"The West has finally achieved the rights of man, and even to excess, but man's sense of responsibility to God and society has grown dimmer and dimmer... We have placed too much hope in politics and social reforms, only to find out that we were being deprived of our most precious possession: our spiritual life." Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Nobel Prize winner (1978 during an address to Harvard grads)
Are you neglecting the Spirit? Through your pursuit of happiness, are you overlooking the one true, eternal source of happiness: The Holy Spirit. I encourage you to consider these truths as you contemplate the question:
"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:25-28
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Romans 14:17-18
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Don't neglect the Spirit my friend. The Bible is full of promises about the Holy Spirit... seek God's heart on this and experience the joy of knowing the Holy Spirit.
-atg-
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Down Time
How often do you have time alone... just you, yourself, and... _____? ...fill in the blank there. You don't have to answer out loud, but just fill in the blank in your thoughts.
Here are some possibilities:
By "idols", I mean something that you pour your heart into, a person or thing in which you have blind admiration, adoration, or devotion. At some times, this may be thinking of hobbies, sports, job or aspirations; their money; their retirement plans; their family; their friends; their favorite TV show, their favorite comic book character, etc. ... these are things that are not necessarily "bad", but if they are out of balance with an honest relationship with your creator, these things can still leave you feeling empty or striving for more. At other times, you may focus your mind thinking about a particular vice - an immoral or evil habit or practice (be honest with yourself). For most people, there are probably times when we focus our minds on both at various times, it's our sinful nature. But how does God feel about that?
Basically, ask yourself if you spend more time focused or centered on yourself, your needs, wants, and desires; and then weigh that against how much time you focus on God - knowing Him, knowing His attributes, knowing His word, His truth, His plan, His salvation, His eternity with or without you. This is the God who is, who was, and who is to come (Rev 4:8); the God of Jacob - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
After you've had this conversation with yourself (and maybe with God listening in), consider these truths:
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. 1 Cor 4:5
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. Proverbs 21:2
Spend some time thinking and praying about these truths. Ask the Lord to reveal His heart to you, and to open up some answers, giving you wisdom in this area of your life. Do you need to spend more quality time with your creator? We all have a thought life, we all have time to spend thinking about one thing or another. Consider making that time more about your Lord, God and saviour, and less about you.
Humble yourself and pray "...less of me, Lord, and more of You!..."
Blessings...
-atg-
Here are some possibilities:
- you
- your idols
- your vices
- The Lord, God
By "idols", I mean something that you pour your heart into, a person or thing in which you have blind admiration, adoration, or devotion. At some times, this may be thinking of hobbies, sports, job or aspirations; their money; their retirement plans; their family; their friends; their favorite TV show, their favorite comic book character, etc. ... these are things that are not necessarily "bad", but if they are out of balance with an honest relationship with your creator, these things can still leave you feeling empty or striving for more. At other times, you may focus your mind thinking about a particular vice - an immoral or evil habit or practice (be honest with yourself). For most people, there are probably times when we focus our minds on both at various times, it's our sinful nature. But how does God feel about that?
Basically, ask yourself if you spend more time focused or centered on yourself, your needs, wants, and desires; and then weigh that against how much time you focus on God - knowing Him, knowing His attributes, knowing His word, His truth, His plan, His salvation, His eternity with or without you. This is the God who is, who was, and who is to come (Rev 4:8); the God of Jacob - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
After you've had this conversation with yourself (and maybe with God listening in), consider these truths:
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. 1 Cor 4:5
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. Proverbs 21:2
Spend some time thinking and praying about these truths. Ask the Lord to reveal His heart to you, and to open up some answers, giving you wisdom in this area of your life. Do you need to spend more quality time with your creator? We all have a thought life, we all have time to spend thinking about one thing or another. Consider making that time more about your Lord, God and saviour, and less about you.
Humble yourself and pray "...less of me, Lord, and more of You!..."
Blessings...
-atg-
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)