Dori the fish is what I like to refer to as a cock-eyed optimist. It brings to mind Proverbs 17:22: A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
I watched Finding Nemo this afternoon and was struck by the constant positivity that was shown by Dori. One scene that particularly struck me was, when they were in the whale and she had no clue what would happen next, she just let go... remember that reckless abandon? What do we have to fear?
Romans 8:38-39 remind us: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Bible also says that we should be anxious for nothing... this does not mean that we will be spouting rainbows and unicorns each day that we are alive... but it say that we should rejoice in the Lord always. In the good and in the bad... we can rejoice that God will never let go of us... Matt Redman wrote one such song:
Never Let Go.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
Let your heart rejoice in the Lord always and your heart will always be full of the joy of the Lord.... when you awaken each morning, are you grumbling about the tasks you need to complete or do you wake with a joyful and thankful heart?
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Mad man with a box....
This morning while reading through the various tweets I came across a quote by Oswald Chambers that read: When God changes you through regeneration...your life initially has the characteristic of being maimed.
One of my favorite shows is Doctor Who... I started watching it about a year ago and have been watching it ever since. One of the characteristics of the Doctor is that when he "dies" he is able to regenerate into a new Doctor... There are 12 actors that have portrayed the Doctor throughout the generations, but one thing never changed... his regeneration. Another thing that I've noticed about this process, is that each time the Doctor regenerates, he is vulnerable...
As Christians, we are like the Doctor in that respect... when we accept the free gift of salvation, we become a new creation... 2 Corinthians 5:17 states that if we are in Christ, we are a new creation. We have been regenerated... and like the Doctor, we are vulnerable to temptation, and sin.
As we go through life, things are constantly changing... but the one thing that remains constant in our lives is God, who is not a mad man with a box... but He does have quite the sense of humor sometimes. But I digress...
We have been regenerated but we are human, and we will make mistakes... but we have victory over death through Christ Jesus and we will live with Him forever... that is the most amazing regeneration ever!
Have a wonderful Friday!
One of my favorite shows is Doctor Who... I started watching it about a year ago and have been watching it ever since. One of the characteristics of the Doctor is that when he "dies" he is able to regenerate into a new Doctor... There are 12 actors that have portrayed the Doctor throughout the generations, but one thing never changed... his regeneration. Another thing that I've noticed about this process, is that each time the Doctor regenerates, he is vulnerable...
As Christians, we are like the Doctor in that respect... when we accept the free gift of salvation, we become a new creation... 2 Corinthians 5:17 states that if we are in Christ, we are a new creation. We have been regenerated... and like the Doctor, we are vulnerable to temptation, and sin.
As we go through life, things are constantly changing... but the one thing that remains constant in our lives is God, who is not a mad man with a box... but He does have quite the sense of humor sometimes. But I digress...
We have been regenerated but we are human, and we will make mistakes... but we have victory over death through Christ Jesus and we will live with Him forever... that is the most amazing regeneration ever!
Have a wonderful Friday!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Cents and Sensibility
Proverbs 22:7 reads: The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
My husband and I have been going through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.... we are only on week four, however, I have already learned so much. In the first lesson he states that Money is amoral... neither evil or good... so what makes it evil? I Timothy 6:10 says that For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It says, the love of money... I kind of translate it to the love of things that money can buy...
Now, I love shoes, and shopping (most of the time)... but when I don't have any money, its not as fun. When I was in college, I used those little plastic cards that allowed you to spend without money... it proved to be a pretty big problem when the bills started coming in. I began to feel like I was drowning... and even then, I was still buying things that I didn't need.
In the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, the main character Rebecca Bloowood loves to shop, so much in fact, that she has gone into horrible amounts of debt. Struggling with her debilitating obsession with shopping and the sudden collapse of her income source, Rebecca unintentionally lands a job writing for a financial magazine after a drunken letter-mailing mix-up. Ironically writing about the very consumer caution of which she herself has not abided, Rebecca's innovative comparisons and unconventional metaphors for economics grants her critical acclaim, public success, and the admiration of her supportive boss Luke. But as she draws closer to her ultimate goal of writing for renowned fashion magazine Alette, she questions her true ambitions and must determine if overcoming her "shopaholic" condition will bring her real happiness.
She describes that she first began believing in magic when she saw these girls at a shop, using magic cards instead of money to buy things... She then uses the analogy: A man will never love you or treat you as well as a store. If a man doesn't fit, you can't exchange him seven days later for a gorgeous cashmere sweater. And a store always smells good. A store can awaken a lust for things you never even knew you needed.
The thing about debt is that, if uncontrolled, can pile up... like sin in our lives... like the stores, Satan can put in your head a lust for things that you never thought that you wanted or needed... We often let sin rule our lives and like debt, it piles up... sometimes causing spiritual bankruptcy... but the best part is, forgiveness is just a prayer away. don't go into spiritual bankruptcy over something you don't really need. I've learned that doing the things I want to do have far worse consiquences than not doing them.... like debt... you don't "need" that new computer, when your old one works just fine, or a new shoe collection (even though they are gorgeous and would go perfectly with that dress you bought)... but I digress. Remember Proverbs 22:7... don't be a slave to Satan and sin...
You don't have to be a slave to debt either... Needless to say, after my credit cards were paid off, closed and cut up, Stephen and I started using the envelope system... it's funny because suddenly, the things that you think you need become less impormant when you only have $30 for the week.
We are not out of debt, however, going through the first five weeks of FPU, I've learned a lot about making money work for you instead of against you... Remember, The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
If you haven't taken Financial Peace University, I'd encourage you to... even if you have no debt... there are some great resources that are offered to the members, along with a peace of mind when it comes to your money.
Have a great day!
My husband and I have been going through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.... we are only on week four, however, I have already learned so much. In the first lesson he states that Money is amoral... neither evil or good... so what makes it evil? I Timothy 6:10 says that For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It says, the love of money... I kind of translate it to the love of things that money can buy...
Now, I love shoes, and shopping (most of the time)... but when I don't have any money, its not as fun. When I was in college, I used those little plastic cards that allowed you to spend without money... it proved to be a pretty big problem when the bills started coming in. I began to feel like I was drowning... and even then, I was still buying things that I didn't need.
In the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, the main character Rebecca Bloowood loves to shop, so much in fact, that she has gone into horrible amounts of debt. Struggling with her debilitating obsession with shopping and the sudden collapse of her income source, Rebecca unintentionally lands a job writing for a financial magazine after a drunken letter-mailing mix-up. Ironically writing about the very consumer caution of which she herself has not abided, Rebecca's innovative comparisons and unconventional metaphors for economics grants her critical acclaim, public success, and the admiration of her supportive boss Luke. But as she draws closer to her ultimate goal of writing for renowned fashion magazine Alette, she questions her true ambitions and must determine if overcoming her "shopaholic" condition will bring her real happiness.
She describes that she first began believing in magic when she saw these girls at a shop, using magic cards instead of money to buy things... She then uses the analogy: A man will never love you or treat you as well as a store. If a man doesn't fit, you can't exchange him seven days later for a gorgeous cashmere sweater. And a store always smells good. A store can awaken a lust for things you never even knew you needed.
The thing about debt is that, if uncontrolled, can pile up... like sin in our lives... like the stores, Satan can put in your head a lust for things that you never thought that you wanted or needed... We often let sin rule our lives and like debt, it piles up... sometimes causing spiritual bankruptcy... but the best part is, forgiveness is just a prayer away. don't go into spiritual bankruptcy over something you don't really need. I've learned that doing the things I want to do have far worse consiquences than not doing them.... like debt... you don't "need" that new computer, when your old one works just fine, or a new shoe collection (even though they are gorgeous and would go perfectly with that dress you bought)... but I digress. Remember Proverbs 22:7... don't be a slave to Satan and sin...
You don't have to be a slave to debt either... Needless to say, after my credit cards were paid off, closed and cut up, Stephen and I started using the envelope system... it's funny because suddenly, the things that you think you need become less impormant when you only have $30 for the week.
We are not out of debt, however, going through the first five weeks of FPU, I've learned a lot about making money work for you instead of against you... Remember, The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
If you haven't taken Financial Peace University, I'd encourage you to... even if you have no debt... there are some great resources that are offered to the members, along with a peace of mind when it comes to your money.
Have a great day!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Become who you were born to be.
Put aside the ranger. Become who you were born to be. ~Elrond.
One of the many story lines in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy is the Aragornm heir to the throne of Gondor... a position and responsibility that he has been running from his whole life. When we first meet him in Bree, he is simply introduced as Strider.
He saves the Hobbits from the Black Riders and guide them through the wilderness to the safety of Rivendell. It is only during the Council of Elrond, that we learn Strider's true identity.
Aragorn: You cannot wield it! None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master.
Boromir: And what would a ranger know of this matter?
Legolas stands suddenly.
Legolas: This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.
Boromir: Aragorn? This... is Isildur's heir?
Legolas: And heir to the throne of Gondor.
After that, through the duration of the next few books, we see Aragorn developing "kingly qualities", each battle and hardship is tempering him as he heads for his destiny.
At the encampment near the mountain Road of Dimholt, Elrond coems with the reforged sword of Isildur that was broken during the first battle of Sauron. It is in this moment in the film Return of the King, that Elrond says: Put aside the ranger. Become who you were born to be.
Aragorn takes hold of the sword and his destiny with stony determination and makes for the mountain pass where the army of the dead dwells. He then leads them to victory at Minas Tirith.
In our lives, we each have a specific purpose or dream that we can choose to take hold of, or we can run from it, like Aragorn.
My whole life, and my parents can vouch for me when i say this, I said that I would never (notice the use of the most ironic word in the English language) ever be involved in a ministry style life, or even marry someone who wanted to be in the ministry.
I am here to tell you that sometimes God has a sense of humor, and the one thing that I spent most of my life running from has become the greatest blessing in my life. Stephen and I are now co-founders of a wonderful ministry, we are happily serving God... and I can tell you I wouldn't have it any other way.
As I watched The Return of the King yesterday, I felt like those words were being spoken to me... Put aside the ranger... Put aside your old life. Become who you were made to be... Let God work in your life to make you new and to fulfill your purpose for Him; your destiny, if you will.
2 Corinthians 2:17-21 says:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Get rid of the ranger and stop running. Embrace who you were meant to be... God's original masterpiece with an amazing purpose!
One of the many story lines in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy is the Aragornm heir to the throne of Gondor... a position and responsibility that he has been running from his whole life. When we first meet him in Bree, he is simply introduced as Strider.
He saves the Hobbits from the Black Riders and guide them through the wilderness to the safety of Rivendell. It is only during the Council of Elrond, that we learn Strider's true identity.
Aragorn: You cannot wield it! None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master.
Boromir: And what would a ranger know of this matter?
Legolas stands suddenly.
Legolas: This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.
Boromir: Aragorn? This... is Isildur's heir?
Legolas: And heir to the throne of Gondor.
After that, through the duration of the next few books, we see Aragorn developing "kingly qualities", each battle and hardship is tempering him as he heads for his destiny.
At the encampment near the mountain Road of Dimholt, Elrond coems with the reforged sword of Isildur that was broken during the first battle of Sauron. It is in this moment in the film Return of the King, that Elrond says: Put aside the ranger. Become who you were born to be.
Aragorn takes hold of the sword and his destiny with stony determination and makes for the mountain pass where the army of the dead dwells. He then leads them to victory at Minas Tirith.
In our lives, we each have a specific purpose or dream that we can choose to take hold of, or we can run from it, like Aragorn.
My whole life, and my parents can vouch for me when i say this, I said that I would never (notice the use of the most ironic word in the English language) ever be involved in a ministry style life, or even marry someone who wanted to be in the ministry.
I am here to tell you that sometimes God has a sense of humor, and the one thing that I spent most of my life running from has become the greatest blessing in my life. Stephen and I are now co-founders of a wonderful ministry, we are happily serving God... and I can tell you I wouldn't have it any other way.
As I watched The Return of the King yesterday, I felt like those words were being spoken to me... Put aside the ranger... Put aside your old life. Become who you were made to be... Let God work in your life to make you new and to fulfill your purpose for Him; your destiny, if you will.
2 Corinthians 2:17-21 says:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Get rid of the ranger and stop running. Embrace who you were meant to be... God's original masterpiece with an amazing purpose!
Friday, June 22, 2012
God doesn't make junk!
We're not doubting that God will do the best for us, we're wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.
This skit is so powerful and worth sharing... It's something that we all need to remember, we are God's workmanship, His masterpiece. We are not junk!!! Don't ever let anyone take that away from you.
Say it with me: You are God's original Masterpiece!
Happy Friday Everyone!!!
This skit is so powerful and worth sharing... It's something that we all need to remember, we are God's workmanship, His masterpiece. We are not junk!!! Don't ever let anyone take that away from you.
Say it with me: You are God's original Masterpiece!
Happy Friday Everyone!!!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Just as I am... warts and all
C.S. Lewis once wrote: God doesn't want something from us. He simply wants us.
Just sitting here thinking about that this morning. God just wants us, warts and all... he created us to be creatures of worship. Plumb wrote a song entitled God-Shaped hole.
This song echoes the thoughts of the mathematician Pascal when he wrote about the God Shaped Vacuum What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself.
When we abandon the foolish pursuit of filling the hole with things that we think will satisfy us, and choose God, we will find that that place is filled and there is a joy over flowing. God doesn't want something from us. He simply wants us.
We first have to choose Him and let Him fill that void. C.S. Lewis also wrote that: Human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy
We try in our human way to do everything, or buy everything that we think will make us happy... but what we don't realize is that when we turn to God and accept the offer of salvation, that is totally free by the way, we will find true satisfaction. C.S. Lewis also wrote: God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.
He simply wants us... our lives, our worship, our all... The song Just as I am is one of my favorite hymns... that beautiful verse: Just as I am without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me. And that thou bids me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come. I come.
Travis Cottrell added these words as a chorus to this song: I come broken to be mended. I come wounded to be healed. I come desperate to be rescue. I come empty to be filled. I come guilty to be pardoned by the blood of Christ the Lamb, and I'm welcomed with open arms, Praise God, Just as I am.
God simply wants us, warts and all... how amazing is that? When we accept Him, he begins to work in us... but it starts with a step in the right direction.
God wants you, Just as you are.
This song echoes the thoughts of the mathematician Pascal when he wrote about the God Shaped Vacuum What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself.
When we abandon the foolish pursuit of filling the hole with things that we think will satisfy us, and choose God, we will find that that place is filled and there is a joy over flowing. God doesn't want something from us. He simply wants us.
We first have to choose Him and let Him fill that void. C.S. Lewis also wrote that: Human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy
We try in our human way to do everything, or buy everything that we think will make us happy... but what we don't realize is that when we turn to God and accept the offer of salvation, that is totally free by the way, we will find true satisfaction. C.S. Lewis also wrote: God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.
He simply wants us... our lives, our worship, our all... The song Just as I am is one of my favorite hymns... that beautiful verse: Just as I am without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me. And that thou bids me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come. I come.
Travis Cottrell added these words as a chorus to this song: I come broken to be mended. I come wounded to be healed. I come desperate to be rescue. I come empty to be filled. I come guilty to be pardoned by the blood of Christ the Lamb, and I'm welcomed with open arms, Praise God, Just as I am.
God simply wants us, warts and all... how amazing is that? When we accept Him, he begins to work in us... but it starts with a step in the right direction.
God wants you, Just as you are.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Stepping out in faith...
In Matthew 14, we read the account of Jesus walking on water. He comes to the disciples in the midst of a storm and Peter, being Peter, decides he's going to join him. As he steps out of the boat on to the waves, he has faith that he will make it to Jesus' side, but as he continues walking, the waves seem to capitalize on that seed of doubt in his heart... we all know what happens next, Peter begins to sink.
He let his fear get the best of him. Like so many of us, he took his eyes off Jesus and began to worry about what his next move was going to be. What he was going to do.
When we step out in faith and commit our lives and our hearts to God, we have faith. We are willing to risk everything because we have faith that God will see us through, that he will carry us when we are week. As we live our lives, sometimes, like Peter, we take our eyes of of Jesus and start looking around at the storms that are raging around us. We lose our focus and we begin to sink. We start worrying about what others will think of us, what our friends will say about us... we start worrying about how we will make it through this hardship, where the money will come from. Sinking further and further into our doubt, until we can no longer breathe.
If we truly recognize God's hand in the situation, we have no real reason to question the how and the why of something that He has placed before you. As you face the storms, put your total reliance on God, keeping your focus on Him. Don't let others distract you from the task at hand.
I read a quote this morning that was written by Oswald Chambers. If you debate for even one second when God has spoken, it is all over for you. Never start to say, “Well, I wonder if He really did speak to me?” Be reckless immediately— totally unrestrained and willing to risk everything— by casting your all upon Him. You do not know when His voice will come to you, but whenever the realization of God comes, even in the faintest way imaginable, be determined to recklessly abandon yourself, surrendering everything to Him. It is only through abandonment of yourself and your circumstances that you will recognize Him. You will only recognize His voice more clearly through recklessness— being willing to risk your all.
Total reckless abandon... in our lives, in our worship, in our actions... He is waiting for us to step out of the boat and completely rely on Him.
If you are like me, there is always something that seems to be holding me back... there is always a nagging in the back of my mind telling me to stay in the boat. I have a list of excuses at the ready, I'm scared of water, I can't, I don't want to... It's time for me, once and for all to get rid of the list and move out onto the water. To trust fully, that whatever God is leading me to do if far better than staying on the boat.
Have a wonderful Monday and remember, Trust God, He's already seen your future. Blessings ^_^
He let his fear get the best of him. Like so many of us, he took his eyes off Jesus and began to worry about what his next move was going to be. What he was going to do.
When we step out in faith and commit our lives and our hearts to God, we have faith. We are willing to risk everything because we have faith that God will see us through, that he will carry us when we are week. As we live our lives, sometimes, like Peter, we take our eyes of of Jesus and start looking around at the storms that are raging around us. We lose our focus and we begin to sink. We start worrying about what others will think of us, what our friends will say about us... we start worrying about how we will make it through this hardship, where the money will come from. Sinking further and further into our doubt, until we can no longer breathe.
If we truly recognize God's hand in the situation, we have no real reason to question the how and the why of something that He has placed before you. As you face the storms, put your total reliance on God, keeping your focus on Him. Don't let others distract you from the task at hand.
I read a quote this morning that was written by Oswald Chambers. If you debate for even one second when God has spoken, it is all over for you. Never start to say, “Well, I wonder if He really did speak to me?” Be reckless immediately— totally unrestrained and willing to risk everything— by casting your all upon Him. You do not know when His voice will come to you, but whenever the realization of God comes, even in the faintest way imaginable, be determined to recklessly abandon yourself, surrendering everything to Him. It is only through abandonment of yourself and your circumstances that you will recognize Him. You will only recognize His voice more clearly through recklessness— being willing to risk your all.
Total reckless abandon... in our lives, in our worship, in our actions... He is waiting for us to step out of the boat and completely rely on Him.
If you are like me, there is always something that seems to be holding me back... there is always a nagging in the back of my mind telling me to stay in the boat. I have a list of excuses at the ready, I'm scared of water, I can't, I don't want to... It's time for me, once and for all to get rid of the list and move out onto the water. To trust fully, that whatever God is leading me to do if far better than staying on the boat.
Have a wonderful Monday and remember, Trust God, He's already seen your future. Blessings ^_^
Saturday, June 16, 2012
when the music fades...
and all is stripped away...and I simply come... longing just to bring something that's of worth... that will bless your heart. I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about you, it's all about you Jesus... I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it... when it's all about you, it's all about you, Jesus.
As I sit here writing this blog, I am listening to the most transparently beautiful music... now if you know me, you know I love music... any and all music has a place in my life (there are some genres that I am not too keen on, but that's not the point). The Candlepark Stars has caught my attention on itunes today and I can't get over how amazing their music is.
When I think about worship, this is what comes to mind, beautiful, transparent, and vulnerable... we should put ourselves out there for God, giving Him the glory and praise He deserves. I know that I am guilty of the tight-fisted, somewhat prudish way of worship, holding back because I don't want to let go... but what does God really get out of that?
Psalm 100 says:
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
We worship God because of what He has done for us, we worship Him because we were created to worship Him... Darlene Zschech of the Hillsong worship group states in her book Extravigant Worship
If our worship is spiritual and truthful, we will search our souls and appraise the value we place on His love for us. What can we bring to the altar that represents extravagance?
Worship is not just grounded to music, but it's in music that I find myself able to throw my head back and my arms out in reckless abandon and just worship. I identify with Michael W Smith as he shares the story of singing in his car. I know people stare at me sometimes because I am singing along with Travis, crying as I listen to the words of Laura Story's Blessings or just enjoying the beauty of a more ambient, insrtumental style piece by Kerry Muzzey or Thomas Bergason. Worship is what you make it, let it be extravagant.
Have a wonderful Father's day weekend! Happy Father's day to my amazing dad! I love you!
As I sit here writing this blog, I am listening to the most transparently beautiful music... now if you know me, you know I love music... any and all music has a place in my life (there are some genres that I am not too keen on, but that's not the point). The Candlepark Stars has caught my attention on itunes today and I can't get over how amazing their music is.
When I think about worship, this is what comes to mind, beautiful, transparent, and vulnerable... we should put ourselves out there for God, giving Him the glory and praise He deserves. I know that I am guilty of the tight-fisted, somewhat prudish way of worship, holding back because I don't want to let go... but what does God really get out of that?
Psalm 100 says:
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
We worship God because of what He has done for us, we worship Him because we were created to worship Him... Darlene Zschech of the Hillsong worship group states in her book Extravigant Worship
If our worship is spiritual and truthful, we will search our souls and appraise the value we place on His love for us. What can we bring to the altar that represents extravagance?
Worship is not just grounded to music, but it's in music that I find myself able to throw my head back and my arms out in reckless abandon and just worship. I identify with Michael W Smith as he shares the story of singing in his car. I know people stare at me sometimes because I am singing along with Travis, crying as I listen to the words of Laura Story's Blessings or just enjoying the beauty of a more ambient, insrtumental style piece by Kerry Muzzey or Thomas Bergason. Worship is what you make it, let it be extravagant.
Have a wonderful Father's day weekend! Happy Father's day to my amazing dad! I love you!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
When the Stars burn down
This morning, I had one song stuck in my head as I woke up... Travis Cottrell's newest CD is called When the Stars Burn Down The title track has been in my head all morning. I'd like you to take a listen.
On his Blog, Strong Worship Songs, Pastor Scott Martz describes this song perfectly...
This song reminds us this fallen world is wearing out, winding down, and coming to an end. As the lyrics say “the world will fall.” Our resurrected Lord will return to resurrect all the dead. He will judge the world and then lead the resurrected saints into the resurrected universe, the Kingdom of God that He has prepared for us. On that day all sorrow, tears, and pain will forever be gone as we live in the full presence of our Savior God, as God intended from the beginning.
Revelation 7:17 says this
"For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'”
This is one of my favorite songs, and each time I listen to it, I get goosebumps... To me, it gives a taste of what glorious songs will be sung in heaven! What an amazing thought...
John was given a glimpse of heaven in Revelation 4:1-8, and what a sight it is...
After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a] of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
“‘Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,’
who was, and is, and is to come."
I hope that you have a wonderful day! Singing blessing and honor, glory and power, forever to our God!
On his Blog, Strong Worship Songs, Pastor Scott Martz describes this song perfectly...
This song reminds us this fallen world is wearing out, winding down, and coming to an end. As the lyrics say “the world will fall.” Our resurrected Lord will return to resurrect all the dead. He will judge the world and then lead the resurrected saints into the resurrected universe, the Kingdom of God that He has prepared for us. On that day all sorrow, tears, and pain will forever be gone as we live in the full presence of our Savior God, as God intended from the beginning.
Revelation 7:17 says this
"For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'”
This is one of my favorite songs, and each time I listen to it, I get goosebumps... To me, it gives a taste of what glorious songs will be sung in heaven! What an amazing thought...
John was given a glimpse of heaven in Revelation 4:1-8, and what a sight it is...
After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a] of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
“‘Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,’
who was, and is, and is to come."
I hope that you have a wonderful day! Singing blessing and honor, glory and power, forever to our God!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor! (A Lesson in Humility)
If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. ~C.S. Lewis
In today’s society it’s easy to take credit for our successes when it should go to God. We get too big for our britches and need a good dose of humble pie in order to correct us.
Thor is one of my favorite superhero movies (The Avengers and Captain America are on that list as well... I know, I know... I'm letting my nerd show)… but I digress… In the movie, Thor is banished from Asgard when he threatens the safety of its people. When his father casts him out of Asgard, this is what he says… Thor Odinson... you have betrayed the express command of your king. Through your arrogance and stupidity, you've opened these peaceful realms and innocent lives to the horror and desolation of war! You are unworthy of these realms, you're unworthy of your title, you are unworthy... of the love of those you have betrayed! I now take from you your power! In the name of my father and his father before me, I, Odin Allfather, cast you out!
Thor is banished to earth, and with all the same arrogance goes to claim Mjolnir, but fails. Odin “enchants” the hammer: Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of THOR! He fails because of his arrogance, he is still unworthy. As the movie progresses, we see Thor transforming into the man that his father has raised him to become. He has matured and has begun to see the value in humility and true sacrifice. In the end there is a conversation between Thor and his father and Odin declares that he is proud of his son.
We as humans face the same issue with arrogance that Thor does, except we are not banished for our actions… God corrects us because, like Odin, he loves us. Going through a refining process hurts, and just like gold is purified by fire, we face the “fires” of life with humility. We know that it is not our own strength that gets us through, but Gods. When we take credit for things, or people stroke our egos, we can become puffed up and that will lead to our ultimate disgrace, whether on earth or in heaven.
Proverbs 11:2 says: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
In today’s society it’s easy to take credit for our successes when it should go to God. We get too big for our britches and need a good dose of humble pie in order to correct us.
Thor is one of my favorite superhero movies (The Avengers and Captain America are on that list as well... I know, I know... I'm letting my nerd show)… but I digress… In the movie, Thor is banished from Asgard when he threatens the safety of its people. When his father casts him out of Asgard, this is what he says… Thor Odinson... you have betrayed the express command of your king. Through your arrogance and stupidity, you've opened these peaceful realms and innocent lives to the horror and desolation of war! You are unworthy of these realms, you're unworthy of your title, you are unworthy... of the love of those you have betrayed! I now take from you your power! In the name of my father and his father before me, I, Odin Allfather, cast you out!
Thor is banished to earth, and with all the same arrogance goes to claim Mjolnir, but fails. Odin “enchants” the hammer: Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of THOR! He fails because of his arrogance, he is still unworthy. As the movie progresses, we see Thor transforming into the man that his father has raised him to become. He has matured and has begun to see the value in humility and true sacrifice. In the end there is a conversation between Thor and his father and Odin declares that he is proud of his son.
We as humans face the same issue with arrogance that Thor does, except we are not banished for our actions… God corrects us because, like Odin, he loves us. Going through a refining process hurts, and just like gold is purified by fire, we face the “fires” of life with humility. We know that it is not our own strength that gets us through, but Gods. When we take credit for things, or people stroke our egos, we can become puffed up and that will lead to our ultimate disgrace, whether on earth or in heaven.
Proverbs 11:2 says: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Why I am A Christian from a music person's point of view.
I started to write a testimony as to why I was a Christian a little differently... but as I start to write it and overthink, as I often do... there are several songs that come to mind as I start this testimony. I would like to start off with what I think of as my confession... a movement toward a brighter day and a fully purposeful life.
It's officially 2012 and I have a few resolutions, that is not a to do list for the first week of the new year, but rather, the building blocks for the rest of my life. It has taken me a long time to get back to this point in my life where I truly feel that God loves me and is going to use me. For so long I have run away from something, something that I used to love... something that used to make me so happy... and yet, for 6 years now I have hidden that under a guise of... no, I've hidden it... period. I loved to sing when I was a kid... I didn't care who heard me... I didn't care if I was out of tune, I was always singing... and I lost my voice somewhere between my 12 year old self and my 30 year old self... sure I majored in it... but that was to prove a point... not so much to myself, but to those voices in my head that I had given faces and authority to... I pointed fingers, blaming those nameless faces as the culprit, when I was the one to blame, if I only took the time to look in a mirror. In college, I liked to sing, but it was nothing like the exhilaration of when I was younger... the thrill I got when I watched the Grammy's (and yes I swore one day I'd be up on that stage accepting my award) or went to a concert... and it wasn't until this Christmas that I realized all this. My in-laws had asked me to sing and I somewhat grudgingly accepted, not knowing what I would sing or how I would even get through the song... because I found that I couldn't sing in the car to my favorite Travis Cottrell songs without breaking down... so the day arrived and I nervously awaited the time that I would sing... and after I finished, left the stage with that glimmer of a thrill that I remembered from when I was younger... when singing meant something and I almost started crying then and there. It's been there, glimmering under a layer of dust and neglect for 15+ years... scarcely used, ignored and purposely avoided... why? Because I was, or rather, am scared. Of what you may ask... failure... not the failing of my voice, but of myself... that I will somehow fail God... which is well founded since I am human, but foolish, since He's the one that gave me the gift in the first place, I shouldn't be afraid to use it.... I should be excited and shouting from the rooftops. I've been reading Dan Miller's 48 days to the work you love and it's basically a life coach in book form and slightly cheaper than actually going to a life coach... but as I was reading the second chapter, he talked about the challenge of change, and that even though change is inevitable, there are three ways we can react... we can be threatened, we can be resentful or we can be excited about the possibilities... up until this point I have been a little threatened, bouncing from unhappy job to unsatisfying job... but this year is a year to be excited about the possibilities that God is presenting to me. So as I finish the next 46 days... I am praying that God will use this book to direct my life into the path that He wants me to be on. All Beginnings are hopeful!
But to get back to the question…Why am I a Christian?
All the songs are from Travis Cottrell's new CD When the Stars Burn Down.
So here goes... The Word of God has Spoken : You’re the lamp unto my feet, You light my path, You’re the only bread of life That always satisfies, You’re the sword that cuts us deep Exposing all our sin, You’re our healing and forgiveness, We are born again. The word of God has spoken, We are changed forever, Power of sin is broken we are free, We are running to salvation, We have been delivered, The word of God has spoken, we are free!
When I first became a Christian, I truly had no idea what I was signing on for; I simply knew that God had loved me so much that He sent His Son to save me. I didn't know from what, but that had to mean something... that I was on His mind and heart.
Just As I Am :
I come broken to be mended, I come wounded to be healed, I come desperate to be rescued, I come empty to be filled, I come guilty to be pardoned by the blood of Christ the Lamb, And I'm welcomed with open arms, praise God, just as I am.
I've known this song my whole life and I've never truly embraced it until now. The words expressed my heart, but after hearing the chorus that Travis added, I fell in love with the song. I was broken, and I am being mended, I am wounded and I am being healed, I know that I have desperate times and that God will rescue me. All of these statements have been a part of my life at one time or another, and still are. We are not promised an easy road, but we are promised that God will be with us every step of the way.
There's power in the Blood of Jesus:
There's power in the blood to save us from our sin, the covering of grace for all who were condemned,
our rescue from the dark into the light again, there’s power in the blood of Jesus.
There's power in the blood for our pardon and release, to stand in our defense our hope now made complete. Our ransom fully paid in spite of our decree. There's power in the blood of Jesus.
To save us all with mercy and forgiveness, the veil was torn and death has lost its sting. Now God and man united once again. There's power in the blood of Jesus.
John 3:16 is the most well-known verse in the church... every child knows it from children's church and all the elder members know it from their childhood as well... “For God so LOVED the world that he gave His only son, that whosoever believes in Him will have everlasting life.” He loved us enough to send his Son to die for us, to take our place and pay our price for sin. O precious is the flow, that made me white as snow... no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refine Me:
You're so patient with me, faithful and sure to make me into something better. You know prayers that I've prayed, tears that I've cried. Lord you know my heart’s desire, O to know you, to be more like You.
Do what You need to, help me trust You, even if Your love brings me suffering. Help me to hold on to know that You’re strong enough to see me through completely. Refine me.
Your joy will be my strength while I'm in these flames; I'm becoming Your reflection. Your kindness will be my song, no I'm not alone, Your presence is my consolation. O to know You, I'm longing for You.
This is where I am in my life right now... and it's all for God's glory and my good. This refining is a painful process sometimes, and I know that I have a long way to go... but this song has been my prayer since the beginning of the new year... Do what You need to, help me to trust you, even if Your love brings me suffering. Help me to hold on, to know that You're strong enough to see me through completely. Refine me!
I know that as a Christian, my life will not always be easy, but I know that with God, all things are possible. I am a Christian, because I was first loved by God... He chose me, created me, knew me before I was born, and loved me still. I want to return that love and follow after the Creator that loves me... warts and all. Psalm 139 says “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.”
I arise today, through the strength of heaven, light of sun, radiance of moon, splendor of fire, speed of lighting, swiftness of wind, depth of the sea, stability of earth, firmness of rock. I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me: God's eyes to look before me, God's wisdom to guide me,
God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me, From all who shall wish me ill, A far and anear,
Alone and in a multitude. Afore me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ to shield me, Christ in the heart of every one who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks of me. I arise to-day (The Deer's Cry; The Pilgrim)
As I remind myself of this daily, In all things, I will say... Thanks be to our GOD!
Thanks be to Our God:
Hallelujah! Everlasting songs will rise For all You've done. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Thanks be to our God!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
This is the day the Lord has made...
The rest of that verse says... let us rejoice and be glad in it.
We have two choices when we wake up in the morning... to be glad and rejoicing in the Lord, or to be grumpy, sour and complaining... goodness knows the latter is far more easy, especially when we are tired and haven't slept well, or we have to head to a job that we seem to be stuck in... or in my case, waking up with the knowledge that I still don't have a job.
Philippians 4:4 tells us to "rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!" Bad days will come and go, but the joy of the Lord should be present in your life always... that doesn't mean you're going to be happy all the time, you're not... trust me... but when we have those bad days, be encouraged... The joy of the Lord is our strength.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Be encouraged today, knowing the Blessed Assurance you have in Jesus! Which will you choose today, to rejoice or to complain?
We have two choices when we wake up in the morning... to be glad and rejoicing in the Lord, or to be grumpy, sour and complaining... goodness knows the latter is far more easy, especially when we are tired and haven't slept well, or we have to head to a job that we seem to be stuck in... or in my case, waking up with the knowledge that I still don't have a job.
Philippians 4:4 tells us to "rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!" Bad days will come and go, but the joy of the Lord should be present in your life always... that doesn't mean you're going to be happy all the time, you're not... trust me... but when we have those bad days, be encouraged... The joy of the Lord is our strength.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Be encouraged today, knowing the Blessed Assurance you have in Jesus! Which will you choose today, to rejoice or to complain?
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
The Great Adventure
I was reading some of the tweets the other day and I can across the following quote:
Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. In other words, He's all over this week already.
I had to laugh a little bit, because we may be having the worst week ever, but here's a little secret... He's already been there and He's going to see that you make it through.
I'm going a little old school with my thoughts this morning... but as I read this quote, the song The Great Adventure by Stephen Curtis Chapman came to mind. I loved this album when I was younger, but the words are really great... we may not know what is ahead... but God's already been there... and if we let Him, he'll take us on a great adventure of our own!
Started out this morning in the usual way
Chasing thoughts inside my head of all I had to do today
Another time around the circle try to make it better than the last
I opened up the Bible and I read about me
Said I'd been a prisoner and God's grace had set me free
And somewhere between the pages it hit me like a lightning bolt
I saw a big frontier in front of me and I heard somebody say "let's go"!
CHORUS
Saddle up your horses we've got a trail to blaze
Through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace
Let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown
This is a life like no other - this is The Great Adventure
Come on get ready for the ride of your life
Gonna leave long faced religion in a cloud of dust behind
And discover all the new horizons just waiting to be explored
This is what we were created for
(Chorus)
BRIDGE
We'll travel over, over mountains so high
We'll go through valleys below
Still through it all we'll find that
This is the greatest journey that the human heart will ever see
The love of God will take us far beyond our wildest dreams
Yeah... oh saddle up your horses... come on get ready to ride
(Chorus)
Enjoy this glorious day that God has given you, don't worry about what's around the corner... If you stick with God, He'll guide you through.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. In other words, He's all over this week already.
I had to laugh a little bit, because we may be having the worst week ever, but here's a little secret... He's already been there and He's going to see that you make it through.
I'm going a little old school with my thoughts this morning... but as I read this quote, the song The Great Adventure by Stephen Curtis Chapman came to mind. I loved this album when I was younger, but the words are really great... we may not know what is ahead... but God's already been there... and if we let Him, he'll take us on a great adventure of our own!
Started out this morning in the usual way
Chasing thoughts inside my head of all I had to do today
Another time around the circle try to make it better than the last
I opened up the Bible and I read about me
Said I'd been a prisoner and God's grace had set me free
And somewhere between the pages it hit me like a lightning bolt
I saw a big frontier in front of me and I heard somebody say "let's go"!
CHORUS
Saddle up your horses we've got a trail to blaze
Through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace
Let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown
This is a life like no other - this is The Great Adventure
Come on get ready for the ride of your life
Gonna leave long faced religion in a cloud of dust behind
And discover all the new horizons just waiting to be explored
This is what we were created for
(Chorus)
BRIDGE
We'll travel over, over mountains so high
We'll go through valleys below
Still through it all we'll find that
This is the greatest journey that the human heart will ever see
The love of God will take us far beyond our wildest dreams
Yeah... oh saddle up your horses... come on get ready to ride
(Chorus)
Enjoy this glorious day that God has given you, don't worry about what's around the corner... If you stick with God, He'll guide you through.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Where's your treasure?
In 2004, Jon Turteltaub directed the movie, National Treasure. The main character, Benjamin Franklin Gates descends from a family of treasure-seekers who've all hunted for the same thing: the templars treasure, which was hidden by the Founding Fathers after the Revolutionary War. Ben is close to discovering its whereabouts, as is his competition, but the FBI is also hip to the hunt.
In one scene, Abigail and Ben are in an Urban Outfitters, and while they are changing out of their party clothes they have this conversation:
Abigail: Well, you're certain the treasure is real,despite what anyone else thinks.
Ben Gates:No, but I hope it's real.I mean, I've dreamt it's real since my grandfather told me about it.But I want to hold it. I feel like I'm so close, I can taste it. But I just... I just want to know it's not just something in my head or in my heart.
Abigail: People don't really talk that way, you know.
Ben: I know. But they think that way.
Ben has been following clues to find the treasure, and each clue sends him off to look for another clue.
As Christians, God has given us "clues" in the Bible that we follow in order to obtain a heavenly "treasure". We first recieve the clue of salvation, which leads us to church, which pulls us into a deeper relationship with Christ as we dig deeper into the "clues" in the Bible. Eventually, you will follow a "clue" and it will lead you to ministry opportunities. And when we take our final breath, we will find ourselves in the presence of God, walking the streets of gold with the saints that have gone before...
Before we become Christians, we are like treasure hunters, storing up great riches and valuables here, until one day we find the ultimate clue that will lead us to the ultimate treasure... eternal life. Close to the end of the film, before they discover the hidden catch that opens the door to the treasure room, Ben's father states that even if the treasure was moved, they should keep looking for it. His father has come full circle, from being doubtful of the treasures existance, to believing, just like his son. On our journey to the ultimate treasure, our lives will impact people... are you storing up your treasures here on earth, or are you storing them up in heaven? In closing, Matthew 6:19-21 says for us to:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
There is a old Sunday school song that reads like this: "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness. And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah!"
In one scene, Abigail and Ben are in an Urban Outfitters, and while they are changing out of their party clothes they have this conversation:
Abigail: Well, you're certain the treasure is real,despite what anyone else thinks.
Ben Gates:No, but I hope it's real.I mean, I've dreamt it's real since my grandfather told me about it.But I want to hold it. I feel like I'm so close, I can taste it. But I just... I just want to know it's not just something in my head or in my heart.
Abigail: People don't really talk that way, you know.
Ben: I know. But they think that way.
Ben has been following clues to find the treasure, and each clue sends him off to look for another clue.
As Christians, God has given us "clues" in the Bible that we follow in order to obtain a heavenly "treasure". We first recieve the clue of salvation, which leads us to church, which pulls us into a deeper relationship with Christ as we dig deeper into the "clues" in the Bible. Eventually, you will follow a "clue" and it will lead you to ministry opportunities. And when we take our final breath, we will find ourselves in the presence of God, walking the streets of gold with the saints that have gone before...
Before we become Christians, we are like treasure hunters, storing up great riches and valuables here, until one day we find the ultimate clue that will lead us to the ultimate treasure... eternal life. Close to the end of the film, before they discover the hidden catch that opens the door to the treasure room, Ben's father states that even if the treasure was moved, they should keep looking for it. His father has come full circle, from being doubtful of the treasures existance, to believing, just like his son. On our journey to the ultimate treasure, our lives will impact people... are you storing up your treasures here on earth, or are you storing them up in heaven? In closing, Matthew 6:19-21 says for us to:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
There is a old Sunday school song that reads like this: "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness. And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah!"
Friday, June 1, 2012
In Time
The premise of the movie is that in a future where people stop aging at 25, but are engineered to live only one more year, having the means to buy your way out of the situation is a shot at immortal youth. Here, Will Salas finds himself accused of murder and on the run with a hostage - a connection that becomes an important part of the way against the system.
The script starts with the eerie, sobering reminder, and all too familiar words, "We don't have time...we don't have time..." Think if today you had to buy everything with time, instead of bank credit or cash. Coffee costs four minutes. A bus ride costs an hour. A car costs two years. People can give or take time from each other. Just don't run out of time or you will die on the spot. If this were real, would you treasure and spend time more wisely? The real interesting question may be that time really is the currency we live by now, we just fail to see it that way. The simple fact is that you can earn countless piles of cash and gold in this world, but you really cannot buy time. Despite the wealthy in today's world sometimes being able to cheat a few years with better health care, we all are going to die in the same average years. (Written by a reviewer on imdb.com)
In our society we never really take time to live life to its fullest… take time to smell the roses or live every day as if it was our last. We seem to have started to take it for granted that we will wake up each day and be able to do things then.
The characters in this movie lived each day, earning and spending time… scraping to survive. Compare that to our lives today… we have health care, money, and if you are lucky, a job… what’s the one thing you wish you had more of?
If you’re like me, I would say time…
There are 24 hours in a day, now if you break that down, you generally work 8 and sleep 8, leaving you about 8 hours for you… but if you have kids or other commitments with work, friends, and life… it really adds up and you can become overwhelmed and longing for more time.
Instead of saying that “I don’t have time for…. Because…” take the time each day, even if it’s just a few minutes, to smell the roses, count your blessings or even just reflect on how awesome God is… we may think that we have tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that and so on…. But you never know when your last day will be…
James 4:13-15 states: Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
Will Salas, the main character stated: “You can do a lot in a day.” If you had only one day left to live, what would you do with the time you had left?
The script starts with the eerie, sobering reminder, and all too familiar words, "We don't have time...we don't have time..." Think if today you had to buy everything with time, instead of bank credit or cash. Coffee costs four minutes. A bus ride costs an hour. A car costs two years. People can give or take time from each other. Just don't run out of time or you will die on the spot. If this were real, would you treasure and spend time more wisely? The real interesting question may be that time really is the currency we live by now, we just fail to see it that way. The simple fact is that you can earn countless piles of cash and gold in this world, but you really cannot buy time. Despite the wealthy in today's world sometimes being able to cheat a few years with better health care, we all are going to die in the same average years. (Written by a reviewer on imdb.com)
In our society we never really take time to live life to its fullest… take time to smell the roses or live every day as if it was our last. We seem to have started to take it for granted that we will wake up each day and be able to do things then.
The characters in this movie lived each day, earning and spending time… scraping to survive. Compare that to our lives today… we have health care, money, and if you are lucky, a job… what’s the one thing you wish you had more of?
If you’re like me, I would say time…
There are 24 hours in a day, now if you break that down, you generally work 8 and sleep 8, leaving you about 8 hours for you… but if you have kids or other commitments with work, friends, and life… it really adds up and you can become overwhelmed and longing for more time.
Instead of saying that “I don’t have time for…. Because…” take the time each day, even if it’s just a few minutes, to smell the roses, count your blessings or even just reflect on how awesome God is… we may think that we have tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that and so on…. But you never know when your last day will be…
James 4:13-15 states: Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
Will Salas, the main character stated: “You can do a lot in a day.” If you had only one day left to live, what would you do with the time you had left?
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