What do you crave?

Do you crave to see attractions like this one? 

Do you crave relationships in your life?

Do you crave spending time with Jesus?

I am reading a great book titled “Unlimiting God” by Richard Blackaby.   Here are some quotes that should encourage us to seek a great relationship with our Heavenly Father.

“Christianity is a love relationship with the person of Jesus Christ.  It is not a religion to observe, a set of rituals to follow, or a list of disciplines to master.”

“It’s astounding but true, that almighty God wants to communicate with us, and he has a lot to talk to us about.”

Has the new worn off studying His word?  Do excuses now intrude on our “quiet time” with Him?

Are our Bibles being left unopened?

“We can choose mediocrity in our Christian life, or we can resolve to go deeper spiritually, growing in our love for God and increasing our capacity to hear from Him.”

Read Jesus’ words in John 16:12 (Amplified)    “I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now.”

Here is a fundamental scriptural principal:

“God will not reveal more truth to you than you’re capable of receiving.”

Here is the last quote from Blackaby….

“Our human minds can only handle so much.  Our spiritual maturity limits us.  If we have a shallow walk with God, we cannot expect to receive deep revelations from Him.   God will match His words to us with our capacity to receive them………believers ought to steadily mature in their faith so they’re able to receive deeper and deeper words from God.  If you’re not doing that…..somethings wrong.”

Men of God, those are tough words, but are we seeking that growing relationship with Father God?

My prayer is that we “crave” the knowledge, wisdom and revelation from the Almighty. 

God is the author of life and all things come from Him.  Beauty flows from His touch.

Check out this website and enjoy some beauty He has created.

http://thefairest.info/top.html

May Father God enrich you life, bless your day and reveal glorious meaning and revelation from His word.

Written by Chris Dennis

Integrity

I have my own definition for this word.  It’s what you will do when no one is watching.  Last summer our men’s’ Bible study group read a book by, Steve Farrar, called ‘Finishing Strong’.  In one of the chapters he told a story of a convention for youth pastors.  The hotel management reported that they had taken in more revenue from X-rated movies than it ever had. 

I’ve rewritten this about three times.  I don’t want anyone to misconstrue where I’m coming from.  So I’m going to give you my view of what a man of integrity is:  He returns to the lost and found anything that does not belong to him.  He does not use foul language.  He considers others above himself.  He attends church regularly because he loves Gods people, and being in church keeps him in check. He gives his time and talent to the church.  He loves his wife and does not do anything that would cause her anguish or embarrassment.  He obeys the laws of our land.  He is a gentleman.  He prays and reads his Bible regularly.  He listens to and heeds the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  He has his priorities in order: God, family, church and or work.  He is a solution to the problem not the other way around.  

I respect men of  integrity.  The Holy Spirit warns me before I make a mistake.  I am striving to be a man of integrity.  Use Jesus Christ as the example.  Posted by Steve Waltrip   

Prayer

 

The picture above is a picture of the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Also known as the, Wailing Wall it is what is left of King Solomon’s Temple. Every day people go to this wall and pray, it is said that one can see written prayers stuck in the cracks of the wall.  We at 2BC have been talking a lot about prayer. I know it has dominated a lot of my thinking the last two months. Bro. Ray has made the point that prayer is simply talking to God. This is very true, Jesus said;” My sheep hear my voice”… (Jn10:27). The best way to know someone and to know their voice is to communicate with them.

Jesus taught us where to pray. Mat. 6:6 ” But when you pray, go into your inner room,”…

Jesus taught us the manner of prayer. Mat. 6: 7 ” And when you are praying , do not use meaningless repetition, as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.”

Jesus taught us who to pray. Mat. 6: 9-13

Pray, then, this way:

Our Father who art in heaven.

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our debts as we alsohave forgiven our debtors.And do not lead us into temptation,

but deliver us from evil. [ For Thine

is the kingdom, and the power, and

the glory , forever. Amen]

The Lords prayer, acknowledges the family relationship, respect given to the Almighty God.  It gives an invitation for guidance.  Not our will but His will.  On earth, getting away from the carnal to the spiritual.  Our daily bread, asking for the daily necessities.  Debts are a reminder that if you have not forgiven, He can not forgive.  Sometimes we may be tested, but it is not something that will be beyond our capacity.

Men to make an impact on our family and the world we’re going to have to simply communicate with God. Jesus did not do anything He did not see His Father do first.  It is possible to stay in continual prayer all day long.  When you do this your whole life will change.            Posted by Steve Waltrip

Fatherhood

 

It’s been said by many people that parents aren’t issued a manual for rearing children.  But there is an age old book that if followed can not go wrong.  The Bible is chocked full of many examples, if studied can offer many helpful guidelines for parents.  I’m not setting here and try to make you believe for one minute, that I always made the right decision when it came to raising three boys.  I tried very hard to raise them in a Christian environment.  Peer pressure is a strong influence in any young person life that can undo the best of intentions.  Free will becomes a part of everyone’s life and if they haven’t determined to serve Christ they may turn to their own way.  Don’t be discouraged we parents have a large arsenal of weapons at our disposal.  The Holy Spirit along with legions of angles are on call 24-7 to battle for our children. I also have a mother that is a true prayer warrior.  She often tells me of the odd hours she is awakened at night to get up an pray for a specific need.  

The role of parents can be compared to the Bible. The mans nature in dealing with children is compared to the Old Testament Law.  Woman nature can be compared to the New Testament Grace. The two together are a Christ like example.  I raised three boys so I am not a good source for answering questions on raising girls.  I tried to teach my boys how to become men.  I did not use the world’s example of manhood.  But Christ example, the world  offers a twisted view of what a man really is.  I am not saying I have always done what is right, I have made many mistakes, but even in my mistakes, I have tried to show my boys how to make mistakes like a man. I’ve tried to show them how to win like a man and to loss like a man.  And how to move on like a man.  

In closing I would like to make you aware of a battle that is being waged.  It is the battle for a Christian influence in our schools.  Each month here in the county people are gathering together for a prayer walk. For one hour, one Sunday a month, our High Schools are being opened for us to walk the halls and simply pray. For some time now we have seen things taken away from us as Christians.  Now is the time to take them back.  Come pray with us.  This is a very important cause.  High School is a turning point in a young persons life.  They are having to make journey chooses of their own.  We need to be praying on their behalf. “ The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds.”  Posted by Steve Waltrip      

Weathering Storms

I’m sure the resent events of our community have touched everyone in some way or another.  Tuesday a week ago I had a limb come through my roof and hit 3 feet from me. This last Tuesday Muhlenberg Co. got hit with a devastating storm.  Three lives lost and many church members hit with the tornado.  There will be much rebuilding of property and lives in the weeks and months to come. 

One news commentator referred to it as, “the wrath of God hit Muhlenberg Co.”  I personally have a problem with that statement.  My God is not One who hands out destruction in that way.  My God is a Loving God ,” not wanting anyone to perish, but wanting everyone to come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.” 

I think life (weather) happens.  Cars break, people get sick, limbs fall from trees, tornadoes are a fact of nature.  What is important to me is how I react in these situations.  Do I reflect Christ love when things happen?  

Remember, Romans 8:28 in the coming weeks lets see what good comes from this act of nature. I’m excitedly waiting to hear testimonies of Gods protection in the midst of the storm. posted by Steve Waltrip