Happy Halloween! Thought i would do something a little special. . .
so fear, a topic that i haven't spent as much time thinking about lately. . . but here are a few definitions for honestly misconceptions are the root of so many problems. . .
Fear
noun
1: an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger
2: an anxious feeling
3: a profound emotion inspired by a deity; "the fear of God" [syn: reverence, awe, veneration]
verb
1: be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
2: be afraid or scared of
3: be sorry; used to introduce an unpleasant statement
4: be uneasy or apprehensive about
5: regard with feelings of respect and reverence
so talk about the "fear of God" always bothered me until i had a conversation one day about different meanings of the word fear. Fear is very powerful. Fear theology is bad theolgy and doesn't offer any foundation. Bascially (correct me if i'm wrong) it is stressing that your belief in God is important for otherwise you will go to hell, and your actions need to be Christ likeor you will go to hell. These ideas of fear based beliefs are not what God wants. Also the idea of fearing God as a father brought bad thoughts into my head about my father and it was just an uncomfortable subject for me. However, i have a new understanding that brings me peace.
The 3rd and 5th definitions here are the ones that i understand to realate to the fear of god. Basically to be inspired, in awe, and reverence of him. To respect him for who he is, not to be afraid of him frying you in hell. I truely believe God loves each and every one of us and has no intention of externally damning anyone (though that is another subject =)) Yet there is a major difference between fearing someone and respecting someone. In our labelistic society a connotation of negative goes with fear, but positive with respect.
So when you read in the bible to fear the Lord, think twice about being scared of him, he loves you!
God Bles!
your sister in Christ~Erin
prayer requests~ I've been stressed out
Happy Halloween!
Monday, October 31, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Happiness
Happiness, the American Dream right? Happiness is different to every person, but isn't that what we're all longing for? Happiness to me is to be loved. To be in a place where i feel like i am loved and i belong. To have friends whom challenge me, and in every way love me (to have human rights, to be given opportunities, the little things done for us that we take for granted). God did not create us to be sad our entire lives, he wants us to be happy! To take comfort in him,
Psalm 5:11
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
One of the hardest things for me though is where to seek happiness. My happiness coming from love, i seek love (as many girls do, and guys as well?) however i have chosen at times to seek this love in places where it could not be found and then grew upset at God for not being there for me. The only true happiness, true love, can be found in God. Another person can not complete you as a person. . . only God can. We so often seek to fill our emptiness with material and earthly things when they won't give us true happiness, just temporary happiness, which to be honest is always missing something anyhow. But when we incorporate God in the relationships we have with others there can be completeness. There can be happiness.
I love how so many stories in the bible end happily, God delivering them from trouble and singing his praises. Here is an example, after so many years of invasion the Isrealites were building a temple again. God had provided for them and delivered them home and they praised him for that. Ezra 3:11-13
11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD :
"He is good;
his love to Israel endures forever."
And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. 12 But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. 13 No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away.
They were HAPPY because of the goodness of the Lord. We so often take for granted the wonderful things he does for us daily and get stressed out with goals and things we need to do. That is why devotional time is so important. Time to focus, time to recenter, time to calm down and just to be with God.
God Bless!
~your sister in Christ~Erin
Psalm 5:11
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
One of the hardest things for me though is where to seek happiness. My happiness coming from love, i seek love (as many girls do, and guys as well?) however i have chosen at times to seek this love in places where it could not be found and then grew upset at God for not being there for me. The only true happiness, true love, can be found in God. Another person can not complete you as a person. . . only God can. We so often seek to fill our emptiness with material and earthly things when they won't give us true happiness, just temporary happiness, which to be honest is always missing something anyhow. But when we incorporate God in the relationships we have with others there can be completeness. There can be happiness.
I love how so many stories in the bible end happily, God delivering them from trouble and singing his praises. Here is an example, after so many years of invasion the Isrealites were building a temple again. God had provided for them and delivered them home and they praised him for that. Ezra 3:11-13
11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD :
"He is good;
his love to Israel endures forever."
And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. 12 But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. 13 No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away.
They were HAPPY because of the goodness of the Lord. We so often take for granted the wonderful things he does for us daily and get stressed out with goals and things we need to do. That is why devotional time is so important. Time to focus, time to recenter, time to calm down and just to be with God.
God Bless!
~your sister in Christ~Erin
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Gentleness
I encourage you to read Isaiah 40, the whole chapter. It is full of comfort, wisdom, and inspiration. Here are a few of the verses I wanted to especially pull out.
Isaiah 40
1 Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the LORD's hand
double for all her sins.
10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power,
and his arm rules for him.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
or weighed the mountains on the scales
and the hills in a balance?
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
There is alot there, alot alot. However what i want to focus on is God's gentleness with his beloved children. This chapter helps me understand a bit of God. Of his unconcieving strenght and love.
God here is talking to Isaiah, he is telling him to comfort his people, that he does see what they do and cares about them. He is not scolding or harsh though the people he is refering to have turned away from him again and again and again. Just in an way to general overview first they asked for God to give them rulers like everyone else and comes the time of the judges, however that didn't go as well as they hoped. So they asked for a king. God wanted to be their only king, but called Saul, then the kingdoms devided into Judea and Isreal. Still kings we human and the people did not remain godly. Then comes the prophets, like Isaiah, one by one to call the people back to God but as we see here God's message to his people is not of his anger or dissapointment. It is of his love, showing his gentlness. He tends us his sheep, carries us close to his heart (vs 11).
Like I have mentioned before hand God is different to all people. Think of how you see a friend of yours, your perception of them is going to be slightly different than that of their parents or even another friend. Therefore it is my argument perhaps that we all see, feel, experience God in different ways individuly. This passage describes a huge part of the God I know. The God that always welcomes me back into his arms when I have turned away, that picks me up when i have fallen, and the God that gives me strenght to go on. It is in my love for God that I act the way i do, not out of fear of going to hell, but because my relationship with him is the only thing i live for and i want to share him with the rest of the world. I want them to know they can find hope in him as well.
God Bless!
~your sister in Christ~Erin
Isaiah 40
1 Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the LORD's hand
double for all her sins.
10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power,
and his arm rules for him.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
or weighed the mountains on the scales
and the hills in a balance?
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
There is alot there, alot alot. However what i want to focus on is God's gentleness with his beloved children. This chapter helps me understand a bit of God. Of his unconcieving strenght and love.
God here is talking to Isaiah, he is telling him to comfort his people, that he does see what they do and cares about them. He is not scolding or harsh though the people he is refering to have turned away from him again and again and again. Just in an way to general overview first they asked for God to give them rulers like everyone else and comes the time of the judges, however that didn't go as well as they hoped. So they asked for a king. God wanted to be their only king, but called Saul, then the kingdoms devided into Judea and Isreal. Still kings we human and the people did not remain godly. Then comes the prophets, like Isaiah, one by one to call the people back to God but as we see here God's message to his people is not of his anger or dissapointment. It is of his love, showing his gentlness. He tends us his sheep, carries us close to his heart (vs 11).
Like I have mentioned before hand God is different to all people. Think of how you see a friend of yours, your perception of them is going to be slightly different than that of their parents or even another friend. Therefore it is my argument perhaps that we all see, feel, experience God in different ways individuly. This passage describes a huge part of the God I know. The God that always welcomes me back into his arms when I have turned away, that picks me up when i have fallen, and the God that gives me strenght to go on. It is in my love for God that I act the way i do, not out of fear of going to hell, but because my relationship with him is the only thing i live for and i want to share him with the rest of the world. I want them to know they can find hope in him as well.
God Bless!
~your sister in Christ~Erin
Friday, October 28, 2005
Integrity
Okay, so this is Holly--I'm filling in for Erin who is AMAZING at these.
*INTEGRITY*
What is integrity? Why is it important? Is it a reasonalbe quality in today's society?
It used to be that it was expected for a person to be a person of integrity--business deals could be sealed with a handshake, and each would come through on his/her end of the bargain. Now we have so much paperwork-contracts and such to ensure someone's trustworthiness; we even 1/2expect our politicians to be corrupt (sterotypically).
Instead of integrity being a quality that we expect and respectfrom others, it's one that we hope for, but don't really expect them to have.
So what does it mean to be a person of integrity?
according to "Dictionary.com"...
1. Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
2. The state of being unimpaired; soundness.
3. The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness.
ALl of these are correct.
Example: if a car crash occurs on an overpass, they may need to check the structural integrity of the bridge. What does that mean? While it may not look like there's anything wrong with it, there could be cracks. Cracks that could cause it to break. It's not Sound, unimpaired or undivided.
What if we have "cracks"? Well, we all do... but we can strive to eliminate them and live a Christ-like life.
One man said to being a man of integrity meant being who you are in private, what you are in public. You're not hiding anything.
Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven"
Integrity reflects the character of God. Shine the light of Jesus.
What else does it mean to be a person of integrity?
You sleep better at night--you have a clear conscious, no regrets. Job was a man of itegrity-- Job 27:5-6: "5I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity. 6I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live." I will not deny my integrity--my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.
Psalm 15:1-2, "1Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? who may live on your holy hill? 2He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart" A person of integrity is closer to God.
Okay, go with me for a second--you go to McD's and get back a dollar extra in change. Do you give it back? ....yes! that's what a person of integrity would do. even if it's JUST one measly dollar. Little things lead to big things, and God rewards integrity--Luke 16:10-11 "10 whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 so if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"
Acts 24:16 "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." Daniel 6:4 "At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent." They tried to find some dirt on Daniel--but there wasn't any. He lived his life so that he didn't have to try and hide anything. Make yourself a person who's not worried about being found out. Don't have anything you need to hide.
In Christ's love,
holly :o)
*scriptural references: Joe Bernardy*
*INTEGRITY*
What is integrity? Why is it important? Is it a reasonalbe quality in today's society?
It used to be that it was expected for a person to be a person of integrity--business deals could be sealed with a handshake, and each would come through on his/her end of the bargain. Now we have so much paperwork-contracts and such to ensure someone's trustworthiness; we even 1/2expect our politicians to be corrupt (sterotypically).
Instead of integrity being a quality that we expect and respectfrom others, it's one that we hope for, but don't really expect them to have.
So what does it mean to be a person of integrity?
according to "Dictionary.com"...
1. Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
2. The state of being unimpaired; soundness.
3. The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness.
ALl of these are correct.
Example: if a car crash occurs on an overpass, they may need to check the structural integrity of the bridge. What does that mean? While it may not look like there's anything wrong with it, there could be cracks. Cracks that could cause it to break. It's not Sound, unimpaired or undivided.
What if we have "cracks"? Well, we all do... but we can strive to eliminate them and live a Christ-like life.
One man said to being a man of integrity meant being who you are in private, what you are in public. You're not hiding anything.
Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven"
Integrity reflects the character of God. Shine the light of Jesus.
What else does it mean to be a person of integrity?
You sleep better at night--you have a clear conscious, no regrets. Job was a man of itegrity-- Job 27:5-6: "5I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity. 6I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live." I will not deny my integrity--my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.
Psalm 15:1-2, "1Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? who may live on your holy hill? 2He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart" A person of integrity is closer to God.
Okay, go with me for a second--you go to McD's and get back a dollar extra in change. Do you give it back? ....yes! that's what a person of integrity would do. even if it's JUST one measly dollar. Little things lead to big things, and God rewards integrity--Luke 16:10-11 "10 whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 so if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"
Acts 24:16 "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." Daniel 6:4 "At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent." They tried to find some dirt on Daniel--but there wasn't any. He lived his life so that he didn't have to try and hide anything. Make yourself a person who's not worried about being found out. Don't have anything you need to hide.
In Christ's love,
holly :o)
*scriptural references: Joe Bernardy*
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Fellowship
This is what so many Methodist* churches are wonderful at! It's a lot about the fellowship. We have fellowship halls, coffee hour, just tons of activities to be together, and for good reason. (*I only mention Methodists because I know a lot of those who come here are a type of Methodist however this is true about most churches)
Fellowship is one of the things that help us with our faith, yet is important to regonize the difference between a relationship with the people of the church and a personal relationship with God. Fellowship is great, I mean come on who can dispute
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
We all need our friends to help us in hard times. BUT!!! Great News!!!
We can have fellowship with God!!
He wants to be a friend. He wants to be a part of our lives. He knows it is difficult to live here on earth and not really understand what he really may want. Which there it helps to have friends to lean on, but friends alone are not going to always be there. We are all human and prone to failure. We all mess up! It's normal. (not that we really are. . .)
However God is there to hold us up, to support us, to love us, and to put us back on our feet.
Colossians 3:12
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
We are loved by God, and he wants the best for us. That's why he gives us that group of wonderful people who help us survive life. Those that challenge us, and even though they know us-love us. Being with those people in that fellowship is a small glipse of God's love for us. And the reason this blog exists! To keep some of those people for me accessible through more than random e-mails. Within fellowship there is strength and were would we be in life without strength?
I thank God for his love for me and the gift of my friends in whom I share an awesome fellowship!
God Bless!
Prayers~I'm traveling to Madison tomorrow for feminist lobby day and the WSMA convention, safe travels
your sister in Christ~Erin
Fellowship is one of the things that help us with our faith, yet is important to regonize the difference between a relationship with the people of the church and a personal relationship with God. Fellowship is great, I mean come on who can dispute
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
We all need our friends to help us in hard times. BUT!!! Great News!!!
We can have fellowship with God!!
He wants to be a friend. He wants to be a part of our lives. He knows it is difficult to live here on earth and not really understand what he really may want. Which there it helps to have friends to lean on, but friends alone are not going to always be there. We are all human and prone to failure. We all mess up! It's normal. (not that we really are. . .)
However God is there to hold us up, to support us, to love us, and to put us back on our feet.
Colossians 3:12
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
We are loved by God, and he wants the best for us. That's why he gives us that group of wonderful people who help us survive life. Those that challenge us, and even though they know us-love us. Being with those people in that fellowship is a small glipse of God's love for us. And the reason this blog exists! To keep some of those people for me accessible through more than random e-mails. Within fellowship there is strength and were would we be in life without strength?
I thank God for his love for me and the gift of my friends in whom I share an awesome fellowship!
God Bless!
Prayers~I'm traveling to Madison tomorrow for feminist lobby day and the WSMA convention, safe travels
your sister in Christ~Erin
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Eternity
Just a cool topic!
What is eternity? God is eternal. So to start off here are a few verses. . .
Isaiah 57:15
15 For this is what the high and lofty One says—
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
"I live in a high and holy place,
but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Psalm 30:12
12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Psalm 41:13
13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.
Psalm 72:17
17 May his name endure forever;
may it continue as long as the sun.
All nations will be blessed through him,
and they will call him blessed.
Psalm 90:2
2 Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
So God always was and always will be. Cool. . .
any thoughts?
(tangents off to fate, destiny, the end of this material world?)
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
Prayers~Happy 21st Birthday Matthew Goodness (the 25th)
What is eternity? God is eternal. So to start off here are a few verses. . .
Isaiah 57:15
15 For this is what the high and lofty One says—
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
"I live in a high and holy place,
but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Psalm 30:12
12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Psalm 41:13
13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.
Psalm 72:17
17 May his name endure forever;
may it continue as long as the sun.
All nations will be blessed through him,
and they will call him blessed.
Psalm 90:2
2 Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
So God always was and always will be. Cool. . .
any thoughts?
(tangents off to fate, destiny, the end of this material world?)
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
Prayers~Happy 21st Birthday Matthew Goodness (the 25th)
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Denominations
So this is a topic of interest to me. There are at least 9 significant denominations of Methodists*, google christian denominations and see what you get. . . over 50. Why are we so seperated? What is so important that each of us stays so far away from each other? There are several non-denomination churches that have started out there, yet for connections they are affilited with other non-denominational churches or several denominations. (*many of the people who visit this blog are some kind of methodist, but we do love everyone!)
We had an interesting conversation in my history class today about free trade and it's affects on today's economy. We all unanimously agreed that free trade just the way it is is not acceptable to our society today. That it created this gap between the rich and the poor that we don't want. Some say we can do nothing, that is inevitable where our society is going. Some of us however say we can change the direction of the world, with moral reform maybe, or standardized human rights, whatever it may be but we don't have to accept the system we have right now.
So what does this have to do with devotions to God? in Matthew 28, the great commission, Jesus tells us to go out and spread the good news!
The Great Commission
16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
also there are many other things that we can do in the world. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, help the sick, visit the imprisoned. These are all things Jesus encourages us to do.
This is hard!!!! Our busy lives! It's alot. however things are so much easier when we can lean on each other. if someone organizes a visit to the prisions it is easier for us to sign our name and go along verses going alone. We can support and help each other minister to the those Jesus wants us to. However why do we insist on having these little groups of Christians? What are so different about United Methodists compared to African Methodist Epicopal? Can we not talk and join forces? Work as a group of Christians to live out our faith for a better world?
These things may sound idealistic to many but they are possible. Jesus challenges us to do idealistic things, to push the boundries. We don't do these things alone, we have the creator of the universe with us! Pauls secret to life. . . (philippeans 4)
12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
We can make a difference but not alone!
God Bless!
~your sister in Christ~Erin
We had an interesting conversation in my history class today about free trade and it's affects on today's economy. We all unanimously agreed that free trade just the way it is is not acceptable to our society today. That it created this gap between the rich and the poor that we don't want. Some say we can do nothing, that is inevitable where our society is going. Some of us however say we can change the direction of the world, with moral reform maybe, or standardized human rights, whatever it may be but we don't have to accept the system we have right now.
So what does this have to do with devotions to God? in Matthew 28, the great commission, Jesus tells us to go out and spread the good news!
The Great Commission
16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
also there are many other things that we can do in the world. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, help the sick, visit the imprisoned. These are all things Jesus encourages us to do.
This is hard!!!! Our busy lives! It's alot. however things are so much easier when we can lean on each other. if someone organizes a visit to the prisions it is easier for us to sign our name and go along verses going alone. We can support and help each other minister to the those Jesus wants us to. However why do we insist on having these little groups of Christians? What are so different about United Methodists compared to African Methodist Epicopal? Can we not talk and join forces? Work as a group of Christians to live out our faith for a better world?
These things may sound idealistic to many but they are possible. Jesus challenges us to do idealistic things, to push the boundries. We don't do these things alone, we have the creator of the universe with us! Pauls secret to life. . . (philippeans 4)
12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
We can make a difference but not alone!
God Bless!
~your sister in Christ~Erin
Monday, October 24, 2005
Candles
For those pyromaniacs out there like me this is an interesting topic. Those who know me have probably seen my love for candles. I especially love to use them during worship. Candles are not just a method of creating light but oh so much more than they seem. Candles create a comfortable and warm atmosphere and create a method of lighting. They are also commonly used figuratively, we talk about the light from candles, lighting our path, our lives as a light, the word of God as a light. There are many different kinds and sizes of candle to produce weak or strong light, light that will last for only a short while, or lamps that can burn for days.
Another common way the Catholics use candles are for prayers and remembrance. While I was in NYC with my choir we visited St. Timothy's Cathedral and besides the beautiful architecture one thing that drew me in was all the little side alcoves. In one of the larger ones was a table full of candles. Some lit, some not. People would come in and lite them for whatever purpose they chose and then leave it. Candles hold so many purposes, they can be practical, symbolic, or whatever anyone wants to use them for.
One thing I like to do with groups is set out two tea lights for everyone at worship. I tell everyone to take some time to talk with God and when they are ready to come light their candle from the big one (the Christ candle) that represents God shining through them and it is a candle dedicated to themselves. The other one is for someone else. In memory, praying for someone, whatever it may be, that is their choice. Then when I blow them out individually I say a prayer for each candle. It is a fun calming and centering exercise that I find always helps set the stage for some wonderful worship.
In conclusion here are some verses about candles and light.
Psalm 119:105
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
Isaiah 62
1 For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet,
till her righteousness shines out like the dawn,
her salvation like a blazing torch.
Revelation 4:5
5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a] of God.
Exodus 27:21
21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the curtain that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the LORD from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come.
Please feel free to leave any fun stories (this little light of mine at camp with flashlights) or any thoughts you have!
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
*prayer request
1. My friend Justin was in a car accident recently and in a wheelchair for the next few months
2. I have been sick and am worse today, like missing class sick =(
Another common way the Catholics use candles are for prayers and remembrance. While I was in NYC with my choir we visited St. Timothy's Cathedral and besides the beautiful architecture one thing that drew me in was all the little side alcoves. In one of the larger ones was a table full of candles. Some lit, some not. People would come in and lite them for whatever purpose they chose and then leave it. Candles hold so many purposes, they can be practical, symbolic, or whatever anyone wants to use them for.
One thing I like to do with groups is set out two tea lights for everyone at worship. I tell everyone to take some time to talk with God and when they are ready to come light their candle from the big one (the Christ candle) that represents God shining through them and it is a candle dedicated to themselves. The other one is for someone else. In memory, praying for someone, whatever it may be, that is their choice. Then when I blow them out individually I say a prayer for each candle. It is a fun calming and centering exercise that I find always helps set the stage for some wonderful worship.
In conclusion here are some verses about candles and light.
Psalm 119:105
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
Isaiah 62
1 For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet,
till her righteousness shines out like the dawn,
her salvation like a blazing torch.
Revelation 4:5
5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a] of God.
Exodus 27:21
21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the curtain that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the LORD from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come.
Please feel free to leave any fun stories (this little light of mine at camp with flashlights) or any thoughts you have!
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
*prayer request
1. My friend Justin was in a car accident recently and in a wheelchair for the next few months
2. I have been sick and am worse today, like missing class sick =(
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Bable
Genesis 11:1-9
The Tower of Babel
1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As men moved eastward, [a] they found a plain in Shinar [b] and settled there.
3 They said to each other, "Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."
5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. 6 The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other."
8 So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel [c] —because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.
an interesting story. . . any thoughts?
god bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
The Tower of Babel
1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As men moved eastward, [a] they found a plain in Shinar [b] and settled there.
3 They said to each other, "Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."
5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. 6 The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other."
8 So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel [c] —because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.
an interesting story. . . any thoughts?
god bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Atonement
1 Peter 1:8-12
8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
atonement
at one ment
ah-tone-ment
the process of making right with god
old testement sacfices were made to atone for ones sins through the blood of normally an animal
new testement Jesus atones for our sins =atonement theory
this is something i have difficulty accepting. That a man, yes gods son therefore a remarkable man, however a man who died somehow atones for my sins if i believe in him because someone said so. I understand the theory i just don't buy it. Was this the purpose of Jesus? Did he come to die? Or did he come to live and teach and show us love? we get so wrapped up in his death. Is beliving in him the only way for my sins to be atoned? Doesn't that seem a little arogant? that every other world religion in wrong and we are right? Is there only one way?
any comments?
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
atonement
at one ment
ah-tone-ment
the process of making right with god
old testement sacfices were made to atone for ones sins through the blood of normally an animal
new testement Jesus atones for our sins =atonement theory
this is something i have difficulty accepting. That a man, yes gods son therefore a remarkable man, however a man who died somehow atones for my sins if i believe in him because someone said so. I understand the theory i just don't buy it. Was this the purpose of Jesus? Did he come to die? Or did he come to live and teach and show us love? we get so wrapped up in his death. Is beliving in him the only way for my sins to be atoned? Doesn't that seem a little arogant? that every other world religion in wrong and we are right? Is there only one way?
any comments?
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
Friday, October 21, 2005
Laos
Laos
Click to enlarge
In 1975 the Communist Pathet Lao took over this land and established a one-party state under the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. Although Laos is rich with natural resources and has great potential for foreign investment, growth is hampered by the socialist government's slow reforms. Eighty-five percent of the poLaos was taken over by the communist Pathet Lao in 1975. Although Laos is rich with natural resources and has great potential for foreign investment, growth is hampered by the government’s slow reforms.
Religion: Buddhist 61.05%, Traditional ethnic 31.20%, non-Religious/other 4.20%, Christian 1.85%, Muslim 1.10%, Chinese 0.50%, and Baha’i 0.10%
Ideological Influence: Communism
Head of State: President Gen. Khamtai Siphandon
Persecution: The three or four Christian churches in the capital city of Vientiane are considered potentially subversive and are closely monitored by the government. House-church meetings are raided, and Lao Christians are arrested, while foreign Christians are expelled. Communist leaders in some districts have implemented a program called “New Mechanism,” in which anyone who does not convert to Buddhism or animism is forcibly removed from their district. Christian villagers also have been forced to sign a document renouncing their faith. If they refuse, they are forced to leave their homes, and their property is either seized or destroyed.
Missionary Opportunity: The church has grown despite persecution and restrictions. There have been reports of entire villages turning to Christ. There has been a significant turning to Christ among the Hmong and Khmu people. pulation are subsistence farmers. Today, the three or four Christian churches in the capital city of Vientiane are considered potentially subversive and are closely monitored by the government. Communist leaders in some districts have recently implemented a program called "New Mechanism," in which anyone who does not convert to Buddhism or animism is forcibly removed from their district. Pray for salvation among Communist Party members.
1 Peter 5:8-10
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
Click to enlarge
In 1975 the Communist Pathet Lao took over this land and established a one-party state under the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. Although Laos is rich with natural resources and has great potential for foreign investment, growth is hampered by the socialist government's slow reforms. Eighty-five percent of the poLaos was taken over by the communist Pathet Lao in 1975. Although Laos is rich with natural resources and has great potential for foreign investment, growth is hampered by the government’s slow reforms.
Religion: Buddhist 61.05%, Traditional ethnic 31.20%, non-Religious/other 4.20%, Christian 1.85%, Muslim 1.10%, Chinese 0.50%, and Baha’i 0.10%
Ideological Influence: Communism
Head of State: President Gen. Khamtai Siphandon
Persecution: The three or four Christian churches in the capital city of Vientiane are considered potentially subversive and are closely monitored by the government. House-church meetings are raided, and Lao Christians are arrested, while foreign Christians are expelled. Communist leaders in some districts have implemented a program called “New Mechanism,” in which anyone who does not convert to Buddhism or animism is forcibly removed from their district. Christian villagers also have been forced to sign a document renouncing their faith. If they refuse, they are forced to leave their homes, and their property is either seized or destroyed.
Missionary Opportunity: The church has grown despite persecution and restrictions. There have been reports of entire villages turning to Christ. There has been a significant turning to Christ among the Hmong and Khmu people. pulation are subsistence farmers. Today, the three or four Christian churches in the capital city of Vientiane are considered potentially subversive and are closely monitored by the government. Communist leaders in some districts have recently implemented a program called "New Mechanism," in which anyone who does not convert to Buddhism or animism is forcibly removed from their district. Pray for salvation among Communist Party members.
1 Peter 5:8-10
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Priorities
John 12
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
1Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5"Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages.[b]" 6He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. " It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."
9Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.
This scripture says alot to me. What I really see in it though is priorities. It is one of my passions to go out and help as many people as I can. To help everyone that I meet who is in need, to tutor my friends, to offer advise and always always just love everyone. These are things that are included in living a Christian lifestyle and just part of me. All good things, but acts alone, even good and wonderful godly acts alone are still acts.
Also, this is not the first commandment. The first commandment is honor God. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and sometimes I know I forget that God is with me, that I need to keep him first in my life, not the idea of him, but actually him. To take time everyday to be quiet with him, to pray, to calm my soul and let him in on my life. To worship him, to praise him, to "waste my valuable" whatever it may be. Time perhaps. Mary is ridiculed by Judas for using a bottle of valuable perfume to anoint Jesus. Now Jesus may not be physically next to me to anoint with oil but I do not doubt the presence of God in my life and there are things of value that I posses that could be used in praising God.
We will very likely always have poor, and not to say we should not work for social justice, economic justice, or just a better world, however if you are not Christ centered we are going to fail. We are human and can not save the world alone. Only together with God (and hey, why not fellow believers and everyone you can get to help) can we help world hunger and make the world a better place.
God Bless,
your sister in Christ ~Erin
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
1Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5"Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages.[b]" 6He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. " It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."
9Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.
This scripture says alot to me. What I really see in it though is priorities. It is one of my passions to go out and help as many people as I can. To help everyone that I meet who is in need, to tutor my friends, to offer advise and always always just love everyone. These are things that are included in living a Christian lifestyle and just part of me. All good things, but acts alone, even good and wonderful godly acts alone are still acts.
Also, this is not the first commandment. The first commandment is honor God. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and sometimes I know I forget that God is with me, that I need to keep him first in my life, not the idea of him, but actually him. To take time everyday to be quiet with him, to pray, to calm my soul and let him in on my life. To worship him, to praise him, to "waste my valuable" whatever it may be. Time perhaps. Mary is ridiculed by Judas for using a bottle of valuable perfume to anoint Jesus. Now Jesus may not be physically next to me to anoint with oil but I do not doubt the presence of God in my life and there are things of value that I posses that could be used in praising God.
We will very likely always have poor, and not to say we should not work for social justice, economic justice, or just a better world, however if you are not Christ centered we are going to fail. We are human and can not save the world alone. Only together with God (and hey, why not fellow believers and everyone you can get to help) can we help world hunger and make the world a better place.
God Bless,
your sister in Christ ~Erin
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Rejoice!
Philipeans 4
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Hard words, at least for me. It is midterm week here at La Crosse which comes with exams, projects, speeches, and auditions. I know in all this stress it's hard to find time to sleep let alone rejoice in the Lord. I really struggle everyday with thinking about things which are pure and holy, things that are godly. I really struggle with making God a part of my day. This devotion is greatly helping me with that struggle, however I don't always post joyfully.
This is one of my favorite passages simply because it puts a finger in my face and says -hey, God is good and deserving of praise no matter how you're feeling! The world is bigger than me, than what i can think of. God's plans for my life are taking place every day yet somedays i don't even look. So on days when i am extra stressed i like to look to this passage, calm my soul alittle hanging with God and praising Him no matter if i feel like it or not.
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Hard words, at least for me. It is midterm week here at La Crosse which comes with exams, projects, speeches, and auditions. I know in all this stress it's hard to find time to sleep let alone rejoice in the Lord. I really struggle everyday with thinking about things which are pure and holy, things that are godly. I really struggle with making God a part of my day. This devotion is greatly helping me with that struggle, however I don't always post joyfully.
This is one of my favorite passages simply because it puts a finger in my face and says -hey, God is good and deserving of praise no matter how you're feeling! The world is bigger than me, than what i can think of. God's plans for my life are taking place every day yet somedays i don't even look. So on days when i am extra stressed i like to look to this passage, calm my soul alittle hanging with God and praising Him no matter if i feel like it or not.
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
John 4
John 4
Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman
1The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, 2although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.
4Now he had to go through Samaria. 5So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])
10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
11"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
15The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
16He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
17"I have no husband," she replied.
Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
19"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
21Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." 25The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us. 26Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."
straight from the teachings of Jesus. This is the example and the wisdom he gives us. I hate to go back to the same things many of us have heard so many times. How many times have we been told to go and sit with that person alone? I really don't like eating alone, though often have to and often see others eating alone too. . .
interesting scripture lesson, like many holding different things for many of us, what does it say to YOU?
God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman
1The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, 2although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.
4Now he had to go through Samaria. 5So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])
10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
11"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
15The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
16He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
17"I have no husband," she replied.
Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
19"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
21Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." 25The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us. 26Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."
straight from the teachings of Jesus. This is the example and the wisdom he gives us. I hate to go back to the same things many of us have heard so many times. How many times have we been told to go and sit with that person alone? I really don't like eating alone, though often have to and often see others eating alone too. . .
interesting scripture lesson, like many holding different things for many of us, what does it say to YOU?
God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Monday, October 17, 2005
Celtic Prayer
You are the peace of all things calm
You are the place to hide from harm
You are the light that shines in dark
You are the heart's eternal spark
You are the door that's open wide
You are the guest who waits inside
You are the stranger at the door
You are the calling of the poor
You are my Lord and with me from ill
You are the light, the truth, the way
You are my Saviour this very day
Exodus 3:14
14 God said to Moses, "I am who I am . [a] This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' "
hard to find words to describe God, yet it is a human trait to want understanding. This beautiful poem gives us a glimpse of human understand, and Exodus gives us another bit. I am who I am.
Who is God to YOU?
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
You are the place to hide from harm
You are the light that shines in dark
You are the heart's eternal spark
You are the door that's open wide
You are the guest who waits inside
You are the stranger at the door
You are the calling of the poor
You are my Lord and with me from ill
You are the light, the truth, the way
You are my Saviour this very day
Exodus 3:14
14 God said to Moses, "I am who I am . [a] This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' "
hard to find words to describe God, yet it is a human trait to want understanding. This beautiful poem gives us a glimpse of human understand, and Exodus gives us another bit. I am who I am.
Who is God to YOU?
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Mercy
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[f] 23"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents[g] was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii.[h] He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
29"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
30"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
i think this speaks for itself, though is difficult to hear. . . yet many parables are. . .
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[f] 23"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents[g] was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii.[h] He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
29"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
30"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
i think this speaks for itself, though is difficult to hear. . . yet many parables are. . .
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Comfort
Isaiah 49:12-13 (New International Version)
12 See, they will come from afar—
some from the north, some from the west,
some from the region of Aswan. [a] "
13 Shout for joy, O heavens;
rejoice, O earth;
burst into song, O mountains!
For the LORD comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
Looking back through the old testement stories we are shown a people's struggle to be rightous. Yet after all of their offences, after all of their stubborness towards God, after all of their downfalls and struggles God never leaves them. He never abandons them even when they abandon him. It is amazing the patience and dilligent care of God for his people. Isaiah is a prophet trying to bring the people back to God and away from their pagan religions they have slipped back into, his message is not a message just of fear and distruction but also of comfort. Rejoice for God does not give up on us as he has not given up on any of his children. God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
12 See, they will come from afar—
some from the north, some from the west,
some from the region of Aswan. [a] "
13 Shout for joy, O heavens;
rejoice, O earth;
burst into song, O mountains!
For the LORD comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
Looking back through the old testement stories we are shown a people's struggle to be rightous. Yet after all of their offences, after all of their stubborness towards God, after all of their downfalls and struggles God never leaves them. He never abandons them even when they abandon him. It is amazing the patience and dilligent care of God for his people. Isaiah is a prophet trying to bring the people back to God and away from their pagan religions they have slipped back into, his message is not a message just of fear and distruction but also of comfort. Rejoice for God does not give up on us as he has not given up on any of his children. God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
Friday, October 14, 2005
Activists
Luke 6:46-49
46 "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? 47 Every one who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep, and laid the foundation upon rock; and when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But he who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
A great verse to point out Jesus did encouraged us to act, not only encouraged almost required us to act. We believe that our salvation doesn't come from our actions, a normal idea in our time, yet hard for us to really grasp. However the major religions at the time (and Christianity later in History) taught salvation was attained through your actions. You needed to be a rightous person and keep the laws. Jesus taught that he came to bring salvation to all. However this does not excuse us from living a godly life and doing what we please. As Jesus points out here, a person who has their foundation built in God will act on his teachings, things such as Matthew 25, the story of helping those sick, hungry, and in prison because they are Christ also. If we simply hear the words of God and do not ACT upon hearing it, what we believe will fall apart like a house without a foundation.
So a good get to know you question if anyone is interested in getting to know each other better. . .
~If you could set your own schedule what time would you get up in the morning?
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
46 "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? 47 Every one who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep, and laid the foundation upon rock; and when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But he who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
A great verse to point out Jesus did encouraged us to act, not only encouraged almost required us to act. We believe that our salvation doesn't come from our actions, a normal idea in our time, yet hard for us to really grasp. However the major religions at the time (and Christianity later in History) taught salvation was attained through your actions. You needed to be a rightous person and keep the laws. Jesus taught that he came to bring salvation to all. However this does not excuse us from living a godly life and doing what we please. As Jesus points out here, a person who has their foundation built in God will act on his teachings, things such as Matthew 25, the story of helping those sick, hungry, and in prison because they are Christ also. If we simply hear the words of God and do not ACT upon hearing it, what we believe will fall apart like a house without a foundation.
So a good get to know you question if anyone is interested in getting to know each other better. . .
~If you could set your own schedule what time would you get up in the morning?
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
Thursday, October 13, 2005
China
China was declared the People’s Republic of China in 1949 by Chairman Mao Zedong, who quickly sought to purge society of anything that would point to religion, causing China’s people to endure great hardship ever since. China’s human rights record is one of the worst in the world. Its system of “re-education through labor” detains hundreds of thousands each year in work camps without even a court hearing.
Religion: Non-Religious/other 49.58%, Chinese 28.50%, Buddhist 8.38%, Christian 7.25%, Traditional ethnic 4.29%, and Muslim 2.0%
Ideological Influence: Communism
Head of State: Hu Jintao succeeded Jiang Zemin as President at the 16th Communist Party Congress in November 2002.
Persecution: Through China’s “strike-hard” policy, more Christians are in prison or under detention than in any other country. The confiscation of church property and Bibles continues, even Bibles officially printed by the government. The house-church movement (illegally unregistered churches), which comprises approximately 90% of China’s Christians, endures unimaginable persecution yet stands on its commitment to preach the gospel no matter the cost. A major crackdown against unregistered church groups continued in 2004. Several hundred Christians were arrested during late spring and summer. A 28-year-old Christian teacher and a 34-year-old female evangelist were among Christians beaten to death while in police custody in 2004. Missionary Opportunity: Bibles are still in great demand; and the need for hymnals, tracts, apologetic materials, Bible study and other teaching materials is high.
(China Aid Association)
State security agents threatened Christian businessman, Tong Qimiao, while he was being hospitalized for a broken chest bone, caused by brutal torture. The agents showed Mr. Tong China Aid Association's news release on his case and forced him to write a statement that he was never beaten during interrogation. The officials of the Bureau of Industry and Commerce also showed up at the emergency room and threatened him that his license would be revoked unless he cooperated with the state security agents. Mr. Tong Qimiao was so seriously beaten by the state security agents on September 30th that his chest bone was broken. Reliable sources told CAA that Mr. Tong and his family would not give in and they would file a lawsuit against the agents. "We are shocked by what happened to Mr. Tong, and it is even more inhumane and barbarian that this happened in the hospital," said Bob Fu, President of China Aid Association. "This kind of case happens as the Chinese government is ambitiously developing the Western region. We urge the Chinese government to take exact steps to protect people's freedom of religion, which is enshrined in the Constitution of the People's Republic of China."
Thank God for living in a part of the world that we don't often face physical danger for following him!
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Angels
I believe God sends people into our lives when we need them, not just anyone but one special person (or two, but by individuals). In my life experience I have had what I believe to be more than my fair share of these people, but I feel totally blessed to know them. Today I want to especially thank God for the "angels" he has sent into my life and for him being available to be my best friend too.
The other awesome thing about Christianity is explained in this verse. . .
Galatians 3:26 - for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
therefore if as Christians we are all children of God we are all family. I am your sister, and you are my family. We share a common father and we share love, a love of the most wonderful family. I am delighted to be your sister and excited for what we can accomplish as a family, support for each other and support for the rest of God's creation.
Here is a compilation of verses and quotes on friends.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one. . . if one falls down, his friend can help him up. A three fold cord is not quickly broken.
John 15:15 -
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
John 15:13 -
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Proverbs 17:17 -
A friend loves at all times
Exodus 33:11 -
Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tent.
Aristole
Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.
Aristole
Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods.
Joseph B. Wirthlin
Our friends should be companions who inspire us, who help us rise to our best.
Henry David Thoreau
The language of friendship is not words but meanings.
Thomas Jefferson
I have never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as a cause for withdrawing from a friendship.
Czech proverb
Do not protect yourself by a fence, but rather by your friends.
Mother Teresa
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud.
God Bless, your sister in Christ~Erin
The other awesome thing about Christianity is explained in this verse. . .
Galatians 3:26 - for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
therefore if as Christians we are all children of God we are all family. I am your sister, and you are my family. We share a common father and we share love, a love of the most wonderful family. I am delighted to be your sister and excited for what we can accomplish as a family, support for each other and support for the rest of God's creation.
Here is a compilation of verses and quotes on friends.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one. . . if one falls down, his friend can help him up. A three fold cord is not quickly broken.
John 15:15 -
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
John 15:13 -
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Proverbs 17:17 -
A friend loves at all times
Exodus 33:11 -
Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tent.
Aristole
Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.
Aristole
Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods.
Joseph B. Wirthlin
Our friends should be companions who inspire us, who help us rise to our best.
Henry David Thoreau
The language of friendship is not words but meanings.
Thomas Jefferson
I have never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as a cause for withdrawing from a friendship.
Czech proverb
Do not protect yourself by a fence, but rather by your friends.
Mother Teresa
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud.
God Bless, your sister in Christ~Erin
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
John
John 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
There is a beautiful Hovland piece with these lerics which is an amazing moving to experience. I really like this passage and it has so much to say. It discusses the trinity, the fulfillment of prophechy by John, and Jesus coming into the world. God's untimate plan. What I find interesting however is how it descibes Christs coming, being made flesh and dwelling amound the people, then going back to vs 11, his own recieved him not. Yet it never talks about his death or dying as a sacrifice. Vs 12 tells us that those that recieve him become sons (children) of God, even those who believe on his name. Very interesting, any thoughts?
God Bless, your sister in Christ~Erin
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
There is a beautiful Hovland piece with these lerics which is an amazing moving to experience. I really like this passage and it has so much to say. It discusses the trinity, the fulfillment of prophechy by John, and Jesus coming into the world. God's untimate plan. What I find interesting however is how it descibes Christs coming, being made flesh and dwelling amound the people, then going back to vs 11, his own recieved him not. Yet it never talks about his death or dying as a sacrifice. Vs 12 tells us that those that recieve him become sons (children) of God, even those who believe on his name. Very interesting, any thoughts?
God Bless, your sister in Christ~Erin
Monday, October 10, 2005
Temptations
Luke 4
1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit 2 for forty days in the wilderness, tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing in those days; and when they were ended, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." 4 And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'" 5 And the devil took him up, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, "To you I will give all this authority and their glory; for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it shall all be yours." 8 And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'" 9 And he took him to Jerusalem, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here; 10 for it is written, 'He will give his angels charge of you, to guard you,' 11 and 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" 12 And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" 13 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.
This is a devotion sent to me by one of our campus ministries and i thought it was thought provoking. . .
The beginning of chapter 4 says plainly, Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit.
Strangely, Jesus is led by this Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Most of us think that spirit-filled persons are not tempted. Wrong.
Jesus’ temptations were three:
1. Turn stones into bread. Use your God-given gifts to meet all human need.
2. Bow down to Satanic ways to gain power over all nations.
3. Put yourself in harms way to see if God will rescue you.
If you are trying to be a person enabled by God’s spirit, here are some things to think about in light of Jesus’ life:
1. The spirit-filled person will be tempted.
To tempt means to entice someone to commit and unwise or immoral act, especially by promise of reward. To try, to test, to lure.
The spirit-filled person will be more likely to be visionary than most people. Once a person has a vision of how life can be better, temptation starts banging at the door. People who are content and who have no aspirations will have lower levels of temptation. Jesus was not content to see people hungry, oppressed by other nations, or abandoned by a distant god, so he was vulnerable to the temptations that Satan offered.
2. The spirit-filled person will be tempted through their strengths.
We popularly think that temptation comes through our weakness. Wrong. I am not tempted to take steroids because I am not a cross-country skier. If I were in contention and victory was calculated by hundredths of a second I might be tempted to try for that extra edge. Jesus’ special gifts opened him up to special temptations. Our powers and strengths are the occasion of important temptations.
3. Temptation is deceptively attractive. The temptations which come to us have a very attractive face. An example is the case of the Church in Germany in the early 1930’s. Many theologians of that time believed in the perfectibility of the human race, that Germany was called to civilize the world, and that they had a divine mission to achieve this end. What church leaders and pastors did not realize was that these ideas fit perfectly into Hitler’s plan of unifying the churches to preach German racial superiority and a divinely given mission.
By 1934 this became apparent and both Lutheran and Reformed church leaders across the nation gathered to frame the Barmen Declaration which opposed Hitler’s policies in the name of the gospel. By that time it was too late. Justo L. Gonzales, in his book The Story Of Christianity says: Pastors critical of the government were drafted into the army and sent to the battle front, all professors in German Universities were required to sign a statement of unconditional support for the Reich and Martin Niemoller, pastor in Berlin and outspoken critic of the government, was arrested---he would remain in prison for eight years. (San Francisco: Harpers, 1985) pp. 364-365.
My point is that the temptations for the church in Germany at first looked very attractive. In America right now when patriotism, military power and the desire to get the terrorists are all very popular themes we must be careful not to let our own might and power become our god. We must continue both to combat terrorism and reach out to oppressed persons and groups .
this is a new way of looking at this scripture to me and i found it very insightful. Especially the 1st temptation.
The story of Jesus being tempted in the desert is generally well known, however when i read it today is spoke to me differently. God Bless,
yoru sister in Christ~Erin
1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit 2 for forty days in the wilderness, tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing in those days; and when they were ended, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." 4 And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'" 5 And the devil took him up, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, "To you I will give all this authority and their glory; for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it shall all be yours." 8 And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'" 9 And he took him to Jerusalem, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here; 10 for it is written, 'He will give his angels charge of you, to guard you,' 11 and 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" 12 And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" 13 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.
This is a devotion sent to me by one of our campus ministries and i thought it was thought provoking. . .
The beginning of chapter 4 says plainly, Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit.
Strangely, Jesus is led by this Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Most of us think that spirit-filled persons are not tempted. Wrong.
Jesus’ temptations were three:
1. Turn stones into bread. Use your God-given gifts to meet all human need.
2. Bow down to Satanic ways to gain power over all nations.
3. Put yourself in harms way to see if God will rescue you.
If you are trying to be a person enabled by God’s spirit, here are some things to think about in light of Jesus’ life:
1. The spirit-filled person will be tempted.
To tempt means to entice someone to commit and unwise or immoral act, especially by promise of reward. To try, to test, to lure.
The spirit-filled person will be more likely to be visionary than most people. Once a person has a vision of how life can be better, temptation starts banging at the door. People who are content and who have no aspirations will have lower levels of temptation. Jesus was not content to see people hungry, oppressed by other nations, or abandoned by a distant god, so he was vulnerable to the temptations that Satan offered.
2. The spirit-filled person will be tempted through their strengths.
We popularly think that temptation comes through our weakness. Wrong. I am not tempted to take steroids because I am not a cross-country skier. If I were in contention and victory was calculated by hundredths of a second I might be tempted to try for that extra edge. Jesus’ special gifts opened him up to special temptations. Our powers and strengths are the occasion of important temptations.
3. Temptation is deceptively attractive. The temptations which come to us have a very attractive face. An example is the case of the Church in Germany in the early 1930’s. Many theologians of that time believed in the perfectibility of the human race, that Germany was called to civilize the world, and that they had a divine mission to achieve this end. What church leaders and pastors did not realize was that these ideas fit perfectly into Hitler’s plan of unifying the churches to preach German racial superiority and a divinely given mission.
By 1934 this became apparent and both Lutheran and Reformed church leaders across the nation gathered to frame the Barmen Declaration which opposed Hitler’s policies in the name of the gospel. By that time it was too late. Justo L. Gonzales, in his book The Story Of Christianity says: Pastors critical of the government were drafted into the army and sent to the battle front, all professors in German Universities were required to sign a statement of unconditional support for the Reich and Martin Niemoller, pastor in Berlin and outspoken critic of the government, was arrested---he would remain in prison for eight years. (San Francisco: Harpers, 1985) pp. 364-365.
My point is that the temptations for the church in Germany at first looked very attractive. In America right now when patriotism, military power and the desire to get the terrorists are all very popular themes we must be careful not to let our own might and power become our god. We must continue both to combat terrorism and reach out to oppressed persons and groups .
this is a new way of looking at this scripture to me and i found it very insightful. Especially the 1st temptation.
The story of Jesus being tempted in the desert is generally well known, however when i read it today is spoke to me differently. God Bless,
yoru sister in Christ~Erin
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Prayer
I have had quite a few people ask me how to pray. . .
prayer is fascinating. To have the opportunity to communicate with the creator of the universe is one of most beautiful things in the world. There are many forms of communication. . . speech, written, art, music, to name a few.
here are a few verses on prayer
Job 22:27 - You will make your prayer to him, and he will hear you; and you will pay your vows
Matthew 21:22 - And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.
Acts 14:23 - And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they believed.
Romans 1:9 - For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers,
2 Corinthians 1:11 - You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us in answer to many prayers.
James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects.
prayer has so many uses. . .
when you are happy, share your joy with God
when you are sad, share your sorrows with God
when you are hurt, share your pain with God
when you are searching, share your thoughts with God
when you are tired, lay on his shoulder and sleep
when you are frustrated, vent to God
when you are in need, ask from God
when you are content, smile with God
when you are excited, share your plans with God
when you are sitting there going through your daily life, remember God is sitting with you
Prayer is communication,
take some time, as much as you and God need,
calm yourself and take some time to pray
God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin
prayer is fascinating. To have the opportunity to communicate with the creator of the universe is one of most beautiful things in the world. There are many forms of communication. . . speech, written, art, music, to name a few.
here are a few verses on prayer
Job 22:27 - You will make your prayer to him, and he will hear you; and you will pay your vows
Matthew 21:22 - And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.
Acts 14:23 - And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they believed.
Romans 1:9 - For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers,
2 Corinthians 1:11 - You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us in answer to many prayers.
James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects.
prayer has so many uses. . .
when you are happy, share your joy with God
when you are sad, share your sorrows with God
when you are hurt, share your pain with God
when you are searching, share your thoughts with God
when you are tired, lay on his shoulder and sleep
when you are frustrated, vent to God
when you are in need, ask from God
when you are content, smile with God
when you are excited, share your plans with God
when you are sitting there going through your daily life, remember God is sitting with you
Prayer is communication,
take some time, as much as you and God need,
calm yourself and take some time to pray
God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Life. . .
We are not human beings on a spiritual journey.
We are spiritual beings on a human journey.
-Stephen Covey
Titus 2:12 - training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions,
and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world,
Romans 12
2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I bid every one among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith which God has assigned him.
We often make analogies to life as a path, road, and a journey. We also seek the purpose of life. There are many good peoms that take different approaches to this thought, the most famous of which being "Footprints" yet there are others out there. It could be an interesting converstation, how do you see God in your life? How do you view your life? Afterlife?
God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin
We are spiritual beings on a human journey.
-Stephen Covey
Titus 2:12 - training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions,
and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world,
Romans 12
2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I bid every one among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith which God has assigned him.
We often make analogies to life as a path, road, and a journey. We also seek the purpose of life. There are many good peoms that take different approaches to this thought, the most famous of which being "Footprints" yet there are others out there. It could be an interesting converstation, how do you see God in your life? How do you view your life? Afterlife?
God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Friday, October 07, 2005
Sudan
SUDAN
Sudan is Africa’s largest country. The Muslim government of Khartoum in the North declared a jihad against the mostly Christian South. Since 1985, approximately two million have perished due to the war and genocide.
Religion: Muslim 65.00%, Christian 23.19%, Traditional ethnic 10.61%, and non-Religious/other 1.20%
Ideological Influence: Islam
Head of State: President Lt. Gen. Umar Hasan Ahmad al-Bashir
Persecution: Deliberate attempts to eliminate a viable Christian presence have been extreme and have included the bombing of Sunday school services, as well as the destruction of hospitals, schools, churches and Christian villages. Pastors and church leaders have been killed. Men, women and children have been threatened with death or torture if they refuse to convert to Islam.
Missionary Opportunity: In the midst of these atrocities, the Body of Christ in Sudan is growing. Massive population movements have broken down barriers of customs and languages to bring many to Christ from unreached peoples. Expatriate missionary activity has decreased, and few missionaries remain. Only a lowprofile spiritual ministry and aid program have been permitted in Khartoum and a few outlying areas. Many ministries are also taking in help to those displaced in the Nuba Mountains and South Sudan.
2 Thessalonians 3:1
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.
There are brothers and sisters suffering from hunger, AIDs, and oppression. Pray for them and seek out ways you can help them. One very simple and easy way is to visit www.thehungersite.com and click for free food everyday. God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Worry
I have lately found myself over stressed and frustrated with life. I worry so much about how I am going to accomplish everything I need to do and focus on myself. To try and relax i like to sit back and listen to some music, maybe part of a disney movie, or write. This scripture is referenced in a few differnt songs i like to listen to and helps me remember where my priorities shoud ly. That i can relax, lay some things on God, and let him worry about tomorrow. God Bless!
your sister in Christ ~Erin
Matthew 6
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. 34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.
your sister in Christ ~Erin
Matthew 6
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. 34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Amazing Love
All through the bible and especially in the New Testament is a theme of love.
Love is a very essential part of my personal relationship with God, and one the the miracles I witness daily is the love that my friends are able to exhibit to me. This love is possible through God. So here are a few verses describing love in the bible.
Songs of Solomon 8
6 Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love
is strong as death, jealousy is cruel as the grave. Its flashes are
flashes of fire, a most vehement flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench
love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the
wealth of his house, it would be utterly scorned.
1 John 4
4 Little children, you are of God, and have overcome them; for he who
is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the
world, therefore what they say is of the world, and the world listens
to them. 6 We are of God.
7 Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who
loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not
know God; for God is love.
1 Corinthians 13
4 Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; 5 it is
not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not
irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices
in the right. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all
things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends; as for prophecies, they
will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it
will pass away. 9 For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is
imperfect; 10 but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass
away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a
child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up
childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to
face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I
have been fully understood. 13 So faith, hope, love abide, these
three; but the greatest of these is love.
Love to me is such a hardconcept to grasp.
The word love has a wide variety of uses in our
American culture. We have friendship love, relationship love, family
love, and godly love or 1st corinthians love. It is hard for me to imgine
the creator of the universe caring or even loving me, yet he loves each and
every one of us personally.
Some say like a father, but God's love is really undefinable. The
important thing i get from love is it is always there or unconditional.
God will never stop loving us. We are hischildren and nothing we do
can make him love us MORE or LESS. God's love does not rely on
our actions, he loves us for who we honestly are. Amazing.
Something I don't quite understand but none the less is there
and a brilliant source of energy and inspiration.
The part in 1st John brings up showing God's love to others, many
people can not grasp God's love for them. However if he can use us
to help illistrate it on even a simple level, together with God anything is possible.
God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Love is a very essential part of my personal relationship with God, and one the the miracles I witness daily is the love that my friends are able to exhibit to me. This love is possible through God. So here are a few verses describing love in the bible.
Songs of Solomon 8
6 Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love
is strong as death, jealousy is cruel as the grave. Its flashes are
flashes of fire, a most vehement flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench
love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the
wealth of his house, it would be utterly scorned.
1 John 4
4 Little children, you are of God, and have overcome them; for he who
is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the
world, therefore what they say is of the world, and the world listens
to them. 6 We are of God.
7 Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who
loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not
know God; for God is love.
1 Corinthians 13
4 Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; 5 it is
not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not
irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices
in the right. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all
things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends; as for prophecies, they
will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it
will pass away. 9 For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is
imperfect; 10 but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass
away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a
child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up
childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to
face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I
have been fully understood. 13 So faith, hope, love abide, these
three; but the greatest of these is love.
Love to me is such a hardconcept to grasp.
The word love has a wide variety of uses in our
American culture. We have friendship love, relationship love, family
love, and godly love or 1st corinthians love. It is hard for me to imgine
the creator of the universe caring or even loving me, yet he loves each and
every one of us personally.
Some say like a father, but God's love is really undefinable. The
important thing i get from love is it is always there or unconditional.
God will never stop loving us. We are hischildren and nothing we do
can make him love us MORE or LESS. God's love does not rely on
our actions, he loves us for who we honestly are. Amazing.
Something I don't quite understand but none the less is there
and a brilliant source of energy and inspiration.
The part in 1st John brings up showing God's love to others, many
people can not grasp God's love for them. However if he can use us
to help illistrate it on even a simple level, together with God anything is possible.
God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
holly dow
I guess I feel like I slacked a bit on the "get you to know you" part i did real quick. So... here I am! I'm a freshman at the Universiy of Wisconsin Eau-Claire, originally from Waterloo, a little town just east of Madison. Right now I'm a music therapy major... but will probably be changing that. Possibly religious studies or something that would be condusive for mission work? music minor maybe? I'm really not sure. I love Jesus and know I need His teachings and Light to live the life I want to. My beleif-system / view of God was turned upside-down this last year, so I still believe--but am just reshaping exactly what I believe little by little, questioning things and asking "why?" a lot. I do love hugs--they do wonders. yay! hope that helped you get to know me a hair better. :o)
-holly
-holly
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Cameron
So I have just became friends with Erin. And I also know Erika. They have both helped me a lot with my relationship with God. But I still struggle everyday with taht belief. Oh a little about me, I am 15 1/2 and a sophomore at Wilmot Union High School. So Erika that makes me the youngest. I am planning on just checking this every so often. I hope to gain a bigger belief in God.
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