The Pittsburgh Steelers football play called immaculate reception was the result of many small decisions by many players that worked perfectly. The result of those decisions were a total game changer. Prior to that the Steelers had been a fairly mediocre team. But after that, they became arguably the greatest football franchise in history!
Do you have some small decisions you need to make, small changes that are needed in your life that could totally change your life?!
Like the decision to follow the teachings of Jesus. My life is so much better when I am following Jesus'.
What defines who you really are? We are more than what we do. We are human beings, not human doings!
Check out the following from the Bible:
“but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.””
John 8:1-11
Do you define yourself by what you do or by what Jesus has done for you?!
What happens when we pour ourselves into what we do or who we love and then what we do ends or who we love dies?
Our identity must be tied up in loving God, loving others, and being in the business of transforming lives - being more Christ!
For more truth about life, see www.truthatlife.com.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Monday, February 15, 2016
Roadwork - Part 5: Lost
On the journey of life, sometimes we get it right and sometimes we get it wrong - we get lost. And we need someone to help us get back on track.
Everyday our paths bump into Jesus whether we recognize it or not. How do you handle the daily interactions with Jesus, when He attempts to transform us.
We are a lot like Peter. We get lost, Jesus pursues us, and points us in the right direction.
“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon Peter, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon Peter, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon Peter answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.””
Luke 5:1-5
Peter had been fishing all night and was dead tired. Initially, Peter did what Peter often did with Jesus, he argued - and for good cause - what did a carpenter know about fishing. Do you ever argue with Jesus?
What happened? Peter, perhaps too tired to argue further...
“Simon Peter answered, “But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!””
Luke 5:5-8
Peter is lost. How did Jesus respond to Peter?
“Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”
Luke 5:10-11
He pointed Peter in the right direction. And Peter was never the same again.
But then Peter got lost again...
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.”
Matthew 14:22-24
And Jesus came after Him. Peter argues...
“Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”
Matthew 14:25-29
Had Jesus changed his life? HE WALKED IN WATER!!! Don't miss that!
Jesus miraculously saved Him, pointed Him in the right direction, and made Peter a little more like himself - a water walker!
Has Jesus ever saved you, ever pointed you in the right direction, ever made you a little more like Him?
But then we let the circumstances of life get in the way and blur our vision, mess up our faith...
“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.""
Matthew 14:30-31
Jesus was saying, you were so close, you almost did it, keep you eyes on Me, have faith, you can do it! Has that ever happened to you?
Jesus changed His life. He grew his faith. Was that the end? Did Peter ever get lost again?
On the night of Jesus capture, Peter denied knowing Him three times. Peter was lost again.
Peter really screwed up this time. He feels he can't recover from this. So he gives up, Jesus is gone, Peter is totally depressed, and so he goes back to what he was doing before he met Jesus: fishing.
““I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!””
John 21:3-19
And that's what he did. Jesus saved him from a life of despair, pointed him in the right direction, and made Peter more like Himself. Peter became the leader of the early church, dedicated his life to feeding Jesus' lambs (new 'Christians'), and followed Jesus all the way to the cross - he died by being crucified up-side-down. He became much like Jesus.
What about you? Are you lost? Do you need direction? Are you ready to become more like Jesus?
For more truth about life, see www.truthatlife.com
Everyday our paths bump into Jesus whether we recognize it or not. How do you handle the daily interactions with Jesus, when He attempts to transform us.
We are a lot like Peter. We get lost, Jesus pursues us, and points us in the right direction.
“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon Peter, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon Peter, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon Peter answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.””
Luke 5:1-5
Peter had been fishing all night and was dead tired. Initially, Peter did what Peter often did with Jesus, he argued - and for good cause - what did a carpenter know about fishing. Do you ever argue with Jesus?
What happened? Peter, perhaps too tired to argue further...
“Simon Peter answered, “But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!””
Luke 5:5-8
Peter is lost. How did Jesus respond to Peter?
“Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”
Luke 5:10-11
He pointed Peter in the right direction. And Peter was never the same again.
But then Peter got lost again...
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.”
Matthew 14:22-24
And Jesus came after Him. Peter argues...
“Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”
Matthew 14:25-29
Had Jesus changed his life? HE WALKED IN WATER!!! Don't miss that!
Jesus miraculously saved Him, pointed Him in the right direction, and made Peter a little more like himself - a water walker!
Has Jesus ever saved you, ever pointed you in the right direction, ever made you a little more like Him?
But then we let the circumstances of life get in the way and blur our vision, mess up our faith...
“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.""
Matthew 14:30-31
Jesus was saying, you were so close, you almost did it, keep you eyes on Me, have faith, you can do it! Has that ever happened to you?
Jesus changed His life. He grew his faith. Was that the end? Did Peter ever get lost again?
On the night of Jesus capture, Peter denied knowing Him three times. Peter was lost again.
Peter really screwed up this time. He feels he can't recover from this. So he gives up, Jesus is gone, Peter is totally depressed, and so he goes back to what he was doing before he met Jesus: fishing.
““I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!””
John 21:3-19
And that's what he did. Jesus saved him from a life of despair, pointed him in the right direction, and made Peter more like Himself. Peter became the leader of the early church, dedicated his life to feeding Jesus' lambs (new 'Christians'), and followed Jesus all the way to the cross - he died by being crucified up-side-down. He became much like Jesus.
What about you? Are you lost? Do you need direction? Are you ready to become more like Jesus?
For more truth about life, see www.truthatlife.com
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Roadwork - Part 4: Stupid Questions
Often in life we ask or are asked stupid questions:
- Son, do you want a spanking?
- You say you love that man, what do you see in him?
- You're doing the same thing you have always done, do you expect a different outcome?
““Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed.
One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?””
John 5:1-3, 5-6
That was a stupid question! What was his response?
““Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.””
John 5:7
He didn't answer the question! He was so comfortable in his present lifestyle, that he didn't really know anything different. He was afraid of a complete change in his life.
“Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath,”
John 5:8-9
Why didn't Jesus heal everyone else at the well? He left them at the well sick and disabled. Just because you want to get well, doesn't mean you will get well.
Healing was not His point. The point was to show the power of God.
“and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ” So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?” The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.”
John 5:10-13
The man throws Jesus under the bus. The man's heart was still dead. But God was pursuing him - He was after his heart.
“Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.”
John 5:14-15
God pursues us all. He wants our heart. No matter what happens, His grace is sufficient for our needs. Our struggles, and our weaknesses, should drive us TO God, and demonstrate His strength and grace. Trials and tribulations will drive you toward God or away from Him. Let it drive you to Him. Run to Him. Rest in Him.
For more wisdom on how to live life, see: www.truthatlife.com
- Son, do you want a spanking?
- You say you love that man, what do you see in him?
- You're doing the same thing you have always done, do you expect a different outcome?
““Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed.
One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?””
John 5:1-3, 5-6
That was a stupid question! What was his response?
““Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.””
John 5:7
He didn't answer the question! He was so comfortable in his present lifestyle, that he didn't really know anything different. He was afraid of a complete change in his life.
“Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath,”
John 5:8-9
Why didn't Jesus heal everyone else at the well? He left them at the well sick and disabled. Just because you want to get well, doesn't mean you will get well.
Healing was not His point. The point was to show the power of God.
“and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ” So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?” The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.”
John 5:10-13
The man throws Jesus under the bus. The man's heart was still dead. But God was pursuing him - He was after his heart.
“Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.”
John 5:14-15
God pursues us all. He wants our heart. No matter what happens, His grace is sufficient for our needs. Our struggles, and our weaknesses, should drive us TO God, and demonstrate His strength and grace. Trials and tribulations will drive you toward God or away from Him. Let it drive you to Him. Run to Him. Rest in Him.
For more wisdom on how to live life, see: www.truthatlife.com
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Roadwork - Part 3: Intersections
There are intersections in life when we bump into Jesus and He has advice for how we should be living: how we work, parent, manage money, handle sex, etc.
Church should be a place where you can belong before you believe.
“When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there.”
John 4:45 NIV
They remembered Him as the guy who went crazy in the temple and chased all the merchants out with a whip!
“Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine."
They remembered Him as the guy who turned water into wine. Everyone wanted Him to come to their party!
And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum.”
John 4:46
Desperation always draws us closer to Jesus - when we are willing to try anything!
“When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.”
John 4:47
He runs 20 miles to Galilee and finds Jesus and begs Him.
““Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.””
John 4:48 NIV
Don't focus on the miracle, focus on Me (Jesus).
“The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”
John 4:49
The man is left at a crossroads. Will He make more demands or will he believe. Just like us, He is at the intersection and must trust and obey or go our OWN way. Will we do what WE think is right or what Jesus has told us to do and trust Him to bless us?
“The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed.”
John 4:50-53
He believed, he obeyed, he took action, and Jesus blessed Him. He walked by faith and not by sight. The moment he did, Jesus changed everything!
Are you willing to take Jesus at His word, no matter what circumstances you are facing?
For more wisdom on how to live life, see: www.truthatlife.com
Church should be a place where you can belong before you believe.
“When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there.”
John 4:45 NIV
They remembered Him as the guy who went crazy in the temple and chased all the merchants out with a whip!
“Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine."
They remembered Him as the guy who turned water into wine. Everyone wanted Him to come to their party!
And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum.”
John 4:46
Desperation always draws us closer to Jesus - when we are willing to try anything!
“When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.”
John 4:47
He runs 20 miles to Galilee and finds Jesus and begs Him.
““Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.””
John 4:48 NIV
Don't focus on the miracle, focus on Me (Jesus).
“The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”
John 4:49
The man is left at a crossroads. Will He make more demands or will he believe. Just like us, He is at the intersection and must trust and obey or go our OWN way. Will we do what WE think is right or what Jesus has told us to do and trust Him to bless us?
“The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed.”
John 4:50-53
He believed, he obeyed, he took action, and Jesus blessed Him. He walked by faith and not by sight. The moment he did, Jesus changed everything!
Are you willing to take Jesus at His word, no matter what circumstances you are facing?
For more wisdom on how to live life, see: www.truthatlife.com
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Roadwork - Part 2
What do you do when you're headed down the road of life, and life punches you in the gut.
We cry out to God for help. And we need it now. And it seems like He doesn't do jack. Is it that He can't help me or He won't help me. Which is worse? Why won't He help. Should I continue to believe?
What do you do when you're on the road and it feels like you hit a dead end?
“Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.”
John 11:1-7a
Jesus did jack. When Mary and Martha inquired as to when Jesus was coming, the answer was, "He's not coming."
““But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.””
John 11:8-15
Jesus had a better plan - to do a greater work - to build their faith.
“On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.
and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
John 11:17, 19-21
She was pissed. She gave Jesus a piece of her mind.
The question was, "Will Martha still believe and push through?" Will you? Will you push through the trails and still believe? It doesn't always turn out great. Jesus said, "In this life, there will be troubles." Even if things DON'T EVER get better, will you still believe - still trust and obey?
“But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.””
John 11:22-27
Martha continued to believe that in the end it will work out great - she will spend eternity in heaven. Will you?
For more wisdom on how to live life, see: www.truthatlife.com
We cry out to God for help. And we need it now. And it seems like He doesn't do jack. Is it that He can't help me or He won't help me. Which is worse? Why won't He help. Should I continue to believe?
What do you do when you're on the road and it feels like you hit a dead end?
“Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.”
John 11:1-7a
Jesus did jack. When Mary and Martha inquired as to when Jesus was coming, the answer was, "He's not coming."
““But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.””
John 11:8-15
Jesus had a better plan - to do a greater work - to build their faith.
“On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.
and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
John 11:17, 19-21
She was pissed. She gave Jesus a piece of her mind.
The question was, "Will Martha still believe and push through?" Will you? Will you push through the trails and still believe? It doesn't always turn out great. Jesus said, "In this life, there will be troubles." Even if things DON'T EVER get better, will you still believe - still trust and obey?
“But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.””
John 11:22-27
Martha continued to believe that in the end it will work out great - she will spend eternity in heaven. Will you?
For more wisdom on how to live life, see: www.truthatlife.com
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Roadwork - Part 1
Life is like a journey. We are all on a road going somewhere. Some roads lead to a dead end, some go in the wrong direction, and some have accidents ahead! Nicodemus was a Pharisee in the time of Jesus who was wondering where his road was headed. Was he living a life good enough to get into heaven, or was there something more that he needed to do?
“Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.””
John 3:1-2
Nicodemus came to see Jesus at night so no one would know. We do the same thing. We don't want anyone to see us. And we sure don't want anyone to see us doing something "religious." What Nicodemus and we really want to know is, "Are we ok, are we good enough?" There is a void in our soul - a want that is always seeking to be fulfilled.
“Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ””
John 3:3
What the??? What kind of bizarre statement was that? Actually, it was a deep spiritual truth. Our SPIRIT has to be born again. Re-birth happens when we turn back to God - when we repent. When this happens, it is life giving water to our parched, dry spirits.
“Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.””
John 3:5-8
What does this mean - how can it be?
““How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?”
John 3:9-12
What does this mean???
“No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven - the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.””
John 3:13-15
The snake on a pole in Moses' time, was a foreshadowing of Jesus and His personal sacrifice on the cross to heal us all. Today, this symbol is on every hospital and ambulance (a snake wrapped around a pole, inside a blue cross).
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
Only people who would believe in Jesus would have eternal life and be healed - saved from the consequences of our sins! Who is this available to: EVERYONE. What must we do: BELIEVE IN HIM.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
John 3:17
God loves us. He does NOT hate us.
He did NOT come to condemn us or anyone else on this world.
"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:18
The condemnation is not from God, it is from us. We condemn ourselves.
Those that condemn themselves choose to walk in the darkness. Those that accept Jesus choose to walk in God's light. Choose Jesus and walk in the light.
For more wisdom on how to live life, see: www.truthatlife.com
“Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.””
John 3:1-2
Nicodemus came to see Jesus at night so no one would know. We do the same thing. We don't want anyone to see us. And we sure don't want anyone to see us doing something "religious." What Nicodemus and we really want to know is, "Are we ok, are we good enough?" There is a void in our soul - a want that is always seeking to be fulfilled.
“Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ””
John 3:3
What the??? What kind of bizarre statement was that? Actually, it was a deep spiritual truth. Our SPIRIT has to be born again. Re-birth happens when we turn back to God - when we repent. When this happens, it is life giving water to our parched, dry spirits.
“Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.””
John 3:5-8
What does this mean - how can it be?
““How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?”
John 3:9-12
What does this mean???
“No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven - the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.””
John 3:13-15
The snake on a pole in Moses' time, was a foreshadowing of Jesus and His personal sacrifice on the cross to heal us all. Today, this symbol is on every hospital and ambulance (a snake wrapped around a pole, inside a blue cross).
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
Only people who would believe in Jesus would have eternal life and be healed - saved from the consequences of our sins! Who is this available to: EVERYONE. What must we do: BELIEVE IN HIM.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
John 3:17
God loves us. He does NOT hate us.
He did NOT come to condemn us or anyone else on this world.
"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:18
The condemnation is not from God, it is from us. We condemn ourselves.
Those that condemn themselves choose to walk in the darkness. Those that accept Jesus choose to walk in God's light. Choose Jesus and walk in the light.
For more wisdom on how to live life, see: www.truthatlife.com
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
FREE Student Vocational Workshop on Tuesday, January 5th!
Save Yourself $30,000 While Helping Your Teen Identify their Life Calling, Career, & College
You may remember that, among other things, my coaching and consulting business assists adults who are considering a job change or even a major re-tooling of their career. However, we also have a streamlined process for helping young people select the most appropriate career path for themselves, one that is not only professionally rewarding bet even more importantly, personally fulfilling.
Parents who have attended these sessions say the program has saved them over $30,000 per child! Summer is the perfect time to help your student determine their vocational calling in life. By avoiding the 1.5 - 2 extra years of college that typically occur from students going to college undecided or by changing their major after they arrive, studies show you can save $30,000 in college expenses.
100% of the students who have participated in our program have graduated in the major they declared when they entered college - and in 4 years or less! Even more importantly, they experienced a substantial increase in self-esteem, became better life-long decision makers, and dramatically increased their enthusiasm about school right now!
The following is an upcoming FREE workshop:
Tuesday, January 5th, 6:45pm in Lake Orion, MI
If you know of a young person that could benefit from this workshop, please pass this message along to them. If they are not in the Pittsburgh area, no problem - I am going to do a webinar as well - just have them contact me.
In addition, we currently have a few openings in our vocational calling coaching services. If they start soon, the bulk of the workload for the student will be completed before school starts again in a few weeks. Contact me soon if interested in learning more about how we can assist your student in this important area of their life.
Blessings,
Curtis Songer
Principal, Truth@Life
Career Planning, Life Planning & Professional Development
www.truthatlife.com
248-396-6255
Principal, Truth@Life
Career Planning, Life Planning & Professional Development
www.truthatlife.com
248-396-6255
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Starting Out In Your Career - Doing It Right the First Time
The average professional starting out today will change jobs at least 12 times & do a major re-tooling of their career 4 times. How do you get started?... Read more at...
http://truthatlife.wpengine.com/life-coaching-blog/
Saturday, October 24, 2015
FREE Career & College Selection Workshop on Monday Evening, October 26th!!!
Save Yourself $30,000 & 2 Years While Helping Your Teen Identify their Life Calling, Career, & College
Just released results from a USA Today research study: Only 33% of college students have their bachelors degree after 4 years and only 50% have them after 8 years! Really? Really!!!
I have a streamlined process for helping young people select the most appropriate career path for themselves, one that is not only professionally rewarding bet even more importantly, personally fulfilling.
Parents who have attended these sessions say the program has saved them over $30,000 per child! By avoiding the 2 extra years of college that typically occur from students going to college undecided or by changing their major after they arrive, studies show you can save at least $30,000 in college expenses.
100% of the students who have participated in our program have graduated in the major they declared when they entered college - and in 4 years or less! Even more importantly, they experienced a substantial increase in self-esteem, became better life-long decision makers, and dramatically increased their enthusiasm about school right now!
The following is a FREE workshop:
Monday, October 26th, at 7pm
Best Western Hotel, 300 Gateway Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Best Western Hotel, 300 Gateway Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18017
If you know of a young person that could benefit from this workshop, please pass this message along to them. This is a great opportunity for students in the metro Philadelphia and Leigh Valley areas.
In addition, we currently have a few openings in our vocational calling coaching services. Contact me soon if interested in learning more about how we can assist your student in this important area of their life.
Blessings,
Curtis Songer
Principal, Truth@Life
Career Planning, Life Planning & Professional Development
www.truthatlife.com
248-396-6255
Principal, Truth@Life
Career Planning, Life Planning & Professional Development
www.truthatlife.com
248-396-6255
Monday, July 13, 2015
FREE Student Vocational Workshop on July 20th!
Save Yourself $30,000 While Helping Your Teen Identify their Life Calling, Career, & College
You may remember that, among other things, my coaching and consulting business assists adults who are considering a job change or even a major re-tooling of their career. However, we also have a streamlined process for helping young people select the most appropriate career path for themselves, one that is not only professionally rewarding bet even more importantly, personally fulfilling.
Parents who have attended these sessions say the program has saved them over $30,000 per child! Summer is the perfect time to help your student determine their vocational calling in life. By avoiding the 1.5 - 2 extra years of college that typically occur from students going to college undecided or by changing their major after they arrive, studies show you can save $30,000 in college expenses.
100% of the students who have participated in our program have graduated in the major they declared when they entered college - and in 4 years or less! Even more importantly, they experienced a substantial increase in self-esteem, became better life-long decision makers, and dramatically increased their enthusiasm about school right now!
The following are upcoming FREE workshops:
Monday, July 20th, at 7:30pm Panera Bread at McCandless Crossing: 8800 Covenant Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (Across McKnight Rd from Lowes)
If you know of a young person that could benefit from this workshop, please pass this message along to them. If they are not in the Pittsburgh area, no problem - I am going to do a webinar as well - just have them contact me.
In addition, we currently have a few openings in our vocational calling coaching services. If they start soon, the bulk of the workload for the student will be completed before school starts again in a few weeks. Contact me soon if interested in learning more about how we can assist your student in this important area of their life.
Blessings,
Curtis
Principal, Truth@Life
Career Planning, Life Planning & Professional Development
www.truthatlife.com
248-396-6255
Principal, Truth@Life
Career Planning, Life Planning & Professional Development
www.truthatlife.com
248-396-6255
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