Transitions

This month for me has been the beginning of some transitions in my life.

1. I'm gearing up for the fall and the ministry ahead of me.  As a college and young adult minister right now this is a whole new fall for me.  I have never had to experience an August where I am trying to greet new college students or focus on how I can get to GMU more often so I can hang with some of the students on campus.  
2. I'm also transitioning into the fall with my family.  August is usually back-to-school month where my girls are getting pretty pumped about going back to school (I hope that never ends).  So, my wife (mainly) and I plan out what activities the girls will be doing in the fall and what are their school needs.  It's pretty cool and I'll have to say that we have most of that stuff settled now which is nice.

Transitions can sometimes be very exciting as a new opportunity arises, but they can sometimes be tough as something unexpected happens and throws your life into upheaval.

Regardless of what transition you are going through right now, the one thing that doesn't transition is God.  As it says in Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  He never changes and because of this Truth (and the many more He promises us throughout the Bible), we can rest assure that whatever we are going through today, He will bring us through it (maybe not perfectly without any bumps and bruises, but He WILL bring us through it).

So what transitions are you going through in life right now?  Are they good or bad, exciting or mundane?

Offer it before the Lord and see how brings you through it.

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Slowing Down

I've been in a runners funk recently.  For about a week or 2, running hasn't been so enjoyable.  Actually, running is never enjoyable to me, but it has been more bearable up until recently.  So, for the past 2 weeks, it has been harder to run.  The first 5 or so minutes I run just stink and are hard on my legs so I decide early on to make it a 20-21 min run rather than my normal 25-26 min run.

So, the past few days I have tried to counter that hard first few minutes by going a little bit slower.  I start off with a slower pace and try to ease into the run.  And, amazingly, it actually worked!  The first few minutes have been really relaxing and I have made my normal 25-26 minute run with ease.  The difference was all in how I started and slowing down.

Every now and then we need to slow down in life.  We need to take a few steps back and look at the bigger picture and see how the Lord is moving in our midst.  In the fast pace world of Northern Virginia and the DC Metro area, this is particularly hard to do.  Everything needs to happen immediately.  But when we wait for Him, He reveals his path and provides the right action to take.

In Psalm 40:1-5, David talks about his waiting for the Lord and how the Lord heard his cry.  That is the greatness of our Lord.  He doesn't promise riches or wealth.  But He does promise to hear us and to provide (Philippians 4:19).

So take some time today to slow down, rest in the Lord's wisdom and allow him to meet your needs.

Injuries

I had to sit out my run yesterday because my knee was hurting.  See, the day before when I was running, I felt that I tweaked it in such a way that it caused some soreness after the run.  Then, throughout the day it continued to feel awkward.  Then, yesterday morning, as I was getting ready, my knee just felt too sore to try to run on it.  So I decided that it would probably be better for me to sit out a day and let my injury heal than to try to rush it and maybe injure my knee worse.

This made me think of injuries in our personal lives.  It made me think of all the times that I have been injured in life and try to rush back to quickly.  For instance, if my heart has been broken by a broken relationship(s), do I try too quickly to mend the relationship or try to force the relationship to mend or do I just let it be?

But there are other examples of being injured in life as well.  Things could have happened in our past that were not our doing that have affected the way we respond to circumstances or life situations.  Whatever it is I think sometimes if we rush back into rectifying the situation too quickly, we may do more harm than good (just like running with an injured knee).

So, as I process my life and how I respond to injuries, I can rest on what Christ said in these 2 passages:

• Matthew 6:12, 14-15, "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors...For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
• Matthew 18:15-16, "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."

Christ calls us to forgive and to confront in hopes to rectify the situation.  He doesn't say it has to be immediately (although Paul does say in Epheisans 4:26, "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry").  Since Christ does not give a time frame, I would suggest going before God to find out the right time and place to confront.

The reality is I don't know where you are at with your injuries, but my hope and prayer is that you can forgive and confront in a loving way so that you can learn from all situations.  That way you can continue to move forward in life so that you can be all that God created and designed you to be.

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Not because we want to always, but because we HAVE & NEED to

Many of you all know that I have been running regularly for the past month and a half.  It has been a great stress reliever, processing time and Christ time as I listen to worship music and spend time in prayer.  It is my goal to run between 20-30 minutes and 5 of the 7 days of the week.

As I wake up in the morning to run, there are many days in which I don't feel like running.  I'm tired or my mind just doesn't want to process that day or there are other things I feel that I need to do instead.  BUT, I get out and run anyways...not because I want to, but because I HAVE to.  I make myself run because I HAVE to vent to God.  I make myself run because I HAVE to listen to worship music to keep my focus on Him.  I make myself run because I HAVE to get in shape because I need to be more healthy in my own life.

In the same way, my running is similar to my relationship with Christ.  I don't always feel like spending time with Him. I don't always want to process with him because sometimes I'm mad and want to be angry. I don't always want to spend time with Him because I could be doing other, more "productive" things.

BUT, I NEED to spend time with Christ everyday.  I NEED to get His input on how to handle certain situations.  I NEED His wisdom and guidance.  I NEED His peace.

Because our NEEDS always overrule our WANTS, we need to spend time with Christ everyday, including today.

So, right now, as soon as you stop reading this blog, I want you to click on the link below and spend time with Christ.  You will benefit from it no matter what the topic is.  I just pray that the Lord blesses and nurtures your heart wherever you are at right now.

Our Daily Bread

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Running to Stand Still

U2 has a great song from their Joshua Tree album called "Running to Stand Still".  It was written about a heroin-addicted couple in Ireland.  I love this song so much as it focuses on the struggle of this addiction.  In many ways, she is running to stand still.  She cannot get herself out of the muck and the mire.

As I have begun to run on a regular basis, this song sticks in my head because I do not want to be a person who is running to stand still.  I want to be running with a purpose and making myself a better person.  Before I started running I was overweight (203 pounds for a 5'10 body), had high cholesterol and I was never exercising.  If I continued this pattern, it would not take too much longer before I would be experiencing some serious health related issues.

Since I have started running I have lost 18 pounds and am now feeling more fit than I have in years.  I have also used my running as an opportunity to connect with God in a whole new, fresh level.  I spend time worshiping to praise music and also spend time talking and listening to him.  It has been a great connect for me with Him.  I no longer feel that I am running to stand still.

So what about you?  What or who are you running towards?  How is it impacting your life (good or bad)?

The inspiration I have for running towards Christ is found in Matthew 6:33 where Christ says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Christ was referring to his provision if we seek Him.  What a great thing to run towards.  When we run towards Christ He will provide and take care of us!  It may not be the way we think He "should" provide for us, but He will definitely provide.

So today and the rest of this week, DON'T run to stand still.  RUN towards Christ and see how He ministers to you!

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True Protection

Psalm 40:11 says, "Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me."

I read this last week and I used it as my prayer for that day and the days following.  Here is what I got out of what David was saying:

• He asked God to "not withhold your mercy from me".  Basically he is saying that he knows he is a sinful guy and that he has messed up a bunch.  So as he is trying to do what is right he is asking for God to be merciful and gracious to him.
• He says, "may your love...always protect me."  I believe love is personal.  Relationships in general are messed up as they can be very self-centered and conditional; a sort of a "what have you done for me lately" mindset.  But God gives unconditional love and it will always cover and protect us no matter what situation we are in.  His love is greater than all things and it will protect us through the great times and the bad as long as we allow ourselves to feel the love.
• Finally he says, "may your truth always protect me."  The fact is people will always have their own version of the truth as truth can sometimes be how we perceive things to be (whether we are right or wrong).  But REAL truth rests in the Lord.  After all He did say, "I am the way, the TRUTH and the life".  He is the ultimate truth and understanding.

We all make mistakes and we try to learn from them.  It is when we rest in the Lord and trust His will and His control, then we know that His love and Truth will come out on top.  We must become less (and do less) so that God can become greater and shine through it all.

May you all be encouraged by this as much as I was.

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I went for a run today

My life has never really been normal.  It has always had it's ups and downs.  Well, of late, that sense of normalcy has been in real peril as things have been far from it.  I have had to juggle so much each day.

As I was telling a friend of mine about my recent juggling act, he suggested that I stop and focus on getting healthy myself.  He challenged me that the only way I can make it through this recent juggling act is if I was taking care of myself - physically, spiritually and emotionally.

One of his suggestions was that I run every day.

So, this morning I went on my 2nd consecutive day of running.  It wasn't long, but I ran for 30 minutes today.  In that running, I put on some awesome music (some secular and some Christian) on my iPod.  But, it was funny, when I ran to the secular music, I was mad and angry at life.  I got all worked up over the smallest things.

But then, when I ran to Christian music, my shift focused from anger to God.  It was as if God was ministering to me and nurturing me as I ran. As I ran and lifted my eyes up to the heavens, I cried, I praised Him, I allowed him to rest over me.  I ran with a higher purpose in mind.

As I ran and focused on Christ, my mindset focused on trusting God's will and allowing Him to take care of me - where ever He leads me.  I will be at peace about it because I know that God is going to take care of me.

I don't know what you are going through in life but I can attest that God wants to minister to you and He wants you healthy - no matter where you are at.

So my encouragement is to go out for a run.  Put some Christian tunes that rock in your iPod and allow God to minister to you.

By the way, if you are interested, the 3 songs I ran to the most were:

• "O Praise Him" by David Crowder Band
• "Speaking Louder than Before" by Jeremy Camp
• "Until the Whole World hears" by Casting Crowns.

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Choosing today to fight for Christ

Are you choosing today to fight for Christ?.  You do not need to worry about living a lifetime of what Christ calls you to.  Sure, that is the hope, but that can be overwhelming sometimes.  So choosing to follow Christ means that each day you wake up, you will follow him with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37).  Are you choosing today to fight for Christ?

This mindset can be particularly helpful for teenagers who have been in the party scene or who have been living active sex lives.  For them, when you choose to follow Christ, that means you are "throwing away" that lifestyle - a lifestyle that has tremendous temporal pleasures.  So, if someone commits their life to Christ, it may be hard to give up that next party or hook-up.  But, if that person chooses to follow Christ each day, it is much more manageable and can even have some tremendous rewards with it.

So today, choose to follow Christ.  Choose to live your life with integrity.  Choose to say no to that party because you know the ramifications that can have on you and others.  Choose to open your Bible to discover the truth and promises God has for you.  Choose to pray more today.  Choose to share about Christ to others today.  Choose to listen to God today.  Choose Christ today!

These are all manageable and beneficial things for you to do today that will help you grow closer to Christ.

May God bless you as you choose to follow Him today!


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Need a Kick in the Pants - read this!

I read this today - Ephesians 4:17-32.  Take a minute and read through it.

I think I might be a little bit more direct today - what separates believers from non-believers is that we know the truth and it has set us free.  I cannot recall of any time where I have heard a Christian state that "my life went to hell because I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior".  But, on the other hand, I have heard many times how life is tough but they do not know the Lord.  As Paul points out in v. 17 and 18, non-believers have futile thinking and have given themselves over to every kind of impurity because of the hardening of their hearts and their continual lust for more impurity.  It is almost like their futile and perverted (not in a sexual way perverted) thinking has made them too drunk to think rationally.

Believers came to know Christ, however, because "you were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (v. 22-24).  Believers were able to separate themselves from the lusts of this world and see through to a better, stronger option - CHRIST!

Therefore, as Paul points out in verse 25-32, let's step up our game!  Seriously, let's:

• put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body (v.25)
• do not let the sun go down on your anger so that you give Satan a foothold in your life (v.26)
• do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (v.29)
• get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  (v. 31)
• be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (v. 32)

It time folks for all of us to get off our butts and start taking our life with Christ seriously.  Let's not half-butt our life with Christ anymore.  You believed in Him for a reason - let's reaffirm that faith and strive towards him all the more!

Take a least 1 of the points Paul outlines above and strive to work on that today and the rest of the week.  Then, may the Lord move in your heart and your life as well as the lives you come into contact with.

Thanks for reading and allowing me to be a little bit honest here.

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Being Effective and Productive for Christ

2 Peter 1:3-10 says, "3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

 10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall,"

I love 2 things about this passage:

1. If we possess these things:

• goodness
• knowledge
• self-control
• perseverance
• godliness
• brotherly kindness
• love

we will be productive and effective in our knowledge of Christ.  Therefore, I believe this translate into that we can be effective and productive as followers of Christ and evangelists for Christ.

2. In verse 10 that is says, "if you do these things, you will never fail".  Life can be hard an challenging at times but Peter is saying that if we add to our faith the qualities outlined in verses 5-7, we will never fail.  That doesn't mean that we will never experience hardship or tough times.  Rather, we will never fail and over the long term, that will make us extremely productive for Christ.

These are just 2 thoughts that stuck out to me as I read this scripture.

As you look at it, what quality outlined in verses 5-7 do you struggle with?  Pick at least 1 you can work on today and this week so that you can add to your faith and be effective and productive for Christ.

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Some Scripture I read today - 3/19

Continuing to read through 1 Peter, I read these in chapter 2 and was encouraged/challenged.

v. 11-12 - "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

• We get trapped into living our lives the way the rest of the world does.  But, ultimately, when we do that, there is a battle going on between our faith and the worldly desires.  We need to live our lives pleasing to the Lord so that we can bring glory to Him.

v. 16 - "Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God."

v. 23 - "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."

• It can be so easy for us, when we are persecuted or made fun of because of our beliefs, to retaliate and say things back to defend ourselves.  But, if Christ, hanging on the cross did not, then maybe we should take a step back and allow the Lord to justly judge and we, as v. 11-12 state, live our lives to glorify Him.

Take a Minute and ponder these verses.  Pray and meditate on them before the Lord and see what HE puts on your heart today because of them.

May God bless you all today and do a great work!

tompounder.blogspot.com

Some Scripture I read today

Today I started reading through 1 Peter.  Here are some verses that stuck out to me:

v. 7 - "These [Trials] have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (emphasis mine)

v. 15-16 - "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

v. 24-25 - "For, 'All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.' And this is the word that was preached to you." (emphasis mine)

Take a minute and ponder these verses and see what the Lord puts on your heart today because of them.

May God bless you all today and do a great work!

tompounder.blogspot.com

What am I suppose to learn from this?

Throughout our lives we go through "seasons".  I don't know whoever coined this term but if he/she would have trademarked this bad boy, they would be filthy rich right now as it is a very popular word.  Well, right now I am going through a season and to be honest, I'm over it.  I'm ready to move on as I've been in this season for too long. 

As I have had a wide range of emotions during this season in my life, I realize that God is not done with me yet.  He has me here for a reason and although I may be done, the reality is that I may not have even begun to experience what God wants to teach me throughout this season.

The passage I look towards a lot during this time in my life is Romans 5:1-5.  Take a minute and read it.

In this passage Paul says that we need to rejoice in our sufferings because it produces perseverance, character and hope.  Now, don't get me wrong, all seasons in our lives ARE NOT ALWAYS sufferings.  But if we look at this passage that in everything, even our sufferings, God can continue to build into us, He will make us better through any experience or season in our lives.  The question I need to keep asking is, "Lord, what do you want to teach me through this?"  Why am I going through this time in my life.  It is not all "whoa is me", but an earnest desire to learn from the Lord during this time.

Regardless of what the Lord is trying to teach me, I know 2 things:

1. I have to continue to seek Him (Matthew 6:33)
2. He will use this for His glory.  It's not all about me - never has been and never will be.  So, I need to stop looking at this from a "me" perspective and more at how can I use this for His Glory?

Just like me, you may be going through a season in your life where you may not be understanding that God is trying to teach you.  My encouragement to you is to continue to pursue the Lord.  He has you where you are for a reason and if it is through sufferings, He is there with us and will build into us more Christlike qualities to make us more effective for the Kingdom of heaven.

As Paul says, "hope does not disappoint us" (v. 5).  Rest in God's hope and trust that He will not only bring you through all seasons but you will be better off because of it.

Take some time to pray and pursue the Lord.  Whether this season is a tough time for you or not, ask Him what He wants you to learn from this season in your life.

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Examining Your Walls

As I continue to read through Nehemiah, a ton of things are coming out of it.

Take a minute and read Nehemiah 2:11-20

Some questions to process:

1. What sticks out to you in these verses?
2. What was the first thing Nehemiah did with the Jerusalem wall?
3. What was his assessment of the wall?
4. How did the workers respond to Nehemiah's challenge?

Before Nehemiah got into actually rebuilding the Jerusalem wall, he had to do an assessment of the wall.  He had to find out where the weak points were so he could hit those rough spots first.  Once those weak areas were rebuilt and strengthened, the city of Jerusalem would be strong and better equipped to defend her city.

As I was reading through this I thought of how often I assess my life.  How often do I look for weak areas or things that need improving?

I know it is not easy to look for weak or struggling areas in our lives.  It can be a very humbling experience.  But, as Paul points out in 1 Peter 5:5-6, when we humble ourselves, he will lift us up - "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."

This week, do an assessment of your life.  What are some strong areas and weak areas in your life?  Of the weak areas, what steps can you take this week to improve?

After Nehemiah examined the walls, he devised a plan to strengthen them.  The walls improved slowly, but eventually were rebuilt.  In the same way, we can not expect God to repair those weak areas in our lives overnight.  But if we come up with a plan and stick to it, we will be successful in rebuilding our walls as well.

Pray that God would allow you to see the walls in your life that you can begin to repair and strengthen them so you can glorify Him with who you are in all that you do.

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So your saying there's a chance?

In my personal devotion time, I am going through Nehemiah. I just started but what made me fascinated with reading through Nehemiah was the fact that he was chiefly responsible for organizing the effort to rebuild the Jerusalem wall. So, I began to read through and was struck by a few things. As I read and process, I will continue to write about them and I hope you are challenged/encouraged by them as well.

Read Nehemiah 1-2:10

Some questions to answer:

1. Who was Nehemiah?
2. What was on his heart to do?
3. How was God instrumental in allowing him to go on his mission?

Nehemiah was just a simple cupbearer. He didn't have real power or authority to do anything. But, his heart was to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall that was destroyed when they were taken over.

He knew that Israel messed up big time when they disobeyed the Lord (1:5-9). None-the-less, he went before God and prayed for a chance, just an opportunity to go before the King and make his petition. Then, in 2:1-4a, the King asked him for what he wanted. How crazy is that? That had God written all over that as how many times do you think a high King would take an interest in such a lowly cupbearer?

What is on your heart? How is God moving within it?

If God is pressing something on your heart, go before the Lord and pray for a chance to do something with it. Then, when he provides you with an opportunity, Carpe Diem - SEIZE THE DAY! God is giving you a chance, now do something with it.

Just because God gives you a chance to do something, big or small, doesn't mean it will be easy for you to do it. In 2:2, Nehemiah says that he was afraid. But, ultimately, he spoke up and got what he wanted. Do not let fear or uncertainty of the unknown effect your decision to go for it or not. Seize the day and be thankful to God that he has given you this great opportunity.

So again, is God pressing something on your heart to do? Go before him to verify if it is from the Lord or not. Then, if it is something He wants you to take action on, pray for an opportunity and then make the most out of the opportunity you have. Nehemiah did and you can too.

Genesis 4 Devotional

This was the devotional that we gave out to the Cedar Run youth for this past week.

Read Genesis 4

1. Cain and Able were brothers. What did each of them do for a living?

2. Cain and Able brought an offering to the Lord. What was the difference between the two offerings and which one was view upon as better?

3. Because of the difference, Cain did what? Why do you think Cain did this? DIG DEEPER – Read 1 John 3:12.

4. What happened to Cain because of his actions?

5. This is yet another example of the consequences of sin. Review Genesis 3:1-19 to see past examples of the consequences of sin. We suffer these consequences when we fall away from the Lord’s provisions in our lives. This week, what is one thing you could do that will help you resist temptation to fall away from God and his provisions for you? (One suggestion is to read Ephesians 6:10-18)

Sharing the Truth with others

Two weeks ago, Grant Diamond shared with us on Sunday the benefits of staying in the word and how spending time daily can help us.

Read Deuteronomy 6:3-9

Some of this scripture is familiar from previous weeks, but as you can see, God is preparing to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land - the land filled with milk and honey.

1. Why is God telling them to obey?
2. What should we do with all the knowledge we have gained from spending time with God?
3. How will this benefit others?
4. How will this benefit us?

Application:

Oftentimes, when I read the Bible, I can become me-centric. By that I mean that I tend to focus on myself and how the verses apply to myself. But, God challenges us to look beyond ourselves here. In verse 7-9, he tells us share them with our children, talk about them as you are hanging out with others, and make it known to others what the Truth is.

How are you doing sharing the Truth of God to others? Remember, in Christ's command to make disciples, he challenged his followers to teach others everything he has commanded them (Matthew 28:20). Are you doing that?

This week, spend time reading the Truth. Then, write down an application. When you are doing your application, include one thing you can share with someone else and see how God blesses that.

Pray

FYI - To download Grant Diamond's message, go to http://tompounder.podomatic.com or go to iTunes and search Tom Pounder

Remembering the Good God has done in our Lives

On Sunday, we talked about Memorial Day and how it is the day we remember all of those great Americans who died fighting for our freedom.

Just as we remember our fallen Americans for the great things they have done, do you remember the great things God has done in your life? We looked at Joshua 4:1-7 as just one of the many times the Israelites set up memorials to remember the great things God has done for them. They were set up so that when their children asked what those stones meant, they would be able tell them how God provided for them.

What God has done in your life? Is it an answered prayer, an unexpected provision at the right time, help in overcoming an obstacle or temptation?

Take a minute and think through what God has done for you and do 2 things:

1. Memorialize it in some way. The Israelites set up stone pillars some of the times, but it could look differently for you (and probably should as having a variety of stone pillars set up in your room or throughout your house could become an obstacle for you and your family members). You could do a bookmark, write in a journal or even do a small creation that would help you remember.
2. If, after searching your life, you feel that God hasn't done anything significant in your life, I would challenge you to pray that he does move in your life in some way. Pray specifically and consistently for God to work and see how he brings about a resolution or blessing in your life. Once he does, memorialize it in some way.

When we memorialize the great things God has done in our lives, it enables us to always remember what he has done. So that when tough times hit and we have a crisis of faith, we can remember all that God has done and can do in our lives.

Pray

The Truth be told

On Sunday, Bruce talked about being honest and telling the truth. He shared his experience of being caught trying to change a grade in high school and how that had a snowball effect on his life as his character quickly came into question.

Take a minute and review the scripture he shared. Read Matthew 5:33-37

If we are people who honor our promises and oath, then we have a sense of integrity and truth. Being truthful and honest are a direct reflection on your character - who you really are and what you really believe.

So, where do you get your truth from? Where do you get your sense of integrity and honesty?

Is it from your friends, TV or movies (seriously), what you read in the newspapers or online?

How do you know that those are the truth?

Ultimately, we find truth through Christ. Read John 14:6. What a bold statement! He IS the Truth and since we know that God does not lie (Hebrews 6:18, Numbers 23:19), we know that we can take him for his word and his promises will never fail.

Is that true of the other places we can find truth?

Application:

Even though we may know that the 100% undeniable truth can only be found in Christ, we rarely take the time to spend it with Him. When we become so busy with life and the things we have to do, we fail to get that knowledge and understanding that will help us throughout the day.

So, today, take time and get to know the truth! Spend time reading through the Bible and discovering or rediscovering the truth found in Christ and God alone. Don't rely on other sources, rely on the one who IS the truth.

Then, jot down a note or 2 about what truth you learned and stick it in your pocket so you can reflect or turn to it throughout the day. Who knows, it may end up being very helpful for you throughout the day!

Pray and spend time with Christ today!

Staying Connected to God's word

On Sunday we had Karly, Corie and Kim all share about how spending time with Christ has made a tremendous impact in their lives. As they emphasized, it's so important to stay close to Christ daily.

God also emphasizes this to Joshua.

Read Joshua 1:6-9

1. What does God command Joshua to do?
2. Why did he encourage him to be strong and courageous?
3. What is Joshua to do with the book of the law? How do you think this helps him?
4. What's the promise God makes Joshua if he knows the law and obeys it?
5. How does this apply to us?

Application:

When Joshua had this encounter with God, he was just taking over the leadership of the Israelites as they headed into the Promised Land. Moses had just died and now, after 40 years of wondering in the wilderness, Joshua was put into this leadership role as they moved into their new land. Of all the times Joshua needed guidance and direction, it was now.

So, you would probably imagine that Joshua needed to hear something great from God at this point. Of all the things God could have said to him, he challenged him to be strong and courageous and to meditate on His word day and night. It is only through this that Joshua would be prosperous and successful. That's it! Stay close to the Lord by knowing, meditating and understanding his word. When he would do that, he would be prosperous and successful.

In the same way, if we are spending time with Christ daily, meditating and applying it to our lives, we will be in a much better place than if we did not do this. We will be prosperous and successful in life - maybe not in the way the world judges success and prosperity, but you will be successful by walking the path God has set for you.

Are you turning to God and his word for guidance and direction in your life?

This week, take time daily to spend time with Christ and see how you benefit from doing that. Set aside time each day - be intentional about it - and make sure that you can get encouragement and support from our creator. Then, apply what you learn and see what God has in store for you!

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