Saturday, March 10, 2012
Stay off the sidewalks...
I passed my test today!!! They weren't able to give me the license today though... You have till Tuesday.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Verses for today:
In the Jewish society, to say something three times showed perfection.
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. (Revelation 4:8 KJV)
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. (Isaiah 6:3 KJV)
Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy. (Psalm 99:9 KJV)
The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. (Psalm 145:17 KJV)
For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. (Leviticus 11:45 KJV)
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. (Revelation 4:8 KJV)
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. (Isaiah 6:3 KJV)
Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy. (Psalm 99:9 KJV)
The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. (Psalm 145:17 KJV)
For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. (Leviticus 11:45 KJV)
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Verses of the Day:
Is your God as awesome as my God? Are you continually speechless in His presence?
But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (2 Corinthians 10:17 KJV)
The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. (Psalm 113:4 KJV)
The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works. (Psalm 104:31 KJV)
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (Psalm 19:1 KJV)
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth. (Psalm 57:5 KJV)
And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. (Deuteronomy 5:24 KJV)
But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (2 Corinthians 10:17 KJV)
The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. (Psalm 113:4 KJV)
The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works. (Psalm 104:31 KJV)
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (Psalm 19:1 KJV)
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth. (Psalm 57:5 KJV)
And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. (Deuteronomy 5:24 KJV)
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Verses of the Day:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16 KJV)
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:26 KJV)
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; (2 Timothy 1:8 KJV)
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 10:11 KJV)
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. (1 Peter 4:16 KJV)
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:26 KJV)
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; (2 Timothy 1:8 KJV)
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 10:11 KJV)
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. (1 Peter 4:16 KJV)
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
My near death experience
I don't know how "near death" it actually was, but it is a catchy title.
Anyway, so I was driving with dad tonight, on 93. I merged into the right lane. Suddenly, out of no where, this car comes flying past, gets a tire in the sand at the edge of the road, an spins right in front of me! (I say he came out of no where because I hadn't seen him in my rear view mirror, probably because he was going something close to 90 mph) Anyway, I applied the brakes and we slowed down to see the guy do two more complete 360's and end up in the ditch. He was in a tall car and could easily have rolled, which would probably have made me hit him. Keep in mind I was going 56 at the time. Well, there it is...
Anyway, so I was driving with dad tonight, on 93. I merged into the right lane. Suddenly, out of no where, this car comes flying past, gets a tire in the sand at the edge of the road, an spins right in front of me! (I say he came out of no where because I hadn't seen him in my rear view mirror, probably because he was going something close to 90 mph) Anyway, I applied the brakes and we slowed down to see the guy do two more complete 360's and end up in the ditch. He was in a tall car and could easily have rolled, which would probably have made me hit him. Keep in mind I was going 56 at the time. Well, there it is...
Worldliness-Part 4
Clothes:
This is more a topic for women. There isn't a whole lot of guys that are crazy about clothes...
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. (1 Timothy 2:9, 10 KJV)
(yes, I have been reading out of the KJV, and it's awesome)
According to John MacArthur:
"How does a woman discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress and dressing to be the center of attention? The answer starts in the intent of the heart. A woman who focuses on worshiping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance."
That's all for today, folks...
This is more a topic for women. There isn't a whole lot of guys that are crazy about clothes...
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. (1 Timothy 2:9, 10 KJV)
(yes, I have been reading out of the KJV, and it's awesome)
According to John MacArthur:
"How does a woman discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress and dressing to be the center of attention? The answer starts in the intent of the heart. A woman who focuses on worshiping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance."
That's all for today, folks...
Monday, March 5, 2012
Worldliness-Part 3
Stuff:
Well, unless you live in a communist utopia you have some stuff. Some people have more and some have less, but they all value it. After all, he who dies with the most things wins right?
"Covet" seems like an old, outdated word, but what does it really mean? Put simply: coveting is desiring stuff too much, or desiring too much stuff.
But is it really so bad to like things?
No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and money. And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. (Luke 16:13, 14 KJV)
Having stuff isn't bad, what's bad is when the stuff gets us.
And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. (Luke 12:13-21 KJV)
Let's look at four things that attract us to stuff.
1. My stuff makes me happy
According to Gregg Easterbrook:
"The incredible rise in living standards for the majority of Americans and Western Europeans has made them more affluent, healthier, more comfortable, more free, and more sovereign over ever taller piles of stuff-but has not made them any happier."
Interesting, so maybe having the most things doesn't make you happy... Many of the most successful, rich, and outwardly happy people are inwardly depressed.
2. My stuff makes me important
He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
3. My stuff makes me secure
Luke 12:16... (read it above) the rich man's wealth didn't help keep him alive.
4. My stuff makes me rich
True riches are in the heart. We live in this world for a few years, we live in eternity for, well, eternity.
It's really late so I'm going to sleep...
Well, unless you live in a communist utopia you have some stuff. Some people have more and some have less, but they all value it. After all, he who dies with the most things wins right?
"Covet" seems like an old, outdated word, but what does it really mean? Put simply: coveting is desiring stuff too much, or desiring too much stuff.
But is it really so bad to like things?
No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and money. And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. (Luke 16:13, 14 KJV)
Having stuff isn't bad, what's bad is when the stuff gets us.
And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. (Luke 12:13-21 KJV)
Let's look at four things that attract us to stuff.
1. My stuff makes me happy
According to Gregg Easterbrook:
"The incredible rise in living standards for the majority of Americans and Western Europeans has made them more affluent, healthier, more comfortable, more free, and more sovereign over ever taller piles of stuff-but has not made them any happier."
Interesting, so maybe having the most things doesn't make you happy... Many of the most successful, rich, and outwardly happy people are inwardly depressed.
2. My stuff makes me important
He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
3. My stuff makes me secure
Luke 12:16... (read it above) the rich man's wealth didn't help keep him alive.
4. My stuff makes me rich
True riches are in the heart. We live in this world for a few years, we live in eternity for, well, eternity.
It's really late so I'm going to sleep...
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Worldliness-Part 2
Music:
We all love music. Well, actually I take it back, almost everyone loves music, the rest just like to hate on us who do... :P
When I was in DC taking the Metro (subway thing) I noticed everyone had an iPhone, and 90% of people listened to music while in transit to work and home. Is music a bad thing? Of course not, if You think it is, read the Bible...
Music was created by God, and He enjoys it. We are told to sing a new song to the Lord and praise Him to the sound of musical instruments in the psalms.
What motivates us to like music the way we do? Is music entirely neutral? Why does music affect us so deeply? Does the music I listen to affect my thoughts or behaviors in any way? Does it say anything about my relationship with God? Most importantly are my music choices consistent with the gospel that has saved me?
Music effects our emotions in profound ways. The passions music draws out range from noble to base, from simple to complex, from God-glorifying to sensual. That's why music sells. It doesn't just sound good. If you are gonna go play basketball rap can get you pumped up, If you want to relax some Hillsong or Casting Crowns might be a good choice.
Music conveys content:
When you listen to music you also hear the words, believe it or not... If the words are not God glorifying (or at least neutral) find some other music. Generally a good indicator is the explicit tag... You can't just "ignore" the words, over time they will affect you. Listen to the song "slow fade" by casting crowns. It explains it fairly well.
When I listen to a song by someone I haven't listened to before I go look up the lyrics (if it's rap) so I can know what they are putting into my head.
To see how much you are dependent on music try going for a few days with out listening to any. It's probably nearly impossible for most people.
We all love music. Well, actually I take it back, almost everyone loves music, the rest just like to hate on us who do... :P
When I was in DC taking the Metro (subway thing) I noticed everyone had an iPhone, and 90% of people listened to music while in transit to work and home. Is music a bad thing? Of course not, if You think it is, read the Bible...
Music was created by God, and He enjoys it. We are told to sing a new song to the Lord and praise Him to the sound of musical instruments in the psalms.
What motivates us to like music the way we do? Is music entirely neutral? Why does music affect us so deeply? Does the music I listen to affect my thoughts or behaviors in any way? Does it say anything about my relationship with God? Most importantly are my music choices consistent with the gospel that has saved me?
Music effects our emotions in profound ways. The passions music draws out range from noble to base, from simple to complex, from God-glorifying to sensual. That's why music sells. It doesn't just sound good. If you are gonna go play basketball rap can get you pumped up, If you want to relax some Hillsong or Casting Crowns might be a good choice.
Music conveys content:
When you listen to music you also hear the words, believe it or not... If the words are not God glorifying (or at least neutral) find some other music. Generally a good indicator is the explicit tag... You can't just "ignore" the words, over time they will affect you. Listen to the song "slow fade" by casting crowns. It explains it fairly well.
When I listen to a song by someone I haven't listened to before I go look up the lyrics (if it's rap) so I can know what they are putting into my head.
To see how much you are dependent on music try going for a few days with out listening to any. It's probably nearly impossible for most people.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Worldliness
Ok... Fun topic right? Well actually I am gonna be taking somethings out of book that I got from a library just tonight. That book?
Worldliness
Resisting the seduction of a fallen world.
Edited by C. J. Mahaney
(btw, I'm not gonna directly quote from the book, because I'm not sure if thats legal and I don't want to get into any more trouble :P)
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15 KJV)
So what does it mean to not love the world? Well obviously this doesn't mean you are not to love anything in the physical *world*. (see my previous post about love, or just read the Bible)
The world, in the Bible, often refers to sin, sinful behaviors, all that good stuff. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. So how do we tell if we are loving the world? (you can figure that out... I hope...)
Now we will look at a few places that people commonly fall into loving the world, sometimes without realizing it.
I'm gonna do one every day (that I'm not gone) because I can't read the whole book tonight... xP
1. Media
Media is everywhere. If you don't admit this then you either live by yourself in a hole in the ground with a million cans of baked beans, or your a zombie... Just saying... So, let's look at TV. According to pastor Kent Hughes:
Today the all pervasive glow of the TV is the single most potent influence and control in Western culture. Television has greater power over the lives of most Americans then any educational system, government, or church.
This isn't very good, seeing as most the stuff people watch on there isn't Popeye... Maybe it isn't all REALLY. bad but it does push the creator's own world view, wether you realize it or not.
It isn't bad to watch some TV, movies, a morning talk show. You just gotta watch with discernment. If it isn't glorifying to God, it at least requires further investigation.
Watching with immunity:
Some Christians think, well sure I'm watching a murder, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna go shoot someone... They figure that they are immune. Maybe you won't murder someone, but I hope you have higher expectation for your life then just not deserving capital punishment... The drift toward worldliness is subtle, gradual, an internal. Assuming that you are immune is a sure sigh that the drift has begun.
96% people surveyed in a recent poll claim that they watch less TV then the average. Umm, maybe it's just me, but 4% is not a majority...
Living in front of God:
God watches when ever you do anything. If you are surfing the web, watching TV, or just talking with some friends, God is right there watching. If we truly fear God shouldn't we be careful what we do, say, think, watch, or listen to?
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:1-16 KJV)
Does this mean we should flee all media? NO! There is LOTS of great types of media and God glorifying programs, movies, and the like. Just before you watch something next, ask yourself, "is this really something I should be seeing?"
IMPORTANT NOTE
Just because some of your Christian buddies are doing something, that doesn't make it good to do. We are all men and make mistakes. The only person we should follow with no question is Jesus.
Worldliness
Resisting the seduction of a fallen world.
Edited by C. J. Mahaney
(btw, I'm not gonna directly quote from the book, because I'm not sure if thats legal and I don't want to get into any more trouble :P)
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15 KJV)
So what does it mean to not love the world? Well obviously this doesn't mean you are not to love anything in the physical *world*. (see my previous post about love, or just read the Bible)
The world, in the Bible, often refers to sin, sinful behaviors, all that good stuff. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. So how do we tell if we are loving the world? (you can figure that out... I hope...)
Now we will look at a few places that people commonly fall into loving the world, sometimes without realizing it.
I'm gonna do one every day (that I'm not gone) because I can't read the whole book tonight... xP
1. Media
Media is everywhere. If you don't admit this then you either live by yourself in a hole in the ground with a million cans of baked beans, or your a zombie... Just saying... So, let's look at TV. According to pastor Kent Hughes:
Today the all pervasive glow of the TV is the single most potent influence and control in Western culture. Television has greater power over the lives of most Americans then any educational system, government, or church.
This isn't very good, seeing as most the stuff people watch on there isn't Popeye... Maybe it isn't all REALLY. bad but it does push the creator's own world view, wether you realize it or not.
It isn't bad to watch some TV, movies, a morning talk show. You just gotta watch with discernment. If it isn't glorifying to God, it at least requires further investigation.
Watching with immunity:
Some Christians think, well sure I'm watching a murder, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna go shoot someone... They figure that they are immune. Maybe you won't murder someone, but I hope you have higher expectation for your life then just not deserving capital punishment... The drift toward worldliness is subtle, gradual, an internal. Assuming that you are immune is a sure sigh that the drift has begun.
96% people surveyed in a recent poll claim that they watch less TV then the average. Umm, maybe it's just me, but 4% is not a majority...
Living in front of God:
God watches when ever you do anything. If you are surfing the web, watching TV, or just talking with some friends, God is right there watching. If we truly fear God shouldn't we be careful what we do, say, think, watch, or listen to?
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:1-16 KJV)
Does this mean we should flee all media? NO! There is LOTS of great types of media and God glorifying programs, movies, and the like. Just before you watch something next, ask yourself, "is this really something I should be seeing?"
IMPORTANT NOTE
Just because some of your Christian buddies are doing something, that doesn't make it good to do. We are all men and make mistakes. The only person we should follow with no question is Jesus.
Shout out to:
Casting Crowns!!!
Well, I don't like them enough to BUY their songs, but they are nice to get for free off freegal, the library's free music thing.
Some recommendations
1. Courageous (buy this one right now)
2. My own worst enemy
3. What if His people prayed
4. American Dream
5. City on a Hill
Also, this is the last day of February... This is it. It's over... No more National Hoodie Month and no more shout outs... I am gonna try to blog every day still. Maybe I'll do it again next year.
Well, I don't like them enough to BUY their songs, but they are nice to get for free off freegal, the library's free music thing.
Some recommendations
1. Courageous (buy this one right now)
2. My own worst enemy
3. What if His people prayed
4. American Dream
5. City on a Hill
Also, this is the last day of February... This is it. It's over... No more National Hoodie Month and no more shout outs... I am gonna try to blog every day still. Maybe I'll do it again next year.
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