Question of the Day ??

Which would you rather have, a penny doubled every day for a month, or a million dollars?

Thought of the Day !!

If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
1 Corinthians 13:3-7 (The Message)

Love cares more for others than for self
Love means giving of ourselves as well as giving up stuff such as our time or our possessions for others.

Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have
True love means being happy for others when they earn something. It means not being envious.

Love doesn’t strut
Can you truly show love when you are showing off how good you are?

Love doesn’t have a swelled head
Love means not thinking ourselves better than others. We display the love of Christ when we welcome anyone into our churches, our homes, or our lives without paying attention to their looks, their lifestyles or their past.

During a worship service while I was at seminary, a student spoke about how he had visited a prison a few times. He felt that the person he was going to see needed to be brought Christ. And this is understandable. And it is true. But what this person also said was that he never realized that he would meet Christ in the one he visited. You see, it doesn’t matter what color someone is, where someone has been, who they have married or are dating....we need to always look for Christ in whomever we come in contact with. And if we have a swelled head, thinking we are better than them, we cannot do that.

Love doesn’t force itself on others
Love is not something that someone can be forced to have. You cannot hold a gun to someone’s head and say love me or die. The other may claim to love you, but what kind of love would it be. Instead, we must learn some of the by products of love like politeness, kindness and patience. These will help us to love as Christ loves us.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

What would you suggest as tomorrow's "Question of the Day ??"

Thought of the Day !!

If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
1 Corinthians 13:3-7 (The Message)

Love never gives up

A lady sits anxiously waiting for a call or letter. Her husband has gone overseas to some country she has never heard of, in a war that she never wanted to happen. He is listed Missing in action. But she will not give up. There is a bond between herself and her husband that won’t break until the day he arrives at her door and she finds herself in his arms.

A crowd cheers on a handicapped boy who is so close to the finish line. Even though the race has long been over, the other runners come back to encourage him. When he sees that no one else has given up on him, he finishes the race and is celebrated just as if he were the victor.

True love never gives up. Just look at the father of the prodigal son. Do you remember in the story how the son takes everything and leaves. But when he comes back, the father sees him from far off and is filled with compassion. I have to believe that the father was always looking over the horizon. He never gave up.

Look at Jesus. He had every right to give up on the motley crew that he had surrounded himself with. They never understood, they were always saying dumb things. Yet it was because of his love for them that he never gave up.

Is there anyone that you've given up on? Is there anyone who you need to give a second chance? Remember that God doesn't give up on us. So we should learn from the Master of Love.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

Which book of the Bible do you most enjoy reading?

Thought of the Day !!

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:16-20

There are two things that caught my attention when reading this passage that is often call the Great Commission. First of all, there are only eleven disciples at this time. We know that the original number of disciples was twelve and that Judas (the betrayer) killed himself leaving eleven. We also know that one more was added in the book of Acts so that the number would again be twelve. But why?

This is because twelve was considered to be a perfect number in biblical days. And just as twelve was a perfect number, eleven was an imperfect number. But we see here that Jesus is speaking to the eleven. It is an imperfect numbered group being sent out to do the perfect mission.

This made me think of the Church. Ever since our beginning, we've been imperfect, splitting between east and west, Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, and denomination after denomination. The things that we've done in the name of Jesus have been atrocious. Yet still God is using the imperfect Church to carry out the perfect mission of making disciples, baptizing and teaching to obey Christ. Why God picked such an imperfect group is beyond me. But He did. And so it's up to us to bring the gospel (good news) to the world.

And secondly, we must go. Notice that the commission was not to sit in their pews and make disciples. If we don't go into the world that needs Christ, even when it means going places we're not comfortable, then the world will never receive the good news. And it will be our fault.

Go into the world and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey the commands of Christ. Go into the world and bring Jesus to those who need him. Go into the world and you'll never be alone. Jesus will not only be with you. You might just find out that he was there before you.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

What's the meaning of life in five words or less?

Thought of the Day !!

If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD -- and he will repay you!
Proverbs 19:17 (NLT)

Where are the poor today? Who are the poor? They range from dying kids in Africa to people still not in homes in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast to people in the lower income areas around your area.

James tells us that real religion is caring for the widows and the orphans. These were the poor who could not take care of themselves in the first century.

We could take this a little further and say that the poor are not only those without much income. There are the poor in spirit, poor in opportunities, poor in hope.

Is there someone today that you need to lend some money to? Is there someone today that might need a helping hand or encouraging word from you? Is there someone that you know that has lost hope or faith in themselves, the system or God?

If we will help the poor, God will repay us.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

How would you describe today?

Thought of the Day !!

Today's "Thought of the Day !!" comes from a friend of mine serving West Laurel UMC. I've spoken of him before and shared his words of wisdom before. I really liked what he said the other day and decided to share it with you as today's thought. God bless. And thanks Roy.

In the love of Christ,
greg


Grace and peace,

Ever have one of those days when nothing seems to go right and you shouldn't get out of bed? When the whole world seems to fall apart? When you encounter problem after problem?

We all do.

Yet, knowing that you do doesn't make me feel any better. What would?

I have to reach down inside and discover the faith that God gives me to believe that this is a day that the Lord has made and that I can rejoice and be glad in it. Faith is that gumption, that motivation, that desire, that pull that makes me throw one foot out of the bed and then the other knowing that I need to get up regardless how I feel.

Faith is the ability to rejoice in the midst of a house that is destroyed by a storm, to find comfort when someone we love passes away, to stand strong with love in the midst of controversy, to continue going down the road when the road behind is filled with broken dreams and potholes.

The writer of Hebrews calls it the evidence of things we do not see. We do not see all or know all, yet we must continue on our journey. Faith in God's promise to be with us, to never leave us nor forsake us, and to be our very present help in time of difficulty allows us to rejoice as the new day begins.

May the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever.



Roy W. Pearson, Pastor

Question of the Day ??

What's been the best movie that you've seen this year (Theater or DVD)?

Thought of the Day !!

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Matthew 5:14-15

In us is the light of Christ. We have two options. We can smother it so that no one notices. Or we can let it emanate from us. Which will you do today?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

Mac or PC & why?

Thought of the Day !!

"For nothing is impossible with God."
Luke 1:37

Not your problems. Not your pain. Not your finances. Not your past, present, or future. "Nothing is impossible with God."

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

If you could do only one of these well, which would it be?

(a) dance
(b) sing
(c) act
(d) play playstation (this one's for John!)

Thought of the Day !!

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.
Exodus 20:2-3 (NRSV)

If asked which of the 10 Commandments were the most important, what would you say? Would it be not to murder or steal? Or would your answer be that all are of equal importance? My answer would be that the first of these commandments given by God is the most important. I believe this is because all the rest depend upon the first.

The first commandment of God to have no other gods before Him is a commandment of relationship and priorities. Anything we worship will be our god (small letter g). And what God is saying is that there should be nothing worshipped before him...nothing put before Him...no relationship held higher than ours with Him.

What we worship is what we place as a top priority. If our top priority in life is getting ahead and making money, then that's what we worship ahead of God. If our top priority in life is entertainment, then that's what we worship ahead of God. And the list can go on and on. God is saying that He wants us to place Him (or our relationship with Him through Christ) as our top priority. All other things must come after Him. And when we do that, they become better. If we want our marriage to be greater, place God first and our relationship with our spouse will be that much better. This can be said about anything in life that we may worship.

Here's a test to see if you are putting any gods before God. Take a look at your time during any given period (week/month/year). Take out 8 hours per night for rest and 40 hours a week for work (NO MORE). Consider all the time other than these two periods to be extra time. What takes up the majority of your extra time? Is it more work or sleep? Is it entertainment for yourself? Is it family functions? What is it?

Then take your checkbook and credit card to see how you spend your money. Take out expenses for food and house note and utilities. Then look at where the left over money goes. What do you spend the majority of your money on?

Is the majority of your extra time and money spent on things that have to do with your relationship with God? Or is it something else? Whatever it is, that is what you worship most. If it is not God, then you've broken the first commandment.

Let us all commit to placing God first today, beginning with our thoughts and prayers.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

What is the worst place you have ever traveled to?

Thought of the Day !!

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Romans 12:10 (NLT)

The key to loving each other with genuine affection and delighting in the honor of others is to have Jesus in our hearts. When we ask Jesus into our hearts, we ask him to abide, or dwell in us, making us more like him daily. And when we become more like Christ, we will genuinely love and honor others.

If you find more joy in honoring yourself than others, you might want to ask yourself if you've really given your heart to Jesus.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

I was reading the book Becoming an Orchard by Bryan Collier yesterday. In it he talks about bringing the unchurched into church. One of the points he made was interesting to me, and I wanted ask your opinion. It was that our churches need to make people who look different and dress different welcome. That is, of course, a no-brainer. And one of the things he suggested is that we dress as those who might be visitors would dress. Even us pastors should, as he puts it, "punt the robe, punt the tie, punt the coat (unless it is cold!)." He goes on to say that he wears jeans or khaki's almost every Sunday.

So the question is this. Is it necessary for the pastor to dress up? Will God strike us down if we dress down? Or should we do as Collier says and "Think about what (our) target person might have to wear and wear the same?"

Thought of the Day !!

Don't long for "the good old days," for you don't know whether they were any better than today.
Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NLT)

We can long for a past when things seemed much simpler...much easier...much better. We can also live our lives in the past trying to relive what happened, only to be disappointed by the fact that we can never truly go back.

We can try to hold on to the past so that we are unchangeable in the future. Or we can treasure the memories of the past, while preparing for the future by making today worth living as well.

Life is ever changing, and when we fail to realize this, we get left behind in despair. Allow God to share His future with you and then go and share that future with others. In doing this we won't complain about today and wish things were like they were way back then. Instead, we will make a future worth living as well.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

Coffee - sweet nector given from God (or) temptation from the devil?

Thought of the Day !!

But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
Genesis 6:8 (NIV)

Go back to when you were little and think about the things you did as a kid to find favor in your parents' eyes. Who didn't run home and show mommy and daddy a picture that they had made in Vacation Bible School or a good mark from a teacher at school? I remember how proud I was when I made All-Stars in Dixie-Youth baseball. But it wouldn't have meant near as much if it were not for my mom in the stands and my dad coaching the team. As little kids we want to make our parents proud.

Now I don't care how old you get, you're still your Heavenly Father's child. He will always look at you and treat you with the same care and compassion that a mother or father treats their child. So if we so desperately want to find favor with our parents here on earth, doesn't it just make sense that we would have that same desire with our Father in Heaven? And the wonderful thing is that He's watching us and paying attention to our accomplishments just as any proud parent would do.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

If you use commentaries, what are your favorites?

Thought of the Day !!

Then King David was told, "The LORD has blessed Obed-edom's home and everything he has because of the Ark of God." So David went there and brought the Ark to the City of David with a great celebration. After the men who were carrying it had gone six steps, they stopped and waited so David could sacrifice an ox and a fattened calf. And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly tunic. So David and all Israel brought up the Ark of the LORD with much shouting and blowing of trumpets.

But as the Ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she was filled with contempt for him.
2 Samuel 6:12-16 (NLT)

Part 2 of 2

Yesterday we discussed how King David worshipped with joy and excitement. Today we will take a look at another character in this passage. Her name is Michal. Michal is introduced as "the daughter of Saul". She is the daughter of a former King. She knows what it means to be "Royalty" and "Kingly". She knows what's proper and what's not.

It's interesting that the Bible here states that she's Saul's daughter instead of David's wife. It's also interesting to me that the Bible has been referring to David by his name only throughout this part of the scripture, but when spoken of as the one seen by Michal, he's "King David". I think we're supposed to notice the distance...maybe even the coldness here. We have Michal looking "down from her window" on this person that she sees not as her husband, but as a King acting like a buffoon. And she is filled with contempt because of this.

How many Michal's do you know that "look down" at others when they don't seem to be acting properly? Could it be that before we answer this question we must pose another, which is "Am I a Michal without realizing it"?

Michal was filled with contempt because David was not acting properly. She was probably terribly embarrassed by this fact as well. In many of our traditional churches today, if someone were to visit and do something outrageous like participate in the worship with words like "Amen!", "Preach it brother/sister!", or "Hallelujah!" they may not be encouraged to come back. In many of our churches if someone gets filled with the Holy Spirit and asks to share a testimony during the service, messing up the order of service, a Michal may claim that they should've planned it.

Michals are ones who think that worship should be reverent and holy. And you know what? They're exactly right. But there's a big difference in reverence and sitting still, face front and not saying a word during worship. To be truly reverent to God, we should allow the Holy Spirit to fill us. Then we should worship in true and genuine fashion. If that is sitting still, so be it. But if that incorporates something else, so be it as well. The key is the Spirit. How will the Holy Spirit work through you if you allow Him?

I guess what's most important to remember here is that we don't want to be Michals who judge others because they worship differently, wear different clothes to church, pierce strange areas of their body, or think differently from us. Michal's future wasn't very bright. The Bible goes on to say that she remained childless throughout the rest of her life. Could it be that God punished her for being one who judged and condemned? Do we want that for ourselves? I believe not?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

What food would most tempt you to be a glutton?

Thought of the Day !!

Then King David was told, "The LORD has blessed Obed-edom's home and everything he has because of the Ark of God." So David went there and brought the Ark to the City of David with a great celebration. After the men who were carrying it had gone six steps, they stopped and waited so David could sacrifice an ox and a fattened calf. And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly tunic. So David and all Israel brought up the Ark of the LORD with much shouting and blowing of trumpets.

But as the Ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she was filled with contempt for him.
2 Samuel 6:12-16 (NLT)

Part 1 of 2

We see here that almost immediately after this expedition has begun (bringing the Ark of God to Jerusalem) that King David begins to worship. He worships by way of sacrifice. The people of his day didn't come to the Temple or synagogue or church. They didn't go out on Saturday or Sunday to hear a preacher preach or a rabbi teach. They worshipped by bringing their offerings to the Lord via the priests of the time.

It is stated that King David wore a "priestly tunic" (a linen ephod). This is a one piece, sleeveless pullover garment worn by priests when they sacrifice.

David shed his royal attire, which placed him as one of importance and one to be held up. And he replaced it with the attire of worship, the attire that showed someone who lifted another up...God. And he worshipped. And he worshipped with all his might, not holding back one bit. He didn't care what he looked like, and he didn't care who saw him, because his worship was not for those around, but for that which was above.

Let us not forget to worship, praising God and getting excited (as David did). When we are excited about worship and give it our all, good things can and will happen. First, if we are a church that is excited about worshipping, others will see it and want to be a part of it. Second, God desires it. I've seen many passages where it's written to worship joyfully and none where it says to come into worship and lulled to sleep. Third, as we come into worship and allow the Holy Spirit to genuinely excite us, we will be filled with the joy of worship like we never knew.

And one more reason for us to worship excitedly and as often as we can is this. When we do so, the forces of evil cringe. For when we're about worshipping God, they can't get a word in edgewise. And they hate it. And that's a good thing.

(Tomorrow - a warning against being a Michal)

In the love of Christ,
greg

Book Meme - I've been Tagged !

DannyG has tagged me with a book meme. By the way, Danny, I bet you thought I'd forgotten or would never get around to it. :) Well, here goes:


A book which Changed My life: John. One small part of a bigger book that we call the Bible. The reason I chose this is that I was reading the Gospel of John when I came back to Christ.


A book which I have read more than once: There are not many, so I may be able to name them all. Mere Christianity, In the Name of Jesus (by Henri Nouwen), The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and Where the Red Fern Grows


What book would I want with me on a Desert Island? A study Bible


A book which makes me Laugh? Dying is No Excuse - a book about funerals in the delta. If you don't think that this is a funny matter, then check out the chapter that illustrates the battle between the Episcopalians and Methodists to outdo each other with the party (meal) following the services.


A book which made me cry? Old Yeller, Where the Red Fern Grows


A book that I wish had been written? Built to Win or MoneyBall - The first is about the Braves organization and the other is about Billy Beane and the Oakland A's organization. Baseball, baby!!!

Or maybe the offical rulebook for Major League baseball...hmmm??


A book that I wish had never been written? Danny had a good answer with Mein Kampf. I think I'll steal his.


A book that I am currently reading? Building an Orchard by Bryan Collier


A book that I have been meaning to read: The Conqueror's trilogy by Timothy Zahn.


We're supposed to tag two others, so I guess I'll tag...hmm...I don't know. I checked out Quotidian Grace's blog to see if she'd been hit yet and liked how she handled it. She said that it was already on so many other's blogs that anyone reading this and hasn't been tagged can consider herself/himself tagged. Have fun, and leave me a comment if you decide to participate.

Question of the Day ??

If you could eradicate one sin in the world, what would it be?

Thought of the Day !!

My dear friend Andy Stoddard posted this thought today and it intrigued me so much that I felt like sharing it with each of you. I pray that we all will be moved...literally...by it. May God bless you this weekend in all you do.

In the love of Christ,
greg


Just a quick thought today:

The great task of the Church is not only to get sinners into heaven, but also to get the saints out of bed.
--A. L. Todd

Today, what will God not be able to do through you and me because we will not make the effort to be faithful?
-- Andrew "Andy" Thomas Stoddard


You can read this and other thoughts at Andy's website - www.midtoil.blogspot.com

Communion

Question of the Day ??

Your day comes and you pass on and go on to glory. Lets say that you get to the pearly gates and see St. Peter standing there. He's got two questions for you. If you answer correctly, you can come in. If not...well...let's just say that you don't want to think about the alternative.

The first question is "What's the most important thing you were supposed to do while on earth?" And the second is "Did you do it?"

How would you answer?

Thought of the Day !!

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Matthew 22:34-40

Did you live out these commandments yesterday? And just as important a question is this. Will you live them out today and tomorrow? If so, how?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Blogiversary

I missed my blogiversary. I just noticed that I've been blogging since July of 2005. Brogreg.com is now just over a year old. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who've found your way to this blog and shared your thoughts, comments and part of your lives with me. It has been a pleasure to get to know crazy folks like John the Methodist and a whole host of others that have enriched my life.

May God bless each one of you in many ways!

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

JESUS - Boxers or Briefs?

Thought of the Day !!

Jesus said to the people, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."
John 8:12 (NLT)

When I was a child, sometimes my friends would be over at night, and we would play a game. My room was in the back of the house away from all the grown-ups and the lighted rooms that they'd be in. One person would be chosen to be "it" while the rest would go into my room and place obstacles like toys or pillows or chairs all around the room. When the room was set up, the lights turned off, and the ones inside were hidden, the other child would come in and try to find the rest. Of course the object was to place as many obstacles in that kid's way as possible.

In the darkness there are many obstacles that we can trip over and fall. They are placed there not by little children, but by the devil. And he's there waiting for us to fall.

But Jesus is the one who brings the light to show us the way around these obstacles. And if we will follow him, it's not that the obstacles won't still be there, but that we will be able to see more clearly how to navigate around them. Or in the very least, we'll be able to see the other side and have confidence that there is safety over there.

Maybe you're stumbling today through a bad relationship or a job that is very demanding. Maybe you've been in the deep dark waters lately that seem to envelope you with the pain of worldly problems. If so, let the Light of Christ shine in front of you. Follow that light and the path will sooner or later become more clear and easy to navigate. The reason for this is that when we follow Christ, wherever we go, He's already been there to light the place up.

May you receive the blessings of the Light of Christ through the good days and the bad days.

In the love of Christ,
greg

NLT differences

Check it out. Both are New Living Translations. The first comes from www.newlivingtranslation.com, which I assume is the official NLT site. The second comes from www.crosswalk.com.

NEWLIVINGTRANSLATION.COM

26 Then God said, "Let us make human beings* in our image, to be like ourselves. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground."

27 So God created human beings* in his own image.
In the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

28 Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground."


CROSSWALK.COM

1:26
Then God said, "Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life – the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the livestock, wild animals, and small animals."

1:27
So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them.

1:28
God blessed them and told them, "Multiply and fill the earth and subdue it. Be masters over the fish and birds and all the animals."


Now guess which one my NLT Bible coincides with.

CROSSWALK --- Weird. I would at least guess that if one were wrong, it wouldn't be the offical site.

Question of the Day ??

If Jesus were to come to you today and give you the opportunity to ask one question, what would that question be?

Thought of the Day !!

Then God said, "Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life – the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the livestock, wild animals, and small animals."

So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them.

God blessed them and told them, "Multiply and fill the earth and subdue it. Be masters over the fish and birds and all the animals."
Genesis 1:26-28 (NLT)

Did you realize that God created you in His own image? If so, what exactly does that mean? Does it mean that God has arms and legs etc.?

Actually, John Wesley answered this question in his sermon entitled "The New Birth". He claimed that we were created in God's natural, political and moral images. First is the natural image of God. We were created with the emotions that God has like anger, sadness and joy. As a part of God's natural image, we were also created as eternally spiritual beings, having a soul that would last forever, just like God Himself.

God governs the universe and everything in it, including you and me. According to Wesley we were created in God's political image, being the caretakers (masters) "over all life - the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the livestock, wild animals, and small animals."

Then the most important way that we were created in God's image is in the fact that we were created with the ability to know right from wrong. This is one of our greatest gifts, as well as one of the most misused. But when used properly, we can go on towards Christian perfection.

I agree with Wesley on these three ways in which we are created in the image of God. But I believe one more way should be added. We are also created in God's relational image. God has been in a relationship since the beginning. "In the beginning was the Word (Jesus). The Word was with God. The Word was God." This shows that Jesus has been since the beginning. Also, we can look to this scripture reading where God says, "Let US make people in OUR image, to be like OURSELVES." God is referring to the Three-in-one here, the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

The Holy Trinity is a triangle in relationship to each other and we are created with what Augustine calls a "God-shaped void" in us. The void can only be filled with the relationship with God that comes through His Son Jesus. In this way, we were created to be in relationship, just like God.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

Would you rather

(a) Watch TV

(b) Read the Newspaper

(c) Take a nap

(d) Go to a water park with a group of kids


* Today I've chosen (d). Pray for my stamina. Us old folks tend to break more easily :).

Thought of the Day !!

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what is good is it?
James 2:15-16

Talk is cheap. If we are to really have the love of Christ in us, then our words will be accompanied by action.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

If you were to have to figure out your top priorities in life what would the top five be?

Thought of the Day !!

Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against (the disciples) and they were battered by the waves. At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror.

But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid."

Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water."

He said, "Come ahead."

Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!"

Jesus didn't hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?"
Matthew 14:24-31 (The Message)

(Part 2 of 2)

The boat is being forcibly rocked back and forth by the wind. The rain is coming down in sheets, which makes it difficult to see anything out in front. A figure appears. It's the shape of a man...but no...that can't be. We're miles from land. The only way for it to be a real person would be for the person to be walking out there on the sea. Of course that's nonsense. No one can do that. IT MUST BE A GHOST!!

Wait. I hear a familiar voice. Did he just say to have courage and that it's...it's Jesus out there? Was it really his voice that I heard tell us not to be afraid?

"If it's really you...then prove it. Call me out there with you."

"Did ya'll just hear what I heard? He said to come! Well, yes I'm going! It's Jesus!"

I would've thought that stepping out of the boat would have been more difficult. But it was just like taking a step on dry land. With Jesus in front of me and my focus solely on him, I can make it.

Wait, what am doing? Did I really get in the water? The waves...the wind...I...I can't see Jesus anymore...oh no, I'm sinking! "Master, save me!"


True, Peter lost his faith while in the water. But let's not forget that he also was the only one to have enough faith to get out of the boat in the first place. It takes the courage that comes from our faith in Jesus to get out of our comfort zones and get our hands dirty doing the Lord's work.

Lets also remember that when Peter began to sink, even through his lack of faith he showed enough faith to call out to Jesus for help. He didn't try to get out of the raging seas himself by trying to swim back to the boat. If he'd tried, he'd died. In our own storms we should remember that it is Jesus that can get us through them. And even when our faith has faltered, if we cry out to Jesus, he won't forsake us.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

What is possibly the worst storm you have ever had to weather?

Thought of the Day !!

Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against (the disciples) and they were battered by the waves. At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror.

But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid."

Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water."

He said, "Come ahead."

Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!"

Jesus didn't hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?"
Matthew 14:24-31 (The Message)

(Part 1 of 2)

The disciples were out at sea when a storm arose. Storms can be dangerous. They can be deadly. They can be scary. They can leave people battered and bruised, feeling a sense of hopelessness. We've all seen this through the aftermath of last year's devastating Katrina.

The disciples were trying to hang on for dear life through their storm when all of a sudden it was made worse by what they could only envision as being a ghost. As if things weren't already dangerous, deadly and scary enough, now they're seeing ghosts. What would they do? Where would they turn?

Ironically, it's the perceived ghost itself. For we know that the ghost is actually Jesus. Jesus speaks to them and says "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid." He makes this claim to his disciples. And he makes it to each of us as we go through our own storms in life as well.

First he tells us to have courage. The Greek here can even mean to be of good cheer.

This by itself means absolutely nothing. It's like me telling a person dying from cancer to cheer up without giving any reason why. But Jesus doesn't end there. He goes on to say that "it's me". He's telling them that the Son of God is who they have with them instead of a ghost.

Thirdly, he tells them (and us) "Don't be afraid." He's encouraging us, saying that because he is with us, that everything will be OK. It may not work out the way we want it to. But then again, things didn't quite work out the way the disciples wanted, or even expected, either. However, things will all work out in the end, for God has a plan.

So when you're weathering your own storm, know that you can gain courage from the one that you have claimed to put your trust in, Jesus. Know that he's there, even when you think things are at their worst. And find your strength and comfort to get you through the fear from Him.

Tomorrow we will talk about Peter and his brush with death on the high seas.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the Day ??

How do you feel about using power point or some other technology like that during worship?

Thought of the Day !!

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
Romans 6:1

Some people believe that after they're saved and baptized that they can do whatever they wish. Paul talks about freedom in some of his letters and these people think that they've been set free from condemnation to live a life as "they" want to live it.

Now this may sound ludicrous to you. But the fact is that there are also those who,though not claiming this belief, go on living the same sinful life after they have accepted Jesus. Or maybe they change for a month or a year or so. Then after a short while they go back to being the same old person they once were. They are the rocky soil that the seed of God's Word was placed in, the soil where it could not take root.

By no means are we expected to be perfect. And by know means are we expected to keep to a rigid law feeling guilty for every sin we commit. Jesus came and died to end both of these things. What He wants from us is to believe and accept the salvation He has for us, while also changing our lives to the best of our ability to be more like His.

In the love of Christ,
greg