I came across this blog post a week ago and have been pondering it since:
http://www.desirespiritualgrowth.com/proclaiming-the-gospel-what-we-learn-from-casting-nets/
The implications of the analogy of fishing for people go far beyond what I've ever seen anyone talk about. For instance, when a fish is caught by the truth (the net), it has no choice but to submit to the Grand Fisher. After the fish is pulled up, it is made clean (justified). There is so much more that could be learned from this simple, yet so complex analogy of witnessing to those lost in the world.
I hope you have a blessed day and please feel free to leave a comment!
Tyler
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Word is So Good!
Psalm 23
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
How Great is our God?
Indescribably great!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Words are not enough
Ephesians 5:1-21
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: 'wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Amen!
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: 'wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Amen!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Time for a Blog: Worship and the Cries of the Heart
It has been quite a while since I have pinned a blog. These were meant to be written daily, but, due to such a busy end of the semester, things kind of got put on hold. Nevertheless, I have recently finished reading Cries of the Heart by Ravi Zacharias.
I will pin a few quotes, and then write some ending thoughts:
"The Bible addresses pleasure possibly far more than it does the issue of pain, because the truth is that ultimately meaninglessness does not come from being weary of pain, but meaninglessness comes from being weary of pleasure."
"Any pleasure that refreshes you without diminishing you, distracting you, or sidetracking you from the ultimate goal is a legitimate pleasure."
Susannah Wesley once said: "Whatever weakens your reasoning, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God or takes away your relish for spiritual things; in short, if anything increases the authority and the power of the flesh over the spirit, that to you becomes sin, however good it is in itself."
A few questions I would like to ponder each day, and I encourage you to do like so:
"Do we give Him the best of our time?
Do we give Him the best of our energies?
Do we give Him the best of our thinking?
Do we give Him the best of our wealth?
Do we give Him the best of dreams and plans?
Or does the world get our best while God merely gets the leftovers?"
One more quote by Archbishop William temple:
"Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness, nourishment of mind by His truth, purifying of imagination by His beauty, opening of the heart to His love, and submission of will to His purpose. All this gathered up in adoration is the greatest of all expressions we are capable of."
And now my thoughts:
So many cries lay at the heart of each individual: from the cry of guilt to that of loneliness. Our culture has told us that "all you need is love," but love is NOT enough. Love only goes so deep and so far. Rather than love, it is in worship where the deepest cries of the soul are met by the hand of God. Think today how you have worshiped God or not. Maybe there is a cry in your heart now. Let God heal your broken heart as you worship Him today.
We must never forget that it is in worship that our full needs are met!
I will pin a few quotes, and then write some ending thoughts:
"The Bible addresses pleasure possibly far more than it does the issue of pain, because the truth is that ultimately meaninglessness does not come from being weary of pain, but meaninglessness comes from being weary of pleasure."
"Any pleasure that refreshes you without diminishing you, distracting you, or sidetracking you from the ultimate goal is a legitimate pleasure."
Susannah Wesley once said: "Whatever weakens your reasoning, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God or takes away your relish for spiritual things; in short, if anything increases the authority and the power of the flesh over the spirit, that to you becomes sin, however good it is in itself."
A few questions I would like to ponder each day, and I encourage you to do like so:
"Do we give Him the best of our time?
Do we give Him the best of our energies?
Do we give Him the best of our thinking?
Do we give Him the best of our wealth?
Do we give Him the best of dreams and plans?
Or does the world get our best while God merely gets the leftovers?"
One more quote by Archbishop William temple:
"Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness, nourishment of mind by His truth, purifying of imagination by His beauty, opening of the heart to His love, and submission of will to His purpose. All this gathered up in adoration is the greatest of all expressions we are capable of."
And now my thoughts:
So many cries lay at the heart of each individual: from the cry of guilt to that of loneliness. Our culture has told us that "all you need is love," but love is NOT enough. Love only goes so deep and so far. Rather than love, it is in worship where the deepest cries of the soul are met by the hand of God. Think today how you have worshiped God or not. Maybe there is a cry in your heart now. Let God heal your broken heart as you worship Him today.
We must never forget that it is in worship that our full needs are met!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Lack of Awareness
So often I think that I can do things for God, but, rather, it is God that does things for God (and by his loving nature takes care of me). My words should not be to boast in myself, but rather should only boast in the cross. So often I think that God is all love (which He is), but I forget that God is all Holy. So often I think that people need my help (and that I need them), but we all need God alone.
These are the things that I tend to forget on a daily method.
Lord, I cannot do anything for You. You don't need me, but have chosen me because of Your grace. Let my words boast only in the cross and not in myself. For words are powerful in both creating and destructing. Let them destroy my pride and glory and bring Glory to You. Let me have a respect and awareness of Your holiness and not just Your love. For You are a Holy God, and you cannot look upon that which is unholy. Lastly, let me find my complete satisfaction in You and not in helping others or being encouraged by others.
Amen
These are the things that I tend to forget on a daily method.
Lord, I cannot do anything for You. You don't need me, but have chosen me because of Your grace. Let my words boast only in the cross and not in myself. For words are powerful in both creating and destructing. Let them destroy my pride and glory and bring Glory to You. Let me have a respect and awareness of Your holiness and not just Your love. For You are a Holy God, and you cannot look upon that which is unholy. Lastly, let me find my complete satisfaction in You and not in helping others or being encouraged by others.
Amen
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Glory of God
It is impossible for me to comprehend all that Christ has done for me. He has lifted my burdens. Mended my heart. Rescued me from sin. Transformed my mind. Made me an heir. Given me hope. Blessed me more than imaginable: with family, friends, creation. I thank you God for all of Your grace in my insufficiency. I pray with all my heart that I will seek you above all and be softened to know Your will!
Our Father,
Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
On earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil
for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Our Father,
Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
On earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil
for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
One of the Meanings of Christ's Death
1 Peter 2:24:
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
Christ has come for so many more reasons than we think: not just to cancel our debt, but to disarm the authorities, to give marriage its deepest meaning, to bring eternal life, and more.
Those who put their full trust and belief in Jesus have died, just as Christ has. They are no longer slaves to the Law, but slaves to righteousness. We are free from the bondage of sin; therefore, we are commissioned by God to be instruments of His. Let us remember all that Christ's death in the power of His resurrection accomplished for believers this day!
*Much material adapted from The Passion of Jesus Christ by John Piper.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
Christ has come for so many more reasons than we think: not just to cancel our debt, but to disarm the authorities, to give marriage its deepest meaning, to bring eternal life, and more.
Those who put their full trust and belief in Jesus have died, just as Christ has. They are no longer slaves to the Law, but slaves to righteousness. We are free from the bondage of sin; therefore, we are commissioned by God to be instruments of His. Let us remember all that Christ's death in the power of His resurrection accomplished for believers this day!
*Much material adapted from The Passion of Jesus Christ by John Piper.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Names of Jesus
Reinstitute the Kingdom!
Luke 23:44 - 49
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023:44%20-%2049;&version=47;
Christ sacrifice is of infinite significance. It payed our debt, lifted our curse, brought Glory to God. But when the curtain of the temple was town in two, God allowed us to commune with him directly. No longer did we need to go through a priest or any other means. Also, we became the meeting place of heaven and earth. As such, it is our responsibility to allow God to use us as instruments to re-institute His kingdom here on earth. Let God soften our hearts so that we may follow His will in all we do!
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023:44%20-%2049;&version=47;
Christ sacrifice is of infinite significance. It payed our debt, lifted our curse, brought Glory to God. But when the curtain of the temple was town in two, God allowed us to commune with him directly. No longer did we need to go through a priest or any other means. Also, we became the meeting place of heaven and earth. As such, it is our responsibility to allow God to use us as instruments to re-institute His kingdom here on earth. Let God soften our hearts so that we may follow His will in all we do!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Joy in all things
This week has been just wonderful! For some reason, after several weeks of fighting apathy and sadness, joy has finally shown its face! I am so thankful for the uncountable blessings in my life. From my friends to the beauty of creation, God is good! I just pray that this joy will continue and that God will continue to soften my heart to all that is going on around me. I want to long for God above all!
Galatians 5:16 - 26
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
Galatians 5:16 - 26
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Help me to remember this things each day so that You may be glorified in me!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Spiritual Warfare
Imagine being in a battle in WWII. You are a sniper who is moving up in the front lines. You have slowly been advancing toward the goal, but, after every step you take, the enemy begins to attack in even more powerful ways.
The enemy will not falter in his attacks even when we try and retreat back to old ways. We must keep advancing in the knowledge of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have sensed a great battle going on among my brothers lately. I pray that God will give them patience and endurance during their trials. I also pray that God will use believers for His glory to restore and sanctify those who are His. Let us never stop ADVANCING!
Ephesians 6:10 - 20
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Let us remember that the whole reason we need armor is not to be on the defense, but so that we may advance offensively in all truth.
I pray that I will choose God above all. For nowhere else will man find satisfaction that will meet the internal longings of the heart.
Wrapped in the love of Christ,
Tyler
The enemy will not falter in his attacks even when we try and retreat back to old ways. We must keep advancing in the knowledge of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have sensed a great battle going on among my brothers lately. I pray that God will give them patience and endurance during their trials. I also pray that God will use believers for His glory to restore and sanctify those who are His. Let us never stop ADVANCING!
Ephesians 6:10 - 20
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Let us remember that the whole reason we need armor is not to be on the defense, but so that we may advance offensively in all truth.
I pray that I will choose God above all. For nowhere else will man find satisfaction that will meet the internal longings of the heart.
Wrapped in the love of Christ,
Tyler
Thursday, April 2, 2009
He giveth more grace!
Annie J. Flint wrote the following:
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
I will never stop being amazed by the grace of my Lord. For when I am infinitely weak, he is infinitely strong. When I begin to lose all hope, he gives me more to hope for than before. When I dream great dreams, he takes them away and brings them back in to the realm of the miraculous. From the most difficult to the most wonderful, Jesus is always the way, the truth, and the life. It is through him that we have direct access to our Father. God allows me to have a direct line of communication and communion with Him at anytime and anywhere.
Lord,
Help me to remember these things tonight. Help me to guard my heart with the truth of the Gospel. Let there be no worry in my life, for you are more than enough for me. Help me to love with Your love in all I do so that it will not bring glory to myself, but rather fully to You. Let me do all for You, Lord, rather than for men. Continue to soften me to the truth and see how repulsive and disgusting sin is. Let me be aware of the spiritual battles being fought each and every day and help me to always be on the offensive with the Truth.
Forgive me for falling short of Your Glory.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
I will never stop being amazed by the grace of my Lord. For when I am infinitely weak, he is infinitely strong. When I begin to lose all hope, he gives me more to hope for than before. When I dream great dreams, he takes them away and brings them back in to the realm of the miraculous. From the most difficult to the most wonderful, Jesus is always the way, the truth, and the life. It is through him that we have direct access to our Father. God allows me to have a direct line of communication and communion with Him at anytime and anywhere.
Lord,
Help me to remember these things tonight. Help me to guard my heart with the truth of the Gospel. Let there be no worry in my life, for you are more than enough for me. Help me to love with Your love in all I do so that it will not bring glory to myself, but rather fully to You. Let me do all for You, Lord, rather than for men. Continue to soften me to the truth and see how repulsive and disgusting sin is. Let me be aware of the spiritual battles being fought each and every day and help me to always be on the offensive with the Truth.
Forgive me for falling short of Your Glory.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Crawling out of a pit
The past few days have been really tough. After learning so much from the Lord over the past week and a half and finally being who I really am, I have just been stumbling the past few days. I am so tired and so discouraged by all that is going on. I just pray that I will have wisdom to be patient and endure during trials. Lord, break me if necessary!
Psalm 18
Psalm 18
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