“We have freedom now, because Christ made us free.” Galatians 5:1
Some teach that we earn God’s favor by what we know (intellectualism). Others insist we are saved by what we do (moralism). Still others that salvation is determined by what we feel (emotionalism).
However you package it, Paul contests, . . . salvation comes only through the cross—no additions, no alterations.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
SECOND BIRTH - MAX LUCADO
“God is being patient with you . . . He wants all people to change their hearts and lives.” 2 Peter 3:9
In many ways your new birth is like your first: In your new birth God provides what you need; someone else feels the pain, and someone else does the work. And just as parents are patient with their newborn, so God is patient with you. But there is one difference. The first time you had no choice about being born; this time you do. The power is God’s. The effort is God’s. The pain is God’s. But the choice is yours.
In many ways your new birth is like your first: In your new birth God provides what you need; someone else feels the pain, and someone else does the work. And just as parents are patient with their newborn, so God is patient with you. But there is one difference. The first time you had no choice about being born; this time you do. The power is God’s. The effort is God’s. The pain is God’s. But the choice is yours.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
ADOPTED - MAX LUCADO
Serve only the Lord your God. Respect him, keep his commands, and obey him.” Deuteronomy 13:4
Christ’s kingdom is . . . a kingdom where membership is granted, not purchased. You are placed into God’s kingdom. You are “adopted.” And this occurs not when you do enough, but when you simply admit you can’t do enough. You don’t earn it; you simply accept it. As a result, you serve, not out of arrogance or fear, but out of gratitude.
Christ’s kingdom is . . . a kingdom where membership is granted, not purchased. You are placed into God’s kingdom. You are “adopted.” And this occurs not when you do enough, but when you simply admit you can’t do enough. You don’t earn it; you simply accept it. As a result, you serve, not out of arrogance or fear, but out of gratitude.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
WHAT'S IN YOUR BUCKET?
Please forgive me for taking so long to post this...
In May the WOW committee put on a wonderful luncheon for the women of Westview. Our guest speaker was Grace Batchoun who captivated us with her insight on our spiritual garden. She was incredibly kind to pass on her notes to me so that I could post them on our blog.
"WHAT'S IN YOUR BUCKET? by Grace Batchoun
"My hope is to be able to help you assess where you are now, to encourage you to grow and to excel and finally, I want to challenge you to use your gifts and experiences to make a difference around you and in the world.
* What's in your bucket? How full is it? As we do maintain regularly various things around us, we need to once in a while, look inside and see how we are doing.
Someone asked Ann Landers, an advice columnist; what is the best advice that you can give to your readers? Ann Landers responded; "Live life expecting to have obstacles. And when obstacles come your way, look them straight in the face and tackle them right on." This is easy to say but how can you be ready in life to face whatever comes your way?
Imagine you are on top of the CN tower and you're watching a parade pass by. You can see the beginning, the middle and the end of the parade. You can see it all. Unfortunately with our life, we can only see the past and the present. We can hope for things in the future but we cannot see it. So how can we be ready?
What are some things that we can intentionally invest in to make sure that we are not running low? How can we be stronger to weather the storms of life? Look in your bucket; how full is it?
You need to fill it intentionally and on a regular basis. In general, there are 4 areas that need to be constantly filled.
1- Your EMOTIONAL well:
* Do you intentionally take time to nurture your relationships?
* Are you intentional in your friendships? Do you have one or two friends that you can confide in and be totally transparent/
* Do you express and share your hopes, fears and desires?
* Are you true to yourself and to others?
* Do you apologize and ask forgiveness?
2- Your MENTAL well:
* Are you cultivating your mind and sharpening it?
* Are you exposing yourself to new adventures and new learning?
* Are you getting better every day?
* Do you see growth?
3- Your SPIRITUAL well:
* Are you taking the time to pray, to meditate, to journal?
* Do you take time to reflect?
* Do you take time to be alone?
* Do you take time to be quiet and listen?
* Do you take time to connect with God and to be encouraged by His word?
4- Your PHYSICAL well:
* Do you take time for recreation and fun?
* Do you take care of your body and try to look your best?
* Are you eating well, sleeping well, and exercising?
The benefits of exercise are endless: boosts brainpower and makes you sharper; gives you energy, reduces health risks, makes you happy and more relaxed.
You cannot run empty. If you run empty, it is easy to lose focus and to fall.
Louis L'Amour is credited with saying, "The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on." This is your bucket-no one else will turn the faucet on for you. Be intentional, fill your bucket.
Do you know what fills your bucket? Do you know what drains it?
Each one of us is unique, what will satisfy one and give one energy is not necessarily what will satisfies another or gives energy to another. Some people get energy from doing, others from thinking, others from having deep authentic relationships, others from meeting tons of people etc.
What gives you energy?
What makes you come alive?
Who or what kind of people give you energy?
In which situations are you at your best?
What are the things that you enjoy doing and don't feel the time pass by?
What are the things that you feel you excel at?
What can you do to even get better at what you are already good at?
What comes to you naturally?
What activities do you pick up easily?
What are the things that you said to yourself; when can I do that again or how did I do that?
"The journey from mediocrity to greatness is discovering and developing those things that make you come alive." - Gallup
The things that you are good at, the things that you enjoy are within your area of strengths and/or gifting. Focus on the things that fill up your bucket and reorder your life to do more of the things that make you feel alive.
Now for the things that frustrate you, that sap your energy, be aware of them but try to manage around them (ignore them, do not do them, ask someone else to do them).
Do what it takes to set yourself up for success. Keep doing the things that make you feel alive and keep filling your bucket. In the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years - Abraham Lincoln
Now that you have a good view of your bucket and know how to fill it up, what are you going to do? How can you use what's in your bucket to make a difference in the world and live beyond yourself? We are called to do just that.
Ephesians 2:10 "for we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good work, which God prepared in advance for us to do"
2 Corinthians 9 "and God is able to make all things abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work"
Matthew 5:13 " you are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before man that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in Heaven"
Wouldn't it be great to see Christians be the leaders in the fight against poverty, aids, injustices, human rights violations, corruption, land mines, environmental issues, etc.?
We cannot be silent!
To do that, you need to:
* Expose yourself-learn about the various needs and issues
* Loosen your mind and not restrain it. Philip Yancey said: "have a life enhancing vs. a life constricting faith."
* Do not stay in neutral
* Ask yourself what angers you in society and what are you passionate about?
When was the last time you spoke up and took a stand about something that bothered you?
When was the last time you said enough is enough, you cannot take it anymore?
When was the last time you spoke up because it was the right thing to do?
Usually, we find ourselves thinking about taking a stand or speaking up when we get really angry about something. We get so upset, we say, "I can't take this anymore! I cannot be quiet anymore! I can't take the bullying anymore or I can't stand more innocent people dying!"
For Gandhi, this happened when he was thrown off a train in Apartheid South Africa. For Martin Luther King Jr. it happened when he was forced to give up his seat for a white person and remain standing on a bus for three hours.
Yet for every Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. who got angry and did something about it, millions of others do nothing.
Taking a stand is about standing up and doing what's right, regardless of what others are doing, saying or thinking...
What are the things that you cannot stand?
What catches your heart?
E. Hale said "I am only one"
Take the first step even if you don't see the whole staircase.
Turn on the faucet, fill up your bucket and do whatever you can to make a difference around you and in the world!"
In May the WOW committee put on a wonderful luncheon for the women of Westview. Our guest speaker was Grace Batchoun who captivated us with her insight on our spiritual garden. She was incredibly kind to pass on her notes to me so that I could post them on our blog.
"My hope is to be able to help you assess where you are now, to encourage you to grow and to excel and finally, I want to challenge you to use your gifts and experiences to make a difference around you and in the world.
* What's in your bucket? How full is it? As we do maintain regularly various things around us, we need to once in a while, look inside and see how we are doing.
Someone asked Ann Landers, an advice columnist; what is the best advice that you can give to your readers? Ann Landers responded; "Live life expecting to have obstacles. And when obstacles come your way, look them straight in the face and tackle them right on." This is easy to say but how can you be ready in life to face whatever comes your way?
Imagine you are on top of the CN tower and you're watching a parade pass by. You can see the beginning, the middle and the end of the parade. You can see it all. Unfortunately with our life, we can only see the past and the present. We can hope for things in the future but we cannot see it. So how can we be ready?
What are some things that we can intentionally invest in to make sure that we are not running low? How can we be stronger to weather the storms of life? Look in your bucket; how full is it?
You need to fill it intentionally and on a regular basis. In general, there are 4 areas that need to be constantly filled.
1- Your EMOTIONAL well:
* Do you intentionally take time to nurture your relationships?
* Are you intentional in your friendships? Do you have one or two friends that you can confide in and be totally transparent/
* Do you express and share your hopes, fears and desires?
* Are you true to yourself and to others?
* Do you apologize and ask forgiveness?
2- Your MENTAL well:
* Are you cultivating your mind and sharpening it?
* Are you exposing yourself to new adventures and new learning?
* Are you getting better every day?
* Do you see growth?
3- Your SPIRITUAL well:
* Are you taking the time to pray, to meditate, to journal?
* Do you take time to reflect?
* Do you take time to be alone?
* Do you take time to be quiet and listen?
* Do you take time to connect with God and to be encouraged by His word?
4- Your PHYSICAL well:
* Do you take time for recreation and fun?
* Do you take care of your body and try to look your best?
* Are you eating well, sleeping well, and exercising?
The benefits of exercise are endless: boosts brainpower and makes you sharper; gives you energy, reduces health risks, makes you happy and more relaxed.
You cannot run empty. If you run empty, it is easy to lose focus and to fall.
Louis L'Amour is credited with saying, "The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on." This is your bucket-no one else will turn the faucet on for you. Be intentional, fill your bucket.
Do you know what fills your bucket? Do you know what drains it?
Each one of us is unique, what will satisfy one and give one energy is not necessarily what will satisfies another or gives energy to another. Some people get energy from doing, others from thinking, others from having deep authentic relationships, others from meeting tons of people etc.
What gives you energy?
What makes you come alive?
Who or what kind of people give you energy?
In which situations are you at your best?
What are the things that you enjoy doing and don't feel the time pass by?
What are the things that you feel you excel at?
What can you do to even get better at what you are already good at?
What comes to you naturally?
What activities do you pick up easily?
What are the things that you said to yourself; when can I do that again or how did I do that?
"The journey from mediocrity to greatness is discovering and developing those things that make you come alive." - Gallup
The things that you are good at, the things that you enjoy are within your area of strengths and/or gifting. Focus on the things that fill up your bucket and reorder your life to do more of the things that make you feel alive.
Now for the things that frustrate you, that sap your energy, be aware of them but try to manage around them (ignore them, do not do them, ask someone else to do them).
Do what it takes to set yourself up for success. Keep doing the things that make you feel alive and keep filling your bucket. In the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years - Abraham Lincoln
Ephesians 2:10 "for we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good work, which God prepared in advance for us to do"
2 Corinthians 9 "and God is able to make all things abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work"
Matthew 5:13 " you are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before man that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in Heaven"
Wouldn't it be great to see Christians be the leaders in the fight against poverty, aids, injustices, human rights violations, corruption, land mines, environmental issues, etc.?
We cannot be silent!
To do that, you need to:
* Expose yourself-learn about the various needs and issues
* Loosen your mind and not restrain it. Philip Yancey said: "have a life enhancing vs. a life constricting faith."
* Do not stay in neutral
* Ask yourself what angers you in society and what are you passionate about?
When was the last time you spoke up and took a stand about something that bothered you?
When was the last time you said enough is enough, you cannot take it anymore?
When was the last time you spoke up because it was the right thing to do?
Usually, we find ourselves thinking about taking a stand or speaking up when we get really angry about something. We get so upset, we say, "I can't take this anymore! I cannot be quiet anymore! I can't take the bullying anymore or I can't stand more innocent people dying!"
For Gandhi, this happened when he was thrown off a train in Apartheid South Africa. For Martin Luther King Jr. it happened when he was forced to give up his seat for a white person and remain standing on a bus for three hours.
Yet for every Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. who got angry and did something about it, millions of others do nothing.
Taking a stand is about standing up and doing what's right, regardless of what others are doing, saying or thinking...
What are the things that you cannot stand?
What catches your heart?
E. Hale said "I am only one"
Take the first step even if you don't see the whole staircase.
Turn on the faucet, fill up your bucket and do whatever you can to make a difference around you and in the world!"
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
It May Not Be Easy
“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and sat down again.” John 13:12
Please note, he finished washing their feet.
That means he left no one out . . . He washed the feet of Judas. Jesus washed the feet of his betrayer. He gave this traitor equal attention. In just a few hours Judas’ feet would guide the Roman guard to Jesus. But at this moment they are caressed by Christ . . .
That’s not to say it was easy . . . That is to say that God will never call you to do what he hasn’t already done.
Please note, he finished washing their feet.
That means he left no one out . . . He washed the feet of Judas. Jesus washed the feet of his betrayer. He gave this traitor equal attention. In just a few hours Judas’ feet would guide the Roman guard to Jesus. But at this moment they are caressed by Christ . . .
That’s not to say it was easy . . . That is to say that God will never call you to do what he hasn’t already done.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Garlic & Feta Cheese Dip
Submitted by Jennifer Butterfield
4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
4 oz. fat free cream cheese, softened
1/3 C. Low Fat Mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 t. basil
1/4 t. oregano
1/8 t. dill weed
1/8 t. thyme
In a food processor combine all of the above. Process until thoroughly mixed. Cover and chill until serving time.
Serve with veggie crudites or whole grain crackers or chips.
4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
4 oz. fat free cream cheese, softened
1/3 C. Low Fat Mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 t. basil
1/4 t. oregano
1/8 t. dill weed
1/8 t. thyme
In a food processor combine all of the above. Process until thoroughly mixed. Cover and chill until serving time.
Serve with veggie crudites or whole grain crackers or chips.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Let Us Wait - Max Lucado
“The day of the Lord will come like a thief.” 2 Peter 3:10
Paul says “we are hoping for something we do not have yet, and we are waiting for it patiently” (Romans 8:25).
Peter tells us: “You should live holy lives and serve God, as you wait for and look forward to the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12).
Hope of the future is not a license for irresponsibility in the present. Let us wait forwardly, but let us wait.
Paul says “we are hoping for something we do not have yet, and we are waiting for it patiently” (Romans 8:25).
Peter tells us: “You should live holy lives and serve God, as you wait for and look forward to the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12).
Hope of the future is not a license for irresponsibility in the present. Let us wait forwardly, but let us wait.
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