ITunes has reported That Plumb's New Album and her hit single "Need You Now" has hit #1 on the ITunes charts. Click here to visit her YouTube page to her perform her new songs live. For those of you who don't know her she is kind of like a Evanescence type singer.
Enjoy
In Christ,
Tyler Sherck
BFC Webmaster
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Positive Thought For 02-28-13
Here's Thursday's Positive Thought:
"God does not require us to succeed, he only requires that we try." Mother Theresa
"God does not require us to succeed, he only requires that we try." Mother Theresa
Always Look Ahead, Don't Wait Until The Last Minute
| The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves. |
| Proverbs 14:8, NLT |
| Bill Walsh, the former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, was thought eccentric because of how extensively he planned his plays in advance of each game. Most coaches would wait to see how the game unfolded, then respond with plays that seemed appropriate. Walsh wanted the game to respond to him. Walsh won several Super Bowls with his "eccentric" proactive approach. He was a coach who looked into the future. Looking ahead is the process of creating the future before it happens. People who learn to do it "understand where they are going." Like Bill Walsh, it involves deciding your actions in advance so that your life will respond to you. What are the benefits of such a proactive pursuit? Looking ahead gives direction. It's like using a highlighter on a roadmap to indicate where you are, where you are going, and how you are going to get there. The highlighted roadmap not only provides information for where you are going; it also suggests where you are not going. Looking ahead helps us to create rather than react. With each step along our journey, we are faced with a choice either to create or to react. Many people spend their entire days reacting. Like goalies in hockey, with pucks flying at us all day, we react. We react to news, cars in traffic, people, events, challenges, and obstacles. A better way involves making choices and following plans. Looking ahead saves time. "One hour of planning saves three hours of execution." Planning yields a savings return. We only have twenty-four hours in a day and 365 days in a year. If we don't use them wisely by looking ahead, we will forever forfeit those gifts. Looking ahead reduces crisis. Our daily lives have two controlling influences: plans and pressures. When we look ahead and choose to plan, we take charge and control of our days. If we fail to look ahead, we will spend our days in crisis mode. We will fall into a trap of panic planning--planning on the fly with no time to effectively map out a strategy. Looking ahead maximizes energy. Failing to look ahead, we dissipate our energy on less important matters, improper agendas, and lost crusades. We waste our time on the trivial many. But preparation often energizes us! Be wise. Look ahead. It's eccentric but well worth the effort. |
Leaving the Comfort Zone
| February 28, 2013 |
| Leaving the Comfort Zone |
| Genesis 12:1-9 |
Read
The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:1-3) |
Reflect
When God called him, Abram moved in faith from Ur to Haran and finally to Canaan. God planned to develop a nation of people he would call his own. He called Abram from the godless, self-centered city of Ur to a fertile region called Canaan, where a God-centered nation could be established. Though small in dimensions, the land of Canaan was the focal point for most of Israel's history as well as for the rise of Christianity. This small land given to one man, Abram, has had a tremendous impact on world history.God then established a covenant with Abram, promising to make him a great nation. Not only would Abram's own nation be blessed, God said, but the other nations of the earth would be blessed through Abram's descendants, the people of Israel. They were to follow God and influence those whom they came in contact with. What's more, through Abram's family tree Jesus Christ was born to save humanity. Through Christ, people can have a personal relationship with God and be blessed beyond measure. God promised to bless Abram and make him famous, but God had one condition: Abram had to do what God wanted him to do. This meant leaving his home and friends and traveling to a new land where God promised to build a great nation from Abram's family. Abram obeyed, leaving his home to pursue God's promise of even greater blessings in the future. |
Respond
What is God calling you to? Don't let the comfort and security of your present position cause you to miss God's plan for you. |
The Testimony of John the Baptist, Jesus, the Lamb of God And The First Disciples
John 1
4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,*and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.* 6 God sent a man, John the Baptist,*7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony.8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.9 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him.11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. 14 So the Word became human* and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.* And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son. 15 John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, "This is the one I was talking about when I said, 'Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.'" 16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.*17 For the law was given through Moses, but God's unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.18 No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God,* is near to the Father's heart. He has revealed God to us. The Testimony of John the Baptist 19 This was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants* from Jerusalem to ask John, "Who are you?"20 He came right out and said, "I am not the Messiah." 21 "Well then, who are you?" they asked. "Are you Elijah?" "No," he replied. "Are you the Prophet we are expecting?"* "No." 22 "Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?" 23 John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: "I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Clear the way for the LORD's coming!'"* 24 Then the Pharisees who had been sent25 asked him, "If you aren't the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?" 26 John told them, "I baptize with* water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize.27 Though his ministry follows mine, I'm not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal." 28 This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing. Jesus, the Lamb of God 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!30 He is the one I was talking about when I said, 'A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.'31 I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel." 32 Then John testified, "I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him.33 I didn't know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'34 I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.*" The First Disciples 35 The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples.36 As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, "Look! There is the Lamb of God!"37 When John's two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus looked around and saw them following. "What do you want?" he asked them. They replied, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are you staying?" 39 "Come and see," he said. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day. 40 Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus.41 Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means "Christ"*). 42 Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas" (which means "Peter"*). 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Come, follow me."44 Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter's hometown. 45 Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, "We have found the very person Moses* and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth." 46 "Nazareth!" exclaimed Nathanael. "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" "Come and see for yourself," Philip replied. 47 As they approached, Jesus said, "Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity." 48 "How do you know about me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, "I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you." 49 Then Nathanael exclaimed, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus asked him, "Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this."51 Then he said, "I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.*" | |
Music Video Page Updated
Good Morning Everyone, Be sure to check out our Music Video Page today. I've uploaded new music From Plumb, Building 429, Kari Jobe, The Afters and a bunch more you can view it here.
Enjoy the music.
In Christ,
Tyler Sherck
BFC Webmaster
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Pope recalls joys and troubles of papacy: A Story From MSN.com
Pope recalls joys and troubles of papacy
Tens of thousands of people toting banners jammed St Peter's Square to bid Benedict farewell at his final general audience.Tens of thousands of people toting banners saying "Grazie!" — "Thank you" — jammed the piazza in Rome to bid Benedict farewell and join the appointment he has kept each week for eight years to teach the world about the Catholic faith.
Benedict clearly enjoyed the crowds, taking a long lap around the square in an open-sided car and stopping to kiss and bless half a dozen children handed to him by his secretary.
In keeping with the historic moment, Benedict changed course and didn't produce his typical professorial Wednesday catechism lesson. Rather, he made his final public appearance in St. Peter's a personal one, explaining once again why he was becoming the first pope in 600 years to resign and urging the faithful to pray for his successor.
"To love the church means also to have the courage to take difficult, painful decisions, always keeping the good of the church in mind, not oneself," Benedict said to thundering applause.
He recalled that when he was elected pope on April 19, 2005, he questioned if God truly wanted it. "'It's a great burden that you've placed on my shoulders,'" he recalled telling God.
During eight years, he said "I have had moments of joy and light, but also moments that haven't been easy ... moments of turbulent seas and rough winds."
But he said he never felt alone and thanked his cardinals and colleagues for their guidance and for "understanding and respecting this important decision."
Under a bright sun and blue skies, the square was overflowing with pilgrims and curiosity-seekers. Those who couldn't get in picked spots along the main boulevard leading to the square to watch the event on giant TV screens. Some 50,000 tickets were requested for Benedict's final master class, but Italian media estimated the number of people actually attending could be double that.
"It's difficult — the emotion is so big," said Jan Marie, a 53-year-old Roman in his first year as a seminarian. "We came to support the pope's decision."
With chants of "Benedetto!" erupting every so often, the mood was far more buoyant than during the pope's final Sunday blessing. It recalled the jubilant turnouts that often accompanied him at World Youth Days and events involving his predecessor, Pope John Paul II.
Benedict has said he decided to retire after realizing that, at 85, he simply didn't have the "strength of mind or body" to carry on. He will meet Thursday morning with cardinals for a final time, then fly by helicopter to the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo south of Rome.
There, at 8 p.m., the doors of the palazzo will close and the Swiss Guards in attendance will go off duty, their service protecting the head of the Catholic Church over — for now.
Many of the cardinals who will choose Benedict's successor were in St. Peter's Square for his final audience. Those included retired Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony, the object of a grass-roots campaign in the U.S. to persuade him to recuse himself for having covered up for sexually abusive priests. Mahony has said he will be among the 115 cardinals voting on who the next pope should be.
Vatican officials say cardinals will begin meeting Monday to decide when to set the date for the conclave to elect the next pope.
But the rank-and-file faithful in the crowd Wednesday weren't so concerned with the future; they wanted to savor the final moments with the pope they have known for eight years.
"I came to thank him for the testimony that he has given the church," said Maria Cristina Chiarini, a 52-year-old homemaker who traveled by train early Wednesday from Lugo in central Italy with some 60 members of her parish. "There's nostalgia, human nostalgia, but also comfort, because as a Christian we have hope. The Lord won't leave us without a guide."
RELATED: Pope Benedict XVI: Legacy and controversies (video) | Reshaped papacy raises questions for church future
Why Social Media Can Screw Up Your Marrige
How social media can help wreck a home
Updated: Tuesday, 26 Feb 2013, 10:29 PM EST
Published : Tuesday, 26 Feb 2013, 9:46 PM EST
Published : Tuesday, 26 Feb 2013, 9:46 PM EST
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Recent surveys estimate Facebook is now playing a role in at least a fifth of U.S divorces and may be a factor in up to a third of divorces . With that in mind, and in the hopes that their story will serve as a lesson for others, one couple in northeast Indiana decided to share how social media contributed to the shattering of their marriage.
Jeff and Denise, who asked not to have their faces shown or last names revealed in our TV interview, got married 12 and a half years ago. The early years, they say, were happy. But in 2009, Jeff -consumed with starting a small business- was working long hours, and problems began to emerge.
"For me, it was the intimacy and the relationship in the bedroom," said Jeff. "It just wasn't there at all. Once a month, if lucky."
Denise added, "There was lack of communication there, too. In a sense, we both went our separate ways. He worked a lot and I was working also and taking care of the kids and taking care of the house, so time together was not there."
About this time, Jeff was reconnecting on Facebook with a woman he'd known in high school.
"You felt like you could tell this woman things you couldn't tell your wife?" NewsChannel 15 asked. "Absolutely," Jeff responded.
"Because that part of your life at this point was shut down?"
"Yeah. I think it's human nature to look back and say 'What if ?'," Jeff continued. "And that's how it progressed. And it just clicked and started going in a direction that it never should have gone."
Two to three months after the chatting started, it had turned into an emotional affair. Though the adultery had not yet turned physical, Jeff and the other woman did start meeting in person, and the attraction only grew stronger. Within weeks, Jeff decided to divorce Denise.
Jeff remembered breaking the news to his wife. "We just sat in here and I told her I was done. I [could not] continue on this way. I had fallen in love with somebody else, and I was leaving."
Denise's response? "I was totally devastated because I hadn't even seen any warning signs, if I want to say that. It was just like a bombshell had been dropped."
Jeff walked out on his wife and three kids, an especially crushing blow to their oldest daughter, who was eight years old at the time.
"I still remember the look on her face and the tears rolling, you know, from the devastation," said Denise. "Because I think in a kid's eyes, the person that Dad should like or love is Mom, not anybody else."
Jeff started the process of filing for divorce. But Denise wasn't ready to accept that. About seven weeks into their separation, in a calm and gentle manner, she actually confronted the other woman, a divorcee, in the parking lot of the woman's workplace.
"After the confrontation, [the other woman] was the one that came to me and said 'Listen. Your wife loves you and wants to work this out. My husband wasn't willing to. You need to at least try,'" said Jeff.
And that was when things started to turn around. With help from their church and Christian counselors, Jeff and Denise reconciled and began to repair their marriage.
"I fought for my marriage, and I'm glad I did," said Denise.
As practicing evangelical Christians, Jeff and Denise spoke often in our interview of the support they received from their church during the process, saying the "sound biblical advice" they got from pastors and counselors was invaluable. At one point, Jeff said two pastors from his church actually tracked him down out of concern when he skipped out on a counseling appointment.
Jeff and Denise believe this can happen in any marriage, and they shared their story with NewsChannel 15 in an effort to warn others.
Longtime counselor Tom Sass confirms that people in his line of work are seeing more and more cases of marriages compromised by social media. He also said that when people do stray on social media, they rarely have an accurate picture of who their new partner really is.
"There is a great tendency to try to live up to what you think everybody thinks of you," said Sass.
Jeff and Denise said they have since drawn some boundaries in their marriage.
"I don't accept friend requests from people in the workplace of the opposite gender," Denise said.
"The other week I had a lunch appointment set up. It was with a woman and it was with someone I had also gone to school with, even though we really didn't talk through school," said Jeff. "But I could see the nervousness in [Denise], so I wound up taking somebody else with me."
Jeff and Denise have a couple final words of warning for couples going through struggles similar to theirs.
"You've got to communicate. If you're struggling, I think the worst thing anybody can do is talk to somebody of the opposite sex," said Denise.
Jeff added, "You will be tempted, so be prepared."
LifeWorks Counseling and Consulting added several other tips for safeguarding marriages when it comes to social media:
-Leaders there recommend you and your
spouse have a joint Facebook account.
-If you're going to have separate accounts on Facebook or any social media, you should share passwords.
-If your spouse is uncomfortable with a certain "friend", it's time to disconnect from that person on social media.
-Make it a family guideline that no one Facebook with anyone not directly known to you.
-If there is ever a situation in which a line has been crossed, the "friend" must go. Otherwise, the risks of distrust and deception are fostered.
Jeff and Denise, who asked not to have their faces shown or last names revealed in our TV interview, got married 12 and a half years ago. The early years, they say, were happy. But in 2009, Jeff -consumed with starting a small business- was working long hours, and problems began to emerge.
"For me, it was the intimacy and the relationship in the bedroom," said Jeff. "It just wasn't there at all. Once a month, if lucky."
Denise added, "There was lack of communication there, too. In a sense, we both went our separate ways. He worked a lot and I was working also and taking care of the kids and taking care of the house, so time together was not there."
About this time, Jeff was reconnecting on Facebook with a woman he'd known in high school.
"You felt like you could tell this woman things you couldn't tell your wife?" NewsChannel 15 asked. "Absolutely," Jeff responded.
"Because that part of your life at this point was shut down?"
"Yeah. I think it's human nature to look back and say 'What if ?'," Jeff continued. "And that's how it progressed. And it just clicked and started going in a direction that it never should have gone."
Two to three months after the chatting started, it had turned into an emotional affair. Though the adultery had not yet turned physical, Jeff and the other woman did start meeting in person, and the attraction only grew stronger. Within weeks, Jeff decided to divorce Denise.
Jeff remembered breaking the news to his wife. "We just sat in here and I told her I was done. I [could not] continue on this way. I had fallen in love with somebody else, and I was leaving."
Denise's response? "I was totally devastated because I hadn't even seen any warning signs, if I want to say that. It was just like a bombshell had been dropped."
Jeff walked out on his wife and three kids, an especially crushing blow to their oldest daughter, who was eight years old at the time.
"I still remember the look on her face and the tears rolling, you know, from the devastation," said Denise. "Because I think in a kid's eyes, the person that Dad should like or love is Mom, not anybody else."
Jeff started the process of filing for divorce. But Denise wasn't ready to accept that. About seven weeks into their separation, in a calm and gentle manner, she actually confronted the other woman, a divorcee, in the parking lot of the woman's workplace.
"After the confrontation, [the other woman] was the one that came to me and said 'Listen. Your wife loves you and wants to work this out. My husband wasn't willing to. You need to at least try,'" said Jeff.
And that was when things started to turn around. With help from their church and Christian counselors, Jeff and Denise reconciled and began to repair their marriage.
"I fought for my marriage, and I'm glad I did," said Denise.
As practicing evangelical Christians, Jeff and Denise spoke often in our interview of the support they received from their church during the process, saying the "sound biblical advice" they got from pastors and counselors was invaluable. At one point, Jeff said two pastors from his church actually tracked him down out of concern when he skipped out on a counseling appointment.
Jeff and Denise believe this can happen in any marriage, and they shared their story with NewsChannel 15 in an effort to warn others.
Longtime counselor Tom Sass confirms that people in his line of work are seeing more and more cases of marriages compromised by social media. He also said that when people do stray on social media, they rarely have an accurate picture of who their new partner really is.
"There is a great tendency to try to live up to what you think everybody thinks of you," said Sass.
Jeff and Denise said they have since drawn some boundaries in their marriage.
"I don't accept friend requests from people in the workplace of the opposite gender," Denise said.
"The other week I had a lunch appointment set up. It was with a woman and it was with someone I had also gone to school with, even though we really didn't talk through school," said Jeff. "But I could see the nervousness in [Denise], so I wound up taking somebody else with me."
Jeff and Denise have a couple final words of warning for couples going through struggles similar to theirs.
"You've got to communicate. If you're struggling, I think the worst thing anybody can do is talk to somebody of the opposite sex," said Denise.
Jeff added, "You will be tempted, so be prepared."
LifeWorks Counseling and Consulting added several other tips for safeguarding marriages when it comes to social media:
-Leaders there recommend you and your
spouse have a joint Facebook account.
-If you're going to have separate accounts on Facebook or any social media, you should share passwords.
-If your spouse is uncomfortable with a certain "friend", it's time to disconnect from that person on social media.
-Make it a family guideline that no one Facebook with anyone not directly known to you.
-If there is ever a situation in which a line has been crossed, the "friend" must go. Otherwise, the risks of distrust and deception are fostered.
Positive Thought For 02-27-13
Here's Wednesday's Positive Thought:
"Hold everything in your hand lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open." Cory Tenboom
"Hold everything in your hand lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open." Cory Tenboom
Lost in Translation
| February 27, 2013 |
| Lost in Translation |
| Genesis 11:1-9 |
Read
Then they said, "Come, let's build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world." (Genesis 11:4) |
Reflect
The tower the people built was most likely a ziggurat, a common structure in Babylonia at this time. Most often built as temples, ziggurats looked like pyramids with steps or ramps leading up the sides. Ziggurats stood as high as 300 feet and were often just as wide; thus they were the focal point of the city. The people in this story built their tower as a monument to their own greatness, something for the whole world to see.The people of the world were acting together, but they were united in doing something that displeased God. Note the comment, "This will make us famous." The tower of Babel was a great human achievement, but it was a monument to people rather than to God. Unity can be a worthy goal, if people are doing what is right together. The pressure to go along with the group can be helpful in that case, but following God will sometimes mean breaking from the group. We may build monuments to ourselves to call attention to our achievements: expensive clothes, big houses, fancy cars, important jobs. These may not be wrong in themselves, but when we use them to give us identity and self-worth, they take God's place. We are free to develop in many areas, but we are not free to replace God in our lives. |
Respond
Ask God to point out the "towers" you have built in your life. And ask for strength to stand alone, if you must, to do what is right in the world.(Priorities, Self-worth) |
Some Of Gods Laws From Mattew 5:14-43
14 "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Teaching about the Law
17 "Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
20 "But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
Teaching about Anger
21 "You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.'*22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone,* you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot,* you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone,* you are in danger of the fires of hell.*
23 "So if you are presenting a sacrifice* at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.
25 "When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.26 And if that happens, you surely won't be free again until you have paid the last penny.*
Teaching about Adultery
27 "You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.'*28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.29 So if your eye—even your good eye*—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.30 And if your hand—even your stronger hand*—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Teaching about Divorce
31 "You have heard the law that says, 'A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.'*32 But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.
Teaching about Vows
33 "You have also heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the LORD.'*34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, 'By heaven!' because heaven is God's throne.35 And do not say, 'By the earth!' because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, 'By Jerusalem!' for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.36 Do not even say, 'By my head!' for you can't turn one hair white or black.37 Just say a simple, 'Yes, I will,' or 'No, I won't.' Anything beyond this is from the evil one.
Teaching about Revenge
38 "You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'*39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile,* carry it two miles.42 Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow.
Teaching about Love for Enemies
43 "You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor'* and hate your enemy.44 But I say, love your enemies!* Pray for those who persecute you!45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.47 If you are kind only to your friends,* how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Teaching about the Law
17 "Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
20 "But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
Teaching about Anger
21 "You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.'*22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone,* you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot,* you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone,* you are in danger of the fires of hell.*
23 "So if you are presenting a sacrifice* at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.
25 "When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.26 And if that happens, you surely won't be free again until you have paid the last penny.*
Teaching about Adultery
27 "You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.'*28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.29 So if your eye—even your good eye*—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.30 And if your hand—even your stronger hand*—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Teaching about Divorce
31 "You have heard the law that says, 'A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.'*32 But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.
Teaching about Vows
33 "You have also heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the LORD.'*34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, 'By heaven!' because heaven is God's throne.35 And do not say, 'By the earth!' because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, 'By Jerusalem!' for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.36 Do not even say, 'By my head!' for you can't turn one hair white or black.37 Just say a simple, 'Yes, I will,' or 'No, I won't.' Anything beyond this is from the evil one.
Teaching about Revenge
38 "You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'*39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile,* carry it two miles.42 Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow.
Teaching about Love for Enemies
43 "You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor'* and hate your enemy.44 But I say, love your enemies!* Pray for those who persecute you!45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.47 If you are kind only to your friends,* how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
New CD Releases for The Week of 02-26-13
Here is a list of awesome CD Releases Hitting Stores, Click the link to listen to song samples. Powered by Amazon.com
- Hillsong UNITED - Zion - Hillsong - EMICMG
- NewSong - Swallow the Ocean - NewSong - EMICMG
- Plumb - Need You Now - Curb Records - Word
- Kutless - The Worship Collection - BEC Recordings - EMICMG
- Salvador - Make Some Noise - InPop Records - EMICMG
- Britt Nicole - Gold (Re-release) - Sparrow Records - EMICMG
- Craig Duncan - 15 Handcrafted Hymns - Spring House - EMICMG
- Sean Simmonds- The Genesis - XIST Music
- Willie Will - Things That Are Not - Indie
- Green River Ordinance - Under Fire - Indie
- Hillsong UNITED - Zion - Hillsong - EMICMG
- NewSong - Swallow the Ocean - NewSong - EMICMG
- Plumb - Need You Now - Curb Records - Word
- Kutless - The Worship Collection - BEC Recordings - EMICMG
- Salvador - Make Some Noise - InPop Records - EMICMG
- Britt Nicole - Gold (Re-release) - Sparrow Records - EMICMG
- Craig Duncan - 15 Handcrafted Hymns - Spring House - EMICMG
- Sean Simmonds- The Genesis - XIST Music
- Willie Will - Things That Are Not - Indie
- Green River Ordinance - Under Fire - Indie
Prayer: Today’s Opportunity by Scott Lyons
Prayer: Today’s Opportunity
Scott Lyons
2/25/2013
Lent is a season in which not all Christians participate, but one of which most are generally aware. Generally, the more liturgical the community, the more it participates in the liturgical year. But because Lent is the season that precedes Easter, many—regardless of their participation in the liturgical year—begin to consider this time as preparatory for that celebration. We try to be more conscious of the time we are in and the time that is coming, so that our lives take on a dynamic that one hopes could be described as a kind of consecration, such as the life illustrated in Frances Havergal’s hymn “Take My Life and Let It Be.” If treated so, Lent has the potential to begin transforming our daily lives into living prayers. Of course, our lives should always be such, but the season helps to make it a more conscious, visible thing to us. Lent serves as an aid, a reboot.
So if I consider undertaking some small sacrifice during the season—eating sugar, for example—it stands to reason that when I want to eat sugar but deny myself, then each opportunity to eat sugar serves as a reminder of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. Each opportunity to drink soda, which I have given up for Lent, becomes a prompt, an opening for me to step into prayer and thanksgiving, and an opportunity for boasting in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14). And though it may be a seemingly insignificant thing, we offer up this part of our lives to Christ, who has offered up his very life for us.
Of course, we can and should go further. We can give up sin; become more conscious of the anger, pride, or lust in our hearts; and begin dealing with it intentionally. In this way we can throw ourselves into prayer when tempted to yell at our children, to revel in controversy, or to entertain impure thoughts. This kind of participation in Lent allows us to begin to pray through the temptation because we are on the lookout for it, because we’ve become watchmen. Our lives themselves then become a prompt, urging us toward Christ.
As such, Lent is a time to begin again—a revival, if you will. Springtime. A time to renew our commitment to Christ, stepping back from the busyness of life in order to reevaluate it. Is my life conforming to Christ’s? Do my wife and children experience the love, kindness, and gentleness of Christ in me? Do I love God above all else? Do I demonstrate this love in my love for others? For whom do I live? Whose am I?
Lent can serve this purpose. Any time can, of course, but do not allow this “any time” to rob you of the opportunity presented today (Hebrews 4:7). It is no good to say, “I can consecrate my life to Christ whenever I like,” and then do nothing. All such little rebellions wound us, for they are done out of pride and judgment, not out of love. In doing so, we simply do not consecrate our life—as if we were promising to diet in the morning while sitting down to a bowl of ice cream. Use the church’s seasons, such as Lent, to conform yourself to Christ. Lent stretches out before you. Do something with it. Let it do something with you. It is time to pray. Spring is coming.
Scott Lyons
2/25/2013
Lent is a season in which not all Christians participate, but one of which most are generally aware. Generally, the more liturgical the community, the more it participates in the liturgical year. But because Lent is the season that precedes Easter, many—regardless of their participation in the liturgical year—begin to consider this time as preparatory for that celebration. We try to be more conscious of the time we are in and the time that is coming, so that our lives take on a dynamic that one hopes could be described as a kind of consecration, such as the life illustrated in Frances Havergal’s hymn “Take My Life and Let It Be.” If treated so, Lent has the potential to begin transforming our daily lives into living prayers. Of course, our lives should always be such, but the season helps to make it a more conscious, visible thing to us. Lent serves as an aid, a reboot.
So if I consider undertaking some small sacrifice during the season—eating sugar, for example—it stands to reason that when I want to eat sugar but deny myself, then each opportunity to eat sugar serves as a reminder of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. Each opportunity to drink soda, which I have given up for Lent, becomes a prompt, an opening for me to step into prayer and thanksgiving, and an opportunity for boasting in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14). And though it may be a seemingly insignificant thing, we offer up this part of our lives to Christ, who has offered up his very life for us.
Of course, we can and should go further. We can give up sin; become more conscious of the anger, pride, or lust in our hearts; and begin dealing with it intentionally. In this way we can throw ourselves into prayer when tempted to yell at our children, to revel in controversy, or to entertain impure thoughts. This kind of participation in Lent allows us to begin to pray through the temptation because we are on the lookout for it, because we’ve become watchmen. Our lives themselves then become a prompt, urging us toward Christ.
As such, Lent is a time to begin again—a revival, if you will. Springtime. A time to renew our commitment to Christ, stepping back from the busyness of life in order to reevaluate it. Is my life conforming to Christ’s? Do my wife and children experience the love, kindness, and gentleness of Christ in me? Do I love God above all else? Do I demonstrate this love in my love for others? For whom do I live? Whose am I?
Lent can serve this purpose. Any time can, of course, but do not allow this “any time” to rob you of the opportunity presented today (Hebrews 4:7). It is no good to say, “I can consecrate my life to Christ whenever I like,” and then do nothing. All such little rebellions wound us, for they are done out of pride and judgment, not out of love. In doing so, we simply do not consecrate our life—as if we were promising to diet in the morning while sitting down to a bowl of ice cream. Use the church’s seasons, such as Lent, to conform yourself to Christ. Lent stretches out before you. Do something with it. Let it do something with you. It is time to pray. Spring is coming.
Hospitality: True Fast by Scott Lyons
Hospitality: True Fast
Scott Lyons
2/21/2013
During the season of Lent, many Christians try to be more conscious of Christ’s Passion by giving up some small thing—often something rather inconsequential. In doing so we make this season a time of solidarity with Christ. Maybe it’s chocolate or maybe it’s soda, but we give up something—not something immoral, necessarily, but something that is normally part of our lives. Perhaps this sacrifice involves something that we feel has become too large in our lives, like the Internet or social networks. There is also an older call to “give up” some sin in our lives, corresponding to the idea of fasting with Lent. And this is given up not in order to take it up again afterward, but to more consciously combat this sin in our lives—hoping, obviously, to leave it behind.
But this season is a season of fasting, so how are the disciplines of fasting and hospitality related? First of all, when we are speaking of the discipline of hospitality, we do not mean it in the sense of inviting friends over for dinner. The relationship between fasting and hospitality goes back to Isaiah’s “true fast,” where he says, “Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help” (Isaiah 58:7, NLT). This should remind us of Christ’s discourse on the final judgment in Matthew 25:45 when he speaks of the sheep being separated from the goats: “When you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me” (NLT).
Consider this story that Sergei Fudel, an Orthodox Christian, shares about one of his periods of exile in Russia:
“One year I was living in a small village, lost in the wilds. It was Holy Saturday, even of the Resurrection of our Lord, but there was no church and no services that I could attend. I decided I would spend the night reading the Easter compline. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, a lonely traveler was asking me to give him shelter for the night. I was quite upset, really indignant. ‘Can’t I have even this one night for prayer,’ I thought. Possessed by my irritations, I bundled him off to my neighbors and naturally, with him, off went my night of prayer and meditation. There are some sins we can never forgive ourselves. . . . That Easter night, when I read the prescribed prayers, I was obviously outside of the communion of the Church.” (Sergei Fudel, Light in the Darkness)
Hospitality, then, is a true fast. It is helping the stranger, the homeless, and the hungry. Hospitality is seeing Christ at your door.
Many of us have never had this experience. Strangers don’t often show up at our doors asking for assistance. Some of this is because of how insular our lives have become. We live indoors and don’t often spend our evenings on the front porch, where we might be more accessible to someone in need. So how can you and I implement such a fast as hospitality?
Perhaps a proper start would be to let go of judgment. We do not see Christ when we see the poor around us or hear of those who are poor. We see someone too lazy to work, someone exploiting the system, or someone who wishes to take advantage of us. And this is unfortunate because these are exceptions to the rule—most of these people are simply poor or homeless. Most are Christ waiting to be given a place to sleep, clothes to wear, and food to eat.
Furthermore, look for ways to seek out the poor and needy in your community. Serve at a food bank or a soup kitchen. Talk to your pastor, who is sure to know of poor people in your community, most likely even within your church community, who may need you to come alongside them to help. Christ waits for you and me to be the generosity of God in our world, to love rather than judge, and to allow interruptions to be seen as making space for God in our lives.
Scott Lyons
2/21/2013
During the season of Lent, many Christians try to be more conscious of Christ’s Passion by giving up some small thing—often something rather inconsequential. In doing so we make this season a time of solidarity with Christ. Maybe it’s chocolate or maybe it’s soda, but we give up something—not something immoral, necessarily, but something that is normally part of our lives. Perhaps this sacrifice involves something that we feel has become too large in our lives, like the Internet or social networks. There is also an older call to “give up” some sin in our lives, corresponding to the idea of fasting with Lent. And this is given up not in order to take it up again afterward, but to more consciously combat this sin in our lives—hoping, obviously, to leave it behind.
But this season is a season of fasting, so how are the disciplines of fasting and hospitality related? First of all, when we are speaking of the discipline of hospitality, we do not mean it in the sense of inviting friends over for dinner. The relationship between fasting and hospitality goes back to Isaiah’s “true fast,” where he says, “Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help” (Isaiah 58:7, NLT). This should remind us of Christ’s discourse on the final judgment in Matthew 25:45 when he speaks of the sheep being separated from the goats: “When you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me” (NLT).
Consider this story that Sergei Fudel, an Orthodox Christian, shares about one of his periods of exile in Russia:
“One year I was living in a small village, lost in the wilds. It was Holy Saturday, even of the Resurrection of our Lord, but there was no church and no services that I could attend. I decided I would spend the night reading the Easter compline. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, a lonely traveler was asking me to give him shelter for the night. I was quite upset, really indignant. ‘Can’t I have even this one night for prayer,’ I thought. Possessed by my irritations, I bundled him off to my neighbors and naturally, with him, off went my night of prayer and meditation. There are some sins we can never forgive ourselves. . . . That Easter night, when I read the prescribed prayers, I was obviously outside of the communion of the Church.” (Sergei Fudel, Light in the Darkness)
Hospitality, then, is a true fast. It is helping the stranger, the homeless, and the hungry. Hospitality is seeing Christ at your door.
Many of us have never had this experience. Strangers don’t often show up at our doors asking for assistance. Some of this is because of how insular our lives have become. We live indoors and don’t often spend our evenings on the front porch, where we might be more accessible to someone in need. So how can you and I implement such a fast as hospitality?
Perhaps a proper start would be to let go of judgment. We do not see Christ when we see the poor around us or hear of those who are poor. We see someone too lazy to work, someone exploiting the system, or someone who wishes to take advantage of us. And this is unfortunate because these are exceptions to the rule—most of these people are simply poor or homeless. Most are Christ waiting to be given a place to sleep, clothes to wear, and food to eat.
Furthermore, look for ways to seek out the poor and needy in your community. Serve at a food bank or a soup kitchen. Talk to your pastor, who is sure to know of poor people in your community, most likely even within your church community, who may need you to come alongside them to help. Christ waits for you and me to be the generosity of God in our world, to love rather than judge, and to allow interruptions to be seen as making space for God in our lives.
God And The Workplace
| Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. |
| Psalm 100:4, NLT |
| The other day, one of my associates was in a large law office in the Chicago area. Hearing a commotion in the corridor, he and the lawyer he was visiting went to see what was going on. It was a birthday celebration; and as the cake was brought into the room, everyone sang a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday." At the end of the song, the woman leading the celebration said, "Now, let's sing the second verse," and proceeded to lead everyone in "How old are you . . ." And everyone laughed when the woman whose birthday it was declined to reveal her age. Then the leader suggested singing the third verse and began to sing, "May God bless you." Politely, a coworker interrupted and objected: "I thought we're not supposed to bring religion into the workplace," he said. The leader quickly responded, "Honey, religion comes in when I do!" Later, I thought of how simple and yet how profound her answer was. Regardless of how people may talk about the division between sacred and secular and the separation of church and state, the fact is that God can never be removed or legislated away--he is present everywhere, and he enters specifically through the lives of those who trust him. I also thought of the countless discussions about how Christians can make a difference in the world, sharing the gospel and witnessing to their friends and neighbors. For example, I work with an organization called the Gathering of Men whose goal is to reach business executives for Christ. We are always thinking of evangelism approaches and strategies. But the truth is that the most effective witness is Christians, like that woman, living for Christ wherever they are and then gently and lovingly telling of their faith when the occasions arise. What about you and your office, store, factory, classroom, warehouse, restaurant--wherever you work? Does God come in when you do? Has God made a difference in your life that others can see? What do your coworkers know about God and faith because of the way you live? |
The End of the Rainbow
| February 26, 2013 |
| The End of the Rainbow |
| Genesis 9:1-17 |
Read
"If anyone takes a human life, that person's life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image. Now be fruitful and multiply, and repopulate the earth." . . .Then God said, "I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth." (Genesis 9:6-7, 12-16) |
Reflect
Here God explains why murder is so wrong: To kill a person is to kill one made in God's image. Because all human beings are made in God's image, all people possess the qualities that distinguish them from animals: morality, reason, creativity, and self-worth.God wants us to recognize his image in all people. Only God has given life, so no one else has the right to take it away. Despite God's prohibition of murder, we continue to see it throughout the Bible. Cain had already killed Abel. Moses would kill an Egyptian. David would kill Uriah the Hittite. Ahab and Jezebel would kill Naboth. Paul would kill Christians. When Jesus taught about murder, he took the issue deeper—to the attitude of the heart. Murder grows out of anger. His point was not that we should never be angry, but that we should deal with it quickly and rightly. To forgive and be reconciled. God will require each person to account for his or her actions. We cannot harm or kill another human being without answering to God. A penalty must be paid. Justice will be served. When we interact with others, we are interacting with beings made by God, beings to whom God offers eternal life. |
Respond
God calls us to see our friends, neighbors, and enemies as creatures whom he made with dignity, value, and purpose. Anger will still arise in our hearts from time to time, but we can learn to deal with those conflicts and still honor the creatures God made. Who are you harboring anger toward today? What steps can you take toward forgiveness and reconciliation? |
Someone Else's Number One
Every one of us should be someone else's number one fan. We should encourage and celebrate them.
- From Joel Osteen Ministries
- From Joel Osteen Ministries
Honoring God, And Being Good To Others
When you honor god, when your good to people, and kind, compassionate and merciful, his blessings will come looking for you
- From Joel Osteen Ministries
- From Joel Osteen Ministries
A Seed Of Faith
You Don't Have To Have great faith. Jesus said " If you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can say to a mountain, " Be Removed.
- From Joel Osteen Ministries
- From Joel Osteen Ministries
Always Stay Positive
The more you talk about negative things in your life, the more you call them in. Speak victory not Defeat
- From Joel Osteen Ministries
- From Joel Osteen Ministries
A psalm of David
Psalm 27
A psalm of David.1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
2 When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident.
4 The one thing I ask of the LORD—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
delighting in the LORD's perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
6 Then I will hold my head high
above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
singing and praising the LORD with music.
7 Hear me as I pray, O LORD.
Be merciful and answer me!
8 My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me."
And my heart responds, "LORD, I am coming."
9 Do not turn your back on me.
Do not reject your servant in anger.
You have always been my helper.
Don't leave me now; don't abandon me,
O God of my salvation!
10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the LORD will hold me close.
11 Teach me how to live, O LORD.
Lead me along the right path,
for my enemies are waiting for me.
12 Do not let me fall into their hands.
For they accuse me of things I've never done;
with every breath they threaten me with violence.
13 Yet I am confident I will see the LORD's goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the LORD.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Positive Thought For 02-25-13
Here's Monday's Positive Thought:
"It takes but one positive thought when given a chance to survive and thrive to overpower and entire army of negative thoughts." Robert H Shuler
"It takes but one positive thought when given a chance to survive and thrive to overpower and entire army of negative thoughts." Robert H Shuler
Proverbs 31:30
| Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. |
| Proverbs 31:30, NLT |
| This verse is so contrary to what the world tells us, isn't it? The world tells us that being beautiful, rich, or charming is what brings happiness and will make people love us. I'll be the first to admit that this is an area of weakness in my life. I find that I am so consumed with how I look--being thin, fit, in style--that I fail to see myself as Christ sees me. For so long, I believed that in order for any person to ever love me, I had to be perfect. I had to look good, know what I wanted to do with my life, and appear to have everything together. I ended up alienating myself from others--people who might see my imperfections. It wasn't until I allowed myself to really let go of false standards and fully grasp how much God loves me that I could slowly let my walls down and allow my imperfections to show. God's love is so consuming that what the world values--beauty and charm--starts to lose its importance. I don't want people to think of my external appearance or "charm" when they look back on my life; I want them to see a woman devoted to God and serving him. I want to be a person who fully lives my life within the love of God. Do you find yourself spending more time each day worrying about what you look like rather than spending time with God in prayer? Have your beauty and charm become a cover-up for your imperfections? Are you afraid that no one would love you if they knew the hidden things about you? No matter what you have or haven't done in life, and no matter what you look like, God's love never changes. His love is stronger and deeper than we can ever imagine. Take off the façade and run to God. Let his love cover all your imperfections. |
Powerful Patience
| February 25, 2013 |
| Powerful Patience |
| Genesis 8:1-22 |
Read
Then God said to Noah, "Leave the boat, all of you—you and your wife, and your sons and their wives. Release all the animals—the birds, the livestock, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—so they can be fruitful and multiply throughout the earth."So Noah, his wife, and his sons and their wives left the boat. And all of the large and small animals and birds came out of the boat, pair by pair. Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and there he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose. And the LORD was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to himself, "I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things." (Genesis 8:15-21) |
Reflect
The story of the Flood is an example of great patience—both God's patience with us and Noah's patience with God.Throughout the Bible, God showing his love and patience toward men and women in order to save them. Although he knows that their hearts are evil, he continues to try to reach them. When we sin or reject God, we deserve to be destroyed by his judgment. But God has promised never again to destroy everything on earth until the Day of Judgment, when Christ will return to destroy evil. Now every change of season reminds us of his patience. Noah also exhibited great patience. While on the ark, occasionally Noah would send a bird out to test the earth and see if it was dry. But Noah didn't get out of the boat until God told him to. He was waiting for God's timing. God knew that even though the water was gone, the earth was not dry enough for Noah and his family to venture out. What patience Noah showed, especially after spending an entire year inside his boat! We, like Noah, must patiently trust God during those difficult times when we must wait. |
Respond
Waiting for God's timing can be difficult. Things look good from our view, so we want to rush ahead of God's timing for us. God knows what's best and his timing is always perfect. Where do you need to take a step back and wait for God to lead you? Ask God for patience |
Psalm 119
Psalm 119
Nun105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.
106 I've promised it once, and I'll promise it again:
I will obey your righteous regulations.
107 I have suffered much, O LORD;
restore my life again as you promised.
108 LORD, accept my offering of praise,
and teach me your regulations.
109 My life constantly hangs in the balance,
but I will not stop obeying your instructions.
110 The wicked have set their traps for me,
but I will not turn from your commandments.
111 Your laws are my treasure;
they are my heart's delight.
112 I am determined to keep your decrees
to the very end.
Samekh
113 I hate those with divided loyalties,
but I love your instructions.
114 You are my refuge and my shield;
your word is my source of hope.
115 Get out of my life, you evil-minded people,
for I intend to obey the commands of my God.
116 LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!
Do not let my hope be crushed.
117 Sustain me, and I will be rescued;
then I will meditate continually on your decrees.
118 But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees.
They are only fooling themselves.
119 You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum;
no wonder I love to obey your laws!
120 I tremble in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your regulations.
Ayin
121 Don't leave me to the mercy of my enemies,
for I have done what is just and right.
122 Please guarantee a blessing for me.
Don't let the arrogant oppress me!
123 My eyes strain to see your rescue,
to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.
124 I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love,
and teach me your decrees.
125 Give discernment to me, your servant;
then I will understand your laws.
126 LORD, it is time for you to act,
for these evil people have violated your instructions.
127 Truly, I love your commands
more than gold, even the finest gold.
128 Each of your commandments is right.
That is why I hate every false way.
Pe
129 Your laws are wonderful.
No wonder I obey them!
130 The teaching of your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand.
131 I pant with expectation,
longing for your commands.
132 Come and show me your mercy,
as you do for all who love your name.
133 Guide my steps by your word,
so I will not be overcome by evil.
134 Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
then I can obey your commandments.
135 Look upon me with love;
teach me your decrees.
136 Rivers of tears gush from my eyes
because people disobey your instructions.
Tsadhe
137 O LORD, you are righteous,
and your regulations are fair.
138 Your laws are perfect
and completely trustworthy.
139 I am overwhelmed with indignation,
for my enemies have disregarded your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
that is why I love them so much.
141 I am insignificant and despised,
but I don't forget your commandments.
142 Your justice is eternal,
and your instructions are perfectly true.
143 As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands.
144 Your laws are always right;
help me to understand them so I may live.
Qoph
145 I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD!
I will obey your decrees.
146 I cry out to you; rescue me,
that I may obey your laws.
147 I rise early, before the sun is up;
I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
148 I stay awake through the night,
thinking about your promise.
149 In your faithful love, O LORD, hear my cry;
let me be revived by following your regulations.
150 Lawless people are coming to attack me;
they live far from your instructions.
151 But you are near, O LORD,
and all your commands are true.
152 I have known from my earliest days
that your laws will last forever.
Resh
153 Look upon my suffering and rescue me,
for I have not forgotten your instructions.
154 Argue my case; take my side!
Protect my life as you promised.
155 The wicked are far from rescue,
for they do not bother with your decrees.
156 LORD, how great is your mercy;
let me be revived by following your regulations.
157 Many persecute and trouble me,
yet I have not swerved from your laws.
158 Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart,
because they care nothing for your word.
159 See how I love your commandments, LORD.
Give back my life because of your unfailing love.
160 The very essence of your words is truth;
all your just regulations will stand forever.
Shin
161 Powerful people harass me without cause,
but my heart trembles only at your word.
162 I rejoice in your word
like one who discovers a great treasure.
163 I hate and abhor all falsehood,
but I love your instructions.
164 I will praise you seven times a day
because all your regulations are just.
165 Those who love your instructions have great peace
and do not stumble.
166 I long for your rescue, LORD,
so I have obeyed your commands.
167 I have obeyed your laws,
for I love them very much.
168 Yes, I obey your commandments and laws
because you know everything I do.
Taw
169 O LORD, listen to my cry;
give me the discerning mind you promised.
170 Listen to my prayer;
rescue me as you promised.
171 Let praise flow from my lips,
for you have taught me your decrees.
172 Let my tongue sing about your word,
for all your commands are right.
173 Give me a helping hand,
for I have chosen to follow your commandments.
174 O LORD, I have longed for your rescue,
and your instructions are my delight.
175 Let me live so I can praise you,
and may your regulations help me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
come and find me,
for I have not forgotten your commands.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Flooded and Floated!
| February 24, 2013 |
| Flooded and Floated! |
| Genesis 7:1-24 |
Read
For forty days the floodwaters grew deeper, covering the ground and lifting the boat high above the earth. As the waters rose higher and higher above the ground, the boat floated safely on the surface. Finally, the water covered even the highest mountains on the earth, rising more than twenty-two feet above the highest peaks. All the living things on earth died—birds, domestic animals, wild animals, small animals that scurry along the ground, and all the people. . . . The only people who survived were Noah and those with him in the boat. (Genesis 7:17-21, 23) |
Reflect
Was the Flood a local event, or did it cover the entire earth? A universal flood was certainly possible. Enough water exists in the oceans to cover all dry land. And since God promised never again to destroy the earth with a flood, this flood must have either covered the entire earth or destroyed all the inhabitants of the earth. Remember, God's reason for sending the Flood was to destroy all the earth's wickedness. It would take a major flood to accomplish this.And how did this animal kingdom roundup happen? Scholars estimate that almost 45,000 animals could have fit into the boat. Pairs of every animal joined Noah in the boat; seven pairs were taken of those animals used for sacrifice. Did Noah and his sons spend years collecting all the animals? In reality, the creation, along with Noah, did just as God commanded. Gathering the animals seemed to be no problem—God took care of those details while Noah did his part by building the boat. Noah didn't need to worry about how the animals would get there; he just trusted God. |
Respond
Often we do just the opposite of Noah. We worry about the details over which we have no control, while neglecting specific areas that are under our control such as attitudes, relationships, or responsibilities. Like Noah, concentrate on what God gives you to do, and leave the rest to him. What details do you need to entrust to God? |
Great is his faithfulness
Lamentations 3
23 Great is his faithfulness;his mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!"
25 The LORD is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
26 So it is good to wait quietly
for salvation from the LORD.
27 And it is good for people to submit at an early age
to the yoke of his discipline:
28 Let them sit alone in silence
beneath the LORD's demands.
29 Let them lie face down in the dust,
for there may be hope at last.
30 Let them turn the other cheek to those who strike them
and accept the insults of their enemies.
31 For no one is abandoned
by the Lord forever.
32 Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion
because of the greatness of his unfailing love.
33 For he does not enjoy hurting people
or causing them sorrow.
34 If people crush underfoot
all the prisoners of the land,
35 if they deprive others of their rights
in defiance of the Most High,
36 if they twist justice in the courts—
doesn't the Lord see all these things?
37 Who can command things to happen
without the Lord's permission?
38 Does not the Most High
send both calamity and good?
39 Then why should we, mere humans, complain
when we are punished for our sins?
40 Instead, let us test and examine our ways.
Let us turn back to the LORD.
41 Let us lift our hearts and hands
to God in heaven and say,
42 "We have sinned and rebelled,
and you have not forgiven us.
43 "You have engulfed us with your anger, chased us down,
and slaughtered us without mercy.
44 You have hidden yourself in a cloud
so our prayers cannot reach you.
45 You have discarded us as refuse and garbage
among the nations.
46 "All our enemies
have spoken out against us.
47 We are filled with fear,
for we are trapped, devastated, and ruined."
48 Tears stream from my eyes
because of the destruction of my people!
49 My tears flow endlessly;
they will not stop
50 until the LORD looks down
from heaven and sees.
51 My heart is breaking
over the fate of all the women of Jerusalem.
52 My enemies, whom I have never harmed,
hunted me down like a bird.
53 They threw me into a pit
and dropped stones on me.
54 The water rose over my head,
and I cried out, "This is the end!"
55 But I called on your name, LORD,
from deep within the pit.
56 You heard me when I cried, "Listen to my pleading!
Hear my cry for help!"
57 Yes, you came when I called;
you told me, "Do not fear."
58 Lord, you are my lawyer! Plead my case!
For you have redeemed my life.
59 You have seen the wrong they have done to me, LORD.
Be my judge, and prove me right.
60 You have seen the vengeful plots
my enemies have laid against me.
61 LORD, you have heard the vile names they call me.
You know all about the plans they have made.
62 My enemies whisper and mutter
as they plot against me all day long.
63 Look at them! Whether they sit or stand,
I am the object of their mocking songs.
64 Pay them back, LORD,
for all the evil they have done.
65 Give them hard and stubborn hearts,
and then let your curse fall on them!
66 Chase them down in your anger,
destroying them beneath the LORD's heavens.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
500 pageviews
Today is a big milestone for us Today, we reached 500 Clicks on our site today. I would just like to thank everybody for visiting and for their continued support. I'm so glad folks choose Blind For Christ to read the good news of Jesus Christ everyday.
Thank You!
Tyler Sherck
BFC - Webmaster
Thank You!
Tyler Sherck
BFC - Webmaster
Obedient Preparations
| February 23, 2013 |
| Obedient Preparations |
| Genesis 6:1-22 |
Read
"Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout its interior. . . .""Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes. Everything on earth will die. But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat—you and your wife and your sons and their wives. Bring a pair of every kind of animal—a male and a female—into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood. Pairs of every kind of bird, and every kind of animal, and every kind of small animal that scurries along the ground, will come to you to be kept alive. And be sure to take on board enough food for your family and for all the animals." So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him. (Genesis 6:14, 17-22) |
Reflect
Noah got right to work when God told him to build the huge boat. Other people must have been warned about the coming disaster (1 Peter 3:20), but apparently they did not expect it to happen. Today things haven't changed much. Each day thousands of people are warned of God's inevitable judgment, yet most of them don't really believe it will happen.Does the flood mean that God regretted creating humanity? Was he admitting he made a mistake? No, God does not change his mind (1 Samuel 15:29). Instead, he was expressing sorrow for what the people had done to themselves, as a parent might express sorrow over a rebellious child. God was sorry that the people he created had chosen sin and death instead of a relationship with him. Still, God did not abandon them. He chose to preserve humanity through Noah. The boat Noah built was no canoe! Picture yourself building a boat as long as one and a half football fields and as high as a four-story building. The boat was exactly six times longer than it was wide—the same ratio used by modern shipbuilders. This huge boat was probably built miles from any significant body of water by the few faithful men who believed God's promises and obeyed his commands. |
Respond
Don't expect people to welcome or accept your message of God's judgment against sin. Those who don't believe in God will deny his judgment. But remember God's promise to Noah to keep him safe. This can inspire you to trust God for deliverance in the judgment that we will all face. |
If One Person Falls, The Other Can Reach Out And Help
Ecclesiastes 4
10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.The Futility of Political Power 13 It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice.14 Such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, though he has been in prison.15 But then everyone rushes to the side of yet another youth* who replaces him.16 Endless crowds stand around him,* but then another generation grows up and rejects him, too. So it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind. | |
Friday, February 22, 2013
Positive Thought For 02-22-13
I am sure that God keeps no one waiting unless he sees that it is good for the to wait." C.S. Lewis
Have a blessed weekend
Tyler Sherck
Blind For Christ - Webmaster
Have a blessed weekend
Tyler Sherck
Blind For Christ - Webmaster
Abortion
Abortion
In 2 Chronicles 28:3, Ahaz earned God's anger because he sacrificed his children to idols. Yet this wasn't the last time that a parent would allow his or her children to be killed.
In 1973--ancient history--abortions became legal because of a Supreme Court case: Roe v. Wade, This decision sparked protests as well as cries of victory throughout the country for decades. But in 2003, the story took a surprising turn when 'Jane Roe,' the plaintiff in the case, requested that the Supreme Court's ruling be overturned. Having discovered the harmful effects of abortion, she regretted being part of the fight to legalize abortion.
If a person (a judge, a doctor, or a legislator) or a human institution (the Supreme Court or the Senate) makes a decision in this matter, there is always the potential for another person or institution to overturn that decision later on, as 'Jane Roe' hopes. It has happened countless times. What is needed, it would seem, is a judgment or a ruling from a source higher than human opinion. That's why for many centuries Christians have turned to the Bible.
Since God gave life to all, it is a logical conclusion that no one should treat that life lightly. If we are God's 'masterpiece' (see Eph 2:10), who has the right to tamper with or destroy the life of another? Yet, tragically, that is what happens on a daily basis. Abortion is used as a means of birth control, of removing an unwanted complication. For those who take seriously the sanctity of life as an expression of God's handiwork, this can be seen only as wrong.
There are a number of related topics (being made in the image of God, sexual morality, etc.) and Scripture passages (Exod 21:22-25; Lev 24:17-22; Jer 1:4-5) that are closely related to the abortion issue. Concerned Christians should think through their stand on the rights of the unborn in relation to these other issues and in light of the whole counsel of God, not just one passage.
In 2 Chronicles 28:3, Ahaz earned God's anger because he sacrificed his children to idols. Yet this wasn't the last time that a parent would allow his or her children to be killed.
In 1973--ancient history--abortions became legal because of a Supreme Court case: Roe v. Wade, This decision sparked protests as well as cries of victory throughout the country for decades. But in 2003, the story took a surprising turn when 'Jane Roe,' the plaintiff in the case, requested that the Supreme Court's ruling be overturned. Having discovered the harmful effects of abortion, she regretted being part of the fight to legalize abortion.
If a person (a judge, a doctor, or a legislator) or a human institution (the Supreme Court or the Senate) makes a decision in this matter, there is always the potential for another person or institution to overturn that decision later on, as 'Jane Roe' hopes. It has happened countless times. What is needed, it would seem, is a judgment or a ruling from a source higher than human opinion. That's why for many centuries Christians have turned to the Bible.
Since God gave life to all, it is a logical conclusion that no one should treat that life lightly. If we are God's 'masterpiece' (see Eph 2:10), who has the right to tamper with or destroy the life of another? Yet, tragically, that is what happens on a daily basis. Abortion is used as a means of birth control, of removing an unwanted complication. For those who take seriously the sanctity of life as an expression of God's handiwork, this can be seen only as wrong.
There are a number of related topics (being made in the image of God, sexual morality, etc.) and Scripture passages (Exod 21:22-25; Lev 24:17-22; Jer 1:4-5) that are closely related to the abortion issue. Concerned Christians should think through their stand on the rights of the unborn in relation to these other issues and in light of the whole counsel of God, not just one passage.
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