Just Continue That Thought...

A thought from Rick Warren (2012-10-23) from his book,  The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For ? (p. 411). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) That is a tremendous thing to realize and to come to grips with.   We want everyone to do it our way, to think like we think.   I understand the way we sometimes look at our kids and someone will say that they are just like you but is that a good compliment?   God only creates original masterpieces.   And that is where acceptance comes in. But too many times envy and rejection can come in.   We envy someone else for what they look like.   I wish I could be tall like them.   Or we reject them because they are different than us.   But as Rick says, “God distinctively shaped you for a life unlike any other. Only you can be you. Only you can live the life God designed you to live. But it’s also true that you cannot live a life that God designed for someone else. To attempt to

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