I'm still trying to figure out my "groove" and rhythm. I am slowly gaining more energy to last through the work weak. Lately, it has been difficult to stay focussed and energized. I have to pray and ask you, Father for more strength and wisdom and remember that you are at the heart of my teachings. I pray Father, that you will allow me to follow in Christ's foot steps and teach with the same passion, heart and soul. We started to looking at some open houses this weekend just so we had an idea of what we could "afford" if we wanted to move. I'm a little torn... what we have now is great and more than what we need, but there is always this desire of mine to "upgrade"... yes... my materialist nature...
Matthew 19:16-30
The Young Rich Man
This is the perfect passage for me... Thanks God. In this passage a rich man asks Jesus how he can enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus tells him to follow and obey all 10 commandments. The rich man told Jesus he has followed and obeyed all commandments, how else could he please God. To this Jesus told him to sell all his materialistic possessions, give the money to the poor and follow him, become one of Jesus' disciples. To this, the rich man bowed his head in shame, for this was something he was unable to give up... I can see myself reacting the same way as this rich man. I could see myself selling off some of my possessions, but to sell all and take up the cross, leaving everything behind... that's scary... but that would be living entirely on God's will...
Romans 16:17-27
Paul's Final Instructions
Paul asks us to steer clear of those who cause divisions and upset people's faiths. From our sermon today, our Pastor tells us that is our duty, to bring our lost brothers and sisters home, home to God through the love of Jesus Christ.
Showing posts with label materialism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label materialism. Show all posts
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Monday, August 29, 2011
Christ Forgives All From the Adultress to the Greedy
John 8: 1-11
A Woman Caught in Adultery
In this passage, a group of men bring a woman who was caught in the act of adultery. These men ask Jesus to stone her as written in the Law of Moses. Jesus believes everyone should be forgiven for their sins and he tells the men to let the man who has committed no sin be the first to cast the stone. One one does and in the end, Jesus tells her that He will not condemn her either and asks her to commit this sin again- to change her ways as she has been given a second chance.
1 Timothy 6:6-12
False Teachings and True Riches (cont'd) & Paul's Final Instructions
This is actually a great passage of scripture. "True religion and contentment is great wealth. We did not come into this world with anything and thus, we will leave with nothing. People who long to be rich will fall into temptation and will be trapped by many foolish and harmful desires. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Paul asks us to fight the good fight. Hold tightly to the eternal life God has given you."
I am trying to strip myself away from materialistic desires, but I must admit that it is very difficult. Money can definitely lead to evil, since behind money is greed. So Father I pray that you will help me realize contentment in non-material things.
A Woman Caught in Adultery
In this passage, a group of men bring a woman who was caught in the act of adultery. These men ask Jesus to stone her as written in the Law of Moses. Jesus believes everyone should be forgiven for their sins and he tells the men to let the man who has committed no sin be the first to cast the stone. One one does and in the end, Jesus tells her that He will not condemn her either and asks her to commit this sin again- to change her ways as she has been given a second chance.
1 Timothy 6:6-12
False Teachings and True Riches (cont'd) & Paul's Final Instructions
This is actually a great passage of scripture. "True religion and contentment is great wealth. We did not come into this world with anything and thus, we will leave with nothing. People who long to be rich will fall into temptation and will be trapped by many foolish and harmful desires. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Paul asks us to fight the good fight. Hold tightly to the eternal life God has given you."
I am trying to strip myself away from materialistic desires, but I must admit that it is very difficult. Money can definitely lead to evil, since behind money is greed. So Father I pray that you will help me realize contentment in non-material things.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Jesus Suffered So We Could Have Life
Luke 23: 1-25
Jesus' Trial before Pilate
Pilate was a Roman govenor. The pharasees and the people accused Jesus of calling himself the King of the Jews, leading riots and telling others to not pay taxes. Pilate did not find Jesus guilty on 3 different occasions and wanted to release him, but the people argued. In the end, Pilate did as the people requested, releasing a murderer and insurrecter, Barabbas, and crucifying Jesus, one who loved God and performed miracles.
From the passage, I am reminded how much Jesus suffered on our account. Everyday, we deny His work - his miracles and his acts of grace and compassion to us. For many of us every day is a blessing, but yet we often take it for granted. I ask myself, "What have I done for Christ?" I can only bow my head, for I haven't done nearly enough to show my love and gratitude. If this scripture were alive in me, I would treat every waking hour as precious gold or silver and use my time to do what is pleasing in God's eyes. What is pleasing? Sharing God's love with everyone and everything, including taking care of this planet and appreciating its natural splendor and beauty. This means not marvelling over man made structures and products, but seeing the wonder in nature. God is telling me to look at the bigger picture. It's not about what can I buy with the money I have to stock my shelves, but how can I use my gifts and resources to further the kingdom of God? I ask God to forgive me for my selfish desires and give me the will power to look beyond my materialist tendencies. I ask God to give me reminders to not fall back into the selfish ways of man.
1 Thessalonians 4: 9-12
Live to Please God
"This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. Non-Christians will respect the way you live..." 11,12)
Lead a quiet life. To me, this means a life that doesn't draw attention to glitz and glamour, but rather one with things money can't buy - love, honour and respect.
Minding my own business. Perhaps this is about not being sucked into gossip and giving my two cents about how others should live their life and saying things that I would regret.
Working with my hands. This could mean, not ordering others to do my work - but appreciating and living within my own means. Ensure no one suffers on my account.
I would safely say that I do practice all of these, but I am no where near living any of these fully. I ask God to forgive me for not living up to these standards all of the time and thank God for directing me how to please Him. I pray that God will help me live out these commands.
Jesus' Trial before Pilate
Pilate was a Roman govenor. The pharasees and the people accused Jesus of calling himself the King of the Jews, leading riots and telling others to not pay taxes. Pilate did not find Jesus guilty on 3 different occasions and wanted to release him, but the people argued. In the end, Pilate did as the people requested, releasing a murderer and insurrecter, Barabbas, and crucifying Jesus, one who loved God and performed miracles.
From the passage, I am reminded how much Jesus suffered on our account. Everyday, we deny His work - his miracles and his acts of grace and compassion to us. For many of us every day is a blessing, but yet we often take it for granted. I ask myself, "What have I done for Christ?" I can only bow my head, for I haven't done nearly enough to show my love and gratitude. If this scripture were alive in me, I would treat every waking hour as precious gold or silver and use my time to do what is pleasing in God's eyes. What is pleasing? Sharing God's love with everyone and everything, including taking care of this planet and appreciating its natural splendor and beauty. This means not marvelling over man made structures and products, but seeing the wonder in nature. God is telling me to look at the bigger picture. It's not about what can I buy with the money I have to stock my shelves, but how can I use my gifts and resources to further the kingdom of God? I ask God to forgive me for my selfish desires and give me the will power to look beyond my materialist tendencies. I ask God to give me reminders to not fall back into the selfish ways of man.
1 Thessalonians 4: 9-12
Live to Please God
"This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. Non-Christians will respect the way you live..." 11,12)
Lead a quiet life. To me, this means a life that doesn't draw attention to glitz and glamour, but rather one with things money can't buy - love, honour and respect.
Minding my own business. Perhaps this is about not being sucked into gossip and giving my two cents about how others should live their life and saying things that I would regret.
Working with my hands. This could mean, not ordering others to do my work - but appreciating and living within my own means. Ensure no one suffers on my account.
I would safely say that I do practice all of these, but I am no where near living any of these fully. I ask God to forgive me for not living up to these standards all of the time and thank God for directing me how to please Him. I pray that God will help me live out these commands.
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