Making a Life not a living

Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with God.

Day 24 of 365. 

James 1:9-10  Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

DIED A GROCER


Asked to explain the meaning of an epitaph he had written for his tombstone--"Born, a Human Being; Died, a Wholesale Grocer"--the businessman replied, "I was so busy selling groceries, I did not have to get married and have a family. I was successful. But I was so busy making a living, I never had time to live." Many today have a similar problem.

James points out that life is just a vapor and we must spend our time doing important things. He reminds us the man born in low circumstances can be exalted through Christ, and those born in riches should rejoice because they can enter the door of eternal salvation. The door is open to all men without preference. The only key is faith in Christ.

We often need to be reminded that we are creatures of eternity, not of time. We must consider our actions, not in terms of our few short years on this globe, but of that day when we will stand before our Creator and account for the deeds of the flesh. May we constantly remember that we were born human beings and that we need not die in despair. Through Christ we can, and will, live forever. Let us not be so busy making a living that we forget to make a life.

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Whats On Your Mind? 3/12/2012

Everyday when reading my Bible plan, its just been encouraging, the author of this plan write, different short stories pertaining to the scripture for that Day.  The stories allows the reader to see the the entire chapter and gives a clarity to the passage . There are so many stories and scripture to gleam from, that will build up your spiritual walk with God. Scriptures that otherswise would stay hidden due to lack of understanding; Matthew 7:7 Ask and ye shall  receive, Seek and ye shall find, Knock and the door will open.  Another scripture when I heard it again, it was on a Disney Movie, "Sound of Music" it stuck and embedded itself into my mind and heart. And brought to life  in 2010 New Years Eve; Psalm 121
Altho being a Christian since my childhood yet still a babe in Christ.  It took what seem a long time, until God knew I was ready to accept and receive his wisdom.  Jesusbrought clarity to understanding his word. I pray and hope that I will continue strive for the ultimate goal (Eternal Life).  I also pray to stay focus and finish this Bible Reading Plan for a year.
My blog will be about my Bible Reading Plan and at other times reminders and reflection of where I am in my lifes journey.

The clarity of the word of God is uplifting it brings about the changes in a person life, in all things.  God is the sculptor he chips away the things that hinders our growth, its a work in progress.  Thank you Lord  for your love and mercy.

Everyday is a Learning Day.

Every day is a learning day, trying to grasp all that God has instored can be overwhelming. God reminds me; "Be still"! He reminded me in todays scripture lesson. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.


I came across a twitter comment that sort of left me confused, by John Piper, 1 Corinthians 12:3 "No one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except in the Holy Spirit."  Christianity at its core is supernatural.   Ephesian 6:10 answers that question and I am no longer dumbfounded or confused,"Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.


6:11: Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
6:12: For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
6:13: Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.
6:14: Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
6:15: and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
6:16: above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.
6:17: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
6:18: with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints:
6:19: on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,


I am not a theologian, or a pastor, I am but a mere child who is seeking to learn and grow in my spiritual walk with God.  I notice how much of a change has taken place. Often times situation involving a person, prayers to change them would be my constant.  God reminded the need to take a different look at the situation.   The ultimate goal, striving for eternal life.  To Change is to except the truth to see others as God sees us,  to love and pray for them. Thank You Lord Jesus for loving me, for teaching me, most of all for dying for my sins. In Jesus name Amen.
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Draw Near: Day 20

Philippians 4:15 .Listen View Philippians 4:15 in Reader .15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesu
Day 20
Caring

Paul knew the cost and comfort of such care. Philippi was the only church that saw his physical needs and relieved them. He did not have to ask for their help. They saw and reached out. Thus he promised them: And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

A Caring person moves to relieve the person's needs and touch him with his concern most imes without being asked. Caring does cost, but its rewards are eternal. We should look around today and really see the needs of others. Then may we relieve those needs in a practical and loving way. This brings blessing to both giver and receiver.

I remember when I was younger growing up my Dad he was a stern man a giving man with a heart of gold. When he saw someone in need he would give everything, and anything. He instilled that value in us to see the needs of others.