Random Quotes on My Mind

"The moment we think we have ourselves figured out, we'll then come upon a unturned stone to find more things wrong."

"The intelligence of an individual can measured by the amount of books versus movies that one owns."

"Knowledge that forsakes wisdom is like a empty bookshelf--it serves no purpose."

"A Christian that doesn't believe in the eternal security of the believer struggles with wondering whether or not his/her behavior is ever good enough to match God's standards--since His standard is perfection, you'll be living the rest of your life pretty uneasy. Christ died on the cross to set you free, not to keep you enslaved in your own mind and pride."

"I used to always think that when the Jews put together and worshiped that golden calf, that it was the dumbest form of idolatry ever created and I'd never do something like that. But 3 years ago I glanced at my shoe collection, along with all the other lusts of the flesh and eyes...I'm no better than they were."

"One who is never Christ-like when alone puts on a show when around others."

"I hope no one gets his/her theology from 'Bruce/Evan Almighty.'"

"If America comes to the point where it's a hate speech to tell them Christ is the only way, I'll be doing prison ministry the rest of my life...or I'll just move to Thailand for good."

Unload that Heavy Burden - If You Wait Until You're Better, You'll Never Come at All

The world says, "Exalt yourself, and you'll be exalted!" Jesus said, "Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." One of the main reasons people feel that they don't need God is that they think too highly of themselves. Friend, that load you're carrying is an unnecessary burden that will run you into the ground; Jesus said "my burden is light."

That expression "the weight of the world on your shoulders" fits well here. Jesus said people who make it their aim to pursue worldly gain will lose their soul---would you rather accumulate gain from a temporary world and lose your soul that will go on to eternity? Jesus said anyone who tries to save his life will utterly lose it, but those who lose their life for his sake will be saved. The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, the pride of life, and every single religion that tells you that you have to save yourself--will kill you; lusts of the world: money, celebrity status, false masculinity and femininity, cars, etc. etc. False religions: buddhism, hinduism, islam, mormonism, jehovah's witnesses, judaism, catholicism--every single one of these tell you to work your own way up towards enlightenment or heaven or perfection.

We yearn for a better place, yes? Why? Because we weren't made for a fallen, corrupt world where Satan walks to and from the earth prowling like a roaring lion, deceiving the nations and distracting them from the ultimate reality that Jesus is God and He alone is our source of happiness, pleasure, purpose, security, and fulfillment. All the works-based religions I mentioned above all have a common thread: YOU work YOUR way up the ladder; YOU do this and this and this and this and this and this--do these good deeds and merits--become righteous on your own and then you'll achieve what you've been looking for.

Friends, deep down we know that we need an answer that this world just cannot offer you, that all religions blind you from the ultimate truth:

The bad news first:

• I've sinned, you've sinned, we can't stop doing it--we know it's wrong.

• Even our good deeds before a holy and just God are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Yes, helping old ladies cross the street or doing a good deed may be praised by society--it's not that God doesn't like these things, it's that we're sinful people trying to remove our sin by good works--yet Isa. 64:6 shows the meaninglessness of that.

• Sin has caused a separation between God and us

• What we've earned for disobeying God is death--not only a physical one, but a spiritual one that leads to eternal separation from Him in hell.

• Since God is holy and righteous, nothing unholy nor unrighteous can enter eternal life with Him

• The reality: our sin must be dealt with--either we'll pay for them ourselves later, or find a substitute, one who would be willing to take your place--one who would take God's punishment for you...

The good news:

• On the cross, Jesus Christ took on the wrath of God; God made him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God. This means Christ humbled himself, though in his very nature God, became human, lived a sinless life and came to do His Father's will--which was to save the world (Jew and non-Jew) from their sin.

• We must lay aside our self-righteousness that has no real value, and believe in Jesus Christ.

• Salvation is by grace alone (God's unmerited favor, free gift) through faith alone (God's gift to us to help us believe) in Christ alone. Yes, the Gospel is free: you don't earn this, but you do have to understand your need for this--Jesus dying on the cross and rising 3 days later didn't automatically save every single person: it's only those who believe.

God's put eternity in the hearts of men, we know that there's more after we die here. Eternity, life everlasting with our Creator, God--or it's agonizing despair that will never end in an eternal fire that is never quenched.

Sin carries an extremely heavy load that will only add more despair and depression: come to Christ, the fountain of living waters, the bread of life--eat, drink, and be satisfied.

Bible Verses to examine:
Genesis 8:21-- Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 & 3:11 -- Isaiah 53 and 64:6 -- Jeremiah 2:12-13 & 17:9 -- Matthew 1:21, 16:24-28 -- Luke 18:9-17 -- John 3:16-18,31-36 -- Romans 3:10-28, 5:6-8 -- 2 Corinthians 5:21 -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Colossians 1:13-22 -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Titus 2:11-14 -- 1 Peter 1:3-12 -- 2 Peter 2

** I hope that this was clear, if you need something to be clarified or have any questions at all, feel free to let me know **

The Puritan Theologians Knew Their Stuff

"A life of godliness is our living unto God as God, as being absolutely addicted to him."

"The pleasing of God being also our end, and both of these (enjoying him and pleasing him) being in some small foretastes attainable in this life, the endeavor of our souls and lives must be by faith to exercise love and obedience; for thus God is pleased and enjoyed."

"All things in religion are fitted to the good of man, and nothing to his hurt: God doth not command us to honour him by any thing which would make us miserable; but by closing with and magnifying his love and grace." --Richard Baxter

Christian Guys and Dating

God has put many young guys in my path I can be a godly example to and be an influence to, and I'm thankful that He's done this because, for one reason specifically, I see a lot of guys have no good foundation or understanding for 1) the purpose of dating; and 2) the role of maturity. So, this is to all my Christian brothers out there; this is all based off of Scripture, not my own personal philosophy or mindset.

1) Purpose of dating is: marriage.
<> If marriage is not something you considered when beginning a relationship, or are thinking about it now: CAUTION. Why are you dating her? Most likely because it's a fling and not something God has put together.
<> Dating and Marriage are serious and sacred; you'd be hurting yourself and her by stirring up something improper or at the improper time.

2) Godly men must be seeking maturity, otherwise you are forfeiting God's command for you to not only grow but to lead.

Here are some concerns I have:

First and foremost, Christian male, if you're considering or are dating a non-Christian woman, there's something wrong.

<> The Bible gives an example of how a Christian marriage should look: a godly man leading a godly woman, with Christ as the center of that marriage. Now, if dating is supposed to lead to marriage, then it should have the same type of model: two godly people (male and female) in a Christ-centered relationship (**Ephesians 5:21-33**). Now think about this: if you date a non-Christian, is Christ really at the center? No. It'd be like her saying God is a part of her "wheel of life," while the guy is saying God is the center of his "wheel of life," meaning that Christ has changed him (**2 Corinthians 5:17**) and He is the basis of all moral and life decisions. She has just thrown God in the mix and thinks that He holds the same weight as school, money, and clothes. Jesus said a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. Guys, this type of girl is not for you: God has not saved her, and according to **Ephesians 2:1-3** she's still living by her original, sinful nature--a child of wrath. How on earth could you think that dating her would be okay? Missionary dating is found no-where in Scripture and cannot be backed up. **2 Corinthians 6:14-18** - righteousness has no fellowship with unrighteousness.
<>Basically, this is not pleasing in the eyes of the Lord, and you need to repent.

Secondly, if you are not spiritually mature enough to begin or sustain a godly relationship, then don't start it or get counsel FAST.

<> Dating, according to the world, is a fling.
-- Never think it is okay to meet a girl on Friday and be dating her by Sunday night. It's clear you're being led by your hormones and not God. Plus, you barely know her and she barely knows you. This is very immature and shows that you are still acting like a child and not a growing male.

<> Dating, in a biblical standpoint, must be led by a godly, spiritually mature male.
--Are you a new Christian? You shouldn't be dating. You don't know how to lead a woman because you don't know how to lead YOU. **1 Peter 2:2**

--Are you focused more on maturity or finding that girl? **1 Corinthians 14:20, Ephesians 4:5, 2 Peter 3:18** If you're more focused on maturity, then you are seeking God first and not circumstances. You focus on how to be a mature, godly man, and God will open the doors that need to be. Don't think that you can force a girl to like you, or drop her breadcrumbs to make sure she's following you; that's not treating her like a sister in Christ, you're treating her like a dog. Godly women are not objects, they are treasures; don't demean them.

--Praying about it? How we pray shows our dependency on God; are you praying and seeking out His will? Are you telling God what to do? Are you resisting his counsel? **Matthew 6:9-13**

--Seeking out wisdom from the brethren? If you're flying solo in all or any of the process, then a "red flag" should be thrown up. You get counsel from godly men, you get godly perspectives; it's foolish to think you have all the answers and that you know what you're doing. True godly men are gonna tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear. **Proverbs 12:15**

--Are you basing decisions off of assumptions, emotions, or feelings? **Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death** The emphasis here is "basing." Did you start wondering if a relationship could be possible only because she's hot? or because she makes you feel good? CAUTION. Just because you feel attracted to her or think she's hot DOES NOT MEAN that God wants you to start dating her. Let's be honest: if you did that, then you would be running through relationships like a madman. **Psalm 139:23-24** Check your motives before the Lord and before making rash decisions: is it godly & from the Lord, or is it your own personal search for satisfaction?

CONCLUSION:
i. The purpose of dating: marriage
ii. If you aren't maturing, then only maturity should be your focus--not dating or marriage.
iii. Don't think you deserve a relationship/marriage based on your maturity...it's all up to God's timing, not yours. You can't rush nor convince Him when you're ready: He knows when the time is right.

Degradation of Self

I want to run far, far away from problems,
but they just don't seem to go away.
They come and go,
filling my life with pointless voids.
Promising life and pleasure
they deceive and wound my soul.
I know I shouldn't return
but there's an inward pull,
a pull towards safety, towards security.
A dog would not knowingly return to the pound
if it knew it was only a temporary holding cell
until they would put it down.
Why then must I return to sin and get sucked
into the promise of safety and security,
when I know all too well I will be highly disappointed?
Why must I return to the dirty water
when my Savior has promised me living water?
Why do I prefer that which I can obtain now?
My soul aches for God, yet I suppress it,
selfishly wanting what I want right then and there.
My intimacy with my Savior is lacking,
I cry out to thee, my Lord.

Receive with Meekness the Implanted Word

James 1:21-25
(21) Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
(22) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
(23) For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.
(24) For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
(25) But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

A.W. Tozer once wrote, "The meek (humble) man is not a human mouse afflicted with a sense of his own inferiority. Rather he may be in his moral life as bold as a lion and as strong as Samson; but he has stopped being fooled about himself. He has accepted God's estimate of his own life. He knows he is as weak and helpless as God declared him to be, but paradoxically, he knows at the same time that he is in the sight of God of more importance than angels. In himself, nothing; in God, everything. That is his motto."

Meekness: humility; submission to God's will; this is opposite of being prideful or arrogant. That is, open the mind and heart to instruction and to the truth.

So we must receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Back in verse 18, James says, "Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth." Before we became Christians, we had to hear the Gospel, we had to hear the truth. Romans 10:14 "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" As Christians, we received the absolute truth of Jesus Christ, and now His word is within us. So James says "we were brought forth by the word of truth" and we are to receive in humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Granted, we have already been saved; but, we are continually being saved everyday. THIS IS NOT going through the process of salvation. We are new creations (2 Cor. 5:17). Here is what this means, 2 Cor. 2:15 "For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." So how are we being saved? From our flesh; from temptation; from wickedness; from the world; we are daily being saved from what we used to love, which now haunts us.

So all of this means what? In humility we must come to God daily to receive the Word of God. Here's why we must:
(22) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
(23) For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.
(24) For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.

We know Bible verses. We can quote hymns and Christian songs. But if we aren't living out what we hear and know, James says we are deceiving ourselves. We deceive ourselves in many different ways: "I'm not driving that fast" or "I'll study an hour before the test and I'll be okay" or "I'll just use a little bit of my savings to buy a couple things I want." All the while we know what we're doing is wrong: We're speeding, breaking the law, and have a high probability of getting pulled over; we're gonna fail that test we didn't study for; and all of a sudden you've spent $1,000 on clothes and shoes with what you were supposed to save."

We must not deceive ourselves in thinking that just because we are saved, we can miss a couple days in the Word, or prayer, or fellowship, or evangelism, etc. You wouldn't flat out say, "I'm just not going to be an obedient Christian today." Being a hearer of the word and not a doer implies that there's no real connection or relating with God and His Word. You're in, you're out. Read a chapter, then off to class without no meditation of the Scriptures whatsoever. If you're shaving, or tweezing your eyebrows you will be looking very intently at your face to make sure you didn't miss a spot. I used to gel my hair, and so I would stand in front of the mirror and wouldn't leave until it was perfect.

We must have this approach to God's Word. We must take the Bible seriously. Dive into the scriptures: learn new things, remind yourself of things you already know. Preach the gospel to yourselves daily. Your time in God's word directly affects your day.

This is important to remember: God still loves us even when we sin. If we neglect His Word, He doesn't neglect us. He's faithful even when we're faithless. God wants you to grow. He wants you to be salt and light to this world.

Don't Flatter Me

Flattery: False praise; commendation bestowed for the purpose of gaining favor and influence, or to accomplish some purpose; often denotes insincerity.

You ever come across someone who you feel acts fake around you? Maybe an individual has directed one of these things your way:

• fake smile
• Asks "how are you doing" but you know they really don't care; that they've just tagged that phrase together with "Hey." Most of the time this happens while he/she walks by and continues to walk by without stopping, hence you're just a hindrance to their destination.
• "We never see each other anymore; we should hang out," yet again that seems like another phrase to "break the ice" because they don't know what to say.
• People who sound like robots, who just repeat something they were told by someone else.
• Maybe all that happens when you get around certain people is just quoting movies, television shows, etc.
  

Christians, we know that we desire true and open relationships with others in the body of Christ. Our longings are not just for the Lord, but for pure fellowship with each other. Why then must anyone go about "flattering" each other? This is fake encouragement. This is fake fellowship. If you want to encourage me, don't do it of mere duty; do it out of love.

Now I know there's a plank in my eye; there are people that I tend to do this around, and I am sincerely working on it. But I'll be honest and say most people really don't recognize that they do this.

The reason I write this is for both you and me. To quote Larry Crabb, "Robot Christians warm friends about as much as a flight attendant gives good wishes to passengers." The call here is to be authentic. Don't ask me how I'm doing unless you really want a sincere answer. If need be, be ready to sit and listen for 5 minutes while I tell you how I'm doing. We must admit that whenever we ask someone "how ya doing" we automatically wait for "good" or "great" or "blessed" but whenever the phrase "not so good" or "man, i'm struggling" comes out, we become astonished and maybe even sometimes frightened. We think "wow I might have to actually sit down and listen to this person." Hence, the hypocrisy has hit the surface.

I didn't want this to be long, but I had to make my point. This cannot be taken as "well I guess I better not ask certain people how they are since I either don't get along with them or I just don't know them." Christians we must love as God loves us. Repent, and look at the life of Christ to see how He desperately cared for the lives of, not just His disciples, but the numerous that He healed and came into contact with everyday.

"The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life" Proverbs 10:11a