JAARS At A Glance

SPIRITUAL GETAWAY

My training is coming along great.  I've been able to make several new Christian mentors and friends during my studies.  I am able to continually grow in the Lord's guidance through these classes/seminars.

Example today I did what they call a spiritual journey, taking time away from your regular schedule and planning a chunk of time whither it be as long as a day or two or a few hours.  The point is to just break away from the normal routine and have some personal quite time with the Lord, taking time to either read the Bible, another book, worship hymns/songs, ect.  Whatever or however you would like to spend that time.  Maybe you spend it in prayer doesn't matter; as long as you are Christ centered and not worrying about the daily bustle.

I spent my time listing what the things are I am struggling with, what I'm thankful for, and why I love God.  Then I wrote out the 1st verse in the hymnal, "Trust and Obey"

Try it and see what you think.  You have to make it a priority or it will never get done so plan it into your weekly schedule.

Discipline

Here is what God's word says about discipline.


(Show me Deuteronomy 8)
Deuteronomy 8: 5, "Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you.


A parent discipling their child is what we normally think of when we hear this word.  What does discipline mean when you grow out of your parents supervision to have discipline.


(Show me Proverbs 12)
Proverbs 12:1, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid."  


Discipline takes a great deal of restraint.  Those who have good discipline will most likely learn more.


Here in Hebrews 12:11, "The moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."


Here we see how discipline can provide great rewards for those with patience and self-control.

Saturday January 15, 2011

I Chronicles 16:10-12, "Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.  Look to the LORD and HIS Strength; seek his face always.  Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced."

This is a great verse that filled me with joy when I read through it.  We will be surprised how much joy, knowledge, ect. we can find if we just dig in and look around a little bit.  

I have spent the weekend with friends, family, and other Christians.  Today, I spent my morning working with a couple handfuls of men from First Baptist Church of Matthews at the Car Care Ministry.  There we complete simple fixes on auto mobiles. Specifically on lights, fluid levels, brakes, filters, and any other simple tasks that take just need some attention from an knowledgeable expert.  We work out of a shop that is primarily used for fabricating hot rod parts, Fat Mans Fabrication.  (I worked there shortly over the summer.)  The owner started the ministry several months ago to help single moms, battered women, and others in tight situation to be able to get quick repairs at no cost.  This is a great ministry that I support and encourage other too as well.  

I took the rest of the day help my grandpa.  We had a good time working on a couple of his many computers and running errands.  I also took some time to get rid of some pesky ice that was lingering around his house.  

Now I'm getting ready to visit a friend's home church.  I know the Lord is sufficient in all things. He alone is capable of seeing that I am able to accomplish my goals.  I have to pray for His spiritual guidance to direct me to obtaining the budget set for me and glorying to Him at the same instance.  

Another Memerable Weekend is on the Horizon

As we all break away from the daily grind let us remember why we are here.  Through all the distraction and busiest of our lives we're here to mentor others spiritual and build up their own personal relationship with the Prince of Peace and glorify our Wonderous Savior in all thing. 

During this weekend I would like to chanlenge everyone of you to share something spiritual with a complete stranger.  It could be a verse, your testimony would be great, the "Romans Road" to salvation (verses from Romans that speak on salvation), or a simple invitation to a service this weekend. 

Thank you for reading

David

Verses January 12, 2011

I Thessalonians 5:18, Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

This is a great set of verses easy to understand for any believer.  If you do what these three verses say you can easily live a life that is gloifying to God.

Recap
verse 16, Rejoice Always
verse 17, Pray without ceasing
verse 18, Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

This is why we have been put here.  To pick up our cross and use our God given gifts to glorify Him.  Jesus came to this Earth and died for us and by grace so we would be free from eternal damnation.  We should be willing to die for His cause, His glory no matter the cost.

Verses

I Thessalonians 5:17, Pray without ceasing.

Another simple verse to grasp.  Prayer is very powerful tool.  I'm am very thankful to have people willing to pray for my ministry.  I had a great time alone with the Lord yesterday.  I prayed like I've never prayed before.  I can tell I growing more as I dig deeper into His love letter for us.
I've been studying Ezekiel.  A very difficult book to grasp.  I have been looking at commentaries and other resources to help explain the text there in this very confusing book of the Old Testament.