Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Wednesday's Word

For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done
,
saying, "
My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose
."
- Isaiah 46:9-10

The Joy of Laughter

Hope you find these questions as humorous as I did!

"Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it."
-Bill Cosby

Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?

Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Sunday's Saying

No, this is not a new weekly post to replace Wednesday's Word, but just something I heard tonight at church that I wanted to share.
"I am nothing, BUT this nothing gets to show off the greatest being in the universe."

- Pastor Chris Mueller

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Give Thanks!

With Thanksgiving being tomorrow, I thought it would be appropriate to do a Thanksgiving blog. What is Thanksgiving? Is Thanksgiving the only time of year we stop and count our blessings? Is Thanksgiving just one of those holidays that you are stuck around family and the only enjoyable thing to do is stuff your face? I surely hope Thanksgiving is NOT just a day or a time!

Thanksgiving is an ATTITUDE or EXPRESSION!! Webster defines thanksgiving as the act of giving thanks; an expression of thanks, especially to God; grateful acknowledgement of benefits. Thanksgiving is more than a day, it is an attitude, it is a way of living!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Salvation-------Grace
Holy Spirit------Reconciliation
Faith-----------Adoption
Justification----Sanctification
Eternal Life-----Heaven
Cross-----------Blood
-JESUS-
Truth------------Beauty
Bible-------------Love
Joy--------------Peace
Trials------------Tears

Things I am Thankful For:
Grace = unmerited favor. There is nothing I can do, could do, or did do for God to save me. He covered me in Jesus’ righteousness and cast the full weight of my sin on His son, Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, I live!

Some other great things that I am thankful for:

Family; Brother’s and Sisters in Christ; Friends; Job - $; Shelter; Food; Clothing; Health; Cultures; A Christian Boss; Mountains; Clouds; Ocean; Rain; Arizona Sunsets; Stars; Snow;
Music; Dance; Soft Bed; Comedy; Movies; Clean Water; Encouragement; Seven:Ten; ASU; East Valley Bible Church; Technology; LifeGroup; Football; Starbucks Coffee; Creativity; Seven:Ten; Godly Male examples; Professors; Women.

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Sanctification - A simple man's ramblings

This week my life group leader presented this question:
Describe sanctification.

My response may seem sarcastic, but it is not meant to be and it is truly what I have been experiencing lately.

Brian's response - "Sanctification: it hurts like hell, but you end up with heaven."

Thinking about this comment, I think I would now re-phrase it as,
"Sanctification: hurts like hell during this life (God continually pruning you and continually transforming you into the image of His son), and the process finds its completion in heaven. (glorification)

Tell me your thoughts!

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Wednesday's Word

Persevere

Webster's Definition: to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement.

Ahh, Romans 5!
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.


How I would love to continue on in this chapter because it is so rich with gospel truths!

Yesterday I was encouraged to persevere through school (only 3 semesters left!) If you are currently in school and feeling down, stick with it! The payoff is worth it, just ask any adult who either did not finish school or never started. I was also reminded that there is a prize to those who finish...a diploma. I know, I know - a diploma doesn't sound all that great right now, but think about the opportunities having a diploma opens up for you! Work hard today and you will be rewarded later!