Quote of the Day 8/29/11

"I don't leave a lot of things open-ended theologically. I believe there's one God. I believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven. I believe we're all sinners. I believe in a real hell and a real heaven. So I'm a Bible guy, for sure. I don't make any apologies about that." – Mark Driscoll 

“Tolerance.”  That seems to be the word of the day.  “We need to be more tolerant or compromising.” You might be able do this in some areas of your life, but compromising God’s word is just not one of them.  God’s Word is God’s Word.  You cannot change it to fit what you want it to mean, discount parts of the Bible because you don’t agree with it or omit sections because it does not fit your life style.  Some churches today are changing what they believe to be more accommodating to the pressures of society.  This is a very dangerous game they are playing.  Bending to the will of man (sinful by nature) will lead to destruction as it did during Jeremiah’s day.  Why repeat history when God’s Word speaks so clearly?  We have the warning signs and need to heed God’s Word.

Truth is truth.  If you walk off a cliff, you are going to fall no matter how much you say you won’t.  The truth that gravity is real is undeniable.  The same goes for God’s Word.  You can say that you are not a sinner or that God does not exist, but the truth will be made clear to you when you pass from this world and into eternity.  Where will you spend your eternity?  Don’t play the game.

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

 

Quote of the Day 8/18/11

“Life is not a manageable project or a test to be taken.  We can find small joys everyday if we have eyes of faith.  We can find meaning if we search for a greater purpose.  And perhaps most important, we need to realize that life is a great gift.” - Phil Cooke

It can be hard to find joy in life today given all the problems with or economy, health issues, wars, rumors of wars, and our faith coming under attack.  But when we latch onto our faith we really can be joyful.  The Bible teaches that God is faithful and His promises are true.  Like Phil Cooke says in his book JOLT!, of which the above quote is taken from, life is a great gift.  Our life is a gift from God.  God gave us this life and paid the price for our salvation.  Let’s not waste His investment.  Give glory to Him in all that you do.

Matthew 6:31-33

Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

 

Quote of the Day 8/06/07

"Consider where God has placed you, who God has put around you, and how God desires to use you for His glory where you live and work." - David Platt


I have been reading David Platt's book Radical Together so I will probably be posting more quotes from this book.  He makes many thought provoking statements including the one above.  What is our purpose?  Whether you are a Christian or not you have probably asked yourself this question once or twice, if not many times.  We all would like to feel that our time here in this life has some meaning or served some higher purpose.  David Platt lays it out plainly and gives many scripture references to back it up.  Consider the statement above in your life and pray about what direction God is leading you. What opportunities has God placed before you? Who has God brought in your life that has a need you can provide for?  God is with us and our lives are to bring Him glory.

Jeremiah 7:23
But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you.

Quote of the Day 7/28/11

Help me, Lord, to remember that religion is not to be confined to the
church... nor exercised only in prayer and meditation, but that
every where I am in Thy Presence  - Susanna Wesley

The church is not a building; it’s the community of Christ.  Everywhere we go, God is with us and we are to represent Him in all respects.  Having just come back from Las Vegas I am reminded how easily sin can over take us.  In a city like Vegas, you can indulge any sin you desire.  The city feeds off of your temptations and you are rewarded for giving in to them.  You are told that there will be no consequences for your actions…”what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”  As Christians we know that this quote is not true.  All actions have consequences that stay with us, not in Vegas.

To be a light for Christ in such a sinful place is difficult to say the least, but not giving in and sharing God the lost brings a better, long lasting reward for all eternity!

Isaiah 43:10-11

“You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD,
“And My servant whom I have chosen,
So that you may know and believe Me
And understand that I am He.
Before Me there was no God formed,
And there will be none after Me.
“I, even I, am the LORD,
And there is no savior besides Me.

Quote of the Day 7/21/11

"...God-dependent faith is the only foundation for God-glorifying work." - David Platt

We are told to glorify God in everything we do.  David Platt helps to put this in perspective.  If God is not the root in everything we do, how can we be sure that He is getting the praise and glory that He truly deserves.  We are called to live a Christ centered life.  Some days and circumstances are easier then others, but as we reflect on this quote and others like it, hopefully we turn to God for His guidance in prayer.  He is what helps us to grow.

Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,

Quote of the Day 7/15/11

“Many believe - and I believe - that I have been designated for this work by God. In spite of my old age, I do not want to give it up; I work out of love for God and I put all my hope in Him.” – Michelangelo

It’s encouraging to hear that early artists who are well respected, pioneers of their medium, and known as “the great ones” even today, wanted to honor God through their work.  On the flip side, how sad it is today that God is being pushed to the side or even eliminated from the work that we do…not to mention our daily lives.

God gave us our lives and our talents.  The Bible says that everything we have is from God, so everything belongs to God.

We honor great artists like Michelangelo because of the great work they created.  Michelangelo understood where his talents came from and therefore created art to honor God.

How much more should we honor God for the Great Work He created by working for Him?

Colossians 1:16

For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.

Quote of the Day 7/13/11

“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right” - Abraham Lincoln

When it comes down to arguments for and against God, Jesus and the Bible, ultimately we know God wins in the end.  There is no "my truth," "your truth," or "what's true for me is...."  Only God's Word is truth.  

John 14:6 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.