I love Crowder but I really love this version of "How He Loves"...
Saturday, November 7
Thursday, November 5
Saturday, October 31
Wednesday, October 7
Sonda-me, Senhor (Search me, Lord)
I thought I would share with you my favorite Brazilian worship song. The translation is below. It's called "Sonda-Me" by Aline Barros.
Search me, Lord
And know me
Break my heart
Transform me, conform me to Your word
And fill me until in me
You are all they see
Then use me, Lord
Use me
Like a lighthouse light in the dark,
Like a bridge over the waters,
Like a shelter in the desert,
Like an arrow that hits the target
I want to be used in any way that pleases you at any time at any place,
Here is my life,
Use me Lord,
Use me
Search me
Break me
Transform me
Fill me
And use me
Search me, Lord
And know me
Break my heart
Transform me, conform me to Your word
And fill me until in me
You are all they see
Then use me, Lord
Use me
Like a lighthouse light in the dark,
Like a bridge over the waters,
Like a shelter in the desert,
Like an arrow that hits the target
I want to be used in any way that pleases you at any time at any place,
Here is my life,
Use me Lord,
Use me
Search me
Break me
Transform me
Fill me
And use me
Friday, September 11
Remembering
Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Today marks the 8th anniversary of the September 11th tragedy. We all remember where we were that day and the feelings we felt as we saw the horrible events transpire. I recall the outpouring of love, faith, and prayers that occurred throughout the country in the days and weeks afterward. It seemed that in our darkest moment as a country, we stood together as never before and jointly lifted our prayers, asking God for His divine comfort and help.
Unfortunately, human nature sets in over time and most of us, at least those not directly affected by the events on 9/11, get back to our normal lives. We pray a little less, we rely on ourselves more and more, and we neglect to love others well with each passing day. I encourage you to spend a few minutes thinking about how this is true in your life, and identify what actions you should take to change the trend.
There are thousands of people, however, who have not gotten back to “normal” life pre-9/11. Nor will they ever. These people lost a mom, a dad, their spouse, a friend, a son or daughter, an employee, a beloved church member.
Today, as the Body of Christ, let’s call to God on behalf of those who endured loss and must bear the pain of 9/11. Let’s pray as Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus:
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19
Today marks the 8th anniversary of the September 11th tragedy. We all remember where we were that day and the feelings we felt as we saw the horrible events transpire. I recall the outpouring of love, faith, and prayers that occurred throughout the country in the days and weeks afterward. It seemed that in our darkest moment as a country, we stood together as never before and jointly lifted our prayers, asking God for His divine comfort and help.
Unfortunately, human nature sets in over time and most of us, at least those not directly affected by the events on 9/11, get back to our normal lives. We pray a little less, we rely on ourselves more and more, and we neglect to love others well with each passing day. I encourage you to spend a few minutes thinking about how this is true in your life, and identify what actions you should take to change the trend.
There are thousands of people, however, who have not gotten back to “normal” life pre-9/11. Nor will they ever. These people lost a mom, a dad, their spouse, a friend, a son or daughter, an employee, a beloved church member.
Today, as the Body of Christ, let’s call to God on behalf of those who endured loss and must bear the pain of 9/11. Let’s pray as Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus:
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19
Tuesday, September 1
Grace International School
I received this letter from some friends who are serving in Chiang Mai, Thailand at this school. They are asking us to get the word out and to join them in prayer for Grace International School. Thanks!
Grace International School in Chiang Mai, Thailand offers affordable, high quality education to the children of Christian workers in Southeast Asia. Grace has served more than 1,500 students from more than 20 countries in its ten years of existence. The ministry of Grace enables hundreds of missionaries to minister in SE Asia. . But now, the future of the school is at a crossroads and we need your help.
A recent lawsuit brought against Grace International School has jeopardized the future use of the current school facilities. This suit was filed by a neighborhood association legally recognized by the government, charging that GIS had purchased the current property and facilities illegally. When Grace purchased the property, all papers were properly filed in government offices and the title deeds were legally transferred to the school. All proper due diligence was taken to ensure the legality of the purchase. But, under a recent consumer protection law, the association claimed the property should be given to them.
In August, 2009, the court ruled against Grace International School, requiring the school to:
1. Abandon the facility and turn the land deeds over to the association,
2. Return the facilities to their original condition, and;
3. Pay a fine in excess of $140,000.
Grace will appeal this decision and is working to pursue a just resolution in this case. Should the appeals courts not rule in our favor, GIS will be forced to vacate the facilities in the next year. It is therefore vitally urgent that the school get a new facility. Grace prayerfully asks that you consider how you might contribute financially, and also help to spread the word to others who might support the ministry of the school. GIS must raise on the order of 10 million dollars to purchase property and build a new campus.
Please pray for Grace International School as they are in the appeals process. Pray for a just resolution and for God to raise up many people to partner with Grace to raise the funds for new property. May God’s will for this very strategic school prevail.
If you sense God prompting you to help Grace International School, you may visit their Education Foundation website where you can find ways to help them raise money and/or to personally donate funds.
Grace International Education Foundation
www.gracefndn.com
6009W. Parker Rd., Suite 149 PMB 153
Plano, TX 75093-8121 USA
Grace International School in Chiang Mai, Thailand offers affordable, high quality education to the children of Christian workers in Southeast Asia. Grace has served more than 1,500 students from more than 20 countries in its ten years of existence. The ministry of Grace enables hundreds of missionaries to minister in SE Asia. . But now, the future of the school is at a crossroads and we need your help.
A recent lawsuit brought against Grace International School has jeopardized the future use of the current school facilities. This suit was filed by a neighborhood association legally recognized by the government, charging that GIS had purchased the current property and facilities illegally. When Grace purchased the property, all papers were properly filed in government offices and the title deeds were legally transferred to the school. All proper due diligence was taken to ensure the legality of the purchase. But, under a recent consumer protection law, the association claimed the property should be given to them.
In August, 2009, the court ruled against Grace International School, requiring the school to:
1. Abandon the facility and turn the land deeds over to the association,
2. Return the facilities to their original condition, and;
3. Pay a fine in excess of $140,000.
Grace will appeal this decision and is working to pursue a just resolution in this case. Should the appeals courts not rule in our favor, GIS will be forced to vacate the facilities in the next year. It is therefore vitally urgent that the school get a new facility. Grace prayerfully asks that you consider how you might contribute financially, and also help to spread the word to others who might support the ministry of the school. GIS must raise on the order of 10 million dollars to purchase property and build a new campus.
Please pray for Grace International School as they are in the appeals process. Pray for a just resolution and for God to raise up many people to partner with Grace to raise the funds for new property. May God’s will for this very strategic school prevail.
If you sense God prompting you to help Grace International School, you may visit their Education Foundation website where you can find ways to help them raise money and/or to personally donate funds.
Grace International Education Foundation
www.gracefndn.com
6009W. Parker Rd., Suite 149 PMB 153
Plano, TX 75093-8121 USA
Friday, August 14
Memorizing
So I think I bit off more than I could chew in my desire to memorize an entire book of the Bible. At least right now. I still want to work on memorizing Ephesians...but maybe a chapter a month was a bit lofty for me. And that's ok. I still want to memorize because Martin Luther said, "He who loses sight of the Word of God, falls into despair." Recently I have committed Psalm 138:8 and Psalm 57:2 to memory. They have become, as my friend says, my "anchor" verses. And today I am memorizing Proverbs 4:23, " Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." NLT
What have you memorized lately?
What have you memorized lately?
Monday, August 10
What Is Your Life Worth To You?
“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God." - Acts 20:24
If TV cameras had existed in the first century AD, they would have swarmed all over the mob scene described in Acts 19. An angry crowd had gathered in Ephesus to clamor for the head of Paul. For he had “persuaded many people that handmade gods [weren’t] really gods at all” (v.26).
The metal workers of Ephesus made a good living by selling images of Artemis, who was also known as Diana. And the whole city took Paul’s “irreverent” theology rather personally. But the bold apostle didn’t see the crazed crowd as menacing; he saw it as a mission field. In verses 30 and 31 we read that Paul actually tried to appear before the people. He was stopped by friends who cared for him.
Why would Paul want to speak to that senseless horde? Look ahead to Acts 20. Once again, we see Paul plunging into a dangerous situation (vv.22-23). He said, “Jail and suffering lie ahead.” But he added triumphantly, “My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God” (v.24).
Paul’s disregard for his own life was tied securely to his knowledge that he would continue running his race until it was over. Whether he crossed the finish line that day in Ephesus, or finished the race in Jerusalem, it mattered little to him. The mob was an audience to whom he could give the gospel of the grace of Jesus Christ.
Paul wasn’t afraid of the rule of the mob, because Jesus reigned in his heart. Are you willing to give the gospel of the grace of God to even one individual today?
If TV cameras had existed in the first century AD, they would have swarmed all over the mob scene described in Acts 19. An angry crowd had gathered in Ephesus to clamor for the head of Paul. For he had “persuaded many people that handmade gods [weren’t] really gods at all” (v.26).
The metal workers of Ephesus made a good living by selling images of Artemis, who was also known as Diana. And the whole city took Paul’s “irreverent” theology rather personally. But the bold apostle didn’t see the crazed crowd as menacing; he saw it as a mission field. In verses 30 and 31 we read that Paul actually tried to appear before the people. He was stopped by friends who cared for him.
Why would Paul want to speak to that senseless horde? Look ahead to Acts 20. Once again, we see Paul plunging into a dangerous situation (vv.22-23). He said, “Jail and suffering lie ahead.” But he added triumphantly, “My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God” (v.24).
Paul’s disregard for his own life was tied securely to his knowledge that he would continue running his race until it was over. Whether he crossed the finish line that day in Ephesus, or finished the race in Jerusalem, it mattered little to him. The mob was an audience to whom he could give the gospel of the grace of Jesus Christ.
Paul wasn’t afraid of the rule of the mob, because Jesus reigned in his heart. Are you willing to give the gospel of the grace of God to even one individual today?
Thursday, August 6
Simplified Missional Living
Jonathan Dodson from "The Resurgence" has offered some helpful words on what he calls "Simplified Missional Living." Maybe living with purpose is just as simple as doing things on purpose. See what you think...
Eat with Non-Christians
We all eat three meals a day. Why not make a habit of sharing one of those meals with a non-Christian or with a family of non-Christians? Go to lunch with a co-worker, not by yourself. Invite the neighbors over for family dinner. If it’s too much work to cook a big dinner, just order pizza and put the focus on conversation. When you go out for a meal, invite a non-Christian friend. Or take your family to family-style restaurants where you can sit at the table with strangers and strike up conversations. Have cookouts and invite Christians and non-Christians. Flee the Christian subculture.
Walk, Don’t Drive
If you live in a walkable area, make a practice of getting out and walking around your neighborhood, apartment complex, or campus. Instead of driving to the mailbox or convenience store, walk to get mail or groceries. Be deliberate in your walk. Say hello to people you don’t know. Strike up conversations. Attract attention by walking the dog, carrying along a 6-pack to share, bringing the kids. Make friends. Get out of your house! Last night I spent an hour outside gardening with my family. We had good conversations with about four of our neighbors. Take interest in your neighbors. Ask questions. Engage. Pray as you go. Save some gas, the planet, and some people.
Be a Regular
Instead of hopping all over the city for gas, groceries, haircuts, eating out, and coffee, go to the same places at the same times. Get to know the staff. Smile. Ask questions. Be a regular. I have friends at coffee shops all over the city. My friends at Starbucks donate a ton of leftover pastries to our church 2-3 times a week. We use them for church gatherings and occasionally give them to the homeless. Build relationships. Be a regular.
Hobby with Non-Christians
Pick a hobby that you can share. Get out and do something you enjoy with others. Try city league sports or local rowing and cycling teams. Share your hobby by teaching lessons, such as sewing, piano, knitting, or tennis lessons. Be prayerful. Be intentional. Be winsome. Have fun. Be yourself.
Talk to Your Co-workers
How hard is that? Take your breaks with intentionality. Go out with your team or task force after work. Show interest in your co-workers. Pick four and pray for them. Form moms’ groups in your neighborhood and don’t make them exclusively non-Christian. Schedule play dates with the neighbors’ kids. Work on mission.
Volunteer with Non-Profits
Find a non-profit in your part of the city and take a Saturday a month to serve your city. Bring your neighbors, your friends, or your small group. Spend time with your church serving your city. Once a month. You can do it!
Participate in City Events
Instead of playing XBox, watching TV, or surfing the net, participate in city events. Go to fundraisers, festivals, cleanups, summer shows, and concerts. Participate missionally. Strike up conversation. Study the culture. Reflect on what you see and hear. Pray for the city. Love the city. Participate with the city.
Serve Your Neighbors
Help a neighbor by weeding, mowing, building a cabinet, or fixing a car. Stop by the neighborhood association or apartment office and ask if there is anything you can do to help improve things. Ask your local Police and Fire Stations if there is anything you can do to help them. Get creative. Just serve!
Eat with Non-Christians
We all eat three meals a day. Why not make a habit of sharing one of those meals with a non-Christian or with a family of non-Christians? Go to lunch with a co-worker, not by yourself. Invite the neighbors over for family dinner. If it’s too much work to cook a big dinner, just order pizza and put the focus on conversation. When you go out for a meal, invite a non-Christian friend. Or take your family to family-style restaurants where you can sit at the table with strangers and strike up conversations. Have cookouts and invite Christians and non-Christians. Flee the Christian subculture.
Walk, Don’t Drive
If you live in a walkable area, make a practice of getting out and walking around your neighborhood, apartment complex, or campus. Instead of driving to the mailbox or convenience store, walk to get mail or groceries. Be deliberate in your walk. Say hello to people you don’t know. Strike up conversations. Attract attention by walking the dog, carrying along a 6-pack to share, bringing the kids. Make friends. Get out of your house! Last night I spent an hour outside gardening with my family. We had good conversations with about four of our neighbors. Take interest in your neighbors. Ask questions. Engage. Pray as you go. Save some gas, the planet, and some people.
Be a Regular
Instead of hopping all over the city for gas, groceries, haircuts, eating out, and coffee, go to the same places at the same times. Get to know the staff. Smile. Ask questions. Be a regular. I have friends at coffee shops all over the city. My friends at Starbucks donate a ton of leftover pastries to our church 2-3 times a week. We use them for church gatherings and occasionally give them to the homeless. Build relationships. Be a regular.
Hobby with Non-Christians
Pick a hobby that you can share. Get out and do something you enjoy with others. Try city league sports or local rowing and cycling teams. Share your hobby by teaching lessons, such as sewing, piano, knitting, or tennis lessons. Be prayerful. Be intentional. Be winsome. Have fun. Be yourself.
Talk to Your Co-workers
How hard is that? Take your breaks with intentionality. Go out with your team or task force after work. Show interest in your co-workers. Pick four and pray for them. Form moms’ groups in your neighborhood and don’t make them exclusively non-Christian. Schedule play dates with the neighbors’ kids. Work on mission.
Volunteer with Non-Profits
Find a non-profit in your part of the city and take a Saturday a month to serve your city. Bring your neighbors, your friends, or your small group. Spend time with your church serving your city. Once a month. You can do it!
Participate in City Events
Instead of playing XBox, watching TV, or surfing the net, participate in city events. Go to fundraisers, festivals, cleanups, summer shows, and concerts. Participate missionally. Strike up conversation. Study the culture. Reflect on what you see and hear. Pray for the city. Love the city. Participate with the city.
Serve Your Neighbors
Help a neighbor by weeding, mowing, building a cabinet, or fixing a car. Stop by the neighborhood association or apartment office and ask if there is anything you can do to help improve things. Ask your local Police and Fire Stations if there is anything you can do to help them. Get creative. Just serve!
Tuesday, July 28
How's Your Heart?
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
My dad recently had a heart attack and had to have open heart surgery. So I've been thinking a lot about the heart and learning a lot about how it works and how Dad's heart was blocked and what actually was going to happen during this surgery and how do they actually repair the heart when it's blocked. More than I ever thought I'd know about the heart! What I learned recently was that when CPR was taught 25 or so years ago the focus was on both chest compressions and rescue breathing.
But today, the focus is primarily on the heart. When you approach someone who has collapsed in cardiac distress, new research suggests that you should focus on chest compressions. Supposedly, there is a sufficient amount of oxygen in the blood to keep vital organs working for a time. What the body lacks more immediately is a pumping heart to circulate the blood.
When you think about it, all of life comes down to the condition of one’s heart. Over and over again the Bible stresses that a spiritually healthy heart is vital. Throughout its pages we are told to search for, serve, and love God and others with all our heart (Deuteronomy 4:29; Matthew 18:35). It tells us to hide God’s Word in our heart so we won’t sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). It warns us that a “deluded heart” is what misleads us into worshiping false gods (Isaiah 44:20). And it urges us to “guard” our heart “above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23).
While people focus on outward appearance, God “looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). He knows that the real story of our lives springs from what is inside of us. It’s not so much what we see on the surface. It’s what we can’t see below the surface that is the most important part. My problem is to not get caught up in focusing on the externals of life.
So, how's your heart?
My dad recently had a heart attack and had to have open heart surgery. So I've been thinking a lot about the heart and learning a lot about how it works and how Dad's heart was blocked and what actually was going to happen during this surgery and how do they actually repair the heart when it's blocked. More than I ever thought I'd know about the heart! What I learned recently was that when CPR was taught 25 or so years ago the focus was on both chest compressions and rescue breathing.
But today, the focus is primarily on the heart. When you approach someone who has collapsed in cardiac distress, new research suggests that you should focus on chest compressions. Supposedly, there is a sufficient amount of oxygen in the blood to keep vital organs working for a time. What the body lacks more immediately is a pumping heart to circulate the blood.
When you think about it, all of life comes down to the condition of one’s heart. Over and over again the Bible stresses that a spiritually healthy heart is vital. Throughout its pages we are told to search for, serve, and love God and others with all our heart (Deuteronomy 4:29; Matthew 18:35). It tells us to hide God’s Word in our heart so we won’t sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). It warns us that a “deluded heart” is what misleads us into worshiping false gods (Isaiah 44:20). And it urges us to “guard” our heart “above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23).
While people focus on outward appearance, God “looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). He knows that the real story of our lives springs from what is inside of us. It’s not so much what we see on the surface. It’s what we can’t see below the surface that is the most important part. My problem is to not get caught up in focusing on the externals of life.
So, how's your heart?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
