Word

One of the greatest things we can do in life is read God's Word.

Please find a translation that is faithful to the text and at a level you will read and comprehend.

http://www.apbrown2.net/web/TranslationComparisonChart.htm

Even if you don't own a Bible you can read it online.

http://www.youversion.com/

http://www.biblegateway.com/

Then when you read the Word, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22 NIV

nuff said

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
      And lean not on your own understanding;
      In all your ways acknowledge Him,
      And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

God is Great!

Just reflect on the greatness of God.
God's greatness is documented throughout the Bible and the testimony of His followers.
Songs resound:
"How Great Thou Art" -- "How Great is Our God" -- "Our God is Greater" -- on and on...
In everything we do, may we see the world through the lenses of God's vision!
Let's not be consumed with only the here and now, but may every moment have an eternal reflection.

whiter than snow

It's snowing! There's such beauty and freshness in the new-fallen snow. It reminds me of the song "Whiter Than Snow."
"Lord Jesus I long to be whiter than snow!"
That is only possible through His cleansing and renewal. Just as the fresh snow fall covers the imperfections of the dead winter landscape, His "washing" brings righteousness to our lives. It is truly a miracle! May we be forever grateful and live a life of obedience.
"I wanna live my life for you, Lord. Lord, for you I wanna live my life.
and I wanna praise the name of Jesus and pray above all things You're glorified." Third Day

Your Love O Lord

Song: Your Love O Lord... reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness stretches to the sky...
I really like the group Third Day and this song. Looking forward to it being sung in worship this Sunday at church.

I remember several years ago somewhat humorous instances which oddly remind me of God's love. Once at a Centrifuge camp in the adult Bible study time we were divided into small groups and our task was to take the song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and relate it to God's love. It turned out to be a silly trans-obliteration of the song loosely based on the scripture text from Romans 8:39: "nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Another instance called to attention that I tend to overuse similes when I speak/teach. One of the students was sharing in a small group time at camp and went into a tirade of "It's like God's love..." and "God's love is like..." - you can complete in the ellipses with any number of illustrations whether logical or not. I love student ministry! Funny, how the strangest things can remind us of God's love. It is amazing and His faithfulness is everlasting.

Another song: Great Is Thy Faithfulness... O God, my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not. As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Job 19:25: For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.

God is faithful

Doing some reading in the book of Job these days on a quest to read through the Bible in chronological order this year. Job had some REALLY bad days! Helps us keep our whining in perspective. Also, getting ready for sharing tonight about the apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy - He says in 2 Tim. 4:16, "At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. ^May it not be charged against them!" Needless to say, Paul was having a REALLY bad day, too!

This song came to mind, here are the lyrics to the chorus:
"Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day"

Even though Job, Paul, even we have "bad days" -- we know the rest of the story. God is still faithful!

Paul says, "The Lord stood by me and strengthened me..."

Another song: 

"Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely. 

He sees and knows all the way you have trod; 

never alone are the least of His children. 

Have faith in God. Have faith in God"

paths

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Paths are throughout our lives. I recall many times following a path through densely wooded areas - on my Grandfather's 40 acres, on hiking trails through the mountains or around lakes, on hunting trips, etc. A well traveled path provides ease, security, direction. When off the path we are prone to wander if we are not sure of our destination. Does God give us a destination, but not always the easy path to trod? And if we follow God's direction even when it leads off the well trodden path will we take the extra effort to leave a trail for others to follow?

I am reminded today of God's faithfulness. In 2 Timothy 4:18 the apostle Paul writes: "The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen"

A song that comes to mind: "I've wandered far away from God, now I'm coming home. The paths of sin, too long I've trod, Lord, I'm coming home. Coming home, coming home, nevermore to roam. Open wide thine arms of love, Lord, I'm coming home." A scripture reference that accompanies this song is from Luke 15:18 when the prodigal son returns home to his father. What an awesome picture of God's grace and mercy.

Discipline

"Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty." Job 5:16 ESV


How difficult it is to be reproved/corrected/disciplined. It is even difficult to discipline or correct others in a way that is loving and just. How wonderful God is, how great His mercy and love.


Song on my mind: "There Will Be a Day" by Jeremy Camp

Clear Blue

Skies are clear blue and NOW is a great time to make a plan for reading God's Word through the next year. Whether reading to coincide with your group Bible study, chronological reading or otherwise.
Here's a good resource on the web: http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/chronological/1
Song in my head "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..." OK - it's really gas logs, no chestnuts, just Christmas song hangover.
Thankful for a gift from a friend and that Linus (from Peanuts) reminds us of "what Christmas is all about."
Praying that many, many students will utilize Bible drill as a tool to know God's Word in Twenty Eleven.
Hoping that we all find ways to love, encourage and lead others to grow in Christ rather than be hurtful and just waiting to be hurt.
Random thought: funny how just a few music notes bring a tune to mind - theme from "The Odd Couple" in my head now.
Time to un-blog and live life.