Archive for the ‘Relationship with God’ category

Are You Seeking After God?

March 15th, 2010
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As I was reading today, this passage struck me:

As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

Romans 3:10-12 (emphasis added)

God forgive me! I know that very often I don’t truly seek God. I seek his favor. I seek his gifts. I seek knowledge of him. I search for satisfaction of my needs and desires and longings and. And I search for the feeling of being close to God.

But I don’t really seek God. At least not as much as I’d like. And certainly not with as much purity of heart as God deserves.

How about you?

Do you seek God? Or do you seek “stuff?”

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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…

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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?

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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.

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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?

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