I like to thumb through my Bible, through the various chapters of various books and just read through, looking for nothing in particular but guidance from above. I stopped today on John 17:13-26, it's rather long, but it means so much to us. This is Jesus' prayer for his disciples and those that they would lead to know our heavenly father, God above.
John 17:13-26
"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; you word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given to me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
"Righteous Father, thought the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
May God add his blessings to the reading of his word.
This message wasn't necessarily for all of you today, it was for me. I am struggling with the decision to fully give my life to God and serve him in his house. Fear is the biggest thing I feel right now, fear that I am inadequate, fear that I may struggle, that I have felt a craving and not a calling.
But the prayer is for you, those who have heard God's calling through the message of another, for Jesus told us of God, and wants us to join him in heaven. To see the glory, the awesome glory of his kingdom, which awaits us in the afterlife as believers.
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Wednesday, October 19, 2011
What am I lacking?
Well my view counter has slowed down quite a bit. What am I lacking besides tons of chain e-mails and messages on FB? Do I just need to update it daily, put a thought of the day up, ask more questions, go deeper into the word, what would you like to see? Your input would be greatly appreciated on this.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Question of the day!
Okay, so I want to know your favorite Bible verse. It doesn't have to be the end all, be all, verse. Just one that has meant something to you lately. Post it in a comment. You don't get to know mine until I get 5 comments.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Gift of Grace
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith in this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
May God add his blessings to the reading of his word.
We have been justified by our faith, meaning that our faith that God is the only and true God, who sent his son to pay the ultimate price for sin, gives us access to the kingdom of heaven. This faith brings us into the grace of God, the good standing and blessing of our Lord.
All things on our path are not easy but rejoice, for our tribulations give us endurance and perseverance, how we overcome these obstacles gives us character and this character adds to our hope and faith in God. Hope does not disappoint us, it will not, because God has already shown us the most loving act he could.
When you have a trial or speed bump in life stop trying to solve it by your means alone. God is always there to be called upon. Your knees should know what carpet feels like, because you should always go to him in prayer. Even if it is in private, it is your conversation with God that is important.
Keep the faith, accept and feel his grace pour over you, for his love has paid the price, you just need to ask.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith in this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
May God add his blessings to the reading of his word.
We have been justified by our faith, meaning that our faith that God is the only and true God, who sent his son to pay the ultimate price for sin, gives us access to the kingdom of heaven. This faith brings us into the grace of God, the good standing and blessing of our Lord.
All things on our path are not easy but rejoice, for our tribulations give us endurance and perseverance, how we overcome these obstacles gives us character and this character adds to our hope and faith in God. Hope does not disappoint us, it will not, because God has already shown us the most loving act he could.
When you have a trial or speed bump in life stop trying to solve it by your means alone. God is always there to be called upon. Your knees should know what carpet feels like, because you should always go to him in prayer. Even if it is in private, it is your conversation with God that is important.
Keep the faith, accept and feel his grace pour over you, for his love has paid the price, you just need to ask.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Light Within
Luke 11:33-35
"No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good your whole body is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness."
We should all be a lighted beacon to our wayward friends. Do not dwell or live in sin, but shine with and live for the glory of God. If you are bright among the darkness then others will see it and follow. Like a light house for the wayward soul, we should constantly strive to bring others back to where they need to be.
God's gift is eternal life, paid for with the ultimate sacrifice of his son. Don't hide the light of his love and glory, but place it on a stand, your life, so that others may know of his works and love.
"No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good your whole body is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness."
We should all be a lighted beacon to our wayward friends. Do not dwell or live in sin, but shine with and live for the glory of God. If you are bright among the darkness then others will see it and follow. Like a light house for the wayward soul, we should constantly strive to bring others back to where they need to be.
God's gift is eternal life, paid for with the ultimate sacrifice of his son. Don't hide the light of his love and glory, but place it on a stand, your life, so that others may know of his works and love.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Life with Christ.
Colossians 2:6-8
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
When you accept Christ as your savior, you may have different levels of faith and different levels of knowledge and understanding of his word. These things are inconsequential, but what is of consequence is what you do with your new found gift. You should be glad that the Lord has given his life for your continued life. Take a strong grasp of his word and go out into the world and preach. I don't mean you have to be at every single function of your church, quit your job and stand on a sidewalk with a Bible and yell it out. Not all people are called to those positions. But what you can do is arm yourself with his word, to stave off those who would turn you away from God and his glory, and if you reach one lost soul with your word then you have won a battle, if you reach two you have won many battles.
The love God showed to you in sending his son should carry over to a love you have for his word and a desire to show others this love. You may lose friends along the road, but they will respect you for your dedication, and they will be curious to know why you care about God's word so much.
As always I encourage you to leave a comment if this helped you, ask a question if you are lost. I have an e-mail account specifically for this blog: shannonsdevo@gmail.com, please utilize it if you feel the desire.
God Bless you.
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
When you accept Christ as your savior, you may have different levels of faith and different levels of knowledge and understanding of his word. These things are inconsequential, but what is of consequence is what you do with your new found gift. You should be glad that the Lord has given his life for your continued life. Take a strong grasp of his word and go out into the world and preach. I don't mean you have to be at every single function of your church, quit your job and stand on a sidewalk with a Bible and yell it out. Not all people are called to those positions. But what you can do is arm yourself with his word, to stave off those who would turn you away from God and his glory, and if you reach one lost soul with your word then you have won a battle, if you reach two you have won many battles.
The love God showed to you in sending his son should carry over to a love you have for his word and a desire to show others this love. You may lose friends along the road, but they will respect you for your dedication, and they will be curious to know why you care about God's word so much.
As always I encourage you to leave a comment if this helped you, ask a question if you are lost. I have an e-mail account specifically for this blog: shannonsdevo@gmail.com, please utilize it if you feel the desire.
God Bless you.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Praise
My message today is short and concise. Praise the Lord with all you have, for he has given you all he has.
Psalm 150:1-6
Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the hard and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with the resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.
God has given us so much and we have little to offer but our continued praise. So tomorrow when you get up, whatever time it is, whether sunrise or noon, look outside and thank him for the air we breath, the trees we see, and the sky above.
Psalm 150:1-6
Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the hard and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with the resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.
God has given us so much and we have little to offer but our continued praise. So tomorrow when you get up, whatever time it is, whether sunrise or noon, look outside and thank him for the air we breath, the trees we see, and the sky above.
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