VERSE OF THE WEEK 09/10/2012
Acts 20:28
"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood."
We are pretty much reminded to keep watch of each other as brothers and sisters in Christ spiritually. The Church of God represents Christians united as a whole. And as Shepherds we are supposed to watch and guard over each other, while also leading other people spiritually so that they can come to know Christ. It is a hard task, but as long as we trust Jesus and give up ourselves, submit to him, and open up to him, he will make wonders and miracles happen.
"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood."
We are pretty much reminded to keep watch of each other as brothers and sisters in Christ spiritually. The Church of God represents Christians united as a whole. And as Shepherds we are supposed to watch and guard over each other, while also leading other people spiritually so that they can come to know Christ. It is a hard task, but as long as we trust Jesus and give up ourselves, submit to him, and open up to him, he will make wonders and miracles happen.
VERSE OF THE WEEK 07/16/2012
Ephesians 6:12
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
This hits things on the nail big time! As Christians we can get frustrated with non Christians and point out their faults and say "OH LOOK AT HIM! ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING WRONG!" Pointing fingers and judging non believers is what gets non Christians to stray away from us though! Remember that we have to love the person, the real enemy is the sin! Ephesians 6:12 clearly states that we aren't going against flesh and blood (man) but against powers, rulers of darkness, wickedness ( evil spirits). The only way to conquer and defeat this evil is by using God's word, praying, and treating others with love, not harsh judgment! satan wants you to treat non believers with disrespect and ignorance, Jesus doesn't; he wants to treat non believers and Christians with compassion, love and respect!
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
This hits things on the nail big time! As Christians we can get frustrated with non Christians and point out their faults and say "OH LOOK AT HIM! ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING WRONG!" Pointing fingers and judging non believers is what gets non Christians to stray away from us though! Remember that we have to love the person, the real enemy is the sin! Ephesians 6:12 clearly states that we aren't going against flesh and blood (man) but against powers, rulers of darkness, wickedness ( evil spirits). The only way to conquer and defeat this evil is by using God's word, praying, and treating others with love, not harsh judgment! satan wants you to treat non believers with disrespect and ignorance, Jesus doesn't; he wants to treat non believers and Christians with compassion, love and respect!
VERSE OF THE WEEK 07/1/2012
James 3:13-18
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
We as Christians can get jealous for a lot of raesons. Some more than others. Some times if someone has something you want, or is more successful in something than you are, and they get more credit, you start to feel jealous! You get tempted to boast and be a show off about your accomplishments so you can be noticed and get that attention.Well, Jesus wants us to be humble, because we will not be awarded for your pridefulness, probably by the world, but not by God. Wisdom that comes from Heaven is filled with good fruit and peacefulness! Spiritually it feels good being humble and selfless, than being prideful and arrogant. So the next time, you see someone and you think they are trying to "1up" you, just remember that Christ is already proud of what you have accomplished and that there is no need to show off!
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
We as Christians can get jealous for a lot of raesons. Some more than others. Some times if someone has something you want, or is more successful in something than you are, and they get more credit, you start to feel jealous! You get tempted to boast and be a show off about your accomplishments so you can be noticed and get that attention.Well, Jesus wants us to be humble, because we will not be awarded for your pridefulness, probably by the world, but not by God. Wisdom that comes from Heaven is filled with good fruit and peacefulness! Spiritually it feels good being humble and selfless, than being prideful and arrogant. So the next time, you see someone and you think they are trying to "1up" you, just remember that Christ is already proud of what you have accomplished and that there is no need to show off!
VERSE OF THE WEEK 06/18/2012
James 1:19-20
"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Anger is a really touchy topic at times. People get angry over several issues at times, such as getting blamed for something, getting fired, etc. But what im going to talk about here is when a person is talking to you and you get angry. Our first thing to do is to interrupt the person and tell him off and try proving him wrong. God really does not approve of this and it makes you look bad as a christian. So we have to always listen first, then once that person is done, explain your part or side of the story in a calm and reasonable manner, even if you disagree with the person. You'll be shocked by how you handled the situation and how the other person reacts!
"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Anger is a really touchy topic at times. People get angry over several issues at times, such as getting blamed for something, getting fired, etc. But what im going to talk about here is when a person is talking to you and you get angry. Our first thing to do is to interrupt the person and tell him off and try proving him wrong. God really does not approve of this and it makes you look bad as a christian. So we have to always listen first, then once that person is done, explain your part or side of the story in a calm and reasonable manner, even if you disagree with the person. You'll be shocked by how you handled the situation and how the other person reacts!
VERSE OF THE WEEK 06/5/2012
Psalm 34:17
"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles."
Everybody goes through trials and tribulations.This week's verse of the week goes to my brother in Christ Tim Steed, who is going through a lot of trials with really troubling situations. Tim, i know you're going through a lot. But, there is one thing you have to keep in mind, and that is to stay strong in the LORD! Try reading the word of God as much as you can, worship him, and have alone time with him whenever you can brother! The Lord will rescue you from all of your troubles! If not in this life, then definitely in eternity with him brother! This goes for every Christian out there also! Give all your worries to him, and take life a day at a time!
"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles."
Everybody goes through trials and tribulations.This week's verse of the week goes to my brother in Christ Tim Steed, who is going through a lot of trials with really troubling situations. Tim, i know you're going through a lot. But, there is one thing you have to keep in mind, and that is to stay strong in the LORD! Try reading the word of God as much as you can, worship him, and have alone time with him whenever you can brother! The Lord will rescue you from all of your troubles! If not in this life, then definitely in eternity with him brother! This goes for every Christian out there also! Give all your worries to him, and take life a day at a time!
VERSE OF THE WEEK 05/19/2012
James 3:13-18
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
James 3:13-18 shows us to have pure wisdom. This can be very hard for us as Christians at times. Like if we accomplish something great in our walk (leading someone to be saved, making a great teaching or sermon.) Sometimes we can catch ourselves boasting about it saying "Hey dude, you saw the sermon that i helped put out! Its so amazing! I definitely did a great job on this one!" or "I helped these three teens come to Christ today, am i good or what?" Now, don't get me wrong, its healthy to feel good about it, but remember, all the glory goes to God at the end of the day, and you have to be humble about your accomplishments and show pure holy wisdm, not boastful, earthly wisdom. That wisdom as stated is "earthly, unspiritual, of the devil." While the wisdom of heaven is pure, it is also righteous,and being humble is part of that pure wisdom from heaven. So when you accomplish something, remember who to actually thank!
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
James 3:13-18 shows us to have pure wisdom. This can be very hard for us as Christians at times. Like if we accomplish something great in our walk (leading someone to be saved, making a great teaching or sermon.) Sometimes we can catch ourselves boasting about it saying "Hey dude, you saw the sermon that i helped put out! Its so amazing! I definitely did a great job on this one!" or "I helped these three teens come to Christ today, am i good or what?" Now, don't get me wrong, its healthy to feel good about it, but remember, all the glory goes to God at the end of the day, and you have to be humble about your accomplishments and show pure holy wisdm, not boastful, earthly wisdom. That wisdom as stated is "earthly, unspiritual, of the devil." While the wisdom of heaven is pure, it is also righteous,and being humble is part of that pure wisdom from heaven. So when you accomplish something, remember who to actually thank!
VERSE OF THE WEEK 05/7/2012
Matthew 5:27-30
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’[e] 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."
So I was going reading through the bible getting through the four gospels today and i was catching up on the sermon on the mount when Jesus was preaching. One i hit the adultery part, i was a little confused. Throw away our body parts? So i asked my Mom about this more often and she provided a lot of insight into this. Matthew 5:29 states " If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." When Jesus is actually saying is If you keep on sinning with youre eyes or any part of your body, you might as well just throw it out then if you're gonna keep doing it. This was meant as a figure of speech, it would be a little extreme if we actually gouged out our eyes cause we have a problem with lust! So, when this was explained, i actually started to get it! It was a pretty brutal way of using figure of speech, especially in that day and age!
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’[e] 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."
So I was going reading through the bible getting through the four gospels today and i was catching up on the sermon on the mount when Jesus was preaching. One i hit the adultery part, i was a little confused. Throw away our body parts? So i asked my Mom about this more often and she provided a lot of insight into this. Matthew 5:29 states " If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." When Jesus is actually saying is If you keep on sinning with youre eyes or any part of your body, you might as well just throw it out then if you're gonna keep doing it. This was meant as a figure of speech, it would be a little extreme if we actually gouged out our eyes cause we have a problem with lust! So, when this was explained, i actually started to get it! It was a pretty brutal way of using figure of speech, especially in that day and age!
VERSE OF THE WEEK 12/07/2011
Matthew 28:19
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
(NIV)"
Spreading the word of god is the main purpose of this verse. Us as christians should be making disciples for Christ throughout the world, whether it be online or traveling. Always try to feed someone the holy spirit to someone who has a spiritual hunger and is feeling empty spiritually! Always take any chance that you have to share the word of God with someone, cause you may never know if you'll see that person again in your life!
VERSE OF THE DAY 11/08/2011
Philippians 4:13
"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength"
WELL, i really needed this verse today! As Christians we struggle with worldly sin all the time! But this is a reminder that through the strength that Jesus gives us, we can trust in him and overcome tough obstacles in our daily walk!
"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength"
WELL, i really needed this verse today! As Christians we struggle with worldly sin all the time! But this is a reminder that through the strength that Jesus gives us, we can trust in him and overcome tough obstacles in our daily walk!
VERSE OF THE DAY 11/01/2011
Proverbs 21:2
"All the ways of a man seem right to him, but the LORD evaluates the motives."
According to Solomon, whatever we did and thought was right, God already knows what our true intentions were and what they were for. God looks into our motives and our reasoning on why we did that good deed. Was it for money, respect, recognition?? Or was the deed that you did not right in God's eyes but you thought it was right in yours?? Then again we can do something right, and it can be right in God's eyes. As long as you are doing it with Christ in mind.
"All the ways of a man seem right to him, but the LORD evaluates the motives."
According to Solomon, whatever we did and thought was right, God already knows what our true intentions were and what they were for. God looks into our motives and our reasoning on why we did that good deed. Was it for money, respect, recognition?? Or was the deed that you did not right in God's eyes but you thought it was right in yours?? Then again we can do something right, and it can be right in God's eyes. As long as you are doing it with Christ in mind.
VERSE OF THE DAY 10/31/2011
Deuteronomy 18:10–14
“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. “For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord; and because of these detestable things the Lord your God will drive them out before you.“You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. “For those nations, which you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do so.
Yup, this one does relate to Halloween! I personally do not celebrate it when my brother told me where it derived from as a pagan holiday to celebrate the dead. Performing sacrifices, along with sorcery was all part of a celtic tradition on this day to celebrate the dead. Halloween is usually celebrated by people who are associated with witchcraft to do sacrifices (Feast of Samhain.) A long time ago on this day, villagers would dress up in costumes to scare spirits away from their homes, and occultists used to carve pumpkins to scare away the evil spirits from their dwellings.Schools celebrate Halloween, although it has occultic imagery (religion.) But they took out religious themes from Christmas and Easter. Halloween promotes evil spirits in a censored "positive" way to sugar coat the holiday when we all know its real meaning
“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. “For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord; and because of these detestable things the Lord your God will drive them out before you.“You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. “For those nations, which you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do so.
Yup, this one does relate to Halloween! I personally do not celebrate it when my brother told me where it derived from as a pagan holiday to celebrate the dead. Performing sacrifices, along with sorcery was all part of a celtic tradition on this day to celebrate the dead. Halloween is usually celebrated by people who are associated with witchcraft to do sacrifices (Feast of Samhain.) A long time ago on this day, villagers would dress up in costumes to scare spirits away from their homes, and occultists used to carve pumpkins to scare away the evil spirits from their dwellings.Schools celebrate Halloween, although it has occultic imagery (religion.) But they took out religious themes from Christmas and Easter. Halloween promotes evil spirits in a censored "positive" way to sugar coat the holiday when we all know its real meaning
VERSE OF THE DAY 10/28/2011
1 Peter 1:24-25
“All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”And this is the word that was preached to you
We may have our triumphs and we may have those times where we can shine. But sooner or later, those things will go away. But one thing that will never go away is God's word, and that's what we need to focus on!
“All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”And this is the word that was preached to you
We may have our triumphs and we may have those times where we can shine. But sooner or later, those things will go away. But one thing that will never go away is God's word, and that's what we need to focus on!
VERSE OF THE DAY 10/26/2011
Ephesians 6:10-18
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
If we trust in God with our decisions,and not trust in ourselves, he will make our paths straight! Of course there are going to be struggles, but there will be more struggles if we try to get through life by our own strength!
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
If we trust in God with our decisions,and not trust in ourselves, he will make our paths straight! Of course there are going to be struggles, but there will be more struggles if we try to get through life by our own strength!
VERSE OF THE DAY 10/25/2011
Psalm 25:26
"We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love."
Without God we are nothing! We are just as equal as a dust on the ground, but with God's unfailing and unconditional love, he redeems us to be new!
"We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love."
Without God we are nothing! We are just as equal as a dust on the ground, but with God's unfailing and unconditional love, he redeems us to be new!
VERSE OF THE DAY 10/24/2011
Matthew 28:19
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"
This verse is extremely meaningful to me as a christian, because this shows us that we have to spread the word of god with everybody we meet, especially to people that are lost. It is our job as missionaries to minister to those that are lost, and also as metal missionaries to minister to fellow metalheads who have only darkness and despair polluting their minds! We are disciples and warriors of christ and we must try to make disciples for christ in a loving way everywhere we go!
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"
This verse is extremely meaningful to me as a christian, because this shows us that we have to spread the word of god with everybody we meet, especially to people that are lost. It is our job as missionaries to minister to those that are lost, and also as metal missionaries to minister to fellow metalheads who have only darkness and despair polluting their minds! We are disciples and warriors of christ and we must try to make disciples for christ in a loving way everywhere we go!
VERSE OF THE DAY 10/23/2011
1 John 3:21-22
"Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Pretty interesting....what i got from this verse is that if we don't let our feelings or "heart" condemn us...then we are more confident in our walk towards Christ and with Christ. This leads us into the keeping of his commandments and pleasing the Lord!
"Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Pretty interesting....what i got from this verse is that if we don't let our feelings or "heart" condemn us...then we are more confident in our walk towards Christ and with Christ. This leads us into the keeping of his commandments and pleasing the Lord!
VERSE OF THE DAY 10/8/2011
James 4:13-15
"Go to now, ye that say, To day or to
morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell,
and get gain:
Whereas ye know not what
shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that
appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall
live, and do this, or that."
Wow, so even when we are doing our daily routines and living life confidently, buying selling etc. Our lives can end on any day at any time of the day.....just like that!! Our life is like a vapor, that appears for a little bit, then goes away forever! So if its the lord's will, we will live another day and go on with our duties, if not, then it will be our time.
"Go to now, ye that say, To day or to
morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell,
and get gain:
Whereas ye know not what
shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that
appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall
live, and do this, or that."
Wow, so even when we are doing our daily routines and living life confidently, buying selling etc. Our lives can end on any day at any time of the day.....just like that!! Our life is like a vapor, that appears for a little bit, then goes away forever! So if its the lord's will, we will live another day and go on with our duties, if not, then it will be our time.
VERSE OF THE DAY 10/7/2011
Matthew 9:13
"But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
This verse looks like its talking about how christians should learn what God meant when he states that he will have mercy, but not sacrifice. This means that he wont sacrifice sinners but show them mercy because he is not going to cal the righteous, but rather call sinners so they can know the lord and they can repent from their old ways!
"But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
This verse looks like its talking about how christians should learn what God meant when he states that he will have mercy, but not sacrifice. This means that he wont sacrifice sinners but show them mercy because he is not going to cal the righteous, but rather call sinners so they can know the lord and they can repent from their old ways!
VERSE OF THE DAY 10/6/2011
Micah 6:8
"He hath shewed thee, O man,
what [is] good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and
to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Hmm, interesting right? I think this verse shows how God shows us what he requires us of what we have to do as christians, but also to be humble and love others and stay strong in our walk with christ and that is what is important!
So what do you guys think about the verse?
"He hath shewed thee, O man,
what [is] good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and
to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Hmm, interesting right? I think this verse shows how God shows us what he requires us of what we have to do as christians, but also to be humble and love others and stay strong in our walk with christ and that is what is important!
So what do you guys think about the verse?