Find Out What Teens Are Asking????

I have been posting on my hubby's blog. I have helping with our Wednesday Night program "Random" for youth for the past several months. Here are some of the questions they are asking....

Friends with Gay People, Bullies & Hearing from God????

Go and check out the discussion!

GET JOY!

Romans 14, part 2 - Critical of Others

Alright now go read part 1 from yesterday so todays will make sense....
go ahead, I will wait.....

lalalalalalalala

Did you read it?

Good!

Have you ever known someone that has something critical to say about everything?! Maybe, someone has been critical toward you:
they didn't like your hair,
your outfit wasn't quite right,
or wished you had done better on a project,
possibly they don't like how you raise your kids,
maybe the list could go on and on and on until you want to pull out every hair in your head!
How does criticism feel? Does it inspire you to do better? Does it encourage you? Does it make you feel loved? Do you just wish they would stop talking and leave you alone?


Now let's take a look at Romans 14 and being critical of others. I find that it is far easier to find the faults in others than it is to find our own... isn't it?! That is why I talked about our own personal conviction first yesterday. I think it is very important to search our own hearts rather than to point out others wrong doings, verses 12 and 13 are actually very clear on this very matter.

¹² Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. ¹³ So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

God know us well doesn't He?! He wants us to really just focus on ourselves and our own relationship with Him and not get all caught up in thinking we can do something about others personal state with God. In reality, there is absolutely nothing we can do to save a person's soul or make them better that is God's job...not ours. He is also the judge, He is fair and good. I trust His judgment much more than I would ever trust mine or anyone else for that matter.

Whew, that should actually be rather relieving to us; it is one less thing that we have to think about. Now that doesn't mean we don't share, teach or instruct others about Christ; but it is not our personal mission 24/7 that they make through the pearly gates. Thank goodness I don't have to be everyone's personal Holy Spirit that would be exhausting. Remember God loves them far more than we do so let Him do the work, He will do a much better job at it too.

I have to do my best, watch what I say and do so that others can "follow me as I follow Christ."
My focus needs to be on my own relationship with God. I need to be very careful that I am not critical of others and instead encourage their relationship with Christ.

I love, love, love I Peter 3:8-9

⁸ Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. ⁹ Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing.
That is what God has called you to do,
and he will bless you for it.

Let us encourage one another in the faith, be blessed and....
GET JOY!

Romans Video, "Grafted"

Hey, one of my friends has been studying Romans with Jenilee and I, Emily. She made this awesome video based on Romans 11! You have got to take the time to watch it.



Here is the youtube address...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlGurCLHqyY

Be Grafted and...
GET JOY!

Romans 14, part 1 - Personal Convictions

Some interesting things were going on with the Roman Christians which Paul addressed some of the big issues in the first half of this book. But there were so other issues that needed addressing. The Christians were having a hard time meshing the Jewish traditions with the Gentile traditions. They were even arguing over it all. And in this chapter we find Paul addressing some of those issues in Romans 14.

These Christians were having a hard time with things like eating habits and days set aside to worship God. Jews did things one way...Gentiles another. So who is right and who is wrong when it is not necessarily a "sin" issue? That is the question they were struggling with.

I am going to break this up into two parts:

Today, "Personal Conviction"
Tomorrow, "Being Critical of Others"

Personal Conviction

One of my professors at school shared with us about his love of tennis in class one day. He played tennis All the time. He would try to play it every day and he was pretty good at it. However, tennis began to consume him. It took away time from his work, his family and it even took away time from his daily devotions. Eventually, tennis became something it never should have.

Now there is nothing wrong with tennis. I play tennis every once and awhile. It is a great fun sport. But the point that my professor was trying to make is that tennis became a sin for him. Tennis was consuming him. It was not only interrupting his family and work but it was actually hindering his walk with the Lord. He admitted that for him the only cure was for him was to not play tennis at all ever. It was far to tempting to play because it would only want him to play all the more...remember Romans 7?

There will be things in our lives that will be sin for us that are not sin for others. God knows us so intimately, He shows us our boundaries and where we need help. For me, if you have been reading my blog on Fridays, food can be a huge sin for me. My hubby can eat some things that I can not. Is he in sin? Nope! But for me it can be. One small piece of chocolate cake is okay; but not the whole cake.

We got a free piano a couple years ago. It needed a lot of work. It was pretty dirty, it need vacuuming, wiping and a piano tuner to come in. It was the fine tuning that took the longest. He actually has to come back a few times to get it to hold tune; before it is just right. When we come to God in our sinful state, He gets to work and does a huge overhaul. He begins the fixing and cleansing process and works on all the big stuff. Then he starts working on the details.

Personal convictions are the fine tuning of our souls.

(God just gave me that, feel free to quote me. Wink...wink! I don't think any famous person said it...so I think it is all mine. hehehehe)

God is wants to get down to the motives of our hearts. He wants us to really be pure and holy.
I really like the last part of the chapter. It really brings it home regarding our own personal conviction.

²² You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. ²³ But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it.

Did you read that last part, I mean really read it? I want you to fill in the blank with what ever you have doubts about....

But if you have doubts about whether or not you should _____________, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it.

Whoa...whoa...whoa...Stop right there! I have read Romans so many times and never really noticed that verse. All I can say is Ouch Lord...Okay you are serious about the personal convictions You have placed in our hearts.

For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

Lord, forgive me if I have done anything when I have felt it is not right. Sadly, this has happened many times in my life...maybe it was movies that I was not sure about, maybe it was conversations that I thought were questionable, maybe it was resentments I held on to for far to long or maybe it was something that regularly distracted my devotion time all of these things caused me to sin.

But, thank be to God who is able and ready to forgive and help us to not do it any more. Thank you Lord for you are always working on us by purifying us and making us new. Thank you Lord for you are always making me better and more beautiful. Thank you for fine tuning because it makes me more like you and when that happens I will....

GET JOY!

Romans 13, part 2 - ahhhhhh.... In The Presence

There are so many great parts in the second half of Romans 13.

Like....

8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another.

Our only requirements are to love God and to love others as much as we love ourselves. If we can focus on those things then we will a sweet aroma to God. It is our act of love towards Him. When we love Him truly then love pours out of us for others.

This one is great...

10 Love does no wrong to others

Ouch this one can be hard to do sometimes especially when it is our enemies. We must always check ourselves, our attitudes and how we treat other people. Notice that this verse doesn't say Love does no wrong to our family, our friends, the people we like, our husband, our children. Look it says no wrong to others that means Everyone even our enemies.

Are you ready for this next one....

11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

Jesus is coming soon so we need to be alert and ready. We need to be awake not drifting off to sleep. As Christ followers we need to being sharing the love of Christ in an urgent way...the time we have left here is short.

and...

12b So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see.

We need to turn away from our sin and live for Christ. Why? Because people are watching us to see if we are truly followers of Jesus. Sure we are going to make mistakes, we all do. That is the beauty of Christ love, He is forever changing us, mold us, making us into the beautiful person He intended us to be and it is a life long process. He will never be finished with us until we see Him face to face and He says, "Well done my good and faithful servant now enter into the joy of your Lord."

and of course to wrap it all up, I love.....

14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I want to be bundled up in the presence of Jesus. I love my fuzzy blankets they are so warm, toasty and I feel completely peaceful in it. It is one of those moments where I just feel like ahhhhhhhhh so good. When I am in the presence of Jesus is is so much more than my blanket it is perfect Joy, perfect Peace, perfect Love, just perfect ahhhhhhhhhhhhh. There are no words that can describe the security I have in the presence of my Jesus.

When we wrap ourselves in Jesus than all the previous things come so naturally they are a part of who we are.

So many nuggets of truth that are so powerful for us today. So everyone lets hide them into our hearts and of course we will .....

GET JOY!

Romans 13, part 1 - Live Blameless

I hate driving the speed limit, especially when I am in a hurry. It gets me all frustrated. But I do me best to obey the law and go the stupid 15 miles per hour down the street I go on almost every other day. Why? Because I know there are cops usually sitting around at the end of it....nope... I don't have to worry about being pulled over because I am not breaking the law. Don't get me wrong I like to drive fast to get to some where fast; but I know that there are rules and they are for my good.

Romans 13:1-7 Talks about obeying those in authority over us...even when we don't like it so much or even agree with them. God has placed people in authority for our good. As Christians we need to have the right attitude toward them even if we have a hard time with them ...even the IRS. Ugh!

(side note...There is a time when we choosing God's rule over certain issues will cause us to be disobedient or not follow certain people in authority who want us to sin that would be the only exception to this; for example the story of Shadrach Meshach and Abednego found in Daniel three.)

I love the last part of this portion of scripture....

⁷ Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Paul is really getting down to the heart of the matter, our attitudes. If we are truly Christ followers we will even show respect to every person in authority over us ...even the traffic police. Really at the heart of my speeding issues is a bad attitude...I didn't prepare so I am running late...so I think I need to speed to get there on time and forget the laws and endanger people on the road...because what I am doing is more important than anything else....Ouch! If we are truly honest, TRULY honest, with ourselves we will find selfishness and pride lurking some where in our in our attitude with what we might struggle with.

The cool thing about obeying the laws and rules that are placed for my benefit is that I get all the benefits. I don't have to worry ever about the cops parked in their secret places; because I am not doing anything wrong. I reap the benefits of others following the laws and rules; I don't like getting hit by reckless drivers....it hurts. I think you see where I am going with all this....

Live blameless and

GET JOY!

Romans 12, part 2 - BE 3 and Get Joy!

I am a little concerned, there is too much good stuff, so buckle your seat belts people this is going to be a long one. Hahahaha just kidding, well maybe not we will see at the end of this post now won't we.

The rest of Romans 12 tells us how to live a Christian life. Here are three ways that we can be a living sacrifice pleasing unto God and Get Joy!

Be Humble

³ For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

God wants us to start off on the right foot now doesn't He?! Before we start acting on our faith we need to make sure our attitude is right. God wants us to be humble not puffed up. He wants us to patient and not quick to judge. He wants us to have a clear understanding of where we are at with Him and not where we "think" we are. Remember we are always a work in progress, nobody has figured it all out perfectly on this earth. We need the grace and mercy of Jesus everyday!

Be Using Your Gifts

⁵ so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.

Everyone has unique gifts and talents that God has given to us. I love the word picture of the "body" to help us understand that we are all working together as a unit. An arm can not work separate from the body nor could the leg. We need all our parts working together to work the best that we possibly can. Side note, John's brother always called him the ingrown toenail of the body of Christ. You know the annoying part. Heehehehhehe I thought it was funny.

What are some of the different gifts? Paul gives us a list. Ask God today what your gift is and then find a way to use it to help the 'body' of Christ. Remember to also do our best at it with the right attitude always.
prophesying
serving
encourage
giving
leading
showing mercy

Be About Love
Being a Christ follower is more than just believing it is acting that belief though sincere love, clinging to goodness, being devoted to others, honoring others, zealous, having spiritual fervor, serving the Lord, being JOYFUL in hope, patient when it is tough, faithful in prayer, sharing with those in need, practicing hospitality, blessing those who are mean to you, rejoicing with those who rejoice, mourning with those who mourn, being in harmony with others, being humble (just in case you missed the first part), being a servant, doing what is right, being peaceful and if that isn't enough also don't forget to love your enemies!

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Whew what a list! Now before you think this is impossible and chuck it all out the window; remember God is with us. He will give us the strength and ability to do the things listed above. We could never do this on our own. That is why when we come to know him and have a relationship with Him...He can do some pretty amazing things in our lives. We are becoming a living sacrifice unto God....how awesome is that!

Be humble, be using the gifts God has given you and be about love and watch as you...
GET JOY!

Romans 11, part 1 - The Family of God

Verses 1-32 are pretty intense. There is so much going on in these verses regarding God's people the Jews and the Gentiles. God is always trying to redeem His people all we need to do is have faith in Him...the message remains simple.

I love the illustration of a root and branches Paul uses it to help us understand how we are "grafted" into the family of God.

Grafted: a bud, shoot, or scion of a plant inserted in a groove, slit, or the like in a stem or stock of another plant in which it continues to grow.

We are so blessed to be a part of His family when we have a relationship with Christ. We are grafted in by faith. However we must remember that we all can be cut off it we choose to no longer follow Christ. God loves us so much just like He loves His chosen people the Jews.

Redemption is God's heart. Redemption comes when we believe that Christ died for us. Grace is for all of us and it is freely given. There is nothing we can do to earn God's grace. I like this verse....

⁶ And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

The Jews have a choice to accept this gift just like we do. Someday the nation of Israel will be restored to God. Today, you can be restored...have faith and you can be a part of the family of God.

Be grafted into the family of God today and....

GET JOY!

Romans 9, part 1- Loving the Lost

¹ I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— ² I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. ³ For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, ⁴ the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. ⁵ Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.

This prayer of Paul's was very striking to me this morning. Verse 3 really caught me off guard. Wow, Paul had so much passion for his own people that he wished he were cursed and cut off from Christ in order for Israel's eyes to be open to the promises of God. What Christ follower would ever be willing to say that and mean it? Honestly, I have never felt that in my own heart.

But, what if....what if we really had that kind of compassion? What if we were willing to go to hell so that many would believe and have eternal life? What if we had that kind of drive? What if our heart hurt for the lost that much? How would we live differently? How much more would we share the Good News? What if......?

Paul is not trying to bring attention to himself and say look at me and how spiritual I am. I honestly think that He was willing to give up his own eternal security if it meant that his people would come to know Jesus and love. Wow, wow, wow!

What a challenge to us to love that big?! What a challenge to us to get our eyes off our self and on to the desperate lost?! What a challenge Paul brings to us this morning to love like Christ?! Later, in Paul's life we see that he was willing to give his earthly life for his love of Christ as he was killed for his faith. Am I that willing????

I want to love the lost that BIG!
GET JOY!

Romans 8, part 1- Life in the Spirit

I love this image created by Ron Dicianni, Safely Home. Take a look at the details, they are so appropriate for what we have been studying. See that he is no longer bound by the chains of sin? See the crown laid at Jesus feet that shows there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation? See the nail marks on His hands, the red carpet representing the blood shed for the world (notice the map on the floor), the crown of thorns that showed the price Jesus paid? See the robe of white waiting for the man who is now made new? Do you see the look of great love on Christ face? A sinner redeemed to God, a child of God, a co-heir with Christ, life eternal; what a beautiful picture of what is happening in Romans.

Now here comes my ultimate favorite part of Romans, Chapter 8! The first portion of scripture talks about our life in the Spirit. I like how chapter 8 is the turning point for this book. Paul has laid his case for sin and the law and now here in this chapter here is what Jesus can do about our wretched sinful state.

¹ Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

I love verse 1-2; it is a good portion of scripture to memorize. I love how it goes on to tell us that Jesus came in flesh form here on earth; but lived a life led by the Spirit. Why? Because He knew He needed to become a sin offering to purchase our souls from death. He lived blameless so that He could be a perfect sacrifice. Our creator chose to die so that we could live....so amazing!

¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

There is this amazing work that happens when the Spirit of God lives in your life. When our lives are controlled by the Spirit, instead of our flesh, the benefits are huge. Let's compare the two from these verses (1-17):

Life controlled by the flesh: mind set on the desires of flesh; brings death; hostile to God; cannot obey nor submit to the law; cannot please God; does not belong to Christ.

Life controlled by the Spirit: mind set on what the Spirit desires; brings life and peace; children of God; Sonship; co-heirs with Christ; we share in His glory.

¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Then Paul closes out this first portion with verse 14-17; every Christ follower should memorize this part of scripture... it is our confidence ....it is our HOPE! I blogged about being heirs before during our GEPC study take a look at it. When we are led by the Spirit we are children of God. We are ADOPTED to Sonship! We will then share in all that He is in all of His Glory! How awesome, exciting, encouraging this is?! What a Hope we have!!!!!! Thank you Jesus for coming and being our sin offering the perfect spotless lamb that redeems us!

I will....
GET JOY!

Romans 7, part 1- Two Marriages!

¹ Now, dear brothers and sisters—you who are familiar with the law—don’t you know that the law applies only while a person is living?
² For example, when a woman marries, the law binds her to her husband as long as he is alive. But if he dies, the laws of marriage no longer apply to her.
³ So while her husband is alive, she would be committing adultery if she married another man. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law and does not commit adultery when she remarries.

I love how Paul uses illustrations to help us understand deep spiritual truths. Paul uses the marriage covenant to help us understand how we are bound to sin. Sadly, in our culture we do not have a godly view of marriage, divorce is so rampant. But if we can understand for a moment the kind of marriage Paul is referring to it will help us better understand the bondage of sin. The kind of marriage is the type that doesn't divorce, the kind that is until death do us part. It is a lasting promises; one that takes death to dissolve it.

Marriage to the Law

When the law (Moses Law) was given we became married to it. The law is written on our hearts, it reveals our sin. The law also defined what sin was; so our human nature wanted to sin all the more. In this marriage with the law is lead to more sinfulness. It produced a "harvest of sinful deeds". Our sinful man cannot understand it's true purpose all we want to do is disobey it or obey it in word only not in our hearts.

⁵ When we were controlled by our old nature,sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death.

Marriage to Christ

But when we believed in Christ we died in that marriage and then became released from that promise. (Remember Romans 6:8-11?)We then enter a new covenant with Christ a marriage that will never die. Now we can produce a "harvest of good deeds" for God. We are no longer bound by sin but free in the Spirit. In some ways it is ironic because we now understand the heart of the law. God gave the law to protect us; because He loves us. We obey the law because we love God in return; we now understand it.

⁴ So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God.

⁶ But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.

Oooooo good stuff, this portion is really going to help us with tomorrows study! One of my favorite parts of scripture....I can't wait!

GET JOY!

Check out Jenilee's study on Romans, today!

Romans 5, part 1- Great Hope, Great Love, Great Gifts

Here I go again, I love, love, love this portion of scripture. (I warned you before Romans is one of my favorite books of the Bible.) In fact, I think I could write and write about this all day. Don't worry I will not do that. I am going to break this portion up into three parts...

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

1. Great Hope
Jenilee wrote a great blog on hope yesterday. Paul really used a great example in Abraham that when all hope seemed lost....God is faithful. I love this idea of gaining access. At a concert you have to have special backstage passes to actually meet the star you are there to see perform; in a way this is kind of like that. When I have faith (backstage pass) I now have access to God by his grace that was given to me. I have peace and hope. I can be in His presence.

Hope is not just there for us when all is good; but in rough times hope still remains. The Holy Spirit has been given to us so that when we face hard stuff in life he will be there to help. Verses 3-5 are so encouraging because they really show that God is working all things to the good of those who are called according to His purpose! Thank you for our helper the Holy Spirit!

⁶ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2. Great Love
We have learned a lot over the last 5 chapters that there is nothing we can do in our own strength to make ourselves right with God. Paul reminds us of the kind of power it took to make it possible for us to be in a right relationship with Him. It took His son's (God) death to free us from the curse of sin.

I love how Paul drives it home in verse 7, very rarely would anyone who is good die for another that is good. Nobody would die for an enemy! But while when we were enemies of God (because of our sin) Christ still died for you and me. Why? Because of His GREAT LOVE for all of us, He gave His life.

⁹ Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! ¹⁰ For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! ¹¹ Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

3. Great Gifts

We receive justification. When I explain this word to kids I use this definition, "Just-If-I" had never sinned. A more scholarly definition would be the act of God whereby humankind is made or accounted just, or free from guilt or penalty of sin. We are justified because of Christ blood that was shed for us. I hope that when we remember what He did for us that it was our justification. We are no longer guilty.

We receive reconciliation. I love this word reconciliation! Reconcile has many meaning like to make (oneself or another) no longer opposed; to become friendly with (someone) after estrangement or to re-establish friendly relations between; to settle a quarrel or difference. Because of Christ death we are no longer enemies of God.

Because of God's Great Hope, Great Love & Great Gifts...I have Great JOY!

GET JOY!

^{Check out Jenilee's blog today!}

My Hubby the Blogger!

My hubby has started a blog!!!! I can hardly believe it! It is a blog for our youth group. On Wednesday Nights my husband has a question and answer night with the kids called Random. The kids are free to ask any question that they have....any question...silly or serious! It can get pretty intense in there; kids have a lot of questions about serious topics. Sometimes the questions are silly; but most of the time these students have serious topics that they want to know more about.

So, If you have a teen or will someday have a teen check out the blog and see what topics they are facing. My husband gives excellent answers with a biblical response. Go on check it out, click on the logo, follow him....maybe there are even some questions as a adults we may need answers for there. GET JOY!

Colossians 4 ~ Be Found Diligent!

Don't forget to visit my dear friend Jenilee and her thoughts on Colossians 4!

Colossians 4

Chapter Breakdown

Masters to do their duty towards servants. (1)

Persons of all ranks to persevere in prayer, and Christian prudence. (2-6)

The apostle refers to others for an account of his affairs. (7-9)

Sends greetings; and concludes with a blessing. (10-18)

What God Wants To Show Me Today

The letters we have study over the last 20 days have been simply amazing. Paul's heart has been so clearly defined in all of them. We are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to be watchful of false teachings that creep into the body of believers. We are to continue to grow in Joy of Christ and become more like Him. It is God's deepest desire that we would be reconciled unto Him.

I love Paul's last challenges in Colossians 4....

2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity

6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

If we can do these three things be devoted in prayer, live wisely, be gracious conversation and practice them then surely we will be true Christ followers.

Today is the last day of our Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians GEPC study (tear) and I have enjoyed every minute it of it. It has been hard to write about it each chapter everyday...very time consuming...but priceless in so many ways. Thanks Jenilee for allowing me partner with you on this journey through Paul's epistles. Thanks to all of you who have blogged with us and made it that more enjoyable.

Find people in your life that encourage your walk with Christ and remember this verse....

Proverbs 27:17 (New Living Translation)
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Paul's Letter from Crossroads Community Church on Vimeo.

If this video does not work here...please, please, please go check it out here it is a nice way to end our GEPC series.

Grace be with you!

Shout out to my freind Peter Flaherty for the beautiful Paul picture. Thanks!!!!

Colossians 3 ~ Get Dressed!

Don't forget to visit my dear friend Jenilee and her thoughts on Colossians 3!

Colossians 3

Chapter Breakdown

The Colossians exhorted to be heavenly-minded; (1-4)

to mortify all corrupt affections; (5-11)

to live in mutual love, forbearance, and forgiveness; (12-17)

and to practise the duties of wives and husbands, children, parents, and servants. (18-25)

There are some really practical things throughout this chapter that really help us live a life that follows Jesus. I love verses 1 and 2 tell us to set our hearts and minds on things above. We need to keep ourselves pointed in the right direction...remember life is like a marathon. Verse 3 says we are hidden with Christ in God. I blogged about being Under His Feathers it really helped me understand how God protects us not only from harm but by His cleansing blood I am protected from eternal death.

I love the practical list of things to get rid of....

sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greedy, idolater, anger, rage malicious behavior, slander, dirty language & lying.

Well...I am sure we can find a couple things on this list that we need to get out of our lives if not all of them.

What God Wants To Show Me Today

But I love, love, love the next portion of scripture. You know me Mrs. Visual....I love the image of "You must Clothe yourselves...." I think of getting dressed for Michigan snow! You need a hat, scarf, earmuffs, mittens, warm socks, snow pants, warm coat and boots to brave the cold. I love how you are completely covered and wrapped up in your nice warm snow outfit just like how we need to clothe ourselves spiritually.

So what do we need to clothe ourselves in as Christ followers??

Tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, make allowance for each others faults, forgiveness, peace, thankfulness and above all LOVE!

When we put on God's clothes we will truly be able to be a beautiful example of a Christ follower. We will be a light in our relationships, our homes, our work place, our schools, our church, our community. As we daily get ready and put on our physical clothes lets be mindful of the spiritual clothes we need to put on that will glorify Christ.

Verse 17

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Colossians 2 ~ The Picture of Christian Living!

Don't forget to visit my dear friend Jenilee and her thoughts on Colossians 2!

Colossians 2

Chapter Breakdown

1. The apostle expresses his love to, and joy in believers. (1-7)

2. He cautions against the errors of heathen philosophy; also against Jewish traditions, and rites which had been fulfilled in Christ. (8-17)

3. Against worshipping angels; and against legal ordinances. (18-23)

What God Wants To Show Me Today

I love how Paul uses earthly ideas to help us understand the spiritual truths here in Colossians 2. There is so much theology jammed packed into this little chapter. I see so many things in my mind as pictures. Some of the phrases that stuck out to me where.....

Knit Together (vs. 2)

Don't you just love this image??? Knitting is so complicated to me. The string is so entwined with itself. I can never figure out where the string goes half the time. A perfectly square baby blanket it is hard to see where the string began and where it ended. I have never knit; but I have done some crochet. When that string gets knit/crocheted to itself it becomes a strong item like a blanket or scarf that keeps you warm and snuggly.

Paul describes wanting us believers to be like something knit together. It is a beautiful picture of us being knit together in love, working together for a purpose and having confidence together in knowing who Christ is and His plan. The Church is to represent this picture....working together in love to fulfill His purpose!

Roots Grow Down & Be Built on Jesus (vs. 7)

Rooted down in Christ is such a powerful image in my mind. A tree that is firmly rooted will not fall even in the strongest of storms. Roots also tend to much bigger than the tree itself. I want my life to be so deeply rooted in Christ that when tough times come and strong winds blow I will not be moved. As I grow in Him my faith will be strengthened and I love the end of verse 7...

and you will overflow with thankfulness!

Being built on Jesus, who is our chief cornerstone (Matt. 21:42), is so important to our growth in Him. I like this from Wikipedia...The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

I want Christ to be my cornerstone in which all other aspects of my life will be set in reference to Him, thus determining the position of my whole life!

Let No One Capture You (vs. 8)
Ooooo when I saw this phrase this picture totally came to mind. When we begin to allow ourselves to listen to false teachers we are lead away from Christ. We become prisoners if we are not careful.

This is exactly what Satan wants to happen to us. Satan is liar and wants to deceive us so that we can become his prisoner. Notice at the end of verse 8 that Paul speaks of him. He will use false teachers to do it!

Stand firm in your faith! Keep rooted in Christ and build on Him! Be freed by the power of Jesus and the cross. We no longer have to be bound to the things of this earth. Christ has ransomed us!

Spiritual Circumcision (vs. 11-12)

Now the picture I picked was because I think baptism shows what Paul was expressing and appropriate for a blog. LOL

When we believed in Christ we were "Spiritually Circumcised", our sin was removed. Baptism represents this so well. As we go down into the water it represents that sin being washed away. We have died to our old sinful nature...as verse 12 says "For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized." When we come up out of the water it represents our new life in Him. God made us alive! He forgave us and cancelled all charges against us! I love, love, love verse 14!

He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.

We Are the Body of Christ (vs. 19)

I love this picture of my church and my church family. I think it shows that we are one body; but see the cross above us all, that represents who we are living for.

Once again we see reference to Christ being the head of the body (Church). Paul goes a little further and also describes Christ as the joints and ligaments that hold us together. Paul says that false teachers are not connected to the body. We must remember that we answer to Christ alone. We look to Him for our help, our nourishment. We look to Him to help us work out our own salvation. He is our leader, no one else. The Church is our encourager our support system...it does not define our salvation only Christ does!

The Body of Christ is beautiful in what it does. We work together to do His will and that is to go out and preach the Gospel to the world!

Let's keep these images in our minds as we.....

Colossians 1 ~ Christ Is Our All!

Don't forget to visit my dear friend Jenilee and her thoughts on Colossians 1!

Colossians 1

Theme: Redemption fully in Christ

"In the first two chapters the apostle tells them what they must believe, and in the two last what they must do; the doctrine of faith, and the precepts of life for salvation. "-Matthew Henry

Chapter Breakdown

The apostle Paul salutes the Colossians, and blesses God for their faith, love, and hope. (1-8)

Prays for their fruitfulness in spiritual knowledge. (9-14)

Gives a glorious view of Christ. (15-23)

And sets out his own character, as the apostle of the Gentiles. (24-29)

What God Wants To Show Me Today

Ohhhhhhh, I love how in verses 15-20 Paul preaches the "Good News"! Christ is God, Living, Eternal, Powerful and Ready to Save!

Christ Is Supreme

15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation

16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.

17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything.

19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ,

20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

Paul goes on to remind us that we were all dead in our sins; but because of Christ sacrifice we are redeemed. Our souls have been purchased through faith. When we believe, Christ's blood makes us pure so that we can have eternal life through Him. What an awesome passage to use to share the salvation message.

Paul also reminds us to stand firm and to hold on to the truths we have learned. We must be watchful for false teachings. Everything we learn about our faith needs to line up with the Word of God! Let's continue to vigilant in our faith and not become lazy.

Christ is our All!

Philippians 4 ~ Joy!

Don't forget to visit my dear friend Jenilee and her thoughts on Philippians 1!

Philippians 4

Chapter Breakdown (Matthew Henry)

1. The apostle exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord. (1)

2. Gives directions to some, and to all in general. (2-9)

3. Expresses contentment in every condition of life. (10-19)

4. He concludes with prayer to God the Father, and his usual blessing. (20-23)

The grand finale of Philippians, chapter four! This little tiny chapter continues to be one of my favorite chapters of the Bible simply because I love so many of the verses in them, so much so, that I have blogged about them more than once. Paul is pretty much wrapping up his letter, exhorting the Philippians and blessing them. But, tucked in this conclusion are some pretty powerful verses on how we can live a content life, free of worry and full of JOY!

How many of us worry and feel discontent? If everybody was truly honest we probably struggle with one or both of these problems weekly if not daily on various levels. But here we find some verses that give these problems a 1..2...3...knockout!

1. Don't Worry! (and here too)

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2. What To Focus On!

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

3. How To Be Content! (and I wrote about it here too!)

12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Do you want peace & joy in your life???? Repeat steps 1, 2, & 3 over and over!

What God Wants To Show Me Today

One verse really stood out to me today! I am impressed by the Church in Philippi. They were a very caring and attentive church. They understood Paul's needs and did their best as fellow co-laborers to help him.

15b......not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.

Wow, this really challenged me! In this chapter, we learn how to not focus on our own problems and give them to the Lord. Why? So we can meet the needs of others. Specifically, here they meet the needs of Paul their leader. Practically speaking, do we know the needs of our pastor? Are we so consumed with our own problems that we don't minister to him or those in real need? Are we missing JOY because we are consumed with worry and discontentment?

I find time and time again that when I get my focus off of myself I find JOY in serving others...hummmmm funny how God works that all out. Matthew Henry had a great statement in his commentary....

"Joy in God is of great consequence in the Christian life; and Christians need to be again and again called to it. It more than outweighs all causes for sorrow."

Ooooooooo soooooooooooooo GOOD, especially for the holiday season coming in the next few days!

Philippians 3 ~ Where Is Your Treasure?

Don't forget to visit my dear friend Jenilee and her thoughts on Philippians 1!

Philippians 3

Chapter Breakdown
1. The Value of Knowing Christ (vs. 1-11)

2. Pressing Toward the Goal (vs. 12-21)

The Value of Jesus!

Verses 1-11 remind me of what we learned in Galatians. Paul tells the Church of Philippi to remember we are saved by grace not by anything we do. He reminds them to be watchful and keep away from anyone who preaches anything different.

What is the value of knowing Christ??? We learn that when we have faith Christ righteousness makes us righteous. Because of His work on the cross we can have new life. The value is that my soul can be free from the curse of sin because of Jesus. Knowing Christ means that someday I will be forever with Him. The value is that Jesus Christ paid my debt!

Anything I could ever do is simply this (vs. 8) ...Garbage! Strong Words...Strong Visual our efforts are like this picture.....useless and smelly!

The Goal

I love last part of the chapter. Paul teaches about regeneration which basically means that followers of Christ are all in a process of becoming holy. When Christ comes in He begins the process of making us new. I love verse 13 & 14

but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Remember life is like a marathon race. We must train hard and press on toward the finish line. When conflicts arise, seek God. Hold on to any progress in your life. Look for godly examples in your life to help you reach the goal. Watch for pitfalls or teaching that may cause you to stumble or get off the path completely. Keep your eye on the prize....heaven!

Wow, I love how this chapter seems to sum up everything we have been learning so far in our bible study!

What God Wants To Show Me Today
In kid's church today, I taught the kids about following Jesus. We are faced with many paths in life that we can follow. We may strive for wealth and riches. We may chase after great careers. We may try to live just a good life. But God wants us to follow Him! This was our memory verse....

Matthew 6:20-21 (New Living Translation)
20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.



Paul closes this chapter looking at those who are enemies of the cross and those who are citizens of heaven. Enemies only think about their life here on this earth, their treasures are earthly. However, followers of Christ lay up their treasures in heaven. We are heavenly minded and the things of this earth are of little value. Our desires will be a good litmus test of the condition of our heart. Earthly or heavenly desires will be evident in our lives we live out.

20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

What is valuable to you? Is it a big house, fancy cars, wealthy friends? Or is knowing Christ the most valuable thing you possess? Are you running hard towards Him or are you running as fast as you can away from Him? Where is your treasure, is it here on earth or in heaven? Do you desire the things of this earth or God?

Press on toward the goal and ....