Freedom...

Freedom in Christ...

Many Christians rightly associate this thought with the gift of salvation. However, we often think that freedom in Christ only has to do with salvation.

Or...we will misinterpret it as license to do whatever we want...wrongly thinking that somehow God doesn't mind our sin because of His attributes of mercy and grace, misusing Romans 5:20 as their support.

I contend that this freedom in Christ doesn't stop with salvation, but is a consistent element in our sanctification. It's scary sometimes to do what God has called and commanded us to do. We often feel like it's too dangerous on many levels to obey...whether that means sharing the Gospel with our co-workers, standing up to your boss when he asks you to do something unethical, or moving to the ghetto and living the rest of your life in order to share God's truth with your neighbors.

If you are not free in Christ, you have a valid excuse not to do these things. If I'm not free in Christ then it's a HUGE risk to move to a scary neighborhood...or its a HUGE risk to stand up to your boss...because in the end you aren't sure what's gonna happen to you.

BUT...when Christ has freed you...you no longer live in fear of what might happen. Why?? Because what's the worst thing possible about living in the ghetto...you get robbed and killed?? Well then that gets me to what I've been pursuing...an eternity with the Most High God. There is no fear because God has set me free to do what He's calling me to do...knowing that ULTIMATELY it's going to be ok.

So...are you living with a freedom in Christ??? And I'm not just talking about salvation.

1 John 4:4

1 John 4:4 "You are of God, little children and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

Why did John write this? What does it mean to you? Why? How can we live this verse?

There are no wrong answers please share your thoughts they will be much appreciated.

Lusty

"God's will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor- not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know god and his ways." -1 Thessalonians 4:3-6

My fiance and I have put together a great streak of purity in our relationship. It's the most difficult thing in the world to fight that battle but I know the reward will be well worth it! But I have to do a better job a bouncing my eyes off beautiful girls at my games or at the hotels. Sin is sin, and I can't continue to take this lightly. So I confess to you all because your boy has been looking too much!

Sorry Parker but some of us aren't married yet.

Are you listening?

What's up fellas? I was listening to a sermon today that really stung me and i wanted to share it with you? How many times does this happen to you? You're sitting there in the pew or in Bible study or chapel and you find yourself thinking about baseball...or golf...or girls...you know what i'm saying. You just aren't paying attention. You know who's loving that? Satan, that's who. The man giving you the sermon may have good information....maybe life changing information and because he's not the most dynamic speaker in the world you find yourself drifting off. Here's my question to you. Are you listening? I mean are you actually trying to listen or are you just sitting. Are you trying to pay attention or are you thinking about what the spread is? My point is this...when we have an opportunity to hear Gods word we need to hear Gods word. Stop telling people that you couldn't listen cuz you just couldn't connect with the speaker. Stop placing the blame on others and just take the time to pay attention. Not saying its gunna be easy ...i'm just saying that's what we should do. Timothy talks about it in 2 Timothy 3:16. He says.... Timothy 3:16 (New Living Translation)
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. So, if all scripture is God breathed and is here for the sole purpose of teaching us, shouldnt we respect that word and try to lock it in for a few minutes....

maybe its just me that needed that sermon,
waino

Redemption of Nature

I thought this was super interesting and artistic so I had to share it with you guys. In his book, Miracles, CS Lewis describes that just like us, Nature will be redeemed and restored to her original perfected state. CS Lewis explains this concept in a way that only he can. Check it out:

"Only Supernaturalists really see Nature. You must go a little away from her, and then turn round, and look back. Then at last the true landscape will become visible. You must have tasted, however briefly, the pure water from beyond the world before you can be distinctly conscious of the hot, salty tang of Nature's current. To treat her as God, or as Everything, is to lose the whole pith and pleasure of her. Come out, look back, and then you will see..... this astonishing cataract of bears, babies, and bananas: this immoderate deluge of atoms, orchids, oranges, cancers, canaries, fleas, gases, tornadoes and toads. How could you ever have thought this was the ultimate reality? How could you ever have thought that it was merely a stage-set for the moral drama of men and women? She is herself. Offer her neither worship nor contempt. Meet her and know her. If we are immortal, and if she is doomed (as the scientist tell us) to run down and die, we shall miss this half-shy and half-flamboyant creature, this ogress, this hoyden, this incorrigible fairy, this dumb witch. But the theologians tell us that she, like ourselves, is to be redeemed. The 'vanity' to which she was subjected was her disease, not her essence. She will be cured in character: not tamed (Heaven forbid) nor sterilized. We shall still be able to recognize our old enemy, friend, playfellow and foster-mother, so perfected as to be not less, but more, herself. And that will be a merry meeting."  - CS Lewis

-TEvans

Seven Deadly Sins

The Seven Deadly Sins are commonly known as envy, glutony, greed, lust, pride, slothfulness, and wrath (Proverbs 6). Why does it seem that they get more attention than others? Honestly I'm not sure but my belief is that these 7 tend to be at the root of most of the other sins so they are all encompassing. In my experience pride is at the root of most of my own sin and that is why it has become important for me to try to strip myself of all types of pride. Proverbs 6 is worth the read some of it can be tough to interpret but much of it can be seen in plain day, God is faithful to reveal something to us everytime we crack open the scriptures.
Proverbs 6:12 "A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth; he winks with his eyes, he shuffles his feet, he points with his fingers;"
The perverse mouth part jumps off the page to me, how many times do people around me hear something foul or unfruitful come out of mouth? Today I was enjoying a nice high quality breakfast at a local establishment called McDonalds (heard of it) and I overheard an older woman judge four people she didn't even know. She went into detailed about four different scenarios that she observed by just berating their motives and actions. This woman wasn't affected one bit by these instances but she felt she needed to judge them as plain stupid. It sounded so awful, I felt the Holy Spirit urge me to say something like "Hey it's a beautiful day isn't it, God bless you today." I failed to even move from my seat and continued to listen to this conversation, it sounded so terrible. Some of her statements made me think that she might be a believer, this made it even worse for me. I started to look inward and (Matthew 7:3-5) wonder how many times a day I sound like this, gossip is a struggle for me. This woman probably is a nice old woman but today she wasn't showing her best colors.
Solomon continues on in chapter 6 by bringing it back to scripture in verse 20.
Proverbs 6:20 "My son keep your fathers command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart; tie them around your neck."
At first look I thought "fathers command" refered to God commandments (Bible) but my study bible teaches that it is in support of the law of your mother which is known as the laws and institution of marriage. The point I was trying to make was focused on the idea of binding them around your neck or wearing your faith on your sleeve in a way that brings glory to God. Too often we mix in and laugh when people talk about trying to get a fan to show the bullpen her boobs. Thats shameful and in know way making God smile, I can see God saying "where were you at on that one Ben?" What about the times where guys are talking about their night life and we feel the prideful desire to share a story of debauchery from our past just so we can be seen as cool for a minute? Why, who are you, are we that doubleminded? These are the challenges of living in a fallen world but we can stand up for righteousness and make an eternal impact. Who wants to make an impact, eternal impact? Do you really want to make an impact or are you just after His blessings? We all need an occassional "fruit inspection" so take a minute to check your motives. More often than not one of these 7 sins is at the bottom of our problem, sniff it out and kill it, pray for God to reveal it. Brian Dailey recently shared with me a script from Ecclesiastes.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all."
This script is in conclusion to Solomon rapping (the whole book of Ecclesiastes is like a rap album from King Solomon to me, it's certified) about how he had it all and none of it brought him happiness. Living it is all we can do men, pursuing righteousness and a deeper understanding of our Lord. Nothing on this earth can bring you what you're looking for! That's truth.

Paul < All (retro post)

I got some bread for everyone served hot and fresh from Paul’s bakery. As we all know, Paul became a Christian on the road to Damascus and took off running with the gospel. He was perhaps the most influential man in the history of the early church and wrote most of the New Testament. Recently, three verses from three of Paul’s letters have opened up my eyes to what true growth in a relationship with the King really looks like. Check this out:

Early in Paul’s ministry, he makes the following statement in his letter to the Corinthians. "For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." - 1 Cor. 15:9

Paul humbly considered himself the least of the 12 great disciples. Here’s the formula: Paul is less than 12

Later in Paul’s ministry, he makes the following statement in his letter to the church in Ephesus. "To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." - Eph. 3:8. Now Paul considers himself the least of all the believers which at this time was probably around 10,000 or so. Paul is less than 10,000

Towards the end of Paul’s ministry, he makes the following statement in his first letter to Timothy. "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." - 1 Tim. 1:15. Paul now considers himself the worst of all the sinners. 

Paul is less than All

What a tremendous example of what growth in a relationship with the King really looks like. As our relationship with Jesus grows so should our humility. Paul’s growth is clearly seen in the scriptures:

Paul is less than 12

Paul is less than 10,000

Paul is less than All

What’s your formula look like? 

- TEvans

Are You a Giver or a Taker

At this moment I am overwhelmed with humility. This evenin, we took our team to Shriners Hospital to visit some kids. Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to the age of 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission and receive all care in a family-centered environment at no charge – regardless of financial need. We hung out and painted pictures of baseballs and such for Dhourderly of Haiti, Cameron from Ormond Beach, Sandra from Mexico and several other beautiful kids. Knowing that underneath those smiles, a ton of pain and fear regarding the medical condition each child is enduring, is enough to rip anyones heart up. I look at my life and cant help but think I dont deserve it, and then see these kids and know they definitely dont deserve the hand theyve been dealt. How can I ever complain??!! Not enough funds, go downtown and see what not enough funds look likes, cant find a job you like, go checkout the unemployment lines, complainin about your worn out kicks, go tell that to the guy without feet. Guys, when are we as a body gonna wake up, realize how blessed we truly are and go share our blessings with others. When I gave my life to Christ, the first thing I felt God tell me to do was sell my house and move down to the Dominican. Does that story sound familiar? When the rich man asked Jesus what He had to do to follow Him, Jesus said to sell it all and come follow Me. I so badly wanna say yes, but I am afraid. Tonight, I want to share some things God has been poundin on my heart with, and its all about giving. Jesus spoke in Matthew 25 some heavy words. He said in 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
How many opportunities do we have to give and pass it up. Im talkin more than just cash, cuz for some of you that aint no sweat. Im talkin maybe sacrificing your time or even sharing you r talents with another and getting nothing other than maybe a thank you. The Bible talks a whole lot about giving. I think we all know it blesses Gods heart when we do, but if you didnt know, heres a few scripts to help you get it: Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Proverbs 11:24-25 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.Isaiah 58:6-11 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf o f the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.Since we now see how badly God wants us to give hears a few verses on exactly how our we are to give. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.Chew on this for a few days and get back at me. I wanna know what you are planning to do next. Humbly yearning to serve,Sam

Fundamental Gospel

"The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature." -Romans 8:3 NLT

Old testament laws or the law of Moses was unable to save us because of our sinful nature.

That's why God sent his only son Jesus Christ. Blood had to be shed for sins to be pardoned.

"... for the life of the body is in it's blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible." -Leviticus 17:11 NLT

But the blood of animals could not remove sins....

"For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." -Hebrews 10:4 NLT

Jesus was crucified, then beat death. Death could not hold our Savior! That sacrifice allowed people to be lead by the Holy Spirit, not our sinful nature. Or at least that's what he intended...

Soooo... is leading you?

Grab Some Kindling For Fear Your Fire Go Out

The last three weeks have been grindy for me, I have woke up most days feeling sour because I have been disappointed in my situation. Frankly I have been "pissed off", I just don't understand why things aren't going my way. I've worked hard, I've prepared, I've prayed, I believe in Him, I'm a good guy, I do good works, I read my bible, I don't do this and I don't do that etc. (notice how shallow my thinking becomes as I continue on the path of "whoa is me" thinking, it's never good to go that route). We have to remind ourselves that opportunities are gifts and this life and all in it doesn't owe us anything. Focus on eternity for that.
I woke up Friday got up for my 4:15 alarm, put my slacks and "schmoogy" (nice shirt that you wear to attract positive vibes) on to catch that shuttle to the plane to get back to Rochester from Louisville. Later in the day I arrived at the yard only to get pulled into the managers office to have him tell me I'm fired. Dang! Fortunately, God showered my heart and mind with peace and I was able to deal with it. It's wierd because I was so sure that this was going to be the year I got to the big leagues and I was going to have a great story to tell about perserverance and God's power. I don't know why this happened, I'm not happy about it, I can't see the light right now, and I now have to try to find a job in a tough market. My wife is pregnant and her job expires in June so there is some pressure on me to make this boat float. What can I do? How will I avoid falling into depression?

I have been doing what I know best, pray and talk to God with honesty and just pile up all these issues at His feet and let Him give me direction. My fire is dying out and it has been dying since spring training, I hope that it hasn't affected this group. I'm sure it is possible that some of you might have your fire burning low right now or maybe it has at one time dimmed. Let's turn to the Word and see how we can get some spiritual kindling for are dying fires.

Psalm 19:7 "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul."
Psalm 23:2-3 "He leads me besides still waters. He restores my soul."

The law of the Lord is the commandments in His word the instructions that the Bible gives all through out the books and chapters. Reviving and restoring the soul implies that we all need "pick-me-ups", encouragement, and experiences that heat us up again. Being led beside still water means that sometimes God has to put us in situations where we can do nothing but be quiet and wait on Him. For me that time is now, I'm home right now contemplating many things but more importantly I need to spend some alone time waiting on God to direct me. The temptation is heavy for me to throw my resume out there and look for a job that pays a lot of money and offers little fulfillment. I have learned over the span of my christian walk that money can't make me happy and being outside God's will is a painful place to be.

So my encouragement to everyone who reads this is to spark back up, rekindle your fire, read your bible, and wherever you are stick it out because if God doesn't want you there He will take you out. Consistently pray to be in God's will and have the desires of your heart match those of His. If your working the 9 to 5 know that God can use you to be a light to the men around you. If your still playing a sport know that God wants you to succeed. However part of the game is handling failure and that is when your biggest testimony is built, don't act like the rest of your teamates who don't know Jesus, you're called to be different. I know there are many High School players who read this, please remember that baseball is a game that it is meant to be fun, playing as if every pitch, out, swing, is played to glorify God. Make that idea your treasure and start enjoying life and the game more than you ever have.

The only way I can explain the peace in my heart right now is to say that God is real, Jesus saves us from our own selves when we dive into a deep daily relationship with Him. It's crazy man! I'm ready for my new adventure, I'm ready for a new Lion to chase. What's it gonna be?

Prayer-Put on Righteousness (T Mart)

First off, I'd like to apologize to goin' MIA this past week to two weeks on my day, no excuses cause i dont believe in that, just my bad, sorry.

Alright, so another step to preparing for prayer is found in Lev. 16:4, "putting on righteousness."  It corresponds with the NT admonition found in Eph. 4:24.  But as we look at Lev. 16:4, it states:

"He is to put on the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are sacred garments; so he must bathe himself with water before he puts them on. ⁵ From the Israelite community he is to take two male goats for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering."

In effect God is getting the point across that if you want to be in His presence, to clothe ourselves with what He tells us to put on.  Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 to put on the "full armor of God", this being a preparatory concept.  Yes, you need this armor before each day, but you also need it before prayer.  We are to put on the "breastplate of righteousness", meaning that we are to be right with God through the righteousness of Christ.

So, why was the priest to wear linen?  Maybe....because linen is a fabric that breathes; there was to be no perspiration in God's presence.  Because sweat was representative of rebellion against God (Gen. 3:17-19).  Well, obviously sweat is usually a sign of either being hot or hard work (at least in sports).  But here, sweat represents any attempt to reach God on our own merits.  It means trying to work ourselves into God's presence.  You probably see examples of this today.  Maybe someone's heart is not right before God so, they decide to beef up the collection plate or a large Red Cross donation.  But that is not going to get us into God's presence. That is sweating. That is trying to get to God by doing good deeds, while at the same time you're living in contrary to God's Word.

But see the breastplate protects the heart and other precious organs, so God wants us to be pure in the most vital areas of our lives.  We can only do this through appropriating the righteousness of Christ through faith: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor. 5:21).  Then we need to live in the righteousness, doing what is right by keeping in step with the Spirit.  When we put on God's righteousness, we can rejoice before the Lord.

      "I delight greatly in the LORD; 
       my soul rejoices in my God. 
       For he has clothed me with garments of salvation 
       and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, 
       as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, 
       and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."  (Isa. 61:10)

If somebody could post it to the site, I would appreciate it.  Hope the e-fellas are great!

trying to die to myself,

-todd

A Reversal...

With any science, the more knowledge you obtain the less there is to know about that science. For example, as a student goes through medical school, he will daily grow in his knowledge of how the body works and operates. By the time he graduates, he knows ALOT about the body. As this doctor begins his practice he will come across both, things he learned from books, and things that can only be experienced by seeing real patients. Eventually, this doctor will get to the point that nothing out there surprises him. As far as his field goes, he's an expert. There is very little that he doesn't know. When he gets to this point (not in every doctor, but many), he begins to walk in arrogance and puff up in pride. The more he knows, the more he learns...the less there is to know and learn. Why??? Because with academics (any of them...not just the medical field) there is a point at which you struggle to see new things and learn new stuff.

However, when someone really explores the Bible and seeks to know who God is more deeply...you get the opposite effect (or, at least, you should). Why??? Because our faith isn't a category of academia. Everything we learn isn't by learned by our own determination or discipline...it is only learned because God chose to reveal himself to us in that way. It is only understood because He allowed us to understand it. That our faith isn't achieved by our own power that we may not boast in it, rather, it is a GIFT that we are to receive humbly. This pursuit of holiness is not compatible with pride and arrogance.

It is a reversal in concept from academia. I can study economics and will my way to learn it...when I do, I can take pride in the fact that I've done something. When I study scripture...the more I know God, the more I realize how much I don't know, thus, realizing how much I truly need Him.

No subject of contemplation will humble the mind more than the thoughts of God...

taking the time....all the time

As I sat here in my hotel bed watching some show about aliens on the history channel I asked myself "I wonder what day of the week it is?" Thats me during the baseball season right there. So caught up in my own world that I havent taken the time to remember that I made a commitment to this group to write on saturdays. Sure I remembered this time but only because I knew tomorrows game was a Sunday day game. Once I remembered it was my day I looked at the clock and saw that it was 1 am and immediately the ole i'm gunna be tired excuse crept into my brain. Thats exactly what happens alot in my Christian walk. Sometimes i'll be sittin at the table with all the guys half way through a nice meal and remember I forgot to pray before I began eating. I always wonder if I had prayed if anyone would have seen and remembered themselves or been impacted positively in some way. Numerous times a week I find myself almost drifting off to sleep only to realize I hadn't done my reading for that day. What really makes me mad is when someone asks me to pray for someone about something very important and I forget until days later. I get mad just writing that about myself. And when it comes to this group that has blessed me so much I am not as consistent as I should be. But, at the same time, I get kinda fired up for God in my struggles. Because I know God doesn't make mistakes like that. He doesn't forget, and He always has time for us...all the time. God is infinately consistent and that is so cool.
When it comes to my profession I don't have a problem with taking the time to do anything. I don't seem to forget to prepare for each game I'll pitch. I make sure I get my gym time in, and my running done, and my film watching so what the heck. I only speak for myself when I say this but God deserves better than the time I have given him to this point. I will pray that He gives me the strength to honor Him with the time that He has given me. Romans 12:2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.Romans 12:1-3 (in Context) Romans
heres to not conforming anymore,
waino

The Girl Named World

I am in love! I have to let you all know that I am so in love with this woman. I met her back in 2000 and not only was she an athlete but she was 6 feet tall and blonde (I really wasn't into blondes but now I am). I got to know her and she liked to dance and listen to the same music I like, she was friendly and had many friends. The more time I spent with her the more I wanted to be with her, I thought about her all the time. She has the total package so obviously I am in love, head over heals. The best thing about it is that my love is growing as we get to know each other better, I would do anything for her, ya anything. If she wanted me to quit playing baseball and come home I would do it without much thought because I love her so much. It brings me so much joy to do things for her, sure at first it might be tough to do something out of my comfort zone but it is all worth it when she smiles at me. Can you guys relate? Have you ever been in love? Was it something other than a person you loved, teddy bear, job, car, jewelry, status, or even a toy? Are you chasing the love of someone or something?

How about this, when you are in a relationship with someone how much time do you spend with them and how often do you think about them? How would they take it if you started to spend less time with them and more with some one else? How long could that last before your relationship was broken? You might be thinking that the description above sounds like my wife Christy but it's not necessarily, that description can often be about a "girl named World". She is tricky and she can seduce us in many ways, do you know her, have you been in love with her, or are you currently?

1John 2:15 "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him."
Matthew 16:26 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?"

Are you in love with Jesus? Think about it, if a lawyer were to ask you that question what evidence would you have to support it? Would it be safe to say that you are currently more in love with the girl named world than you are with God? Look in the mirror be real, it's just you, God and your computer screen, who do you love? Embarrassing isn't? We don't love Him enough. God is so in love with us that He sacrificed His only Son to have a relationship with us and this is how we do him. He wrote us a book that some have called His "love letter" for us and we don't even read it. I'm embarrassed are you? What can we do about it? 1 thing is to stop feeling sorry for ourselves all the time and get back in the game, let's go! Dump that broad named World and get back to mending our relatioship with our creator. Fall back in love with Jesus the Savior, the Author of our salvation, the bridge for the gap, the Mediator, the Man Christ Jesus! Start living this life not just to miss the bus to hell but to flourish in heaven. Quit playing the fence, you're either or not, you're either a candle for Jesus or you're part of the crowd in the dark. Some of us may never have been in love before well here is your chance or some may have fallen out of love because of our sinful nature. Let's fall back into love with Jesus our God today.

Heavenly father we praise You because You just are... Please forgive us of our sinful past, wash us clean because we need You. Lord today we vow to fall back in love with You never to fall away and out of Your prescence again. Strengthen us to dump the other loves that we have developed and focus just on You. We want to see more of You and less of dingy sinful selves when we look into that mirror. Show us what real love is. Thank you for this day. Amen!

Timbo

"For God has not given you a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord." 2 Timothy 1:7-8

I don't feel like I'm scared to tell anybody about Jesus when I'm asked, I actually get very excited. I have so much I want to say so it almost back fires because my excitement is through the roof. Now for the times when I'm not asked and The Holy Spirit taps on my shoulder and tells me to share with that stranger... Your boy gets rattled. But no doubt God will give me that strength one day (Phil 4:13) and will use me to witness strangers, managers, and family members that need to hear the Gospel.

"Think about what I'm saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things." 2 Timothy 2:7

Paul told Timothy to think about his words, and God would give him understanding. God speaks through the Bible! Yet how many times do I sit around wondering what God wants from me? No matter how much you read or study, you can always do more. The clarity and peace I feel when I close God's word is the most amazing feeling. His word, his spirit, and control over me just puts a smile on my face. So make reading God's word a PRIORITY. What's more important? Name one thing............ (crickets)