I hope you don’t mind receiving another post, but it just seems a little weird to stop the blog so abruptly. I think a couple of us would like to continue sharing on the blog in some way, but we just haven’t been able to figure out how. In the meantime, while we figure things out, here’s what’s on my heart these days:
What does this new year have in store for you? That’s the question that's been on my mind these days. I’m feeling a little bit lost because I fulfilled my goal/commitment from last year (to read the entire Bible and post my thoughts twice a week on the blog) and I don’t seem to have a new goal/commitment for this year. It’s left me feeling a bit empty, so I’ve been prayerful about what to do about it. The question is, where and how does God want me to serve.
Well Satan of course doesn’t like the idea of me serving, so he is up to his old tricks. He’s trying to convince me that I have nothing to offer; no gifts, no wisdom, no talent, no nothing. Of course in and of myself, I have absolutely nothing to give. But by the grace of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, I have plenty to offer. As believers, we’re all filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and we’re all equipped with everything we need to be a part of God’s work in growing the population of heaven. But somehow, satan still does a good job of convincing me that I’ve got little or nothing to give.
I recently read a story on KSBJ about a woman who changes the lives of others through her hobby as a coupon queen. Now, I’m no coupon queen. I sometimes stick coupons in my purse and completely forget about them. Months later I find them stuck to an old breath mint in the bottom of my purse having long ago expired. But this lady has a gift. She clips coupons – even coupons she knows she won’t use – and shares them with others at the grocery store. God has given her a brain like a file cabinet. She just peeks into other people’s shopping carts and plucks a coupon out of her purse for them. She recently shared a $1 coupon with an elderly lady who exclaimed how wonderful it was because she could now get a loaf of bread. After they talked for a while, the coupon queen ended up helping the elderly lady out with her grocery bill for the day and they exchanged numbers so that they could keep in touch.
So I’m reminded, if God can use something as simple as a coupon clipping hobby, of course He’s got a direction for me and I guarantee you He’s got something in mind for you. It doesn’t necessarily require a ton of money or a huge time commitment or a need to learn how to do something new. He’ll equip you and He’ll equip me. After a lot of prayer, I’m leaning toward some ministry work with nursing home residents or shut ins. It’s also been on my heart to continue sharing through this blog, but I’m not sure on what level or how that's going to look.
I ask you to pray for me and for all of our blog readers – that God would create openings - open hearts for a desire to serve, open eyes to a direction in which to serve, open minds to God’s ability to equip and open doors of opportunities to serve.
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
May 2011 be a year of blessings as you do what you were created to do – Serve the Lord!
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
The End of the Bible and Time
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rev%2019-22&version=ESV
Revelation is the last book of the Bible and this blog post is the last in our one year session. Over the course of this year we have encountered poetry, prose, apocalyptic writings, letters, biographies, and various other genres. Regardless of the form, God has chosen these books as important and sufficient for us to come into His Presence. Jesus Christ was the Word revealed in the flesh and the Bible is God's written record to us.
We have seen all aspects of life as we have traversed the Scriptural landscape. Murder, adultery, lies, incest, lust, greed, dysfunctional families, and inter-generational consequences are clearly displayed to warn us away from the path of sin and destruction. God's compassion, creativity, and care also shine through the pages of the Bible and provide the path to true fulfillment and purpose. Only when God calls us and we, in response, run into the outstretched arms of Love can we find meaning for both the short term (transitory stay here on earth) and the long term (eternal rest residing with Christ as our King and Ruler).
Chapter 19 has some of the most profound praises in all of the Bible, but we see the limitations of human reasoning and understanding while here in the flesh; for even the Apostle John who had partaken of the bread and wine at the Last Supper fell prey to false worship when caught up in his earthly emotions. If such a great man who had witnessed countless miracles and was the beloved disciple could err in this way, how much more must we guard our hearts against idolatry and turning to man instead of the one true God?
Revelation 19:9-10
9 And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God." 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God." For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Revelation is a difficult book to read because of the many sections of poetry and description. We know that John was privileged to see glimpses of the future when God triumphs eternally and ends His forbearance of mankind's sin and evil. Chapters 19 and 20 show the importance of clinging to the Truth which is Jesus. He is the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life. When we accept His call and repent, then He writes our names in His Book of Life. God keeps a record of all that we do and nothing that we do can ever grant us acceptance by the Father of Lights. It is only the Blood of Jesus that can usher us into God's eternal presence.
We don't hear it much anymore, but there is a Hell reserved for the devil and those fallen angels who turned their back on God. Mankind was not created for Hell but when Adam ate of the forbidden fruit it brought physical and spiritual death to all of man. Praise be to God, for He gave us His Son that we might be rescued from the second death and the lake of fire. If we listen to God's call, then He will bring us to Himself. If we do not listen but reject His call, then we make the choice to be thrown into that lake of fire and suffer the full consequences of the second death.
Chapter 21 and 22 deal with the new city of God and how He will dwell among us. We will no longer see through a glass darkly, but we will see Him as He is and His radiance will illuminate all aspects of our lives. There is a glorious day coming and Jesus does not want any of us to miss it.
Have you heard the Savior's voice? Have you listened to His call? Is your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life? He calls us even now to come to Him. For those who have not yet trusted in Christ, please do so. For those who have already trusted, evaluate your life and see if you are living according to Scripture. God's Word is Faithful and True, just as Jesus is Faithful and True.
May we all be able to say with our whole hearts, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"
Revelation is the last book of the Bible and this blog post is the last in our one year session. Over the course of this year we have encountered poetry, prose, apocalyptic writings, letters, biographies, and various other genres. Regardless of the form, God has chosen these books as important and sufficient for us to come into His Presence. Jesus Christ was the Word revealed in the flesh and the Bible is God's written record to us.
We have seen all aspects of life as we have traversed the Scriptural landscape. Murder, adultery, lies, incest, lust, greed, dysfunctional families, and inter-generational consequences are clearly displayed to warn us away from the path of sin and destruction. God's compassion, creativity, and care also shine through the pages of the Bible and provide the path to true fulfillment and purpose. Only when God calls us and we, in response, run into the outstretched arms of Love can we find meaning for both the short term (transitory stay here on earth) and the long term (eternal rest residing with Christ as our King and Ruler).
Chapter 19 has some of the most profound praises in all of the Bible, but we see the limitations of human reasoning and understanding while here in the flesh; for even the Apostle John who had partaken of the bread and wine at the Last Supper fell prey to false worship when caught up in his earthly emotions. If such a great man who had witnessed countless miracles and was the beloved disciple could err in this way, how much more must we guard our hearts against idolatry and turning to man instead of the one true God?
Revelation 19:9-10
9 And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God." 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God." For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Revelation is a difficult book to read because of the many sections of poetry and description. We know that John was privileged to see glimpses of the future when God triumphs eternally and ends His forbearance of mankind's sin and evil. Chapters 19 and 20 show the importance of clinging to the Truth which is Jesus. He is the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life. When we accept His call and repent, then He writes our names in His Book of Life. God keeps a record of all that we do and nothing that we do can ever grant us acceptance by the Father of Lights. It is only the Blood of Jesus that can usher us into God's eternal presence.
We don't hear it much anymore, but there is a Hell reserved for the devil and those fallen angels who turned their back on God. Mankind was not created for Hell but when Adam ate of the forbidden fruit it brought physical and spiritual death to all of man. Praise be to God, for He gave us His Son that we might be rescued from the second death and the lake of fire. If we listen to God's call, then He will bring us to Himself. If we do not listen but reject His call, then we make the choice to be thrown into that lake of fire and suffer the full consequences of the second death.
Chapter 21 and 22 deal with the new city of God and how He will dwell among us. We will no longer see through a glass darkly, but we will see Him as He is and His radiance will illuminate all aspects of our lives. There is a glorious day coming and Jesus does not want any of us to miss it.
Have you heard the Savior's voice? Have you listened to His call? Is your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life? He calls us even now to come to Him. For those who have not yet trusted in Christ, please do so. For those who have already trusted, evaluate your life and see if you are living according to Scripture. God's Word is Faithful and True, just as Jesus is Faithful and True.
May we all be able to say with our whole hearts, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"
Saturday, January 1, 2011
He Is
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2012-18&version=NIV
A year ago we started an adventure together into the Word of God. Today, we are a day away from being at the end of our journey. We've been through the entire story of our God and his redeeming love. It is nearly impossible to walk away from reading His story and not stand in awe, not worship, not fall more deeply in love with Him. He is Creator, he is Promise Keeper, His is Provider and Sustainer. He is the Holy yet compassionate, merciful, forgiving God. He is the God who sees, the God who knows, the who has a perfect plan and purpose. He is just, he is righteous, he awesome in majesty and majestic in glory. He is shepherd, counselor, teacher, guide. He is faithful to ALL his promises and loving to ALL he has made. He is a daddy God who has chosen and adopted you and me. He calls me friend - he calls me His. He is Warrior, he is Redeemer, he is our Victory and he reigns. He IS because he is the I AM.
As I write my last blog on this journey, my friends, please know that I carry you in my heart and I carry you in my prayers to throne of our living God. In Jesus I approach with confidence. I pray that you would understand the victory that is described in the book of Revelation. I pray you would know that though the world is ruled by the one called accuser and father of lies, you are not of this world and you, like the saints described in Revelation 12:11 have "overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of your testimony". The victory is already won - it is yours to claim. I pray that you would claim it in the name of Jesus.
I pray that you would stand on his truth, that you would continue to know him more. Read his story again and again, so that his truth plants in his heart - for it is not just a story, it is our living God speaking to you. Remember that he has a word to speak to you each day - that his word never goes out void. Therefore, I pray that you would have ears to hear, that the Holy Spirit would speak directly to your heart. I pray that you would know the incredible power that is available to you. And I pray that you see God's Power, feel His Power, and speak of His power every day.
I can't resist leaving you with one of my favorite verses - even though it's part of tomorrow's passage. It is such an amazing image of our victorious King Jesus. Not merely an image, but truth that encompasses all that he is:
"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and one his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but himself. His is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God." - Revelation 19:11-13
My precious friends - The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace" - Numbers 6:25
With all heart I pray that God would overwhelm your life with His love. Be blessed!
Carol
A year ago we started an adventure together into the Word of God. Today, we are a day away from being at the end of our journey. We've been through the entire story of our God and his redeeming love. It is nearly impossible to walk away from reading His story and not stand in awe, not worship, not fall more deeply in love with Him. He is Creator, he is Promise Keeper, His is Provider and Sustainer. He is the Holy yet compassionate, merciful, forgiving God. He is the God who sees, the God who knows, the who has a perfect plan and purpose. He is just, he is righteous, he awesome in majesty and majestic in glory. He is shepherd, counselor, teacher, guide. He is faithful to ALL his promises and loving to ALL he has made. He is a daddy God who has chosen and adopted you and me. He calls me friend - he calls me His. He is Warrior, he is Redeemer, he is our Victory and he reigns. He IS because he is the I AM.
As I write my last blog on this journey, my friends, please know that I carry you in my heart and I carry you in my prayers to throne of our living God. In Jesus I approach with confidence. I pray that you would understand the victory that is described in the book of Revelation. I pray you would know that though the world is ruled by the one called accuser and father of lies, you are not of this world and you, like the saints described in Revelation 12:11 have "overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of your testimony". The victory is already won - it is yours to claim. I pray that you would claim it in the name of Jesus.
I pray that you would stand on his truth, that you would continue to know him more. Read his story again and again, so that his truth plants in his heart - for it is not just a story, it is our living God speaking to you. Remember that he has a word to speak to you each day - that his word never goes out void. Therefore, I pray that you would have ears to hear, that the Holy Spirit would speak directly to your heart. I pray that you would know the incredible power that is available to you. And I pray that you see God's Power, feel His Power, and speak of His power every day.
I can't resist leaving you with one of my favorite verses - even though it's part of tomorrow's passage. It is such an amazing image of our victorious King Jesus. Not merely an image, but truth that encompasses all that he is:
"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and one his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but himself. His is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God." - Revelation 19:11-13
My precious friends - The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace" - Numbers 6:25
With all heart I pray that God would overwhelm your life with His love. Be blessed!
Carol
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