Just Continue That Thought...

A thought by Mark Batterson, (2014-09-02) from his book, The Grave Robber: How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible (p. 68). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) And I don’t always get an A on this test.   I don’t always react well.   Mark says, “It’s relatively easy to act like Jesus. It’s much harder to react like Him.” I was reading in the 26 th chapter of Matthew this morning of when Jesus was taken to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest where He was unjustly put on trial.   They were trying to find something false against Him so they could kill Him.   Many people came and told lies about Him.   In verse 62 (NCV) it says, “Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, ‘Aren’t you going to answer? Don’t you have something to say about their charges against you?’   But Jesus said nothing.”   And then after all of this they eventually took Him and put Him on a cross to die and He then said, “Father f

A thought by Mark Batterson, (2014-09-02) from his book, The Grave Robber: How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible (p. 57). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) But we want to be the star.   But it doesn’t work that way. Mark puts it this way, “Nearly every miracle recorded in Scripture involves a supporting cast. The two blind men were operating on the buddy system (Matthew 20: 30). The paralytic had four friends drop ship him through a hole in the ceiling (Mark 2: 1– 12). Without those extras, the miracle doesn’t go down.   And what about the boy with five loaves and two fish?   He isn’t even named in the credits, but talk about fifteen minutes of fame! He was the supporting actor in one of Jesus’ most amazing miracles (John 6: 1– 14).   If you want the starring role, you’ll miss the miracle.” What could God do through us if we didn’t have to have the credit?   But I’m so insecure and I really need to feel

A thought by Mark Batterson (2014-09-02) from his book, The Grave Robber: How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible (p. 38). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) I find it amazing what people, even Christians fixate on and how it makes such a difference on their quality of life.   I don’t know if you realize it but what you fixate on is a choice.   I love what Mark says, “I love the fact that this first miracle of Jesus (turning the water into wine) is not about saving a life. It’s about saving face! And it reveals how much God cares about the minute details of our lives. God is great not just because nothing is too big. God is great because nothing is too small. If it’s a big deal to you, it’s a big deal to God.” Somehow we need to see how much He really cares about us and how that can make such a difference in our daily lives.   He loves you, He cares for you even though you are not perfect, even though yo

A thought by Mark Batterson (2014-09-02) from his book, The Grave Robber: How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible (p. 14). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) I like how Mark puts this, “And if you follow Jesus long enough and far enough, you’ll eventually find yourself in the middle of some miracles. Everyone wants a miracle. But here’s the catch: no one wants to be in a situation that necessitates one! Of course, you can’t have one without the other. The prerequisite for a miracle is a problem, and the bigger the problem, the greater the potential miracle.” I have lived long enough as a Christian to have Christ work in my life in some unbelievable ways.   That is one of the benefits of having a relationship with Him.   As I put my trust in Him He works things out for His glory.   He brings things into my life that only He can bring about a solution.  The miracles come about because He has control of my life.

A thought from Rick Warren (2012-10-23) from his book,  The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For ? (p. 375). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) I love the Dodgers.   I have been a big Dodger fan since they were in Brooklyn and I am so excited about the fact that they are headed to the playoffs to play the St Louis Cardinals and then on to the World Series. I hope.   But I don’t write a blog five days a week about the Dodgers.   I write about my biggest passion which is my relationship with Jesus Christ and what a difference He has made in my life.   That is what I have a passion to share. What about you?   What do you care about the most?   What do you want to share with people? I love Jesus Christ.   There is no way I can live each day without Him in my life.   Yes I sometimes mess up but He is only a confession away.   My guilt is taken care of by His forgiveness.   When I confess my sin to Him He cleans

A thought from Rick Warren (2012-10-23) from his book,  The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For ? (p. 354). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Yes there is a risk of rejection in there but there is also freedom.   As Rick says, “Of course, vulnerability is risky. It can be scary to lower your defenses and open up your life to others. When you reveal your failures, feelings, frustrations, and fears, you risk rejection. But the benefits are worth the risk. Vulnerability is emotionally liberating. Opening up relieves stress, defuses your fears, and is the first step to freedom.” He continues, “The more honest you are, the more of God’s grace you get. You will also receive grace from others. Vulnerability is an endearing quality; we are naturally drawn to humble people. Pretentiousness repels but authenticity attracts, and vulnerability is the pathway to intimacy.” God has built you just the way you are with your

A thought from Rick Warren (2012-10-23) from his book,  The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For ? (p. 350). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Now we are only limited by our limitations when we aren’t honest about them or try to hide them.   But when we are honest about them then God can use them to bring glory to Himself.   But our dishonesty shows that our desire is to make us look good not Him. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4: 7 (CEV), “We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us.”   God can do so much in and through us if we really accept that fact. Rick says, “Admit your weaknesses. Own up to your imperfections. Stop pretending to have it all together, and be honest about yourself. Instead of living in denial or making excuses, take the time to identify your personal weaknesses. You might make a list of them.”   Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12: