atCentral - Staff Blog

Come Join Us!

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:43:00 +0000

Just a reminder...visitation begins tomorrow night (Tuesday) at 6:30 p.m. We will meet in the Homebuilder's Classroom in the Family Life Center and will have a time of prayer and then go out to make visits. Even if you are uncomfortable talking we will partner you with someone who will lead you as you go out together. Also childcare will be provided until 8:00 p.m. free of charge. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at bruce@atcentral.org.

Why Should I Pray for My Pastor?

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:46:00 +0000

An Outline by Elmer Towns

A. Because his victories are the church’s victories (Exodus 17:11)

B. Because he needs to preach in the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1;14;18)

C. Because lost souls are saved through his ministry (Ezekiel 22:30)

D. Because he needs great times of Bible Study and prayer (Acts 6:4)

E. Because of heavy burdens (II Corinthians 11:28)

F. Because he needs to discipline his time and make good leadership decisions

G. Because he needs to be a good husband and father and grandfather

H. Because he needs to be holy, healthy and wise

I. Because you help bear his burdens (Galatians 6:2)

Three important times to pray for your pastor…

A. Sunday night/Monday morning

B. Saturday night

C. Any time the Holy Spirit brings him to mind

Keys to praying more effectively for your pastor…

A. Cut the criticism and use your prayers to bless him

B. Squelch Gossip

C. Roll up your sleeves and get to work

D. Be openly responsive

E. Treat him with respect

F. Thank God for the calling, gifts and abilities of your pastor

G. Pray for opportunities

H. Pray for those who try to criticize or hurt him

I. Pray for him to have a spirit of excitement as he preaches

J. Pray for a discerning mind to prioritize his time

K. Pray for the pastor’s family

L. Pray for the pastor’s staff

Trading My Sorrows

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:28:00 +0000

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (King James Version)
8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

In a world where it's easy to get caught up with dissatisfaction, complaining, grumbling and despair, it's reassuring to know God has a trade in policy. He has his own "cash for clunkers" deal!

If you're feeling down, troubled, distressed or perplexed, God's Word says you don't have to feel despair. Feeling persecuted?...don't....He's not forsaken you. Feeling cast down?...don't...you know the end of the story...HE wins!

The enemy likes nothing better than to attack God's people and trick them into thinking that because they feel a certain way that God has forgotten about them. Wake up Christians!!! This is satan's tactic and we just need to outsmart him and remember who we know. The wide, deep love of our Heavenly Father cancels out our feelings of distress and persecution. His love produces a no fear policy in our lives and should encourage us to walk close to Him and trade in our sorrows for joy! After all HIS joy is our strength.

Nehemiah 8:10 (King James Version)
10Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Something for Everyone

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:28:00 +0000

Wednesday nights-7pm-are a great time to be at Central. Besides the great fellowship and visiting before and after church, you'll find lots of extras to help you grow closer to Christ.

First, the kids have just kicked off their choirs. The hustle and bustle you might hear from the children's hall will turn to music to your ears in just a few weeks. Believe it or not...they are already planning for Christmas. Kids age 3 to 6th grade can join in the fun.

The student ministries are starting their choir up next week. They are scheduled to sing in our Sunday morning services this fall. What a treat that will be!

Financial Peace began in the Parlor this week. They had a great crowd and will continue this study through the fall.

Pastor leads a simple, quiet prayer service each Wednesday in the auditorium. It's a time of refreshment and nourishment for your midweek walk with the Lord. Prayer request are taken and prayed for and praise reports are given. Live music and a short devotion are also part of this time of encouragement.

Nursery is available for all the little ones.

So, if you're feeling your mid-week could use a little pick-me-up, then come join us for an uplifting time. You'll be glad you did!

Clean Air, Clean Water....Clean Lives?

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:50:00 +0000

In the words of CBI instructor Ronnie Caldwell, " People today want clean water, clean air, but don't necessarily want clean lives". Isn't that the truth?

But, before we go pointing the proverbial finger, Christians have to take a look at ourselves. It's easy to say we want to live a life after God, but how often do we get caught up in the world? We get the muck and mire of our earthly walk stained on our spiritual skin. We say on Sunday "I surrender all", but by Tuesday we are singing a different tune.

Dedicating ourselves to clean living is a life process. We aren't programmed for clean living, so it means we have to reprogram the way we think, talk, act and walk. Instead of complaining and gossiping, we have to reprogram ourselves to be thankful and encouraging. Instead of doing our own thing, we have to reprogram ourselves to think of others...and the contrast could go on forever.

This spiritual walk is a constant learning process. It's not overnight. It takes time. Making simple choices to change bad habits and unclean living will not only renew your mind and heart, it will being glory to our God.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Old Testament Survey Starts Tonight!

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:22:00 +0000

For years Central Baptist Church has been offering classes to help Christians grow deeper in their understanding of God's Word. Tonight at 7pm we will be beginning the Old Testament Survey Class. The cost is $25 for the entire semester. If you have any questions, please contact the church office for more information.

School Days

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:57:00 +0000

Today many students from Central Baptist Church will begin their new school year. They will darken the halls of our schools for the first time in months, open textbooks and be exposed to new concepts and teaching strategies. Many of our families homeschool their children and either have already started or will be starting in just a few days. Their goals will be the same as other teachers....- Prepare these children for the future.

God's Word says we are all to be students of the Bible. We find over and over the admonishment to study His Word, memorize His Word and apply His Word. As Christians we sometimes have to be reminded that just as a child going to school will spend hundreds of hours in a classroom learning the three R's, we need to be spending quality and quantity time in God's Word. It's preparation for the future...the good days and the bad. Within its pages are the words of wisdom we should live and love by and the instructions for daily living.

As the leadership prays for teachers and students of CBC this week, we also remember the great command given in God's Word to study:

(2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Let's all become students who are preparing for our future, spending time being instructed and studying God's Word.

Reminders

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:11:00 +0000

God has a gentle way of reminding us that He is in control. Last week in Beaumont, Texas a tornado popped up without any warning. The tv weathermen were all trying to figure out how they didn't see it coming. One of them finally admitted that sometimes things were out of their control. Sometimes?

Giving God control of all things...big or little makes life a little less stressful. When you aren't in control, your only obligation is to do what you're told...to obey. Well, that's exactly how it is with God. People ask "How do I know what God is telling me to do...how do I know what to obey?" When you begin reading God's Word you become familiar with His voice, His commands, His Words, His direction. It doesn't mean that you'll never go another way, but it does mean He will guide you if you give Him control.

Just like the weathermen in Beaumont, don't be surprised when God pops in and does something unexpected. It's just a reminder that in this world of crazy control freaks and manipulators, He really is still in charge of everything!

Psalm 150:1: Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

****Here's a little reminder about the CBC Bus Blitz tomorrow morning at 9am. Small amount of time...big progress made in letting our community know about Christ. Come join us!

Summer Clearance

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:14:00 +0000

It's that time of year. Stores are calling your name with signs that yell "Summer Clearance, Summer Markdowns, Summer Savings". But in reality, the message they are sending is "Summer's Over". School starts in just a matter of days and routine will replace lazy days or summer. It's a fact.

We love summer because it gives us a change of pace. Kids run wild, we vacation, we plan fun events...it's a virtual party with spend the night guests and late nights. The variety makes it fun and come February we are literally salivating on it's memory.

Some of us experience the same thing in our Christian life. We get saved and we enjoy all the different, new experiences that come with being part of a family....church, fellowship, Sunday School, new friends, support and more. It's the summertime of our spiritual year. We are refreshed, rested and enjoying the life led by the Lord. And then it happens...school starts. The tough lessons, vigorous routine and late study nights drag us down. We get focused on the diffuculty and forget those sweet days of summer.

Take time today to remember what God's done for you. Really think about the state you were in when He found you and where He has brought you. Isn't He good? We may not always live in the summertime of Christian life, but it's good to remember those days and enjoy those summertime moments He brings our way.

Psalm 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

Good Things are Happening

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Great things are happening at Central! To name just a few:

1. Between 800-850 Central Baptist Door Hangers were spread through the north quadrant of Sulphur Springs on Saturday. Thanks to all the volunteers who came out to help! We have another blitz planned for this Saturday from 9 to noon. Come join us!

2. AWANA kicked off this past Sunday night with 111 in attendance! Thanks to all the hard work that went on for this first night. We look forward to life changing decisions being made for Christ this year in our program.

3. Sunday was a great day with Gary Gray. He challenged us from God's word to be Mathias Christians- faithful to God for the long haul.

If you have something great to add to this list...comment below. We can never celebrate enough the good things God is doing in our midst.

Psalm 34:8- O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

The Words of My Mouth

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:44:00 +0000

Psalm 19:14- Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Praise, compliments, encouragement, lies, yelling, gossip, exaggeration, truth- all kinds of words that can come out of our mouth. It's easy to see why we would need to join the Psalmist prayer for acceptable words to the Lord! The Bible warns us in the book of James about the daunting task of keeping our mouth under control. The job was tough then, and it's tough now.

The verse is Psalms outlines the process pretty carefully. First, it talks about our physical and spiritual make-up...that battle between the flesh and the spirit...the tongue and the heart. There are so many times when the things we think about slip of four tongue with no thought....a word spoken in anger, gossip or a lie. These times there is almost a daspect of regret or guilt after the words are spoken...and the heart + spoken word do not = acceptable in God's sight.

Other times, when we have really given thought before speaking and our heart has been submitted to God, the words of our mouth + the meditations of our heart = acceptable in God's sight. Those words might come in the form of truth, encouragement, praise or thanksgiving.

The end phrase is especially important...Oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer. It's only through Christ strength that we are able to control what we say. It's when we realize all that we have been redeemed from that we can meditate on the truth of God's Word, His attributes and His Being, and be changed to focus on those pure, lovely, true and good reports. It's then that our speech will be changed to match the acceptable message of Christ.

It's a big task...with His strength we can do it!

Turning the World Upsidedown

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 03:38:00 +0000

Tonight at Bible Study, Pastor spoke about our inadequacies and how in spite of our behavior Christ still reaches out to us. Pastor used the Bible to share how the apostles were full of inadequacies and yet, despite everything, Christ still pursued them...even multiple times.

Do you sometimes wonder why He even bothers? Do you ever get frustrated at yourself and think "I'm tired of trying to live this Christian life"? You're not alone. Tonight's study reiterated God's supreme love for mankind, His patience for our ignorant and foolish acts, and His desire for a relationship with us. It was a reminder that if we remain pliable, He can do much with our doubts, pride, fears and even more inadequacies. If we allow that work and embrace the power He gives His children, then we can help turn this world upside down for Christ.

If you missed this week's midweek study, catch us next week - we only made it through half the lesson! We will finish up next Wednesdsay.

Opportunity Knocks

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:21:00 +0000

Everyday we are faced with opportunities to share Christ. It's a daunting challenge to be prepared and willing to take those opportunities and make the most of them. Yet, God's Word is clear for us to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves...and that means we need to be ready, alert, prepared, gentle, kind and loving when opportunity knocks.

Here are a few tips for being ready to share Christ in everyday life:

1. Read God's Word. It's amazing how many times something you've read in God's Word one day will be just the thing God allows you to share with someone the next!

2. Be aware. Ours own schedules get so busy sometimes that even though our intentions might be good, our schedule isn't. Don't be too busy to share Christ.

3. Act right. There's nothing more devastating to a Christian's testimony than a walk that doesn't match their talk.

4. Be yourself. Let the conversation flow naturally. Just like a childhood friendship...no shoving, no hitting. Be kind, loving and remember sometimes it takes multiple interactions before someone really gets interested in Christ. Keeping a relationship open allows for repeat interactions. It also leaves a good impression in case someone else interacts with them about Jesus. Bottom line- don't hurt the cause of Christ.

5. Share how Christ is working in your own life. This allows the person to see your own failures, successes and how far Christ has brought you. Give Him the glory.

6. Admit ignorance. When you don't know the answer to a question, don't make up one! Tell the inquirer that you will get back to them and then go study, ask someone, read more scripture or read a book about the subject...but DO NOT make up an answer or give your opinion just so you can answer their question.

7. Pray for wisdom. Admit to God your insecurities, pride and nervousness and ask Him to fill you up with His Spirit and wisdom.

8. Listen. Sometimes what people need is an ear to listen and to feel supported. Offer that. Build a relationship from there.

Verses to help you:

(2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

(Matthew 10:16, KJV) Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

(James 1:5, KJV)
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Family Time

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:02:00 +0000

Can you believe how the summer has flown by? It's hard to believe in just days the kids will be back in school, vacations will be wrapping up and the dog days of summer will be behind us.

For most, hopefully you've had some time to spend with your family this summer. Whether you vacationed somewhere exotic or took advantage of a hometown staycation, those added memories will be treasured by your family in years to come.

At Central we hope you get that same kind of family feeling when you walk through the doors. Last night as we listened to the students give reports about camp, lead the congregation in music and heard those exciting stories from Chris Moore from Kenya, you couldn't help but feel that family spirit. We laughed together, some shed tears as we watched a precious family of three be baptized together, we sang, we prayed and we enjoyed fellowship. Isn't that what family does?

God's designed this special family at Central. We are glad you are a part. Our desire is that you are taking advantage of opportunities to get to know your brothers and sisters better. Whether through Sunday School, Serving, Choir, Bible Studies or other opportunities, it's important to develop those relationships. We want you to know you can call on your family in good times and bad. We're not perfect...no family is. We are striving...to be healthy and to work together to make a difference in our community and the world.

1 Corinthians 12:12-20 (King James Version)
12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14For the body is not one member, but many.
15If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20But now are they many members, yet but one body.

Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

The Path He's Leading

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:21:00 +0000

Rocky, smooth, treacherous, untraveled, dark, scary, narrow. Recently a four wheeling excursion took our children through a little known or traveled are of the woods. Holding on tight to their driver they fearlessly traveled through the woods....laughing, nervously squealing and just a little bit scared. You'd never known it though! When they emerged from the woods, they were already planning their next trip back into the unknown.

Following God is a lot like those exhilarating trips on the four wheeler. It's an adventure. The path may be bumpy, muddy and a little dark, but we are holding on to our leader who knows every twist and turn of the road. He's experienced, nothing scares Him, He's not frightened by animals, a faulty vehicle or rain. He's traveled the road before and is confident. All we have to do is hang on and stay on!

In our spiritual life, a life filled with following Christ, the path can be filled with unpleasantries. Cancer, pain, wayward children, unemployment and foreclosure...yet, remarkable, we can emerge from the woods joyful, because the one leading this incredible journey is CHRIST. Any journey with Him is better than even the most fantastic man made plan.

Stay close to Christ. Hang on tight to Him. He's trustworthy and more than able to keep you safe.

Hebrews 2:18
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Trusting Your Leader

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:10:00 +0000

When you trust your leader following them is easy. Think about a tour guide, a taxi driver, a doctor. Each of these are leaders in their world. When we use their services we trust they know the right things to do in just about every circumstances. However, they are human, so, eventually they will make a wrong turn, misinform or misdiagnosis.

However, when we trust our leader, Jesus Christ, we can be sure there will be no wrong turns or mistakes. He's got it all under control. The problems arise when we start doubting Him and trusting ourselves.

It's ironic that we will trust God with our soul, but have a hard time trusting Him with life here on earth. He's more than capable of leading our steps.

Be encouraged by these verses as you strive to followe your leader:

Matthew 6:25-34
Matthew 10:29-31
Proverbs 3:3-6
Psalm 9:10
Psalm 32:10
Psalm 91
Proverbs 29:25
Isaiah 12:1-2
Jeremiah 17:5-8
Phil. 1:6
2 Tim 1:12
I John 5:14;15

Pride and Following the Leader

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Have you ever made a cake and added an ingredient by mistake...or forgotten to put in something important? Well, following Christ and becoming a disciple of Christ is sort of the same principle. It takes all the important ingredients that we have spent the last 2 weeks reviewing to become a disciple or follower of Christ.

Just as the cake has a unique taste all its own if you don't follow the recipe, chances are your walk, though well intended, may not turn out quite the way you imagined if you don't follow the recipe...deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Christ.

What makes us think we can changed the recipe for following Christ? PRIDE! Sometimes we get to thinking "Well, if I just do this one time, I can still be a disciple", or "I can ask forgiveness", or "Everyone deserves to loosen up a little", and then we sin, we decide we know better than God and we satisfy self, put down the cross and follow our own heart instead of the heart of the Master. What a shame!

Pride is to the core a sin that complicates our lives. Spiritually speaking, it's been around forever. There's much danger in underestimating the power it can have over us. So, we pray, stay focused on Christ and his example and we follow.

Today, let's lay down the foolish and selfish things that hinder us from following the Savior. Let's recommit to a life of humility and submission to the great Giver of all things good and embrace the path He sets before us.

Follow the Leader

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:14:00 +0000

Children play follow the leader in preschool. The main task of the game is to build observation skills in children and help them learn to watch for details. Following the leader is fun...especially when you follow closely and stay in the game!

In our main text (Matthew 16:24) we find the final key element to becoming a disciple is to follow me. This week we will learn more about following, what elements are involved and tips to following successfully.

Just as in the game of Follow the Leader participants must watch the leader very careful for little changes he/she may make. A simple step one direction or another can cause followers to stumble if their eyes aren't watching carefully. With Christ, His desire is never to have us fall out of the game, get run over by other players or become too weary to participate. However this can happen when we take our eyes off Christ. When we get focused on the other players, the scenery along the way or even our own motions, we get distracted, trip or lose a step. Others can even be affected behind us.

Watching the leader means studying who He is. The key to that is getting into the Word of God. Study daily his character, his life, his actions. Read the gospels and practice the things He did. Loving others, sharing His story and going the extra mile. It's a great place to start.

Cross References

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Here are a few verse that you might want to look up to cross reference our study on taking up your cross this week:

Matthew 10:38
Mark 8:34
Luke 9:23

Sometimes it seems close to impossible to carry the weight of our cross. When sickness, hurt, pain, tight finances, depression or any number of weights bear down on us, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, discouraged and fatigued. Remember HIS strength is perfected through our weaknesses. When we surrender (deny ourselves) and take up our cross, it doesn't mean that things are going to be perfect (otherwise, there would be no need to take up our cross). What it does mean is we have the tools available to us to make it through the cross bearing...tools like the Holy Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit, Christian brothers and sisters in Christ, prayer, His Word and a host of other tools God supplies us with.

I Love it When God Does That!

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:09:00 +0000

Last night as we sat in the mid-week service, Pastor communicated beautifully how to carry your cross. In case you missed it here's a recap:

By looking at God's Word in I Thess. 5:16 and Psalm 33:1 we found out that having JOY in every circumstance is a result of obedience.

From Looking at God's Word we:

1. Perceive That Joy is Commanded- Phil. 4:4
2. Learn the Basis of True Joy- I John 1:3-4, Jeremiah 15:16
3. Appreciate the Great Vaule of Joy- Nehemiah 8:10
4. Know the Provision for Joy- Psalm 32:1-11
5. Learn the Hindrances of Joy- I John 1:4-5, Psalm 51:12

In correlation to our daily blog devotion we find that sometimes carrying our cross can become a chore if we are living within our own power. It's when we surrender to God's ultimate plan for our life that we can have joy in the midst of the worst circumstances. Have you ever known a Christian who seemed to be peaceful during a horrible life crisis, or someone who was ill, but had a great outlook? That's a result of joy. It's credited only to the giver, Jesus, because in our own power we would crumble. Taking a closer look at JOY might help you carry your cross with greater strength and less resentment.

Praying your day is full of JOY as you carry your cross and follow Jesus!

Take- action verb

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Take up your cross... Matthew 16:24

Most of us don't need a refresher in elementary language arts to know the word take is an action verb. It means it's going to require action and movement. It's purposeful, determined and deliberate.

Action. In a world of hurried schedules most of us feel pretty active. Yet, when we get really honest with ourselves the things that are squeezed out when life gets too active are the things that really matter. Things like reading God's Word, praying, worshipping, teaching our children about Jesus, doing something for someone who needs to see the hands and feet of Jesus in action. We let these things and other important actions get smothered out for a more active lifestyle. Why? Because we aren't purposeful about taking up the cross. When we are purposeful about our actions we have a plan, know the course and follow the instructions.

This cross bearing is like taking a planned road trip. Some of us are great planners. We have meal breaks, not only scheduled, but restaurants are chosen in advance and menus are printed off from the Internet. We have marked and highlighted the 4 rest areas where there are adequate bathroom facilities, we know where the best price of gas is and schedule fuel, meals and bathroom stops in clusters to save time. We are purposeful. We get the task done. We get to our destination on time.

Others fly by the seat of their pants. You'll get there when you get there, you take the scenic route and may come home a completely different way, you may or may not arrive on time, you don't really plan any sight seeing adventures so you are free to stop at any place along the way and you're going to take this trip slow and easy.

In taking up your cross, there's an action plan. The planned journey with Jesus is better than any site seeing adventure the world tries to through your way. The journey with Jesus is focused, determined and deliberate. You can't just hope it will happen. You have to take action. It's not a kidnapping situation, He's not going to throw you into a car and say "You have to take up your cross!" It's a shared journey with Christ. The moments you spend with Him on this road of life will be sweeter than any moments you could spend elsewhere.

Are you ready to take action. Your cross is waiting...and so is the Savior.

God Uses Our Inadequacies

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:27:00 +0000

Someone once said, "Everyone has a handicap."

It's true isn't it? We all have something in life that we don't do very well. For some it might be speaking in public, for some a physical handicap, for some our handicap is our life before Christ. Think about the excuses you use for not being able to serve and follow God like you really want to. What are the things Satan throws in your face as reminders that you aren't good enough for God to use?

The truth is, the very things that Satan throws in our face are the things God wants us to take up and follow him. The trials, physical ailments and handicaps of this life should be reminders that alone we can do so much less. With God, all things are possible. His Word gives us multiple examples of "disabled" or "handicapped" men and women serving and following after Christ.

Here are a few examples-

Widow with a mite- Poverty didn't stop her from following Christ
Paul- his "thorn" didn't stop him from following Christ(nor did his ugly past)
Moses- followed God even though he had a speech impediment
Rahab- followed God and didn't let her sorted past as a harlot get in the way
David- didn't let his age get in the way of killing Goliath
Gideon- fear paralyzed him until he realized God's army was always bigger and better
Matthew- could have let his tax collecting, cheating past get in the way of him following Christ
John the Baptist- could have let his locust eating habits get in the way of proclaiming the good news of Jesus.

So, what's holding you back? What's your handicap? Name it and then pick up your cross today, and follow Jesus.

Take up his cross

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:16:00 +0000

Matthew 16:24 (King James Version)
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Week two of this road to surrender has us face to face with a cross. My cross and yours. The cross in these verses is defined as an instrument of death. What does this mean? Matthew Henry's Commentary puts it this way:

"Let him take up his cross." The cross is here put for every trouble that befalls us. We are apt to think we could bear another's cross better than our own; but that is best which is appointed us, and we ought to make the best of it. We must not by our rashness and folly pull crosses down upon our own heads, but must take them up when they are in our way. If any man will have the name and credit of a disciple, let him follow Christ in the work and duty of a disciple. If all worldly things are worthless when compared with the life of the body, how forcible the same argument with respect to the soul and its state of never-ending happiness or misery! Thousands lose their souls for the most trifling gain, or the most worthless indulgence, nay, often from mere sloth and negligence. Whatever is the object for which men forsake Christ, that is the price at which Satan buys their souls. Yet one soul is worth more than all the world. This is Christ's judgment upon the matter; he knew the price of souls, for he redeemed them; nor would he underrate the world, for he made it. The dying transgressor cannot purchase one hour's respite to seek mercy for his perishing soul. Let us then learn rightly to value our souls, and Christ as the only Saviour of them.

Wow! That's a lot to think about. Taking up my cross means accepting the things that God places in my path...the good, the bad and the ugly and moving on. It's the active motion of carrying and following that makes this especially interesting. So many times in life when we get bogged down with problems and challenges, we stop everything...we wallow around a little, complain a lot, pitch a little fit and waste valuable time on this faith journey because we are fully engrossed in a temper tantrum. God's Word says...take it up and follow me. God calls us to walk in the footsteps of Jesus...carrying a much less costly cross. We won't be asked to carry the sin of the world on our shoulders, only the trials of this world...and even those are easily shared by our Father in heaven and our Christian family on earth.

What do you need to take up today?

WWJD

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:23:00 +0000

A few years back those bracelets with the letters WWJD were very popular. The letters stood for "What Would Jesus Do". It was to be a careful reminder as you walked through your day to think about what Jesus would do in every situation.

That is what living the surrendered life is all about. It is living in a constant WWJD state of mind. At home, work, school, and anywhere else you find your feet roaming.

This whole idea behind the WWJD movement was triggered from the book In His Steps. It's a great read and well worth your time.

Think about the words to this often sung invitation hymn as we go into the weekend. May you have a new perspective on surrender.

All to Jesus, I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

Refrain
I surrender (I surrender all),
I surrender (I surrender all),
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

Refrain
I surrender (I surrender all),
I surrender (I surrender all),
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus, I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

Refrain
I surrender (I surrender all),
I surrender (I surrender all),
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus, I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

Refrain
I surrender (I surrender all),
I surrender (I surrender all),
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

Judson VandeVenter

What Surrender Looks Like

noreply@blogger.com (Journaling Gina) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 03:35:00 +0000

sur·ren·der (s-rndr)

VERB: sur·ren·dered , sur·ren·der·ing , sur·ren·ders VERB: tr.
To relinquish possession or control of to another because of demand or compulsion.
To give up in favor of another.
To give up or give back (something that has been granted): surrender a contractual right.
To give up or abandon: surrender all hope.
To give over or resign (oneself) to something, as to an emotion: surrendered himself to grief.
Law To restore (an estate, for example), especially to give up (a lease) before expiration of the term. VERB: intr.
To give oneself up, as to an enemy.

We can talk about surrendering all day long. We can talk about how it feels and what it means and when we are going to do it, but until that moment of surrender, we do not know what it looks like for us personally. Surrender is personal. Whether you are blessed with little or much, surrendering YOU is a deeply personal act.

Surrender, according to the definitions listed above from Webster's, means to give up in favor of another. That definition makes the giving up of surrender sound advantageous. When we give ourselves in surrender we can be assured that the life we live in a surrendered state is far better than any life we live captured by the world. So, what does surrender look like, you might ask?

Surrender looks available. It says "Whatever, Wherever, Whenever, Whoever, However"

Surrender looks joyful. The face of someone who is emptied of this world and surrendered to God's purpose knows what real joy is and it shows. The face can't help match the heart.

Surrender looks forward with anticipation. Make no mistake, this doesn't mean that the cross-bearing will be easy, but Surrender understands the ultimate goal of eternity...the "Well Done" finale.

Surrender looks around. Surrender is looking and listening for opportunities to share the gospel in quiet ways, in everyday conversations, in private and public, to those who God places in his/her path.

Are you looking surrendered? It's a look anyone can pull off if they empty themselves at the feet of Jesus and fill up on the fruits He provides...love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, self-control, meekness, faith. What a look!

Gal. 5:22-23