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Showing posts from October, 2010

What If? Part II: The Power of Vision

"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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." -Hebrews 12:1-2 Think back to your first driving lesson. When you finally made it out on the road for the first time you learned that wherever you looked, the car would follow. If you gazed at the oncoming traffic, your car seemed magnetically attracted to them (much to the dismay of your parent-passenger). Wherever you set your eyes, your path with follow. This is universally true! The scripture is full of examples of how people’s lives and choices were deeply effected by where the gazed. In Genesis, Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom, two chapters later we find him living

What If? Part I: Don't Worry, Be Thankful

" Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' ...indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today. " —Matthew 6:31-34 What if…? These two little words have an immense amount of power over our lives. We make daily decisions based on them. The industries of financial planning, insurance, security systems, and the like are all dependent on you taking the time to imagine the dreadful possibilities, and then offer you a way to prepare for the worst. There is nothing wrong with forethought and planning for the future, In fact, it is wisdom to make provision for your future. Sadly, many of us allow "What if?" to rule us like an oppressive dictat

Covered in the Dust: Part IV - Take Up Your Cross

"Then he said to them all, ' If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. '" —Luke 9:23 "How do I become a disciple?" There are books and bible studies that are dedicated to answering that question. Some people answer the question with a system or formula, (bible study x prayer + generosity = faithful disciple). Some people take a more organic approach, (Love one another, serve one another). But the process of becoming a disciple is the same today as it was when Jesus walked the earth. He gave us the only formula we need when he said, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." Practically, becoming a modern disciple of Jesus means denying yourself, and taking up your cross daily by declaring to yourself and to God that nothing you possess, no relationship you have, no dreams you hold are worth more than being submitted