What do you daydream about? Is it something far-fetched, or something that might actually happen?
Submitted by lost_in_eternity2207.
Designing things; it runs thick in my blood, and I get so excited about design possibilities.
What's the best thing about your mom?
Wow! My mom is really great; she's very sweet spirited, and a very Godly woman. She's so commited to her family, and prays for each one of us everyday......what's not to like about my mom?
Love you, Mom! Happy Mother's Day!
C:
Thanks Pastor Todd!
May 9, 2008
Good Morning Saints,
8 As I live, says the Lord God, you abandoned my flock, leaving them to be attacked and destroyed, and you were no real shepherds at all, for you didn't search for them. You fed yourselves and let them starve; Ezekiel 34:8 (TLB)
Cowboys drive cattle but Shepherds lead sheep. There is a huge difference between the two, but we often find ourselves confusing them when it comes to the ministry we are serving in for the Lord. He has called us to be shepherds not cowboys. Do you want to determine whether you are a cowboy or a shepherd? Well, what is your reaction when people fail to perform up to your expectations? Are you irritated by their failure, or driven to your knees in intercession? Are you motivated by the law or are you motivated by grace?
16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. John 1:16-17 (NLT)
Jesus, like Moses gave us the truth but shrouded it in grace and it is a grace that is unbroken and never exhausted. If that is what we have received from the Lord then how could our approach in ministering to others be anything less? When our primary objective in ministry is to help people toward an intimate relationship with Christ, the tone of our service will be that of tender care rather than demands for rigid compliance.
It is when we view people as another block in the building of a larger organization, or enhancing our image as a spiritual leader; that those under our charge will be driven toward external conformity rather than nurtured toward internal transformation. The people God has trusted to our care will be driven like cattle rather than led like sheep.
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. John 21:15-17 (NLT)
Jesus is saying the best way to express your love for Him is to feed His sheep. Shepherd His flock. That was Peter’s calling and that is our calling as well. Are you a shepherd of God’s people or are you some kind of cowboy?
Rev Todd
May 8, 2008
Good Morning Saints,
26 I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, 27 for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know. Acts 20:26-27 (NLT)
Have you ever picked cherries? The idea is to choose the ripe ones while ignoring the rest. Some of us "cherry pick" the Scriptures by selecting the truths we like while disregarding the others. And what we like to pick from the Scriptures are the truths that insure God's promises of material blessings, healing, and general well-being, while ignoring His demands for separation from sin; living a life of integrity, purity, and servanthood.
If we are "cherry picking" the Scriptures, we are guilty of reducing the Word of God and Jesus Christ to a servile role that makes us His Lord instead of the other way around.
Paul, in preaching God's Word resisted the temptation to "cherry pick" the Scriptures: 27 for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.
I can tell you that I know first hand the temptation to pick Scripture that will make me popular instead of challenging. I cannot tell you how many times my wife and I have been on the receiving end of people’s anger because we preach the whole counsel of God. These people who supposedly have been touched by the love of Christ have used gossip and downright meanness to sully our reputation as Christians and Pastors. Apparently Scriptural "cherry picking" has dulled their conscience to make such behavior palatable.
Paul cautioned us, 13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:13 (NLT) Peter spoke to the same issue, 16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. 1 Peter 2:16 (NLT)
Let me ask you this; are you ruthlessly applying all the Scriptures to your life, or are you selectively "cherry picking" the ones that pander to your self-absorbed lifestyle? The next time you are tempted to soften your stance on integrity by "cherry-picking" the Scriptures, keep in mind Jesus' warning, 19 And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book. Revelation 22:19 (NLT)
Rev Todd
Has anyone ever done something so horrible to you that "I'm sorry" couldn't fix it?
No, but almost! If I intend on keeping my sanity, I have to forgive, 'cuz that's the way God wants it. I guess it makes sense to forgive, so my mind isn't so jumbled with how I'm gonna get my revenge. Too counterproductive, I think. Yeah, forgiveness is the way to go....
C:
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