Thursday ~ May 31, 2012

Thursday ~ May 31, 2012

Just Stay Focused

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2

"Focus, just keep your eye on the ball... Good, good, now when the ball comes, keep watching it and swing the bat... remember, keep your eye on the ball."


I remember learning how to hit a baseball, and how untalented at it I was... No matter what I tried to do, I just couldn't focus. I would look at the grass, I would look at the fence, I would look at other people... And before I knew it, the ball snuck up on me.


I remember having the dream to play professional baseball, so I would stay out on the field and toss the ball up to myself, swinging... and trying to hit it. Isn't that what almost every kid does? They toss the ball to themselves, and try to hit it... They practice focusing on the baseball...


The same holds true with God, and following his Word. We first have to learn how to focus on God. We need to take time, and devote ourselves to learning more about him, and more about how he wants us to live. We have to devote ourselves to spending time in the "batting cage," by reading His Word and spending time in prayer.


However, you cannot become good at hitting a baseball, without someone throwing it to you. Tossing it to yourself helps you develop the hand-eye coordination, but having some throw it to you helps develop the practicality of your coordination. It helps you put what you have learned into action.


Just as it is with living out God's Word. We need friends who can encourage us, and who can help build us up. We need a solid church that can teach us his Word, and help us to understand it. We need to be surrounded by those who are willing to correct us when we make mistakes, but in a way that is uplifting and helpful.


Today, after you get done with this devotion, take a little extra time practicing. Spend a few more minutes reading a random verse, or in prayer, or looking at how you can improve your life and serve Him better.


Because it doesn't matter where you are at in your life... whether you are hitting home-runs, or still trying to get your first hit... we all need practice to maintain our faith, and to continue to grow.

Wednesday ~ May 30, 2012

Wednesday ~ May 30, 2012

Milk & Candy

As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.
- 1 Peter 2:2

One of my greatest problems is my sweet tooth. I love sugar, I love sour candies, I love sweet candies, I love ice cream, I love kool-aid, I love soda-pop... In fact, when I was younger I went a little too far with the goodies, drinking as many as 5 pops a day.

Another problem I have, is that I do not really like milk. Whenever I would drink milk I would either add sugar or flavoring to it, or have to "chug it" to get past the taste. Of course, we all know that too much sugar isn't healthy, and in fact can cause a lot of problems, including tooth disease, obesity, diabetes, and more. Too much sugar in our lives, and not enough milk ends up hindering healthy growth.

Out in the world there are a lot of "sweet things," things that we enjoy and would prefer to do. Some of these things are physically healthy such as sports, while others such as watching tv and video games are not. However, just because something is physically healthy, does not mean that it is always healthy (1 Timothy 4:8). Too much tv, too many video games, or even too much focus on sports can deprive us from the other nutrients we need in life, they can deprive us of our "spiritual milk."

Just like we need milk to maintain strong bones, and just like infants need the nutrients found in their mother's milk, we as Christians need spiritual milk to keep us growing. We need to make sure we limit the sweet stuff in our lives, the sweets that distract us from getting the milk we need, and focus on building the desire to grow in Christ. The desire to become healthier, stronger Christians... something we can only do through the Word of God.

Today, compare how much time you spend in front of the TV, how much time you spend playing video games, how much time you spend in sports practices and hanging with your friends, and then compare these to how much time you spend in God's Word... are you living a balanced diet, and getting the "milk" you need to grow?

Tuesday ~ May 29, 2012

Tuesday ~ May 29, 2012

Never Satisfied

Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground�everything that has the breath of life in it- I give every green plant for food."
- Genesis 1:28b-30a

Looking back on my life, I have been truly blessed. I have a very loving and caring family who has always been there for me. I have been blessed with some of the greatest friends anyone could ask for, and I have the most amazing and beautiful woman in my life.

The one thing I think I am missing, is a good memory. I say this, because I often forget how blessed I am; I forget how fortunate I am to have such wonderful and amazing people in my life. I forget, that I didn't do anything to deserve a woman like her, but instead that she is in my life by the grace of God.

I think this is something that we all forget. We look at our lives and see what we are missing, instead of what we have. We look so far down the road, that we miss the blessings that are right in front of our face. Instead of being thankful for what we have, we 'lust' after what we do not.

As humans, that is one of our biggest problems; we are never satisfied. We always want more. Perhaps it is more money, perhaps more power or influence, perhaps a bigger house or a more 'normal' family. There are lots of things we want in life, lots of things that we desire, and they keep our focus on we do not have, instead of what we do.

And of course, this misguided focus, this lust for the things we do not have, is often the very thing that hurts and destroys relationships. I do not think there is a better example of this than Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve had everything anyone could have wanted; they had each other, they had a garden full of fruits and vegetables, they were the rulers of all beasts, and they had one of the closest relationships with God.

But for Adam and Eve, that wasn't enough. They were still unsatisfied because they hadn't fulfilled all of their dreams. They wanted more! Instead of looking at the beautiful garden, and how blessed their lives were, they wanted something they couldn't have; the forbidden fruit. And they pursued that desire, just like many of us pursue desires that may not be beneficial to ourselves or to our families, and in doing so they lost nearly everything.

By focusing on their desires, instead of their relationship with God, they destroyed it. By focusing on their desires, instead of the blessing of their home, the Garden of Eden, they lost it. By focusing on their desires, the first recorded 'blame' entered their relationship.

Perhaps that is one of the most dangerous lusts, the lust of being self-perfect; to know everything and be right all the time. This lust by itself causes us to ignore others opinions, feelings, and a lot of the times, the truth. Just like Adam blamed Eve to protect himself, this lust causes us to blame others to protect our pride (Proverbs 13:10).

It's time for us to reflect on the blessings we have received, and not the ones we haven't. It's time for us to really take a deep look at ourselves, and ask, "What are we lusting for," and more importantly, "Why?"

It's time to be satisfied; a time for us to cherish the gifts God has given us. To cherish the wonderful salvation provided to us through His son Jesus Christ, to cherish our personal relationship with Him, to cherish our families and friends, and to cherish the many other blessings we have received.

It's time to ask yourself, "What blessings have I been given," and then ask yourself, "How can I cherish them, and show that I am thankful for them?"

Monday ~ May 28, 2012

Monday ~ May 28, 2012

GUEST BLOGGER MONDAY

Rodney Castaldi

Salutation or Salvation, are you prepared?

My wife, Sharon, and I come from totally different sides of the tracks. When we first sat down and shared our stories with each other, I pretty much envisioned hers as reading the Bible while still in her mother’s womb. I, on the other hand, have come from a myriad of Christian, Catholic, agnostic, and even atheistic influences; so much that it would confuse even the best philosopher/theologist.

When we first met, I introduced myself and began my courting ritual. I noticed that my pickup “lines” were not having their usual “affect”. So, after many attempts and some lengthy conversations, Sharon looked at me and asked “do you know who Jesus Christ is?” Well, to make a really long-story-short, since that day my life has been happily with Christ as He has brought me 180 degrees from who I once was.

As the years have gone by I have had my shares of encounters of those who have not heard the name of Christ. Of those I can only think of a small handful that I have not had the pleasure of sharing that wonderful gift that my wife shared with me so many years ago.

As we walk as Christians, do you find opportunities to share your salvation with others? Paul wrote to Timothy, “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:1-5




I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am that my wife did not “fall” for my lines; rather, she was prepared to share the gospel, teaching me how a real Christian should act—in and out of season.

Have you read your Bible today?


God bless,
Rodney R Castaldi

*********************************************************************************

Rodney and his wife, Sharon, reside in Northern Michigan and are very active in their local Church. Rodney is working towards his Masters of Arts in Theological Studies. This degree, with God's blessings, will allow them to successfully own and operate an education center bring guidance to the lost through biblical/scriptural teaching. They pray that this center will be focused on children, youth, teens, parents (single or together), couples, and marriages. Their goal is to provide a central location for education (daycare included) while offering growth opportunities for all members of the community. And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners. Mark 2:17

Rodney also operates a Facebook page called, "Have You Read Your Bible Today?" Click on title to go to the page.

Sunday ~ May 27, 2012

Sunday ~ May 27, 2012

Church???

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
- Hebrews 10:24-25

"What is the big deal about church??? A whole bunch of people get together and sing songs, and then the Pastor preaches a quick word, and blammo... Church is done and you've missed half of the football game. I just think there are other things I can do with my time to serve God..."

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard that! Many people think of church as a social gathering, a sacramental task. However church is not only to praise God, but to help each other, and encourage each other. We live in a world full of sin, and church helps us get out of that world, and refocus on what we need to accomplish.

As a friend of mine said, "Church is like a gas station, and you are the car. If you don't go in for a refill, you won't be able to keep going... eventually you run out of 'Spiritual' gas."

And when you think about it, that is exactly what church is. Church is the fuel to help us continue living as Christians, to help us continue to focus on God, and help us to continually learn about him.

Church is a way for us to get out of our busy world, out of our busy lives, and focus on God. Focus on becoming a better servant, and focusing on seeking God with our whole heart.

Have you had your fill up lately?

12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
-Jeremiah 29:12-13

Saturday ~ May 26, 2012

Saturday ~ May 26, 2012

Power through Serving Others?

26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
- Matthew 20:26-28

Kings! Emperors! Presidents & Dictators! Men of stature and power. Men who are waited on hand and foot. Men who simply say the word, and then watch as their will is done. Men who are influential with their laws and commands, men who people say are the greatest of all time.

Throughout time this has been the perception held by men. We look at them, we see them on TV, and we wonder what it would be like to have such a great power; we wonder what it would be like to have the ability to influence the world. And we try to obtain this power. We look for ways to advance with our jobs, and gain the respect and allegiance of those we work with. We look for ways to become greater and more powerful in comparison to those around us.

But there was one man who took this philosophy of greatness, this philosophy of respect, and turned it completely around. A man who was called a king, and yet he washed the feet of his servants. Jesus did not come into this world to be served by us, but rather to serve us. He came to teach us, and to become a sacrifice so that we may be reunited with our father in Heaven.

Jesus understood that the power of man dies with men; but the power of God lasts forever. When you become the greatest of men, your greatness will die with the men you ruled. However, when you become a servant of God, serving others, your greatness not only lasts on Earth, but in Heaven as well.

He understood that to become the greatest, you must become the least of men; the one who leaves a lasting impression.

Friday ~ May 25, 2012

Friday ~ May 25, 2012

A Time for Change

7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
- Hebrews 13:7-8

Today marks a new chapter in American leadership. A new President, new ideas, and new challenges. Over the past 8 years, many things have changed throughout the world. The internet has risen in popularity, phones have become tiny personal computers, and iPods have dominated the music market. It seems that change is the theme everywhere, even in the White House.

However, not all changes are good, such as on September 11th, when New York City's skyline changed. Or just recently, when the price of gas changed, rising to over $4/gallon in some areas. Or even today's TV, which cannot be easily watched without catching a suggestion of sex or violence, not to mention hearing foul and crude language. Of course, watching God slowly fade from American politics and schools, is another change we can do without.

Today, as Obama says, is time for a change. Time for a change, which we can only make ourselves. Time for a change, where we must accept responsibility, and become active, rather than sitting back and letting others make the decisions for us. But it's also a time, to be careful of change.

Today, is a time to look back on our past leaders, and look at how they incorporated God's Word into policy, and the effects of doing so. Today is a time to look at our future leaders, and encourage them to act righteously. Today, is a time to ask our leaders to change somethings to be different, but to change somethings so that they may be the same as before.

For while we live in a new world, with new technology, new leaders, and new challenges... we still serve an eternal God, one who in His infinite wisdom does not change. A God who knows what will lead to our success as a nation, and what will lead to our demise. A Lord who has given us the "blueprint to success," but has been forced to endure watching us stray from it.

Today is a time for change. It is a time for us to become accountable. A time for us to stand up for our God, and for what is right. Today, if you have not already, will you make that change?

Thursday ~ May 24, 2012

Thursday ~ May 24, 2012

Be a "Shrek" like Christian

No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
- Mark 3:27

There are some people in this world you don't mess with, you know, the people who smash cars with their foreheads. The people who offer a hand, and then push your car 10 miles to the gas station because you ran out of gas. The people who rip phone books in half... Yeah, they are just some people you don't want to make angry.

Even criminals have great respect for these men; at first they struggle and try to throw officers off balance... but as soon as "Shrek" comes they are as good as can be. Nobody wants to get on their bad side, because they know there is no way they can win. No one wants to try to defeat them, because they know that this strong man will not fall.

And just like there are Strong men in this world, there are also Strong Christians... Christians who have built a solid foundation on Christ, and can withstand the elements of this world. Christians who have built their lives on a rock of faith, a rock that cannot be moved.

These Christians, like-wise have gained the respect of their peers, because they know that they are true. They don't just say that they live the Christian life, they LIVE the Christian life.

You can tell who these Strong Christians are, because as soon as they enter the room, the atmosphere changes. A rowdy group quiets down, and the cussing stops. And they don't stop telling each other dirty jokes because they are afraid of these "Strong Christians," but they stop because the Christian has made an impact on their lives. They stop, because they respect this Strong Christian.

They respect this person who lives a TRUE life, this person who stands up for what is right, this person who leads by example. They respect this person, who no matter what the current situation, is praising the Lord for every second that they have. This person, who no matter how bad things get, is able to stay Strong and make it through all the trials.

So what about you, are you a "Shrek" like Christian? Are you someone that people respect because they can see your Spiritual Strength? Are you someone, who like body-builders, works on maintaining your strength, and works on getting stronger? Today ask yourself, what can I do to become a stronger Christian? What can I do to serve God better?

Wednesday ~ May 23, 2012

Wednesday ~ May 23, 2012

Oops! There's Pride!

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 
- James 4:6

Most of us fall into the trap of pride at some time. We all want to be recognized, acknowledged. It's a human trait, yet God expects Christians to be spiritual. People tell us how wonderful we are, and oops - pride flows like spilt milk.

People are proud of almost any achievement: the schoolboy his completed homework; the football fan his team; the tennis player his prowess; the father having a son, daughter going to university. Yet we should be giving God the credit for everything.

But it is that same pride that causes us to quickly fall from our self-placed pedestal (Proverbs 29:23). Similarly, our opening verse says God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Of course the humbleness has to be genuine - and God knows if it is.

Pride is one of the evils that Jesus lists (Mark 7:22-23) - so if we do have any pride we need to be able to recognize it. Sometimes pride creeps in and we don't even realize it is there.

Pride has even crept into our churches. It seems many times that the church takes credit for its work in the community, its growth, and its good fortune. Even in mission sharing tracts we often see the church being advertised prominently, with a quick blurb about salvation.

Let us focus on the grace, glory, mercy, compassion, provision, the greatness of God. For even the next breath we take is by His grace. Let us remember that everything we are able to do, is because of the talents and gifts God has given us.

"To God be the glory, great things He hath done." What He has done, not what we have done.

Tuesday ~ May 22, 2012

Tuesday ~ May 22, 2012

A Loving God

We love him, because he first loved us.
- 1 John 4:19

This is one of the most remarkable, and yet one of the most disturbing verses in the Bible. It is remarkable because it shows us that God loves us, and that He has passed His characteristics to us (Genesis 1:27). However, it is disturbing because it reminds us that we only love others, because God loved us. We only love God, because God first loved us.

In fact, I think it is fair to say, that we all fall short when it comes to love, especially loving God. We are told that love is patient, it is kind, it is not easily angered, and I think a lot of us look at these characteristics and pat ourselves on the back... but Paul continues to describe love by saying, "it is not self-seeking... Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." (1 Corinthians 13:5-6)

When it comes to our lives, we have all put ourselves first, made our desires a priority over God; we have all broken the first commandment- the greatest commandment- by worshiping our desires before His Word (Exodus 20:3). We have all failed to rejoice in truth, and to condemn our evil desires... we have failed to remember that Love is not self-seeking.

And yet, despite this, despite our failure to love, God still loves us (Romans 5:8). He is willing to forgive us (Micah 7:18) so that we may have a deep, intimate relationship with Him.

As we know there is a lot of talk about what love is, and how to show it, especially around Valentine's Day. We talk about buying candy and flowers for our sweethearts, or a nice romantic dinner... but somehow the founder of love, God, gets left out of the picture.

We focus so much on the love that we have with others, that we forget that true, perfect love which only comes from God. We forget what He has done for us, and how He has, and continues to show His love towards us.

Today, think about how you can show your love to God everyday... and ask yourself, when was the last time you said "I love you" to God.

Monday ~ May 21, 2012

Monday ~ May 21, 2012

GUEST BLOGGER MONDAY

Carrie Sharpe

Does your family live on the roof?

Proverbs 21:9 tells us it is “Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman.”

I don’t know about you, but I sure hope my family never feels like it would be better to be perched on our roof than inside our house with me. 

Dictionary.com defines “contentious” this way: tending to argument or strife; quarrelsome; causing, involving, or characterized by argument or controversy.  Doesn’t exactly sound pleasant, does it?  I know I tend to avoid people who could be characterized as contentious.  They are argumentative, always trying to prove a point.  They constantly point out the flaws in everything around them.  They are disagreeable and interested in causing trouble.  They are cranky and miserable.

Being contentious is a pride problem. 

Whether man or woman, if you allow your pride to swell, you may become contentious.  Contentious people generally believe their way is the only right way to do something.  Contentious people generally believe they are right and others are wrong.  They are quick to dismiss others’ ideas, viewpoints, and insights, believing their own to be superior.  Surprisingly, most contentious people are blind to the fact that they are contentious.  Their pride overshadows the truth.

Unfortunately, there have been times I’ve been contentious.  When I am, I recognize it because my family scatters like insects.  Seriously—if you’re argumentative and biting off the heads of everyone in your house, they will all run away from you.  Quickly.  They will hide, hoping to avoid your Medusa-like countenance.  I wish I could say it’s never happened to me, but it has.  Contentiousness rears its ugly head, and when it does everyone around me runs for cover.  My whole family ends up huddled on the roof, so to speak.  It’s better for them to be up there than to be inside the house with contentious me.

If you find yourself wondering if you are contentious, ask your spouse or a close friend if you are.  Pray about it, and ask God to point it out to you.  If you are contentious, ask for forgiveness from God and from those whom you may have offended.  Humility can replace pride.  God is in the business of helping us get our hearts right.  Thankfully, He loves us even when we are contentious.  Thankfully, He forgives us and helps us move forward with our focus more on Him and others than on proving we are “right”.

When we eliminate our contentious ways, our family members will want to climb down from our housetops and move back into our homes, finding peace rather than strife.

Carrie Sharpe began public speaking and blogging after her son, Maverick, almost died from a life-threatening illness.  Carrie shares her experiences and life lessons to help others see the Lord’s love and power in their lives.  Carrie resides in Gaylord, MI, with her husband, Ryan, and their five children.  Their “He says, She says” blog and website can be found at http://www.ryancarriesharpe.com.  Carrie will be speaking at the Woman to Woman Conference at Gaylord E-Free Church this fall.

Sunday ~ May 20, 2012

Sunday ~ May 20, 2012

Sinking like the Titanic

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 
- Matthew 14:31b

One of my favorite church bulletin bloopers is one that announces not only the church services, but also the view held by many Christians today. The bulletin reads:

10am Service: Jesus Walks on Water
Tonight's Workshop: Searching for Jesus...

As Christians, we get so perplexed by our lives. We're not sure what where we are suppose to go, what we are suppose to do, or even what we are suppose to say. We look around, and we try to find the right answers, but instead of finding them, we only get more lost.

A friend of mine gave a sermon on what he thought was 'The biggest problem with Christians today.' He said that the biggest problem with Christians today is not that they don't go to church, or even that many don't read the Bible on a regular basis. He said the biggest problem Christians have today, is that they don't have enough "Faith."

We don't have faith that God is in control of our lives, and instead we try to solve the very same problems He already has the answers for. We stress ourselves about what we are suppose to do, instead of letting Him lead us. We trust more in ourselves to do things, than we do in God.

And just like the bulletin illustrates, we forget that Jesus didn't sink on the water, but rather the disciple who lacked faith. And when the disciple lost his faith, and when he started sinking in the water, falling without any hope... Jesus was still there to do the impossible. Jesus was there to hold him above the water, and to lead him back to safety.

The difference between Peter, and many Christians today, is that instead of grabbing on to Jesus, we try to fight our way back to the boat. We put more faith in ourselves, than in Jesus, and we try to fight a battle we cannot win by ourselves.

Imagine if Peter had let go of Jesus, and tried to swim back to the boat; imagine him trying to fight the raging waves and the pulling current. Instead of making it back to the boat, he would only have become more discouraged; before finally being pulled under. Discouraged like so many of us have become today.

What I find interesting, is that Jesus didn't pull up Peter and say, "Wow, that was a close one." He didn't even say, "Whew, good thing you trusted me!" Instead, Jesus looked right at Peter, just as he does at all of us today, and says, "You of Little Faith! Why did you doubt?"

Jesus is asking us today, Why are you afraid? Why are you worried? Don't you understand that I am here with you (Matthew 28:20), that I will protect you (Deuteronomy 31:8)? I already have a plan for you (Jeremiah 1:5), and I will lead you, if you will follow me... if you will put your faith in me, and TRUST me.

Trusting God isn't something you can just say, or something you can talk about. Trusting God is something you have to do. You have to trust that he will protect you, and lead you... you have to trust that he will not let you go astray. Trusting God is letting go of your worries, and letting him handle it. Trusting God is remembering that there is nothing that He cannot take care of, and there is nothing He cannot fix.

Saturday ~ May 19, 2012

Saturday ~ May 19, 2012

You're Being Unreasonable!

"Are You Stupid? You didn't listen to one word I just said..." How many times have you said that, or something similar to someone you were having an argument with? How many times have you and your spouse/ significant other walked away angry after a debate? How many times have you said something, and wished immediately afterwards you hadn't?


We focus so much on winning the argument, or proving our point to the other person, that we forget to listen to what they are saying. We spend too much time talking, and not enough time saying nothing. And the more we argue, the easier it is to say things that we know are hurtful... things we know we shouldn't say.

And sometimes we say things to be smart, or to be funny; but in doing so we are saying the very things that will only make things worse. We say the very things that mean, "I don't value what you are saying, and you need to listen to me."

Think about it, the next time you tell someone they are being "unreasonable," what are you really saying? Instead of telling them; maybe we should try listening. Maybe we should try to understand what they are saying, and where they are coming from. Maybe, we should try to be wise, and hold our tongue long enough to make the conversation productive, instead of destructive. Fruitful, instead of Hurtful.

Friday ~ May 18, 2012

Friday ~ May 18, 2012

I Almost Resisted

8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.- Genesis 3:8-10

One of the things I find very fascinating about Genesis 3, is that we are never told why the man ate the forbidden fruit... We are told that Eve was deceived by the serpent, but all we are told for the man is that his wife gave him the fruit.

In fact, Genesis 3 doesn't even tell us if the man questioned his wife, or if he was the least bit resistant. It doesn't tell us whether his wife coaxed him into taking the fruit, or if he eagerly grabbed it out of her hands... Genesis 3 seemingly forgets to explain how Adam, the first man, was led to sin.

One of the sayings we hear is, "Close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades." And perhaps that is one of the reasons Adam's sin isn't explained in depth. As Christians we find ourselves being tempted by different things, and we try to rationalize our actions. Even when we sin, we reward ourselves for "resisting temporarily." I remember watching an old tv show, where the woman goes on a diet, determined to make it. 5 minutes later she grabs a cupcake and scarfs it down. What is her reaction to this clear diet failure? She looks up at the camera, smiles and says, "Well at least I made it for 5 minutes."

Let's just say for a second, that Adam resisted taking the fruit from Eve (of course this is merely a speculation). Let's say that Adam even tried to talk Eve out of eating the fruit for several minutes, before he finally gave in and took it. Just like the woman with the cupcake, Adam failed.

Today we try to rationalize our actions, to make them feel acceptable. When we fail, we reward ourselves for 'trying' to obey God. We try to talk ourselves out of doing something, then we do it, and then we tell ourselves, "It's ok... I tried." James tells us that we cannot deceive ourselves this way. He warns us that we cannot just read the Word of God, but we must also do what it says. We must put off our sins, our filth, and follow God (James 1:21-22).

We need to take responsibility for our sins, and for our failures. We need to take an honest look at ourselves, and admit that we did sin, and that "resisting" a little bit doesn't count if we end up giving in to our temptations.

Just like Adam, when we sin we should be ashamed of ourselves; instead of rewarding ourselves. We should ask ourselves why we sinned, instead of saying "I tried not to." But unlike Adam, we need to realize that the only person to blame for our actions, our sins... is ourselves.

Today, what sins are still in your life? What things are you "close" to stopping or getting away from? Are you going to be like Adam; like the woman who was successful with her diet - for 5 minutes... or are you going to be like Paul who turned from his old ways and dedicated his life to serving the Lord?

Thursday ~ May 17, 2012

Thursday ~ May 17, 2012


Your Vehicle

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 
- 1 Timothy 4:8

Today exercise and being in shape is all the rage. If you turn on the TV you will see commercials for Bowflex, the Ab Chair, and other do-it-yourself products; and if you step outside you are sure to see someone walking or running. Even driving around town you pass by fitness stores and centers, all pointing out the importance of being healthy.

And being healthy physically is important, but it's not enough. Your body is your vehicle, like your car. You can have the nicest car in the world, but if the driver isn't healthy, the car won't be going anywhere. If the driver isn't aware of how he/she is suppose to drive, or where he/she is going, the car only ends up getting lost... or worse yet, wrecked.

Yes, it is important to keep up with mechanical work on the car, and to make sure your "vehicle" is healthy; but it is more important to make sure You are healthy internally. To make sure you have taken care of yourself not only mentally, but Spiritually.

Because just like you will be getting a new car a few years down the road, you will also be getting a new Body, a Heavenly body. However, the driver still remains the same... 

Wednesday ~ May 16, 2012

Wednesday ~ May 16, 2012

2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 
- Mark 6:2-3

Of all the ways that God could have come to this earth, I find it very interesting that He chose to come as someone who appeared to be nobody special (Isaiah 53:2). He could have come as a powerful king, a great warrior, or even a knowledgeable doctor; but instead He came as the son of a Carpenter, born into a lowly working trade.

I found myself wondering why God chose to come the way He did... Why He chose to come as a lowly worker- like His people who He sought to save. I wondered why God would make himself among the lowliest if He was coming to be the greatest.

I think we can all relate to being lowly, or looking under-qualified. I think we have all been in a situation where we wonder how we can accomplish something, or if God has the wrong person. We look at ourselves and say that we are a nobody, we're not anything special... and we certainly do not have the wisdom for the task ahead.

I guess you could say it would be like a carpenter who is suppose to save God's people from their sins.

I personally believe that one of the reasons Christ came as a lowly carpenter, was to show us that with God anything is possible (Matthew 19:26). That even though we do not appear to be anything special, with God we are something special. That even though we lack the wisdom ourselves, with God we can have the wisdom needed to fulfill the tasks ahead.

God came as one of His people, to show His people that with Him, and through Him, we can do all things. Today, no matter how lowly you feel, or how much you lack, remember with God you are complete. With God you are special, and God plans to use you for great things (Jeremiah 29:11).