For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
- Jer 29:11
Monday, July 14, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Get in the Herd!
"I shoulda stayed with the herd!"In the wild, predators usually attack when when an animal is separated from the herd. This is because there is strength in numbers such that even a small and weak animal has power through the sheer numbers of the herd. In contrast, even a strong animal separated from the others is vulnerable.
The Apostle Peter describes Satan as a lion who is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Guess who's the easy prey? Anyone separated from the herd, and especially the small and weak in faith. Lone Ranger Christians beware!
Do yourself a favor and get in the herd! Find a group of brothers and sisters in Christ that you can join in order to best protect yourself from the attacks of Satan. Satan may still attack, but through the prayers and support of the herd, he will not be able to bring you down!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Excellence No More
Yesterday's post about "running the race that is marked before us" (Hebrews 12:1) is inspiring for those who understand sports analogies. The world of sports is, in a way, a great place to display Christian virtues such as perserverence, leadership, integrity, mercy, and even love.
Sports analogies have found their way into scriptures on more than one occasion because sports is something that anyone can relate to. Most everyone has participated in a sport or game of some kind; and if you haven't participated, you've spectated.
Everyone gets it - all sports are boiled down to one thing; doing your very best. Some atheletes have more natural skill than others, some have better training regimens than others, but no matter what, once you are competing, you are expected to do your best.
Sometimes that best is good enough to win the prize, sometimes it isn't. But no matter what, you do your best to try to win that prize.
So what happens if you did your best, you should have won the prize, but are told that your best doesn't matter because we don't want to hurt those that didn't do as well? That's exactly what happened in Beachwood, Ohio where the annual Fourth-of-July Little League All Star Game (for ages 9-12) was cancelled because new administrators decided that it would be too hurtful to those not chosen.
The full article can be seen HERE.
The problem with this, mentality is that it blurs line between individual worth and individual achievement. Certainly a child's moderate baseball skills are not an indictment of his worth or value as a human, but his equal worth to other children shouldn't diminish another's extraordinary skills or achievment. This should be true in all arenas of life, but it should be especially true in sports.
The very nature of sports is competition. The reason you play is to win - and if you win, someone will lose. Nevermind discussions about recreational versus competetive sports. If you're keeping score, you should have a winner. Otherwise, you should start a league that doesn't keep score and allow that league to run separately from other leagues where those who excel expect to win accolades for their hard work.
Even our God is a God that recognizes individual effort and offers us a reward in heaven in accordance to our service to Him here on earth (I Chron 3:8, II Tim 4:8, Luk 6:35, Rev 22:12). Though the world's standards may continue to fall, ours remains the same. Let us continue to I "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)
Sports analogies have found their way into scriptures on more than one occasion because sports is something that anyone can relate to. Most everyone has participated in a sport or game of some kind; and if you haven't participated, you've spectated.
Everyone gets it - all sports are boiled down to one thing; doing your very best. Some atheletes have more natural skill than others, some have better training regimens than others, but no matter what, once you are competing, you are expected to do your best.
Sometimes that best is good enough to win the prize, sometimes it isn't. But no matter what, you do your best to try to win that prize.
So what happens if you did your best, you should have won the prize, but are told that your best doesn't matter because we don't want to hurt those that didn't do as well? That's exactly what happened in Beachwood, Ohio where the annual Fourth-of-July Little League All Star Game (for ages 9-12) was cancelled because new administrators decided that it would be too hurtful to those not chosen.
The full article can be seen HERE.
Like "Dash" said in the Disney Movie, The Incredibles, saying everyone is special is another way of saying no one is.
The problem with this, mentality is that it blurs line between individual worth and individual achievement. Certainly a child's moderate baseball skills are not an indictment of his worth or value as a human, but his equal worth to other children shouldn't diminish another's extraordinary skills or achievment. This should be true in all arenas of life, but it should be especially true in sports.
The very nature of sports is competition. The reason you play is to win - and if you win, someone will lose. Nevermind discussions about recreational versus competetive sports. If you're keeping score, you should have a winner. Otherwise, you should start a league that doesn't keep score and allow that league to run separately from other leagues where those who excel expect to win accolades for their hard work.
Even our God is a God that recognizes individual effort and offers us a reward in heaven in accordance to our service to Him here on earth (I Chron 3:8, II Tim 4:8, Luk 6:35, Rev 22:12). Though the world's standards may continue to fall, ours remains the same. Let us continue to I "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Running the Race
Uphill Racing at Purisima Creek
Hebrews 12:1 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Sometimes the Christian faith can be an uphill battle. But it is so much easier and fun when you are with other people. When trials and tribulations come, having a support group of brothers and sisters who to help will prove to be invaluable. God created us to be intimately related to one another hence the term "body of Christ."
When you are part of a group that is committed to throwing off all hindrances or anything that comes between you and God, you will run your race with even greater perseverance than on your own. Be in fellowship.
Friday, July 4, 2008
God Grants Independence
Our country's Founding Fathers observed that their king, more closely resembling a tyrant, caused "repeated injuries and usurpations" of rights against the inhabitants of the American Colonies. In an effort to break free of the king's bondage and free themselves from his tyranny, they organized a rebellion; one that cost hundreds of thousands of lives and heartache among leaders and laymen alike.
But through all the military, political, and social hardships, - in spite of the fact that the Continental Congress was not in full agreeance about the rebellion - God's providence ruled. Our Founding Fathers neither neglected to seek God's counsel nor were they oblivious to God's Hand.
The Declaration of Independence reads,
Nevertheless, in the end, with God's help, the United States of America successfully became independent from the rule of Great Britain.
We can commemorate our country's independence by thanking the Almighty for the good works that His hand hath brought. And by praying prayers of thanks for the leadership of our God-fearing forefathers, the courage and sacrifice of our brave militia, and the service of every man, woman, and child who supported the American rebellion against the tyranny of her king.
Today, America still stands as a beacon for those who are oppressed and whose freedoms are encroached upon by their ruling government. By God's will, America will continue to be free and free those who are in bondage.
God bless America!
But through all the military, political, and social hardships, - in spite of the fact that the Continental Congress was not in full agreeance about the rebellion - God's providence ruled. Our Founding Fathers neither neglected to seek God's counsel nor were they oblivious to God's Hand.
The Declaration of Independence reads,
We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General
Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the
rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good
people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united
colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states;...
To these leaders of men, the decision to secede from Great Britain was no small matter. Hundreds of hours of debate, tears, and heartache was poured into deliberation. Personal and corporate prayer for Divine Counsel was the norm. Their property, their families' fortunes, and their very lives were at stake. These men were seen as treasonous traitors with bounties posted for their lives....And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our
sacred honor.
Men from the Continental Congress convening and praying.
Nevertheless, in the end, with God's help, the United States of America successfully became independent from the rule of Great Britain.
We can commemorate our country's independence by thanking the Almighty for the good works that His hand hath brought. And by praying prayers of thanks for the leadership of our God-fearing forefathers, the courage and sacrifice of our brave militia, and the service of every man, woman, and child who supported the American rebellion against the tyranny of her king.
Today, America still stands as a beacon for those who are oppressed and whose freedoms are encroached upon by their ruling government. By God's will, America will continue to be free and free those who are in bondage.
God bless America!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Independence Day
Tomorrow is Independence Day! It is good to remember that the freedom we have in this country came as a result of great sacrifices on the part of many.As believers, we also have an even greater freedom which came as a result of the sacrifice of One.
Please remember to pray for our soldiers and their families as they continue to protect and defend our country. And thank you Jesus, for freeing us from the bondage of sin!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Illegal Dumping, pt. II
So here are some survellance pictures of the perp messing up our church. It seems he just drove in, dumped his compost, and drove out. So uncool!I wonder what Jesus would have done if someone in Jerusalem did that in the temple?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
