Dying

"We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also is revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over the death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body." I Cor. 4:10-11

No one could have ever dreamed up the Christian faith. A death that leads to life; dying so that we might live. "When God calls a man, He bids him come and die." (Bonhoeffer). Dying to selfishness, envy, pride, greed, and vanity is difficult and we never get good at it. Nothing leaves us emptier than being full of ourselves. Nothing gives us greater joy than emptying ourselves and being filled with God's Spirit.

Choices

This is nothing new, but something I've been thinking about. Everyday we make choices, mostly small ones, sometimes big ones. They each have an effect on our lives. Every time we choose to do the selfish thing, the vain thing, the greedy thing, the arrogant thing, the easy thing, we turn a little away for God. Every time we choose to act selflessly, humbly, lovingly, sacrificially, we draw a little closer to Him. Choices determine more than we can imagine.

Worthless things

Psalm 119:37a - "Turn my eyes away from worthless things." How often do we turn our eyes toward worthless things? This is a question we all need to ask ourselves everyday. Life is precious and every moment should be spent wisely. Of course, that doesn't mean that there should be no time for fun. Fun activities have their place and are important for relieving stress and keeping in tune and in fellowship with friends and family. Work activities can be just as condemning. Do we work for the glory of men or for the glory of God and His eternal purposes? The Scriptures command us to examine ourselves. We need to often take stock of our lives and examine what needs to be changed. I hope to begin every day with this prayer: "Turn my eyes away from worthless things."

No Greater Book

The B-I-B-L-E
Yes, that's the book for me!
I stand alone on the Word of God
The B-I-B-L-E

Read your Bible,
Pray every day, pray every day, pray every day.
Read your Bible,
Pray every day,
And you'll grow, grow, grow!

Simple words for simple hearts.

Criticism

If anyone does something to offend or hurt my children or husband, I am very upset. Yesterday, I thought about how the Lord must feel when we criticize one of his children. We so easily criticize other Christians, commenting on: too "spiritual," not spiritual enough, too "earnest," too proud, arrogant, etc. I am constantly reminded of Romans 14:4: Who are you to judge another man's servant. To his own master and stands or falls, and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

The Family of God

We often forget that one of the most important aspects of salvation is being placed in the family of God. We now have a Father who loves us, a Brother who died for us, and brothers and sisters who care about us and for whom we care. The idea of being a part of this wonderful family is much more appealing than wanting Christ because He will save us from hell. That's a part, but really just a minor part. Our relationship to our Savior and Father and each other is much more important.

What are you building?

All of us are building our lives into something. This was the topic of Dad's excellent message this morning. Don't waste your life. So many things we spend time on have no eternal value. God wants us to enjoy this life, but we often try to enjoy it by following our own path. We build with wood, hay and stubble. Build instead with gold, silver and costly stone. Give each day to the Lord and ask Him to guide you by His Spirit. You can give honor to God and be a blessing to others, no matter your occupation. God has given you so much! He has more for you! Seek Him though His Word.