How much thought to you give to being a Christian and living for Jesus each day? Does it even cross your mind or do you wait till that one golden hour on Sunday to crack out the Bible and head for your place of worship? Do you even care about Jesus and what he did for you? Do you simply coast through your day to day life without thanking God for all the blessings he has bestowed in your life? If you are blessed to live in the United States do you take your First Amendment rights of Freedom of Religion for granted? Do you think of Jesus only in time of a tragedy such as during 911? Do you treat others like Christ would treat them? Really?
There was a small book 'My Heart, Christs' Home' by Robert Boyd Munger which I saw several years ago about meeting with Jesus in the various rooms of your home. It said if He visited you in your family room, and He is there with you, would you have to put away certain reading material and get the Bible out instead. Would you maybe have to turn the TV channel before He came in the room? Or perhaps put different clothes on? This little book went through each and every room with similar illustrations. This book makes a good point and that is that the Lord is with you and loves you whether you give Him the time of day or not.
How easy it is to flip on the television and zone out but make little or no time in your day for God. Look what Jesus did for you! He died so you might live! He paid the ultimate sacrifice. He does not demand you love Him but it says in Matthew 11:28 "Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." He loves you even when totally ignore Him or forget to thank Him for all the blessings in your life. He loves you despite the fact the only prayer you may utter is "Thank you for my food.Amen". If you treated your spouse the way some people treat our Lord and saviour your marriage may not last long. To know Him you need to spend time with Him.
What is stopping you from wanting to be closer to the Lord?
PRAYER: Father forgive me when I have given you little if any time during my busy days. Forgive me for simply checking off my obligation to attend church then living like I want to the rest of the week. Forgive me for not thanking you for all the wonderful things you have done for me. Forgive me for taking my Bible for granted as evil forces always would like to make it illegal. Lord I love you and thank you for what you have done for me. In Jesus name.Amen.
Click on link for a song of worship and praise.
http://youtu.be/Aq8P5i9U7-g
Showing posts with label loving Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label loving Jesus. Show all posts
Monday, May 14, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
YOU NEED MORE THAN CHURCH. YOU NEED JESUS!
Do you go to church on a regular basis? Good for you! Do you think that is all that is required to get into heaven once your time on Earth is up? Do you go simply because it is expected of you? Do you feel any different when church is over or are you glad to be done for another week? Is your life any different as a result of you being in church? Do you go only because relatives expect it? Whatever the reason the saying goes "going into church will not make you into a Christian anymore than going into a garage makes you into a car."
I guess the point is, do you want to go or do you just do it because it is the right thing to do? Perhaps your heart needs to be changed. Do you know what church is for? When you go to a Bible believing church you should come out 'spiritually fed' with more of a hunger to know Jesus even better. If not, maybe ask yourself if you have ever really committed your life to the Lord or maybe the problem is you need a church where people are growing in Christ and not just stagnating.
Matthew 5:6 says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled." Psalm 107:9 says " He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." In Proverbs 21:21 it says "He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor."
Hebrews 10:25 says " Let us not forsake the habit of assembling together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching."
So my friend, where is your heart at? Are you a church goer or a Jesus lover?
PRAYER: Dear Lord it is my desire to know you better by going to your 'house' to worship but also by desiring the word of God. I give you my heart today Lord. Mold me into the creature you want me to be. In Jesus name. Amen!
Click on link for an awesome praise song:
http://youtu.be/PWDU8rBBIJs
I guess the point is, do you want to go or do you just do it because it is the right thing to do? Perhaps your heart needs to be changed. Do you know what church is for? When you go to a Bible believing church you should come out 'spiritually fed' with more of a hunger to know Jesus even better. If not, maybe ask yourself if you have ever really committed your life to the Lord or maybe the problem is you need a church where people are growing in Christ and not just stagnating.
Matthew 5:6 says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled." Psalm 107:9 says " He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." In Proverbs 21:21 it says "He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor."
Hebrews 10:25 says " Let us not forsake the habit of assembling together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching."
So my friend, where is your heart at? Are you a church goer or a Jesus lover?
PRAYER: Dear Lord it is my desire to know you better by going to your 'house' to worship but also by desiring the word of God. I give you my heart today Lord. Mold me into the creature you want me to be. In Jesus name. Amen!
Click on link for an awesome praise song:
http://youtu.be/PWDU8rBBIJs
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
WHAT IS KEEPING YOU FROM JESUS?
Could you care less about the things of the Lord? You say you are 'born again' but yet there is no desire to do much of anything but live in a secular world by being a 'nice and good person'? What is the cure for this?
To grow in Christ and get to know Him you have to spend time in fellowship and the Bible. Many people do not want to go to church because they say it is either too religious, 'church people' are hypocrites, or the excuse "I am only off one day a week and I do not intend to waste that day in church". Ouch. That last one really hurts. I know what the people mean who say this but it is sad that they have not found a church that loves Jesus enough to get them excited about wanting to go and brings them the joy of the Lord.
Many non denominational churches even accommodate people by adding a Saturday night service. I do not think that a huge lightening bolt is going to strike you down if you decide to worship on Saturday night because it fits your schedule better. Many may be way too legalistic and feel that the only time to go to church is the standard hour of 11 in the morning on Sunday. And when they go, they sit in the same seat and you better not try to take that seat or look out!! What if a visitor comes in and sits there? The point is the 'Holy Huddle' mentality scares many away. Don't be so quick to judge because we do not know what is in a person's heart.
For those of you out there who have moved allot and have been faced with looking for a church home it can, in fact, be very intimidating. Do not be afraid to go outside the denomination you are used to. Just make sure it is a Bible believing church. Sometimes it is not fun going into smaller churches where cliques may exist and your presence is more evident and no one comes up to say hi. In a huge church you blend in more. Several years ago our family visited a church where on the sign outside it said 'The Friendly Church' and do you know the only time anyone was friendly was when they were forced to get up and shake our hand. No kidding. This type of stuff is part of why some people want nothing to do with a church.
So how do we fix this problem? First the desire for the Lord and the commitment to make the Sabbath Day important has got to be there. This does not mean you have to spend the entire day in church but at least make the effort to have fellowship with other believers one day a week. Next when you hear a good message from the pastor, priest or rabbi it can give you something to think about during the week. Many churches encourage you to bring your Bibles and take notes. I personally find note taking an excellent way to be able to remember what you have been taught. If you were in a college or high school class and there was a lecture and you did not take notes how would you be able to be successful on the upcoming tests? Same thing applies with the message. Take some notes for it is there that you start to have the word go into your brain so to speak. If you can not attend at all perhaps get some good teaching CD's to listen to in order to keep your spirit fed.
Matthew 5:6 says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." If you do not hunger for the things of the Lord ask God to help restore the excitement of Jesus to you. Perhaps you need to recommit your life to the Lord and make an effort to live a life pleasing to Him. Being a Christian is not boring. It is not drudgery. If you feel this way that is because you may not be in the right church or have not asked Jesus to be Lord of your life in the first place. That is the first order of business.
Hebrews 10:25 says "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Romans 13:12 says "The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." If you do not stay connected to the 'vine' which is Jesus Christ and stay in His word, The Bible, then eventually your fire will die out and you will whither away. The enemy loves it when people make excuses about not attending church. The more he can get you to stay home and go do something else the better his chances of getting you to believe a lie and putting out your 'spiritual fire'. Do you want this to happen?
Church alone does not guarantee you admission into heaven. In fact there are probably many in churches who will not go to heaven even though they think they are 'good'. It is more than being 'good'. Matthew 7:22 says "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?" Mark 13:36 says "If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping" referring to Jesus return. He is coming back. Are you ready to meet Him? When he says to you, "do you love me" how will you answer Him and how will you be able to prove it? Something to think about I would say.
Luke 21:34 says "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap." Revelation 3:16 should wake you up if no other verse does and it says "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth" Where is your heart today? Run to Jesus. He is waiting!
PRAYER: Lord God I have not always been faithful to stay in fellowship. Also I have neglected reading your word on a daily basis. Lead me to a church where the word of God is alive and being preached in an uncompromising way. Wake me up from my spiritual stupor and wake any of my family members up who are in this same stupor of not making you a priority in life. Help them love you with all their heart and want to serve you. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link and prepare to worship the Lord.
http://youtu.be/iN_DMuahD5o
To grow in Christ and get to know Him you have to spend time in fellowship and the Bible. Many people do not want to go to church because they say it is either too religious, 'church people' are hypocrites, or the excuse "I am only off one day a week and I do not intend to waste that day in church". Ouch. That last one really hurts. I know what the people mean who say this but it is sad that they have not found a church that loves Jesus enough to get them excited about wanting to go and brings them the joy of the Lord.
Many non denominational churches even accommodate people by adding a Saturday night service. I do not think that a huge lightening bolt is going to strike you down if you decide to worship on Saturday night because it fits your schedule better. Many may be way too legalistic and feel that the only time to go to church is the standard hour of 11 in the morning on Sunday. And when they go, they sit in the same seat and you better not try to take that seat or look out!! What if a visitor comes in and sits there? The point is the 'Holy Huddle' mentality scares many away. Don't be so quick to judge because we do not know what is in a person's heart.
For those of you out there who have moved allot and have been faced with looking for a church home it can, in fact, be very intimidating. Do not be afraid to go outside the denomination you are used to. Just make sure it is a Bible believing church. Sometimes it is not fun going into smaller churches where cliques may exist and your presence is more evident and no one comes up to say hi. In a huge church you blend in more. Several years ago our family visited a church where on the sign outside it said 'The Friendly Church' and do you know the only time anyone was friendly was when they were forced to get up and shake our hand. No kidding. This type of stuff is part of why some people want nothing to do with a church.
So how do we fix this problem? First the desire for the Lord and the commitment to make the Sabbath Day important has got to be there. This does not mean you have to spend the entire day in church but at least make the effort to have fellowship with other believers one day a week. Next when you hear a good message from the pastor, priest or rabbi it can give you something to think about during the week. Many churches encourage you to bring your Bibles and take notes. I personally find note taking an excellent way to be able to remember what you have been taught. If you were in a college or high school class and there was a lecture and you did not take notes how would you be able to be successful on the upcoming tests? Same thing applies with the message. Take some notes for it is there that you start to have the word go into your brain so to speak. If you can not attend at all perhaps get some good teaching CD's to listen to in order to keep your spirit fed.
Matthew 5:6 says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." If you do not hunger for the things of the Lord ask God to help restore the excitement of Jesus to you. Perhaps you need to recommit your life to the Lord and make an effort to live a life pleasing to Him. Being a Christian is not boring. It is not drudgery. If you feel this way that is because you may not be in the right church or have not asked Jesus to be Lord of your life in the first place. That is the first order of business.
Hebrews 10:25 says "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Romans 13:12 says "The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." If you do not stay connected to the 'vine' which is Jesus Christ and stay in His word, The Bible, then eventually your fire will die out and you will whither away. The enemy loves it when people make excuses about not attending church. The more he can get you to stay home and go do something else the better his chances of getting you to believe a lie and putting out your 'spiritual fire'. Do you want this to happen?
Church alone does not guarantee you admission into heaven. In fact there are probably many in churches who will not go to heaven even though they think they are 'good'. It is more than being 'good'. Matthew 7:22 says "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?" Mark 13:36 says "If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping" referring to Jesus return. He is coming back. Are you ready to meet Him? When he says to you, "do you love me" how will you answer Him and how will you be able to prove it? Something to think about I would say.
Luke 21:34 says "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap." Revelation 3:16 should wake you up if no other verse does and it says "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth" Where is your heart today? Run to Jesus. He is waiting!
PRAYER: Lord God I have not always been faithful to stay in fellowship. Also I have neglected reading your word on a daily basis. Lead me to a church where the word of God is alive and being preached in an uncompromising way. Wake me up from my spiritual stupor and wake any of my family members up who are in this same stupor of not making you a priority in life. Help them love you with all their heart and want to serve you. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link and prepare to worship the Lord.
http://youtu.be/iN_DMuahD5o
Monday, December 26, 2011
DO NOT WRAP JESUS BACK IN A BOX UNTIL NEXT DECEMBER
Christmas is over for 2011. Some breathe a sigh of relief after having gone overboard with it all and will just be glad to have everything put away and have life go back to normal. But when you put away your decorations to include for some, the nativity scene, that has been setting out on a coffee table, do not put Jesus away for the next 364 days. The little figurines may be put away but why not make it a point to have Jesus alive and walking with you all the days of the year?
Christmas can leave us with many emotions so why not attempt to make Christmas something to look forward to and the task of putting away things not a drudgery. For some expectations may not have been met as you were striving for the perfect 'Hallmark Christmas'. Families have traditions and this is a fun family time probably for most, but for some Christmas can mean taking a vacation somewhere or doing something different which is all fine and good. There is no 'cookie cutter' formula for Christmas.
For those newlyweds starting out it is fun to start new traditions. For families with adult children give them the opportunity to do their own thing and not force them into your mold. The important thing to remember in all the celebration is to keep Jesus out and with you all the time. Christmas ends but not life with the savior. Make Him part of your everyday life. Start the day with prayer and devotion time and make sure that decisions you make in life are made as if Christ were sitting there with you deciding. Make him a vital part of your everyday life not just on December 25th.
Isaiah 53:5-6 says about Jesus "But he was pierced for our transgressions,he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray,each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." For all that Jesus does for us many of us ignore him til Christmas time. Why not let Him have first place in your life every day of the week?
PRAYER: Lord forgive me for times I have not given you the time of day. Forgive me when I know what to do and yet do otherwise. Forgive me for when I have means to help someone but ignore them. Forgive me Lord for spending more time reading the newspaper than I do reading your word. I want to live for you and let it be Christmas each day. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Christmas can leave us with many emotions so why not attempt to make Christmas something to look forward to and the task of putting away things not a drudgery. For some expectations may not have been met as you were striving for the perfect 'Hallmark Christmas'. Families have traditions and this is a fun family time probably for most, but for some Christmas can mean taking a vacation somewhere or doing something different which is all fine and good. There is no 'cookie cutter' formula for Christmas.
For those newlyweds starting out it is fun to start new traditions. For families with adult children give them the opportunity to do their own thing and not force them into your mold. The important thing to remember in all the celebration is to keep Jesus out and with you all the time. Christmas ends but not life with the savior. Make Him part of your everyday life. Start the day with prayer and devotion time and make sure that decisions you make in life are made as if Christ were sitting there with you deciding. Make him a vital part of your everyday life not just on December 25th.
Isaiah 53:5-6 says about Jesus "But he was pierced for our transgressions,he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray,each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." For all that Jesus does for us many of us ignore him til Christmas time. Why not let Him have first place in your life every day of the week?
PRAYER: Lord forgive me for times I have not given you the time of day. Forgive me when I know what to do and yet do otherwise. Forgive me for when I have means to help someone but ignore them. Forgive me Lord for spending more time reading the newspaper than I do reading your word. I want to live for you and let it be Christmas each day. In Jesus Name. Amen.
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