Time for God

A real quick observation that I had of myself, thought I might share and see what you guys think. I find that it is easier for me to find time for personal devotions, that is, a specific time to study and pray over God's Word, in a full schedule than an empty schedule. I know it sounds slightly contradictory but let me explain. For me, I see the importance* of this time when my day is full. Whether with classes, work, or friends I know the always present fact that my day will be evermore joyful and eternally productive when I am "meditating day and night" on what I've learned in God's Word, as the Psalmist would say. Yet, when my day is empty, when I feel that I have nothing to do i seem to postpone this most important time, till it becomes completely absent on some days. On these days however is when I feel I have missed some supreme purpose and I find myself hoping that I had more time in the day.

*Let me make this perfectly clear when I word it like this; it is always important to have sincere time with God. Whether you feel like it or not, this is most pivotal in the life of a Christian.

John Piper Interview

A clip from a great John Piper interview in which he answers some tough questions. This particular clip addresses the idea that we should only worship with what is specifically mentioned in the Bible (i.e. no instruments in the Bible?, etc.) Also watch all related videos, which have Piper answer other tough questions



or go straight to youtube to watch it.

Do You Agree?

A few thoughts on a question we should never ask ourselves and why.


or watch it here on youtube.

Psalm 33:18-22 and Proverbs 11:27

So this is my first try at this vlog thing. I'm just talking about what I've been learning in my private devotions. I started this for three reasons: 1) If perhaps I am wrong someone may correct me, 2) So that some may be encouraged or learn something and 3) because I seem to retain information better if I teach it. So here you go, please give me your thoughts and opinions.

Or to go on youtube, so you can see it full screen click here

James Macdonald Blog

I was reading James Macdonald's blog today and read a really cool letter he wrote to a daughter grieving her mother's death. Ironically, or perhaps Divinly, just yesterday I read Psalm 16, which talks about our great inheritance. Read both remember why we are really living and why we need not fear death.

James Macdonald Blog
Psalm 16

Memorizing

So this year I wanted to really start memorizing scripture. And I don't mean the memorizing that I remember for a day or week and then forget. No, I want to know these verses backwards and forewords. So far I only have one down:
Psalm 103:1-4
"Bless the Lord oh my soul. All that is within me bless the Lord. Bless the Lord oh my soul, and forget not His benefits. He who forgives all your iniquities, heals all your deceases, redeems your life from destruction, and crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies..."

Currently working on Jeremiah 9:23-24

"Make Jesus your day, not part of your week."

The above quote was a stroke of brilliance by my small group leader Tim Spencer. We are talking about going beyond what our perceptions of Christianity is. Most people think Christianity is a religion...ha, people who say that have no idea what Christianity. Christianity is not my religion, it is my life. Most people try to place their lives in different bubbles; my school bubble, my work bubble, my church bubble, etc. We, for some reason, think that if we are accepted and liked in all our bubbles, then hey, we got a good life. Unfortunately this just deceive our friends and most importantly ourselves. If all you are is a cool sud inside a bubble, then I'll tell you from experience that every one of those bubbles will pop, and you'll be left with nothing. Jesus Christ came to save us from this life of changing bubbles. Our life should not be a bunch of different bubbles, but a life of one solid leader, Jesus Christ. This is why people talk about finding Jesus and finding their identity. It is because we were created in God's image (Genesis 1:27) and because of this our soul rejoices when we strive to be like Christ. Jesus Christ is the only solid identity...an identity that won't change, won't fail, and won't fade...that a human can have.
Back to the quote, because Jesus should be our life, why don't we act like it? We think that enjoying Jesus once or twice a week will fulfill that obligation, but it won't. If you only talk to God at church, or only read the Bible at your small group; do you really love Jesus? Are you really giving your life to Christ? I was listening to James MacDonald recently and he said something very interesting, he said "If your faith doesn't change you, then it doesn't save you". In other words, if you don't put your faith into action, is it really faith (James 2:14-26)? I don't think so. Now, don't misunderstand, Jesus Christ is not about works; this isn't Mormonism. What I and James are saying is that if you don't do anything with your faith, then you don't have any faith.
So, now that you are all feeling scarred for you spiritual lives, what is the point of this? I simply want to challenge you to have faith, real faith in Jesus Christ. Live for Jesus, don't go to church or go to youth group for Jesus. Get up early to read your Bible, before you go to bed spend some time in earnest prayer, when you see a mountain filled with snow, thank God for creating it. Live for Him! "Make Jesus your day, not part of your week."