As a Christian, I often question the depth of my faith. I have weeks where I constantly have the Bible open or I'm reading something on line about religion or Christianity, and then there are the other weeks. What happens on those weeks? Well I read a daily devotional, on work days I listen to christian music, and mini sermons, and other than on Sunday, I may not even open my bible. So does that mean I don't have faith? Or does that just mean that I'm not a committed Christian.
Faith to me means believing in God's word, and relying on the promises of God. Faith means being thankful to Him, turning to Him not only in times when we need Him, but every day. I talk to God all the time. I'm always asking Him questions, or making statements to Him. So does that mean I have lots of faith?
Being a good Christian is attending church, worshipping God, praying, reading His word, helping others, bringing others to know Jesus, and having a constant walk with God, right? Some times these questions haunt me. I am intrigued by those people who know that no matter what all will be okay. They constantly walk around telling you everything is good, and that God will provide for your needs, you just have to have faith.
So here's the big question, if God doesn't provide for my, our needs, does that mean we don't have enough faith? I know for a fact that right now, our needs are overwhelming, and I've laid it all out and prayed. I'm not asking God to prove Himself. I believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. I believe in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I believe that the bible is the Word of God, and that Jesus was the Word made man.
As Christians when we are in dire needs or dire straits as I've heard it said, and we don't receive answers to our prayers, what does that say about us? I know that God answers all prayers and that it is just not always the answer we are wanting, but when it is to be able to survive, what exactly does that mean.
L
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Basics continued
I wear an ipod or mp3 portable device when I clean at the church. I sometimes wear it when I am riding my bike, but I only ride it for just now up to 7 minutes and 3 miles. Anyway, as I said in my last post, I talked about the song by 4Him, The basics of life.
So what are the basics that we need in life? Well if you were born in the 80's you might say, a vehicle, microwave, television, computer and some kind of gaming device. If you were born in the 90's it would include the internet, cell phone, unlimited bank account and a college degree paid for by someone other than yourself. Okay, so that might be a little harsh, but a lot of kids that are going to college now, think that their parents should foot the bill. They feel they deserve it, even if they are not planning on using their degree. Okay so that is another post.
Really though what are the basics, that we as adults need to survive in this world? I'm not talking about material things like an expensive house, or car, or designer clothes. I'm talking basics. You know like a roof over your head. Does that mean that you are entitled to a home of your choosing? No, it means a place that is warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and dry when it is raining. What else is it that we need? Food on the table right? Does that mean that society is to pay for your food? No. Does it mean that you take your food stamps and go buy steak and lobster? It shouldn't, but I have seen that done.
It the days of the bible people ate bread, drank what wine, but it is not like the wine of today. It was actually a mulled ale or something along that lines. If you had meat it was from your flock. You grew your food and made your bread. We take a lot for grant these days. We think we must have meat with every meal, flavored coffee or an espresso, and those are not requirements to survive. Could I give up coffee? Probably not with out something else addictive to take its place, but I don't drink flavored coffee so I don't go spend $5.00 on a cup every day. Okay again another post.
So food and a roof are two of the basics. Air of course is a given, water to wash with, clean and bath with are also a necessity. What else would you consider a basic that you have to have in order to survive?
God should be first in our lives no matter what. Our spouses and our children come next. Those are also basics that we need in order to survive in this world today. Without our faith and belief in God our lives are meaningless. The more that God is removed from our society, the worse it gets. So God is a basic that we must and should keep first and foremost in our lives. It is not something we always do. God never leaves us, but we do walk away from Him.
Please share other things that we must have as a basic in order to survive in this world. They say that technology is part of the progression in order for us to survive in a changing world. Is that true? It all the computers, telephones, cable TV and video gaming systems disappeared tomorrow, would life stop?
Think about that. Share your thoughts.
God Bless!
Love, L
So what are the basics that we need in life? Well if you were born in the 80's you might say, a vehicle, microwave, television, computer and some kind of gaming device. If you were born in the 90's it would include the internet, cell phone, unlimited bank account and a college degree paid for by someone other than yourself. Okay, so that might be a little harsh, but a lot of kids that are going to college now, think that their parents should foot the bill. They feel they deserve it, even if they are not planning on using their degree. Okay so that is another post.
Really though what are the basics, that we as adults need to survive in this world? I'm not talking about material things like an expensive house, or car, or designer clothes. I'm talking basics. You know like a roof over your head. Does that mean that you are entitled to a home of your choosing? No, it means a place that is warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and dry when it is raining. What else is it that we need? Food on the table right? Does that mean that society is to pay for your food? No. Does it mean that you take your food stamps and go buy steak and lobster? It shouldn't, but I have seen that done.
It the days of the bible people ate bread, drank what wine, but it is not like the wine of today. It was actually a mulled ale or something along that lines. If you had meat it was from your flock. You grew your food and made your bread. We take a lot for grant these days. We think we must have meat with every meal, flavored coffee or an espresso, and those are not requirements to survive. Could I give up coffee? Probably not with out something else addictive to take its place, but I don't drink flavored coffee so I don't go spend $5.00 on a cup every day. Okay again another post.
So food and a roof are two of the basics. Air of course is a given, water to wash with, clean and bath with are also a necessity. What else would you consider a basic that you have to have in order to survive?
God should be first in our lives no matter what. Our spouses and our children come next. Those are also basics that we need in order to survive in this world today. Without our faith and belief in God our lives are meaningless. The more that God is removed from our society, the worse it gets. So God is a basic that we must and should keep first and foremost in our lives. It is not something we always do. God never leaves us, but we do walk away from Him.
Please share other things that we must have as a basic in order to survive in this world. They say that technology is part of the progression in order for us to survive in a changing world. Is that true? It all the computers, telephones, cable TV and video gaming systems disappeared tomorrow, would life stop?
Think about that. Share your thoughts.
God Bless!
Love, L
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Basics of Life
I dreamed all night long again with this one song playing through my head. The Basics of Life, by the group 4Him. I love their music and they have some really good songs. Most would consider them old music, but it is all good.
So what are the basics of life? The song talks about getting back to a Christ centered life, faith that is true and love.... can't remember the rest of the verse. What would you consider something basic that you must have in your life? I am not talking about the most important and that is Christ being first in your life, but what comes next for you?
So that is the thought provoking question of the day. I'm off to work at the church. I downloaded four sermons from Truth For life, and I ordered three booklets today. I'm looking forward to reading those when I receive them. My time with God grows more and more each day. I hope yours does too!
Have a God Filled and Blessed day!
Love, L
So what are the basics of life? The song talks about getting back to a Christ centered life, faith that is true and love.... can't remember the rest of the verse. What would you consider something basic that you must have in your life? I am not talking about the most important and that is Christ being first in your life, but what comes next for you?
So that is the thought provoking question of the day. I'm off to work at the church. I downloaded four sermons from Truth For life, and I ordered three booklets today. I'm looking forward to reading those when I receive them. My time with God grows more and more each day. I hope yours does too!
Have a God Filled and Blessed day!
Love, L
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Listen To Your Heart
As human beings, especially adults, we should all know what is right and wrong. You know that if you are doing something that doesn't feel right or you are watching or listening to something that just doesn't sound right, than you should probably not be doing it, watching it or listening to it.
As children of God, the deceiver comes to steal, kill and destroy. Satan is quite capable of making us think that we are doing right. There are many things on television, radio, and the Internet these days that we should stay away from. False prophets and false teachings are every where and disguised so that we easily follow.
You should not take a single scripture out of context and base something on that. You need to read what is before it, after it and probably the whole chapter to get the full and true meaning of a biblical passage.
The Word of Faith movement is huge and I've just started learning what they believe and how they believe and the few things that I have read really scare me. Tonight at church we are starting a video presentation called, A call to discernment. It is presented by Justin Peters, through his ministry. www.justinpeters.org
I know that there are a lot of people who like many of the pastors, preachers and evangelist involved in the word of faith movement. Some of them are big names and have huge churches and followings. If you are involved, I urge you to look them up, read what they believe and compare it to what the bible really says.
Be filled with God today! Have a Blessed Day!
Love, L
As children of God, the deceiver comes to steal, kill and destroy. Satan is quite capable of making us think that we are doing right. There are many things on television, radio, and the Internet these days that we should stay away from. False prophets and false teachings are every where and disguised so that we easily follow.
You should not take a single scripture out of context and base something on that. You need to read what is before it, after it and probably the whole chapter to get the full and true meaning of a biblical passage.
The Word of Faith movement is huge and I've just started learning what they believe and how they believe and the few things that I have read really scare me. Tonight at church we are starting a video presentation called, A call to discernment. It is presented by Justin Peters, through his ministry. www.justinpeters.org
I know that there are a lot of people who like many of the pastors, preachers and evangelist involved in the word of faith movement. Some of them are big names and have huge churches and followings. If you are involved, I urge you to look them up, read what they believe and compare it to what the bible really says.
Be filled with God today! Have a Blessed Day!
Love, L
Monday, January 10, 2011
As a Christian I try
As Christians we all stumble at times. I never purposely hurt some one, say anything bad, or and this is the hardest, think bad thoughts about something someone did, or just about a person. I hope that makes sense.
I don't do drugs. I don't drink and haven't since 12/31/2009. I try to always be courteous, and not sarcastic, and to mind my manners and say things like yes sir, no sir, thank you, your welcome, and please. I know we all have bad moments and a slip of the tongue. However, I find it very offensive to get on Facebook and read postings of people who use curse words trying to drive home a point. Some one told me that people who curse don't have a very big vocabulary.
Something else I find offensive is people who claim to be Christians, but go out and get drunk, smoke, do drugs, and curse and post all their activities on Facebook and brag that they out drank everyone at the party or at a club or whatever.
I will be the first to admit that at one point in my life I did drink and get drunk, and do drugs. I had a child out of wedlock. I lived with my husband before we were married. So I am no stranger to those things. However, it was not right then and it is not right now, Christian or not. I rededicated my life to Christ. He has forgiven me all my transgressions.
If you are truly a Christian, believe in God, attend church, then maybe you need to examine your life. If you are doing anything that is not the will of God, then you need to stop, and ask God to forgive you and make it right with Him. You can't be a Christian, and go into the beer store or liquor store and buy from them and give your testimony. You have lost all credibility. Think about it.
I try to spend time in the Word everyday. I pray everyday. Some days more than others. We attend church, and we try to live a life that shows others how Christians live and act. If you see your brother and or sister in Christ doing something they shouldn't do, then you need to approach them about it. I would expect one of my sisters or brothers in Christ to approach me if they see me doing something they feel is not Christian. We should all expect that, but we don't because we don't want to upset family and friends, we just ignore it. That is not right and we should all take a better stand. There has only been one perfect person to walk this earth. He currently sits at the right hand of God. One day I will kneel before Him and I want Him to say to me, "Well done."
This may sound very judgemental or critical, and may not be politically correct, but it is something I feel needs to be said. If I have offended you, hurt your feelings or stepped on your toes, maybe you need to look at yourself, and see if there are areas that you can improve. I know I can. Have a God Filled day, every day. Love, L
I don't do drugs. I don't drink and haven't since 12/31/2009. I try to always be courteous, and not sarcastic, and to mind my manners and say things like yes sir, no sir, thank you, your welcome, and please. I know we all have bad moments and a slip of the tongue. However, I find it very offensive to get on Facebook and read postings of people who use curse words trying to drive home a point. Some one told me that people who curse don't have a very big vocabulary.
Something else I find offensive is people who claim to be Christians, but go out and get drunk, smoke, do drugs, and curse and post all their activities on Facebook and brag that they out drank everyone at the party or at a club or whatever.
I will be the first to admit that at one point in my life I did drink and get drunk, and do drugs. I had a child out of wedlock. I lived with my husband before we were married. So I am no stranger to those things. However, it was not right then and it is not right now, Christian or not. I rededicated my life to Christ. He has forgiven me all my transgressions.
If you are truly a Christian, believe in God, attend church, then maybe you need to examine your life. If you are doing anything that is not the will of God, then you need to stop, and ask God to forgive you and make it right with Him. You can't be a Christian, and go into the beer store or liquor store and buy from them and give your testimony. You have lost all credibility. Think about it.
I try to spend time in the Word everyday. I pray everyday. Some days more than others. We attend church, and we try to live a life that shows others how Christians live and act. If you see your brother and or sister in Christ doing something they shouldn't do, then you need to approach them about it. I would expect one of my sisters or brothers in Christ to approach me if they see me doing something they feel is not Christian. We should all expect that, but we don't because we don't want to upset family and friends, we just ignore it. That is not right and we should all take a better stand. There has only been one perfect person to walk this earth. He currently sits at the right hand of God. One day I will kneel before Him and I want Him to say to me, "Well done."
This may sound very judgemental or critical, and may not be politically correct, but it is something I feel needs to be said. If I have offended you, hurt your feelings or stepped on your toes, maybe you need to look at yourself, and see if there are areas that you can improve. I know I can. Have a God Filled day, every day. Love, L
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Where do I go?
My thoughts are clouded today. I know that is the work of the devil trying to get me to worry, have fear and being anxious over things I have no control over.
I get a devotional everyday except Sunday from Truthforlife.org. It is done by Pastor Alaister Beggs, who is a Baptist pastor in Ohio and he is on the radio and I love him. He speaks the truth about the bible. He doesn't just tell you what you want to hear. He is not a "feel good" pastor. There are a lot of those types of pastors and evangelist out in the world.
As a christian I have my own beliefs and it is based off the doctrine in God's Word. I believe everything in the bible, not just pieces and I try never to take anything out of context. When I have a question that I can't find the answer to, I pray and seek counsel from God, and I talk to my pastor.
I know that there are people in the world that use the bible to justify things that aren't good to make them feel at peace. I've made a lot of mistakes over the years. God has forgiven me for those mistakes and sins, and I am learning to forgive myself.
I usually move my daily devotional to a folder after I read it, however, right now in my inbox, I have many that I have read, but feel lead to leave them where they are currently. I keep reading the titles over and over.
Here is the first one:
Find Your Life in Christ - I received this one on 12/27/10
Follow Boldly - I received on 12/28/10
Till Now - on 12/29/10
Anticipate the End - 12/30/10
Let the Thirsty Come - 12/31/-10
The Property of Every Believer - 1/3/11
Grow in Grace & Knowledge - 1/4/11
Reflecting on Light - 1/5/11
Say Goodbye to Anxiety - 1/6/11
As I look at each one of these titles, it brings a different thought but they read like a complete sentence or a list of instructions. Can I do these? Can I trust? Is my faith strong enough? Do I truly believe the word of God? I can answer yes to two out of the four. Is that bad? No, its just that I'm still trying to understand and learn as much as possible.
Someone once told me that the only thing we need to believe from the bible is that Christ was born, died and rose again, and that everything else is left up to interpretation. I don't think I believe that. Someone also told me not to label myself as a particular religion. Well I can't do that, because I follow the Baptist because the doctrine is closer to the true doctrine of the true church.
My pastor and his wife gave me a devotional journal for Christmas. It is wonderful and I have started writing in it and reading the bible passages. However, I've only read the first one. I'm not sure I'm mature enough in my Christian walk with God to understand. So today I'm seeking help from the Great Teacher. I am going to devote time everyday to read the devotional passage, make my notes and not move on until I fully understand what it is telling me.
"God hear my plea. Help me to grow closer to you, understand your word and live my life for you. Father, grant me the wisdom and knowledge to help others to know you and to let your light shine through my life. Father you know my heart, without me having to speak the words. You know my love for you. Father heal my heart, open my eyes and my heart to learn all I can of you. In Jesus precious name. Amen."
Have a God Filled and Blessed Day!
Love, L
I get a devotional everyday except Sunday from Truthforlife.org. It is done by Pastor Alaister Beggs, who is a Baptist pastor in Ohio and he is on the radio and I love him. He speaks the truth about the bible. He doesn't just tell you what you want to hear. He is not a "feel good" pastor. There are a lot of those types of pastors and evangelist out in the world.
As a christian I have my own beliefs and it is based off the doctrine in God's Word. I believe everything in the bible, not just pieces and I try never to take anything out of context. When I have a question that I can't find the answer to, I pray and seek counsel from God, and I talk to my pastor.
I know that there are people in the world that use the bible to justify things that aren't good to make them feel at peace. I've made a lot of mistakes over the years. God has forgiven me for those mistakes and sins, and I am learning to forgive myself.
I usually move my daily devotional to a folder after I read it, however, right now in my inbox, I have many that I have read, but feel lead to leave them where they are currently. I keep reading the titles over and over.
Here is the first one:
Find Your Life in Christ - I received this one on 12/27/10
Follow Boldly - I received on 12/28/10
Till Now - on 12/29/10
Anticipate the End - 12/30/10
Let the Thirsty Come - 12/31/-10
The Property of Every Believer - 1/3/11
Grow in Grace & Knowledge - 1/4/11
Reflecting on Light - 1/5/11
Say Goodbye to Anxiety - 1/6/11
As I look at each one of these titles, it brings a different thought but they read like a complete sentence or a list of instructions. Can I do these? Can I trust? Is my faith strong enough? Do I truly believe the word of God? I can answer yes to two out of the four. Is that bad? No, its just that I'm still trying to understand and learn as much as possible.
Someone once told me that the only thing we need to believe from the bible is that Christ was born, died and rose again, and that everything else is left up to interpretation. I don't think I believe that. Someone also told me not to label myself as a particular religion. Well I can't do that, because I follow the Baptist because the doctrine is closer to the true doctrine of the true church.
My pastor and his wife gave me a devotional journal for Christmas. It is wonderful and I have started writing in it and reading the bible passages. However, I've only read the first one. I'm not sure I'm mature enough in my Christian walk with God to understand. So today I'm seeking help from the Great Teacher. I am going to devote time everyday to read the devotional passage, make my notes and not move on until I fully understand what it is telling me.
"God hear my plea. Help me to grow closer to you, understand your word and live my life for you. Father, grant me the wisdom and knowledge to help others to know you and to let your light shine through my life. Father you know my heart, without me having to speak the words. You know my love for you. Father heal my heart, open my eyes and my heart to learn all I can of you. In Jesus precious name. Amen."
Have a God Filled and Blessed Day!
Love, L
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