UMYF Hueytown: June 2009

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

June 30 -- The Tent Maker's Dissertation

Hezekiah broke Moses’ bronze snake: 2 Kings 17:1-18:12

The tent maker’s dissertation: Acts 20:1-38

CeCe Winans favorite psalm: Psalm 148:1-14

Mouth begging for a beating: Proverbs 18:6-7

Paul’s closing statement to the Ephesians talked about how important it was for them to live by his teachings. Of course, we know some of his teachings to them – they’re in the Book of Ephesians. But here in Acts, as Dr. Luke recorded it, what was the main thing Paul said that he taught them? And not just to them, but to the Jews too? (Hint, that means everybody.) That we “turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus” (verse 21).

Repentance goes hand-in-hand with faith in Jesus. We can’t live a life full of sin, with no intention of ever changing, all the while claiming that Jesus is our Lord. When Paul called Jesus our “Lord”, it means that He’s our master --> we do what He says.

June 29 -- Watery Words of Wisdom

King after king after king: 2 Kings 15:1-16:20

Suffering a smack-down from a demon possessed man: Acts 19:13-41

Praise the Lord: Psalm 147:1-20

Watery words: Proverbs 18:4-5

Put on some steel toe shoes before reading Proverb 18:4 – The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

If you talk like most of our fellow man, then your words are as useful as salt water, which can’t be drank. This is what’s referred to as “deep waters” in the proverb.

But speak like the Lord would have you speak and you speak words that bring life, like a bubbling brook.

Wisdom is a treasure that everybody can attain. Seek your wisdom from the Lord & I promise you’ll find it.

June 28

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Today's passage from Psalms is quite rewarding. It is great that the entire year is filled with a daily reading from the Psalms since they act like a daily spiritual renewal and reflection upon the greatness of our God. Today's Psalm speaks to where we should place our trust. Psalm 146 opens with a exclamation of praise, declaring where our trust dwells. In verse 3 we see that even the most influential and "important" of people are not a place to put our ultimate confidence in, they are mortal just as we are! Next the Psalmist contrasts earthly rulers with our heavenly Lord. The Lord God is the one who made everything and "keeps faith forever". Not only is he eternal in his being, he is also infinite in justice, "who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry". It is good to know that no matter how bad things get here, our Lord will one day set them right... We then see that he grants salvation and favor by opening the eyes of the blind, lifting up those who are brought low, watching over the 'sojourners' (which kind of means homeless, but really can mean anyone who wanders this world like it is not their home). the Psalmist ends by stating a wonderful truth "the Lord will reign forever". Our great king will reign forever. We have a reason to hope and rejoice in the kingdom of God!

June 27

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As Paul goes out to bring the gospel to the nations, it is important for us to realize that he was discouraged as well. We read in today's passage that after speaking to the Jewish people over and over, they still rejected him and his teachings, he basically tells them that he's done with them and that they are responsible for the truth he has been teaching them. He is obviously frustrated at speaking to people who reject him over and over, yet Jesus then shows up in a vision and encourages Paul, "do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you". What an encouraging thing to remember. Those who were here Sunday to hear Pastor Jack heard a lot about this encouragement. It is important to remember that Jesus promises to always be with us.

June 26

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In the book of Kings we are reading much about the adventures of the wars of Israel and the tumultuous history of the good and bad kings of Israel. In Acts there is a very contrasting story going on. Here we are reading about the very exciting account of Paul's ministry to the nations. Today's readings involve Paul in Thessalonica, which provides for a great tie in to the missionary letters he sends to the churches, read the books of Thessalonica to get a fuller picture of Paul's relationship to the churches that he founds. Next is a very interesting story about Paul speaking before the Areopagus, where a group of philosophers liked to sit around and, well, philosophize. Paul is ready to speak the gospel in a way they can understand, while in a way that is very challenging. There is an altar to "an unknown god" and Paul basically shows them that he understands the spiritual world in a way revealed by God. He reveals this unknown God as the one who has made all things and all people "in him we live and move and have our being" he says, quoting one of their philsophers. This speech results in many people becoming Christians, "but some men joined him and believed", we read.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

June 25 -- Jailhouse Rock

If the madman calls you “king”, we also call you “king”: 2 Kings 8:1-9:13

Jailhouse rock – Christian style: Acts 16:16-40

Teach me to do your will: Psalm 143:1-12

It is not good to flog officials: Proverbs 17:26

I’ve loved the story about the Lord freeing Paul & Silas from prison ever since I first read it at 14 years old!

Again, the Lord caused His followers to do supernatural things so that others would believe in Jesus. The jailer point blank asked Paul & Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

The Holy Spirit is wanting to use us too if we just simply let Him. Ask Him to use you in any way He sees fit.

By the way, if anyone’s interested in a old school rendition of this story, check out one of my favorite classic Christian rock songs at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGMieqbOSSg

June 24 -- Retrieving lost tools, God style

Everything from a floating axehead, to chariots of fire, to blinded enemies, to a guard getting trampled to death: 2 Kings 6:1-7:20

Hi, Timothy. I want you to go around preaching with me. But there’s something I need you to do first: Acts 15:36-16:15

Set me free from my prison: Psalm 142:1-7

A discerning man keeps wisdom in view: Proverbs 17:24-25

Lot’s of hard core prophet action going on in today’s reading from 2nd Kings. :)

Because the Arameans had laid a siege (a blockade) against Samaria, the Israelites in Samaria couldn’t get out to grow crops or raise meat. They were hurting for food, with no late night Taco Bell in sight.

Read 2nd Kings 6:26-31 again. Can you imagine things getting so bad that you’d agree to share either others’ kids as meals? I can just hear my mother being part of that negotiation: “I’ll give you my son, Charles, for two of your kids. Charles is big & fat. You’ll get a lot of meals out of him.” :)

When it got this bad, the king of Israel was mad. Who was he mad at? Was he mad at the Israelites for disobeying God and cutting of His providence? Was he mad at himself for not sticking to God like glue or praying day & night for the wisdom to lead the nation in this time of crisis? Nope. He was mad at God & he took it out on God’s servant, Elisha.

But the Lord rescued Elisha by telling Elisha what to tell the king.

God is the one we should fear. Our fellow man has only the power that God lets him have. And God showed Himself off by delivering the Israelites out of their siege.

If you want to be the one who’s ahead of the game, trust God & seek His glory. Elisha was on the winning side all along.

June 23 -- You must stink pretty bad if you have to take 7 baths in one day

Take seven dips in the Jordan and call me in the morning: 2 Kings 4:18-5:27

The 1st Church Doctrine: Acts 15:1-35

Set a guard over my lips, O Lord: Psalm 141:1-10

Bribery perverts justice: Proverbs 17:23

What a remarkable story from 2 Kings! Naaman’s leprosy was healed by God! Even better than that: Naaman realized that our God is the only real God (2nd Kings 5:15).

This backs up what I said in the previous post about God giving us special abilities to bring glory to God, not ourselves.

June 22 -

Getting out of debt slavery – God style: 2 Kings 3:1-4:17

It’s tough to tell the difference between a Christian and Zeus: Acts 14:8-28

Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men: Psalm 140:1-13

How to get dry bones: Proverbs 17:22

Reading Acts, it must have been mighty tempting to Barnabas & Paul to let the Greeks continue worshipping them as Zeus and Hermes. But the Holy Spirit didn’t give Paul the ability to heal the man so that Paul & Barnabas could get the glory. The glory goes to God.

Paul later wrote a lot about spiritual gifts in 1st Corinthians 12-14. In those 3 chapters he wrote various ways that it’s tempting to think that the presence of a spiritual gift in your life makes you superior to other Christians. But the gifts are meant to edify the church and edify the individual, not make the individual the center of worship.

June 21 -- A Week Late

Here's a posting I typed up while Gorgeous and I were celebrating our anniversary far away from any Wi-Fi, up in Lake Cumberland State Park.

Don’t reject bald headed prophets: 2 Kings 1:1-2:25

Getting stoned for the Lord: Acts 13:42-14:7

We are fearfully and wonderfully made: Psalm 139:1-24

He whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble: Proverbs 17:19-21

In Acts it’s recorded that the church was doing what’s it’s supposed to do best: telling others about Jesus. Note in verse 50 who was incited against the Christians: God-fearing people.

Many of the times I’ve seen Christians bustin’ and movin’ for the Lord wound up coming under harsh criticisms from their fellow Christians. It wasn’t the world that didn’t like Christian rock in its early days – it was Christians. Not once has someone who professes to not believe in Christ get onto me when they overheard me telling someone about Jesus. But I have been fussed at from people who claim to be Christians. Most people who complain about churches are people in other churches.

Now it’s rubber-meets-the-road time. Are we at FUMCH making more waves by trying to further the Kingdom of God, or are is most of energy directed at stifling other Christians?

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

June 20

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A little background on Saul/Paul. Saul was a really really hardcore Israelite. He was a zealot and a Pharisee, an expert in Jewish law, both Old Testament and other Jewish laws that were drafted by Jewish lawyers. As an expert in this area he knew all about the story of the Old Testament. When he came to Christ something incredible happened in his thinking. He understood the entire Scriptures as pointing to Christ. That is why reading this passage is so fascinating. We get a picture of how Paul is bringing all of his knowledge of the Old Testament and describing why this means that everyone should bow down to Christ, as one who was anticipated from the beginning of time. What a better reason for us to search the Scriptures for what God has shown us there about Jesus!

June 19

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In this passage we see the church lay hands on Saul and Barnabas so that they may go out into the world to do that which they have been called by God to do. As they go out to proclaim the salvation of Christ they come across an evil sorcerer named Bar-Jesus (no relation). Paul (which his name has now been changed to) calls out the evil sorcerer, tells him he is of the devil and, by the power of God blinds the man. The proconsul sees this and is understandably convinced.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

June 18

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I have been focusing a lot on Acts lately, but I do want to say some things about the passage from 1 Kings today. This is a fascinating story about the call of Elijah. Though we think of Elijah as one of the "greats" of the Old Testament, right up there with David and Abraham, we are given a picture of Elijah's discouragement. Remember, of all the "greats" of the Bible, only Jesus is perfect. But God appears to Elijah, not in the great, majestic wonders, but in a quiet whisper. God is comforting Elijah and encouraging him in the fact that his ministry is not in vain. All of Israel seemed to have rejected God and his prophets, going so far as to kill them. But he is reminding Elijah that he is preserving a part of Israel and that all will not forsake him. It is sometimes hardest to stay faithful to God when it seems everything is falling around us. But God is never far from us, seek him and he will strengthen you in the midst of your struggles.

June 17

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When the Bible takes a lot of time to tell one story it means that we should perk up and take note of what is going on. For the third straight day we are reading about Peter's vision of the unclean animals being made clean. This is emphasized for quite a long while in Acts. It is difficult to grasp the importance of this sense we are used to Christianity being a faith practiced all over the world. We have to remember that we are the "gentiles" that the Bible talks about over and over. The whole point of this story is to show us how truly amazing the gospel is. God is gracious and desires that men and women all over this world would come to know him. Right after this story there are several accounts of evangelism and about many coming to faith and repentance. We then learn a bit of church history because we hear about the first time the church is referred to as "Christians". What does "Christian" mean? Little Christ. We are like ambassadors sent out into this word to spread his good news of salvation.

Monday, June 22, 2009

June 16

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As we learned this past week in Indianapolis, after God reveals himself to us (as he did to Peter) we don't simply keep it to ourselves. God had revealed an incredible thing to Peter, the fact that anyone who believes in Jesus can be saved, no matter what nationality. The Lord also revealed himself to Cornelius, compelling him to call Peter into his house to preach to his friends and relatives. Peter preached the message of salvation through Christ, emphasizing the fact that all nations are called into this salvation. The Holy Spirit fell upon those Gentiles there who accepted the message and many "circumcised" or Jewish Christians were blown away by this fact. Acts is all about the gospel going out to peoples of all nations and the power of the Holy Spirit.

June 15

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Many of those who hunt out there, today's passage from Acts may contain one of your favorite verses in the Bible:

³Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat."

This passage tells the story of Peter falling into a trance before going off to a meal. Have you ever been so hungry that you just dream about food? Well there is definitely more to this story than that. Basically God is telling Peter that what he thought of a ceremonially "unclean" (the animals he was ordered to kill and eat) were no longer unclean. This indicates that Jesus cleanses people from all over the place of their sins, making them acceptable in his sight. This is difficult for Peter to understand, but God is teaching him that he is no longer merely the God of Israel, but of all nations. He is "Lord of all creation, of water earth and sky"

June 14 -- Joppa's Jumping for Jesus

Hi, all. We had a good time on the mission trip and it’s time to start catching up the Bible blog.

The nameless man of God: 1 Kings 12:20-13:34

Tabitha, get up: Acts 9:26-43

Arise, O Lord, and come to your resting place: Psalm 132:1-18

Parents are the pride of their children: Proverbs 17:6

As Matt noted in the last blog, the Holy Spirit is a part of the Trinity & should be revered. In this portion of Acts the Holy Spirit continued to empower the early church to rock and roll in Jesus’ name. Look at the lives that are impacted here:

1) The church as a whole in Judea, Galilee, & Samaria enjoyed peace because it was encouraged the Holy Spirit.
2) Aeneas, the paralytic, was healed & the people of Lydda & Sharon turned to Jesus.
3) Tabitha was healed and people in Joppa turned to Jesus.

Imagine how Hueytown, Pleasant Grove, Sylvan Springs, & Oak Grove would be impacted if all of us in our church opened up completely to the Holy Spirit & asked Him to use us however He saw fit?

Saturday, June 13, 2009

June 13 (Saturday)

June 13

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We read today of the powerful conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Saul's name would be changed to Paul to indicate the great change that would happen to this man. From here on, so much of the New Testament is characterized by the story and testimony of Paul, much of the book of Acts and then so many of Paul's letters. Why is this? I believe that the story of the gospel is made so evident in Paul. Here is the greatest of sinners, a man sitting on, holding the coats of the men who stoned Stephen to death. A man 'zealous' of putting down the Jesus movement. Yet, in God's rich mercy Saul becomes one of the greatest missionaries and authors in Christian history. Paul stands as a kind of ultimate example of what it means for Jesus to take our lives and make them into something that works powerfully for the kingdom of God.

Friday (June 12, 2009)

June 12

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Today's passage in Acts continues to show the power of the Holy Spirit. From reading the book of Acts it is impossible to underappreciate the role of the Spirit as divine and as the third person of the trinity. As the apostles spread the good news of the kingdom and of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit is the power from God for Christ's disciples to carry out his work. The first passage is a bit interesting because Simon thinks that he can practically "buy" the power of the Spirit. Meaning he believes that money is more powerful in being able to command the Spirit. The point is that God is more powerful than money. Of all the Lord's in this world, Jesus is above all of them and all are under his feet, including money. The story of an Ethiopian man on the road suddenly and exuberantly desiring to become a follower of Christ is told. Once again, the power of the Holy Spirit in evangelism.

Friday, June 12, 2009

June 11 (Thursday) -- Can't Stop the Church

The Temple dedication: 1 Kings 8:1-66

The early church’s Git R Done attitude even under persecution: Acts 7:51-8:13

He has cut me free from the chords of the wicked: Psalm 129:1-8

Better be poor & happy than rich & full of strife: Proverbs 17:1

Some people reading the stuff in Acts might think, “Yeah, right, whatever. God doesn’t really give the people in His church the ability to heal, cast out demons, see visions, & forgive the people who persecute them. That’s just fantasy stuff.”

That’s what I love about the Bible – it’s THE TRUTH! :)

Keep in mind that the Book of Acts was written by a doctor named Luke. In many ways, the Book of Acts is a sequel to the Book of Luke (compare Acts 1:1 with Luke 1:1-4). His stated purpose for writing about Jesus & the church was to write an orderly account of everything that happened after he had carefully investigated it.

As Matt blogged in a previous post, Stephen is the first known martyr of the church. And the Holy Spirit used many people in the church to bring others to the church. In some ways, persecution leads to church growth. People get serious about the Lord when they’re forced to bluntly state whether they’re Christian or not.

And check out who was doing a lot of the persecution – Saul. We all know that Saul later is renamed “Paul” when He sees Jesus on the road to Damascus and starts rockin’ and rollin’ for the Lord. But I’m always impressed by God’s ability to use anybody, even someone as loathsome to the early church as Saul.

The Holy Spirit is just waiting to use you for His church. Ask Him to shape you, change you, lead you, empower you, use you, and whatever else He sees fit. And ask Him knowing that He’ll deliver.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

June 10 (Wednesday) -- Fear the Lord

Building a house to live in, Solomon’s style: 1 Kings 7:1-51

Telling it like it is, Stephen’s style: Acts 7:30-50

Blessed is he who fears the Lord: Psalm 128:1-6

My hair is becoming more splendorous every day: Proverbs 16:31-33

Today’s Psalm seems kind of weird. “Blessed are all who fear the Lord”. Does God really want people to fear Him? Is that how He gets his kicks?

But the word “fear” really means to respect. And this is followed up with “who walk in His ways”. We need to respect God enough so that He is our Lord. “Lord” means boss, not just friend. That’s the part that might be kind of hard to swallow.

Now for the best part: The word “blessed” means “blessed, happy, fortunate, to be envied”. In other words, it means really, really blessed – so much you’re fortunate and other folks some of what you’ve got.

Respect God enough so that He’s your boss --> and get sure enough blessed!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

June 9 (Tuesday) -- Our House...In the Middle of Our Street

Retro Alert: You might have to have been around in the 80's to recognize the image I put on today's post. :)

Building a temple in seven years, Old Testament style: 1 Kings 5:1-6:38

History of Israel, Stephen style: Acts 7:1-29

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of kids: Psalm 127:1-5

Plotting evil with winks: Proverbs 16:28-30

How fitting that today’s Psalm was written by Solomon, who we read about from today’s Old Testament reading in 1st Kings. :)

Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”

The house is the ultimate place of refuge and security. It’s where you go to rest, be safe, and re-energize. The house is a vital component to one’s life. It’s where a family spends time together, where meals are consumed, and memories are made.

Yet, the house has no stability unless the Lord is the center of the house.

Monday, June 8, 2009

June 8

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Martyrdom was a major part of the life of the early church. It is also a major part of the church throughout history, including today. Here begins the story of the first martyr Stephen. I think that these Martyrs that we read of in the scriptures and in history and of today are indications of what it really means to follow Christ. To be a servant means to be willing to lay down our life for him. We should pray not that this should happen to us, but that we would be so committed to Lord Christ that we would be willing to die, knowing that death is no longer the victor. Here's a link to somewhere you can learn more about the martyrs.

http://www.jesusfreaks.net/

Sunday, June 7, 2009

June 7

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Today's passage in Acts is fascinating and an incredible testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the early church. First there is a very amazing story about Ananias and Sapphira. In this time the Apostles were holding every thing in common, sharing all of their possessions. This was based upon mutual trust and honesty. Ananias broke this bond of the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, holding back his own portion. Now the main point here I think is that it is very serious to put yourself against the work of the Holy Spirit, lying to yourself, others, and to the Holy Spirit himself. I think the point of this story is that we have a portrait of the kingdom of God, those who work against the kingdom will perish. But then we have an amazing story of the apostles in persecution, arrested for breaking the rule given them to not preach in the name of Jesus. They could not resist but telling others. Yet, one of the Pharisees, in a moment of wisdom, said that they shouldn't kill the men since they might be from God. If they are from God then no one will be able to stop them. How true... finally they go away rejoicing because they were persecuted for the faith. Incredible. May God give us such boldness and conviction.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Saturday (June 6, 2009)

June 6

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Jesus' reign is spreading throughout the earth! Proclaim the day of the Lord is here! This is the great triumph and march of God's kingdom as it goes out throughout the book of Acts. Jesus is risen and he is Lord over all the earth. His kingdom shall not end and death and evil have been defeated. As this messages is carried into the world, as the disciples are carried along by the Holy Spirit, proclaiming Christ, healing, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they are seeing resistance. Jesus warned them of this so that they would not be surprised, a servant is not greater than his master he said. By the Holy Spirit they proclaim the truth "the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone". Jesus has begun the mission to spread his kingdom and it is by His authority that they are bringing healing and life and testimony to the world. They prayed and the Holy Spirit gave them strength in the most difficult of circumstances "and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly". The same spirit lives in us when we ask for him to send it to us.

Friday, June 5, 2009

June 5 (Friday) -- "What I have I give unto you" -- better than silver or gold

One…two…the plague comes for the counted: 2 Samuel 23:24-24:25

Good thing Peter didn’t have any silver or gold to give to the beggar: Acts 3:1-26

Look to the Lord with eyes like that of a slave to his master: Psalm 123:1-4

A wise man’s heart guides his mouth: Proverbs 16:21-23

Yesterday’s reading had the Holy Spirit using the disciples to witness to non-believers through the miracle of speaking in languages they were not trained to speak. Then the same Holy Spirit gave Peter the words to boldly explain to the witnesses how it related to Jesus dying on the cross for the sins, causing thousands to be saved!

Today’s reading in Acts might seem anticlimactic compared to yesterday’s. What is the healing of one lame beggar compared to the saving of thousands from Hell? I’ll tell you what it is. It’s everything. Every individual that’s ever existed means a lot to the Lord.

If you make a habit of praying for the Holy Spirit to use you in whatever way He sees fit, don’t be surprised if He uses you in a miraculous way, but on one individual at a time.

June 4 (Thursday) -- Holy Fire

This water is so good I want to pour it out: 2 Samuel 22:1-23:23

It’s too early in the morning to be drunk: Acts 2:1-47

Psalm 122: Psalm 122:1-9

Blessed is he who trusts in the Lord: Proverbs 16:19-20

Two items of note from two different passages.

2nd Samuel 23:13-17: What in the world was David thinking? If you were one of David’s men and had fought hard just to get him the drink of water he asked for, how would you feel when he poured it on the ground? :)

Acts 2: Hey, guess what? We don’t have to carry out the great commission on our own. What great commission am I talking about? The one where Jesus said to go out & tell people about Him.

Take Peter in today’s reading from Acts. Do you know who Peter was? Peter was just a plain ol’ fisherman with little to no education who was more impulsive than impressive. The next thing you know, the Holy Spirit is using him to bring thousands into the kingdom of God!

And who will do these wondrous things? Peter quotes Joel 2:28-32, which says, “your sons and daughters will prophesy”. It also says, “Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy”.

So the Holy Spirit using folks in miraculous ways is not a man-only thing.

How would you like to have a part of the Trinity poured out onto you? Luke 11:1-13 has Jesus explaining what we call the Lord’s Prayer with asking God for the Holy Spirit, knowing for sure that He’ll give Him to you.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

June 3 (Wednesday) -- Pride leads to the dark side

You never know what might get thrown over a wall: 2 Samuel 20:14-21:22

Jesus’ followers after Jesus went back to Heaven: Acts 1:1-26

The Lord watches over you: Psalm 121:1-8

Pride --> destruction: Proverbs 16:18

In the Star Wars movies Yoda said, “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” When us Star Wars fans first heard that we thought, “that old green sage is giving words of wisdom”.

Well, a long time ago, in a galaxy very, very near, King Solomon compiled a book of wise sayings that we call the "Book of Proverbs". Today’s proverb may be the most important proverb to remember.

Pride goes before destruction
a haughty spirit before a fall.

If you think you’re “all that and then some”, get a hold of yourself. You’re setting yourself up for a down fall.

If you’re the first person in your family to get a college degree and instead of being grateful you find yourself thinking you’re better than your siblings, get a hold of yourself. You’re setting yourself up for a down fall. (Trust me. I’ve done it.)

I used to have epilepsy. There was a time I had one to three seizures per day. It was a very humiliating experience, and was slowly getting worse. Plus, the docs said there was no cure & that each seizure ate up brain cells that would never be replaced.

I was also praying for the Holy Spirit to shape me and use me however He saw fit. I prayed this a couple of times a day for weeks. This was in my late twenties.

One day I had a seizure & I realized that almost all of my seizures occurred right after I had feelings of pride. My pride was based on temporary things, like my intellect or my strength and endurance. (Believe it or not, I used to be in good shape when I worked at the Bruno’s warehouse. :) ) Plus, I was getting near finishing college, earning a degree in a field that a lot of folks thought was pretty tough stuff. I had reason to be prideful, or so I thought.

And the Holy Spirit did something.
He made me thankful for the epilepsy. I’m not saying that God is the author of diseases and such. But at the very least, He held back His healing hand to teach me an eternal lesson about pride and humility. I realized that clarity over spiritual matters such as pride was much more valuable than health or longevity on Earth. Without a doubt it was the Holy Spirit who caused me to be grateful over a situation that I could have easily been angry or disappointed about.

I asked God to shape me to be humble enough not to need my pride kept in check. I came to the realization that I’m not “all that and then some”. The next day, my neurologist signed me up for yet another MRI scan. Ho hum. What a waste of time those things were. I had so many MRI scans before and none of them ever found the cause of the seizures.

But this time the MRI scan found a microscopic piece of scar tissue on my brain. It’s what was causing the seizures! I had hope for a cure after over a decade of hearing that I had to put up with epilepsy all my life and that the seizures would continue to slowly eat up my brain. A round of tests & a surgery later & I was cured!

Ask the Holy Spirit to shape you & use you in any way He sees fit (like Brother Al preached last Sunday). Do it with the attitude that there might be things that need to be changed. Pride is destructive. Don’t let pride keep the Holy Spirit from doing things in you.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

June 2 (Tuesday) -- The Shepherd's Workers

David is restored as king of all Israel --- with resistance: 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13

If you recognize your master by his ability to fish, you might be a redneck: John 21:1-25

I call on the Lord in distress, and He answers me: Psalm 120:1-7

Wisdom is better than gold: Proverbs 16:16-17

“Do you love me?”

Jesus asked Peter that three times. All three times, Peter responded with a sound affirmative. All three times Jesus’ reply back to Peter was for Peter to take care of His sheep.

We are the sheep. Peter and the other disciples went on to evangelize much of the world.

We are also now the Shepherd’s hired servants, like Peter. It’s our job to feed Jesus sheep.

What if Peter & the other disciples hadn’t done as Jesus said?

What if we don’t do as Jesus said and feed His sheep?

Monday, June 1, 2009

June 1, 2009 (Mmmm-onday)

June 1

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Four gospels and four resurrection stories. We have read through the four accounts of Jesus' life and they have all ended the same. No matter how many times you read it, there it is, Jesus overcomes sin and overcomes death and the message is still true for today. He is still with us and we have the presence of his Holy Spirit to go out and build his kingdom. There are a couple of items here to note. One, it shows that Mary thought Jesus was the gardener, also there are mentionings that it is the "first day of the week". Some people think what this means is that John is showing us that this is about "re-creation", meaning that the "garden" and "first day of the week" reminds us of Genesis 1, except here is the first day of the new creation, when Jesus has defeated the last enemy and is to take the right hand of God as the victorious Lord... Though this ends (tomorrow actually) the gospel readings, as we continue this resurrection of Jesus will be what it's all about in the story of the early church, Paul's letters, John's letters, etc. It's all about Jesus.

Thursday - Sunday

Having had moving going on and family matters for Charles, just to catch up I'm gonna post the links for the last few days and pick up for Monday blogging. here's the links for the past few days.

May 28

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May 29

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