My hubby has always been an athlete and I have always been the one waiting for the game to be over…lol. He still remembers his High school “Fight” Song which actually ends with, “Fight, fight, fight!” Being the nonathletic person that I am, I asked him why it was called a “fight” song. He said that the song stirs the players up to overcome the opponent. As everyone sings it, you get charged up because you know that the whole school (staff, students, players, cheerleaders) are all behind you encouraging you to overcome the adversary and win.
Well, we weren’t playing in a game on Sunday night but we definitely felt encouraged to keep “fighting”. Kempton and I went to the Chris Tomlin & Israel Houghton concert (or should I say worship service). Boy, was I charged up! What an awesome time in the Lord! One of my favorite “fight” songs is Chris T’s “How Can I Keep From Singing”.
Spiritual fight songs champion the hope we have in God. They encourage us to overcome despair & defeat. They also help us to offer praises to God even in the midst of pain & trials. As we sing these songs with other believers, we all are recharged to press on and finish strong. No wonder the longest book in the Bible (by chapters) is the Book of Psalms which is a collection of songs, hymns, and prayers. Take a look at Psalm 28:7, 68:4, 98:4, 147:1, & 149:1. The list of Psalms can go on & on, but there are also other references to singing; such as Eph 5:18-21 and Col 3:16. As you can see, singing to our Lord is a big deal!
Praise the Lord for the ministry of those (like Chris T. and Israel H.) who write and sing songs that God uses to sustain our joy and hope in Him.
So, what are some fight songs that you like???
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Left Behind
The gospels contain several accounts of people leaving something behind for the sake of wholeheartedly following Jesus.
* Simon & Andrew "left their nets" (Matt. 4:18-20)
* James & John "left their boat and their father" (Matt. 4:21-22)
* The woman at the well "left her water jar" (John 4:28-30, 39-42)
* Matthew left his career (Matt 9:9)
* The grateful leper left the 9 others (Luke 17:11-19)
Basically, in order to fully follow Christ, we may have to leave behind possessions, earthly treasures, family, occupation, or the group (clique). Of course this is not always easy. For example, Matt. 19:16-22 gives account of a law-abiding rich young man who came to Jesus to inquire about following Him. When Jesus told the man to first sell what he possessed and give to the poor and then follow Him, the young man went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
However, God promises that "everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life" (Matt 19:29).
So, what is God calling you to leave behind? Praise the Lord for what you have already left behind for the glorious gain of Christ.
* Simon & Andrew "left their nets" (Matt. 4:18-20)
* James & John "left their boat and their father" (Matt. 4:21-22)
* The woman at the well "left her water jar" (John 4:28-30, 39-42)
* Matthew left his career (Matt 9:9)
* The grateful leper left the 9 others (Luke 17:11-19)
Basically, in order to fully follow Christ, we may have to leave behind possessions, earthly treasures, family, occupation, or the group (clique). Of course this is not always easy. For example, Matt. 19:16-22 gives account of a law-abiding rich young man who came to Jesus to inquire about following Him. When Jesus told the man to first sell what he possessed and give to the poor and then follow Him, the young man went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
However, God promises that "everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life" (Matt 19:29).
So, what is God calling you to leave behind? Praise the Lord for what you have already left behind for the glorious gain of Christ.
Monday, March 23, 2009
What A Family!
WOW...my friend's "flavorful" family makes most families look "bland"!
Check out the flags of their family!
If you ever have any questions about adoption, she's the one to ask!
Praise the Lord for your beautiful family Barb!
Check out the flags of their family!
If you ever have any questions about adoption, she's the one to ask!
Praise the Lord for your beautiful family Barb!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Something Special for Dads
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. Hebrews 3:12-14
God has made husbands the head of their wives and their children (1 Cor 11:3, Eph 5:23, Col 3:18-20). The husband's role is very important and many times very difficult if the family has been affected by disability. Do you know that 80% of families affected by disability experience divorce? Since the husband is the pillar of the family, it is the church's responsibility to equip, exhort, and encourage them in this vital role. I praise the Lord for how The Barnabas Ministry is reaching out to families of children with disabilities. They will be hosting a breakfast event on April 18 for dads of children with special needs. My hubby will be speaking and sharing about our precious son, Christian. If you would like more information, go to the web site and scroll down under the title, "Something Special for Dads". Registration ends April 9. Please pray for this event!
God has made husbands the head of their wives and their children (1 Cor 11:3, Eph 5:23, Col 3:18-20). The husband's role is very important and many times very difficult if the family has been affected by disability. Do you know that 80% of families affected by disability experience divorce? Since the husband is the pillar of the family, it is the church's responsibility to equip, exhort, and encourage them in this vital role. I praise the Lord for how The Barnabas Ministry is reaching out to families of children with disabilities. They will be hosting a breakfast event on April 18 for dads of children with special needs. My hubby will be speaking and sharing about our precious son, Christian. If you would like more information, go to the web site and scroll down under the title, "Something Special for Dads". Registration ends April 9. Please pray for this event!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Random Question
What is your favorite verse, passage, or chapter in the Bible and why???
~
Mine is Colossians 3:1-4!
I love these verses; I can't get enough of them.
They talk about my past state (old self is dead), present state (raised with Christ; He is my life), future state (I will appear with Christ in glory!) They also give me instruction on how to live in this present state, "seek the things that are above...set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Paradoxically Speaking
Paradox - a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
(paradox. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved March 12, 2009, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/paradox)
Paradoxes are used quite often in the Bible. They may seem contradictory but, in scripture, they’re absolute truths. For example,
* Being set free in order to be a slave (Rom 6:18, 22, 1 Cor 7:22)
* Losing in order to gain (Matt 10:39, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24)
* Dying in order to live (Gal 2:19-20, Rom 6:7-8, Col 3:1-4)
Basically, it’s not about what makes sense or is logical. It’s about an unusual & unnatural way of living. To live a spiritually paradoxical life is supernatural; it takes Christ living in you. This type of life takes all focus off self and puts it all on Christ. Matt. 16:25 says that if I try to save my life, I will lose it. But if I lose my life for Christ’s sake, I will find it. So, to lose is actually to gain…and my gain is Jesus Christ! Focus on that comforting paradox today!
(paradox. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved March 12, 2009, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/paradox)
Paradoxes are used quite often in the Bible. They may seem contradictory but, in scripture, they’re absolute truths. For example,
* Being set free in order to be a slave (Rom 6:18, 22, 1 Cor 7:22)
* Losing in order to gain (Matt 10:39, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24)
* Dying in order to live (Gal 2:19-20, Rom 6:7-8, Col 3:1-4)
Basically, it’s not about what makes sense or is logical. It’s about an unusual & unnatural way of living. To live a spiritually paradoxical life is supernatural; it takes Christ living in you. This type of life takes all focus off self and puts it all on Christ. Matt. 16:25 says that if I try to save my life, I will lose it. But if I lose my life for Christ’s sake, I will find it. So, to lose is actually to gain…and my gain is Jesus Christ! Focus on that comforting paradox today!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
They Be Jammin'!
What an interesting ministry! It's pretty cool, tight, crunk (or whatever they're saying these days :-)! It is simply...
10:31 Sermon Jams...Why did it start? 10:31 Sermon Jams was made to bring sermons and music together. They were created to bring life changing truth, and the good news of Jesus Christ to the current culture.
Who are we? We are Bryan and Caleb, and our mission is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people. This ministry is based on 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Our main focus is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and to make His name famous. Our goal is to take biblically saturated sermons and turn them into mini clips for edification for the household of faith and tracts to unbelievers.
(Taken from the website - "About Us" page.)
They actually have put 2 of my hubby's (Kempton Turner) sermons to jams. Click here so you can be jammin' too!
10:31 Sermon Jams...Why did it start? 10:31 Sermon Jams was made to bring sermons and music together. They were created to bring life changing truth, and the good news of Jesus Christ to the current culture.
Who are we? We are Bryan and Caleb, and our mission is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people. This ministry is based on 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Our main focus is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and to make His name famous. Our goal is to take biblically saturated sermons and turn them into mini clips for edification for the household of faith and tracts to unbelievers.
(Taken from the website - "About Us" page.)
They actually have put 2 of my hubby's (Kempton Turner) sermons to jams. Click here so you can be jammin' too!
Friday, March 6, 2009
I Want My Life To Say...
"Jesus, I Love You More!"
*More than my loving husband
*More than my precious children
*More than my supportive family
*More than my caring friends
*More than my health
*More than my appearance
*More than my ministries
*More than my career
*More than my possessions
*More than my bank accounts
*More than my retirement funds
*More than my talents and gifts
*More than my hobbies
*More than my to do lists
*More than my computer
*More than my TV
*More than my "me" time
Etc, Etc, Etc....
I was meditating on this thought yesterday while I was driving. Then all of a sudden a truck drove by with an advertisement on it. It read, "Live Like You Mean It!" Wow, that definitely wasn't a coincidence, but a God-incidence! I needed that. I have a long way to grow in this area. But by God's grace, as I continue to grow in Him, I desire for my life to shout out, "JESUS, I LOVE YOU MORE!!!"
*More than my loving husband
*More than my precious children
*More than my supportive family
*More than my caring friends
*More than my health
*More than my appearance
*More than my ministries
*More than my career
*More than my possessions
*More than my bank accounts
*More than my retirement funds
*More than my talents and gifts
*More than my hobbies
*More than my to do lists
*More than my computer
*More than my TV
*More than my "me" time
Etc, Etc, Etc....
I was meditating on this thought yesterday while I was driving. Then all of a sudden a truck drove by with an advertisement on it. It read, "Live Like You Mean It!" Wow, that definitely wasn't a coincidence, but a God-incidence! I needed that. I have a long way to grow in this area. But by God's grace, as I continue to grow in Him, I desire for my life to shout out, "JESUS, I LOVE YOU MORE!!!"
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Are You Sober?
Your surgeon, your pilot, your taxi driver, your babysitter are all people you definitely would want sober as they serve you. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that not being sober impairs judgment, blurs vision, and slows readiness to respond in a given situation.
But did you know idleness, idolatry, and sin have the same affect on our soul? Our judgment of righteousness becomes impaired. The truth of God's Word becomes blurry and harder to understand. Likewise, we are hindered in our walk and hesitant to respond to circumstances in a Christ-like manner.
That is why the Word reminds us to be sober/sober-minded in order to:
* Be prepared for the day of the Lord (I Thess. 5:2,6).
* Be prayful during these last days (I Peter 4:7).
* Be watchful for the devil's schemes (I Peter 5:8).
* Be hopeful towards the future grace that we will receive at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:13).
Let each of us trust the Lord to reveal what we must put off and put on so that we can stay sober and glorify Him in our daily walk.
But did you know idleness, idolatry, and sin have the same affect on our soul? Our judgment of righteousness becomes impaired. The truth of God's Word becomes blurry and harder to understand. Likewise, we are hindered in our walk and hesitant to respond to circumstances in a Christ-like manner.
That is why the Word reminds us to be sober/sober-minded in order to:
* Be prepared for the day of the Lord (I Thess. 5:2,6).
* Be prayful during these last days (I Peter 4:7).
* Be watchful for the devil's schemes (I Peter 5:8).
* Be hopeful towards the future grace that we will receive at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:13).
Let each of us trust the Lord to reveal what we must put off and put on so that we can stay sober and glorify Him in our daily walk.
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