*Have you ever wondered how to talk to God?
* If God really listens to you?
Maybe it seems too good to be true that you have immediate access to
the Creator of the universe. No appointment is necessary. You don't need
to ask his secretary if he is busy. You can bypass the lobby, phones,
and security guards and walk right into his office. His focus is completely on you, and his time is unlimited.
You would expect nothing less from your father, right? God doesn't
treat you like a stranger or a business partner. You are his child,
dearly loved and cherished. If you believe that God loves you, then you
can trust that he will listen to your prayers.
In Mark 11,
Jesus told us not to waste our words in prayer if we do not believe that
God will answer us. But, if we are confident that he will meet our
requests, then be ready! Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God wants to bless
us beyond our wildest dreams.
So I tell you to believe that you have received the things you ask for in prayer, and God will give them to you
(Mark 11:25)
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Day 5 The Bible: God's Scrapbook (Romans 15:4; Psalm 119:9-18)
*Have you ever wondered if God's Word is any more than a bunch of good stories?
The Bible comes even more alive when we realize that it's God's scrapbook. Paging through it, you learn more about him with each turn. It overflows with collages of pictures, stories, poems, and letters. You'll discover a piece of music that David wrote for him and a prayer God received from Job. You'll glimpse a snapshot of God's face as he watched his Son die.
What makes the Bible a unique scrapbook is that it doesn't just commemorate the past--it provides guidance for today and hope for tomorrow. You can find your name and face in its pages. Next to each Bible promise is a picture of you. The same hope, the same gifts, and the same salvation recorded in the Bible apply to you. This scrapbook isn't a nostalgic keepsake. It's a living, dynamic, hopeful expectation of God's plans for the future.
All Scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right. Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The Bible comes even more alive when we realize that it's God's scrapbook. Paging through it, you learn more about him with each turn. It overflows with collages of pictures, stories, poems, and letters. You'll discover a piece of music that David wrote for him and a prayer God received from Job. You'll glimpse a snapshot of God's face as he watched his Son die.
What makes the Bible a unique scrapbook is that it doesn't just commemorate the past--it provides guidance for today and hope for tomorrow. You can find your name and face in its pages. Next to each Bible promise is a picture of you. The same hope, the same gifts, and the same salvation recorded in the Bible apply to you. This scrapbook isn't a nostalgic keepsake. It's a living, dynamic, hopeful expectation of God's plans for the future.
All Scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right. Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Day 4 Growing in God
Have you ever wondered how to grow in your faith?
Read: 2 Peter 3:18; Colossians 1:9-10; 1 Peter 2:2
There's more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower. If you walk on the main tourist paths, you'll discover quaint cafe's waiting to be enjoyed, fragrant flower shops tucked away, private bed and breakfasts unlisted in the tourist's guides.
Ironically, visiting Paris has many similarities to the Christian walk. You can't miss salvation. It looms high above the skyline. It's what really makes your trip. But you'll find even more places you can visit to get to know God in a deeper way.
That's what the Bible reveals. Inside are countless passages of insight for you to consider so that you can learn more about God's personality. As you spend time with other Christians, in the Word, in prayer, and in accountability, you can draw from their strengths and experiences and share yours as well. Search the pages of Scripture to discover new places in God's Word.
Most of all, be willing to take the trip and grow in your relationship with God. You'll be surprised at what awaits you around the next corner!
But the truly happy people are those who carefully study God's perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God's teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy.
(James 1:25)
Read: 2 Peter 3:18; Colossians 1:9-10; 1 Peter 2:2
There's more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower. If you walk on the main tourist paths, you'll discover quaint cafe's waiting to be enjoyed, fragrant flower shops tucked away, private bed and breakfasts unlisted in the tourist's guides.
Ironically, visiting Paris has many similarities to the Christian walk. You can't miss salvation. It looms high above the skyline. It's what really makes your trip. But you'll find even more places you can visit to get to know God in a deeper way.
That's what the Bible reveals. Inside are countless passages of insight for you to consider so that you can learn more about God's personality. As you spend time with other Christians, in the Word, in prayer, and in accountability, you can draw from their strengths and experiences and share yours as well. Search the pages of Scripture to discover new places in God's Word.
Most of all, be willing to take the trip and grow in your relationship with God. You'll be surprised at what awaits you around the next corner!
But the truly happy people are those who carefully study God's perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God's teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy.
(James 1:25)
Day 3 God's Love
Have you ever wondered...
*Just how much God really loves you?
* If you can fall out of God's love?
* Why you deserve to be loved so much?
Read: John 13:1; Ephesians 3:14-19; Romans 8:35-39
God's Word is the most beautiful expression of love ever written. Shakespeare's sonnets pale in comparison to the Bible's descriptions of love. His love transcends every kind of earthly love. His love is stronger than any bond between parent and child or husband and wife. No earthly image can accurately portray God's love for us. Galatians 2:20 explains that Jesus loved you enough to die in your place. He chose to accept your punishment so that you could spend eternity with the father. In his death, Christ committed the greatest act of love ever seen by human eyes.
With a love so devoted, so sacrificial, so extreme--nothing can ever interfere. Nothing can squelch or diminish that love. You cannot fall beyond the reach of his love. You can't lose it. You can't change it, win it, or control it. His love extends before and beyond time, and he loved you before you knew him. When you choose to accept his love, you begin the most amazing relationship of your life.
And from far away the LORD appeared to his people and said, "I love you people with a love that will last forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness"
(Jeremiah 31:3)
*Just how much God really loves you?
* If you can fall out of God's love?
* Why you deserve to be loved so much?
Read: John 13:1; Ephesians 3:14-19; Romans 8:35-39
God's Word is the most beautiful expression of love ever written. Shakespeare's sonnets pale in comparison to the Bible's descriptions of love. His love transcends every kind of earthly love. His love is stronger than any bond between parent and child or husband and wife. No earthly image can accurately portray God's love for us. Galatians 2:20 explains that Jesus loved you enough to die in your place. He chose to accept your punishment so that you could spend eternity with the father. In his death, Christ committed the greatest act of love ever seen by human eyes.
With a love so devoted, so sacrificial, so extreme--nothing can ever interfere. Nothing can squelch or diminish that love. You cannot fall beyond the reach of his love. You can't lose it. You can't change it, win it, or control it. His love extends before and beyond time, and he loved you before you knew him. When you choose to accept his love, you begin the most amazing relationship of your life.
And from far away the LORD appeared to his people and said, "I love you people with a love that will last forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness"
(Jeremiah 31:3)
Day 2 Coming Home to Your Father:
Have you ever wondered...
- What it means to be a child of God?
- If you've run too far to come home?
When you hold up your arms to your heavenly Father, he reaches down to scoop you up. These passages remind us that accepting God's gift of salvation is not a formal business deal. It's the picture of a father welcoming home his rebellious child, just like the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.
Just like the ungrateful son, we have run far from God. At some point in our lives, we've tried to live on our own. apart from him. We packed a knapsack, bought a bus ticket, and took off for the lights of the city. Somehow, the plan didn't work out as we expected. But God, your Father, was waiting up for you when you came home.
With joy in his eyes, God adopted you as soon as you held up your arms to him. He's your Abba Father. It doesn't matter how far you've run or how long you've been gone. His love doesn't change. You are his child.
But when the right time came, God sent his Son who was born of a woman and lived under the law. God did this so he could buy freedom for those who were under the law and so we could be his children.
(Galatians 4:4-5)
Day #1
Good evening everyone. I hope you all had a blessed day. As stated yesterday, today we will begin our 30-day Bible study program for new believers. Even if you're not a new believer please feel free to join us as we gain knowledge of our heavenly Father and His Son whom he sent forth. Again, I am using the The Devotional Bible New Century Version.
Jesus Our Savior
Have you ever wondered...
- Why Jesus came to earth?
- If there are other ways to get to heaven?
Read: John 10:10; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 1:15
Many people search for faith like they shop for clothes. They browse the racks of religion, pick an item, and try it on for size. If it doesn't fit, they throw it right back on the rack. If it's comfortable and makes them look good, then they buy it. Besides, it can always be returned.
Some people claim that Christianity is too narrow. Jesus clearly said that there's only one way to heaven and one narrow path that leads to God--and he is the way. He's not the least bit tolerant or accepting of other methods, sincere as they might be.
Why is that so hard to accept? In every other area of life, we accept absolutes. When we bake, we put in the exact ingredients. When we drive somewhere, we follow the directions. When we seek God, he requires only one thing--Christ--and that's the only way to God.
We're not saved by a system of religion. Salvation is beautifully, incredibly simple. Jesus is the one Savior, and he's free for the taking.
The woman said, "I know that the Messiah is coming." (Messiah is the One called Christ.) "When the Messiah comes, he will explain everything to us."
Then Jesus said, "I am he--I, the one talking to you" (John 4:25-26).
Some personal applications:
- Do you believe that Jesus is the only way to the Father?
- Why do some people struggle with this concept?
"Let us ask our Father humbly, yet confidently in the name of Jesus, to remind us of the empty tomb. Let us see the victorious Jesus: the conqueror of the tomb, the one who defied death. And let us be reminded that we, too, will be granted that same victory!"
-----Max Lucado
Monday, September 3, 2012
Aireonna & Journey Dunbar Slideshow Slideshow
Aireonna & Journey Dunbar Slideshow Slideshow: TripAdvisor™ TripWow ★ Aireonna & Journey Dunbar Slideshow Slideshow ★ to Bremen. Stunning free travel slideshows on TripAdvisor
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