Our Family is Part of our Support Team
For some, family is the most important thing in life. For others, it is not a priority. For many, family is important but the responsibilities of life can be overwhelming. I have seen studies where they attach microphones to small children and the average time that some fathers spend talking to their children is less than two minutes a day! Many people have also grown up in broken families or been raised by single parents and may have no idea of what healthy family life actually is. Whatever your situation, I encourage you to build your family in whatever ways that you can. You will be happy you did.
Friends –Finishing Off Our Team
We need good friends for many reasons: for support, encouragement, acceptance and just to have fun! Friends can supply a listening ear, loving advice and stability over time. We also often do the things our friends do. This is why it is important to have friends that have great values and goals in life. We will either soar like eagles or wallow through the mud with our friends. Choose your friends wisely. God built us for relationship with Him and with people. We need both. God has a great destiny for us, but we need a team around us that will help us reach that destiny. Life has risks and challenges. The greater the team we surround ourselves with, the more positive risks we will be willing to take and the greater challenges we will be able to overcome. Wounded Heart p. 95
When we invest in our family and friends, the payback is huge. Friends and family also can meet so many of our social needs and support and encourage us in both good and bad times. I have had to learn what it means to build a strong family and to stay connected with good people. Our culture can make both difficult but that means that we should focus on it more than ever!
Prayer: Jesus, help me to build solid life giving relationships with both family and friends. Teach me how to do this and how to change or break unhealthy relationships in my life. I pray this in Jesus name - amen!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The Importance of a Church Family
The Church is not a building. It is the people who have made a choice to follow Jesus Christ. While there are many church buildings, in God’s view there is only one “Church.” This is not based on what man has established, but on what God has established. What makes a person a member of God’s church family is repenting from sin, putting all of their hope in the forgiveness of sin through the shedding of Jesus’ very own blood during the crucifixion and submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. God established the Church for a couple of purposes. Community and friendship are two of the main purposes. The original words for “church” in the Bible literally meant a group of individuals who had no purpose and were given an individual purpose at the same time, connecting them with others for a purpose greater than themselves. There are many benefits to having a church family in addition to connecting with people who may share your faith but attend another church. Here is God’s advice to us:
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
These two verses, give us some great direction. First, we must purposely think about how we can encourage people to love one another and do good things for others. This lets me know that I may not demonstrate love and good deeds without the encouragement of others. Second, is that we need to purposely meet together. I’ve found out that if I don’t purposely schedule times to get together with people, it won’t happen. Wounded Heart p. 94
Fish swim in schools literally because they are less likely to be eaten! Our church family, our brothers and sisters are hugely important! We grow best in situations where we are loved, encouraged and supported. This is what the picture of our social circles and churches should look like!
Prayer: Jesus, help me to connect with people who will encourage and support me as I grow. Give them wisdom to help me grow into all you created me to be! I pray this in Jesus name - amen.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
These two verses, give us some great direction. First, we must purposely think about how we can encourage people to love one another and do good things for others. This lets me know that I may not demonstrate love and good deeds without the encouragement of others. Second, is that we need to purposely meet together. I’ve found out that if I don’t purposely schedule times to get together with people, it won’t happen. Wounded Heart p. 94
Fish swim in schools literally because they are less likely to be eaten! Our church family, our brothers and sisters are hugely important! We grow best in situations where we are loved, encouraged and supported. This is what the picture of our social circles and churches should look like!
Prayer: Jesus, help me to connect with people who will encourage and support me as I grow. Give them wisdom to help me grow into all you created me to be! I pray this in Jesus name - amen.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Holy Spirit, Your Personal Coach
In sports, there are many coaches. In baseball, there are base coaches that watch where the ball is on the field and tell the runner to either stop at the base or keep running. In basketball and football, the coaches are always yelling instructions to the players on how to react to the current situation and discussing past and upcoming situations in the game during time outs and half-time breaks. If grown men and women need coaches to help them win a game, don’t we need a great coach to win life? God’s Word teaches us that “those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). The word “sons” when literally translated means “maturing ones.” This means that those of us who are maturing in our relationship with Christ will be led by the Holy Spirit. And the more we mature spiritually, the more we will be led by the Holy Spirit. In the same way that sports coaches are more knowledgeable as an athlete proceeds through grammar school, high school, college and into the professional ranks, as we mature in our faith we get greater coaching from the Holy Spirit.
In the same way that a 10 year old would not be able to receive college level coaching, spiritually immature people are not ready for the type of guidance God really wants to give them. That is why ongoing spiritual growth is so necessary.
Many people spend their entire lives in church but don’t receive the guidance God wants to give them. That’s because they have not purposely chosen to spend time with God and discipline themselves to have a life of prayer and Bible study. God has all the direction we need. We just have to put ourselves in the position to receive it. The Holy Spirit is ready to guide us in the midst of everyday life. He also wants us to take some time-outs to receive advice and direction before we head back into the game of life. In sports, time-outs are often taken at the most important time or when there is a momentum shift for the other side. It’s just common sense then that during life’s most important situations or when our lives look like they may be taking a turn in the wrong direction, that we call a time-out and get with God. The difference is that it will probably take longer than a 30-second time-out to get all the direction we need. My advice is to take all the time you need with God, be patient and it will be worth it in life. Wounded Heart pp. 92-93
Prayer: Lord, I come to you asking for your guidance. Give me ears to hear your voice and your direction. Teach me to be patient, to listen and to follow Your direction. I pray this in Jesus name - Amen.
In the same way that a 10 year old would not be able to receive college level coaching, spiritually immature people are not ready for the type of guidance God really wants to give them. That is why ongoing spiritual growth is so necessary.
Many people spend their entire lives in church but don’t receive the guidance God wants to give them. That’s because they have not purposely chosen to spend time with God and discipline themselves to have a life of prayer and Bible study. God has all the direction we need. We just have to put ourselves in the position to receive it. The Holy Spirit is ready to guide us in the midst of everyday life. He also wants us to take some time-outs to receive advice and direction before we head back into the game of life. In sports, time-outs are often taken at the most important time or when there is a momentum shift for the other side. It’s just common sense then that during life’s most important situations or when our lives look like they may be taking a turn in the wrong direction, that we call a time-out and get with God. The difference is that it will probably take longer than a 30-second time-out to get all the direction we need. My advice is to take all the time you need with God, be patient and it will be worth it in life. Wounded Heart pp. 92-93
Prayer: Lord, I come to you asking for your guidance. Give me ears to hear your voice and your direction. Teach me to be patient, to listen and to follow Your direction. I pray this in Jesus name - Amen.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Jesus, Your Head Coach
Jesus is all about relationship. “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach” (Mark 3:13-14). When Jesus chose a group of uneducated and unimpressive men to be His followers, He knew the great things that they needed to do. The secret to doing great things is not just education or going to church or being really smart, it’s developing the character of Jesus. He didn’t expect people to become more like Him simply by going to church or knowing about Him. He knew that in order for us to be transformed and changed, we must spend time with Him. Unfortunately, most people think that means just going to church and trying to be a good person. We should do these things, but that is a small part of having a relationship with Jesus. He not only wants to be with us, but also to lead us the right way in all of the complicated situations that we face in life.
In John 8:12 He says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” This is not only talking about eternity, but walking out our lives day by day. “Whoever” is one of my favorite words in the Bible because I fit the qualifications and so do you. Wounded Heart pp. 91-92
As we have journeyed through some pain. We have learned to trust God in the middle of pain. One of our goals at this point besides ongoing healing is avoiding future pain. I'm not saying that life will ever be pain free, but we can avoid almost all of the potential major crashes out there if we are wise and make right choices.
Much of our pain is because we have walked in darkness. Darkness are things like fear, pain, confusion, low self-esteem and lack of wisdom. Jesus can help us go through and overcome all of these and other things in our lives.
As we walk with Him, we will become more like Him. He will also lead us, all we have to be is a "whoever". Jesus is ready and willing to help us but just like a player on a team. If we want to win the game, we have to listen to the coach. Remember that Jesus is the all knowing, all powerful coach. In fact, we have the greatest coach to win the game of life!
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for accepting me as I am, and walking with me as I change and grow. I choose to follow you, help me to clearly hear Your voice and follow. I pray this in Jesus name - amen.
In John 8:12 He says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” This is not only talking about eternity, but walking out our lives day by day. “Whoever” is one of my favorite words in the Bible because I fit the qualifications and so do you. Wounded Heart pp. 91-92
As we have journeyed through some pain. We have learned to trust God in the middle of pain. One of our goals at this point besides ongoing healing is avoiding future pain. I'm not saying that life will ever be pain free, but we can avoid almost all of the potential major crashes out there if we are wise and make right choices.
Much of our pain is because we have walked in darkness. Darkness are things like fear, pain, confusion, low self-esteem and lack of wisdom. Jesus can help us go through and overcome all of these and other things in our lives.
As we walk with Him, we will become more like Him. He will also lead us, all we have to be is a "whoever". Jesus is ready and willing to help us but just like a player on a team. If we want to win the game, we have to listen to the coach. Remember that Jesus is the all knowing, all powerful coach. In fact, we have the greatest coach to win the game of life!
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for accepting me as I am, and walking with me as I change and grow. I choose to follow you, help me to clearly hear Your voice and follow. I pray this in Jesus name - amen.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Building the Winning Team
The winning team needs to be both spiritual and natural. Many people are so focused on the natural relationships with family, friends and business connections that they neglect their most important relationship with God Himself. The reality is that we need to surround ourselves with good people, but we need God to help us the most in our lives and in these other relationships as well. Other people are so focused on God and think that they don’t need to build strong relationships with people, but that is also not wise. Part of the benefits of having a relationship with Jesus is that His blessings, guidance and power will also help us in our natural relationships. Pg. 91 Wounded Heart
One of the greatest challenges people have is overall balance and life development. Some people are great with people but spiritually lost. Others are great spiritiually but not good with people. God wants us to have great relationships - both spiritual with Him and with people.
God should always be our rock and foundation but the reality is that we often get lost in emotions or tough situations where we may not think clearly. This is when it is important for us to have people we can go to who will help us keep going in the right direction.
The Bible teaches us many things - Iron sharpens iron - that means that people of faith make each other sharper and better! Also that victory comes from many counselors. These can be friends, family, pastors etc.
Over the next couple of posts, we will look at some of the key players we need on our teams!
Prayer - Jesus, I ask you to lead me more and more and help me to follow Your guidance and direction. Help me also to be wise in choosing my friends and help me to purposely build strong relationships with the people who will help me when I need. I pray this in Jesus' name - amen.
One of the greatest challenges people have is overall balance and life development. Some people are great with people but spiritually lost. Others are great spiritiually but not good with people. God wants us to have great relationships - both spiritual with Him and with people.
God should always be our rock and foundation but the reality is that we often get lost in emotions or tough situations where we may not think clearly. This is when it is important for us to have people we can go to who will help us keep going in the right direction.
The Bible teaches us many things - Iron sharpens iron - that means that people of faith make each other sharper and better! Also that victory comes from many counselors. These can be friends, family, pastors etc.
Over the next couple of posts, we will look at some of the key players we need on our teams!
Prayer - Jesus, I ask you to lead me more and more and help me to follow Your guidance and direction. Help me also to be wise in choosing my friends and help me to purposely build strong relationships with the people who will help me when I need. I pray this in Jesus' name - amen.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Who Are You Trusting For Eternity?
We often spend much time and energy looking for someone we can give our hearts to and trust. Jesus is telling us that we don’t have to be troubled. That means we don’t have to be confused or stressed out because we can trust Jesus. He will never break your heart, and you can depend on Him at all times. Not only that, but He will guide you in all situations and direct you the right way. Once you have this relationship set, all the others will fall in place. If you have not already begun this most important relationship in your life you can do it now with a simple but powerful prayer:
Dear Jesus, I want to know You. I have sinned against You and am sorry. Thank You for dying on the cross to pay for my sins. Come into my heart, forgive my sins. I am trusting You for all eternity. Today I choose to follow You and put You in charge of my life. Guide me in all that I do and help me to know Your love and plan for my life. I pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
If you just prayed to receive Jesus into your heart as Lord and Savior, congratulations! You just did the greatest thing you could ever do. You just began the most important relationship in your life! Just like any other relationship, the more time you invest in it the more it will grow. Jesus will fill many of those desires in your heart. He also will teach you all about true love. This will give you a guide to measure all of your other relationships. When you begin this relationship, you open your heart so that He can heal it from past hurts. I have experienced this myself. pp. 88-89 Wounded Heart
We all desire to trust someone. In fact we have to trust someone. The first someone should be Jesus. We can totally 100% trust Him. After we put our trust in Him, He will also guide and teach us how and when to trust others. People are not perfect, only Jesus is. He wants to first give us comfort and security which will help us be much wiser in our other relationships.
Dear Jesus, I want to know You. I have sinned against You and am sorry. Thank You for dying on the cross to pay for my sins. Come into my heart, forgive my sins. I am trusting You for all eternity. Today I choose to follow You and put You in charge of my life. Guide me in all that I do and help me to know Your love and plan for my life. I pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
If you just prayed to receive Jesus into your heart as Lord and Savior, congratulations! You just did the greatest thing you could ever do. You just began the most important relationship in your life! Just like any other relationship, the more time you invest in it the more it will grow. Jesus will fill many of those desires in your heart. He also will teach you all about true love. This will give you a guide to measure all of your other relationships. When you begin this relationship, you open your heart so that He can heal it from past hurts. I have experienced this myself. pp. 88-89 Wounded Heart
We all desire to trust someone. In fact we have to trust someone. The first someone should be Jesus. We can totally 100% trust Him. After we put our trust in Him, He will also guide and teach us how and when to trust others. People are not perfect, only Jesus is. He wants to first give us comfort and security which will help us be much wiser in our other relationships.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)