Lord,
Today is the day that you have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. I remember singing those words back when I was younger but now they have so much more meaning to me. Thank you for this day and every day that you allow me to live here on Earth. I love you.
Amen
This morning as I'm drinking my hot tea and eating some oatmeal raisin cookies, I found myself in a state of worry and doubt. I was reminded of how many tasks I need to complete this week and how little time I have to finish them. After about ten minutes of shuffling around and thoughts impulsing through my brain, a specific verse from scripture popped into my mind. "Be still, and know that I am God". Immediately I stopped what I was doing and just stayed still. The thoughts in my mind slowed way down. I knew that God was speaking to me.
After sitting there for a minute or two, I began to think to myself, 'Why am I freaking out like this? God is in control and I just need to focus on Him.' So I did. I sat right at my desk and prayed to the Lord about what was on my mind. At the same time I was doing that I remembered Philippians chapter 4 where Paul says to not worry about anything and instead pray about everything. I felt so much better after focusing my mind on God. I even opened my Bible after praying and read a couple chapters out of it.
Not only did I feel better, but God put it in my heart to inspire others with His Word. So, I wrote a verse on Facebook and also went on to write this blog. God took a hold of me in the midst of my troubles and said, 'Ken, it's alright. Just take a step back and see that I am your God. You have nothing to be anxious or worried about. I am in control so that you don't have to be.'
Spending time with God before the day starts is so crucial to how the rest of my day will turn out. I need Him to build me up and strengthen my mind and spirit. I do not want to let anything in this world rank more important than my relationship with the Lord.
Thank you God for intercepting my anxiety and replacing it with peace.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Incredible Love
Savior,
Thank you for blessing me even though I don't deserve it. I am sinful yet you still care about me and you want the best for me. I know that I can trust you through any and every circumstance whether good or bad. You are worthy of all my praises. I love you.
Amen
Every human on the planet is born with free will. This means that regardless of what life throws our way, it is up to us what choices we make. God did not create us to be like robots and force us to act in a certain manner. Instead, he gave us free will because love is not really love unless we voluntarily choose it. In other words, love is not genuine if we have no choice in the matter.
With that being said, I would like to camp out on the concept of love and explain just how powerful it truly is. We as human beings can choose to either love someone or not love someone. Allow me to contrast the two and see which one is worthy of choosing. To begin, not loving someone would involve not caring and simply having no sympathy for others whatsoever. What would this then create? A world that is very cold, selfish, ugly, and bitter. A world in which sin would run rampant and destruction its ultimate destiny.
On the flip side of the coin there is love. God himself is love. He is the very definition of all that is good and loving in existence. He sent His one and only Son to die for us. There is no greater love than when a person gives their life up for another. What did Jesus' love create? A world of redemption, of hope, of a bright and shining future that will be spent with Him for all of eternity. When people model this type of sacrificial love, this warm, passionate, Christ-like love, it positively and profoundly impacts those around them.
If I offer to help an elderly woman out to her car and help load her groceries, that is an example of love. If a life group volunteers at a homeless shelter, that is love. If someone donates money to help put an end to abortion, that is love. The more we show it, the better this world is going to become. Christ set the best example that anyone could ever set. He sacrificed his life so that we could live for Him and for the good of others.
See what some may not understand is that love is an action. If I say that I love someone but then turn my back when they need my help then I do not love them. If God said that He loves us but then lets us all live sinful, hopeless lives headed straight for destruction, He would not truly love us. If love were simply an emotion, well...you and I both know that emotions change depending on circumstance. True, Christ-like love does not change and is other-centered while revolving around the well-being of other people. It is something you DO and not something simply felt, said, or thought about.
We are capable of such incredible love with the help of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. We can change the world one act at a time. God's love will overflow from our hearts and into the lives of others if we allow it to.
So which one is worthy of choosing? To love or not to love. That is the question.
Frankly, I would go with the former.
Thank you for blessing me even though I don't deserve it. I am sinful yet you still care about me and you want the best for me. I know that I can trust you through any and every circumstance whether good or bad. You are worthy of all my praises. I love you.
Amen
Every human on the planet is born with free will. This means that regardless of what life throws our way, it is up to us what choices we make. God did not create us to be like robots and force us to act in a certain manner. Instead, he gave us free will because love is not really love unless we voluntarily choose it. In other words, love is not genuine if we have no choice in the matter.
With that being said, I would like to camp out on the concept of love and explain just how powerful it truly is. We as human beings can choose to either love someone or not love someone. Allow me to contrast the two and see which one is worthy of choosing. To begin, not loving someone would involve not caring and simply having no sympathy for others whatsoever. What would this then create? A world that is very cold, selfish, ugly, and bitter. A world in which sin would run rampant and destruction its ultimate destiny.
On the flip side of the coin there is love. God himself is love. He is the very definition of all that is good and loving in existence. He sent His one and only Son to die for us. There is no greater love than when a person gives their life up for another. What did Jesus' love create? A world of redemption, of hope, of a bright and shining future that will be spent with Him for all of eternity. When people model this type of sacrificial love, this warm, passionate, Christ-like love, it positively and profoundly impacts those around them.
If I offer to help an elderly woman out to her car and help load her groceries, that is an example of love. If a life group volunteers at a homeless shelter, that is love. If someone donates money to help put an end to abortion, that is love. The more we show it, the better this world is going to become. Christ set the best example that anyone could ever set. He sacrificed his life so that we could live for Him and for the good of others.
See what some may not understand is that love is an action. If I say that I love someone but then turn my back when they need my help then I do not love them. If God said that He loves us but then lets us all live sinful, hopeless lives headed straight for destruction, He would not truly love us. If love were simply an emotion, well...you and I both know that emotions change depending on circumstance. True, Christ-like love does not change and is other-centered while revolving around the well-being of other people. It is something you DO and not something simply felt, said, or thought about.
We are capable of such incredible love with the help of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. We can change the world one act at a time. God's love will overflow from our hearts and into the lives of others if we allow it to.
So which one is worthy of choosing? To love or not to love. That is the question.
Frankly, I would go with the former.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Happiness
Lord Jesus,
You fill me with your love each and every day. Thank you for your strong desire to be in relationship with me. I long to know you more and to become more like you every moment of my life. I love you.
Amen
Work went really well today. Most of the people I came in contact with were very nice and a lot of them smiled as they entered the store. I saw many regulars who come in frequently, and I also met some new ones who were also friendly. One event that made me smile was when a little kid came up to me with his mom and told me about a caterpillar that was sitting outside on the sidewalk. He was so excited that he couldn't stop talking to me about it. This small but significant event just made my morning.
Then I got to thinking about happiness and what the source of that happiness is. I came to the conclusion that my happiness is not simply based on my circumstances or events that take place in a given day. The source is my relationship with God and He is always good no matter what. He is the solid rock in which I stand and I put all of my faith in Him. As long as He is good, I am good. It doesn't matter what I'm going through because I find joy even in the hard times. I know that God is using the trial or difficulty to grow my relationship with Him.
Later in the day an elderly couple came into the store and they are usually rude and obnoxious. I decided to be as kind as I could to them anyways. The woman was impressed with me and said "you have a very nice disposition for a young man, your mother must have raised you right". I told her that my mother did indeed raise me right. Then I continued and said that it was also because of my relationship with God. She liked the fact that I said those words and went on with her shopping trip. I was letting her know that my kindness is based on my relationship with God and from surrendering myself to His will.
Nothing in this world is going to strip me of my happiness and joy found only in the source of all that is good, Jesus Christ.
You fill me with your love each and every day. Thank you for your strong desire to be in relationship with me. I long to know you more and to become more like you every moment of my life. I love you.
Amen
Work went really well today. Most of the people I came in contact with were very nice and a lot of them smiled as they entered the store. I saw many regulars who come in frequently, and I also met some new ones who were also friendly. One event that made me smile was when a little kid came up to me with his mom and told me about a caterpillar that was sitting outside on the sidewalk. He was so excited that he couldn't stop talking to me about it. This small but significant event just made my morning.
Then I got to thinking about happiness and what the source of that happiness is. I came to the conclusion that my happiness is not simply based on my circumstances or events that take place in a given day. The source is my relationship with God and He is always good no matter what. He is the solid rock in which I stand and I put all of my faith in Him. As long as He is good, I am good. It doesn't matter what I'm going through because I find joy even in the hard times. I know that God is using the trial or difficulty to grow my relationship with Him.
Later in the day an elderly couple came into the store and they are usually rude and obnoxious. I decided to be as kind as I could to them anyways. The woman was impressed with me and said "you have a very nice disposition for a young man, your mother must have raised you right". I told her that my mother did indeed raise me right. Then I continued and said that it was also because of my relationship with God. She liked the fact that I said those words and went on with her shopping trip. I was letting her know that my kindness is based on my relationship with God and from surrendering myself to His will.
Nothing in this world is going to strip me of my happiness and joy found only in the source of all that is good, Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Meeting Paul
Lord,
Ignite the Spirit within me to write about matters of your heart. I long to do your will and help others along the path you have laid before them. I pray for the lost that they may be drawn closer to you today. This world is broken, and only you can fix it. Use me however you see fit. I love you.
Amen
What would it be like to meet and have a conversation with the Apostle Paul? The one who basically wrote most of the New Testament. What questions would we ask? What would he look like? How many amazing stories would he tell?
I can't imagine where the conversation would start. Maybe it would go something like 'Hello Paul, I am one of your biggest fans...' To some of us we may say 'Hi there, who are you again?' (if that is you, please turn to Acts, Romans or Philippians and read up a little) Another conversation might start with 'So, what was it like getting knocked off of that horse?' There are multiple scenarios in which different words could be said.
As for me personally, I would start by thanking him for being such a strong follower of Christ. No matter what, through thick and thin, he would always persevere and continue to spread the gospel. I would then proceed to tell him what an enormous difference he has made in my life through his wise words and his humble, diligent character.
I do not know for sure what he would say back to me. Yet, I do know that he wouldn't take the gratitude and encouragement on himself. He would indeed say that it was all because of Jesus Christ that he accomplished his mission. The Holy Spirit guided him through every situation, and he learned to be content with whatever he had or didn't have. Paul would respond: 'I appreciate your kind words, I do what I can only through Christ who strengthens me.' He'd most likely use scripture that he already wrote down hundreds of years ago.
Again, I don't know what he would say for certain, but after reading his books and seeing his personality in action, I can tell that he was an extremely devout Christian and that nothing would stand in his way. Christians, we need to model this type of faith. A faith that is unbreakable, immovable. A faith that spreads like wildfire does through a forest. Lets live a life that is passionate about Jesus' life and pass it on to people we come in contact with. It is the greatest message that was ever and will ever be told in all of humanity.
Ignite the Spirit within me to write about matters of your heart. I long to do your will and help others along the path you have laid before them. I pray for the lost that they may be drawn closer to you today. This world is broken, and only you can fix it. Use me however you see fit. I love you.
Amen
What would it be like to meet and have a conversation with the Apostle Paul? The one who basically wrote most of the New Testament. What questions would we ask? What would he look like? How many amazing stories would he tell?
I can't imagine where the conversation would start. Maybe it would go something like 'Hello Paul, I am one of your biggest fans...' To some of us we may say 'Hi there, who are you again?' (if that is you, please turn to Acts, Romans or Philippians and read up a little) Another conversation might start with 'So, what was it like getting knocked off of that horse?' There are multiple scenarios in which different words could be said.
As for me personally, I would start by thanking him for being such a strong follower of Christ. No matter what, through thick and thin, he would always persevere and continue to spread the gospel. I would then proceed to tell him what an enormous difference he has made in my life through his wise words and his humble, diligent character.
I do not know for sure what he would say back to me. Yet, I do know that he wouldn't take the gratitude and encouragement on himself. He would indeed say that it was all because of Jesus Christ that he accomplished his mission. The Holy Spirit guided him through every situation, and he learned to be content with whatever he had or didn't have. Paul would respond: 'I appreciate your kind words, I do what I can only through Christ who strengthens me.' He'd most likely use scripture that he already wrote down hundreds of years ago.
Again, I don't know what he would say for certain, but after reading his books and seeing his personality in action, I can tell that he was an extremely devout Christian and that nothing would stand in his way. Christians, we need to model this type of faith. A faith that is unbreakable, immovable. A faith that spreads like wildfire does through a forest. Lets live a life that is passionate about Jesus' life and pass it on to people we come in contact with. It is the greatest message that was ever and will ever be told in all of humanity.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Everlasting Life
Father,
Thank you so much for allowing me to live another day. I want to do your will even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone in order to reach someone in need. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus into this world to pay the penalty for our sins and for giving us believers the gift of everlasting life in Heaven. We are forever grateful. I love you.
Amen
Have you ever stopped and wondered about what will happen to you after you pass away? I have and I base my thinking on the truth of scripture when it speaks of there being a Heaven and a Hell. They are real places and people will go to one of them depending on their decisions made here on Earth.
Jesus states in the book of John that He alone is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. It is through Jesus and Him alone that you will spend an eternity in Heaven. See this is what happened in a few words: Even though the human race is sinful, God still loves us and wants a relationship with us. So, he sacrificed His One and only Son Jesus to come down to earth to die for our sins. He did this so that we would be able to have a right relationship with Him once again.
How do we spend eternal life in Heaven with Jesus? It is by turning from sin and believing in what He did for us 2000 years ago. When we believe we accept the Holy Spirit into our hearts and we begin living our lives for God's glory because that is the reason why we are alive.
I don't know about you, but I am so excited to see my Savior face to face in Heaven. It will be a place with no more pain, sorrow, hunger, rape, abortion, drunkenness, homelessness, etc. Instead, it will be perfect in every way where love and joy will be abounding forever. Being with God for eternity is the greatest thing my finite mind could ever imagine.
Thank you so much for allowing me to live another day. I want to do your will even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone in order to reach someone in need. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus into this world to pay the penalty for our sins and for giving us believers the gift of everlasting life in Heaven. We are forever grateful. I love you.
Amen
Have you ever stopped and wondered about what will happen to you after you pass away? I have and I base my thinking on the truth of scripture when it speaks of there being a Heaven and a Hell. They are real places and people will go to one of them depending on their decisions made here on Earth.
Jesus states in the book of John that He alone is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. It is through Jesus and Him alone that you will spend an eternity in Heaven. See this is what happened in a few words: Even though the human race is sinful, God still loves us and wants a relationship with us. So, he sacrificed His One and only Son Jesus to come down to earth to die for our sins. He did this so that we would be able to have a right relationship with Him once again.
How do we spend eternal life in Heaven with Jesus? It is by turning from sin and believing in what He did for us 2000 years ago. When we believe we accept the Holy Spirit into our hearts and we begin living our lives for God's glory because that is the reason why we are alive.
I don't know about you, but I am so excited to see my Savior face to face in Heaven. It will be a place with no more pain, sorrow, hunger, rape, abortion, drunkenness, homelessness, etc. Instead, it will be perfect in every way where love and joy will be abounding forever. Being with God for eternity is the greatest thing my finite mind could ever imagine.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Every Knee Shall Bow
Dear King of Kings,
Today is a glorious day because you are on your thrown. You always have and you always will be in charge of the universe. I pray today that your name would be shouted and praised like never before all over the world. You are worthy of every last breath I have left in my body. Saturate your church with love and lead us to spread the gospel to those who are lost and can't find you.
Amen
I've been a church goer all my life. I was raised going there on Sundays and singing along to each song that the band would play. Usually I would go just because my parents were going and it was the thing to do.
Well, within the past five years or so I've been seeking God on my own and truly discovering what He is all about. Now when I attend church and sing along to the songs, the words have so much meaning behind them. It is clear to me the reasons why we are on this earth and what God is calling us as Christians to do with our lives. In the process of seeking God on my own, He has revealed more of His character and also how he wants me to worship Him.
When the music comes on, the lights go dim, and the whole congregation starts singing and worshiping, I can feel the Holy Spirit moving through the room. Instantly I hear a small voice inside of me saying something to the effect of 'kneel down'. I think it is a combination of God seeing if I'll obey Him and me just wanting to show my Creator how much I love Him. Whatever the reason is, I have this feeling that comes over me and I want to drop down on my knees and bow down before my King.
Why do I choose not to occasionally? Truthfully because sometimes I'm worried about what others may think of me. Wow, I've never written that out before. I just realized that is a very silly reason not to drop on my knees whenever I feel led to do so. I need to be concerned about what God thinks and not what others may think.
When you go to sing praises to God today or whatever time throughout the week, remember that in the end every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. So my question is...why not start now?
Today is a glorious day because you are on your thrown. You always have and you always will be in charge of the universe. I pray today that your name would be shouted and praised like never before all over the world. You are worthy of every last breath I have left in my body. Saturate your church with love and lead us to spread the gospel to those who are lost and can't find you.
Amen
I've been a church goer all my life. I was raised going there on Sundays and singing along to each song that the band would play. Usually I would go just because my parents were going and it was the thing to do.
Well, within the past five years or so I've been seeking God on my own and truly discovering what He is all about. Now when I attend church and sing along to the songs, the words have so much meaning behind them. It is clear to me the reasons why we are on this earth and what God is calling us as Christians to do with our lives. In the process of seeking God on my own, He has revealed more of His character and also how he wants me to worship Him.
When the music comes on, the lights go dim, and the whole congregation starts singing and worshiping, I can feel the Holy Spirit moving through the room. Instantly I hear a small voice inside of me saying something to the effect of 'kneel down'. I think it is a combination of God seeing if I'll obey Him and me just wanting to show my Creator how much I love Him. Whatever the reason is, I have this feeling that comes over me and I want to drop down on my knees and bow down before my King.
Why do I choose not to occasionally? Truthfully because sometimes I'm worried about what others may think of me. Wow, I've never written that out before. I just realized that is a very silly reason not to drop on my knees whenever I feel led to do so. I need to be concerned about what God thinks and not what others may think.
When you go to sing praises to God today or whatever time throughout the week, remember that in the end every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. So my question is...why not start now?
Monday, August 8, 2011
26 Seconds
Lord,
You are beyond words amazing. I love everything about you. Thank you for creating me and giving me the gift of writing to further your Kingdom with. Please let your words be said and not my own. Guide my hands as they are being used for your glory.
Amen
A couple weeks ago during church, Pastor Jim was speaking about evil and how it needs to be abolished in our hearts as well as in the world. He says that we are to hate evil because God is holy and He absolutely cannot associate with it. Evil is destructive and needs to be put to an end.
At the end of the sermon, he listed a few websites where the church can step in and get involved in abolishing evil in the world. The first one listed was destinyrescue.org which is a child trafficking organization that removes kids from sex slavery and helps teach them skills to better their lifestyles. I truly have a heart for helping these poor kids who are in slavery and have no other choice but to be thrown around by dirty men who use them as objects of their own disgusting, lustful desires.
Needless to say, my wife and I are now involved in helping these children get out of the sex trade industry and live free and healthy lives. We donate a small amount each month so that this ministry can thrive and free as many kids as possible. I am urging you, reader, to step up and visit this website. Take the 26 Second Challenge and take action against sin and its effect on the lives of these innocent kids.
There is joy in living for others. Jesus teaches us that loving others is one of the reasons we exist. We need to take a stand against evil and put an end to the madness. Lets stop sitting around saying "aww that's too bad", and actually DO SOMETHING. Join my wife and I in the 26 Second Challenge. You won't regret it.
www.destinyrescue.org/26seconds
You are beyond words amazing. I love everything about you. Thank you for creating me and giving me the gift of writing to further your Kingdom with. Please let your words be said and not my own. Guide my hands as they are being used for your glory.
Amen
A couple weeks ago during church, Pastor Jim was speaking about evil and how it needs to be abolished in our hearts as well as in the world. He says that we are to hate evil because God is holy and He absolutely cannot associate with it. Evil is destructive and needs to be put to an end.
At the end of the sermon, he listed a few websites where the church can step in and get involved in abolishing evil in the world. The first one listed was destinyrescue.org which is a child trafficking organization that removes kids from sex slavery and helps teach them skills to better their lifestyles. I truly have a heart for helping these poor kids who are in slavery and have no other choice but to be thrown around by dirty men who use them as objects of their own disgusting, lustful desires.
Needless to say, my wife and I are now involved in helping these children get out of the sex trade industry and live free and healthy lives. We donate a small amount each month so that this ministry can thrive and free as many kids as possible. I am urging you, reader, to step up and visit this website. Take the 26 Second Challenge and take action against sin and its effect on the lives of these innocent kids.
There is joy in living for others. Jesus teaches us that loving others is one of the reasons we exist. We need to take a stand against evil and put an end to the madness. Lets stop sitting around saying "aww that's too bad", and actually DO SOMETHING. Join my wife and I in the 26 Second Challenge. You won't regret it.
www.destinyrescue.org/26seconds
A New Beginning
I would like to start this series off with a prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you so much for being so wonderful and awesome in every way. You are worthy of all my praises. Nothing compares to your infinite wisdom and power. I start each day acknowledging you as King over the entire universe. My prayer this morning is that you would lead the words that are written in this series and that you would guide my heart towards furthering your Kingdom. I want my writing to be all about you because you gave me this gift and I want to glorify you with it. May everything I say and do be used to magnify your good and holy name. I love you.
Amen
Thank you for tuning in to my new blog. I am both humbled and honored to be writing about the Lord and all of His goodness. This series is based on my life as a believer in Christ and my relationship with Him as I follow in His footsteps and truly live like we are commanded to in The Bible. My hope is that you as the reader will gain some insight as to who God really is and join me on this journey of becoming more like Him every day. That is why we are on this earth, to be in relationship with our Creator.
Jesus says that the two greatest commandments are to love God above all else, and to love people. Also, we are called to live a life of surrender to Him. This means giving up our fleshly desires and obeying what the Lord has called us to do. We don't have to do it in our own strength though, God has sent us the Holy Spirit to all who believe. The Spirit will live inside of you and direct your steps to where He knows is best for you. God doesn't make up rules and commands to make our lives miserable. Quite the opposite. He has given us these commands so that we may live life the way He intended from the beginning before there was any sin. He wants us to live life to the fullest and the only way to do that is by following Jesus and obeying His commands.
I know that I am going to grow spiritually as I'm posting this series. My hope is that you also will do the same as we embark on this adventure together. I am speaking to Christians and non-Christians alike. I feel it is important for EVERYONE to hear these messages. They are far too important to have anyone left out. If you'd like you can follow me through e-mail at the top of the page.
Thanks again for joining me in this series. I am excited to see where God will lead.
Dear Lord,
Thank you so much for being so wonderful and awesome in every way. You are worthy of all my praises. Nothing compares to your infinite wisdom and power. I start each day acknowledging you as King over the entire universe. My prayer this morning is that you would lead the words that are written in this series and that you would guide my heart towards furthering your Kingdom. I want my writing to be all about you because you gave me this gift and I want to glorify you with it. May everything I say and do be used to magnify your good and holy name. I love you.
Amen
Thank you for tuning in to my new blog. I am both humbled and honored to be writing about the Lord and all of His goodness. This series is based on my life as a believer in Christ and my relationship with Him as I follow in His footsteps and truly live like we are commanded to in The Bible. My hope is that you as the reader will gain some insight as to who God really is and join me on this journey of becoming more like Him every day. That is why we are on this earth, to be in relationship with our Creator.
Jesus says that the two greatest commandments are to love God above all else, and to love people. Also, we are called to live a life of surrender to Him. This means giving up our fleshly desires and obeying what the Lord has called us to do. We don't have to do it in our own strength though, God has sent us the Holy Spirit to all who believe. The Spirit will live inside of you and direct your steps to where He knows is best for you. God doesn't make up rules and commands to make our lives miserable. Quite the opposite. He has given us these commands so that we may live life the way He intended from the beginning before there was any sin. He wants us to live life to the fullest and the only way to do that is by following Jesus and obeying His commands.
I know that I am going to grow spiritually as I'm posting this series. My hope is that you also will do the same as we embark on this adventure together. I am speaking to Christians and non-Christians alike. I feel it is important for EVERYONE to hear these messages. They are far too important to have anyone left out. If you'd like you can follow me through e-mail at the top of the page.
Thanks again for joining me in this series. I am excited to see where God will lead.
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