"...The God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were." Romans 4:17
I just love this verse! It describes the power of our God in a single sentence. This is what he does for each of us when we give our life to him. This is a one sentence verse that you could share with someone that is struggling and might be just what they needed to understand. This could also be a verse you write on a note card and post it on the mirror in your bathroom so that you could read it every morning.
So powerful because we have all been there, dead in our sin and in need of a Savior. That is our God! That is who we serve. He takes the dead and makes it alive, the old to new, the depressed to rejoicing and so on! There is so much that goes into this process of change, but we serve a God that does it!
Take this verse with you wherever you go today and let it rain over you in your dealings with anyone and everyone you meet!
STP
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Serve One Another ... by Max Lucado
Jesus “set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion” (Phil. 2:7–8 MSG).
Let’s follow his example. Let’s “put on the apron of humility, to serve one another” (1 Pet. 5:5 TEV). Jesus entered the world to serve. We can enter our jobs, our homes, our churches.
Servanthood requires no unique skill or seminary degree. Regardless of your strengths, training, or church tenure, you can …
Love the overlooked. Jesus sits in your classroom, wearing the thick glasses, outdated clothing, and a sad face. You’ve seen him. He’s Jesus.
Jesus works in your office. Pregnant again, she shows up to work late and tired. No one knows the father. According to water-cooler rumors, even she doesn’t know the father. You’ve seen her. She’s Jesus.
When you talk to the lonely student, befriend the weary mom, you love Jesus. He dresses in the garb of the overlooked and ignored. “Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me” (Matt. 25:40 MSG).
You can do that. Even if your sweet spot has nothing to do with encouraging others, the cure for the common life involves loving the overlooked. You can also …
Wave a white flag. We fight so much. “Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from?” asks the brother of Jesus. “Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside
yourselves” (James 4:1 MSG). Serve someone by swallowing your pride. One more aspect of servanthood…..
Every day do something you don’t want to do. Pick up someone else’s trash. Surrender your parking place. Call the long-winded relative. Carry the cooler. Doesn’t have to be a big thing. Helen Keller once told the Tennessee legislature that when she was young, she had longed to do great things and could not, so she decided to do small things in a great way. Don’t be too big to do something small. “Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort” (1 Cor. 15:58 MSG).
A good action not only brings good fortune, it brings God’s attention. He notices the actions of servants. He sent his Son to be one.
When you and I crest Mount Zion and hear the applause of saints, we’ll realize this: hands pushed us up the mountain too. The pierced hands of Jesus Christ, the greatest servant who ever lived.
From Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot
Let’s follow his example. Let’s “put on the apron of humility, to serve one another” (1 Pet. 5:5 TEV). Jesus entered the world to serve. We can enter our jobs, our homes, our churches.
Servanthood requires no unique skill or seminary degree. Regardless of your strengths, training, or church tenure, you can …
Love the overlooked. Jesus sits in your classroom, wearing the thick glasses, outdated clothing, and a sad face. You’ve seen him. He’s Jesus.
Jesus works in your office. Pregnant again, she shows up to work late and tired. No one knows the father. According to water-cooler rumors, even she doesn’t know the father. You’ve seen her. She’s Jesus.
When you talk to the lonely student, befriend the weary mom, you love Jesus. He dresses in the garb of the overlooked and ignored. “Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me” (Matt. 25:40 MSG).
You can do that. Even if your sweet spot has nothing to do with encouraging others, the cure for the common life involves loving the overlooked. You can also …
Wave a white flag. We fight so much. “Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from?” asks the brother of Jesus. “Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside
yourselves” (James 4:1 MSG). Serve someone by swallowing your pride. One more aspect of servanthood…..
Every day do something you don’t want to do. Pick up someone else’s trash. Surrender your parking place. Call the long-winded relative. Carry the cooler. Doesn’t have to be a big thing. Helen Keller once told the Tennessee legislature that when she was young, she had longed to do great things and could not, so she decided to do small things in a great way. Don’t be too big to do something small. “Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort” (1 Cor. 15:58 MSG).
A good action not only brings good fortune, it brings God’s attention. He notices the actions of servants. He sent his Son to be one.
When you and I crest Mount Zion and hear the applause of saints, we’ll realize this: hands pushed us up the mountain too. The pierced hands of Jesus Christ, the greatest servant who ever lived.
From Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot
Monday, June 23, 2008
Choosing the Uncommon Life ... by Max Lucado
One can’t, at once, promote two reputations. Promote God’s and forget yours. Or promote yours and forget God’s. We must choose.
Joseph did. Matthew describes Jesus’s earthly father as a craftsman (Matt. 13:55). He lives in Nazareth: a single-camel map dot on the edge of boredom. Joseph never speaks in the New Testament. He does much. He sees an angel, marries a pregnant girl, and leads his family to Bethlehem and Egypt. He does much, but says nothing.
A small-town carpenter who never said a Scripture-worthy word. Is Joseph the right choice? Doesn’t God have better options? An eloquent priest from Jerusalem or a scholar from the Pharisees? Why Joseph? A major part of the answer lies in his reputation: he gives it up for Jesus. “Then Joseph [Mary’s] husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly” (Matt. 1:19).
Mary’s parents, by this point, have signed a contract and sealed it with a dowry. Mary belongs to Joseph; Joseph belongs to Mary. Legally and matrimonially bound.
Now what? His fiancée is pregnant, blemished, tainted … he is righteous, godly. On one hand, he has the law. On the other, he has his love. The law says, stone her. Love says, forgive her.
Joseph is caught in the middle. But Joseph is a kind man. “Not wanting to disgrace her, [he] planned to send her away secretly” (v. 19 NASB).
A quiet divorce. How long would it stay quiet? Likely not long. But for a time, this was the solution.
Then comes the angel. “While he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit’ ” (v. 20).
Mary’s growing belly gives no cause for concern, but reason to rejoice. “She carries the Son of God in her womb,” the angel announces. But who would believe it? Who would buy this tale? Envision Joseph being questioned by the city leaders.
“Joseph,” they say, “we understand that Mary is with child.”
He nods.
“Is the child yours?”
He shakes his head.
“Do you know how she became pregnant?”
Gulp. A bead of sweat forms beneath Joseph’s beard. He faces a dilemma. He makes his decision. “Joseph … took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS” (Matt. 1:24–25).
Joseph tanked his reputation. He swapped his reputation for a pregnant fiancée and an illegitimate son and made the big decision of discipleship. He placed God’s plan ahead of his own.
Would you be willing to do the same? God grants us an uncommon life to the degree we surrender our common one. “If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life” (Matt. 16:25 NLT). Would you forfeit your reputation to see Jesus born into your world?
From Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot
Joseph did. Matthew describes Jesus’s earthly father as a craftsman (Matt. 13:55). He lives in Nazareth: a single-camel map dot on the edge of boredom. Joseph never speaks in the New Testament. He does much. He sees an angel, marries a pregnant girl, and leads his family to Bethlehem and Egypt. He does much, but says nothing.
A small-town carpenter who never said a Scripture-worthy word. Is Joseph the right choice? Doesn’t God have better options? An eloquent priest from Jerusalem or a scholar from the Pharisees? Why Joseph? A major part of the answer lies in his reputation: he gives it up for Jesus. “Then Joseph [Mary’s] husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly” (Matt. 1:19).
Mary’s parents, by this point, have signed a contract and sealed it with a dowry. Mary belongs to Joseph; Joseph belongs to Mary. Legally and matrimonially bound.
Now what? His fiancée is pregnant, blemished, tainted … he is righteous, godly. On one hand, he has the law. On the other, he has his love. The law says, stone her. Love says, forgive her.
Joseph is caught in the middle. But Joseph is a kind man. “Not wanting to disgrace her, [he] planned to send her away secretly” (v. 19 NASB).
A quiet divorce. How long would it stay quiet? Likely not long. But for a time, this was the solution.
Then comes the angel. “While he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit’ ” (v. 20).
Mary’s growing belly gives no cause for concern, but reason to rejoice. “She carries the Son of God in her womb,” the angel announces. But who would believe it? Who would buy this tale? Envision Joseph being questioned by the city leaders.
“Joseph,” they say, “we understand that Mary is with child.”
He nods.
“Is the child yours?”
He shakes his head.
“Do you know how she became pregnant?”
Gulp. A bead of sweat forms beneath Joseph’s beard. He faces a dilemma. He makes his decision. “Joseph … took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS” (Matt. 1:24–25).
Joseph tanked his reputation. He swapped his reputation for a pregnant fiancée and an illegitimate son and made the big decision of discipleship. He placed God’s plan ahead of his own.
Would you be willing to do the same? God grants us an uncommon life to the degree we surrender our common one. “If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life” (Matt. 16:25 NLT). Would you forfeit your reputation to see Jesus born into your world?
From Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENT... IM EDGE!!!
I want to announce the new studies for IM EDGE from now through '09. Here is the rundown:
Starting June 12th:
Blood, Sweat and Tears...a 12 week study on the life of King David!
Starting September 4th:
Here Come the Kings... a 12 week tudy for the OT Kings!
Starting January '09
In depth study of the Gospel of Mark
I am so excited about this line up! I believe this is God-inspired and God-directed! Please come and join us on Thurday mornings at 6am at LCCOC for these great studies and let's just see what God has instore for us!!!
Starting June 12th:
Blood, Sweat and Tears...a 12 week study on the life of King David!
Starting September 4th:
Here Come the Kings... a 12 week tudy for the OT Kings!
Starting January '09
In depth study of the Gospel of Mark
I am so excited about this line up! I believe this is God-inspired and God-directed! Please come and join us on Thurday mornings at 6am at LCCOC for these great studies and let's just see what God has instore for us!!!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Open Arms ... by Max Lucado
If you ever wonder how in the world God could use you to change the world, look at the people God used to change history. A ragbag of ne’er-do-wells and has-beens who found hope, not in their performance, but in God’s proverbially open arms.
Abraham- God took what was good and forgave what was bad and used “old forked tongue” to start a nation. Moses- would you call upon a fugitive to carry the Ten Commandments? God did. David- his track record left little to be desired, but his repentant spirit was unquestionable. Jonah- God put him in a whale’s belly to bring him back to his senses. But even the whale couldn’t stomach this missionary for too long.
On and on the stories go: Elijah, the prophet who pouted; Solomon, the king who knew too much; Jacob, the wheeler-dealer; Gomer, the prostitute; Sarah, the woman who giggled at God. One story after another of God using man’s best and overcoming man’s worst.
The reassuring lesson is clear. God used (and uses!) people to change the world. People! Not saints or superhumans or geniuses, but people. Crooks, creeps, lovers, and liars—he uses them all. And what they may lack in perfection, God makes up for in love.
Jesus later summarized God’s stubborn love with a parable. He told about a teenager who decided that life at the farm was too slow for his tastes. So with pockets full of inheritance money, he set out to find the big time. What he found instead were hangovers, fair-weather friends, and long unemployment lines. When he had had just about as much of the pig’s life as he could take, he swallowed his pride, dug his hands deep into his empty pockets, and began the long walk home; all the while rehearsing a speech that he planned to give to his father.
He never used it. Just when he got to the top of the hill, his father, who’d been waiting at the gate, saw him. The boy’s words of apology were quickly muffled by the father’s words of forgiveness. And the boy’s weary body fell into his father’s opened arms.
The same open arms welcomed him that had welcomed Abraham, Moses, David, and Jonah. No wagging fingers. No clenched fists. No “I told you so!” slaps or “Where have you been?” interrogations. No crossed arms. No black eyes or fat lips. No. Only sweet, open arms. If you ever wonder how God can use you to make a difference in your world, just look at those he has already used and take heart. Look at the forgiveness found in those open arms and take courage.
And, by the way, never were those arms opened so wide as they were on the Roman cross. One arm extending back into history and the other reaching into the future. An embrace of forgiveness offered for anyone who’ll come. A hen gathering her chicks. A father receiving his own. A redeemer redeeming the world.
No wonder they call him the Savior.
Abraham- God took what was good and forgave what was bad and used “old forked tongue” to start a nation. Moses- would you call upon a fugitive to carry the Ten Commandments? God did. David- his track record left little to be desired, but his repentant spirit was unquestionable. Jonah- God put him in a whale’s belly to bring him back to his senses. But even the whale couldn’t stomach this missionary for too long.
On and on the stories go: Elijah, the prophet who pouted; Solomon, the king who knew too much; Jacob, the wheeler-dealer; Gomer, the prostitute; Sarah, the woman who giggled at God. One story after another of God using man’s best and overcoming man’s worst.
The reassuring lesson is clear. God used (and uses!) people to change the world. People! Not saints or superhumans or geniuses, but people. Crooks, creeps, lovers, and liars—he uses them all. And what they may lack in perfection, God makes up for in love.
Jesus later summarized God’s stubborn love with a parable. He told about a teenager who decided that life at the farm was too slow for his tastes. So with pockets full of inheritance money, he set out to find the big time. What he found instead were hangovers, fair-weather friends, and long unemployment lines. When he had had just about as much of the pig’s life as he could take, he swallowed his pride, dug his hands deep into his empty pockets, and began the long walk home; all the while rehearsing a speech that he planned to give to his father.
He never used it. Just when he got to the top of the hill, his father, who’d been waiting at the gate, saw him. The boy’s words of apology were quickly muffled by the father’s words of forgiveness. And the boy’s weary body fell into his father’s opened arms.
The same open arms welcomed him that had welcomed Abraham, Moses, David, and Jonah. No wagging fingers. No clenched fists. No “I told you so!” slaps or “Where have you been?” interrogations. No crossed arms. No black eyes or fat lips. No. Only sweet, open arms. If you ever wonder how God can use you to make a difference in your world, just look at those he has already used and take heart. Look at the forgiveness found in those open arms and take courage.
And, by the way, never were those arms opened so wide as they were on the Roman cross. One arm extending back into history and the other reaching into the future. An embrace of forgiveness offered for anyone who’ll come. A hen gathering her chicks. A father receiving his own. A redeemer redeeming the world.
No wonder they call him the Savior.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
What a Morning!!!
IRONMEN EDGE this morning was amazing!!! It is truly a regular occurance on Thursday mornings that God just amazes me.
We have been studying Nehemiah and this week each person took a chapter to summarize. The focus of the summarization for each chapter was to think about the principles in the chapter that can help us deal with changes that we need to make in our lives, example: sins.
That was a great discussion! If that wasn't enough, CD shared a story from his past that was absolutely moving! God is soooooo good and he hits me right where I need it every time. I trust that he did for each of us.
It is so special to be in a room with other men and discussing the things in our lives that really matter. There is such strength in that! Thank you Lord for the incredible men then of the EDGE!
STP
We have been studying Nehemiah and this week each person took a chapter to summarize. The focus of the summarization for each chapter was to think about the principles in the chapter that can help us deal with changes that we need to make in our lives, example: sins.
That was a great discussion! If that wasn't enough, CD shared a story from his past that was absolutely moving! God is soooooo good and he hits me right where I need it every time. I trust that he did for each of us.
It is so special to be in a room with other men and discussing the things in our lives that really matter. There is such strength in that! Thank you Lord for the incredible men then of the EDGE!
STP
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Service!!! Romans 13:14
In the ERV, this verse reads like this:
"Be like the Lord Jesus Christ, so that when people see what you do, they will see Christ!"
In the NIV, this verse reads like this:
"Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ."
In the Message, this verse reads like this:
"Dress yourselves in Christ."
I love this verse! This is a very convicting verse. When others see me, what do they see? Do they see someone that is selfishly looking out for #1 or do they see a servant with Christ as their leader? I sure hope it is the latter. I cannot say that it is always that way, however.
Just simply thinking about the things that I do, that is very convicting. There is sin in my life that I am not proud of. I know that when others see that, they don't see Christ. They see my selfish nature just as the rest of the verse says. Oh, how I strive to keep this in the forefront of my mind at all times.
This is my new goal/mission:
I want to be like the Lord Jesus Christ, so that when other people see what I do, they SEE CHRIST!
I hope all us IronMen could live this way! What a change this would make in the world!
SERVICE:
In an effort to do the above mentioned goal/mission, I sent out an email to the IronMen on Monday asking for help rounding up some furniture for a great family that we are helping. What a response!!! Within 30 minutes, I had numerous men offering furniture of all types. Last night, we picked up and delivered a couch, love seat, otomon, and a TV to this wonderful family. They were so overjoyed!!! On Friday, we are going to pick up a table and 6 chairs for their dining room.
This was such a great thing and I am so proud of the IronMen! Keep on Sharpening each other!!! You guys are great!
STP, an IronMan
"Be like the Lord Jesus Christ, so that when people see what you do, they will see Christ!"
In the NIV, this verse reads like this:
"Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ."
In the Message, this verse reads like this:
"Dress yourselves in Christ."
I love this verse! This is a very convicting verse. When others see me, what do they see? Do they see someone that is selfishly looking out for #1 or do they see a servant with Christ as their leader? I sure hope it is the latter. I cannot say that it is always that way, however.
Just simply thinking about the things that I do, that is very convicting. There is sin in my life that I am not proud of. I know that when others see that, they don't see Christ. They see my selfish nature just as the rest of the verse says. Oh, how I strive to keep this in the forefront of my mind at all times.
This is my new goal/mission:
I want to be like the Lord Jesus Christ, so that when other people see what I do, they SEE CHRIST!
I hope all us IronMen could live this way! What a change this would make in the world!
SERVICE:
In an effort to do the above mentioned goal/mission, I sent out an email to the IronMen on Monday asking for help rounding up some furniture for a great family that we are helping. What a response!!! Within 30 minutes, I had numerous men offering furniture of all types. Last night, we picked up and delivered a couch, love seat, otomon, and a TV to this wonderful family. They were so overjoyed!!! On Friday, we are going to pick up a table and 6 chairs for their dining room.
This was such a great thing and I am so proud of the IronMen! Keep on Sharpening each other!!! You guys are great!
STP, an IronMan
Thursday, April 24, 2008
IM Golf Retreat was a success...
We had a great time at Garden Valley GC. We had 25 golfers and a few others that joined for the fellowship. I believe all had a great time espcially Friday night! The Spirit was working for sure!!! Thanks to all who came and participated!
Here are some pics for your enjoyment:
Peppermint Patty? No that's just our minister!
The cooks, extrodinaire!!!
There is only one real golfer in this group!
Hanging out after share time!
Hey, what are we doing, let's play some golf!
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
God is Good!!!
IronMen, do you remember the baby (Kanyon) that we prayed about 1 year ago. He was a cousin of Paige's and he struggled so very much the first months of his life. He had a beautiful twin sister that died early on and he kept on fighting.
NOW HE IS A YEAR OLD!!! Don't tell me that God doesn't work miracles!
This little one is a prefect example. Check out this family's blog. The mom is asking anyone that wants to to leave Kanyon a message on his birthday so that she can print them out for is baby book. Last i checked, he had 96 comments! Wow. This story is one that will forever change you and your heart!
http://www.thephillipsphamily.blogspot.com/
NOW HE IS A YEAR OLD!!! Don't tell me that God doesn't work miracles!
This little one is a prefect example. Check out this family's blog. The mom is asking anyone that wants to to leave Kanyon a message on his birthday so that she can print them out for is baby book. Last i checked, he had 96 comments! Wow. This story is one that will forever change you and your heart!
http://www.thephillipsphamily.blogspot.com/
Friday, April 04, 2008
Romans 1:11-12
"I want very much to see you and give you some spiritual gift to make your faith stronger. I mean that I want us to help each other with the faith that we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you." ERV
What a great attitude! I would only hope that we would have some level of this attitude that Paul had. He understood that we are all in this together; we all want the same goal: To bring as many as we can to the Kingdom!
We else is there? When we come together, do we come to serve or to be served?
As IronMen, I pray that we can have an attitude of service and an attitude of helping each other draw closer to the Lord. May we have a heart to bring more and more with us to the Kingdom.
What a great attitude! I would only hope that we would have some level of this attitude that Paul had. He understood that we are all in this together; we all want the same goal: To bring as many as we can to the Kingdom!
We else is there? When we come together, do we come to serve or to be served?
As IronMen, I pray that we can have an attitude of service and an attitude of helping each other draw closer to the Lord. May we have a heart to bring more and more with us to the Kingdom.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Understatement!!! Joshua 10:14
What an understatement! Joshua 10:14 says this: "Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!" Well I guess so. Look at verse 11:
"As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites."
Then check out verse 12-13:
"On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the prescence of Israel: O sun stand still over Gibeon, O moon over the Valley of Aijalon. So the sun stood still and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day!"
I believe it is an understatement to say that the Lord was fighting for the Israelites that day. What an amazing reminder of the power of our Lord!
Does he only fight for the Israelites? Does he fight equally as much for you and me?
He is constantly battling for our souls. Who knows was spiritual battles are going on at all times. This is so reassuring that we serve the one and only God, the God of the universe. As if we needed more proof!
Now, I just wish that I could take a lesson from the faith journey that Joshua has been on throughout his journey and live a life symbolic of the power of my Lord and Saviour.
STP
"As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites."
Then check out verse 12-13:
"On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the prescence of Israel: O sun stand still over Gibeon, O moon over the Valley of Aijalon. So the sun stood still and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day!"
I believe it is an understatement to say that the Lord was fighting for the Israelites that day. What an amazing reminder of the power of our Lord!
Does he only fight for the Israelites? Does he fight equally as much for you and me?
He is constantly battling for our souls. Who knows was spiritual battles are going on at all times. This is so reassuring that we serve the one and only God, the God of the universe. As if we needed more proof!
Now, I just wish that I could take a lesson from the faith journey that Joshua has been on throughout his journey and live a life symbolic of the power of my Lord and Saviour.
STP
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Nehemiah 5 ... IM EDGE Discussion 3 6 08
Wow, what an amazing chapter! This chapter did not seem like anything special when I started reading it, but wow it is great. Praise God for that, he always delivers.
The basis of the chapter is the internal opposition that Nehemiah encounters while finishing the wall. All the opposition up to this point has been external and now it turns internal.
QUESTION: Which is more difficult to handle, internal or external problems?
QUESTION: What causes internal problems?
Well, i think the internal is more difficult to handle for many reasons. Let's take this to our lives and apply this to our situations. I know if there is a problem between Paige and I, it is much more significant and difficult than if there is a problem with someone that I don't have much of a relationship with. Internal stuggles have much more at stake than external struggles, normally.
What caused this internal struggle? Famine in the land had a lot to do with it, the King's taxes were high and they were charging each other interest when they sold things to their fellow Jew. This is where my interest peaked.
This does not sound like a bid deal in our world since we pay interest on just about everything we buy and we charge interest on most things we sell. However, Exodus 22:25 states: "If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interst." The people in Jerusalem at this time were needy and their fellow brothers were taking advantage of them, so much so that some of them were having to sell their children into slavery to get food.
The Jews at this time had forgot this mandate (Exodus 22:25) that God told his people from the very beginning. In chapter 8 we find out that they reinstituted the festival of booths, another thing they had fogotten. Chapter 8 says they had not celebrated this festival since the time of Joshua.
So my question is this: What internal struggles in our lives are a result of foundational principles that we have drifted away from?
When we have the internal struggles (either with self, wife, children, church, etc), are there some foundational principles that we need to reevalute that could answer the problem?
Do we often share things with our brothers expecting more in return or do we share without expecting? Do we give to get back?
Why did God give them this mandate in Exodus anyway?
Lend me your thoughts?
STP
The basis of the chapter is the internal opposition that Nehemiah encounters while finishing the wall. All the opposition up to this point has been external and now it turns internal.
QUESTION: Which is more difficult to handle, internal or external problems?
QUESTION: What causes internal problems?
Well, i think the internal is more difficult to handle for many reasons. Let's take this to our lives and apply this to our situations. I know if there is a problem between Paige and I, it is much more significant and difficult than if there is a problem with someone that I don't have much of a relationship with. Internal stuggles have much more at stake than external struggles, normally.
What caused this internal struggle? Famine in the land had a lot to do with it, the King's taxes were high and they were charging each other interest when they sold things to their fellow Jew. This is where my interest peaked.
This does not sound like a bid deal in our world since we pay interest on just about everything we buy and we charge interest on most things we sell. However, Exodus 22:25 states: "If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interst." The people in Jerusalem at this time were needy and their fellow brothers were taking advantage of them, so much so that some of them were having to sell their children into slavery to get food.
The Jews at this time had forgot this mandate (Exodus 22:25) that God told his people from the very beginning. In chapter 8 we find out that they reinstituted the festival of booths, another thing they had fogotten. Chapter 8 says they had not celebrated this festival since the time of Joshua.
So my question is this: What internal struggles in our lives are a result of foundational principles that we have drifted away from?
When we have the internal struggles (either with self, wife, children, church, etc), are there some foundational principles that we need to reevalute that could answer the problem?
Do we often share things with our brothers expecting more in return or do we share without expecting? Do we give to get back?
Why did God give them this mandate in Exodus anyway?
Lend me your thoughts?
STP
Friday, February 29, 2008
Heaven's "Whoever" Policy... by Max Lucado
“. . . whoever believes in him shall not perish . . .”
Some years ago I took a copy of God’s “whoever” policy to California. I wanted to show it to my Uncle Billy. He’d been scheduled to visit my home, but bone cancer had thwarted his plans.
My uncle reminded me much of my father: squared like a blast furnace, ruddy as a leather basketball. They shared the same West Texas roots, penchant for cigars, and blue-collar work ethic. But I wasn’t sure if they shared the same faith. So after several planes, two shuttles, and a rental-car road trip, I reached Uncle Billy’s house only to learn he was back in the hospital. No visitors. Maybe tomorrow.
He felt better the next day. Good enough to come home. I went to see him. Cancer had taken its toll and his strength. The recliner entombed his body. He recognized me yet dozed as I chatted with his wife and friends. He scarcely opened his eyes. People came and went, and I began to wonder if I would have the chance to ask the question.
Finally the guests stepped out onto the lawn and left me alone with my uncle. I slid my chair next to his, took his skin-taut hand, and wasted no words. “Bill, are you ready to go to heaven?”
His eyes, for the first time, popped open. Saucer wide. His head lifted. Doubt laced his response: “I think I am.”
“Do you want to be sure?”
“Oh yes.”
Our brief talk ended with a prayer for grace. We both said “amen,” and I soon left. Uncle Billy died within days. Did he wake up in heaven? According to the parable of the eleventh hour workers, he did.
Some struggle with such a thought. A last-minute confessor receives the same grace as a lifetime servant? Doesn’t seem fair. The workers in the parable complained too. So the landowner, and God, explained the prerogative of ownership: “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?” (v. Matt. 20:15 RSV).
Request grace with your dying breath, and God hears your prayer. Whoever means “whenever.”
And one more: whoever means “wherever.” Wherever you are, you’re not too far to come home.
From 3:16, The Numbers of Hope
Some years ago I took a copy of God’s “whoever” policy to California. I wanted to show it to my Uncle Billy. He’d been scheduled to visit my home, but bone cancer had thwarted his plans.
My uncle reminded me much of my father: squared like a blast furnace, ruddy as a leather basketball. They shared the same West Texas roots, penchant for cigars, and blue-collar work ethic. But I wasn’t sure if they shared the same faith. So after several planes, two shuttles, and a rental-car road trip, I reached Uncle Billy’s house only to learn he was back in the hospital. No visitors. Maybe tomorrow.
He felt better the next day. Good enough to come home. I went to see him. Cancer had taken its toll and his strength. The recliner entombed his body. He recognized me yet dozed as I chatted with his wife and friends. He scarcely opened his eyes. People came and went, and I began to wonder if I would have the chance to ask the question.
Finally the guests stepped out onto the lawn and left me alone with my uncle. I slid my chair next to his, took his skin-taut hand, and wasted no words. “Bill, are you ready to go to heaven?”
His eyes, for the first time, popped open. Saucer wide. His head lifted. Doubt laced his response: “I think I am.”
“Do you want to be sure?”
“Oh yes.”
Our brief talk ended with a prayer for grace. We both said “amen,” and I soon left. Uncle Billy died within days. Did he wake up in heaven? According to the parable of the eleventh hour workers, he did.
Some struggle with such a thought. A last-minute confessor receives the same grace as a lifetime servant? Doesn’t seem fair. The workers in the parable complained too. So the landowner, and God, explained the prerogative of ownership: “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?” (v. Matt. 20:15 RSV).
Request grace with your dying breath, and God hears your prayer. Whoever means “whenever.”
And one more: whoever means “wherever.” Wherever you are, you’re not too far to come home.
From 3:16, The Numbers of Hope
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
IM EDGE changed to Thursdays
IronMen EDGE has been moved to Thursdays till further notice. We would love to have you join us @ LCCOC on Thursday mornings @ 6:10am. Come and see what the Lord has in store for you.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
We need to Know!!!
Remember to let us know if you are going to attend the IM Golf Retreat on April 11-12 in Lyndale, TX (Garden Valley Golf Course). We MUST know by Feb. 15. That is two days away! Please contact me at stp@pmiair.com or 214-415-9568 or Ryan Merriman at 817-874-2836 or ryanmerriman2000@yahoo.com .
This is going to be a great outing and we would love to have all of you there!
STP, an IronMan
This is going to be a great outing and we would love to have all of you there!
STP, an IronMan
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
It's Going to be Okay... by Max Lucado
Bill Tucker was sixteen years old when his dad suffered a health crisis and consequently had to leave his business. Even after Mr. Tucker regained his health, the Tucker family struggled financially, barely getting by.
Mr. Tucker, an entrepreneurial sort, came up with an idea. He won the bid to reupholster the chairs at the local movie theater. This stunned his family. He had never stitched a seat. He didn’t even own a sewing apparatus. Still, he found someone to teach him the skill and located an industrial-strength machine. The family scraped together every cent they had to buy it. They drained savings accounts and dug coins out of the sofa. Finally, they had enough.
It was a fine day when Bill road with his dad to pick up the equipment. Bill remembers a jovial, hour-long trip discussing the bright horizons this new opportunity afforded them. They loaded the machine in the back of their truck and secured it right behind the cab. Mr. Tucker then invited his son to drive home. I’ll let Bill tell you what happened next:
“As we were driving along, we were excited, and I, like any sixteen-year-old driver, was probably not paying enough attention to my speed. Just as we were turning on the cloverleaf to get on the expressway, I will never ever, ever forget watching that sewing machine, which was already top-heavy, begin to tip. I slammed on the brakes, but it was too late. I saw it go over the side. I jumped out and ran around the back of the truck. As I rounded the corner, I saw our hope and our dream lying on its side in pieces. And then I saw my dad just looking. All of his risk and all of his endeavor and all of his struggling and all of his dream, all of his hope to take care of his family was lying there, shattered.
“You know what comes next don’t you? ‘Stupid, punk kid driving too fast, not paying attention, ruined the family by taking away our livelihood.’ But that’s not what he said. He looked right at me. ‘Oh, Bill, I am so sorry.’ And he walked over, put his arms around me, and said, ‘Son, this is going to be okay.’
God is whispering the same to you. Those are his arms you feel. Trust him. That is his voice you hear. Believe him. Allow the only decision maker in the universe to comfort you. Life at times appears to fall to pieces, seem irreparable. But it’s going to be okay. How can you know? Because God so loved the world. If God can make a billion galaxies, can’t he make good out of our bad and sense out of our faltering lives? Of course he can. He is God.
From 3:16, The Numbers of Hope
Mr. Tucker, an entrepreneurial sort, came up with an idea. He won the bid to reupholster the chairs at the local movie theater. This stunned his family. He had never stitched a seat. He didn’t even own a sewing apparatus. Still, he found someone to teach him the skill and located an industrial-strength machine. The family scraped together every cent they had to buy it. They drained savings accounts and dug coins out of the sofa. Finally, they had enough.
It was a fine day when Bill road with his dad to pick up the equipment. Bill remembers a jovial, hour-long trip discussing the bright horizons this new opportunity afforded them. They loaded the machine in the back of their truck and secured it right behind the cab. Mr. Tucker then invited his son to drive home. I’ll let Bill tell you what happened next:
“As we were driving along, we were excited, and I, like any sixteen-year-old driver, was probably not paying enough attention to my speed. Just as we were turning on the cloverleaf to get on the expressway, I will never ever, ever forget watching that sewing machine, which was already top-heavy, begin to tip. I slammed on the brakes, but it was too late. I saw it go over the side. I jumped out and ran around the back of the truck. As I rounded the corner, I saw our hope and our dream lying on its side in pieces. And then I saw my dad just looking. All of his risk and all of his endeavor and all of his struggling and all of his dream, all of his hope to take care of his family was lying there, shattered.
“You know what comes next don’t you? ‘Stupid, punk kid driving too fast, not paying attention, ruined the family by taking away our livelihood.’ But that’s not what he said. He looked right at me. ‘Oh, Bill, I am so sorry.’ And he walked over, put his arms around me, and said, ‘Son, this is going to be okay.’
God is whispering the same to you. Those are his arms you feel. Trust him. That is his voice you hear. Believe him. Allow the only decision maker in the universe to comfort you. Life at times appears to fall to pieces, seem irreparable. But it’s going to be okay. How can you know? Because God so loved the world. If God can make a billion galaxies, can’t he make good out of our bad and sense out of our faltering lives? Of course he can. He is God.
From 3:16, The Numbers of Hope
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
IM Golf Retreat update
The date is set, April 11-12. We will be going to Garden Valley Golf Course in Tyler on Friday the 11th for a round of golf, spend the night there, and play again on Saturday morning the 12th. We will have some great fellowship time on Friday night. This is the second retreat of its kind and the last one was GREAT! The cost will be around $150 each player (this will be for two rounds of golf, room for one night and meals).
WE NEED CONFIRMATION FROM YOU THAT YOU ARE GOING TO ATTEND BY FEB. 15!!! Please contact Stacey or Ryan Merriman if you want to play and to turn in you money!
Stacey Pearson 214-415-9568 cell or stp@pearsonmechanical.com
Ryan Merriman 817-874-2836 cell or ryanmerriman2000@yahoo.com
This is going to be a great event! Please make plans to join us!
WE NEED CONFIRMATION FROM YOU THAT YOU ARE GOING TO ATTEND BY FEB. 15!!! Please contact Stacey or Ryan Merriman if you want to play and to turn in you money!
Stacey Pearson 214-415-9568 cell or stp@pearsonmechanical.com
Ryan Merriman 817-874-2836 cell or ryanmerriman2000@yahoo.com
This is going to be a great event! Please make plans to join us!
Monday, January 21, 2008
On a Personal Note...
I try not to have to much personal things on this blog simply because I am the author of it. I try to make this blog about the IronMen as a whole and not my personal life blog.
However, I must share some person info now. I want to praise a wonderful woman, my wife Paige. She has just spent an entire week serving others with her time and efforts. We had my daughter Emaline's 2nd birthday parties (yes we had two, one for friend and one for family) this weekend and my wife did such a great job. She has spend the entire week and more preparing for these parties. On Saturday, we had Emailine's friends and their parents over to the house for a party and it was great! On Sunday, we had our families over to the house for another party and again, it was great! She has put so much effort into these events so that Emaline would have the best day possible. I know that she accomplished this goal!
She is so amazing to me for many reasons. She is so talented and creative (ie... "E" birthday cake, "E" cookies, etc)! She can make or do so many amazing things (ie... we had "E" parties for Emaline. What a great idea and what a great outcome!).
Paige has impecable character! I heard the other day on the radio that following the rules and doing what your are supposed to is a sign of character. Well, if you know Paige, you know that she will NOT break the rules on anything! Oftentimes I give her a hard time about it (ie.. turning right on red even when it says not too...) but I now realize that is a sign of her incredible character! Her richness runs so deep and she is so caring/compassionate. We have some amazing kidos and that goes directly to her and the great role model she is and the intentional time that she spends with them.
There is not a day that goes by that I am not amazed at the monumental blessing that I have in such an amazing woman to spend my life with. I could not handle life without her, no doubt!
I definitely "out kicked my coverage" in marrying Paige!!! I love you so much!
STP
However, I must share some person info now. I want to praise a wonderful woman, my wife Paige. She has just spent an entire week serving others with her time and efforts. We had my daughter Emaline's 2nd birthday parties (yes we had two, one for friend and one for family) this weekend and my wife did such a great job. She has spend the entire week and more preparing for these parties. On Saturday, we had Emailine's friends and their parents over to the house for a party and it was great! On Sunday, we had our families over to the house for another party and again, it was great! She has put so much effort into these events so that Emaline would have the best day possible. I know that she accomplished this goal!
She is so amazing to me for many reasons. She is so talented and creative (ie... "E" birthday cake, "E" cookies, etc)! She can make or do so many amazing things (ie... we had "E" parties for Emaline. What a great idea and what a great outcome!).
Paige has impecable character! I heard the other day on the radio that following the rules and doing what your are supposed to is a sign of character. Well, if you know Paige, you know that she will NOT break the rules on anything! Oftentimes I give her a hard time about it (ie.. turning right on red even when it says not too...) but I now realize that is a sign of her incredible character! Her richness runs so deep and she is so caring/compassionate. We have some amazing kidos and that goes directly to her and the great role model she is and the intentional time that she spends with them.
There is not a day that goes by that I am not amazed at the monumental blessing that I have in such an amazing woman to spend my life with. I could not handle life without her, no doubt!
I definitely "out kicked my coverage" in marrying Paige!!! I love you so much!
STP
Thursday, January 17, 2008
IM EDGE 1/15/08
We had a great discussion about Nehemiah on Tuesday! First, a little fun thanks to Joel:
Who is one of the only people we know that was smaller than Zacheus?
Knee-Hi-Miah (Nehemiah)! Ha, Ha!
Ok, now that we got the corny joke for the week out of the way, on to the guts.
Nehemiah is an amazing character. One interesting fact is that he was not a religious leader or prophet. He was a cupbearer to the King Artaxerxes and the first part of the book is Nehemiah's own person recollections of what happened.
As he worked for the King, he came to realize through a brother, that the Jewish remnant was in peril. The Jewish remnant was the people that were left after the Babylonians took over Jerusalem years earlier (around150 or so!).
Amazingly, Nehemiah get this news and he is extremely troubled and mourns, fasts and prays for "many days" (actually about 3 months!!!). It is really amazing that he has this reaction when the destruction happened so many year before. Joel explained that a good example would be if we were deeply troubled that President Lincoln died. Well, that happen many years ago and that does not affect us today. But, for Nehemiah, God turned his heart to this issue and he had compassion for his people.
What things in our lives is God leading us to? What are we going to do about it? Will we have a heart that is responsive to God's leadings?
Nehemiah was responsive to God's call and he did not worry about the obstacles that were in his way. He new that he had a divine job to do and he did it! The mark of a good leader is that leader knowing who is in control of the situation!
Stay Strong, PLD
STP, an IronMan
Who is one of the only people we know that was smaller than Zacheus?
Knee-Hi-Miah (Nehemiah)! Ha, Ha!
Ok, now that we got the corny joke for the week out of the way, on to the guts.
Nehemiah is an amazing character. One interesting fact is that he was not a religious leader or prophet. He was a cupbearer to the King Artaxerxes and the first part of the book is Nehemiah's own person recollections of what happened.
As he worked for the King, he came to realize through a brother, that the Jewish remnant was in peril. The Jewish remnant was the people that were left after the Babylonians took over Jerusalem years earlier (around150 or so!).
Amazingly, Nehemiah get this news and he is extremely troubled and mourns, fasts and prays for "many days" (actually about 3 months!!!). It is really amazing that he has this reaction when the destruction happened so many year before. Joel explained that a good example would be if we were deeply troubled that President Lincoln died. Well, that happen many years ago and that does not affect us today. But, for Nehemiah, God turned his heart to this issue and he had compassion for his people.
What things in our lives is God leading us to? What are we going to do about it? Will we have a heart that is responsive to God's leadings?
Nehemiah was responsive to God's call and he did not worry about the obstacles that were in his way. He new that he had a divine job to do and he did it! The mark of a good leader is that leader knowing who is in control of the situation!
Stay Strong, PLD
STP, an IronMan
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