Archive for the ‘Relationship with God’ category

« Older Entries

Poverty of Faith Leads to Blessing

January 6th, 2010

As we enter the new year, I would like to challenge you to make sure you are doing some spiritual exercises so that you grow in your faith:

  • Read the Bible
  • Spend time in Prayer and Worship
  • Spend time with other followers of Jesus
  • Share your faith and Serve others

If you’ve never read the entire Bible, I would recommend that you do it this year. I’m reading through the Bible on YouVersion.com this year. For the plan I’m using, click here. It’ll get you through the Bible in a year (if you follow it) and has some “grace space” built in so that if you miss a day, you can catch up.

That said, if you haven’t spent any time in the Bible today, consider meditating on the passage below. Ask God what he’s saying and how you can be a part of his plan.

Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Lord, God, may you grant us the grace to see our own poverty – in resource, in belief, in grace, and in humility – so that we may exchange it for the treasure that is you.

Until next time…

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Comments »

Posted in Relationship with God

Tags:

Christ is Always With Us

December 28th, 2009

Christ is always with us.

Let’s take a little time to meditate on that today. Let’s take some time to be aware of his presence in our lives.

A prayer to get started:

Lord Jesus Christ, God incarnate, born of a virgin and crucified for our sins so that we might be in perfect relationship with God, with each other, and with all of creation, help us to be aware of your constant presence in our lives today and this week. In our difficulties, remind us that you are our strength. In our celebrations and joy, remind us that you are the source of all joy. In our loneliness, remind us that we are never truly alone.

God’s presence is a wonderful thing for a follower of Jesus of Nazareth. God is the source of our hope (Psalm 62:5), our joy (Psalm 16:11), our faith, and our peace (Isaiah 26:3). His presence is the consummation of all beauty and logic and wisdom. It is our strength ever-present in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Are we Aware?

» Read more: Christ is Always With Us

Comments »

Posted in Relationship with God

Tags:

How do You fit into the Christmas Story?

December 25th, 2009

It’s Christmas and it’s time to be challenged.

This is a great article by Jonathan Pearson.  Check out the excerpt below.

Luke 2:17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,

The shepherds had just witnessed the most amazing event in human history.Nothing in the course of human history had been as important as seeing Christ…nothing has been as important since.Notice the shepherds’ response to the situation…..

via What’s Your Response? | JonathanPearson.net.

Continue reading to find out how Jonathan challenges us.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Comments »

Posted in Relationship with God

Tags:

Christmas Reminds us that Jesus will Return

December 23rd, 2009

I’m sure many of us are getting ready for Christmas. After all, it’s just a couple days away. I wonder, in our preparation for Christmas, if we’ve spent time in the Bible and in prayer.

This Advent, as I’ve been remembering Christ’s incarnation, and looking forward to his second coming, I’ve been drawn to the story of the Magi (wise men). Let’s take a look this small passage and ask ourselves some questions:

  • Why did Matthew concern himself with the story of the Magi (why is it in the Bible)?
  • Can I relate to the Magi? Am I looking for a king?
  • Am I aware of the times and seasons?
  • Do I have an expectation of Christ’s return?
  • What is my response to God’s word in prayer and action?
  • Is there somebody I can share this with?

The Word of God

Matthew 2:1,2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

Our Response

So, how about it? The Bible is God’s word to mankind. Here’s your chance to respond to it. (Comments, questions, answers, and suggestions are welcome.)

Why did Matthew concern himself with the story of the Magi (why is it in the Bible)?
Can I relate to the Magi? Am I looking for a king?
Am I aware of the times and seasons?
Do I have an expectation of Christ’s return?
What is my response to God’s word in prayer and action?
Is there somebody I can share this with?

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Comments »

Posted in Relationship with God

Tags:

Luke 3:4-14

December 16th, 2009

Have you spent any time with the Bible today? Any time in prayer?

If not, consider the short passage below. And as you do, ask yourself these questions:

  1. Do I identify with anybody in the story?
  2. What is my response to God in action?
  3. What is my response to God in prayer?
  4. Is there somebody I can share this with?

Luke 3:4-14 (NIV)
As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
“A voice of one calling in the desert,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.

Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.

And all mankind will see God’s salvation.

continue reading…

Comments Welcome

Here we go! Now is your chance to respond to the Bible. Your comments and answers to these questions are welcome.

Do you identify with anybody in the story?
Is there anything about the passage you don’t understand?
What is your response to God in action?
What is your response to God in prayer?
Is there somebody you can share this with?

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Comments »

Posted in Relationship with God

Tags: