|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:23 pm
Helping Yourself
John tells us the wonderful story bout Jesus and the woman who committed adultery. Everyone knows the story. After a group of religious leaders tried to arrest Jesus and failed, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. He appeared again in the temple courts where he encountered a woman who was accused of adultery. Her accusers demanded the death penalty in accordance with the Law of Moses. Jesus countered the accusers with one statement, "If any one of you is without sin, let him cast the first stone." (John 8:1- cool . John 8:9 explains…. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there. Jesus stood up and asked her "Woman, where are they? Has no-one condemned you?" The woman said "No one, Sir" and Jesus said, "then, neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin." Jesus, by His actions teaches us that we must become involved in order to help someone. Luke tells us that helping others is a PRIORITY (Luke 13:15-16). Peoples needs are more important than laws. Helping always comes to those with faith (Luke 18:35-43).
No matter how old you are, you will encounter times in your life when someone comes to you and asks for help or you go to someone to ask for help. This is not a weakness or a sign that you are not capable of helping yourself, it is a sign that you care both about yourself and about others. You are capable, at any age, of developing a strong lasting relationship with another person by being willing to become involved with that person enough to want to help them. It is an experience that we, as humans and as Christians, value and cherish. I know that each of you has committed to help someone you know and I know that you have experienced the wonderful feeling of the sense of accomplishment and love you have shown. This is one of the most compassionate and loving you can do for someone else who is in need. Helping someone, giving of yourself will give you a sense of self worth and accomplishment. Our churches spend a lot of time helping others in many situations. Selfish people do not become involved, selfish people don't care about others. When we help we are not selfish. God will reward us for this and He will love us for this. Helping is infectious. Try it sometime, help someone without being asked and let me know how you felt about yourself and the person you helped. Help someone each day and you will experience a calm and a peach in your life. I pray that I have helped you today.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 12:18 pm
Light in Darkness
You are the light of the world - like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all to see. Matthew 5:14-15
Have you ever driven through the mountains in the middle of the night? There are usually a few houses that are barely visible, hidden among the trees and bushes, high atop the hill. I remember when I was little, my parents and I went on vacation to Florida from Indiana. We drove all the way there and back, and a lot of the driving was done at night. I woke up one night while we were driving back home through Tennessee and looked up to the top of a mountain to see one little light glowing. But, in the midst of darkness - no streetlights, no other buildings - this one little house, besides the moon and the stars, was the only thing that lit up the night sky. And wow, was it beautiful and amazing. In fact, I think it was one of the things that made me fall in love with Tennessee.
When I read this verse, I thought of that mountain and that one little light. It seemed so small and insignificant. I'll bet most of the people around there didn't even notice it. But, it shone so brightly that it attracted one little girl's attention in the middle of the night. And from the back seat of the car, she watched until it was out of sight.
Somehow, that light seemed so special then. And now I realize how inspiring it is. We are to be as that city on the mountain - as small, seemingly insignificant, and unnoticeable as it is, it attracts the attention of those who need it and shows a testimony of who God is. More people than you realize see your faith and are intrigued, inspired, and encouraged. But, more importantly, God sees it and is glorified. Be a light to your city, community, and school. You might be amazed at those who are touched by it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 12:20 pm
Coldest Of Times
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) NKJV.
There is nothing better than after a cold day at school to come home and relax in the warmth of a hot tub. Living in Florida the only temperature is usually hot and hotter, but I had the chance to visit some relatives in Canada a couple of winters ago when there was snow on the ground. (By the way that's a Kodak moment when a Florida boy sees snow.)
It was late at night when a few of my cousins decided it would be great to go out side to their hot tub under the patio. Needless to say, I was all for it until I found out that their patio was outside and not closed in. I thought they were nuts. "You guys are going to go out side in the freezing cold to get into a hot tub?" Now to me this didn't make sense, but before I could say anything else they, were running outside with their swimming trunks on in 10 degree whether, making a mad dash for the Jacuzzi. Not wanting to be left out I tried to figure up a plan. Maybe if get a couple of pairs of long johns on and a ski jacket, along with some ear muffs and a pair of snow shoes, I could make it down the stairs before I became frozen solid.
Friends, we live in a world that is completely covered with snow. When we are away from God or haven't accepted Him as your savior your practically standing out side in your swimming trunks freezing. But Jesus is our Hot tub in the mist of the ice age that surround us. We can go to Him and find warmth in the coldest of conditions. Most of us have found Christ as our Savior. But some of you are sitting on the out side of the hot tub just dangling your feet inside while the rest of your body is cold. Jesus calls us to be full time Christians that means going under.
It's natural to stray at times, we all have done it. When you get out of the tub your body is still heated and you think your OK. But all it takes is a couple of minutes before the cold thrusts the heat out. Let's take the time out of our day to relax and enjoy Jesus, and talk to Him in prayer. You'll then realize how nice it can be to have the warmth of His love streaming through your body when everything else is so cold. God Bless and Keep The Faith!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2009 3:54 pm
Dating Vs. Courtship
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life." (Proverbs 4:23)
Song of Solomon 2:7
When I was in the high school locker room before a football practice, the guys always talked about the low down on who to go out with and who not to go out with. As a matter of fact, the face mask was not the only mask put on while you were in there and “machoness” came out in full force. Needless to say, the locker room was not the best place for a Christian teenager to get the lowdown on dating, but school, friends, and locker rooms are usually where is happens.
When you talk about the definitions of dating and courtship, you find yourself looking at a fine line for the proper understanding of both worlds. Especially coming from a “Gen X” mentality in a Western Society. After much study, I feel that the question that we as teenagers need to ask ourselves is, “Is my definition of choosing to date or choosing to court what God wanted me to get out of it for His glory?” Let me explain.
When you look at what our society calls dating, you are looking at a word that means an appointment with the opposite sex with the intent to find a mate. Granted that is what we as teenagers are looking for, but the problem that I see with our dating ideas is that it has turned into a BIG GAME of wearing masks, impression and no “real” people being shown. Our physical attractions are winning over as well. I am as much a culprit on this one as anyone. I would get myself into my closet getting ready for my date, find my mask that I wanted to wear, and out the door I would go.
Physically, I had a real challenge as well, I found myself setting standards and wanting romance, but those standards kept getting lower and lower. I found myself wanting closeness and romance, but was finding myself changing what I wanted which turned into a broken heart and robbed me of what I so longed for in my heart, life, and soul. I am not wanting any closure on the idea of dating to come accross here, but I do think that after much searching and looking at God’s Word on the subject that I feel that the idea of “courting” is much better.
If you were to define courting, you would have to say that it is an attempt to gain the affections of the heart of someone of the opposite sex. The question asked here is not “What can I get out of the situation,” but “What can I give the other person while glorifying God?” It is a get to know each other mentality with a foundation of friendship and a physical standard that is out of the picture. Am I saying that you cannot go places and do things? No, but your ideas of what you want out of the relationship are the key. What can you give, not what can you get.
In conclusion, the choice is ultimately yours. If I were to do it all over again, I would choose to court because of the priorities of the mindset. My prayer is that you too will do the same to see God glorified in all of your relationship. May God Be With You
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 12:23 pm
Here I Am
Lately in my Bible reading, I've been paying attention to detail. One detail that really caught my attention was the phrase "Here I am!". I never realized how many prophets in the Bible said that when God called them. I prayed about why God would point that out to me and He gave me the following 3 points.
We have to be........
1. Willing to listen - How many times have we actually listened to God? We want Him to answer us but we don't take time to stop our busy schedule and listen to Him. Some of us take 5 to 10 mins for quiet time but spend all of it doing the talking instead of listening. We should be like the prophets. When God speaks to us we should say, "Here I am" instead of "Hold on God, I have life happening". One good example is Moses. He was tending his sheep when God called out his name. He didn't say, "Hold on God, I'm tending my sheep". He said "Here I am" and listened to God.
2. Willing to go - When God calls us to do something He has a purpose for it. It may be a little or big job but they're all important. God doesn't show favoritism either - He can use ANYONE regardless of age, sex, denomination, etc. but we have to be willing! We need to have the heart of Isaiah: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send?'.....And I said 'Here am I, send me!" (Isaiah 6: cool
3. Willing to sacrifice - When we are willing to listen and willing to go God will use us. When He uses us He doesn't want us to just give part of what we have. He wants us to give our all. Therefore, we must also be willing to sacrifice. We've got to deny ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow Him. Remember when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, the one God promised him? Abraham didn't even think twice about his decision. He did what God told him regardless the sacrifice and God honored him for that.
Will you be willing to listen, willing to go, and willing to sacrifice? I'm saying to the Lord, "Here I am! Use me!" Will you join me? We will be amazed what God can do through us when we do these 3 simple things. God bless you and remember to LISTEN, GO, and SACRIFICE!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 2:52 pm
Were you tempted today?
"Where you tempted to cheat today at school?" Where you tempted to stick something into your pocket at the store today?" Where you tempted to lie to your parents?" Daily or even hourly we are tempted to sin. Satan is everywhere with temptations to sin. We are human and this is something that will be constant throughout our lives until we leave this world and go to heaven. Paul describes the Christian as having two natures, the old and the new, which constantly compete for power. Remember the old cartoon with the guy standing there with a little devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other, both are whispering things into his ears. He has to decide who to listen to. We Christians have to understand and learn to confront this "magnetic pull" of our own sinful nature and Satan's wiles.
God never promises to remove temptation from us, for even Christ was subject to it. But there is a sense of achievement and assurance that results for the victory over temptation. We need to keep strong in Christ in our daily lives so that the temptation doesn't turn us to sin. Temptation alone is not sin but can lead us to sin.
"But remember this - the wrong desires that come into your life aren't anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you" (1 Cor. 10:13). Temptation is of the devil (Matt 4:1-11 temptation of Jesus.)
The sin is when we give in to temptation. None of us should deliberately place ourselves in a position to be tempted. Satan will attack us where we are the most vulnerable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 4:22 pm
Cast Your Cares
Missy was the kind of girl that everyone wanted to know. She had lots of friends, she was always happy, always looked at the positive side of things, she was always there for her friends, and always had the time to listen and make you smile. She was one of those people who when you asked her how she was she never said bad, and 99% of the time her answer was great. She always found joy in something, something that often many wondered where she got the strength to find it in.
"Ask, using my name and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy." John 16:24 NIV
Missy found her joy, and the joy she shared with others in God. Her God, her Heavenly Father, and her best friend Jesus. That's how people always saw her as happy and cheerful. The past few days though, Missy had a strange feeling with in her. She had a full day at school, went to volleyball, and now was at home finished with her homework. She sat on her bed holding her pillow in her arms, as out of no where tears began to pour down her cheeks. For a reason unbenonce to her, Missy couldn't stop crying. For the past days sad feelings had building up inside of her, and her heart weighed heavy. Nothing impictular had been terribly wrong, but little things had piled up and eventually poured out. Missy needed peace, with herself, and with her issues.
"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27
Friends, sometimes there are times in our life that pile up on us, and rain over us like rushing floods. But our God, he is there for us, to give us love, peace, joy, and an understanding.
Especially as teens we go through times where sometimes we just don't know who we are anymore, but God is there, to show us our path. " Cast all your cares upon him, for he cares for you." Turn your cares over to him.
Live in His grace always.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 2:45 pm
A Day To Remember
"And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" Revelation 5:9-12
The Sunday after Christmas I was at Campus Crusade for Christ's Christmas Conference, Baltimore. It was really great. It went from the Thursday before to the Monday after Christmas. That Sunday morning a bunch of my friends and I decided to go to church since it was a Sunday. We got in three cars and left the hotel. We knew our destination but we didn't exactly have directions. Needless to say we did get there. It took us an hour to get there.
The Scripture above was from the sermon in church. It talks about the Lamb who was slain. He is the one who is worthy to open the scroll. But today I want to challenge you to sing a new song. That is what the verses say. They sang a new song and a loud song. They were passionate for God. Are you passionate in your worship to God. After all He died for us, so that makes Him worthy of our praise.
You can yell and scream at ball games. You can even dance at a win. But are you that passionate when You worship God. If you aren't as excited as the angels in heaven when you worship God, than perhaps it is time to revaluate your first love. Is it TV, music, sex, pornography, your boyfriend/girlfriend? If Jesus is not your first love than why not make Him today? He should be the center of our lives.
Back to Sunday, Church ended. I am not regretting that I went. It was different from what I normally do, doing things spontaneously. My one friend form school who saw me there will never forget that day, when I showed up at his church with a bunch of friends. So get down to business. It is a new year. Give God your love and passion. Make Him your first love.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 7:07 pm
"The Power of Love"
"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks for this is
God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-1 cool NASB
My heart races to the computer faster than my feet can carry me. My thoughts
begin to open the E-mails before my fingers find the keyboard. All in hopes
for that special person who might grace me with a few words that I will
treasure for the rest of the day. The famous words of "You've Got Mail" flood
my ears as I anxiously open the screen to check the days mail.
Amazing as it is, many of us do the same thing day in and day out. If it's
not E-mail it might love letters, if it's not that it could be a phone call,
or a letter in the mail. Sometimes the thought of being in love can take over
every aspect of our life, even to the point that our whole world revolves
around their next move in hopes that it will be towards us.
Friends, I sometimes picture Jesus doing the same thing to his prize
possession you and I. I can visualize Him standing their leaning towards us,
waiting for our words to rise towards heaven. Hoping that we will take just a
moment to say hi, or time to let Him know how much He means to us. But, all
to often, He waits patiently for the reply that never comes, the words that
never leave our lips.
Remember the last time you raced to the mail box or jumped the couch for the
phone. If we do that for just another human being, just think of the joy our
Heavenly Father goes through at the thought of hearing our voices. I believe
all of Heaven stands still at the moment we raise our voices and hands to the
sky. All the angels stand still to listen and to gaze at the smile that grips
our Fathers face. As well as the joy that overcomes him at the sound of our
voice. Take time out today to pray, to thank Him for the day and for eternal
life. Jesus may not jump over the sofa for our call, but He did go to the
cross so that one day He can be united with us forever. May peace be with
you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 2:39 pm
No Limits, No Fears
"The Lord upholds all who fall, and raise up all who are bowed down. (Psalm 145:14) NKJV. "
How many of us our limitless to everything we do. Another words, we could run forever with out getting tired, and could swim the Atlantic without treading water. Let's just say good luck. Often during our Christian walk as a teen, we try to test our abilities and see how far we can actually go before we have no choice then to look for help.
Since I received my job at the skating rink, I have always been a huge fan of inline speed skating. I would do what ever I could just to borrow a pair for the session's race. But now, I have my own. Now, for the first time, I can lace up my boots and hit the open road, and that's exactly what I did.
It was around 6 p.m. when I decided I would go over to one of my friends house to see how she was doing. No sweat right, just 3 or so miles. At first it was so easy, the sidewalks were clean and smooth and I glided with ease across the paved path. Then the sidewalk ran out and I was forced to trudge down a road that was more than just rough. Blisters started forming across my skin as my teeth rattled with each push of my skate. Finally I gave in to the fact that I couldn't make another step with the pain in my feet. I skated into the grass where I took my skates off. Not wanting to stop, I had to give in to the fact that I knew I couldn't go on. I looked down to a once white sock, now covered in red.
Still having a ways yet to walk, God and I had a nice long talk that evening. For that I am thankful, but also for the valuable lesson I learned. Through out our lives we are going to do some stupid things, we are going to think that no matter what happens or what could possibly stand in our way, we can beat it. I was not ready to give up, but the pain in my foot had a different idea. That's when I had to rely on something other than my skates to get me home. That's when I had to rely on God to light the way, and with an almost full moon, He did just that.
There are going to be lots of times when you think you can do more than your actually capable of doing. Even though we are limited to what we can do here on earth, there is one who has no limits. If we can only rely on Him instead of ourselves, we will go through this life with a lot less pain. Is there something in your life right now that you need to give to God. A relationship, a problem? We're not perfect, and we can't do it all, so let's give our imperfections as well as our lives to Jesus. With Him, we have no limits. May peace be with you.
Your Brother in Christ,
Tony Rhoda
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 3:32 pm
While You're Young
Young man, it's wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. Don't let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and no longer enjoy living. (Eccles. 11:9, 12:1) NLT
The one thing I regret most in my life is that I never got to be a kid. I didn't really have a childhood. I had adult responsibilities at the age of two. I can remember trying to figure out to cook a meal without the use of a knife or the stove. It was quite a challenge. I am grateful for my past, but I have one regret: I never was a child.
I've learned in recent years to take that back. I have learned the joy of swinging and the joy in laughter. I have learned what it is to play and be free. I understand when Solomon talks of the wonderfulness of childhood. It truly is amazing to be young.
We are encouraged to enjoy our years of youth, but given a warning as well. Don't be foolish in your happiness. Yes, be happy. But, don't hurt God in the process. Do you know how much your sin hurts our precious savior? More than we can imagine, I'm sure! Enjoy your years of youth...but remember that you will have to fess up to everything you do when you're looking God in the eye on judgment day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 2:46 pm
Meet With Me
Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen." (Exodus 33:18-23) NIV
This is something I learned in a message on Monday night. There is an awesome song that goes with it too. It is called "Meet with me." The chorus goes like
this:
"I will run to the cleft in the mountain and wait for you, will you come and meet with me, I will wait in the cleft of the mountain for you to pass by, will you come and meet with me."
Moses wanted nothing more than to see God. He longed for that time when He would walk by. Even if only for a glimpse, if only the back side, just to cast his eyes on his King would be worth any price. As the verse tells us, God instructed Moses to go to the top of the mountain. Then God chose to reveal himself to Moses in all of His glory.
How much do we desire to see God? Are we willing to be like Moses and go to the cleft in the mountain and wait for God to pass by us? Or are we satisfied with where we are now? Are we willing to let God reveal Himself to us? Are we willing to climb the mountain that God has told us to so that we can see Him?
Moses saw God and when he did he was changed. He came down from the mountain and the people saw his face shining from being in the presence of God. When we meet with God we too will be changed. Is that your desire today? All it takes is a glimpse at our Savior, a moment when nothing else matters. When we cast our cares and our worries aside and focus on Jesus Christ. When we do that, we too will be changed. Forever.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 6:09 pm
Who Knows About Tomorrow?
When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future. Ecclesiastes 7:14
Do you celebrate, thank and praise God when your life is experiencing the blessings that God sends in your direction? While Solomon was not directly insinuating that we should do that, "be happy" certainly means in a sense that we ought to be thankful. All blessings come from the hand of God, the other stuff we generally attribute as coming from the dream snatcher. However, Solomon clears that reasoning up in the second part of this verse. "God has made the one as well the other."
Everything that enters our lives, the good and the bad, is filtered through the hands of an all omnipotent and all-powerful God. The main reason for this is so that we can realize that He is in control of every aspect of our lives, not just some of it. This fact belies another great truth of God in our lives; only He knows the future for certain. We do not. The New Testament also refers this truth in James 4: 13 "Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
So, you may think, does this mean that we should not make plans or decisions? No, it does not. For example, some decisions have to be made very quickly, such as stopping for a red light, or seeking shelter in a sudden storm. Other decisions do not need to be made immediately. In fact, they often need to be thought about and prayed over first. For example, should I leave my spouse? Do I spend a great deal of money on this fancy car, or take a trip to Hawaii?
There was a time in my life before I completed my counseling degree in seminary, when I was going through a period of making some very difficult decisions. I decided to seek the wise counsel of a friend counselor whom I knew. Shelley gave me some excellent advice, which I had not considered before. She said to me "time is safety" when making difficult or serious decisions. This was good advice, because there are many decisions that God does not expect us to make 'on the spot', just because someone else might want us to. It is far wiser to wait, pray and seek the Lord's guidance for those decisions.
This brings us full circle to Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes. Man does not know the future, only God does. We are not promised tomorrow. We can merely hope that it will come for us. When it does, be thankful (happy) and praise God for another day to do something wonderful for the Kingdom. Look to the future with expectancy and hold onto the dreams that God gives you. Step into every new day you receive with the hope and assurance that God will use you in the way He knows best, as you follow the dreams that He has planted in your heart.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 4:30 pm
"Heaven's Telephone"
Heaven's Telephone
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this
is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-1 cool NASV.
Imagine how life would be like today with out the telephone? Scary thought,
huh? Try and figure out how you would get in touch with friends. Would
you have to write a letter a week in advance to see if they wanted to go
to a movie? I have a few friends that would go through complete denial if
they had their phone taken from them for just a week. The phone can be
someone's best friend, or in my case a while back, your worst enemy.
I had just finished mowing the lawn when I decided to take a break and see
how my girlfriend was doing. As I picked up the phone and dialed her number
, I tried to think of all the stuff I wanted to talk to her about. But then
something horrible happened, yes you know the one thing we all dread. The
busy signal! I started tripping when I heard the most annoying beeping
sound known to a teen besides the fire alarm at school.
Then thoughts started running though my head. "What if she's talking to
another guy. She's probably asking her friends to help her find a way to
break up with me. Maybe she's tired and trying to give me the hint to
leave her alone. Or she might even be off with someone else and left her
phone off the hook so I wouldn't know. Ackkkk!"
After a few minutes, I calmed back down and decided I would think the
situation over and try a new approach. By the time I started thinking of
what to do next, I couldn't help but think of how God must feel at times.
Are there times when God tries to call me and He gets a busy signal? Maybe
there are times when I'm so busy talking to other people or hanging with
my friends that I forget all about my heavenly Father.
You know it's a free call every time we want to talk to our best Friend
upstairs. You never need to dial a 1 and you don't even need an 800 number.
He's there at anytime of day when ever we need Him. We just have to take
the time to pick up the receiver and dial Him up.
So take time during the day before you call a friend to remember there is
another person who not only is dying to talk to you but already died so you
can spend a few minutes a day to say hi. The next time you pick up the phone,
spend a second thinking of Him, because believe it or not, He spends all of
eternity thinking of you. May peace be with you.
Your Bro in Christ,
Tony B. Rhoda
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 6:10 pm
Saying NO
It was Saturday night, 12:30 am. It was time for Jon to be home. When a parent is waiting for their son or daughter to come home, all kinds of things can go through their minds. What if something has happened and he can't get home or get to a phone. Your mind wonders with all the terrible stuff that could have happened. Then you see the headlights in the driveway, he is home. As he comes in the door we look and say, "Hi, how was your night?" Then a strange feeling overwhelms you as you realize he doesn't look normal. Oh no, he is either drunk or high on something. He gives you all the small talk of where he went and what they did. He goes to bed.
Then as parents we sit and discuss what to do. This is a terrible feeling for a parent to go through. We want to trust our children. But what happens when they break that trust?
So Sunday morning comes we get ready for church. I tell him we need to talk when we get home. He starts to cry and tells me he feels terrible. He decides he really wants to go to church so we go. After church we talk.
He drank at a party cause he couldn't say no. People were handing him beer and giving him shots, he didn't say no. He knew it was wrong but couldn't say no.
You have to know ahead of time what is right and wrong. You have to plan ahead in order not to do something that may catch you off balance. When you know how you will respond to a situation where you think you can't say no, then you give yourself the power to say no. Plan out how to say no to a certain situation. Have someone else stand with you and hold you accountable. Don't go to the places where you feel strong temptation for doing wrong. Replace the negative places with new positive things.
Galatians 5:19-21 says, "Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissension, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Bad habits originate in your flesh. To over come these tendencies, you need the power of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 says, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." You walk by the Spirit when you obey what Christ has shown you to do and trust Him to enable you to do it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
