Sunday, June 30, 2013

God Has Abandoned Me?!?!?!?!?






Psalm 77

I usually read a few chapters for my devotional, but I had to stop this morning and share something that really hit home for me. Many times, working with the youth and hearing about ministries with adults, people will say that God has abandoned them. This can be to numerous reasons that range from the foreclosure of a home to a dreadful death that has just plagaued their family. It can be anything, and it is understandable to feel like God abandoned you; however, I am glad to say that this way of thinking is not only wrong, but extremely flawed.
            
 I encourage you to read this Psalm (don’t worry it is not long). Within it, you will find an author that is asking those questions that you make be asking. Has your steadfast love forever ceased? Has your promises come to an end for all time.” He is wondering where God is in his time of trouble, and it is only natural to feel that way. But there is an important transformation in this man’s thoughts. He stops himself from asking the Where are you questions, or the Why questions. He begins to remember who God is and what he has done in his life. Why would God abandon him after building him up so much? Why would God leave after working on things in his life?
        
    If you are struggling with this way of thinking, there is something that is important to remember; you are a masterpiece that God is working on. He is not going to abandon his work to go do something else. That is not who God is. He is faithful even though you may not be faithful. He is the loving Husband who refuses to even leave a wife that constantly cheats on him. This is the God you serve; you don’t serve no fickle lazy god. You serve someone who is mighty and true. When you find yourself in a time of need or even doubt, remember all that God has done in your life. Not only this, but remember what he has done in the Bible. Remember all the promises he gives you. You are not abandoned.

Anyway, Peace out homeskillets
-The Bread Man 

“I will remember the deeds the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old” Psalm 77:11

Monday, June 24, 2013

Hmmmmm I Wonder What it Would look like





This will be a short post, but I still wanted to share my thought that I had today. I have been reading Exodus, and in that book, God does some crazy things. He makes bread come down from heaven, there is a pillar of fire leading his people at night, he made a sea split in two, etc. It is not only in Exodus but throughout the whole Bible that we read this; however, in this book there is a verse in chapter 15 that states that if we follow God’s commands he will bless us.
          
  So I began to wonder, what would happen in my life if I follow God with my all? What would happen if I follow the examples and teaching of Jesus? Where would God bring me? What would he do in my life? Would crazy miracles happen like it did for so many in scripture, or would it be a more subtle thing? I just wanted to challenge you to think about what God can do, or even think about the things that you have heard about him doing. Is that something you would want to experience? For the everday Christian (like me) who doesn’t necessarily give their all (or very little) to God, think about the cool things that he might do in your life if you decide to seek him and give your all. Anyway peeps, that’s all I was wondering.
Peace out Playas

Hmmmmm I Wonder What it Would look like






 This will be a short post, but I still wanted to share my thought that I had today. I have been reading Exodus, and in that book, God does some crazy things. He makes bread come down from heaven, there is a pillar of fire leading his people at night, he made a sea split in two, etc. It is not only in Exodus but throughout the whole Bible that we read this; however, in this book there is a verse in chapter 15 that states that if we follow God’s commands he will bless us.
             
So I began to wonder, what would happen in my life if I follow God with my all? What would happen if I follow the examples and teaching of Jesus? Where would God bring me? What would he do in my life? Would crazy miracles happen like it did for so many in scripture, or would it be a more subtle thing? I just wanted to challenge you to think about what God can do, or even think about the things that you have heard about him doing. Is that something you would want to experience? For the everday Christian (like me) who doesn’t necessarily give their all (or very little) to God, think about the cool things that he might do in your life if you decide to seek him and give your all. Anyway peeps, that’s all I was wondering.
Peace out Playas

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Don’t Mess it Up for the Rest of Em’






“Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me,
O Lord God of hosts;
let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me,
O God of Israel."

            I must admit that I am usually very hesitant to use one verse out of a huge chapter, especially in using the book of Psalms. The reason is that there is a danger of misusing a verse without considering the context of the entire chapter. Looking throughout the rest of the Bible though, this verse seems to apply to a larger usage.
            This Psalmist is being true and honest with his cry to God. He is being pushed and prodded by his enemies but in this moment he is sincere and this verse is evidence of that sincerity. He cries out to God on the behalf of the people and the image of God itself. He does not want to be responsible for being that negative example that often so many people have. For instance, throughout the Hebrew Bible (our Old Testament) Israel constantly brings dishonor by God for how they live. It seems to be a common occurrence. Israel’s enemies mock God and defame him constantly all because they see the often corrupt and hypocritical nature of its people.
            I am not being harsh on Jewish history; this same thing happens today in Christianity. The biggest hindrance for people to become Christians, or even to entertain the idea of its truth claims, are the Christians. It’s really sad, but a lot of people see the hypocrisy and the violence that Christianity has brought and continues to bring.
            We can’t right the wrongs of all history; however, we can show people the truth by how we live our lives. My challenge for you today is to look at yourself and see if you are bringing this shame on the image of God, his message that is found in Jesus, or your fellow believers who are really trying to live the right way. Does this verse ring true in your life, or do you just call yourself a Christian but live in such a way as to bring shame to the message that God has for others? It is a harsh challenge, but we all have to look at our lives and the way we live to see if we are doing more harm than good. You might be a sincere follower of God, yet there might still be things in your life that are giving others the wrong impression. It can range from how you treat your family to what you do outside of church. I know that for myself, I need to check my own heart as well because there are still things that I do that may give people the wrong idea.
Anyway, sorry for the super long message, but I hope you will accept this challenge and see where God can bring you.
Sincerely,
Just another dude.