This is one of those songs I haven't sung in FOREVER but I was just sitting here and started singing it. And decided it was a really good song. And that it got to be my next blog post :D So ya...
All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before you, oh Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaims
The joy and the pain, I'm making them yours
Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer you my life
Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my heart, alll of my praise
My heart and my hands are lifted to you
Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer you my life
What can we give
That you have not given?
And what do we have
That is not already yours?
All we possess
Are these lives we're living
That's what we give to you, Lord
Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer you my life
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
December 1st
Its the start of December. The month with probably the biggest holiday on the calendar. People have been planning for this since last year. Presents have been bought. Parties have been planned. Preachers will deviate this entire month from their regular sermon series. (How that for beginning of sentence Alliteration???? =D ok sorry back to it.)
But so many people, even Christians, spend SO much time doing everything else, they miss the "Reason for the Season" (I know I just used an overused cliche but get over it people)
Now of course I realize that everyone (of course im using that term loosely) knows the story of Mary and Joesph going to Bethlehem and Jesus being born. And then shepherd's and Magi come to see him and angels singing him lullabies (Ok so the last one was just a theory...) There will be lots of "Keep the Christ in Christmas" sticker around. Christmas carols telling of the birth of Jesus will be sung. People who never go to church will go on Christmas Eve. Needless to say the amount of "Religious" activity going around will be substantial.
But... (you saw that coming didn't you? What can you say I'm predictable...)
But is that what we're going for? A lot of "Religious" activity? I don't think so. While all that stuff is nice lets look at what Christmas REALLY means.
Jesus. Emmanuel. He came to live with us. But he didn't just show up as a man. No. He took the form of a baby, was born in less than ideal conditions, and there was no important people waiting to congratulate the new parents. Just shepherds, the lowest of low in that time. They were sent by the best Choir this side of heaven (Wait it's prob the best on both sides wouldn't you think?? hmmm)
Jesus' 1st bed? A feed trough (Which by the way prob wasn't nice and cuddly, all clean and like you see in books. Real feed troughs aren't very nice. Trust me)
If any of us were Jesus, I doubt we would choose this way to enter the world. (of course if any of us were Jesus... ah nevermind)
SO where were we? Oh ya. Jesus. =D So just think. Jesus gave up his throne, reigning over heaven and earth to come to this earth as a baby. To grow up into a man. And then to die for us. Take our penalty for OUR sins upon himself so that he could have a relationship with US.
Just think about that. The creator of the universe wanted to you to be with him forever. You. Me.
What did we do to deserve this? Nothing (nothing. no. nein. niche. niete. all that. nuthin)
So before you go to that Christmas party (Ooo maybe they'll have little smokies!! =D) take some time to think about this and to give thanks to Him.
But so many people, even Christians, spend SO much time doing everything else, they miss the "Reason for the Season" (I know I just used an overused cliche but get over it people)
Now of course I realize that everyone (of course im using that term loosely) knows the story of Mary and Joesph going to Bethlehem and Jesus being born. And then shepherd's and Magi come to see him and angels singing him lullabies (Ok so the last one was just a theory...) There will be lots of "Keep the Christ in Christmas" sticker around. Christmas carols telling of the birth of Jesus will be sung. People who never go to church will go on Christmas Eve. Needless to say the amount of "Religious" activity going around will be substantial.
But... (you saw that coming didn't you? What can you say I'm predictable...)
But is that what we're going for? A lot of "Religious" activity? I don't think so. While all that stuff is nice lets look at what Christmas REALLY means.
Jesus. Emmanuel. He came to live with us. But he didn't just show up as a man. No. He took the form of a baby, was born in less than ideal conditions, and there was no important people waiting to congratulate the new parents. Just shepherds, the lowest of low in that time. They were sent by the best Choir this side of heaven (Wait it's prob the best on both sides wouldn't you think?? hmmm)
Jesus' 1st bed? A feed trough (Which by the way prob wasn't nice and cuddly, all clean and like you see in books. Real feed troughs aren't very nice. Trust me)
If any of us were Jesus, I doubt we would choose this way to enter the world. (of course if any of us were Jesus... ah nevermind)
SO where were we? Oh ya. Jesus. =D So just think. Jesus gave up his throne, reigning over heaven and earth to come to this earth as a baby. To grow up into a man. And then to die for us. Take our penalty for OUR sins upon himself so that he could have a relationship with US.
Just think about that. The creator of the universe wanted to you to be with him forever. You. Me.
What did we do to deserve this? Nothing (nothing. no. nein. niche. niete. all that. nuthin)
So before you go to that Christmas party (Ooo maybe they'll have little smokies!! =D) take some time to think about this and to give thanks to Him.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Trials
Steve Johnson blames God for his overtime drop:
This headline was in referance to a dropped pass last sunday (for full story: Yahoo sports)
Lets dissect this story. Overtime game. The Buffalo Bills, one of the worst teams in the league this year, are playing the Pittsburgh Steelers. This isn't the Superbowl, not even a playoff game. Though the Steelers were favored in this game the Bills have kept it close and sent it to overtime. With 10 min left to play in the OT half, the Bills have the ball at the Steelers 40 yard line. The WR Steve Johnson beats the coverage and is wide open, it's a beautiful throw right into his hands as he reaches the endzone....... then he drops the ball. The Steeler go on to win the game with a FG a few min later.
There isn't anything much worse for a WR in the NFL then to drop a ball thrown right at you when your wide open. Even worse is if you're wide open for a TD. And if that TD would win you the game.
What happens when we don't get what we want? Or something we pray for doesn't happen the way we expect it to happen? Do we sometime react like Steve Johnson?
I think it's interesting the 1st thing he writes in his tweet: "I praise you 24/7! And this is how you do me?" hmm thats interesting.
2 Timothy 1:8
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
Here Paul isn't talking about the embarrassment of dropping a football pass. He's talking about being in jail. Being whipped, beaten, stoned, ect, ect, ect. Here is a fellow who could write the book on suffering. And what does he say?
Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Suffering was a way of life for Paul. Did he "like" it? Probably not, it was probably extremely painful at times. But Paul was able to look past that to the prize awaiting us when we have finished the race.
I think I often get caught up in the here and now. What will make me happy and what will satisfy ME, NOW! And if that's not happening then God must not be doing his job.
But we have it ALL wrong. It's during those times that we are supposed to run to God even more and embrace what he wants us to learn from that trial. I want to close with one of my favorite stories:
One Night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonged to him and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you you'd walk with me all the way, but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me." The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
Remember, Jesus IS with you
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Hard life
Today I'm going to try to talk you out of following Jesus.
Reasons for not following Jesus:
1. There is no guarantee of shelter or the basic necessities of life. This means that you might be stuck living under the bridge eating dry bread crust for the rest of your life.
2. Jesus said "let the dead bury their own dead" So family ties... Not important enough to go to the funeral. oh well
3. No goodbyes to your family. "Any man who has put his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for service in the kingdom of heaven." This following of Jesus requires total, superior and complete devotion
So bottom line: Be homeless, No funerals for family, and no saying goodbye to mom. Plus Jesus also says,
"If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple."
Whew. That's rough
How often in today's American culture is this fact missed? How often is "being a Christian" just a label? The other day i saw a quote "Blonde: It's not just a hair color; it a lifestyle!"
What if we live like "Christian: Its not just a bible, church on Sunday and a fish sticker on my car; it a lifestyle!
Would that change the way you live your life? The way you interact with people? The way you see other people?
So I'm reading this book called Radical by David Platt (This is where the motivation for the post came from) and I would highly recommend it for any and all.
Reasons for not following Jesus:
1. There is no guarantee of shelter or the basic necessities of life. This means that you might be stuck living under the bridge eating dry bread crust for the rest of your life.
2. Jesus said "let the dead bury their own dead" So family ties... Not important enough to go to the funeral. oh well
3. No goodbyes to your family. "Any man who has put his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for service in the kingdom of heaven." This following of Jesus requires total, superior and complete devotion
So bottom line: Be homeless, No funerals for family, and no saying goodbye to mom. Plus Jesus also says,
"If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple."
Whew. That's rough
Radical Abandonment.
How often in today's American culture is this fact missed? How often is "being a Christian" just a label? The other day i saw a quote "Blonde: It's not just a hair color; it a lifestyle!"
What if we live like "Christian: Its not just a bible, church on Sunday and a fish sticker on my car; it a lifestyle!
Would that change the way you live your life? The way you interact with people? The way you see other people?
So I'm reading this book called Radical by David Platt (This is where the motivation for the post came from) and I would highly recommend it for any and all.
Monday, November 8, 2010
A Man's Man
What is the 1st thing you think of when you see "A Man's Man"? Maybe you think of Mr. Universe with his steroid induced biceps (ok im jealous...) Or maybe you think of a Knight from the middle ages in full armor battling evil throughout his dominion. Or maybe you think of a big brawny construction worker who can carry sheets of drywall like paper. The phrase "A Man's Man" will usually conjure up images of a tough fellow who doesn't take anything from anyone, has a shotgun in his truck and drinks his coffee black.
It's true. All of these would be considered Manly in today's culture. But I don't think that it quite right.
Maybe instead of trying to be a Man's Man, we should be a God's Man.
Here are some ideas:
1. Take Responsibly. (Boys make excuses, Men take responsibly)
2. Be a leader
3. Be an example of God at all times: "Rom 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."
4. Honor Women- This means ALL women. Doesn't matter age, looks, whatever. Honor them. Period.
These are just a few idea that I have mulled over the past few day. I would love to hear other thoughts, opinions, and ideas so please comment!
It's true. All of these would be considered Manly in today's culture. But I don't think that it quite right.
Maybe instead of trying to be a Man's Man, we should be a God's Man.
Here are some ideas:
1. Take Responsibly. (Boys make excuses, Men take responsibly)
2. Be a leader
3. Be an example of God at all times: "Rom 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."
4. Honor Women- This means ALL women. Doesn't matter age, looks, whatever. Honor them. Period.
These are just a few idea that I have mulled over the past few day. I would love to hear other thoughts, opinions, and ideas so please comment!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Could Jesus have sinned
Ok so we obviously know that Jesus didn't sin. Just wanted to clear that up :) But could He have sinned?? Did Jesus have the ability to sin?
Well we know that Jesus was fully man. Men have the ability to sin
We also know that Jesus was fully God. God does NOT have the ability to sin due to the fact that he is... God :)
So we have a dilemma here (no DUH) While I'm not brilliant enough to tell you how Jesus can be both full man and fully God here is how I look at the question of whether Jesus could sin.
If we look at Matt 4 we see Jesus in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. So to be tempted you have to have the ability to succumb to that temptation otherwise it wouldn't be a temptation. (Think about it)
Also in Is 50:5 (This is Jesus prophesying about himself) "The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious"
So we know that He had the opportunity to rebel (disobey) the Father. But didn't
So I think that while Jesus had the ability to sin, but Chose not to. This is something that should be a great comfort to us. We have to remember that:
Well we know that Jesus was fully man. Men have the ability to sin
We also know that Jesus was fully God. God does NOT have the ability to sin due to the fact that he is... God :)
So we have a dilemma here (no DUH) While I'm not brilliant enough to tell you how Jesus can be both full man and fully God here is how I look at the question of whether Jesus could sin.
If we look at Matt 4 we see Jesus in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. So to be tempted you have to have the ability to succumb to that temptation otherwise it wouldn't be a temptation. (Think about it)
Also in Is 50:5 (This is Jesus prophesying about himself) "The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious"
So we know that He had the opportunity to rebel (disobey) the Father. But didn't
So I think that while Jesus had the ability to sin, but Chose not to. This is something that should be a great comfort to us. We have to remember that:
"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." 1Cor 10:13
Thursday, August 19, 2010
And we're back! Limited atonement
So I have finally gotten back to my series comparing Calvinism and Arminianism. I'm going to look at limited atonement. Limited atonement basically says that Jesus only atoned for the sins of the elect. While Arminianism believe that Jesus atoned for all the sins of the world but it is only attributed to you when you accept the free gift of salvation.
Eph 1:3-12
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love
5He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
6to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
7In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace
8which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight
9He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him
10with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him
11also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,
12to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
This passage of scripture raises a lot of questions on both sides. Suffice it to say, I have heard both sides argues from this same passage of scripture. So I'm going to let YOU decide which side you come down on.
(I side with the Arminian side btw)
Eph 1:3-12
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love
5He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
6to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
7In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace
8which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight
9He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him
10with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him
11also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,
12to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
This passage of scripture raises a lot of questions on both sides. Suffice it to say, I have heard both sides argues from this same passage of scripture. So I'm going to let YOU decide which side you come down on.
(I side with the Arminian side btw)
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