The creator of the heavens and this earth. From the mountains to the oceans, our God has created the beauty we see daily.
Off On An Adventure!
How are you on going on a new Adventure? I’m talking about an adventure that you don’t know what to expect. How will you handle this adventure? Will you go through this willingly or dragging your heels?
From Sea to shining Sea–lets consider Jonah.
Jonah 1:1-17 NIV
[1] The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: [2] “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” [3] But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish . He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. [4] Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. [5] All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. [6] The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.” [7] Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. [8] So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” [9] He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land. ” [10] This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.) [11] The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” [12] “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” [13] Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. [14] Then they cried out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.” [15] Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. [16] At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. [17] Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
Now how are you dealing with your “go to the great ……..?” What is your Nineveh? How are you dealing with your challenges such as the one Jonah was asked to deal with? Do you have a task like the Great Commission? Matthew 28:16-20–Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Go and Sin no More…
John 8:1-11 NIV[1] 8
but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. [2] At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. [3] The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group [4] and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. [5] In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” [6] They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. [7] When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” [8] Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. [9] At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. [10] Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” [11] “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” Woman caught in adultery
Lord Make Me a Servant
Have you ever thought about yourself as a Servant? The bible teaches us that we are servants of God once we decide to dedicate our lives to Christ and follow after his teachings. The typical term “servant” means a person who performs duties for others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic duties or as a personal attendant. In the more religious thought, it is a devoted and helpful follower or supporter or “a tireless servant of God.” The hymn about being a servant has some really touching thoughts to consider.
“Make me a servant Lord, make me like you. For you are a servant, make me one, too. Make me a servant, do what you must do. To make me a servant, make me like you.”
“To love my brother, to serve like you do. I humble my spirit, I bow before you. And through my service, I’ll be just like you. So make me a servant, make me like you.”
“Open my hands Lord and teach me to share. Open my heart Lord and teach me to care, For service to others is service to you. Make me a servant, make me like you.” (By Jimmy and Carol Owens)
Consider the following verses:
Philippians 2:6-8: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross!
2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Pray, Pray, Pray
Do you have a personal practice for your prayer life? Do you pray frequent short prayers throughout the day asking, “Lord God, help me to glorify you in what I do now or that I am planning to do next?”
What about our nation? We are in a crisis of governance, financial stability, LEADERSHIP, and overall a lack of fundamentals that this country was built on. Why did our forefathers put “in God we Trust” on our money? Why can’t we understand like they did that we must look to God for guidance? The political scene and the current direction of where this country is going is disturbing. Considering God’s will in everything we do is taking into account what God has in store for us. We tend to get very busy with out “to do” lists and what we want without regard to what God might want us to do.
Think about this Psalm in chapter 115, “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in heaven; he
does whatever pleases him. But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them. All you Israelites, trust in the Lord—he is their help and shield. House of Aaron, trust in the Lord he is their help and shield. You who fear him, trust in the Lord—he is their help and shield. The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, he will bless those who fear the Lord—small and great alike. May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth. The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind. It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence; it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore.
Trust in the Lord BUT take into account God’s will in your daily life to insure that His ways are your ways!
We “the people” must stand up and tell our “political debaters and those that are trying to become our leaders” that we aren’t happy with things and the direction we are moving to. But in all things, “lift up our prayers to God” in doing things His way.
When I Awesome Wonder..
Oh Lord my God! Do we wonder about our God and his creation?
In Romans 1:18-20–The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
In Psalm 19:1-4–The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
God’s revelation to us comes from two marvelous works, the Bible and nature. This hymn I’m referring to proclaims the masterpiece of creation that reveals God’s majestic power and love to every person on a daily basis.
In Romans 1:18-20, God tells us that all people have the inherent ability to hear God speaking to them through the testimony of nature. In the Old Testament, God speaks through David saying: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech… There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard”
O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder. Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
And when I think of God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Fixing Your Eyes on Jesus
Hearing Gods Music– scriptures often remind us that it’s not enough to have ears, we must use them. Is God’s word for us music to our years? How do we hear Gods voice or his music in this busy world? Jesus prayed often in quiet places. He needed time with the Father. He needed to have time to listen to “the music.” We are a busy people. We can’t focus very often to the point we hear Gods music. John 10:1-18 describes how God wants a relationship with us. Do we recognize when God is trying to guide us, when he is trying to mold us, or even when he is telling us to change what is going on in our lives? The bible teaches us that there is a time got all seasons but we have to be able to acknowledge when God is attempting to direct our lives in the pattern of Jesus.
Trust in the Lord–Always!
Trust is a difficult thing to totally grasp. It is earned and not purchased. It takes a very long time to obtain but can be lost in s second.
A definition of trust is “an assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something, one in which confidence is placed, dependence on something in the future or hope in someone or something that you have been promised.”
Have you heard the term “I’ve got your back?” What does that mean? Well, it should mean that you can totally trust someone to be on the watch for you “just in case!”
What then does it mean to “trust in the Lord? Or, trust in Him always?
Some scriptures to consider:
Nahum 1:7–The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.
1 Timothy 2:8–Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
1 Thessalonians 1:2–We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-19–pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.
Psalm 25:1-2–In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
Psalm 56:4–In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 62:8–Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Isaiah 25:9–In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Teach Me How to Pray
The bible tells us volumes about Jesus when we learn about the prayer life of Jesus. Jesus prayed often. He sought out his Father in times of need. He would slip off and away from the throngs of people to seek God and to talk to the Father. However, his prayers were always put at the feet of the Father with the understanding that he wanted the Father’s will to be done.
His disciples asked him to teach them to pray as they saw how diligent he was in prayer and they wanted to be just like Jesus. In Matthew, he said, “Matthew 6:5-15, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
In James, we are taught about the power of prayer. James 5:13-16, “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
How can we follow Jesus more closely? Are we learning more about Him daily? What should our time spent with Jesus be like? How do we accomplish this amidst our hectic and frantic daily life? Do you relish spending time in prayer?
How sweet is our time with God in prayer! This reminds me of the song “Sweet Hout of Prayer”
Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care. And bids me at my Father’s throne. Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief. And oft escaped the tempter’s snare. By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! The joys I feel, the bliss I share. Of those whose anxious spirits burn. With strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place. Where God my Savior shows His face. And gladly take my station there. And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear. To Him whose truth and faithfulness. Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face, Believe His Word and trust His grace, I’ll cast on Him my every care, And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! May I thy consolation share. Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height, I view my home and take my flight.
This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise. To seize the everlasting prize. And shout, while passing through the air, “Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!
These lyrics certainly imply having faith and actions because of faith. In Mark 11:22-24, God’s word states, “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Our Savior was desirous of giving His disciples instructions respecting the nature and power of prayer, and the necessity of strong faith in God. He therefore stated a very strong case, a miracle–one so great as the removal of a mountain into the sea. And He tells them, that if they exercise a proper faith in God, they might do such things. But His remarks are not to be limited to faith merely in regard to working miracles, for he goes on to say:
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
When you pray, you must forgive. Is that required only when a man wishes to work a miracle? There are many other promises in the Bible nearly related to this, and speaking nearly the same language, which have been all disposed of in this way, as referring to the faith employed in miracles. Just as if the faith of miracles was something different from faith in God!
Have faith that God will answer your prayers!
Are We Building Bigger Barns?
What is the life pursuit all about? What “toys” are we accumulating or goals striving to accomplish? The game of life and the chasing of our dreams can be distracting to say the least. I wonder what the day to day or long term goals were for the rich farmer described in the Luke 12:16-21: And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
There are two critical points in the last sentence which are storing up things for themselves and not being rich toward God!
In Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The Bible mentions rewards for those believer who serve the Lord faithfully (Matthew 10:41). A “great” reward is promised to those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake. Various crowns are referred to in 2 Timothy 4:8. Jesus states that He will bring rewards with Him when He returns (Revelation 22:12).
In Matthew 19, the rich young man loved his money more than God in a fact that Jesus pointed out. The issue wasn’t that the young man was rich but that he “treasured” his riches and did not “treasure” what he could have in Jesus when he was told to sell his possessions and give to the poor, “and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (verse 21). The young man left Jesus sad, because he was very rich. He chose this world’s treasure and so did not lay up treasure in heaven. He was unwilling to make Jesus his treasure. The young man was very religious, but Jesus exposed his heart of selfishness.
The Lively Blog of Thoughts 