When is "Bad" Really Bad???

As a person who spent many years as a "smoker", I will spend the rest of my life as a recovering nicotine addict. Usually, my days don't consist of fighting the urges anymore (been without for several years now). However, being around smoke-filled rooms and just basically around many smokers this week, the urges have been quite difficult. My relation to Scripture today comes in this question to each of you...when is "bad" bad to each of us? What is your major crutch or stumbling block that you must lay down each day?

I am brought to the verse in James 4:17..."Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." Doing good isn't always the easy thing, is it? But when the Spirit impresses on our heart, it is obvious what we should be doing or not doing.

This is such a difference from what we are being taught in the world, right? In these times of "do what feels good", "do what you want to do", and basically "you are your own god"...we have this mis-guided thinking that we are in charge. How far from the truth that really is. There is a big difference between having free will and doing right or wrong.

In my battle against my addictions, I have found the only way to find victory is to ask God for His power and strength everyday. The days I get up and forget to ask for help, I struggle. It is a daily thing...not unlike we are supposed to have.

My question for you today again is...what are you battling with today (or everyday)??? And, how do you or will you claim victory over it???

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

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made...

This week, I've had a verse brought to my mind numerous times and thought maybe I should take a few moments to share. Somebody may be going through a difficult time...and this could be just what could help.

Let's take a quick look into Psalm 139...verses 13-16..."For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."

These verses have been used in our Vacation Bible School teachings, and were also the theme for the Louie Giglio talk we went through in our latest College Bible Study. Isn't it amazing to think that the Creator of all things has been involved in our lives from the very beginning moments of our existence? I mean, from conception all the way up to the last breath you took, He has been watching and playing a vital role in your existence.

I know it's easy to think you're all alone in this walk through this world, but please don't forget the Creator has been watching over you even from the days you spent in your mother's womb. And, when we take a deep look into the makeup of our human body, it's obvious we are much more than something that occurred through evolving from a pool of slime, but have been REMARKABLY made!!! Don't take yourself or the Lord of all creation so lightly.

Let's take a look at how the Amplified version states verse 14..."I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows rght well."

Take some time to praise your Maker and Designer...the wonder of birth has made life possible for us all. Not only can we fathom at the wonder of the expanses of the universe, but be amazed by the creation that He has made you to be. If you ever get the chance, watch the video series "Alive" by Louie Giglio...it will amaze you at how fearfully and wonderfully made you truly are!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Transformation Study Bible - review

This review will be my first of any form of Bible. The Transformation Study Bible has truly been a blessing in my quiet times, as the translation is well-done and the added features with this version make scriptures literally "jump off the page".

Many of you will recognize the name of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe from his "Be" series. His thoughts and commentary are throughout this Study Bible, adding some depth to your personal times in study and meditation. Each book begins with a detailed outline, including the theme, key verse and overall breakdown. Throughout this edition, you will come across “Catalyst” note sections, in which Dr. Wiersbe challenges the reader to make true “transformation” in a personal way.

This is my first read of the New Living Translation, and I find the scripture easily readable and also good for memorization. Some translations are easy to read and understand, but the memorization is difficult at best. That would seem to hinder the ability to hide the Word in our hearts, right?

I would give this translation a 4 out of 5, but with this study version, would upgrade to 5 out of 5, a must-have for anyone who is looking for added depth in their personal, daily Bible study time. For more information on this book, or any others from Davod C. Cook publishers, check out their site here.

New Layout

Just wanted to ask for your personal ideas on the new layout and design of the blog. This is my second try at re-vamping the look of the blog, and I thought I would take a totally different approach at the whole visual concept. Thanks for your continued prayers and I have an idea for my next post, plus several reviews that are overdue. Have a blessed day and please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Where to from here???

As I sit thinking about the coming graduation and all the hopes, dreams and ambitions for those walking across that platform, I also think about the necessity of not facing the future without following that which has been taught since your youth. I know not all the graduates have been raised in Christian homes, but for those that have it would be tragedy to just "grow out of" the teachings learned from parents via Biblical standards.

Looking at setting a goal for the future, my mind goes to Philippians 3:13-16, which reads..."Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do , forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,(14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (16) Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing."

Here Paul is talking about not dwelling on those things in the past and working toward the calling that God has placed in his life. Sometimes, when we get out on our own, we decide that we know better than what we have been taught under our parents tutelage. Am I the only one who went that way and found out they really duid know what they were talking about? Do you notice in verse 15 it states that if someone is other minded, the truth shall be revealed by God? That's an amazing thing to think of. If we are honestly seeking the truth...through prayer and searching the Scripture...God will reveal it to us. But we must also stick to what we have learned (Biblically) and walk accordingly.

As many of you know, I like to look at what the Amplified version says, as often it brings more depth. Here's how it ptranslates the same passage..."I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, (14) I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward. (15) So let those [of us] who are spiritually mature and full-grown have this mind and hold these convictions; and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also. (16) Only let us hold true to what we have already attained and walk and order our lives by that."

Paul says he is far from perfect, but he keeps his eyes forward...looking at what God has ahead instead of dwelling on the past. Any of you know someone who always talks about the "Good 'Ole Days" all the time? They tend to just meander through life with no rhyme or reason. They are living in the past. I am not saying to forget what has happened in your life, but if we dwell only on what has happened, how can we be prepared for action that is to come?

So, not only is this a message for those who are entering into a new phase of life, but also those of us who get sidetracked by the fun times of years past. Let's remember those times with fondness, but keep heads up and looking to reach the mark the Lord has in front of us.

Oh, and by the way...Congratulations, Class of 2010!!!

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