Let's face it, in less than two weeks that "holiday" will be among us. It's easy for those that have somebody that they can celebrate with, to not feel lonely with. I've always seen it as the cruelest of holidays, one for the beautiful, popular, and rich. If you weren't any of those it just felt like rubbing salt in a wound, another reminder that one is alone. Until I realized that I was looking at the wrong day.
See, my Valentine's day is what others refer to as Good Friday. It's the day that my Prince Charming held out His arms and said "I Love You This Much" and died for me. The day that He declared to the world that He would rather die then spend eternity without me (which He did btw). The day that the gates of Hell shattered and death itself couldn't hold one as mighty as Jesus. The world got to see first hand what Love really looks like. And He doesn't stop there but continues to bless and Love those that love Him.
I belong to Jesus, heart, mind, and soul. I am His valentine and He is mine. Jesus never came to the earth to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17) and that includes you and me. So if you're feeling unloved this February 14th, just remember the one that died for you. If need be, watch the Passion and get a glimpse of what true Love really looks like. The thought of spending eternity without you tears at His very being. That's what kept Him on the cross, the knowledge that the cross is the only way to make it happen. Happy Valentine's Day everyone.
God Bless and Remember to Always be a Snakebird.
God's Cole
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Monday, February 3, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
A.R.K. Building 101
According to Better Homes & Gardens Feb 2014 issue, February 10-16 is Random Acts of Kindness Week (or as I like to say Acts of Random Kindness-ARK). It's a great idea to get people to be more aware of others around them and to help them out, pay it forward. Wonderful for non-Christians but for the Christian I have a question. Why are we not already doing this on a regular basis?
In the bible we are told things like "love your enemies", "love your neighbor as you love yourself" and "what you do for the least of my brethren you do unto me". We are to be living in a way that honors God and to follow the example given us by Jesus. How can we tell people that we are followers of Christ if we are not setting the example to them? Seriously, would you want to follow the belief system of somebody who shows you no respect or won't even say things like thank you, sorry, please, and your welcome? Or instead somebody who apologizes when they bump into you, holds the door open for you, and smiles and says hi to just about everyone they come in contact with? You could very well be the only bible they read, what are you telling them about God through your actions?
Another point is there are a lot of complaints about how the world is, governments, finances, crime, and the list goes on and on. One of the sayings that I live by is "everyone is either part of the problem or part of the solution, which do you choose to be?" and that is my question to you. For those in America, are you blasting Obama on Facebook every chance you get or are you praying to God to heal our country? Do you complain about how this world needs more compassion or are you showing compassion on others? In other words, less talk, more walk. BE THE CHANGE THAT YOU WANT TO SEE IN THIS WORLD! No matter how small it may seem to you, everything that you do to help another will make this world gentler. And God doesn't measure things the same way that we do. Think about it, wouldn't it be great to be rewarded in Heaven for things that we forgot that we even did. Every action, every step either advances or hinders the Kingdom of God, there is no neutral ground.
So the two big basics of starting to build your ARK. First is to desire to honor God with your life. You won't be perfect but that is no excuse to not do your best. Easiest way to do that is to keep it REAL. R-Read your bible. How are you suppose to know what is expected of you if you don't take the time to find out? It's more than just your Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth but also the most amazing, fantastical love letter of all time. And it's from God to you. E-Encounter the author. Pray, communicate. Jesus isn't a religion but a relationship. Every relationship needs open two way communication to work. Pray to be the change that the world needs, pray that He guides you in becoming that. A-Assemble with other believers, attend church. Watch the examples around you at church, engage with them, join a bible study. Make those that are speaking and influencing your life be those with a heart for God.
Second is the L-Let others know. I don't mean with lip service but through your life. Hold the door open for the person behind you, say thank you to your waitress, compliment a stranger, you are allowed to start small. Ask God to show you ways in which you can serve and then do it. When somebody isn't receptive to your kindness or they are flat out mean/rude don't let it stop you from continuing reaching out. Noah had a lot of ridicule thrown his way when he was building his ark. God will reward you and that is the only reward needed.
Yes, I have seen Evan Almighty, that's why I prefer ARK over RAK. This is something that everyone has been called to.
God Bless and Remember to be a Snakebird.
God's Cole
In the bible we are told things like "love your enemies", "love your neighbor as you love yourself" and "what you do for the least of my brethren you do unto me". We are to be living in a way that honors God and to follow the example given us by Jesus. How can we tell people that we are followers of Christ if we are not setting the example to them? Seriously, would you want to follow the belief system of somebody who shows you no respect or won't even say things like thank you, sorry, please, and your welcome? Or instead somebody who apologizes when they bump into you, holds the door open for you, and smiles and says hi to just about everyone they come in contact with? You could very well be the only bible they read, what are you telling them about God through your actions?
Another point is there are a lot of complaints about how the world is, governments, finances, crime, and the list goes on and on. One of the sayings that I live by is "everyone is either part of the problem or part of the solution, which do you choose to be?" and that is my question to you. For those in America, are you blasting Obama on Facebook every chance you get or are you praying to God to heal our country? Do you complain about how this world needs more compassion or are you showing compassion on others? In other words, less talk, more walk. BE THE CHANGE THAT YOU WANT TO SEE IN THIS WORLD! No matter how small it may seem to you, everything that you do to help another will make this world gentler. And God doesn't measure things the same way that we do. Think about it, wouldn't it be great to be rewarded in Heaven for things that we forgot that we even did. Every action, every step either advances or hinders the Kingdom of God, there is no neutral ground.
So the two big basics of starting to build your ARK. First is to desire to honor God with your life. You won't be perfect but that is no excuse to not do your best. Easiest way to do that is to keep it REAL. R-Read your bible. How are you suppose to know what is expected of you if you don't take the time to find out? It's more than just your Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth but also the most amazing, fantastical love letter of all time. And it's from God to you. E-Encounter the author. Pray, communicate. Jesus isn't a religion but a relationship. Every relationship needs open two way communication to work. Pray to be the change that the world needs, pray that He guides you in becoming that. A-Assemble with other believers, attend church. Watch the examples around you at church, engage with them, join a bible study. Make those that are speaking and influencing your life be those with a heart for God.
Second is the L-Let others know. I don't mean with lip service but through your life. Hold the door open for the person behind you, say thank you to your waitress, compliment a stranger, you are allowed to start small. Ask God to show you ways in which you can serve and then do it. When somebody isn't receptive to your kindness or they are flat out mean/rude don't let it stop you from continuing reaching out. Noah had a lot of ridicule thrown his way when he was building his ark. God will reward you and that is the only reward needed.
Yes, I have seen Evan Almighty, that's why I prefer ARK over RAK. This is something that everyone has been called to.
God Bless and Remember to be a Snakebird.
God's Cole
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