I know, hard to imagine someone who hasn't turned the corner of 40 years old can be forgetful, but it has happened to me. No, I am not forgetting to turn off the stove or brush my teeth. Instead I am forgetting something far more important - to be thankful.
I have been reading the Psalms lately and I am constantly being hit in the face by how thankful the psalmists are of what God has done for them. Sure, there are those psalms that are wondering where God is and what has He done for them lately except place them in their enemies traps. But they were constantly rejoicing in the Lord and telling everyone of His mighty works. Unfortunately, I can't remember the last time I told someone of all the great things God has done in my life.
Lord, you are mighty and worthy of praise. You have blessed me with a great job, a working vehicle, the most awesome family, cool friends and daily challenges. Thank you for all you've done in my life and help me not to forget to praise your name every day.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Insights from a Pharisee
Here I am, studying to lead Bible Study tomorrow, and I am hit with how much of a Pharisee I am. I have spent my life looking down on these guys for being against Jesus and wanting to crucify him, when in actuality, I am one.
These Pharisees where defending their way of life - adding rules to God's law. Sure, I haven't added anything to "Thou shalt not murder," but I have added me own "rules" to the way I believe we should live a godly life.
We should only worship with songs, and those songs have to be off a specific list, take communion a certain way, dress a specific way at church, talk to only with the "right" people, etc. I see now that some of those rules are what non-believers can't stand in today's Christian. Why should i follow Christ when there are all these "extra" things I have to do to stay in his good graces?
Reading through Luke 5:33-6:11 and studying the context, I realized that the Pharisees added rules are like the rules Christians create today in churches. I ask for forgiveness from anyone I may have turned off to Christianity because of my stubborn ideals of how a Christian should act.
What are some of the "added" rules you have? Are your rules turning people away from Christ rather than bringing them closer to His love?
These Pharisees where defending their way of life - adding rules to God's law. Sure, I haven't added anything to "Thou shalt not murder," but I have added me own "rules" to the way I believe we should live a godly life.
We should only worship with songs, and those songs have to be off a specific list, take communion a certain way, dress a specific way at church, talk to only with the "right" people, etc. I see now that some of those rules are what non-believers can't stand in today's Christian. Why should i follow Christ when there are all these "extra" things I have to do to stay in his good graces?
Reading through Luke 5:33-6:11 and studying the context, I realized that the Pharisees added rules are like the rules Christians create today in churches. I ask for forgiveness from anyone I may have turned off to Christianity because of my stubborn ideals of how a Christian should act.
What are some of the "added" rules you have? Are your rules turning people away from Christ rather than bringing them closer to His love?
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