I was thinking of someone in particular, and i got this vision for the person. There is this huge building. A lot of time went into this building, like an old school hand carved out of wood type building. I mean it is just perfect. But it sits in the shadow of another building. When the rainy seasons come and go it starts to weather both buildings. But as soon as the sun comes out the other building dries up and stands strong. while the other building starts to rot and decay. constantly getting more weak. The storms just come and come but it never dries up because it sits in the shadows of this other building. Finally an earthquake hits and the original building falls to the ground.
This is kind of what happens when we have envy for other people and try to be something we're not. The storm hits and we have just get beat down and beat down because we are not doing what we are suppose to be doing. The sad thing is we were all designed to stand strong when the tragedies hit, but since we are lost in the shadows, it just catches us off guard. I wish i could paint a better picture for you. But we all need to be that strong building where we are meant to be, so that when others who aren't as strong fall, we can be there, after the dust settles to help them rebuild. We all need to do our part
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Galations 1: 13-17
Galatians 1:13-17 (New International Version)
13For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15But when God, who set me apart from birth[a] and called me by his grace, was pleased 16to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
There are so many things that can go through our minds when we here God call us to something. Most of the time i think it is something to talk us out of it. Things like our past, what others will think, and if it is possible or not. Here paul talks about how he used to persecute christians. "and tried to destroy it." He was trying to destroy it. That is the complete other end of the spectrum. I think that God has a sense of humor because I have noticed that most of the people that have been placed in certain situations, were on the opposite end of the spectrum. But also i think he is wise. Choosing someone who has been in both places, that person will be able to witness way more effectively than someone who hasn't been on both sides. I mean really. have you ever listened to someone talk you through something that hasn't been through it? All I can think is that they can't possibly know what I'm going through. Which is why i think that God places people who have been through the junk, back into the junk only this time working against. Because even though a person can here from God, our reaction is they don't cause they have never been there. When paul heard the call, he didn't sit around and twiddle his thumbs... No... It says he went immediately. This is how we need to be. If God calls you to something, and doesn't give a timeframe of when. I would get to it as fast as I could. We need to be willing and ready for when God calls on us, for whatever reason it may be... We are always on call!
13For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15But when God, who set me apart from birth[a] and called me by his grace, was pleased 16to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
There are so many things that can go through our minds when we here God call us to something. Most of the time i think it is something to talk us out of it. Things like our past, what others will think, and if it is possible or not. Here paul talks about how he used to persecute christians. "and tried to destroy it." He was trying to destroy it. That is the complete other end of the spectrum. I think that God has a sense of humor because I have noticed that most of the people that have been placed in certain situations, were on the opposite end of the spectrum. But also i think he is wise. Choosing someone who has been in both places, that person will be able to witness way more effectively than someone who hasn't been on both sides. I mean really. have you ever listened to someone talk you through something that hasn't been through it? All I can think is that they can't possibly know what I'm going through. Which is why i think that God places people who have been through the junk, back into the junk only this time working against. Because even though a person can here from God, our reaction is they don't cause they have never been there. When paul heard the call, he didn't sit around and twiddle his thumbs... No... It says he went immediately. This is how we need to be. If God calls you to something, and doesn't give a timeframe of when. I would get to it as fast as I could. We need to be willing and ready for when God calls on us, for whatever reason it may be... We are always on call!
Galatians 1:11-12 (New International Version)
Paul Called by God
11I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
How amazing is our God? Words can't even describe it. The things God does, it is just amazing, I don't even know what to say. God loved us so much.... You here it all the time... He gave his only son... In fact i think that we have heard it so much that it has lost its impact. Jesus Died on the Cross because i cannot hold back my selfishness, or hold my tongue. He died because i could not do it on my own. Then what happens? After everything he has done... we still are to selfish to even realize it. He gives people words, that speak directly into our life and yet we still fall short. Everyday we have to be reminded, we have to remind our selves to be patient and understanding and to love that person that gets on our nerves. And he is still there. He still loves us... Even through all of the stuff that we do (sometimes even when we know it is wrong.) God loves us more than we could ever imagine, and he speaks to us individually and gets so personal with everyone of us. I just cannot fathom how... I have trouble keeping track of a few middle schoolers. God is so amazing, i just need to step back and worship
Joey
Paul Called by God
11I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
How amazing is our God? Words can't even describe it. The things God does, it is just amazing, I don't even know what to say. God loved us so much.... You here it all the time... He gave his only son... In fact i think that we have heard it so much that it has lost its impact. Jesus Died on the Cross because i cannot hold back my selfishness, or hold my tongue. He died because i could not do it on my own. Then what happens? After everything he has done... we still are to selfish to even realize it. He gives people words, that speak directly into our life and yet we still fall short. Everyday we have to be reminded, we have to remind our selves to be patient and understanding and to love that person that gets on our nerves. And he is still there. He still loves us... Even through all of the stuff that we do (sometimes even when we know it is wrong.) God loves us more than we could ever imagine, and he speaks to us individually and gets so personal with everyone of us. I just cannot fathom how... I have trouble keeping track of a few middle schoolers. God is so amazing, i just need to step back and worship
Joey
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Church or no church
I've heard it said many times that you don't need to go to church to be a Christian. The truth is I could not agree with this more. It takes so much more than just going to church to be a christian. I mean I have seen enough people claim to be christian because they go to church and then turn around and cuss and talk about the party they went and how wasted they got. Just going to church is not enough at all. To be a hypocrite, all you have to do is go to church, claim the title and do nothing more. That is what that will get you. In order to really hear from God and be a christian like we claim, it takes soooo much behind the scenes work that most will never see. If we are going to be the ones who spread his word then we really need to know our stuff and be in tune with the spirit.
It always amazes me what we actually put in place of our God and I time. The thing that sticks out most to me is movies. and how much energy we put into them to. it is almost like we want to be the main character. We want to be the spartan kicking the guy into the bottomless pit, or swinging light sabers and pod racing. War movies or action movies really get to me. I think it is because I really want to be in a huge battle. It always cracks me up when two guys see two sticks on the ground, all i takes is a quick glance and a smile and immediately those sticks have become light sabers and the sounds are flying out of our mouths. i think it is just wired into to want a battle, or to have someone's life in our hands. I always find myself so into movies that when someone close to the main character dies i get sad, because I imagined that was someone close. I think what we need to realize is that we are always in a battle, always. And everyday we walk by people and let there life slip on by not even thinking that this might happen. we are in a huge battle. and we need to wise up. it is time for us to stop being so scared and do something about it. These peoples fragile lives that could end at any moment have been placed in our hands being sons and daughters of Christ. It is time to step up. Realize the seriousness of this, and do something about it. most of you are to afraid to let someone know that you are christian, or try and tell them how AMAZING god is, but as soon as something comes up about that cool car you saw, or that new video game that came out you are all experts on it. even if you don't know anything about it, we talk about it like we created the things. How long have we been christian? How much do we know? What's stopping us? it makes me sad when i realize that i am talking to myself if just as much if not more than anyone else.
We all have a responsibility, we are all the body, we all need to work together, without one piece how can the rest work together. It can't. we need to encourage each other and realize how crucial each gift is that God has given each of us.
Romans 12
Living Sacrifices
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 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.
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[b]faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
there it is right there. We need to stand for what we believe in, Stand for God! instead of hiding in the shadows and saying that we are to scared. fight through the fear, and fight for God. show others how much he means to you, but more importantly, show him how much he means to you.
Joey
It always amazes me what we actually put in place of our God and I time. The thing that sticks out most to me is movies. and how much energy we put into them to. it is almost like we want to be the main character. We want to be the spartan kicking the guy into the bottomless pit, or swinging light sabers and pod racing. War movies or action movies really get to me. I think it is because I really want to be in a huge battle. It always cracks me up when two guys see two sticks on the ground, all i takes is a quick glance and a smile and immediately those sticks have become light sabers and the sounds are flying out of our mouths. i think it is just wired into to want a battle, or to have someone's life in our hands. I always find myself so into movies that when someone close to the main character dies i get sad, because I imagined that was someone close. I think what we need to realize is that we are always in a battle, always. And everyday we walk by people and let there life slip on by not even thinking that this might happen. we are in a huge battle. and we need to wise up. it is time for us to stop being so scared and do something about it. These peoples fragile lives that could end at any moment have been placed in our hands being sons and daughters of Christ. It is time to step up. Realize the seriousness of this, and do something about it. most of you are to afraid to let someone know that you are christian, or try and tell them how AMAZING god is, but as soon as something comes up about that cool car you saw, or that new video game that came out you are all experts on it. even if you don't know anything about it, we talk about it like we created the things. How long have we been christian? How much do we know? What's stopping us? it makes me sad when i realize that i am talking to myself if just as much if not more than anyone else.
We all have a responsibility, we are all the body, we all need to work together, without one piece how can the rest work together. It can't. we need to encourage each other and realize how crucial each gift is that God has given each of us.
Romans 12
Living Sacrifices
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 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.
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[b]faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
there it is right there. We need to stand for what we believe in, Stand for God! instead of hiding in the shadows and saying that we are to scared. fight through the fear, and fight for God. show others how much he means to you, but more importantly, show him how much he means to you.
Joey
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Galations 1:1-10
So this is the first time i have ever wondered into the blog world. I felt like God put this on my heart to do. There was no reason for choosing Galations except for the fact that it was what came up when i clicked on the bible on my phone.
Galatians 1
1Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2and all the brothers with me,
To the churches in Galatia:
3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
No Other Gospel
6I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
10Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
1-5: First off I love how at the beginning of every book it says this same type of deal. It always says who wrote it, who it was to, and most importantly it gives all of the glory to God. It is so easy for us to get caught up on the speaker or even the pastor that reads it to us, that we forget why it is even there. No matter what God deserves all of the Glory.
6-7: It is amazing how true this is. So often i put all of my energy into the things of this world, the stuff that doesn't even matter. We twist and skew the scriptures to say exactly what we want them to say. I once heard a speaker say that he has this motto, "big on the big, and small on the small." All I could think was thats it. That is it. What did he mean? He meant that we need to have a Big emphasis on the "Big" and a small on the small. We give to much energy attacking each other over stupid little stuff that doesn't matter and we end up missing what is most important.
Mathew 22: 36-40
36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[b] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[c] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Right here He tells us some of the Big. "Love your neighbor as yourself." How much would life suck if we never got to go to church, or never got to here about God. Knowing what we know now. if we truly followed what this says, knowing how important, good, and just outright amazing God is, would we ever pass up an opportunity to witness? But a lot of the time we are too busy arguing about stupid stuff that is not nearly as important as the BIG. In seven it talks about people throwing you into confusion. This is how dangerous it is when you let your friends influence you. because if they don't know God, or aren't right with the lord then they may confuse you. especially with help from satan.
8-9: Right here, Paul lets us know how serious this is. It is so serious that he repeats himself. It is just kind of scary to think about.
10: This is one of those versus that is so true but know one likes to hear. I always am worrying about what people think of me and what i can do to look cooler. It is really kind of sad to think about. I always want to have the next best thing and if I'm not carefully i get blinded by this. Sometimes you have to suck it up and do what you don't want to do. You have to put yourself out there and yeah maybe look like a fool in front of everyone. but with that will come reward. You can bring courage to that one person that is to afraid to stand up for him self, or help that person that cant figure out why he hurts all of the time to start to understand why things have been happening the way they have. You have a chance to allow God to change someone's life through you they way He changed your life so long ago
Galatians 1
1Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2and all the brothers with me,
To the churches in Galatia:
3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
No Other Gospel
6I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
10Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
1-5: First off I love how at the beginning of every book it says this same type of deal. It always says who wrote it, who it was to, and most importantly it gives all of the glory to God. It is so easy for us to get caught up on the speaker or even the pastor that reads it to us, that we forget why it is even there. No matter what God deserves all of the Glory.
6-7: It is amazing how true this is. So often i put all of my energy into the things of this world, the stuff that doesn't even matter. We twist and skew the scriptures to say exactly what we want them to say. I once heard a speaker say that he has this motto, "big on the big, and small on the small." All I could think was thats it. That is it. What did he mean? He meant that we need to have a Big emphasis on the "Big" and a small on the small. We give to much energy attacking each other over stupid little stuff that doesn't matter and we end up missing what is most important.
Mathew 22: 36-40
36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[b] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[c] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Right here He tells us some of the Big. "Love your neighbor as yourself." How much would life suck if we never got to go to church, or never got to here about God. Knowing what we know now. if we truly followed what this says, knowing how important, good, and just outright amazing God is, would we ever pass up an opportunity to witness? But a lot of the time we are too busy arguing about stupid stuff that is not nearly as important as the BIG. In seven it talks about people throwing you into confusion. This is how dangerous it is when you let your friends influence you. because if they don't know God, or aren't right with the lord then they may confuse you. especially with help from satan.
8-9: Right here, Paul lets us know how serious this is. It is so serious that he repeats himself. It is just kind of scary to think about.
10: This is one of those versus that is so true but know one likes to hear. I always am worrying about what people think of me and what i can do to look cooler. It is really kind of sad to think about. I always want to have the next best thing and if I'm not carefully i get blinded by this. Sometimes you have to suck it up and do what you don't want to do. You have to put yourself out there and yeah maybe look like a fool in front of everyone. but with that will come reward. You can bring courage to that one person that is to afraid to stand up for him self, or help that person that cant figure out why he hurts all of the time to start to understand why things have been happening the way they have. You have a chance to allow God to change someone's life through you they way He changed your life so long ago
This is really my first time trying this and it is really late. Go ahead and tell me what you think or correct me if i have made a mistake.
Joey
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