4/11/08Why do we have to leave our houses in order to relax? Is it because we’ve burdened ourselves with responsibilities at home that we cannot escape unless we go somewhere else? I think so.
4/3/08
“I’m building a bigger house so we can entertain, have people over for Bible Studies, etc.” – This is something I’ve heard people say and something that I have said but in my opinion, this is a cover up so we don’t have to say I’m building a bigger house so I can have a bigger house. I am guilty of this.
Success is NOT how I’m doing compared to others.
Delayed Happiness from “When I’m, then thinking” is STUPID. When I’m skinny, then I’ll be happy. When I’m richer, then I’ll be happy.
God commands us: Do not covet.
Note: some of the above came from a message by Chip Ingram at livingontheedge.com
March 19, 2008
What does it mean to make Jesus the Lord of your life?
The Gospel is simple. However, the Gospel is NOT cheap. Jesus died on a cross so that we may have a relationship with the Father and the ability to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. Ephesians 6:1-3 (Children and Parents) it reads: 1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2"Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
As a child, your parents are your (or at least should be) your mentor. What good would it be for a child to read this and accept it but when asked to do something by the parent they reject that part of the package.
Can I make Jesus the Lord of my life without doing what He asks of me?
March 14, 20008
Putting all my thoughts together.
Topic: Do we really want to be like Jesus?
If so, plan for the world to hate you – John 15:18-19
If so, plan on not being rich – James 2:5
If so, plan on caring for those in need – Matthew 25:31-46
If so, plan on denying yourself and taking up your cross daily – Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24-26
If so, plan on putting your hope in God rather than things – I Timothy 6:17-19
If so, plan on spending time with God in prayer – John 17, Mark 14:38, Colossians 4:2, Matthew 6:5-13
If so, plan on being a missionary – Matthew 28:19
If so, plan on looking strange to the world – Romans 12:2
If so, plan on not worrying – Matthew 6:25-34
If so, plan on forgiving – Matthew 18:21-35, Luke 23:34
If so, plan on being with Him in Heaven one day – John 14:2
Topic: Purpose
From the book “Revolution” by George Barna p.30, the answer for me is given: The reason is simple: Every human being was created by God primarily to know Him, love Him and serve Him. All other activity is superfluous.”
Topic: Envy
From a discussion on Envy/Favoritism from Genesis 37, Brother David stated “Envy means your mad at God, causing a bitter spirit b/c you think God hasn’t been as good to you as somebody else.” He went on to say: “we don’t appreciate what we have b/c we are worried about what we don’t have.”
This topic was discussed again by Brother David on 9/16/07 when he said, “stop comparing yourselves to other people” and “how about Christians stop acquiring things that make others envious.”
My thoughts: I am in complete agreement. However, is being envious completely bad? I wouldn’t mind if someone was envious of me for the time I spend with my family, for my knowledge of the Bible, for the way I put others before myself, etc.
