Again-I stole this from someone else. I will blog sometime this week, once it slows down :)
Living life consistently in the fruit of the Spirit takes effort and (some days) hard work. It can be tough because it's, unfortunately, unnatural.
One virtue in particular, patience, can be challenging. Especially the aspect of learning to wait for the best versus settling for the good.
So here are three tips for cultivating patience in your life:
1. Plan for patience. A new motto we've been using in at the studio is "leave margin." "Margin" is simply leaving room in all areas of your life for life to happen at a reasonable pace. Leave margin in your calendar. Leave margin in your workload. Leave margin in your checkbook. Planning for this amazingly breeds patience...leave extra early for an event with your family and you will see what I mean!
2. Practice patience. Patience takes work. Why? Because patience isn't really natural for the 21st century American. Everything is instant...instant rice, instant media, instant messenger, etc. It's amazing how little we wait for things...and heaven help us if we have to wait! Intentionally work at it. Pick a situation each day to practice patience. You're health and your relationships are worth it.
3. Pray for patience. I know that goes against grandma's ancient proverb "never pray for patience" but let's be real. If we truly want to be more like Christ in every virtue it's going to take something supernatural. Christ in our life transforms us from the inside out. Allow the Holy Spirit to make you prone to patience.
"The end of a matter is better than its beginning. So it's better to be patient than proud." Ecclesiastes 7:8, NIrV
crosspointechurch.tv/ministries.html
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Declaration by Rick Warren
This is so good-I have to share it. I got this from a conference called RADICALIS.
TODAY I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling and I'm finished with wavering. I've made my choice; the verdict is in and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There is no turning back. I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes, with God's people, on God's planet, for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home waiting in heaven, I refuse to waist any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me", character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasure. I know what matters most and I will give it all I've got.
I will do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today. I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. Ill keep running my race with my eyes on the goal; not on the sidelines or on those running by me. When times get tough and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm spirit-led, purpose-driver, and mission-focused so I can't be bought. I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me. I am a RADICAL in the original sense of the word: rooted in Christ, rooted in love, and rooted in his Word.
I hereby declare my supreme allegiance to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I say this: However, whenever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer is yes! I'm ready. Anytime. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way that on the final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, good and faithful one. Come on in and let the eternal party begin!"
Wow-that is all I can say. I really do want to hear from my Jesus, "Well Done". There will be nothing like it.
If you want to know more about me or KidPointe ministry, check out crosspointechurch.tv/ministries.html
TODAY I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling and I'm finished with wavering. I've made my choice; the verdict is in and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There is no turning back. I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes, with God's people, on God's planet, for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home waiting in heaven, I refuse to waist any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me", character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasure. I know what matters most and I will give it all I've got.
I will do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today. I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. Ill keep running my race with my eyes on the goal; not on the sidelines or on those running by me. When times get tough and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm spirit-led, purpose-driver, and mission-focused so I can't be bought. I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me. I am a RADICAL in the original sense of the word: rooted in Christ, rooted in love, and rooted in his Word.
I hereby declare my supreme allegiance to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I say this: However, whenever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer is yes! I'm ready. Anytime. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way that on the final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, good and faithful one. Come on in and let the eternal party begin!"
Wow-that is all I can say. I really do want to hear from my Jesus, "Well Done". There will be nothing like it.
If you want to know more about me or KidPointe ministry, check out crosspointechurch.tv/ministries.html
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Listen up
I was reading Proverbs 13 this morning-half asleep-and this verse jumped out at me. I knew this had to be a noteworthy verse if it caused the jaw drop. Prov. 13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
1. Pride causes arguments.
How many times have we started an argument because we think what we have to say is important because WE are RIGHT and THEY are WRONG? Or how many times are we thinking of something to say before the person is done talking to us? We are saying, what I have to say is more important and valuable that what you have to say. Just speaking the truth in love to me and you.
THEN-I read James 1:19 which says "be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry".
2. Slow to listen causes arguments.
How many times are you slow to listen, instead of quick to listen like God's Word says? I know I have. I remember talking to my sister several times about situations she was going through. Before she was done telling me her story, I was already telling her about my story similar to hers and how I would have handled it.
3. Quick to speak causes arguments .
I don't know about you, but when someone interrupts me, I am quick to interrupt back or remind them that they interrupted me. For example, I would say something like, "Back to the story I was telling", or "Ok, I am going to finish my story". I am sure if it bugs me, it bugs others. I know I interrupt and have been interrupted. Be slow to speak!
4. Quick to become angry is the argument!
The faster you get angry, the faster the other person is going to get angry! That sounds like a DUH statement but if we don't want to argue, why do you get upset so fast? Granted, there are times you cannot "let things go" and you must talk about it to find a solution. But, sometimes,we are arguing just to prove a point that WE are RIGHT. THE other person is WRONG. Speak the truth in love. Not in pride. Not in anger.
5. Listening creates wisdom!
Proverbs 13:10b says "wisdom is found in those who take advice". Stop, listen, and apply. When someone is talking to you, refrain from talking back and proving a point. Listen to what they have to say.
Friends, I am working on this myself. I don't have this down. What I try to do every morning to pray to God, "Lord, help me be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
For more info about me or KidPointe ministry, check out www.crosspointechurch.tv/ministries.html
1. Pride causes arguments.
How many times have we started an argument because we think what we have to say is important because WE are RIGHT and THEY are WRONG? Or how many times are we thinking of something to say before the person is done talking to us? We are saying, what I have to say is more important and valuable that what you have to say. Just speaking the truth in love to me and you.
THEN-I read James 1:19 which says "be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry".
2. Slow to listen causes arguments.
How many times are you slow to listen, instead of quick to listen like God's Word says? I know I have. I remember talking to my sister several times about situations she was going through. Before she was done telling me her story, I was already telling her about my story similar to hers and how I would have handled it.
3. Quick to speak causes arguments .
I don't know about you, but when someone interrupts me, I am quick to interrupt back or remind them that they interrupted me. For example, I would say something like, "Back to the story I was telling", or "Ok, I am going to finish my story". I am sure if it bugs me, it bugs others. I know I interrupt and have been interrupted. Be slow to speak!
4. Quick to become angry is the argument!
The faster you get angry, the faster the other person is going to get angry! That sounds like a DUH statement but if we don't want to argue, why do you get upset so fast? Granted, there are times you cannot "let things go" and you must talk about it to find a solution. But, sometimes,we are arguing just to prove a point that WE are RIGHT. THE other person is WRONG. Speak the truth in love. Not in pride. Not in anger.
5. Listening creates wisdom!
Proverbs 13:10b says "wisdom is found in those who take advice". Stop, listen, and apply. When someone is talking to you, refrain from talking back and proving a point. Listen to what they have to say.
Friends, I am working on this myself. I don't have this down. What I try to do every morning to pray to God, "Lord, help me be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
For more info about me or KidPointe ministry, check out www.crosspointechurch.tv/ministries.html
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Secret to Being Content
OK I thought this was so good, that I just copied and pasted!
"Relevant Bible Teaching is the free Bible teaching ministry of Brent Barnett. Please visit www.relevantbibleteaching.com for more free Bible teaching"
Contentment is a tough thing to learn, but our God is able to teach us. Even Paul spoke of having to learn to be content, as if it was a struggle for him. He says in Philippians 4:11-13,
“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Paul had spent much time in desperate need, and at this time, he informed the Philippians that he had an abundance, thanks to faithful giving on the part of the church. Though he was grateful for their gifts, he did not put his ultimate confidence in material possessions, provisions, or even people. There will be times in life when we may have little, and there may be times when we have more than we need. Contentment, like joy, peace, and other gracious provisions of God, is not dependent upon circumstances. When things go well, we must remember that what God gives, He can also take away. Thus, we are to bless the name of the Lord for being God and the source of blessing, not exchanging our confidence in God for material possessions or even God’s good gifts themselves (Job 1:21). When things go poorly, we must remember that God is still faithful and on the throne. Thus, whether in times of abundance or in times of lack, our confidence, hope, and trust must be anchored in Christ.
Paul’s secret to contentment was that he found his hope, his confidence, and his sufficiency in Christ alone Who would give him strength to do His will (v. 13). The process of learning to be content is a process of coming to believe that, ultimately, God is in control, and we are not. Contentment rests in the sufficiency of Christ and His Word. Unless we understand our dependence upon God, believe it, embrace it, and rejoice in it, contentment will elude us. Contentment finds its strength, confidence, and hope in the sufficiency of Christ, in the promises of God, in the unchanging character of God, and in the complete adequacy of the Word of God. When we have all of these things, what more do we need? What can the world provide us that would make us exchange what we have and put our confidence in something else? In Christ we have all of the sufficiency and strength that we need to do His will.
Contentment rests in the good and sovereign purposes of God. If we have a view of God as all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign, good, and perfectly and impartially loving, then there is no reason not to be content in what He ordains, allows, orchestrates, and provides. As Joseph said to his brothers who had done him great evil, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Because of God’s promises, character, and Word, we can always have confidence that all that we experience is meant to work some ultimate good in us and perhaps for many others as well. Indeed, “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). No experience, whether good or bad, is purposeless. We are called for God’s purposes, and we can trust that God will use all events to work good for those who love God. Christ’s cross, the most unfair and brutal thing ever endured on this earth, worked for the greatest good of all time in providing salvation to those who believe. God had a purpose in this, and He has a purpose in our lives also. Knowing this, wherever we are, we can be content as we acknowledge Him and put our trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Finally, contentment rests in God’s boundless love. Paul says in Ephesians 3:17-19, “[That you] being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Whether we are in a prison cell or in a palace, we can be content if we know, believe, and trust in God’s love. Whether we are in a loving family or a family mired in sin, we can be content knowing that God loves us. Whether we are the most gifted person in the world or partially or totally disabled, we can be content if we rest in the love of God. God’s love is to fill us up such that our cup overflows (Psalm 23:5). His love is always available and abundant, and therein we can find contentment.
If we find ourselves panicking or doubting when we have needs, perhaps even using sinful measures to try to meet them, we need to learn contentment. If we find ourselves becoming self-sufficient and prideful when we have more than we need, we need to learn contentment. If we have just what we need, we need to acknowledge God’s provision and thank Him. No matter our situation, contentment is worth learning, so may God in His great grace teach it to us.
To learn more about me and KidPointe Ministry, check out www.crosspointechurch.tv/ministries.html
"Relevant Bible Teaching is the free Bible teaching ministry of Brent Barnett. Please visit www.relevantbibleteaching.com for more free Bible teaching"
Contentment is a tough thing to learn, but our God is able to teach us. Even Paul spoke of having to learn to be content, as if it was a struggle for him. He says in Philippians 4:11-13,
“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Paul had spent much time in desperate need, and at this time, he informed the Philippians that he had an abundance, thanks to faithful giving on the part of the church. Though he was grateful for their gifts, he did not put his ultimate confidence in material possessions, provisions, or even people. There will be times in life when we may have little, and there may be times when we have more than we need. Contentment, like joy, peace, and other gracious provisions of God, is not dependent upon circumstances. When things go well, we must remember that what God gives, He can also take away. Thus, we are to bless the name of the Lord for being God and the source of blessing, not exchanging our confidence in God for material possessions or even God’s good gifts themselves (Job 1:21). When things go poorly, we must remember that God is still faithful and on the throne. Thus, whether in times of abundance or in times of lack, our confidence, hope, and trust must be anchored in Christ.
Paul’s secret to contentment was that he found his hope, his confidence, and his sufficiency in Christ alone Who would give him strength to do His will (v. 13). The process of learning to be content is a process of coming to believe that, ultimately, God is in control, and we are not. Contentment rests in the sufficiency of Christ and His Word. Unless we understand our dependence upon God, believe it, embrace it, and rejoice in it, contentment will elude us. Contentment finds its strength, confidence, and hope in the sufficiency of Christ, in the promises of God, in the unchanging character of God, and in the complete adequacy of the Word of God. When we have all of these things, what more do we need? What can the world provide us that would make us exchange what we have and put our confidence in something else? In Christ we have all of the sufficiency and strength that we need to do His will.
Contentment rests in the good and sovereign purposes of God. If we have a view of God as all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign, good, and perfectly and impartially loving, then there is no reason not to be content in what He ordains, allows, orchestrates, and provides. As Joseph said to his brothers who had done him great evil, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Because of God’s promises, character, and Word, we can always have confidence that all that we experience is meant to work some ultimate good in us and perhaps for many others as well. Indeed, “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). No experience, whether good or bad, is purposeless. We are called for God’s purposes, and we can trust that God will use all events to work good for those who love God. Christ’s cross, the most unfair and brutal thing ever endured on this earth, worked for the greatest good of all time in providing salvation to those who believe. God had a purpose in this, and He has a purpose in our lives also. Knowing this, wherever we are, we can be content as we acknowledge Him and put our trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Finally, contentment rests in God’s boundless love. Paul says in Ephesians 3:17-19, “[That you] being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Whether we are in a prison cell or in a palace, we can be content if we know, believe, and trust in God’s love. Whether we are in a loving family or a family mired in sin, we can be content knowing that God loves us. Whether we are the most gifted person in the world or partially or totally disabled, we can be content if we rest in the love of God. God’s love is to fill us up such that our cup overflows (Psalm 23:5). His love is always available and abundant, and therein we can find contentment.
If we find ourselves panicking or doubting when we have needs, perhaps even using sinful measures to try to meet them, we need to learn contentment. If we find ourselves becoming self-sufficient and prideful when we have more than we need, we need to learn contentment. If we have just what we need, we need to acknowledge God’s provision and thank Him. No matter our situation, contentment is worth learning, so may God in His great grace teach it to us.
To learn more about me and KidPointe Ministry, check out www.crosspointechurch.tv/ministries.html
Monday, April 5, 2010
Don't let Circumstances dictate your life
So, I went to the CA Highway Patrol this morning. The reason is NOT because of a car accident,speeding ticket, or any other reason comparable that that lol. I recently bought a car with salvage title, and if you buy a car with a salvage title, you have to go to the CA Highway Patrol for some paperwork. (Long story condensed)
Well, I had been there already a couple of days ago, but left disgruntled because I had to come back. I didn't want to come back. I wanted to be done. The office was NOT close and was not available convenient hours for the average hard working citizen.
Saying that, like I said, I went this morning. On the way, I called my mom and was telling her how upset I am going to be if I have to come back. Wait in Line. Again. Waste my gas. Again. Sign more paperwork. Again. Make another phone call .Again.
I know what you are thinking...You would feel the same way. Or you are very much more spiritual than I am, and are thinking, just go with the flow. Get a hold of yourself...I know, I should be like that, but I am not.
Good News-everything went as smooth as possible. I got there at 8:04am and was back in my car by 8:27am. Great Day! I was happy as could be! Music was loud, praising Jesus in the car, smiling and waving to the cars, letting people in...you get the idea. Good car Samaritan.
THEN, I started thinking about this-Would I have been in that great of an attitude if it took a little longer than usual? If I had to come back another time? Waste more gas? Wait for awhile?
Truth is, while I was in my car today, driving back, I couldn't answer that question, and be satisfied with an answer.
I realized that I was depending on the outcome of a circumstance to see if I was going to have a good day or not.
How often do we have a "bad" or "good" day based off of our circumstances? I know I have, all the time. Whether it's a date gone well, dinner gone bad, great idea failed,game lost,or a wonderful surprise in the mail.
Circumstances do not dictate your life or who you are.
If circumstances don't dictate your life, what does? What dictates your life?
Please give me your feedback! I would like to hear it!!
Well, I had been there already a couple of days ago, but left disgruntled because I had to come back. I didn't want to come back. I wanted to be done. The office was NOT close and was not available convenient hours for the average hard working citizen.
Saying that, like I said, I went this morning. On the way, I called my mom and was telling her how upset I am going to be if I have to come back. Wait in Line. Again. Waste my gas. Again. Sign more paperwork. Again. Make another phone call .Again.
I know what you are thinking...You would feel the same way. Or you are very much more spiritual than I am, and are thinking, just go with the flow. Get a hold of yourself...I know, I should be like that, but I am not.
Good News-everything went as smooth as possible. I got there at 8:04am and was back in my car by 8:27am. Great Day! I was happy as could be! Music was loud, praising Jesus in the car, smiling and waving to the cars, letting people in...you get the idea. Good car Samaritan.
THEN, I started thinking about this-Would I have been in that great of an attitude if it took a little longer than usual? If I had to come back another time? Waste more gas? Wait for awhile?
Truth is, while I was in my car today, driving back, I couldn't answer that question, and be satisfied with an answer.
I realized that I was depending on the outcome of a circumstance to see if I was going to have a good day or not.
How often do we have a "bad" or "good" day based off of our circumstances? I know I have, all the time. Whether it's a date gone well, dinner gone bad, great idea failed,game lost,or a wonderful surprise in the mail.
Circumstances do not dictate your life or who you are.
If circumstances don't dictate your life, what does? What dictates your life?
Please give me your feedback! I would like to hear it!!
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