December 25, 2007 9:49 AM
Sam wrote:
Merry, Merry Christmas to each of you. I hope all is going well in your lives, and that Jesus has been increased in them all year long.
Hosea 13. Ya know what....I have become very saddened as of late. Since June, I have struggled daily to make sure I spent a few minutes with God, reading our 'assignments' and blogging my thoughts. This was Tony's idea (about daily reading/emailing of Proverbs) which expanded into other books and the blogs (the first one was done at another site, then this one was created for September. For the most part, all three of you have not come close to a daily blogging. I always hear various reasons, and although some are valid (sicknesses), most are just laziness. The other day I decided to stop doing this at the end of this month. Although I have grown some, I have seen little growth (some spurts now and then) from you guys (especially Tony and Rik). So, I got disheartened and decided to stop this blog.
Then, out of the blue, I got this blog last night which Rich created sometime yesterday. He thanked me for suggesting to look at the brightest star last night, and know that Jesus is right behind it. He said he was going to show that to his daughter and thanked me. Well, I looked last night, but it was too cloudy....but I 'saw' Jesus anyway. And with that 'revelation' and Rich's email, I decided NOT to stop this blog, but to continue it. If not for Tony's or Rick's sake, at least for mine and Rich's. We all need avenues to share. And with the church issues, and some just not attending church for various excuses ("too far', "they don't preach the right stuff", "I'm packing for a trip", "I didn't feel like it", "I'm tired", --and as Paul said--- "and the like."). Yes, I was hurt when no one said, "Yes, I'll join you for church--where are you going?" this last Sunday. But, I'll get over it. Jesus said to hold no grudges, so I won't, but I just needed to get it off my chest. So, for those who want to make a 'new' resolution, I will create the blog daily so anyone who desires can share his thoughts with others to help build them up. Rich is encouraging when he writes. He digs deep into the passages, when not involved in family issues. Rik skims over the passages and offers very little for others. Tony talks about the Scriptures every once in a while, but seemingly not into a daily routine of loving God. Maybe we can all do a little better in 08.
To Rich....you asked about a good book to read about Jesus....might I suggest the following book by Charles R. Swindell..."So you want to be like Christ?", subtitled, "Eight essentials to get you there". If you are brave, and want to deepen your understanding of Christianity, read "Misquoting Jesus" by Bart D. Ehrman. BUT, beware....it will present some facts which may cause weak Christians to lose faith, but can cause strong ones to strenghten it. But, for encouragement, read the first book. "That's all I have to say about that." - Forrest Gump Reply to this
December 25, 2007 9:56 AM
Tony wrote:
Because I am not as spiritual as you and I DONT GET SOMETHING OURT OF EVERYTHING I QUIT! MERRY CHRISTMAS Reply to this
December 25, 2007 1:00 PM
Rich wrote:
Mac - thanks. I would be crushed if you stopped the blog. Please forgive me for not doing this daily. There is no excuse. I have noticed that when I do this with vigor each day, I grow. Amazing!!! I see real changes in my life and in my relationships with my wife, kids, co-workers, neighbors, friends. Daily time with God is not just a good idea - it is essential for growth. It is more important than food and water. I better understand: "Jesus answered: 'It is written, man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4:4). Yet I struggle with doing it every day. Shame on me. But thanks to Mac for encouraging and pushing and spanking and smacking and ....
Tony, I want you to think of a Proverbs scripture that you have probably read 5 or 6 times now. Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." It is nice to get a pat on the back and be told that you are doing great. Those times are encouraging but they do not do a whole lot to make us really change in grow. The really better times are when someone gets in our face and challenges us to do better. Even though we might be doing good, our goal as Christians should be to to great! Our God is great. We should strive to be great like him. Mac is just challenging you in a very direct way to be great. How awesome! There are few friends in this world who care enough to say what needs to be said. Like Jesus. He got in Peter's face when needed and look how Peter turned out! When iron hits iron, sparks fly. Feeling get hurt, sometimes even hurtful words or worse happens. But that is okay as long as the sparks that fly cause us to grow more like Jesus. Struggle with challenge, but in the end, be thankful.
I want to share some really amazing things with you. Last night I did read the story of Jesus' birth with my daughter and after we walked out the front door and looked up. Believe it or not, there was one very bright star in the sky directly in front of the house. The sky was mostly cloudy and there was a cool light ring around the moon. I told my daughter that whenever she needs to "feel" Jesus in her life, she should look to the sky for the brightest star and know that Jesus is behind that star. And also that Jesus is in her heart.
Then this morning, while we were opening Christmas presents, my son shared with BJ how much he loves her and how proud he is of her. He said that during his time in the hospital, he realized how hard it must be for her to be in so much pain all of the time and to struggle with taking pain medicine versus being awake and coherent. He told her that he is very proud of the changes she has made over the past year and that this Christmas is the best he remembers in a long time. He also said to both of us that we have been great examples to him of staying faithful and working out our problems during crises instead of just chucking it all. We all cried as he talked. It has been a very merry time here. Reply to this
December 25, 2007 1:18 PM
Rich wrote:
Mac, I just checked out the books you suggested. I ordered both of them. The first looks great. The second looks like it will challenge some things I have been taught and/or told to believe. I read through the reviews of the book on Amazon. The book obviously creates controversy and stirs things up I plan to take your advice and read the Swindell book first. Then I will delve into the Ehrman book. Hopefully you will not have to scrape me off the driveway!!! Thanks for the suggestions. Merry Christmas to you and your wife. I am more thankful than you could ever know or understand for you. Reply to this
Merry, Merry Christmas to each of you. I hope all is going well in your lives, and that Jesus has been increased in them all year long.
Hosea 13. Ya know what....I have become very saddened as of late. Since June, I have struggled daily to make sure I spent a few minutes with God, reading our 'assignments' and blogging my thoughts. This was Tony's idea (about daily reading/emailing of Proverbs) which expanded into other books and the blogs (the first one was done at another site, then this one was created for September. For the most part, all three of you have not come close to a daily blogging. I always hear various reasons, and although some are valid (sicknesses), most are just laziness. The other day I decided to stop doing this at the end of this month. Although I have grown some, I have seen little growth (some spurts now and then) from you guys (especially Tony and Rik). So, I got disheartened and decided to stop this blog.
Then, out of the blue, I got this blog last night which Rich created sometime yesterday. He thanked me for suggesting to look at the brightest star last night, and know that Jesus is right behind it. He said he was going to show that to his daughter and thanked me. Well, I looked last night, but it was too cloudy....but I 'saw' Jesus anyway. And with that 'revelation' and Rich's email, I decided NOT to stop this blog, but to continue it. If not for Tony's or Rick's sake, at least for mine and Rich's. We all need avenues to share. And with the church issues, and some just not attending church for various excuses ("too far', "they don't preach the right stuff", "I'm packing for a trip", "I didn't feel like it", "I'm tired", --and as Paul said--- "and the like."). Yes, I was hurt when no one said, "Yes, I'll join you for church--where are you going?" this last Sunday. But, I'll get over it. Jesus said to hold no grudges, so I won't, but I just needed to get it off my chest. So, for those who want to make a 'new' resolution, I will create the blog daily so anyone who desires can share his thoughts with others to help build them up.
Rich is encouraging when he writes. He digs deep into the passages, when not involved in family issues. Rik skims over the passages and offers very little for others. Tony talks about the Scriptures every once in a while, but seemingly not into a daily routine of loving God. Maybe we can all do a little better in 08.
To Rich....you asked about a good book to read about Jesus....might I suggest the following book by Charles R. Swindell..."So you want to be like Christ?", subtitled, "Eight essentials to get you there". If you are brave, and want to deepen your understanding of Christianity, read "Misquoting Jesus" by Bart D. Ehrman. BUT, beware....it will present some facts which may cause weak Christians to lose faith, but can cause strong ones to strenghten it. But, for encouragement, read the first book.
"That's all I have to say about that." - Forrest Gump
Reply to this
Because I am not as spiritual as you and I DONT GET SOMETHING OURT OF EVERYTHING I QUIT! MERRY CHRISTMAS
Reply to this
Mac - thanks. I would be crushed if you stopped the blog. Please forgive me for not doing this daily. There is no excuse. I have noticed that when I do this with vigor each day, I grow. Amazing!!! I see real changes in my life and in my relationships with my wife, kids, co-workers, neighbors, friends. Daily time with God is not just a good idea - it is essential for growth. It is more important than food and water. I better understand: "Jesus answered: 'It is written, man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4:4). Yet I struggle with doing it every day. Shame on me. But thanks to Mac for encouraging and pushing and spanking and smacking and ....
Tony, I want you to think of a Proverbs scripture that you have probably read 5 or 6 times now. Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." It is nice to get a pat on the back and be told that you are doing great. Those times are encouraging but they do not do a whole lot to make us really change in grow. The really better times are when someone gets in our face and challenges us to do better. Even though we might be doing good, our goal as Christians should be to to great! Our God is great. We should strive to be great like him. Mac is just challenging you in a very direct way to be great. How awesome! There are few friends in this world who care enough to say what needs to be said. Like Jesus. He got in Peter's face when needed and look how Peter turned out! When iron hits iron, sparks fly. Feeling get hurt, sometimes even hurtful words or worse happens. But that is okay as long as the sparks that fly cause us to grow more like Jesus. Struggle with challenge, but in the end, be thankful.
I want to share some really amazing things with you. Last night I did read the story of Jesus' birth with my daughter and after we walked out the front door and looked up. Believe it or not, there was one very bright star in the sky directly in front of the house. The sky was mostly cloudy and there was a cool light ring around the moon. I told my daughter that whenever she needs to "feel" Jesus in her life, she should look to the sky for the brightest star and know that Jesus is behind that star. And also that Jesus is in her heart.
Then this morning, while we were opening Christmas presents, my son shared with BJ how much he loves her and how proud he is of her. He said that during his time in the hospital, he realized how hard it must be for her to be in so much pain all of the time and to struggle with taking pain medicine versus being awake and coherent. He told her that he is very proud of the changes she has made over the past year and that this Christmas is the best he remembers in a long time. He also said to both of us that we have been great examples to him of staying faithful and working out our problems during crises instead of just chucking it all. We all cried as he talked. It has been a very merry time here.
Reply to this
Mac, I just checked out the books you suggested. I ordered both of them. The first looks great. The second looks like it will challenge some things I have been taught and/or told to believe. I read through the reviews of the book on Amazon. The book obviously creates controversy and stirs things up I plan to take your advice and read the Swindell book first. Then I will delve into the Ehrman book. Hopefully you will not have to scrape me off the driveway!!! Thanks for the suggestions. Merry Christmas to you and your wife. I am more thankful than you could ever know or understand for you.
Reply to this