I ran across this devotional today, and thought I would share. How motivating is this?
"NO ONE EVER HAS SEEN GOD; BUT IF WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER, GOD LIVES IN US, AND HIS LOVE IS MADE COMPLETE IN US. WE KNOW THAT WE LIVE IN HIM, AND HE IN US, BECAUSE HE HAS GIVEN US OF HIS SPIRIT." 1 JOHN 4:12-13 *NIV
When we open our hearts and invite God into our lives, a wonderful thing begins to happen! The Apostle Paul stated it this way: "THEREFORE, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION; THE OLD HAS GONE, THE NEW HAS COME!" 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17
As many of you know, this is when we become the person that God intended us to be. It is also when we become filled with THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING". PHILIPPIANS 4:7
"JUST AS YOU RECEIVED CHRIST JESUS AS LORD, CONTINUE TO LIVE IN HIM, ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM, STRENGTHENED IN THE FAITH AS YOU WERE TAUGHT, AND OVERFLOWING IN THANKFULNESS." COLOSSIANS" 2:
Now my brother & friend, may THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST BE WITH YOUR SPIRIT. Amen.
Also, check out this upcoming release from Hillsong. I believe God is doing huge things in the hearts of His people to serve outside of the church walls. Will you join in? Go to this site and view the trailer of this upcoming film release: www.theiheartfilm.com/.
May God bless each of you this week!
In Him,
Mark
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
nuChristian
Hello all, I hope you are having a great week so far, and that you are worshipping the Lord daily.
Recently, I have been reading the book titled, "unChristian", by David Kenniman. This book has had impactful dialog and facts about how the image of Christianity has been tarnished by the actions of proclaimed born-again believers.
Primarily the younger generations coming up in the church are viewing things from a different standpoint as the generations preceding them. The younger generations are looking at how the generations before them have responded to issues such as homosexuality, hypocrisy, and judgemental behaviors that are not characteristics of what Christ taught. The book goes on to say that it is hard for some people to even find interest into a religion such as Christianity, in which it's followers cannot follow it's rules. OUCH!
Judson Press has since sent me a pre-released copy of a book entitled, "nuChristian". This book will be hitting the stores soon, and I would encourage you to pick it up. I have found this book to be such a great and easy read, and motivating. "nuChristian" is a book written as a follow up to the facts and analysis presented by the Barna Group in the book "unChristian". It is full of great stories by the author of practical examples and how they have been handled within his home church. These examples touch on the main areas of focus in the book "unChristian".
I am praying for you this week. May you remember that the love of our Father never fails, make Him the center of your lives.
Also pray for our church, that we would be come a church that has "no walls", that we would all come together to have a diliberate impact on our community by reaching out where the needs are. I have recently connected to the words of the song "Follow You" by Leeland, that James Jordan introduced me to. Take a listen this week if you can.
In His Grip,
Mark
Recently, I have been reading the book titled, "unChristian", by David Kenniman. This book has had impactful dialog and facts about how the image of Christianity has been tarnished by the actions of proclaimed born-again believers.
Primarily the younger generations coming up in the church are viewing things from a different standpoint as the generations preceding them. The younger generations are looking at how the generations before them have responded to issues such as homosexuality, hypocrisy, and judgemental behaviors that are not characteristics of what Christ taught. The book goes on to say that it is hard for some people to even find interest into a religion such as Christianity, in which it's followers cannot follow it's rules. OUCH!
Judson Press has since sent me a pre-released copy of a book entitled, "nuChristian". This book will be hitting the stores soon, and I would encourage you to pick it up. I have found this book to be such a great and easy read, and motivating. "nuChristian" is a book written as a follow up to the facts and analysis presented by the Barna Group in the book "unChristian". It is full of great stories by the author of practical examples and how they have been handled within his home church. These examples touch on the main areas of focus in the book "unChristian".
I am praying for you this week. May you remember that the love of our Father never fails, make Him the center of your lives.
Also pray for our church, that we would be come a church that has "no walls", that we would all come together to have a diliberate impact on our community by reaching out where the needs are. I have recently connected to the words of the song "Follow You" by Leeland, that James Jordan introduced me to. Take a listen this week if you can.
In His Grip,
Mark
Monday, October 12, 2009
Colossians 3
Hello and sorry it has taken me so long to update my blogsite! Though I have not been writing on this site, the Lord has been working and teaching me things over the last week.
I have been spending a lot of time in the book of Colossians over the last few days and have come upon a great chapter that I would love to share with you. After reading through this chapter I had to re-read it because it left me examining the way I live for Christ. Let the God-breathed words of this passage, not only correct your heart, but encourage it to live stronger more passionately for the Lord.
Colossians 3:
Rules for Holy Living
1)Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3)For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4)When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5) Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6) Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7) You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8) But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9) Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10) and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11) Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12) Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13) Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14) And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Rules for Christian Households
18) Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19) Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20) Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21) Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
22) Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24) since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25) Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Things to ponder this week:
1) What is God doing in your life currently? How often do you think about this? Are you aware of His blessings?
2) What things mentioned above are you struggling with? Have you asked God to help you rid these from your life?
3) Think about the last time you asked someone what God was teaching them. How did they respond? Were they eager to share, or defensive?
4) Take a moment this week to pray for someone's specific need. For example "Father please keep {name} safe as they work for you in Turkey, may you use them to show your love,that others may come to know you and be saved."
May God bless you this week as you continue to work for His glory!
In His Grip,
Mark
I have been spending a lot of time in the book of Colossians over the last few days and have come upon a great chapter that I would love to share with you. After reading through this chapter I had to re-read it because it left me examining the way I live for Christ. Let the God-breathed words of this passage, not only correct your heart, but encourage it to live stronger more passionately for the Lord.
Colossians 3:
Rules for Holy Living
1)Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3)For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4)When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5) Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6) Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7) You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8) But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9) Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10) and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11) Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12) Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13) Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14) And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Rules for Christian Households
18) Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19) Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20) Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21) Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
22) Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24) since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25) Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Things to ponder this week:
1) What is God doing in your life currently? How often do you think about this? Are you aware of His blessings?
2) What things mentioned above are you struggling with? Have you asked God to help you rid these from your life?
3) Think about the last time you asked someone what God was teaching them. How did they respond? Were they eager to share, or defensive?
4) Take a moment this week to pray for someone's specific need. For example "Father please keep {name} safe as they work for you in Turkey, may you use them to show your love,that others may come to know you and be saved."
May God bless you this week as you continue to work for His glory!
In His Grip,
Mark
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