Come Awake

While running through video illustrations for our Collegiate Cless, I came across this video I wanted to share as well. It simply reminds us that our life in Christ isn't dependent on what we have done, but what He did for us on the cross. I hope it will give you an inspiration today.

Once again, for more information or to get a copy for your personal or church use, visit Igniter Media. Feel free to share your thoughts below.



Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf!!!

You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be - book review

Last night, I sat down and opened the latest book I will be reviewing. I have been a Max Lucado fan since just after graduating high school. His latest, "You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be" is a perfect blend of common-sense, Biblically sound and inspirational writing.

The sticker on the front of the book states that it’s the perfect gift for the graduate. I would take it one step further. It’s the perfect gift for the person who has lost focus. There are so many applicable thoughts contained in this short book (127 pages), that can be applied to work-related struggles, career decisions, and even re-focusing our lives to fit the mold that God has designed for us.

I would recommend this book for anyone who is in need of a boost to their morale. It doesn’t always mean we get the pat on the back of we’re doing okay, but sometimes requires us to analyze our entire decision making process. When we put God’s will in front of our own, we can truly be everything God wants us to be…notice it doesn’t say what we want…that’s where we get confused too many times. True happiness comes in finding His plan for your life and following it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Continue in what you have learned...

My reading this morning took me to 2 Timothy 3:14-17..."But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them ; (15) And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

This is a call to continue in what we have been taught. We are to also be mindful of Whom it was that taught us. We haven't been taught by humanity's teachings, but rather those of the God we serve. Since we grew up, those of us who were raised in churches have known what the Bible tells us.

The truths we have learned have led us to salvation through our faith in Jesus Christ. That is the same way we all have been saved, regardless of upbringing, lifestyle, or skin color...through faith in Jesus Christ!

The next verse is key to faith in God's written Word..."All scripture is given by inspiration of God"...it doesn't say some, most, or a little, but rather ALL!!! If you can't believe all scripture is given by doctrine, how can you decide which is and which isn't? Is it based upon our ideas? our likes? our dislikes? God have mercy if we have the final say-so of what is from God and what is not...

The verse doesn't end there, either...it continues that the Word is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness"...What does that mean to you and me? That the Word can be the guide to our living this life on earth...for EVERYTHING!!! In our daily walk, keeping ourselves in subjection, correcting our errors, and learning how to live righteously.

In the final verse, it states "that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished to all good works". None of us will ever be perfect, because of our fallen Adamic nature. But, when we follow the precepts laid out in the Bible, we can become closer to perfection everyday. The last statement really jumps out at me...that we be throughly furnished...not thoroughly, but throughly! That means completely, not partially, not mostly. We hinder God's work in our lives by only allowing Him to have a part in our lives, rather than giving Him our lives and asking what He would have us to do...

Be mindful of what you have learned in your studies of the Word. Let your life be led by the examples it has set before you...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can say for you today...