The Bite Heard around the World
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.—Genesis 2:17
Do you know what Adam’s job description was? It was to tend the Garden of Eden. That does not mean that Adam was a gardener. In the original language, the word used for “tend” meant he was to explore and discover the mysteries of it. Adam’s job was to walk with the Creator of the universe, to live in fellowship with Him, and to explore the wonders of His creation.
God even blessed Adam with a companion. In the Garden there was no sin, no evil, and no corruption. Adam had a body that could live forever and a wonderful person to spend his life with, discovering the glories of God’s creation. God did not lay down many rules, but He did tell Adam, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:17). You know the rest of the story. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, and it was the bite heard around the world.
That fateful bite brought sin into the human race. A curse came upon creation. Now our bodies wear out. Now we have to work for a living. Now we face the limitations of sin. We experience sickness. And we face death.
But because of Jesus’ death on the cross, the Christian does not have to fear death. The Bible asks, “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). And Jesus said, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Those who have been born twice will live forever in the presence of Christ.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Daily Caffeination 10/30/06
Fear Not!
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7
God calls each of us to engage in spiritual warfare at times. Whenever satan wants to come against one of God's children, he does so by trying to intimidate through fear.
Goliath's formidable size and arrogant boasting intimidated Saul and Israel's army. And because God's anointing had fallen from Saul, he was unable to respond with courage to Goliath's charge. Fear paralyzes and torments. That is why Saul could not respond.
The anointing had fallen on David, who was just a young boy, but mighty in spirit. David did not cower at the size or shouts of the giant Goliath. He saw Goliath through the eyes of God, who saw him as a mere speck. David had righteous indignation for an affront to the armies of the living God.
David did not weigh the risk of failure because his faith was resting totally in God. That is another important factor in overcoming fear-complete trust in God.
When the Lord began training me to confront fear, the training grounds were a groundless lawsuit, intimidations, and calamity that confronted my very existence. Learning that these were merely tactics of the enemy, designed to instill fear, allowed me to stand firm in God's power to overcome.
Do not fear sudden calamity if you are walking uprightly before God. It may be setting the stage for a great victory that will bring praise and honor to your heavenly Father. These battles are training grounds for greater victories to come.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7
God calls each of us to engage in spiritual warfare at times. Whenever satan wants to come against one of God's children, he does so by trying to intimidate through fear.
Goliath's formidable size and arrogant boasting intimidated Saul and Israel's army. And because God's anointing had fallen from Saul, he was unable to respond with courage to Goliath's charge. Fear paralyzes and torments. That is why Saul could not respond.
The anointing had fallen on David, who was just a young boy, but mighty in spirit. David did not cower at the size or shouts of the giant Goliath. He saw Goliath through the eyes of God, who saw him as a mere speck. David had righteous indignation for an affront to the armies of the living God.
David did not weigh the risk of failure because his faith was resting totally in God. That is another important factor in overcoming fear-complete trust in God.
When the Lord began training me to confront fear, the training grounds were a groundless lawsuit, intimidations, and calamity that confronted my very existence. Learning that these were merely tactics of the enemy, designed to instill fear, allowed me to stand firm in God's power to overcome.
Do not fear sudden calamity if you are walking uprightly before God. It may be setting the stage for a great victory that will bring praise and honor to your heavenly Father. These battles are training grounds for greater victories to come.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Daily Caffeination 10/29/06
Moving in Presumption
Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the high hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord's covenant moved from the camp. - Numbers 14:44
The people of Israel were brought out of Egypt to enter a new land-the Promised Land. This land was not handed over to them freely; it required the removing of God's enemies through battle. It required a partnership between God and the people. As long as the people remained true to God, they were victorious.
The people were camped at Kadesh Barnea, near the border entrance to the long-awaited Promised Land. All the hardships of their journey from Egypt were now culminating at this important crossing. However, Joshua and Caleb were the only scouts who proclaimed faith in God to take them into the land and conquer their enemies. The other spies saw all the dangers and refused to take the risk. The people of the camp shrank in fear because of their report. They decided not to enter in.
God was angered at the people for their lack of faith. Moses had to intercede on their behalf. Once they realized what they had done, it was too late. But they thought their repentance was enough to right their wrong. They presumed this was all that was necessary.
Moses informed them they were deceived in their presumption of God's favor. They went to battle against the Amalekites only to be soundly defeated. Those who returned did not understand why they lost the battle.
It is important for us to know whether we have God's hand upon our endeavors. Presumption leads to failure. God's favor leads to success. Ask God to confirm His hand on your endeavors.
..."If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here" (Exodus 33:15).
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the high hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord's covenant moved from the camp. - Numbers 14:44
The people of Israel were brought out of Egypt to enter a new land-the Promised Land. This land was not handed over to them freely; it required the removing of God's enemies through battle. It required a partnership between God and the people. As long as the people remained true to God, they were victorious.
The people were camped at Kadesh Barnea, near the border entrance to the long-awaited Promised Land. All the hardships of their journey from Egypt were now culminating at this important crossing. However, Joshua and Caleb were the only scouts who proclaimed faith in God to take them into the land and conquer their enemies. The other spies saw all the dangers and refused to take the risk. The people of the camp shrank in fear because of their report. They decided not to enter in.
God was angered at the people for their lack of faith. Moses had to intercede on their behalf. Once they realized what they had done, it was too late. But they thought their repentance was enough to right their wrong. They presumed this was all that was necessary.
Moses informed them they were deceived in their presumption of God's favor. They went to battle against the Amalekites only to be soundly defeated. Those who returned did not understand why they lost the battle.
It is important for us to know whether we have God's hand upon our endeavors. Presumption leads to failure. God's favor leads to success. Ask God to confirm His hand on your endeavors.
..."If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here" (Exodus 33:15).
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Daily Caffeination 10/28/06
Seeing What Others Cannot See
And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. - 2 Kings 6:17
Several years ago, a movie was made called Field of Dreams. The story is about a man who had a vision to build a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield on his rural farm. He did not know why; he just knew he was to do it. To the chagrin of his neighbors, he built the baseball diamond in the farm community. One night some players showed up. The man realized these were no ordinary players, but were actually the great players from the past. When the skeptical neighbors came to view this phenomenon, they were unable to see what the farm owner could see. This made it even worse for him. Now he was really a lunatic in their eyes.
This fictitious story has a spiritual application for us. First, if God tells us to "build a ball field," we should do it. It is not for us to determine the reason we are instructed to do it. Once we are obedient, God will allow us to see what others cannot see. It is the rite of passage for those who are willing to risk all for God's purposes. God increases the spiritual senses to levels we never knew before. Those around us will observe this.
Do you want to see what others cannot see? If so, it will require a level of obedience that will go beyond human reason. It may require risk and ridicule from others. But you will see what others cannot see.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. - 2 Kings 6:17
Several years ago, a movie was made called Field of Dreams. The story is about a man who had a vision to build a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield on his rural farm. He did not know why; he just knew he was to do it. To the chagrin of his neighbors, he built the baseball diamond in the farm community. One night some players showed up. The man realized these were no ordinary players, but were actually the great players from the past. When the skeptical neighbors came to view this phenomenon, they were unable to see what the farm owner could see. This made it even worse for him. Now he was really a lunatic in their eyes.
This fictitious story has a spiritual application for us. First, if God tells us to "build a ball field," we should do it. It is not for us to determine the reason we are instructed to do it. Once we are obedient, God will allow us to see what others cannot see. It is the rite of passage for those who are willing to risk all for God's purposes. God increases the spiritual senses to levels we never knew before. Those around us will observe this.
Do you want to see what others cannot see? If so, it will require a level of obedience that will go beyond human reason. It may require risk and ridicule from others. But you will see what others cannot see.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Friday, October 27, 2006
Daily Caffeination 10/27/06 - My 33rd Birthday Caffeination :-)
Going Without Jesus
...they were unaware of it. - Luke 2:43
Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. Jesus was 12 years old. They were evidently very distracted by the excitement and business of the Feast. In fact, Mary and Joseph began their return trip to Nazareth only to realize well into the trip that Jesus was not with them. It would be three days before they would be reunited with their 12-year-old son. It caused quite a scare in Mary and Joseph, and they reprimanded Jesus for "wandering" off.
As a parent, I find this story truly amazing. How can parents of the Son of God not know their son is not in their presence? Yet this story illustrates how each of us can become so busy that we continue to operate not realizing that Jesus is no longer with us. Obviously, there was very little fellowship taking place between Jesus and His parents during the trip.
Are you experiencing daily, even moment-by-moment, fellowship with Jesus? If not, you will wake up one day and realize Jesus is not with you in your endeavors. It may, like Mary and Joseph, create a certain fear in you that you may have lost a very important relationship. Doing business without Jesus' presence leaves us powerless and prone to live in fear. Jesus said He would never leave or forsake His children. However, we can walk away from His fellowship by refusing to be with Him. Do not let this happen to you. He longs to have daily fellowship with you because He loves you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
...they were unaware of it. - Luke 2:43
Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. Jesus was 12 years old. They were evidently very distracted by the excitement and business of the Feast. In fact, Mary and Joseph began their return trip to Nazareth only to realize well into the trip that Jesus was not with them. It would be three days before they would be reunited with their 12-year-old son. It caused quite a scare in Mary and Joseph, and they reprimanded Jesus for "wandering" off.
As a parent, I find this story truly amazing. How can parents of the Son of God not know their son is not in their presence? Yet this story illustrates how each of us can become so busy that we continue to operate not realizing that Jesus is no longer with us. Obviously, there was very little fellowship taking place between Jesus and His parents during the trip.
Are you experiencing daily, even moment-by-moment, fellowship with Jesus? If not, you will wake up one day and realize Jesus is not with you in your endeavors. It may, like Mary and Joseph, create a certain fear in you that you may have lost a very important relationship. Doing business without Jesus' presence leaves us powerless and prone to live in fear. Jesus said He would never leave or forsake His children. However, we can walk away from His fellowship by refusing to be with Him. Do not let this happen to you. He longs to have daily fellowship with you because He loves you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Thursday, October 26, 2006
My Yesterday
Yesterday, it definitly went quickly, however it was a really good day.
Yesterday started with me waking up at 6:30a, no I didn't go to the gym, my knee was bothering me a little and yesterday is leg day for me so I didn't want to push myself. I did have a good time of prayer and worship yesterday morning as I prepared myself for speaking at Evangel Christian School's Chapel service to 7th through 12th grade students. I love have those incredible alone times with God , especially right before I speak it gets me pumped up and in the right frame of mind.
At 9:00a, I shared at the Chapel Service. I spoke about my passion of being Wired For Worship - Exodus 32. I shared with the students on the importants of worshipping God with a capital "G" and not the gods with a lower case "g". I also shared about the importance of thanking God what He has given us and worshipping or taking pride in those blessings. I also mentioned how foolish the Israelites were for creating and worshipping a golden calf, couldn't they find a better idol. However, we have a tendacy to worship little green pieces of paper $$$. I challenged the students to be facedown worshippers of God and to seek His face. There was a great response to my message and many of the kids can to seek God at the alter.
I really enjoy ministering to students, I believe it will always be a passion of mine. It is a great opportunity to shape the hearts and minds of the future community of faith as well as influencing future ministers. I do not take that lightly.
After chapel, I left for Farmville, VA (about an hour and half away) for a sectional minister's meeting with our new District Superintendent Pastor Larry Hickey. It was a part of his listening tour. It was great hearing his heart and vision for the direction of our fellowship in the Potomac District. He touched a little on 1 Kings 19. It was also a good opportunity to ask question and give opinions on the direction of our district as ministers. It was great connecting with Pastor Larry, I have so much respect for him.
After the meeting, I headed back to Chester, VA for my home. I hung out there for about an two hours than I headed up the church to prepare for the Fuse Student Ministry service. I actually had one of our leaders, Rachel Wood share last night. I believe in giving opportunities to leaders and students so they may have the opportunities to grow in their gifts and ministries. I really my leaders and blessed to have a good core of those who love and want to serve our students. Rachel did a really awesome job. She challenged the students to slow down and take time to seek God, to yearn for Him.
After the service and hanging with the youth afterwards I came home. That is significant because my amazing wife Lora who was gone for a few days in Northern Virginia was home and it always good to see her after she has been gone. I hate it when she goes away even for a day or two.
All in all it was really a great day, yesterday. I just want to say that I really life and love days like that, I feel like I am overflowing. Anyways, I am looking forward today.
Later,
Chris
Yesterday started with me waking up at 6:30a, no I didn't go to the gym, my knee was bothering me a little and yesterday is leg day for me so I didn't want to push myself. I did have a good time of prayer and worship yesterday morning as I prepared myself for speaking at Evangel Christian School's Chapel service to 7th through 12th grade students. I love have those incredible alone times with God , especially right before I speak it gets me pumped up and in the right frame of mind.
At 9:00a, I shared at the Chapel Service. I spoke about my passion of being Wired For Worship - Exodus 32. I shared with the students on the importants of worshipping God with a capital "G" and not the gods with a lower case "g". I also shared about the importance of thanking God what He has given us and worshipping or taking pride in those blessings. I also mentioned how foolish the Israelites were for creating and worshipping a golden calf, couldn't they find a better idol. However, we have a tendacy to worship little green pieces of paper $$$. I challenged the students to be facedown worshippers of God and to seek His face. There was a great response to my message and many of the kids can to seek God at the alter.
I really enjoy ministering to students, I believe it will always be a passion of mine. It is a great opportunity to shape the hearts and minds of the future community of faith as well as influencing future ministers. I do not take that lightly.
After chapel, I left for Farmville, VA (about an hour and half away) for a sectional minister's meeting with our new District Superintendent Pastor Larry Hickey. It was a part of his listening tour. It was great hearing his heart and vision for the direction of our fellowship in the Potomac District. He touched a little on 1 Kings 19. It was also a good opportunity to ask question and give opinions on the direction of our district as ministers. It was great connecting with Pastor Larry, I have so much respect for him.
After the meeting, I headed back to Chester, VA for my home. I hung out there for about an two hours than I headed up the church to prepare for the Fuse Student Ministry service. I actually had one of our leaders, Rachel Wood share last night. I believe in giving opportunities to leaders and students so they may have the opportunities to grow in their gifts and ministries. I really my leaders and blessed to have a good core of those who love and want to serve our students. Rachel did a really awesome job. She challenged the students to slow down and take time to seek God, to yearn for Him.
After the service and hanging with the youth afterwards I came home. That is significant because my amazing wife Lora who was gone for a few days in Northern Virginia was home and it always good to see her after she has been gone. I hate it when she goes away even for a day or two.
All in all it was really a great day, yesterday. I just want to say that I really life and love days like that, I feel like I am overflowing. Anyways, I am looking forward today.
Later,
Chris
Daily Caffeination 10/26/06
The Isolation Chamber
Be still and know that I am God.... - Psalm 46:10
There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value. It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a season. It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities--simply inactivity.
During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us. It is an isolation chamber designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith. It is not a comfortable place, especially for a task-driven workplace believer. Our nature cries out, "You must do something," while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God." You know the signs that you have been brought into this chamber when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything. Perhaps you are unemployed. Perhaps you are laid up with an illness.
Most religious people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen. But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He brings them into a time of quietness that seems almost eerie. They cannot say what God is doing. They just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to themselves or to others.
Has God brought you to a place of being still? Be still and know that He really is God. When this happens, the chamber will open soon after.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Be still and know that I am God.... - Psalm 46:10
There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value. It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a season. It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities--simply inactivity.
During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us. It is an isolation chamber designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith. It is not a comfortable place, especially for a task-driven workplace believer. Our nature cries out, "You must do something," while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God." You know the signs that you have been brought into this chamber when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything. Perhaps you are unemployed. Perhaps you are laid up with an illness.
Most religious people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen. But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He brings them into a time of quietness that seems almost eerie. They cannot say what God is doing. They just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to themselves or to others.
Has God brought you to a place of being still? Be still and know that He really is God. When this happens, the chamber will open soon after.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Daily Caffeination 10/25/06
How and Where God Speaks
The hand of the Lord was upon me there, and He said to me, "Get up and go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you." - Ezekiel 3:22
God speaks in many different ways to His children. He spoke through a bush to Moses. He spoke through a donkey to Balaam. He spoke through prophets to His kings. He speaks through other believers. He speaks directly to us through the invisible Holy Spirit. And He speaks even through circumstances.
When God wants to speak a very important word directly to us without interruption from the noise of our busy lives, he will take us "into the plain." The plain is a place of no distractions and no other persons. It is a place of silence. It can be a place of great need as it often fails to have the normal provisions we are accustomed to. It can be a place we go to voluntarily to seek His face, or we can be moved there without choice by His supernatural ability. More often, it is the latter method that brings us into the plain. In modern times, it often means a separation from our normal activities such as jobs or families.
The plain can also be a place where we discover afresh that God's hand has been on us all the time. When we are so busy with life, we sometimes forget that God's hand is still there, gently leading our path. When our lives get so busy that we are not listening or responding to His gentle touch, He must take more aggressive measures to get our attention. Thus, the plain is one of those appointed times of one-on-one communication with our heavenly Father. No distractions, no people, no beautiful surroundings to capture our thoughts. It is a barren place designed to allow us to seek and hear clearly. When He speaks, we need to be able to listen. We hear much better in the plain.
Do you need to hear God's voice today? Is your life such that you cannot even hear His voice? Each day God calls us to our own mini-plain in order to speak to us and for us to hear. If we neglect this time of open communication, we may be invited to His plain in order to hear without distraction. Pray that you might make time to hear.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
The hand of the Lord was upon me there, and He said to me, "Get up and go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you." - Ezekiel 3:22
God speaks in many different ways to His children. He spoke through a bush to Moses. He spoke through a donkey to Balaam. He spoke through prophets to His kings. He speaks through other believers. He speaks directly to us through the invisible Holy Spirit. And He speaks even through circumstances.
When God wants to speak a very important word directly to us without interruption from the noise of our busy lives, he will take us "into the plain." The plain is a place of no distractions and no other persons. It is a place of silence. It can be a place of great need as it often fails to have the normal provisions we are accustomed to. It can be a place we go to voluntarily to seek His face, or we can be moved there without choice by His supernatural ability. More often, it is the latter method that brings us into the plain. In modern times, it often means a separation from our normal activities such as jobs or families.
The plain can also be a place where we discover afresh that God's hand has been on us all the time. When we are so busy with life, we sometimes forget that God's hand is still there, gently leading our path. When our lives get so busy that we are not listening or responding to His gentle touch, He must take more aggressive measures to get our attention. Thus, the plain is one of those appointed times of one-on-one communication with our heavenly Father. No distractions, no people, no beautiful surroundings to capture our thoughts. It is a barren place designed to allow us to seek and hear clearly. When He speaks, we need to be able to listen. We hear much better in the plain.
Do you need to hear God's voice today? Is your life such that you cannot even hear His voice? Each day God calls us to our own mini-plain in order to speak to us and for us to hear. If we neglect this time of open communication, we may be invited to His plain in order to hear without distraction. Pray that you might make time to hear.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Daily Caffeination 10/24/06
Are You God's Next Deliverer?
But when they cried out to the Lord, He raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them. - Judges 3:9
Have you ever heard of a man named Othniel? Probably not. He was Caleb's nephew. When the people of Israel went into the Promised Land, they were victorious through the courageous efforts of Joshua and Caleb. As this generation grew older, a new generation began to emerge. Israel again fell into sin by worshiping idols. The anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He allowed them once more to be enslaved by their enemies. However, the people again cried out to the Lord and God heard them.
Whenever God's people cry out to the Lord, He hears them. When they are truly repentant, He responds. He responds by rising up those whom He has prepared for such a time. Every soldier looks forward to the day he can use the training he has received. God had been preparing a nephew for such a time as this. He had the same Spirit as his uncle, Caleb.
The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, so that he became Israel's judge and went to war. The Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died (Judges 3:10-11).
Has God been preparing you for a time when you will be called upon to deliver God's people? Millions of men and women are enslaved to the god of mammon and idolatry in the workplace. Has He placed you there to be a deliverer? Pray that you will have the same Spirit as Joshua, Caleb, and Othniel.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
But when they cried out to the Lord, He raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them. - Judges 3:9
Have you ever heard of a man named Othniel? Probably not. He was Caleb's nephew. When the people of Israel went into the Promised Land, they were victorious through the courageous efforts of Joshua and Caleb. As this generation grew older, a new generation began to emerge. Israel again fell into sin by worshiping idols. The anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He allowed them once more to be enslaved by their enemies. However, the people again cried out to the Lord and God heard them.
Whenever God's people cry out to the Lord, He hears them. When they are truly repentant, He responds. He responds by rising up those whom He has prepared for such a time. Every soldier looks forward to the day he can use the training he has received. God had been preparing a nephew for such a time as this. He had the same Spirit as his uncle, Caleb.
The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, so that he became Israel's judge and went to war. The Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died (Judges 3:10-11).
Has God been preparing you for a time when you will be called upon to deliver God's people? Millions of men and women are enslaved to the god of mammon and idolatry in the workplace. Has He placed you there to be a deliverer? Pray that you will have the same Spirit as Joshua, Caleb, and Othniel.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Monday, October 23, 2006
Daily Caffeination 10/23/06
A Remnant That Prays
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." - Luke 11:1
God is calling out a remnant of workplace believers throughout the world who understand the role of prayer in their work. These people have learned that prayer is not a five-minute exercise in the morning devotion time, but it is a vital strategic tool to discern and know God's will and purposes in their work lives. You see they have learned that their business lives are their ministries to God and others.
These men and women have entered into covenant relationships with intercessory prayer partners who help discern the activities they should be involved in. Some even have paid staff, who intercede for the decisions and activities in which they will be involved. They are a small remnant of workplace believers who know that skill and technique are not enough to fulfill God's purposes.
A servant of the Lord has well said: Prayer is the rail for God's work. Indeed, prayer is to God's will as rails are to a train. The locomotive is full of power: it is capable of running a thousand miles a day. But if there are no rails, it cannot move forward a single inch. If it dares to move without them, it will soon sink into the earth. It may be able to travel over great distances, yet it cannot go to any place where no rails have been laid. And such is the relation between prayer and God's work. Without any doubt God is almighty and He works mightily, but He will not and cannot work if you and I do not labor together with Him in prayer, prepare the way for His will, and pray "with all prayer and supplication" (Eph. 6:18) to grant Him the maneuverability to so work. Many are the things, which God wills to do, and would like to do, but His hands are bound because His children do not sympathize with Him and have not prayed so as to prepare ways for Him. Let me say to all who have wholly given themselves to God: Do examine yourselves and see if in this respect you have limited Him day after day. [Watchman Nee, Let Us Pray (New York, New York: Christian Fellowship Publishers, 1977), 11.]
Is prayer a vital part of your strategic business practices? Put prayer on the front lines, instead of making it an afterthought. You will begin to see renewed power in your work life.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." - Luke 11:1
God is calling out a remnant of workplace believers throughout the world who understand the role of prayer in their work. These people have learned that prayer is not a five-minute exercise in the morning devotion time, but it is a vital strategic tool to discern and know God's will and purposes in their work lives. You see they have learned that their business lives are their ministries to God and others.
These men and women have entered into covenant relationships with intercessory prayer partners who help discern the activities they should be involved in. Some even have paid staff, who intercede for the decisions and activities in which they will be involved. They are a small remnant of workplace believers who know that skill and technique are not enough to fulfill God's purposes.
A servant of the Lord has well said: Prayer is the rail for God's work. Indeed, prayer is to God's will as rails are to a train. The locomotive is full of power: it is capable of running a thousand miles a day. But if there are no rails, it cannot move forward a single inch. If it dares to move without them, it will soon sink into the earth. It may be able to travel over great distances, yet it cannot go to any place where no rails have been laid. And such is the relation between prayer and God's work. Without any doubt God is almighty and He works mightily, but He will not and cannot work if you and I do not labor together with Him in prayer, prepare the way for His will, and pray "with all prayer and supplication" (Eph. 6:18) to grant Him the maneuverability to so work. Many are the things, which God wills to do, and would like to do, but His hands are bound because His children do not sympathize with Him and have not prayed so as to prepare ways for Him. Let me say to all who have wholly given themselves to God: Do examine yourselves and see if in this respect you have limited Him day after day. [Watchman Nee, Let Us Pray (New York, New York: Christian Fellowship Publishers, 1977), 11.]
Is prayer a vital part of your strategic business practices? Put prayer on the front lines, instead of making it an afterthought. You will begin to see renewed power in your work life.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Daily Caffeination 10/22/06
God's Double-talk
The Lord said to Moses, "When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go." - Exodus 4:21
Have you ever had a boss tell you to do something only to have him sabotage your ability to complete the task? Nothing is more frustrating than to begin to carry out a task and have your superior thwart your effort to do what he asked you to do.
Moses must have felt this way after God told him to go to Pharaoh and tell him to release the people of Israel. He said, "I am going to give you the power to release the children of Israel by the miracles I will do through you." Yet at the same time, He told Moses they would not be released because He was going to put a hard heart in Pharaoh. How do we reconcile this?
In my own life, I knew God called me to certain endeavors. Yet every time I turned around, a roadblock stood in my way. It took years of plodding along before the light came on as to why there was such a distance between what God called me to do and the manifestation of that calling. When David was anointed king of Israel, it was years before he realized the manifestation of that calling. There were a number of reasons for these delays.
In the case of Moses and Israel, God wanted to demonstrate His power in such a way that generations would be able to hear the story of their deliverance from their ancestors. God wanted greater glory from the situation. God also wanted to deal with Egypt by sending specific plagues. Finally, the very process built character in Moses and tested Moses to see if he would stay the course.
There is a time for everything. If God has called you to some endeavor and you are frustrated that it has not manifested, know that times of preparation and simmering are required before the vision can be achieved. Seldom does God call and manifest something at the same time. There is preparation. There is testing. There is relationship building between you and God that must take place. Once this is complete, you will see the vision materialize.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
The Lord said to Moses, "When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go." - Exodus 4:21
Have you ever had a boss tell you to do something only to have him sabotage your ability to complete the task? Nothing is more frustrating than to begin to carry out a task and have your superior thwart your effort to do what he asked you to do.
Moses must have felt this way after God told him to go to Pharaoh and tell him to release the people of Israel. He said, "I am going to give you the power to release the children of Israel by the miracles I will do through you." Yet at the same time, He told Moses they would not be released because He was going to put a hard heart in Pharaoh. How do we reconcile this?
In my own life, I knew God called me to certain endeavors. Yet every time I turned around, a roadblock stood in my way. It took years of plodding along before the light came on as to why there was such a distance between what God called me to do and the manifestation of that calling. When David was anointed king of Israel, it was years before he realized the manifestation of that calling. There were a number of reasons for these delays.
In the case of Moses and Israel, God wanted to demonstrate His power in such a way that generations would be able to hear the story of their deliverance from their ancestors. God wanted greater glory from the situation. God also wanted to deal with Egypt by sending specific plagues. Finally, the very process built character in Moses and tested Moses to see if he would stay the course.
There is a time for everything. If God has called you to some endeavor and you are frustrated that it has not manifested, know that times of preparation and simmering are required before the vision can be achieved. Seldom does God call and manifest something at the same time. There is preparation. There is testing. There is relationship building between you and God that must take place. Once this is complete, you will see the vision materialize.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Seeking God
At our church, Crosslight Assembly of God our focus/theme over the next month(s) is Seeking God. My pastor and I, both have a desire in our hearts to see God do something so tangible so amazing within our community of faith and community as a whole.
So over the next few weeks we are calling our community of believers together to unify our hearts in a focus time of fasting and prayer, to truly seek God. It is our hearts as leaders at Crosslight to see God do amazing things within the lives of those in our Crosslight family and it would pour out to community, workplaces, and schools.
Next Sunday morning, our sevice will be an Experiencial service...in other words no man-ufactured agendas, not a human order of service...however we will doing a responsive reading of the Scriptures, a time of simply praising and worshipping of God, and prayer. To put it simply we are going to focus on seeking God. It is our heart that people wouldn't just think about God, but we would experience God with our heart and spirit. We have such a great head knowledge of God, Pastor Mark Batterson often refers to pastors as "doing ministry from ministry." Too often we live out our faith from memory and not experiencing our faith in a tangible way, in authentic way. We want to experience the Lord in a way that the Acts church community experienced God. It is our desire to see something that is God-ufactured, His timing, His order, and His agenda.
Next Sunday night, we will also have a focus time of prayer, especially our nation and local community, especially with the upcoming elections. We are called as a church to a place of repentence and we are also called to lift our nation to God...that His will be done.
2 Chronicles 7:14 - if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. This passage is our heart as we seek God. Yes, God needs to do something in our land, but we must be willing to allow God to do something within us as a Christian community first. We must be willing to humble ourselves and to turn from our wicked ways.
To seek God, is to seek His heart, to seek His will, seek out all that He has for us and those that He loves. I am looking forward to the next few weeks/months in anticipation and expectantcy. I also have such a hunger and desire to see God do something incredible within the hearts of those who seek Him, as well as He begins to move throughout our community and nation. I don't want a religious nation, I want a nation of people who will seek passionately after God.
If you can't tell I am very excited about this time of SEEKING GOD, personally and as a church community. God please do Your thing and do help me and others to experience You in an amazing and tangible ways. God as you continue to be active in our lives, let us experience Your power. Amen
Can you who read this blog stand with us and pray with us as we seek the Lord together. Let the foundation of this earth be shaken and the heart of His people would be reawakened.
Later,
Chris
So over the next few weeks we are calling our community of believers together to unify our hearts in a focus time of fasting and prayer, to truly seek God. It is our hearts as leaders at Crosslight to see God do amazing things within the lives of those in our Crosslight family and it would pour out to community, workplaces, and schools.
Next Sunday morning, our sevice will be an Experiencial service...in other words no man-ufactured agendas, not a human order of service...however we will doing a responsive reading of the Scriptures, a time of simply praising and worshipping of God, and prayer. To put it simply we are going to focus on seeking God. It is our heart that people wouldn't just think about God, but we would experience God with our heart and spirit. We have such a great head knowledge of God, Pastor Mark Batterson often refers to pastors as "doing ministry from ministry." Too often we live out our faith from memory and not experiencing our faith in a tangible way, in authentic way. We want to experience the Lord in a way that the Acts church community experienced God. It is our desire to see something that is God-ufactured, His timing, His order, and His agenda.
Next Sunday night, we will also have a focus time of prayer, especially our nation and local community, especially with the upcoming elections. We are called as a church to a place of repentence and we are also called to lift our nation to God...that His will be done.
2 Chronicles 7:14 - if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. This passage is our heart as we seek God. Yes, God needs to do something in our land, but we must be willing to allow God to do something within us as a Christian community first. We must be willing to humble ourselves and to turn from our wicked ways.
To seek God, is to seek His heart, to seek His will, seek out all that He has for us and those that He loves. I am looking forward to the next few weeks/months in anticipation and expectantcy. I also have such a hunger and desire to see God do something incredible within the hearts of those who seek Him, as well as He begins to move throughout our community and nation. I don't want a religious nation, I want a nation of people who will seek passionately after God.
If you can't tell I am very excited about this time of SEEKING GOD, personally and as a church community. God please do Your thing and do help me and others to experience You in an amazing and tangible ways. God as you continue to be active in our lives, let us experience Your power. Amen
Can you who read this blog stand with us and pray with us as we seek the Lord together. Let the foundation of this earth be shaken and the heart of His people would be reawakened.
Later,
Chris
Daily Caffeination 10/21/06
David's Armor
David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. "I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took them off. - 1 Samuel 17:39
David, the young shepherd boy, heard the challenge from the Philistines to send someone to fight Goliath. No one volunteered to fight except David. King Saul reluctantly agreed and offered David his armor. David put on the weighty equipment, but quickly concluded he could not fight in this heavy armor.
God equips each of us in such a way that is unique to our strengths and abilities. David was trained as a shepherd to use another weapon. For David, it was a slingshot. David showed great maturity in realizing he could not be effective with Saul's armor.
What are the gifts and talents God has given to you? Have you ever tried to accomplish a task with tools you were not trained to use? God allows each of us to develop skills that are unique to our life. He will not call you to use someone else's tools.
However, this is only half of the equation. These talents must be mixed with faith. Talent alone is not enough. Faith alone is not enough. It is only when the two are combined that God's power is released and manifested in the physical realm.
Mix your unique gifts with faith today; you will be surprised at the power of God that will be manifested.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. "I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took them off. - 1 Samuel 17:39
David, the young shepherd boy, heard the challenge from the Philistines to send someone to fight Goliath. No one volunteered to fight except David. King Saul reluctantly agreed and offered David his armor. David put on the weighty equipment, but quickly concluded he could not fight in this heavy armor.
God equips each of us in such a way that is unique to our strengths and abilities. David was trained as a shepherd to use another weapon. For David, it was a slingshot. David showed great maturity in realizing he could not be effective with Saul's armor.
What are the gifts and talents God has given to you? Have you ever tried to accomplish a task with tools you were not trained to use? God allows each of us to develop skills that are unique to our life. He will not call you to use someone else's tools.
However, this is only half of the equation. These talents must be mixed with faith. Talent alone is not enough. Faith alone is not enough. It is only when the two are combined that God's power is released and manifested in the physical realm.
Mix your unique gifts with faith today; you will be surprised at the power of God that will be manifested.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Friday, October 20, 2006
Daily Caffeination 10/20/06
Avoiding Detours
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6
I turned off the interstate to get gas for my car. I was returning from a speaking engagement and it was very late. As I turned onto the road, I looked for the entrance ramp to get back on the interstate. It was dark and I could not see any signs. I made a turn to the right that appeared to be the turn I needed to make. I could see the interstate was next to the road. As I continued down this road, the interstate was on my left. It soon became obvious it was not the entrance road but rather a frontage road. I assumed it would take me to the next interchange. However, the road soon turned away from the interstate. It grew darker and darker. The road became a dirt road. I realized I was not going to get to the interstate on this road. Being a bit frustrated that I had made the wrong turn, I turned around and went back, losing valuable time.
It is easy to make assumptions about the path we are on. If God's Spirit has not enlightened our reasoning, we are inclined to make the wrong choices. Our choices seem right at the time, but later we discover these choices have led us away from God because they were based on our own reasoning.
Acknowledge God in all your ways today. Lean completely on Him to reveal His direction for your life. If you do so, He will direct you to the desired destination He has for you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6
I turned off the interstate to get gas for my car. I was returning from a speaking engagement and it was very late. As I turned onto the road, I looked for the entrance ramp to get back on the interstate. It was dark and I could not see any signs. I made a turn to the right that appeared to be the turn I needed to make. I could see the interstate was next to the road. As I continued down this road, the interstate was on my left. It soon became obvious it was not the entrance road but rather a frontage road. I assumed it would take me to the next interchange. However, the road soon turned away from the interstate. It grew darker and darker. The road became a dirt road. I realized I was not going to get to the interstate on this road. Being a bit frustrated that I had made the wrong turn, I turned around and went back, losing valuable time.
It is easy to make assumptions about the path we are on. If God's Spirit has not enlightened our reasoning, we are inclined to make the wrong choices. Our choices seem right at the time, but later we discover these choices have led us away from God because they were based on our own reasoning.
Acknowledge God in all your ways today. Lean completely on Him to reveal His direction for your life. If you do so, He will direct you to the desired destination He has for you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Daily Caffeination 10/19/06
Are You Salty?
Everyone will be salted with fire. - Mark 9:49
Jesus used parables to communicate principles of the Kingdom of God. He said each believer's life should have the same impact on his or her world as salt has on food. Salt gives food flavor and brings out the best, while at the same time it serves as a preservative.
What allows a Christian to become salty? Fire. God knows that each believer needs a degree of testing by fire in order for Christ's fragrance to be manifested. We cannot become salty without this deeper work of the Holy Spirit's fire in our lives. Fire purifies all that is not of Christ. It takes away all the impurities that prevent His nature from being revealed in us.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Are you a salty Christian? If not, pray a prayer that the immature are unwilling to pray. Pray that God makes you a salty Christian. It will result in praise and glory at the throne of God.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Everyone will be salted with fire. - Mark 9:49
Jesus used parables to communicate principles of the Kingdom of God. He said each believer's life should have the same impact on his or her world as salt has on food. Salt gives food flavor and brings out the best, while at the same time it serves as a preservative.
What allows a Christian to become salty? Fire. God knows that each believer needs a degree of testing by fire in order for Christ's fragrance to be manifested. We cannot become salty without this deeper work of the Holy Spirit's fire in our lives. Fire purifies all that is not of Christ. It takes away all the impurities that prevent His nature from being revealed in us.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Are you a salty Christian? If not, pray a prayer that the immature are unwilling to pray. Pray that God makes you a salty Christian. It will result in praise and glory at the throne of God.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Daily Caffeination 10/18/06
The Power of Unity
That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. - John 17:21
What is the greatest power that allows the unsaved to make a decision for Jesus Christ? It isn't prayer, though this is important. It isn't good deeds, though deeds indicate a fruitful relationship with God. It isn't good behavior, though Christ commands us to be obedient as sons. The greatest power God's children have over darkness is unity. Jesus talked a great deal about His oneness with the Father and the importance of unity in the Body of Christ. It is the most difficult command Jesus gave to the Church, because it wars against the most evil aspect of our sin nature-independence.
In the last days we are seeing God's Spirit convict His children of the lack of unity among His Church. We are seeing God move between blacks and whites, ethnic groups, denominations, and parachurch groups. There is much work to be done. The walls of division and competition among His Body are a stench in God's nostrils. He sees the competition and the pride of ownership and weeps for the lost who cannot come to Him because they cannot see Him in His Body. When His Body is one, the unbelieving see that Jesus was sent by God. It is like a supernatural key that unlocks Heaven for the heathen soul. The key is in the hand of Christ's Church.
When there is unity, there is power. Scripture tells us five will chase 100, but 100 will chase 10,000 (see Lev. 26:8). There is a dynamic multiplication factor in unity of numbers. We are a hundred times more effective when we are a unified group. Imagine what God could do with a unified Church.
Jesus prayed that we all might be one, as the Father and He are one. He wanted the same love God has for Jesus to be in each of us. When this love is in us, we are drawn to each other with a common mission. The walls fall down. The independent spirit is broken. Competition is destroyed. Satan's accusations are thwarted. Our love for each other is manifest to the world around us. Lost souls begin to seek this love that is so foreign to them.
Have you contributed to an independent spirit within His Body? Are you seeking to break down walls of competition among Christians, churches, denominations, and ethnic groups? Until we walk in the spirit of unity, we will hinder those in whom God has reserved a place in Heaven. Pray for His Church to be unified.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. - John 17:21
What is the greatest power that allows the unsaved to make a decision for Jesus Christ? It isn't prayer, though this is important. It isn't good deeds, though deeds indicate a fruitful relationship with God. It isn't good behavior, though Christ commands us to be obedient as sons. The greatest power God's children have over darkness is unity. Jesus talked a great deal about His oneness with the Father and the importance of unity in the Body of Christ. It is the most difficult command Jesus gave to the Church, because it wars against the most evil aspect of our sin nature-independence.
In the last days we are seeing God's Spirit convict His children of the lack of unity among His Church. We are seeing God move between blacks and whites, ethnic groups, denominations, and parachurch groups. There is much work to be done. The walls of division and competition among His Body are a stench in God's nostrils. He sees the competition and the pride of ownership and weeps for the lost who cannot come to Him because they cannot see Him in His Body. When His Body is one, the unbelieving see that Jesus was sent by God. It is like a supernatural key that unlocks Heaven for the heathen soul. The key is in the hand of Christ's Church.
When there is unity, there is power. Scripture tells us five will chase 100, but 100 will chase 10,000 (see Lev. 26:8). There is a dynamic multiplication factor in unity of numbers. We are a hundred times more effective when we are a unified group. Imagine what God could do with a unified Church.
Jesus prayed that we all might be one, as the Father and He are one. He wanted the same love God has for Jesus to be in each of us. When this love is in us, we are drawn to each other with a common mission. The walls fall down. The independent spirit is broken. Competition is destroyed. Satan's accusations are thwarted. Our love for each other is manifest to the world around us. Lost souls begin to seek this love that is so foreign to them.
Have you contributed to an independent spirit within His Body? Are you seeking to break down walls of competition among Christians, churches, denominations, and ethnic groups? Until we walk in the spirit of unity, we will hinder those in whom God has reserved a place in Heaven. Pray for His Church to be unified.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Daily Caffeination 10/17/06
The Benefits of Obedience
This is what the Lord says-your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." - Isaiah 48:17
My career has been in marketing and advertising. Early on, I learned to distinguish the difference between features and benefits. Features represent characteristics of a product or service. Benefits are those things that directly profit or benefit me by using the product or service. For instance, my new computer has incredible speed and lots of memory (feature). This allows me to do things more quickly and easily (benefit). People are more concerned about the benefits than the features.
God tells us in the above verse that there are some direct benefits to the features of His nature. He is a God who is committed to teaching His children in the way they should go. What is the real benefit of His teaching? He answers this in the next verse. "If only you had paid attention to My commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea" (Is. 48:18).
The Lord tells us that the benefit of allowing God to teach us and lead us in the way is peace and righteousness. Here is a guaranteed promise from God. I often use guarantees in my advertising claims. Here is God's immutable guarantee: You will have peace like a river and righteousness like the waves of the sea! What a great promise!
Are you trusting God with the very details of your life so that He can lead you in the way you should go? Are you allowing Him to teach you? Seek the Lord today for what He wants to teach you and allow Him to lead you, and you will ensure peace and righteousness in your life.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
This is what the Lord says-your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." - Isaiah 48:17
My career has been in marketing and advertising. Early on, I learned to distinguish the difference between features and benefits. Features represent characteristics of a product or service. Benefits are those things that directly profit or benefit me by using the product or service. For instance, my new computer has incredible speed and lots of memory (feature). This allows me to do things more quickly and easily (benefit). People are more concerned about the benefits than the features.
God tells us in the above verse that there are some direct benefits to the features of His nature. He is a God who is committed to teaching His children in the way they should go. What is the real benefit of His teaching? He answers this in the next verse. "If only you had paid attention to My commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea" (Is. 48:18).
The Lord tells us that the benefit of allowing God to teach us and lead us in the way is peace and righteousness. Here is a guaranteed promise from God. I often use guarantees in my advertising claims. Here is God's immutable guarantee: You will have peace like a river and righteousness like the waves of the sea! What a great promise!
Are you trusting God with the very details of your life so that He can lead you in the way you should go? Are you allowing Him to teach you? Seek the Lord today for what He wants to teach you and allow Him to lead you, and you will ensure peace and righteousness in your life.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Monday, October 16, 2006
Daily Caffeination 10/16/06
When Insecurity Turns Evil
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15 - 1 Kings 20:28
Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. "They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?" (1 Samuel 18:8)
This statement caused something to snap in King Saul. From this point on, Saul was never the leader God intended him to be. He allowed insecurity to drive his every decision. Insecurity leads to the need to control people and circumstances. The need to control leads to anger once we realize we are unable to control the circumstance. King Saul could not accept, much less rejoice, over David's success. David's life would never be the same, because Saul sought to kill David every chance he had. Saul had a choice; he could have seen David as an up-and-coming general in his army who could have become an important part of his team and made the kingdom of Israel even stronger. Instead, he looked at him as a threat.
When you hear good news about fellow workers or associates, do you rejoice with them? If you find yourself comparing your life's circumstances to others and don't feel you measure up, recognize that this is one of satan's greatest ploys to destroy you.
Christ has given you all things in Him. He has a unique plan for you that cannot be compared to another. He alone is your security. Trust in the purposes He has for your life. And remember, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19 KJV).
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15 - 1 Kings 20:28
Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. "They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?" (1 Samuel 18:8)
This statement caused something to snap in King Saul. From this point on, Saul was never the leader God intended him to be. He allowed insecurity to drive his every decision. Insecurity leads to the need to control people and circumstances. The need to control leads to anger once we realize we are unable to control the circumstance. King Saul could not accept, much less rejoice, over David's success. David's life would never be the same, because Saul sought to kill David every chance he had. Saul had a choice; he could have seen David as an up-and-coming general in his army who could have become an important part of his team and made the kingdom of Israel even stronger. Instead, he looked at him as a threat.
When you hear good news about fellow workers or associates, do you rejoice with them? If you find yourself comparing your life's circumstances to others and don't feel you measure up, recognize that this is one of satan's greatest ploys to destroy you.
Christ has given you all things in Him. He has a unique plan for you that cannot be compared to another. He alone is your security. Trust in the purposes He has for your life. And remember, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19 KJV).
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Trip Home from Boston & Final Thoughts with Pictures
Well it is Sunday night at 9:00 pm and yes we are home in Chester, VA. We had an amazing time in Boston, however it is so good to be home with the two doggies.
Our flight yesterday with USAir (boo!) was delayed 3 stinkin' hours so we had to wait at Logan International Airport. That was no fun at all. Apparently, our captain called in sick so we had to find someone else to fly our plane. If they would have asked, I would have driven it. We did finally get home about 8:45 last night, thank you Lord!
Today, we had church this morning...we had an awesome service with really good worship. Altar time this morning was so cool. It is so cool seeing what God is doing in people's lives. It was nice being back with the church family.
After a really good nap today I watched my STEELERS play and they beat the Kansas City Cheifs 45-7...STEELERS BABY!!! I also played my final softball game for the fall season. We won one and lost won tonight...for what is worth our record for the fall season is 6 wins and 4 losses, not too bad.
Anyways, I am glad to be home and now tomorrow it is back to the real world. We are about to head off to bed in a few minutes but I don't want to leave you without posting some final pictures from Boston and our trip home. I would definitly recommend that each of you go to Boston if you get a chance, you will love it.
Now to the pictures...
Our flight yesterday with USAir (boo!) was delayed 3 stinkin' hours so we had to wait at Logan International Airport. That was no fun at all. Apparently, our captain called in sick so we had to find someone else to fly our plane. If they would have asked, I would have driven it. We did finally get home about 8:45 last night, thank you Lord!
Today, we had church this morning...we had an awesome service with really good worship. Altar time this morning was so cool. It is so cool seeing what God is doing in people's lives. It was nice being back with the church family.
After a really good nap today I watched my STEELERS play and they beat the Kansas City Cheifs 45-7...STEELERS BABY!!! I also played my final softball game for the fall season. We won one and lost won tonight...for what is worth our record for the fall season is 6 wins and 4 losses, not too bad.
Anyways, I am glad to be home and now tomorrow it is back to the real world. We are about to head off to bed in a few minutes but I don't want to leave you without posting some final pictures from Boston and our trip home. I would definitly recommend that each of you go to Boston if you get a chance, you will love it.
Now to the pictures...
Our room in Boston
Life Is Good store. The headquarters for Life Is Good in Boston
Life Is Good store. The headquarters for Life Is Good in Boston
Entertainment in Logan International Airport, playing Texas Hold'em on the iPod
Taking pictures of planes is entertaining as well
Taking off, two last pictures of the Boston skyline :-)
Picture in the sky...isn't this cool?
Taking pictures of planes is entertaining as well
Taking off, two last pictures of the Boston skyline :-)
Picture in the sky...isn't this cool?
I hope that you enjoyed our trip to Boston as much as we did.
Later,
Chris
Later,
Chris
Daily Caffeination 10/15/06
The God of the Valley
The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, "This is what the Lord says: 'Because the Arameans think the Lord is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the Lord'." - 1 Kings 20:28
Whenever we stand on the mountain, we are able to see clearly. It is the best vantage point to see what lies ahead. Wouldn't it be great to live on the mountain all the time in order to anticipate what is ahead? God allows us to experience the mountaintop at times. Joseph's first mountaintop experience was as a young man. He had the favor of his father, Jacob. He was given a fine coat and even had a dream about his future. As a young man, Joseph had a sense of destiny about his life. God often gives us a picture of our future so that we will remember this picture when we are being tested to trust Him in the valley. This picture usually does not reveal how God intends to bring about the visions for our life.
However, none of us really derive the character qualities God desires for our lives while we are on the mountain. It is in the valley where the fruit is planted and harvested. It cannot grow on the mountain; it must grow in the valley. God is a God of the mountain, but he is even more a God of the valley. In the valley, it is more difficult to see ahead; the clouds often cover the valley and limit our sight. Joseph was thrust into a deep valley that left him wondering if the God of his father had forsaken him. Jesus hoped that He might be able to avoid the valley that caused Him to sweat blood. There is a valley that each of us must enter, usually unwillingly, in order to experience the God of the valley-and to experience His faithfulness in the valley. Once we have spent time in this valley, we come out with something we would have never gained if we had not entered it. The valley brings much fruit into our lives so that we might plant seeds into the lives of others. God does not waste valley experiences. If we are faithful in the valley, we will enter a new dimension with God that we never thought possible. There is a harvest of wisdom and virtue that can only be grown in the valley.
Has God brought you into the valley? Know that the valley is a place of fruitfulness; it is a place of testing. It is where God brings what you know in your head into your heart. The only value of knowledge is when it becomes part of your heart. Look for God in the valley today.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, "This is what the Lord says: 'Because the Arameans think the Lord is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the Lord'." - 1 Kings 20:28
Whenever we stand on the mountain, we are able to see clearly. It is the best vantage point to see what lies ahead. Wouldn't it be great to live on the mountain all the time in order to anticipate what is ahead? God allows us to experience the mountaintop at times. Joseph's first mountaintop experience was as a young man. He had the favor of his father, Jacob. He was given a fine coat and even had a dream about his future. As a young man, Joseph had a sense of destiny about his life. God often gives us a picture of our future so that we will remember this picture when we are being tested to trust Him in the valley. This picture usually does not reveal how God intends to bring about the visions for our life.
However, none of us really derive the character qualities God desires for our lives while we are on the mountain. It is in the valley where the fruit is planted and harvested. It cannot grow on the mountain; it must grow in the valley. God is a God of the mountain, but he is even more a God of the valley. In the valley, it is more difficult to see ahead; the clouds often cover the valley and limit our sight. Joseph was thrust into a deep valley that left him wondering if the God of his father had forsaken him. Jesus hoped that He might be able to avoid the valley that caused Him to sweat blood. There is a valley that each of us must enter, usually unwillingly, in order to experience the God of the valley-and to experience His faithfulness in the valley. Once we have spent time in this valley, we come out with something we would have never gained if we had not entered it. The valley brings much fruit into our lives so that we might plant seeds into the lives of others. God does not waste valley experiences. If we are faithful in the valley, we will enter a new dimension with God that we never thought possible. There is a harvest of wisdom and virtue that can only be grown in the valley.
Has God brought you into the valley? Know that the valley is a place of fruitfulness; it is a place of testing. It is where God brings what you know in your head into your heart. The only value of knowledge is when it becomes part of your heart. Look for God in the valley today.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Daily Caffeination 10/14/06 - Live for the Final Time From Boston, MA
Tested for Abundance
We went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. - Psalm 66:12b
It is nice to hear that God desires to bring us into abundance. In fact, many a preacher has promoted the goodness of the Lord and His ability to prosper His children. Alas, my experience is that this gospel of material abundance has little to do with the gospel of the Kingdom as our Lord works in the realm of the sanctified soul. The passage above tells us that God does in fact bring us into places of abundance. However, upon further study of the entire passage, we learn the route to this abundance.
For you, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:10-12).
God's economy of abundance often has little to do with material blessing. In God's economy, abundance is often measured in wisdom and knowledge of Himself. It is then that we are truly blessed. Wisdom cannot be gained through intellectual pursuits. Wisdom comes only through experience. Real wisdom comes from the kinds of experiences that come only through the deepest tests. Lessons of refinement, including prison accompanied by burdens, lead us through the fire and water. This is the territory that must be traveled to reach that place of abundance. It would seem strange that a loving God would use such means with His children. What we often fail to realize is that God's measuring stick is the character and likeness of Jesus Christ Himself in each of us. This cannot be gained through a life of ease and pleasure. Ease and pleasure fail to refine.
Is God using your workplace to refine you today? Has He placed you in a prison or laid burdens on your back? Take heart if this is the place you find yourself, and realize that if you are faithful through the tests, you will enter a place of abundance that few will ever attain. The darkest hour is just before daybreak.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
We went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. - Psalm 66:12b
It is nice to hear that God desires to bring us into abundance. In fact, many a preacher has promoted the goodness of the Lord and His ability to prosper His children. Alas, my experience is that this gospel of material abundance has little to do with the gospel of the Kingdom as our Lord works in the realm of the sanctified soul. The passage above tells us that God does in fact bring us into places of abundance. However, upon further study of the entire passage, we learn the route to this abundance.
For you, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:10-12).
God's economy of abundance often has little to do with material blessing. In God's economy, abundance is often measured in wisdom and knowledge of Himself. It is then that we are truly blessed. Wisdom cannot be gained through intellectual pursuits. Wisdom comes only through experience. Real wisdom comes from the kinds of experiences that come only through the deepest tests. Lessons of refinement, including prison accompanied by burdens, lead us through the fire and water. This is the territory that must be traveled to reach that place of abundance. It would seem strange that a loving God would use such means with His children. What we often fail to realize is that God's measuring stick is the character and likeness of Jesus Christ Himself in each of us. This cannot be gained through a life of ease and pleasure. Ease and pleasure fail to refine.
Is God using your workplace to refine you today? Has He placed you in a prison or laid burdens on your back? Take heart if this is the place you find yourself, and realize that if you are faithful through the tests, you will enter a place of abundance that few will ever attain. The darkest hour is just before daybreak.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Friday, October 13, 2006
Final Full Day In Boston
Wow what a week! It is bittersweet to think about heading back south to Richmond, VA, to a place called home. It has been a wonderful week, a week of a lot of touring, a lot of eating and of course a lot of walking, a whole lot of walking.
Today was no different when it came to walking around Boston/Cambridge. Lora and I set out from the hotel about 10:00 to begin today's adventure. We began our journey at the Boston Public Library...there were so many books there, many are very old (check the pictures to come). I was totally in awe of this beautiful building.
From the Library, we advanced to Trinity Church to tour the inside. It was a spectacular sight of this building that was built between 1872-77. This church is built from heavy stone on filled land that was at one time a mud flat. The detail work of this church is amazing from the wood, to marble, to the artwork and trim to beautiful stained-glass windows which are ancient movie theater screens (If you read evotional.com you might understand this comment, Pastor Mark Batterson calls movie theater screens modern stained-glass).
For lunch we went to the Bull & Finch Pub, better known as Cheers. It was decent food and a cool place to go for those of us who grew up in the '80s watching this TV show.
From Cheers we made our trek over to the Museum of Science Boston. We had the opportunity to see the Body Worlds 2 exhibit. This was an amazing experience to see the anatomy of the human body. These bodies were real people who have passed which was kind of weird. It was extremely fascinating to see the body structure of the muscles, tendons, nerves and organs. It reminds me that we are fearfully and wonderfully made creations of an indescribable God. We also went through the Butterfly Exhibit, which is kind of cool as well.
After the Museum of Science Boston our journey led us to the other side of the Charles River to Cambridge, where we had Dunkin' Donuts' coffee and a donut and walked to MIT (Mass. Institute of Technology. By the way, I feel like my I.Q. went up a few points by walking on the campus of MIT. We went up to the Engineering Library's reading room which is in a dome. The reading room was one of the quietest places I have ever been. We went here on the recommendation of one of Lora's co-workers, Tim. For what it is worth, Tim recommended most of the things we did here in Boston. Thanks Tim for the heads up.
We left MIT and headed back over the Hahvad (for the rest of us that is Harvard) Bridge back to the Back Bay area to go back to the Marriott Copley Place.
What an adventure. I am exhausted posting about it. Well tomorrow afternoon we leave this awesome city and head home. Thanks Boston for a great week of exploring your extraordinary city.
Here the pictures from today. Check out more pictures on Lora's blog.
Today was no different when it came to walking around Boston/Cambridge. Lora and I set out from the hotel about 10:00 to begin today's adventure. We began our journey at the Boston Public Library...there were so many books there, many are very old (check the pictures to come). I was totally in awe of this beautiful building.
From the Library, we advanced to Trinity Church to tour the inside. It was a spectacular sight of this building that was built between 1872-77. This church is built from heavy stone on filled land that was at one time a mud flat. The detail work of this church is amazing from the wood, to marble, to the artwork and trim to beautiful stained-glass windows which are ancient movie theater screens (If you read evotional.com you might understand this comment, Pastor Mark Batterson calls movie theater screens modern stained-glass).
For lunch we went to the Bull & Finch Pub, better known as Cheers. It was decent food and a cool place to go for those of us who grew up in the '80s watching this TV show.
From Cheers we made our trek over to the Museum of Science Boston. We had the opportunity to see the Body Worlds 2 exhibit. This was an amazing experience to see the anatomy of the human body. These bodies were real people who have passed which was kind of weird. It was extremely fascinating to see the body structure of the muscles, tendons, nerves and organs. It reminds me that we are fearfully and wonderfully made creations of an indescribable God. We also went through the Butterfly Exhibit, which is kind of cool as well.
After the Museum of Science Boston our journey led us to the other side of the Charles River to Cambridge, where we had Dunkin' Donuts' coffee and a donut and walked to MIT (Mass. Institute of Technology. By the way, I feel like my I.Q. went up a few points by walking on the campus of MIT. We went up to the Engineering Library's reading room which is in a dome. The reading room was one of the quietest places I have ever been. We went here on the recommendation of one of Lora's co-workers, Tim. For what it is worth, Tim recommended most of the things we did here in Boston. Thanks Tim for the heads up.
We left MIT and headed back over the Hahvad (for the rest of us that is Harvard) Bridge back to the Back Bay area to go back to the Marriott Copley Place.
What an adventure. I am exhausted posting about it. Well tomorrow afternoon we leave this awesome city and head home. Thanks Boston for a great week of exploring your extraordinary city.
Here the pictures from today. Check out more pictures on Lora's blog.
Boston Public Library
Reading Room at the Boston Public Library, it was huge.
Old Books at the Boston Public Library, I thought these were cool.
Trinity Church of Boston
Inside of Trinity Church
Organist playing a Pipe Organ at Trinity
Oh yeah we walked by the freshly painted finish line of the Boston Marathon
Body Worlds 2 at the Museum of Science
A butterfly at the Museum of Science's Butterfly Exhibit
Madagascar (sp?) Cockroaches from the Museum of Science, these bad boys were huge!
MIT
The reading room in the Engineering Library
What MIT students do for fun...
Skyline Pictures from Cambridge
I posted the World of a Starbucks Cup earlier this week.
Here is the World of a Dunkin' Domuts Cup.
Old Books at the Boston Public Library, I thought these were cool.
Trinity Church of Boston
Inside of Trinity Church
Organist playing a Pipe Organ at Trinity
Oh yeah we walked by the freshly painted finish line of the Boston Marathon
Body Worlds 2 at the Museum of Science
A butterfly at the Museum of Science's Butterfly Exhibit
Madagascar (sp?) Cockroaches from the Museum of Science, these bad boys were huge!
MIT
The reading room in the Engineering Library
What MIT students do for fun...
Skyline Pictures from Cambridge
I posted the World of a Starbucks Cup earlier this week.
Here is the World of a Dunkin' Domuts Cup.
Daily Caffeination 10/13/06 - Live from Boston, MA
Perfect Timing
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.—Ecclesiastes 3:11
Have you ever struggled with God’s promises to you? Has it ever seemed like there was no end in sight to the storm you were facing?
Sometimes when you are going through hardship, you wonder, When am I going to get through this? When is this storm cloud going to go away? When are things going to get better?
It reminds me of the Gospel account of Jesus and His disciples at the Sea of Galilee, when He sent them ahead by boat to the other side. But as they were making their way across, a huge storm came along. It got worse and worse. The disciples began to despair of their very lives.
Matthew’s Gospel tells us that during the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them (Matthew 14:25). The fourth watch is that time of night just before dawn, meaning that the disciples had been at sea fighting this storm and trying to get out of it for eight long hours. Then when the storm was raging, when it seemed like it would go on forever, Jesus came to them, walking on the water.
Many times He will come to us in the fourth watch. We pray, “Oh, Lord, come through now. Do it now.”
But the Lord says, “Hang on. I will be there when the time is right.”
One of the things I have learned in my years as a Christian is that along with His will, God has His timing. Sometimes we grow anxious. Sometimes we want things to happen a little more quickly than they ought to.
But God has His timing. And He is never late.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.—Ecclesiastes 3:11
Have you ever struggled with God’s promises to you? Has it ever seemed like there was no end in sight to the storm you were facing?
Sometimes when you are going through hardship, you wonder, When am I going to get through this? When is this storm cloud going to go away? When are things going to get better?
It reminds me of the Gospel account of Jesus and His disciples at the Sea of Galilee, when He sent them ahead by boat to the other side. But as they were making their way across, a huge storm came along. It got worse and worse. The disciples began to despair of their very lives.
Matthew’s Gospel tells us that during the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them (Matthew 14:25). The fourth watch is that time of night just before dawn, meaning that the disciples had been at sea fighting this storm and trying to get out of it for eight long hours. Then when the storm was raging, when it seemed like it would go on forever, Jesus came to them, walking on the water.
Many times He will come to us in the fourth watch. We pray, “Oh, Lord, come through now. Do it now.”
But the Lord says, “Hang on. I will be there when the time is right.”
One of the things I have learned in my years as a Christian is that along with His will, God has His timing. Sometimes we grow anxious. Sometimes we want things to happen a little more quickly than they ought to.
But God has His timing. And He is never late.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Another Day Of Adventure In Boston
It is almost 10:00 pm and I am totally exhausted, so this will be a quick post with some pictures from our ride and walk through this great city.
Our day started out aboard a Duck for one of Boston's fame Duck Tours, which took us past the many different landmarks within the streets Boston and through the water of the Charles River.
After the Duck tour, we walked atleast another five miles along the Freedom Trail through major historical landmarks. I really enjoyed another day as a tourist of this awesome city.
Here some pictures of some of what we saw today...check out Lora's site for her post and other pictures from our day hangin' together.
Please enjoy...
Our day started out aboard a Duck for one of Boston's fame Duck Tours, which took us past the many different landmarks within the streets Boston and through the water of the Charles River.
After the Duck tour, we walked atleast another five miles along the Freedom Trail through major historical landmarks. I really enjoyed another day as a tourist of this awesome city.
Here some pictures of some of what we saw today...check out Lora's site for her post and other pictures from our day hangin' together.
Please enjoy...
Dunkin' Donuts is actually bigger than Starbucks here in Boston, I know I can't believe either...there are 98 Dunkin' Donuts in the city of Boston.
Picture from the Duck in the water. I want to own a vehicle like this...thank you to our tour guide, Merriweather Byrd, for a great journey around Boston.
Mass. State House
Granary Burying Ground, where Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams (the person, not the beer) are buried.
Union Oyster House, the oldest restaurant in America
New England Holocaust Memorial (This was very moving and powerful. The glass has six million numbers etched in it to symbolize the six million Jews who died at the hands of the Nazis in Germany. It also had quotes from various people during that time.)
USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.
Launched in Boston in 1797.
The best skyline picture of Boston so far. This was taken from a water taxi.
The beginning and the end of the Freedom Trail, estimated to be 2.5 miles from start to finish. Yes those are our sore feet.
Picture from the Duck in the water. I want to own a vehicle like this...thank you to our tour guide, Merriweather Byrd, for a great journey around Boston.
Mass. State House
Granary Burying Ground, where Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams (the person, not the beer) are buried.
Union Oyster House, the oldest restaurant in America
New England Holocaust Memorial (This was very moving and powerful. The glass has six million numbers etched in it to symbolize the six million Jews who died at the hands of the Nazis in Germany. It also had quotes from various people during that time.)
USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.
Launched in Boston in 1797.
The best skyline picture of Boston so far. This was taken from a water taxi.
The beginning and the end of the Freedom Trail, estimated to be 2.5 miles from start to finish. Yes those are our sore feet.
Looking forward to another great day around Boston tomorrow with more pictures.
Later,
Chris
Later,
Chris
Daily Caffeination 10/12/06 - Live from Boston, MA
An Audience of One
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2
What audience do you play to? Each day you are seen by many who will make a judgment about the way you handle yourself among different audiences. Politicians have learned to play to their audiences, customizing messages for the needs of their particular groups. Musicians have learned to play to their audiences. Pastors play to their congregations each Sunday morning. Workplace believers play to the audiences who will buy their product.
Christ has called us to play to one audience - the audience of Himself. When you seek to please any other audience in your life, you become susceptible to situational ethics and motivations based on the need for the moment. Your audience becomes a pawn in your hands because you know what they want. Is that wrong? Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't.
Pure obedience to pleasing God in our lives will often meet the needs of those around us. It is God's will that you and I love our spouses, provide good services to our customers, and look to the interests of others before ourselves. This will result in meeting many needs of the audiences in our lives.
However, there are other times when our audiences are asking for something contrary to God's will. Politicians are often forced to appease their audiences, even though it may go against God's laws. When we are asked to go with the flow, we discover which audience is most important in our lives. Is it the audience of One, or the audience of many?
Today, be aware of which audience you are playing to. Ask yourself why you are taking a particular action. Is it to please the audience of One? Or is it to please the audience of others who might negatively impact you should you not play to their tune?
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2
What audience do you play to? Each day you are seen by many who will make a judgment about the way you handle yourself among different audiences. Politicians have learned to play to their audiences, customizing messages for the needs of their particular groups. Musicians have learned to play to their audiences. Pastors play to their congregations each Sunday morning. Workplace believers play to the audiences who will buy their product.
Christ has called us to play to one audience - the audience of Himself. When you seek to please any other audience in your life, you become susceptible to situational ethics and motivations based on the need for the moment. Your audience becomes a pawn in your hands because you know what they want. Is that wrong? Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't.
Pure obedience to pleasing God in our lives will often meet the needs of those around us. It is God's will that you and I love our spouses, provide good services to our customers, and look to the interests of others before ourselves. This will result in meeting many needs of the audiences in our lives.
However, there are other times when our audiences are asking for something contrary to God's will. Politicians are often forced to appease their audiences, even though it may go against God's laws. When we are asked to go with the flow, we discover which audience is most important in our lives. Is it the audience of One, or the audience of many?
Today, be aware of which audience you are playing to. Ask yourself why you are taking a particular action. Is it to please the audience of One? Or is it to please the audience of others who might negatively impact you should you not play to their tune?
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
A Long Day of Walking, Walking and Then More Walking...My Ankles, Legs and Feet Hurt.
I don't think I have ever done so much walking in my life...I mean that honestly. I walked a whole lot today. I started out for my initial journey @ 10 am. I walked to the Charles River Basin and walked across the Harvard Bridge to the Cambridge area and walked past MIT (Massachussetts Institute of Technology) and then crossed back over the Longfellow Bridge then back to our hotel at Copley Place. I got back to the hotel at 12:30.
When I got back to the room Lora was done working for the day, so we headed out on my second journey of the day, Lora's first. We walked through the Public Garden, Boston Common, the Financial District, Faneuil Hall/Market area, then up through the North End, past the TD Banknorth Garden (formerly the Boston Garden, then we walked along the Charles River Basin (2nd time for me today), then back through the Back Bay area and then back to the Copley Place Marriott. This journey began about 1:30 after a brief stop for lunch and we got back to the hotel about 6:00.
Can I just tell you we are both very sore...feet, legs, and ankles. We are hobbling all over the place, we look like two old people. Now it is 9:00 and we are about to crash for tonight so we can be ready for tomorrow. :-)
After this long journey do you think I wouldn't have any pictures? Well not to disappoint I do have pictures from my day of walking, walking, and more walking. Please enjoy the pictures.
When I got back to the room Lora was done working for the day, so we headed out on my second journey of the day, Lora's first. We walked through the Public Garden, Boston Common, the Financial District, Faneuil Hall/Market area, then up through the North End, past the TD Banknorth Garden (formerly the Boston Garden, then we walked along the Charles River Basin (2nd time for me today), then back through the Back Bay area and then back to the Copley Place Marriott. This journey began about 1:30 after a brief stop for lunch and we got back to the hotel about 6:00.
Can I just tell you we are both very sore...feet, legs, and ankles. We are hobbling all over the place, we look like two old people. Now it is 9:00 and we are about to crash for tonight so we can be ready for tomorrow. :-)
After this long journey do you think I wouldn't have any pictures? Well not to disappoint I do have pictures from my day of walking, walking, and more walking. Please enjoy the pictures.
Really cool houses of Boston, I wouldn't mind living here.
Walk along the Charles River Basin
Longfellow Bridge
MIT (Massachussetts Institute of Technology)
Various Skyline pictures
Public Garden
A squirrel that got really close to us at the Public Garden
A Hawk we saw at the Boston Garden looking to take out a squirrel, not the one above, though.
MIT (Massachussetts Institute of Technology)
Various Skyline pictures
Public Garden
A squirrel that got really close to us at the Public Garden
A Hawk we saw at the Boston Garden looking to take out a squirrel, not the one above, though.There was actually a crowd gathering around waiting to see what this bird of prey would do next. Thank God we didn't see him get his prey.
One of two pastry shops we went to. This one has awesome black and white cookies...seriously the best B&W cookies I have ever had.
We ate at this restaurant the first night in town, excellent food. Lucca's is in the North Shore in Little Italy.
These ducks or geese, I am really not sure, let us get real close to them...I think Pastor Mark Batterson (check out top blogs at Mark's site - title Wild Goose Hunter) is an expert on geese, so he should know.
Sailing in the Charles River Basis at 5:00 pm and 55 degrees, burrrrr!
Looking forward to see what tomorrow has in store for us...more walking? Perhaps. :-)
Good night from Boston...I miss my students from FUSE Student Ministry tonight, I hope you all had a great service, love you all.
Later,
Chris
One of two pastry shops we went to. This one has awesome black and white cookies...seriously the best B&W cookies I have ever had.
We ate at this restaurant the first night in town, excellent food. Lucca's is in the North Shore in Little Italy.
These ducks or geese, I am really not sure, let us get real close to them...I think Pastor Mark Batterson (check out top blogs at Mark's site - title Wild Goose Hunter) is an expert on geese, so he should know.
Sailing in the Charles River Basis at 5:00 pm and 55 degrees, burrrrr!
Looking forward to see what tomorrow has in store for us...more walking? Perhaps. :-)
Good night from Boston...I miss my students from FUSE Student Ministry tonight, I hope you all had a great service, love you all.
Later,
Chris
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