Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Are You Set Apart?
"I expect and hope...to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth, whether I live or die." Philippians 1:20
Paul was speaking to the citizens in Philppi when he uttered these powerful words. They were meant not only to be an eye opening and inspiring message to them, but also a serious reminder to himself about his real purpose in life. Have you given much thought to your own purpose in life as a Christian?
Granted, not every one of us is going to be as focused and driven as Paul was for the cause of Christ. However, this verse does serve as a very meaningful reminder of how we ought to live as followers of Christ. Essentially, Paul was willing to give his life for the cause of Christianity. He ultimately did at the hands of Roman soldiers.
For sure, you don't have to be beheaded like Paul to prove you're a good Christian, but you can certainly behave in a way that says to others you have the qualities it takes to be known as one. I am reminded of the way a Christian drive-in restaurant chain owner stated it: "I never told anyone I'm a Christian; I just expect the way I live my life to show it." That definitely walks the talk.
And that's the kind of stuff Paul was talking about in this verse. So what about you? What would people say about your life? Does it make them sit up, take notice, and see something different? One definition of Christian is "set apart.” Does your life look like you are 'set apart' from the rest of the world? My challenge for you today is to take a serious look at yourself and carefully answer that question.
(www.tddm.org)
Paul was speaking to the citizens in Philppi when he uttered these powerful words. They were meant not only to be an eye opening and inspiring message to them, but also a serious reminder to himself about his real purpose in life. Have you given much thought to your own purpose in life as a Christian?
Granted, not every one of us is going to be as focused and driven as Paul was for the cause of Christ. However, this verse does serve as a very meaningful reminder of how we ought to live as followers of Christ. Essentially, Paul was willing to give his life for the cause of Christianity. He ultimately did at the hands of Roman soldiers.
For sure, you don't have to be beheaded like Paul to prove you're a good Christian, but you can certainly behave in a way that says to others you have the qualities it takes to be known as one. I am reminded of the way a Christian drive-in restaurant chain owner stated it: "I never told anyone I'm a Christian; I just expect the way I live my life to show it." That definitely walks the talk.
And that's the kind of stuff Paul was talking about in this verse. So what about you? What would people say about your life? Does it make them sit up, take notice, and see something different? One definition of Christian is "set apart.” Does your life look like you are 'set apart' from the rest of the world? My challenge for you today is to take a serious look at yourself and carefully answer that question.
(www.tddm.org)
Monday, February 21, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sleepless Nights
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. Luke 11:1
I've never been a morning person. Matter of fact, I can count on one hand how many times I have seen the sun rise this year. However, tonight might make it a little bit different. No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to fall asleep.
If this was the first time I couldn't sleep, I'm sure I would just chalk it up to some excuse and move on with my night. Yet, this seems to happen more and more when I have a lot on my mind. Either I am excited about something or worried about a problem. It doesn't matter if I feel stressed or alone. If scenes keep playing out in my head, chances are I won't see the credits anytime soon.
Times like these call for drastic measures and I have tried them all. Running around the house, doing exercises, reading E-mails, watching TV, even singing to my ferrets. Which seems to put them to sleep and does nothing for my insomnia. Only one thing seems to do the trick: prayer.
Big or small, epic or crazy, God cares about what is on your mind. He loves to hear from you and He can bring a peace and comfort. Next time you lay awake at night or even if something is bothering you during the day, do not hesitate to send a prayer on up. Talk to God about what is in your head and share with Him your struggles or situations. Jesus came to earth to bridge a gap and to give us the opportunity to have communication with our Creator at all times. Day or night, hot or cold, God wants to be in on your night, your life, your trials, your triumphs. What else are you going to do? Watch another infomercial?
(www.tddm.org)
I've never been a morning person. Matter of fact, I can count on one hand how many times I have seen the sun rise this year. However, tonight might make it a little bit different. No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to fall asleep.
If this was the first time I couldn't sleep, I'm sure I would just chalk it up to some excuse and move on with my night. Yet, this seems to happen more and more when I have a lot on my mind. Either I am excited about something or worried about a problem. It doesn't matter if I feel stressed or alone. If scenes keep playing out in my head, chances are I won't see the credits anytime soon.
Times like these call for drastic measures and I have tried them all. Running around the house, doing exercises, reading E-mails, watching TV, even singing to my ferrets. Which seems to put them to sleep and does nothing for my insomnia. Only one thing seems to do the trick: prayer.
Big or small, epic or crazy, God cares about what is on your mind. He loves to hear from you and He can bring a peace and comfort. Next time you lay awake at night or even if something is bothering you during the day, do not hesitate to send a prayer on up. Talk to God about what is in your head and share with Him your struggles or situations. Jesus came to earth to bridge a gap and to give us the opportunity to have communication with our Creator at all times. Day or night, hot or cold, God wants to be in on your night, your life, your trials, your triumphs. What else are you going to do? Watch another infomercial?
(www.tddm.org)
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