Jesus Christ is dying on the cross, his disciples are gathered around, crying. Peter looks up and notices that Jesus seems to be calling him, "Peter, come hither!"
Immediately Peter rushes over to the cross, only to be hit severely over the head by the roman guard. He gets on his feet again and wants to return to the other disciples when he hears Jesus calling again, "Peter, come hither!"
So, again Peter tries to climb the cross to get to his lord, when the roman soldier draws his sword and chops Peter's arm off. Peter is getting a little pissed and wants to go back to his buddies, but again Jesus summons. The roman guard can't believe that Peter is trying yet AGAIN to climb to the cross, and chops off another arm. Peter is now covered in blood and demented from the blow to the head and wants to call it a day. Jesus hoarsly croaks, "Peter, please, come to me!"
By now, the roman guard is tired of chopping limbs, so he lets Peter be. The faithful disciple struggles to climb the cross (without arms mind you) and after a long while he finally arrives at his Lord's side. Hurting, suffering, bleeding, Peter looks into his Master's eyes and asks, "yes, my Lord. What is it?" Jesus smiles lovingly and looks off into the distance as a weak smile plays across his face, "Look Peter, I can see your house from here!"
Friday, March 16, 2012
Joke
A man appears before St. Peter at the pearly gates. "Have you ever done anything of particular merit?" St. Peter asks.
"Well, I can think of one thing," the man offers. "Once, on a trip to the Black Hills, out in South Dakota, I came upon a gang of high-testosterone bikers who were threatening a young woman.
I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen. So I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker.
I smacked him on the head, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring and threw it on the ground, and told him,
'Leave her alone now or you'll answer to me.'"
St. Peter was impressed.
"When did this happen?"
"Just a few minutes ago."
"Well, I can think of one thing," the man offers. "Once, on a trip to the Black Hills, out in South Dakota, I came upon a gang of high-testosterone bikers who were threatening a young woman.
I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen. So I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker.
I smacked him on the head, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring and threw it on the ground, and told him,
'Leave her alone now or you'll answer to me.'"
St. Peter was impressed.
"When did this happen?"
"Just a few minutes ago."
You are Unique
“Yet you made him but a little lower than God, and you have crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:5 AMP)
You don’t realize how unique and valuable you are — none of us do. The reason you are so vulnerable to the fear of dejection is because you’re full of self-doubt. That’s why when criticized by another person, deep down inside, you have the doubt and fear that they’re right. So it hurls even more.
The effect of sin is always insecurity. The more we sin, the more insecure we become. When someone ignores you at a party, you might say, “They must not like me!” Maybe they just didn’t even see you there. But because you were seeing through the eyes of fear, you were vulnerable.
What’s the antidote to the fear of rejection? The antidote is to put God in first place. Second, you put people in their place by putting their opinions in the right perspective. Then, you must accept what God says about you.
Yet you made him but a little lower than God, and you have crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:5 AMP). You were created by God, and God does not make junk.
Not only were we created by God, but Christ made us acceptable — not because of what we’ve done, because we could never be good enough to be acceptable to a perfect God. Ephesians 1:4 says, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight” (NIV). Jesus Christ died on the cross, paid for all our sins, and covered us with his love. God looks down at you and says, “What Jesus did was acceptable. You are acceptable.” All you have to do is accept what he’s done for you.
You were created by God. Christ has made you acceptable. It doesn’t matter what you say about yourself; it doesn’t matter what other people say about you. If God says you’re OK, then you’re OK.
No matter who rejects you, God never will.
You don’t realize how unique and valuable you are — none of us do. The reason you are so vulnerable to the fear of dejection is because you’re full of self-doubt. That’s why when criticized by another person, deep down inside, you have the doubt and fear that they’re right. So it hurls even more.
The effect of sin is always insecurity. The more we sin, the more insecure we become. When someone ignores you at a party, you might say, “They must not like me!” Maybe they just didn’t even see you there. But because you were seeing through the eyes of fear, you were vulnerable.
What’s the antidote to the fear of rejection? The antidote is to put God in first place. Second, you put people in their place by putting their opinions in the right perspective. Then, you must accept what God says about you.
Yet you made him but a little lower than God, and you have crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:5 AMP). You were created by God, and God does not make junk.
Not only were we created by God, but Christ made us acceptable — not because of what we’ve done, because we could never be good enough to be acceptable to a perfect God. Ephesians 1:4 says, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight” (NIV). Jesus Christ died on the cross, paid for all our sins, and covered us with his love. God looks down at you and says, “What Jesus did was acceptable. You are acceptable.” All you have to do is accept what he’s done for you.
You were created by God. Christ has made you acceptable. It doesn’t matter what you say about yourself; it doesn’t matter what other people say about you. If God says you’re OK, then you’re OK.
No matter who rejects you, God never will.
Friday, January 13, 2012
A New Wine Skin - Prelim
He told them this parable: "No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skin, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins." Luke 5:36-38
Monday, January 9, 2012
Dont work harder but work Smarter! Part II
Solomon also talked about the extreme type of worker - the Workaholic.
The Workaholic won't stop working. It's all he thinks about. It's all he talks about. His whole life's wrapped up in his work. Solomon describes him,
This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, "Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?" It is all so meaningless and depressing. ECCLESIASTES 4:8
Do you know anybody like this? I am a workaholic, but I am trying to be recover from it. I want to give you Solomon's five steps to recovery from workaholism:
RELAX
READJUST YOUR VALUES
I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. Ecclesiates 4:4a
Thought: Most of workaholism stems from a desire for more. The cost of workaholism is enormous - divorce, alcoholism, health problems, fractured relationships, unhappiness, loneliness, and on and on and on.
ENJOY YOUR REWARDS
People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. Ecclesiastes 3:13
Thought: You should be thankful for what you have. Take time to smell the roses. Enjoy life's simple pleasures.
LIMIT YOUR LABOR - This is an intentional decision!
Fools are so exhaustedly by a little work that they can't even find their home. Ecclesiastes 10:15
Thought: "All work and no play makes Whit a dull boy." We need a balance. There is a time to work, but there is also time to play.
It is useless for you to work so hard fromearly morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. Psalm 127:2
Thought: If you don't take time to rest, your body will make time for rest. Schedule four things in your life: rest, recreation, relationships, and romance!
ANTICIPATED GOD's CARE - The root of a lot of workaholism is worry!
Don't worry about these things, saying, "What will we eat? What will we drink? What will wear?" These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Matthew 6:31-32
Thought: Trust God!
ECHANGE YOUR PRESSURES FOR GOD'S PEACE
Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Thought: "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you" (1 Peter 5:7).
One last thought: I've never met a dying person who said, "Oh, I wish I could work one more hour."
WHAT MAKES A WINNER!
The Workaholic won't stop working. It's all he thinks about. It's all he talks about. His whole life's wrapped up in his work. Solomon describes him,
This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, "Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?" It is all so meaningless and depressing. ECCLESIASTES 4:8
Do you know anybody like this? I am a workaholic, but I am trying to be recover from it. I want to give you Solomon's five steps to recovery from workaholism:
RELAX
READJUST YOUR VALUES
I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. Ecclesiates 4:4a
Thought: Most of workaholism stems from a desire for more. The cost of workaholism is enormous - divorce, alcoholism, health problems, fractured relationships, unhappiness, loneliness, and on and on and on.
ENJOY YOUR REWARDS
People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. Ecclesiastes 3:13
Thought: You should be thankful for what you have. Take time to smell the roses. Enjoy life's simple pleasures.
LIMIT YOUR LABOR - This is an intentional decision!
Fools are so exhaustedly by a little work that they can't even find their home. Ecclesiastes 10:15
Thought: "All work and no play makes Whit a dull boy." We need a balance. There is a time to work, but there is also time to play.
It is useless for you to work so hard fromearly morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. Psalm 127:2
Thought: If you don't take time to rest, your body will make time for rest. Schedule four things in your life: rest, recreation, relationships, and romance!
ANTICIPATED GOD's CARE - The root of a lot of workaholism is worry!
Don't worry about these things, saying, "What will we eat? What will we drink? What will wear?" These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Matthew 6:31-32
Thought: Trust God!
ECHANGE YOUR PRESSURES FOR GOD'S PEACE
Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Thought: "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you" (1 Peter 5:7).
One last thought: I've never met a dying person who said, "Oh, I wish I could work one more hour."
WHAT MAKES A WINNER!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Dont work harder but work Smarter!
Most businness people worship their work, work at their play, and play at their worship. As a result, their meaning and values in life are distorted. Their relationships are terrible and their lifestyles are aimless. Let's listen to the richest and wisest man who ever lived. His name was Solomon. He addressed the question, "So what people get in this life for all their hard work and anxiety?" Solomom talked about the extreme type of worker - the Lazy Worker, whose motto is: "It's better to have loafed and lost than never to have loafed at all!" But Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes, "Fools fold their hands, leading them to ruin." He gave counsel to the Lazy Worker on how to succeed by writing down six attitudes of successful people:
1. Work Enthusiastically
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might....Ecclesiastes 9:10
2. Work with Integrity
A good reputation reputation is more valuable than costly perfume...Ecclesiastes 7:1
3. Work Skillfully
Ifmthe ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success....Eccesiastes 10:10
Thought: Work smarter, not harder.
4. Work Efficiently
There is a right time and a way to do everything...Ecclesiastes 8:6
Thought: Write down your goals. If you aim at nothing, you will hit nothing.
5. Work Cooperatively
Two are better offmthan one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out aknd help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble....Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Thought: Be a team player
6. Work Persistently
Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you dont know if profit will come from one activity or another - or maybe both....Ecclesiates 11:6
Thought: Successful people dont know how to quit. They have the ability to keep on going for five more minutes. If at first you dont succeed, welcome to the human race. Dont quit!
One final thought: It's not how much you work, it's how you work that makes a difference.
WHAT MAKES A WINNER.
1. Work Enthusiastically
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might....Ecclesiastes 9:10
2. Work with Integrity
A good reputation reputation is more valuable than costly perfume...Ecclesiastes 7:1
3. Work Skillfully
Ifmthe ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success....Eccesiastes 10:10
Thought: Work smarter, not harder.
4. Work Efficiently
There is a right time and a way to do everything...Ecclesiastes 8:6
Thought: Write down your goals. If you aim at nothing, you will hit nothing.
5. Work Cooperatively
Two are better offmthan one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out aknd help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble....Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Thought: Be a team player
6. Work Persistently
Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you dont know if profit will come from one activity or another - or maybe both....Ecclesiates 11:6
Thought: Successful people dont know how to quit. They have the ability to keep on going for five more minutes. If at first you dont succeed, welcome to the human race. Dont quit!
One final thought: It's not how much you work, it's how you work that makes a difference.
WHAT MAKES A WINNER.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Wisdom #3
Psalm 97:10
Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserve the souls of his saints; he delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
Sometimes I sat by myself, questioning if it was really significant to try to live spotless, Christian life. Some thought maybe I became old-fashioned and formal or I am crazy. I wouldn’t go out now to have drinks with old friends, hated smoking, and had no wish to engage in sex joint or bars. I didn’t like going to parties with my old friends just for drinking spree, but I must admit I hated to be alone sometimes. When I was a new Christian, every once in a while, I felt like just giving in and doing what all my peers are doing. Those feelings passed, though, and I felt a special peace and relieve in refusing to give in. Being different is hard. To say not to wrong-doing and evil can be agonizingly difficult. Yet, out God calls us to be different, to stand apart from the crowd. No compromise for evil and to live beyond the daily grind. If we will continue to say no to evil, while saying yes to God, He will save and reinforce us. We are never truly alone if we will only love the Lord. God, I want to do what is right, but sometimes to wrong is very tempting and appealing. Please grant me the power to oppose and hold onto what I know is true. Amen
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