)
The Bible does instruct us to remember Christ death by observing the Lords Supper (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Why is this day referred to as good when the deed that the Roman soldiers performed on the body of the Christ definitely was not good.
(Romans 5:8) (1 Peter 3:18)
5. WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE ?
God is all powerful and forgiving.
At the same time God is Holy just and righteous.
God in His Holiness demands that all sin be punished. (Romans 3:23and 6:23)
God is infinite and eternal.
Since all sin is against God (Psalm 51:4) the only just punishment for sin is eternal punishment.
The only way we can personally pay for our sin it to spend eternity in hell, in the lake of fire,(Revelation 20:14-15)
The good news is that God provided payment for our punishment.
Jesus was God in the flesh. (John 1:1,and 14).
When Jesus died on the cross it was payment enough for all the sin that had ever been or ever would be committed. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Our only obligation is to place all of our faith in that one act and our sins will be forgiven (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10).
His death was the only way our sins could be forgiven.
6.WHERE WAS JESUS IN THE DAYS BETWEEN HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION ?
(1Peter 3:18-19)
What did Jesus preach to the spirits in captivity ?
(1 Peter 3:22, Colossians 2:15)
After that (Ephesians 4:8-10) and also (Luke 16:20, and 23:43).
Jesus was not giving the lost a second chance, but declaring that He was who He said He was and proclaiming His victory over death all the while revealing Himself to those who through faith looked forward to Him.
7. WHY IS THE RESSURECTION OF THE CHRIST IMPORTANT ?
Read (1 Corinthians ch 15)
The resurrection is the triumphant and glorious victory for every believer in Jesus Christ who, died, was buried and rose again of the third day according to scripture and is coming again, The dead in Christ will be raised up and those who remain and are alive at His coming will be changed and receive new glorified bodies.
THAT IS OUR BLESSED HOPE !
Added Lesson
1. What is Passion Week ?
Passion Week is the time described in, Matthew ch21-27 and Mark ch 11-15 and Luke ch 19-23 and John ch 12-19
Passion Week includes the triumphant entry, Jesus cleansing the temple for the 2nd time, Jesus giving the Olivet Discourse, Jesus and the disciples celebrating the Passover, Jesus arrest scourging , trial, mockery, beatings, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection.
It is considered Passion Week because of what Jesus willingly went through on our behalf.
How should we celebrate Passion Week ?
We should be passionate in our worship our service and our proclamation of the Gospel of Christ.
2. What is Palm Sunday ?
Palm Sunday is the day we remember Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem, exactly one week before His resurrection. (Matthew 21:1-11)
450 years earlier the Prophet Zechariah had prophesied (Zechariah 9:9)
(Matthew 21:7-9 ) records the fullfillment of that prophecy.
It is known as Palm Sunday because of the Palm branches that were laid on the road as Jesus entered Jerusalem.
Palm Sunday was the fullfillment of Prophet Daniels “seventy weeks of seven” prophecy. (Daniel 9:25)
(John 1:11) tells us that His own knew Him not.
Five days later they chose Barrabas, (Matthew 27:22-23).
3. What Is Maundy Thursday ?
It is that day that Jesus celebrated the last Passover and instituted what we know as the Lords Supper.
Two important events are the focus of Maundy Thursday.
1. Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples and thereby instituted the Lords Supper/Communion (Luke 22:19-20).
2. Jesus washed the disciples feet as an act of humility and service, thereby setting an example that we should serve one another in humility (John 13:3-17). Some churches still observe foot washing ceremonies.
The word Maundy comes from the Latin word for command. Jesus commanded that His disciples should love one another.
Should Christians observe Maundy Thursday ?
It is a good thing to remember the Last Supper and it is good to remember the humility that Christ exhibited toward his disciples, we should however be careful to avoid ritualistic observances unless they are truly focused on our relationship with Messiah.
4. WHAT IS GOOD FRIDAY ?
It is the traditional day of Christs crucifixion .
Are Christians commanded to celebrate Good Friday ?
(Romans 14:5)
The Bible does instruct us to remember Christ death by observing the Lords Supper (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Why is this day referred to as good when the deed that the Roman soldiers performed on the body of the Christ definitely was not good.
(Romans 5:8) (1 Peter 3:18)
5. WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE ?
God is all powerful and forgiving.
At the same time God is Holy just and righteous.
God in His Holiness demands that all sin be punished. (Romans 3:23and 6:23)
God is infinite and eternal.
Since all sin is against God (Psalm 51:4) the only just punishment for sin is eternal punishment.
The only way we can personally pay for our sin it to spend eternity in hell, in the lake of fire,(Revelation 20:14-15)
The good news is that God provided payment for our punishment.
Jesus was God in the flesh. (John 1:1,and 14).
When Jesus died on the cross it was payment enough for all the sin that had ever been or ever would be committed. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Our only obligation is to place all of our faith in that one act and our sins will be forgiven (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10).
His death was the only way our sins could be forgiven.
6.WHERE WAS JESUS IN THE DAYS BETWEEN HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION ?
(1Peter 3:18-19)
What did Jesus preach to the spirits in captivity ?
(1 Peter 3:22, Colossians 2:15)
After that (Ephesians 4:8-10) and also (Luke 16:20, and 23:43).
Jesus was not giving the lost a second chance, but declaring that He was who He said He was and proclaiming His victory over death all the while revealing Himself to those who through faith looked forward to Him.
7. WHY IS THE RESSURECTION OF THE CHRIST IMPORTANT ?
Read (1 Corinthians ch 15)
The resurrection is the triumphant and glorious victory for every believer in Jesus Christ who, died, was buried and rose again of the third day according to scripture and is coming again, The dead in Christ will be raised up and those who remain and are alive at His coming will be changed and receive new glorified bodies.
THAT IS OUR BLESSED HOPE !
Sunday, March 29, 2009
EMOTION vs. EMOTIONALISM
To emote or not to emote, that is the question……………….and the reason for the confusion.
Many will decry the lack of emotion in a worship service and in the lives of Christians and others.
Others then will warn against emotionalism of any sort as they look down an any display of emotion.
Is there emotion without the display of emotionalism? I believe that there is.
There are emotions that have a scriptural role in the life of a Christian.
There is also a danger of the emotion becoming a form of emotionalism, or fleshly attitude and conduct.
How then can a person know the difference and have one without the other?
Let us consider the extremes.
Emotionalism….
Tends to become that better felt than told occurrence, where people tend to depend more upon what they feel in their hearts, rather than what they read in the word of God.
Such emotionalism tends to disobey the scriptural admonition of worship conducted in a decent and orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40)
It leads the participant to overlook the warning of Proverbs 28:26 “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool…”
Formalism…
In which there is a complete lack of emotion in worship and in service.
Perhaps the lack of emotion then is a reaction against emotionalism, which results in a “dead pan” attitude
Often causes those who lead songs and preach to do so with little reaction by those who should be engaged.
Such lack of “heartfelt” religion is contrary to the teachings of Jesus
Condemning a religion in which ones heart is far removed far from Him (Matthew 15:7-8)
Condemning a love for God that involves the whole heart (Matthew 22:37-40)
The tendency of formalism is to swing from one extreme to another, yet can be avoided by remembering…
Emotion has a proper place…
There is to be the emotion of love (1 Peter 4:8, 1 Corinthians 16:22)
There is to be the emotion of hope (Romans 12:12)
There is to be the emotion of joy (Philippians 4:4)
There is to be the emotion of sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10)
There is to be the emotion of hate (Proverbs 8:13)
There is to be the emotion of fear (Matthew 10:28)
In the life of all Christians there is a place for emotion!
Emotion must be grounded in the word of God…
Scriptural faith comes by hearing the word of God
Scriptural faith requires the use of our intellectual faculties
Take notice how the Word of God is designed to stimulate emotion:
Reading of Gods love we should be moved to love (1 John 4:11)
Told of the promises awaiting us, we are motivated to hope (1 Peter 1:3-4,and 13)
Informed of Jesus reconciling work of the cross, we are moved to rejoice (Romans 5:10-11)
When rebuked by the Word, it will produce sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:8)
Filled with the knowledge of truth, we come to hate certain things (Proverbs 1:7, and ch8:13)
Reading of the warnings in scripture, we are moved to fear (Hebrews 10:25-27)
Scriptural emotions are directed by the Word of God, and are not a matter of flesh
Emotion must produce fruit…
Scriptural emotions must produce fruit
The emotions evoked by Scripture are there for a purpose
Unless the proper fruit is born, it is simply emotionalism
The fruits born of purposeful emotion are evidenced in the fact the following
The emotion of love bears the fruit of obedience (John 14:15 1 John 5:3)
The emotion of hope bears its fruit in act of patience (Romans 8:24-25)
The emotion of joys bears the fruit of sacrifice (2 Corinthians 8:25)
The emotion of sorrow bears the fruit of repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10)
The emotion of hate bears fruit in rejecting the spirit of error (Psalms 119:127-128)
The emotion of fear will bear the fruit of departing from evil (Proverbs 16:6)
According to the Scriptures then, emotion produces active, living, visible fruits in the life of Christians
Formalism can be avoided by a conscious choice to understand the difference between worship based upon rote, and worship under the guidance of spirit and truth.
When does emotion become emotionalism?
When people stress emotion for emotions sake alone,
Whenever people forget that emotions are a means to an end, to motivate one to produce proper fruit.
The goal should never be the emotion, but the fruit they are intended to produce.
If all we display is emotion, not bearing the proper fruit, then we are guilty of emotionalism.
If our emotions are based upon anything other than the Word of God, we are guilty of emotionalism.
Emotion becomes emotionalism, when the emotion becomes the basis for our faith…
Whenever we allow feelings alone to dictate what we believe
Such as when a person…
Refuses to obey what can be read in Scripture, only because he “feels” that it should be different.
Tries to change the meaning of a passage of Scripture to support what he “feels” is right.
If our faith is based upon emotions, we are guilty of emotionalism.
God has given each of us the wonderful gift of the capacity to feel and express our emotions,
And by doing so
It allows us to respond to the wonderful truths found in Gods Word
It motivates us to higher levels of service in response to Gods Will
However, like all good things, the capacity of emotion must be properly used
To avoid extremes, both of emotionalism and formalism…
To let our hearts be deeply moved by the Word of God
To allow our emotion to provoke us to bear the proper fruit God desires
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” Romans 15:13
To emote or not to emote, that is the question……………….and the reason for the confusion.
Many will decry the lack of emotion in a worship service and in the lives of Christians and others.
Others then will warn against emotionalism of any sort as they look down an any display of emotion.
Is there emotion without the display of emotionalism? I believe that there is.
There are emotions that have a scriptural role in the life of a Christian.
There is also a danger of the emotion becoming a form of emotionalism, or fleshly attitude and conduct.
How then can a person know the difference and have one without the other?
Let us consider the extremes.
Emotionalism….
Tends to become that better felt than told occurrence, where people tend to depend more upon what they feel in their hearts, rather than what they read in the word of God.
Such emotionalism tends to disobey the scriptural admonition of worship conducted in a decent and orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40)
It leads the participant to overlook the warning of Proverbs 28:26 “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool…”
Formalism…
In which there is a complete lack of emotion in worship and in service.
Perhaps the lack of emotion then is a reaction against emotionalism, which results in a “dead pan” attitude
Often causes those who lead songs and preach to do so with little reaction by those who should be engaged.
Such lack of “heartfelt” religion is contrary to the teachings of Jesus
Condemning a religion in which ones heart is far removed far from Him (Matthew 15:7-8)
Condemning a love for God that involves the whole heart (Matthew 22:37-40)
The tendency of formalism is to swing from one extreme to another, yet can be avoided by remembering…
Emotion has a proper place…
There is to be the emotion of love (1 Peter 4:8, 1 Corinthians 16:22)
There is to be the emotion of hope (Romans 12:12)
There is to be the emotion of joy (Philippians 4:4)
There is to be the emotion of sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10)
There is to be the emotion of hate (Proverbs 8:13)
There is to be the emotion of fear (Matthew 10:28)
In the life of all Christians there is a place for emotion!
Emotion must be grounded in the word of God…
Scriptural faith comes by hearing the word of God
Scriptural faith requires the use of our intellectual faculties
Take notice how the Word of God is designed to stimulate emotion:
Reading of Gods love we should be moved to love (1 John 4:11)
Told of the promises awaiting us, we are motivated to hope (1 Peter 1:3-4,and 13)
Informed of Jesus reconciling work of the cross, we are moved to rejoice (Romans 5:10-11)
When rebuked by the Word, it will produce sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:8)
Filled with the knowledge of truth, we come to hate certain things (Proverbs 1:7, and ch8:13)
Reading of the warnings in scripture, we are moved to fear (Hebrews 10:25-27)
Scriptural emotions are directed by the Word of God, and are not a matter of flesh
Emotion must produce fruit…
Scriptural emotions must produce fruit
The emotions evoked by Scripture are there for a purpose
Unless the proper fruit is born, it is simply emotionalism
The fruits born of purposeful emotion are evidenced in the fact the following
The emotion of love bears the fruit of obedience (John 14:15 1 John 5:3)
The emotion of hope bears its fruit in act of patience (Romans 8:24-25)
The emotion of joys bears the fruit of sacrifice (2 Corinthians 8:25)
The emotion of sorrow bears the fruit of repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10)
The emotion of hate bears fruit in rejecting the spirit of error (Psalms 119:127-128)
The emotion of fear will bear the fruit of departing from evil (Proverbs 16:6)
According to the Scriptures then, emotion produces active, living, visible fruits in the life of Christians
Formalism can be avoided by a conscious choice to understand the difference between worship based upon rote, and worship under the guidance of spirit and truth.
When does emotion become emotionalism?
When people stress emotion for emotions sake alone,
Whenever people forget that emotions are a means to an end, to motivate one to produce proper fruit.
The goal should never be the emotion, but the fruit they are intended to produce.
If all we display is emotion, not bearing the proper fruit, then we are guilty of emotionalism.
If our emotions are based upon anything other than the Word of God, we are guilty of emotionalism.
Emotion becomes emotionalism, when the emotion becomes the basis for our faith…
Whenever we allow feelings alone to dictate what we believe
Such as when a person…
Refuses to obey what can be read in Scripture, only because he “feels” that it should be different.
Tries to change the meaning of a passage of Scripture to support what he “feels” is right.
If our faith is based upon emotions, we are guilty of emotionalism.
God has given each of us the wonderful gift of the capacity to feel and express our emotions,
And by doing so
It allows us to respond to the wonderful truths found in Gods Word
It motivates us to higher levels of service in response to Gods Will
However, like all good things, the capacity of emotion must be properly used
To avoid extremes, both of emotionalism and formalism…
To let our hearts be deeply moved by the Word of God
To allow our emotion to provoke us to bear the proper fruit God desires
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” Romans 15:13
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
What ? Me Worry? Pt two
Have you ever fully committed yourself to Gods safekeeping?
In order to conquer the human frailty of worry, we must do exactly that, as there is no plan and no method that can be successful for the Christian short of the full surrender to the knowledge of Gods will and plan for every area of you life.
Committing to Gods safekeeping requires that we grow in the knowledge of God and our love for Him.
The only way that we can truly accomplish that purpose is to study the Scriptures, pray and meditate upon Gods promises to His faithful people. (Romans 15:4)
We must be realistic.
True peace of mind does not depend on solving all the problems, righting all the wrongs, removing all of the imperfections, or in getting all that we want. (Ecclesiastes 8:16-17)
Some things just will not change and we need to be realistic enough to accept that.
There are real problems that have no solutions
There are situations that must simply be lived through
The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook (Proverbs 19:11)
Realistic knowledge of our own limitations ought to cause us to relax and slow down
There is an art to getting things done and an equally noble art of leaving things undone.
The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials (Gladstone)
We must learn to let go of some problems and allow the Lord to be in charge of them (1 Peter 5:7, Proverbs 3:5-6)
Be flexible
Change is inevitable: we must learn to be resilient, adaptable, adjustable (Philippians 4:11-12)
Under stress, if we cannot learn to bend, we will surely break.
Our faith must remain only in Him who changes not.
While there are some things that we must resist without compromise, wisdom can tell us when to change and when to hold our ground.
Focus on the good cares, and minimize the unnecessary ones.
We tend to become distracted by many relatively unimportant cares, and don’t care enough about the things we should. (Matthew 13:22)
Whenever the mind is distracted by many pursuits, it derives little benefit from any of them.
Really only one thing is necessary (Luke 10:41-42, Matthew 6:33-34)
Learn to live one day at a time.
Proper use of today diminishes anxiety about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34)
Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its worries and sorrows, it only empties today of its victory’s
Worry is the interest that is charged against troubles before they are eliminated
The larger part of our fear will turn out to be unfounded
Winston Churchill was credited with saying “I have had a lot of trouble in this life, most of which never happened.”
Stay busy
Anxiety and idleness accompany each other
Despair often is a form of laziness
Blessed is the person who is too busy in the daytime to fret, and too sleepy in the nighttime to worry.
Much good can be done, even in adversity, if we will only concentrate on the things that can be accomplished, and disregard the things that cannot be done.
There is no tranquilizer as effective as the knowledge that we have done our best and there is no pillow as soft as a good conscience.
Learn to be content.
Contentment is a lesson that Paul had to learn (Philippians 4:11-13)
We should learn to rejoice in the Lord, which we can easily do when we learn to continually count our blessings. (Philippians 4:4-6)
The Christian should be able to see the silver lining behind the darkest cloud.
When discontent is the rule in a life, that Christian may lose his very soul because of it.(1 Timothy 6:6-8, Hebrews 13:5-6)
Anxiety can come because of having too much, as well as having too little (Ecclesiastes 5:12)
Wealth can be measured in ways other than possessions, it can also be seen in the things that we can do without.
Whenever problem cause anxiety in us , the best thing that we can do to bathe the problems is to express a spirit of reverence and gratitude.
In all of our anxiety and cares the Christian is given the means to deal with all of it.
We are promised a peace that comes only through prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)
We are promised a reassuring confidence that can only be found in trusting in God (Psalms 23:1-6)
Whenever the feelings of insecurity, helplessness and isolation arise, we should……
Focus on trusting in the God who loves us
Read and remember the Scriptures, be realistic, be flexible, focus on the good, minimize unnecessary distractions, and learn to live one day at a time, staying busy and learning to be content.
Have you ever fully committed yourself to Gods safekeeping?
In order to conquer the human frailty of worry, we must do exactly that, as there is no plan and no method that can be successful for the Christian short of the full surrender to the knowledge of Gods will and plan for every area of you life.
Committing to Gods safekeeping requires that we grow in the knowledge of God and our love for Him.
The only way that we can truly accomplish that purpose is to study the Scriptures, pray and meditate upon Gods promises to His faithful people. (Romans 15:4)
We must be realistic.
True peace of mind does not depend on solving all the problems, righting all the wrongs, removing all of the imperfections, or in getting all that we want. (Ecclesiastes 8:16-17)
Some things just will not change and we need to be realistic enough to accept that.
There are real problems that have no solutions
There are situations that must simply be lived through
The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook (Proverbs 19:11)
Realistic knowledge of our own limitations ought to cause us to relax and slow down
There is an art to getting things done and an equally noble art of leaving things undone.
The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials (Gladstone)
We must learn to let go of some problems and allow the Lord to be in charge of them (1 Peter 5:7, Proverbs 3:5-6)
Be flexible
Change is inevitable: we must learn to be resilient, adaptable, adjustable (Philippians 4:11-12)
Under stress, if we cannot learn to bend, we will surely break.
Our faith must remain only in Him who changes not.
While there are some things that we must resist without compromise, wisdom can tell us when to change and when to hold our ground.
Focus on the good cares, and minimize the unnecessary ones.
We tend to become distracted by many relatively unimportant cares, and don’t care enough about the things we should. (Matthew 13:22)
Whenever the mind is distracted by many pursuits, it derives little benefit from any of them.
Really only one thing is necessary (Luke 10:41-42, Matthew 6:33-34)
Learn to live one day at a time.
Proper use of today diminishes anxiety about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34)
Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its worries and sorrows, it only empties today of its victory’s
Worry is the interest that is charged against troubles before they are eliminated
The larger part of our fear will turn out to be unfounded
Winston Churchill was credited with saying “I have had a lot of trouble in this life, most of which never happened.”
Stay busy
Anxiety and idleness accompany each other
Despair often is a form of laziness
Blessed is the person who is too busy in the daytime to fret, and too sleepy in the nighttime to worry.
Much good can be done, even in adversity, if we will only concentrate on the things that can be accomplished, and disregard the things that cannot be done.
There is no tranquilizer as effective as the knowledge that we have done our best and there is no pillow as soft as a good conscience.
Learn to be content.
Contentment is a lesson that Paul had to learn (Philippians 4:11-13)
We should learn to rejoice in the Lord, which we can easily do when we learn to continually count our blessings. (Philippians 4:4-6)
The Christian should be able to see the silver lining behind the darkest cloud.
When discontent is the rule in a life, that Christian may lose his very soul because of it.(1 Timothy 6:6-8, Hebrews 13:5-6)
Anxiety can come because of having too much, as well as having too little (Ecclesiastes 5:12)
Wealth can be measured in ways other than possessions, it can also be seen in the things that we can do without.
Whenever problem cause anxiety in us , the best thing that we can do to bathe the problems is to express a spirit of reverence and gratitude.
In all of our anxiety and cares the Christian is given the means to deal with all of it.
We are promised a peace that comes only through prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)
We are promised a reassuring confidence that can only be found in trusting in God (Psalms 23:1-6)
Whenever the feelings of insecurity, helplessness and isolation arise, we should……
Focus on trusting in the God who loves us
Read and remember the Scriptures, be realistic, be flexible, focus on the good, minimize unnecessary distractions, and learn to live one day at a time, staying busy and learning to be content.
Monday, March 9, 2009
WHAT? ME WORRY? Pt one
We can attribute that statement to a once popular social commentary comedic character, named A.E Nueman, a 53 year old icon that is familiar to most of us.
Laying aside the satire that he popularized, we can say also, What , me worry?
We are all too familiar with the problem of anxiety, and the epidemic proportion that it is reaching in our culture.
Even though the problem is prevalent, the matter of anxiety is the least productive activity that a human can undertake.
Worrying is equivalent to the movie cowboy making a fast getaway on wooden horse.
Your imagination may see it to be a valid tool, but there is no good that can come of the wasted effort.
What then is this thing that we call anxiety?
It is manifest in the matter of distress about future uncertainties.
It may be characterized by mental agitation and uneasiness, that may be mild or severe.
We allow anxiety to arise in our minds when we feel unsure or uncertain of future events, either distant or near, and our fear that we have no certainty in their outcome.
What is the cause of all this anxiety?
It can be caused by real or imagined threats to our wellbeing, as we feel vulnerable and inadequately protected against the possibility of those events being played out.
Threats in the manner of social rejection, physical injury, disease, family turmoil, death, and the reality of an impending financial collapse, in our generation.
There are three main elements to examine,
Insecurity: worry that something bad is going to happen
Helplessness: worry that there is nothing that I can do
Isolation: worry that there will be no one who will help me
These three causes may operate individually or in various combinations, all to the detriment of their victim.
In the emotional realm, these identifiers cause just as much anxiety and hopelessness as if they were real and not just imagined.
When we realize that anxiety is a form of fear then we are coming ever closer to overcoming the problem.
In order to do that we must first
Trust in God
The best remedy is to deal with the problems causes, and not just the symptoms.
We must identify the truth about insecurity, helplessness, and isolation in regards to the Christian.
Even though the Christian may feel insecure, the reality is that he is very secure Proverbs 3:21-26 and Hebrews 4:16
The Christian may feel helpless, yet the reality is that he has great help Romans 8:31
The Christian may feel that he is all alone yet the truth is that God is always at his side Hebrews 13:5-6
The only remedy for a Christians anxiety is a complete trust and confidence in Gods ability to deal with anything that threatens His own Isaiah 40:31 John 14:1 Philippians 4:13
The more that we learn of God the more we know of His infinite power and of His concern for us 1 Peter 5:6-7
Our God has promised peace of mind to those who are willing to commit all of their worries to Him John 16:33 Philippians 4:6-7 Peter 4:19
He is a God that cannot fail, and in that we can trust.
We can attribute that statement to a once popular social commentary comedic character, named A.E Nueman, a 53 year old icon that is familiar to most of us.
Laying aside the satire that he popularized, we can say also, What , me worry?
We are all too familiar with the problem of anxiety, and the epidemic proportion that it is reaching in our culture.
Even though the problem is prevalent, the matter of anxiety is the least productive activity that a human can undertake.
Worrying is equivalent to the movie cowboy making a fast getaway on wooden horse.
Your imagination may see it to be a valid tool, but there is no good that can come of the wasted effort.
What then is this thing that we call anxiety?
It is manifest in the matter of distress about future uncertainties.
It may be characterized by mental agitation and uneasiness, that may be mild or severe.
We allow anxiety to arise in our minds when we feel unsure or uncertain of future events, either distant or near, and our fear that we have no certainty in their outcome.
What is the cause of all this anxiety?
It can be caused by real or imagined threats to our wellbeing, as we feel vulnerable and inadequately protected against the possibility of those events being played out.
Threats in the manner of social rejection, physical injury, disease, family turmoil, death, and the reality of an impending financial collapse, in our generation.
There are three main elements to examine,
Insecurity: worry that something bad is going to happen
Helplessness: worry that there is nothing that I can do
Isolation: worry that there will be no one who will help me
These three causes may operate individually or in various combinations, all to the detriment of their victim.
In the emotional realm, these identifiers cause just as much anxiety and hopelessness as if they were real and not just imagined.
When we realize that anxiety is a form of fear then we are coming ever closer to overcoming the problem.
In order to do that we must first
Trust in God
The best remedy is to deal with the problems causes, and not just the symptoms.
We must identify the truth about insecurity, helplessness, and isolation in regards to the Christian.
Even though the Christian may feel insecure, the reality is that he is very secure Proverbs 3:21-26 and Hebrews 4:16
The Christian may feel helpless, yet the reality is that he has great help Romans 8:31
The Christian may feel that he is all alone yet the truth is that God is always at his side Hebrews 13:5-6
The only remedy for a Christians anxiety is a complete trust and confidence in Gods ability to deal with anything that threatens His own Isaiah 40:31 John 14:1 Philippians 4:13
The more that we learn of God the more we know of His infinite power and of His concern for us 1 Peter 5:6-7
Our God has promised peace of mind to those who are willing to commit all of their worries to Him John 16:33 Philippians 4:6-7 Peter 4:19
He is a God that cannot fail, and in that we can trust.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)