Seeds
Jesus used parables as a powerful teaching tool. The gospels are filled with parables ranging in meanings. I think one of my favorites is the parable of the farmer scattering seed. Read this very closely:
"listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across the field, some of the seed fell through a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn't have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still, other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted and grew and produced a crop that was 30, 60, and even 100 times as much as had been planted!" mark 4:3-8(NLT)
I just love this parable. Jesus goes on to explain and says that each seed represents those who hear the message of Jesus. Read it again and think about it.
I think the third example about seed falling among thorns is very interesting. Jesus describes this kind of person as someone who hears Gods word but gets caught up in the troubles of this world and the "lures of wealth."
What kind of seed is your faith? Is it producing beyond what was planted or is it just keeping stuck in shallow soil? Take an honest look at your faith and decide this for yourself! It's so easy to get off track. Our faith must be deeply rooted!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
How is everyone? I'm doing excellent thanks for asking!
We serve an awesome God. He sent His son to show us how to live and to take the sins of the world. The things of the Lord are very contrary to the way the world does things. I promise if you take some time to read the book of Matthew, you will read things that you wouldn't believe were in the bible because when youre only told of things that happened in the bible, things are left out. You will begin to see that our lives don't really line up with the Bible as much as we thought they did. You'll understand that the point of picking a church isn't choosing whichever one lets out first so you can get a jumpstart on lunch.
The 'created' come together to worship and somehow the focal point is towards other 'creations' when the CREATOR is waiting so desperately for us to truly worship Him.
I think this happens a lot. We alter the purpose of church. Church should be a small supplement to our weekly intake of building a relationship with the Lord. There's a lot of anemic Christians. They aren't getting there weekly dosage of God(not that there's a certain amount).
Praise God for the grace He shows us each day! We need a generation of Christians to come alive for Christ! Theres a lot of dead people walking into church. Let's be the people that has light beaming from us because of the joy we have in the Lord!
We serve an awesome God. He sent His son to show us how to live and to take the sins of the world. The things of the Lord are very contrary to the way the world does things. I promise if you take some time to read the book of Matthew, you will read things that you wouldn't believe were in the bible because when youre only told of things that happened in the bible, things are left out. You will begin to see that our lives don't really line up with the Bible as much as we thought they did. You'll understand that the point of picking a church isn't choosing whichever one lets out first so you can get a jumpstart on lunch.
The 'created' come together to worship and somehow the focal point is towards other 'creations' when the CREATOR is waiting so desperately for us to truly worship Him.
I think this happens a lot. We alter the purpose of church. Church should be a small supplement to our weekly intake of building a relationship with the Lord. There's a lot of anemic Christians. They aren't getting there weekly dosage of God(not that there's a certain amount).
Praise God for the grace He shows us each day! We need a generation of Christians to come alive for Christ! Theres a lot of dead people walking into church. Let's be the people that has light beaming from us because of the joy we have in the Lord!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Encouragement
I'm a weird person. I'm sorry if you thought I was the coolest person in the world and now your heart is broken. I haven't written a post in a while and the reason for that is because I didn't think anyone read it. I had been somewhat discouraged and so I just stuck to sending out text messages to get out what was on my mind. Well someone extremely important to me informed me that the blog had helped them in more ways than I knew. I honestly did not expect to hear that from him.
So now I have been re-energized with passion to get my mind out there. I feel like even if just a few people read it, they might gain something from what I have to say. And so even if just this one person reads it every week and becomes inspired to do something for the Kingdom then it's worth it.
So expect more posts to come in the very near future. And thank you to the person that gave me an unexpected emotional lift today. I love every single one of you and if there is anything at all I can do for anyone, then let me know.
I'm here to serve you!
So now I have been re-energized with passion to get my mind out there. I feel like even if just a few people read it, they might gain something from what I have to say. And so even if just this one person reads it every week and becomes inspired to do something for the Kingdom then it's worth it.
So expect more posts to come in the very near future. And thank you to the person that gave me an unexpected emotional lift today. I love every single one of you and if there is anything at all I can do for anyone, then let me know.
I'm here to serve you!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Being a Christian is cool?
I was just facebook creeping and I went to a few pages and noticed that some people who I am somewhat friends with, were Christians! I mean, these are not my best friends but if I saw them in the mall or at mcdonalds, I would for sure say hi. But this was just a shock to me because I had no idea! I feel somewhat bad for having no idea they were believers but I'm not sure if it is all my fault. I am sorry if I'm treading in dangerous waters but I feel like Christians should stand out from others. The norms of this world should not be the norms of our lives. I kept looking a little and I realized that it was extremely hard to find a profile on facebook that didn't say Christian on it. Go ahead and try it out! You might be able to count 8-10. I can't even blame these non-believers though. We Christians haven't shown them anything appealing that would give them the desire to become a Christ follower. We have done a poor job at being a steward for Jesus.
I've heard people say that religion is just in place because people are scared of death and it's just a made up organization to make people feel better. Maybe this thought is popular because we Christians have not given them any reason to think differently. If our lives don't look any different than a non-believer's life, that why would a non-believer want to do what we do? As Christians, we must be different in order to stand out for others to see. We're not intentionally trying to be different but that's just what happens when we follow the teachings of Jesus. I am not scared of death. I love the life that God has given me but I know that this life is nothing more than a season and soon we will be reunited with Jesus.
May we all live our lives in anticipation of Christ returning and may we structure our lives according to the teachings of Jesus. If you consider yourself a Christian, open up the Bible and study it, I promise it will be the most challenging and encouraging thing you have ever done. You will find things in there that you never thought was there and you will see how different the Bible is compared to how it's perceived by the world.
I've heard people say that religion is just in place because people are scared of death and it's just a made up organization to make people feel better. Maybe this thought is popular because we Christians have not given them any reason to think differently. If our lives don't look any different than a non-believer's life, that why would a non-believer want to do what we do? As Christians, we must be different in order to stand out for others to see. We're not intentionally trying to be different but that's just what happens when we follow the teachings of Jesus. I am not scared of death. I love the life that God has given me but I know that this life is nothing more than a season and soon we will be reunited with Jesus.
May we all live our lives in anticipation of Christ returning and may we structure our lives according to the teachings of Jesus. If you consider yourself a Christian, open up the Bible and study it, I promise it will be the most challenging and encouraging thing you have ever done. You will find things in there that you never thought was there and you will see how different the Bible is compared to how it's perceived by the world.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Ministry
When someone says they have been called into the ministry there are lot of things that come to mind. Maybe a pastor or a missionary is the first thing you think of. These are great professions and definitely part of spreading the Gospel but I believe I am being called to take a different route. In James, Paul tells us to take our everyday lives and give it as a sacrifice to God. What does this mean? I believe it means that no matter what we do, it should be to give God glory. If this is not the number 1 goal, then we are wasting our time and energy on things that do not matter.
Being called into the ministry does not necessarily mean that we need to move to mexico or apply at seminary. You do not have to have a "christian job" to be in the ministry. We can bring the ministry into our everyday lives. No matter what you do, do it for the Lord. If you are an insurance agent, be the best insurance agent possible and spread the Gospel to your coworkers and clients. If you play or coach basketball, share Christ's story of redeeming love with your players and coaches. Make it very clear what you stand for and what is the most important thing in your life! You can do amazing things for the Kingdom of God each and every day! It doesn't matter what your profession or occupation is, there are opportunities every day to do something for the Lord.
I believe that as Christians, we are all called into the ministry. Whether we choose to support and embrace this fact is a different story.
Being called into the ministry does not necessarily mean that we need to move to mexico or apply at seminary. You do not have to have a "christian job" to be in the ministry. We can bring the ministry into our everyday lives. No matter what you do, do it for the Lord. If you are an insurance agent, be the best insurance agent possible and spread the Gospel to your coworkers and clients. If you play or coach basketball, share Christ's story of redeeming love with your players and coaches. Make it very clear what you stand for and what is the most important thing in your life! You can do amazing things for the Kingdom of God each and every day! It doesn't matter what your profession or occupation is, there are opportunities every day to do something for the Lord.
I believe that as Christians, we are all called into the ministry. Whether we choose to support and embrace this fact is a different story.
Monday, March 28, 2011
what defines you
What defines you as a person?
This is an interesting question because sometimes the person you want to be is not always the person that other people see you as. This is often times the thing you put the most time into or care about the most.
Sports is sometimes held as too high of a standard in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, sports is great. Through basketball, so many great things have happened and so many awesome relationships have been built that will always been there. But should sports define who we are as people? I'm sorry but at my funeral, I don't want people to say, "welp, Tyler was a decent guy but he was a great basketball player. That was what he lived for." I don't know about you but I think there is so much more to life than being great at a sport. But again, its not bad too be great at sports and to spend time doing it, I just don't think it's the most important thing. One day, sports will not be there and then that will be the day that you have to learn to define yourself because for so long that was how you were defined. Some people never get past this. I've seen numerous documentaries and people in real life who still cling to old trophies and old memories of "the good days."
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, this is not how we are called to live. He calls us to put His Kingdom first and then everything else follows. It's easy to put other things first and then fit God in when it is convenient, or when things aren't going great.
But in the end, the most important thing in our lives, should be our relationship with God and how we treat others. Whatever you are good and passionate at, work as hard as you can in that field and use it as a channel to give God glory and further His Kingdom. Be the best of whatever you do and do it in His name.
What defines you? Is it your job or the sport you play or the person you are married to? Do you believe that this will is something that is worth living for in the whole scheme of things? Do you believe that you are giving God glory in everything you do? Do you make the absolute most of the cards that you have been dealt in life?
I hope on judgement day, God says, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!"
This is an interesting question because sometimes the person you want to be is not always the person that other people see you as. This is often times the thing you put the most time into or care about the most.
Sports is sometimes held as too high of a standard in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, sports is great. Through basketball, so many great things have happened and so many awesome relationships have been built that will always been there. But should sports define who we are as people? I'm sorry but at my funeral, I don't want people to say, "welp, Tyler was a decent guy but he was a great basketball player. That was what he lived for." I don't know about you but I think there is so much more to life than being great at a sport. But again, its not bad too be great at sports and to spend time doing it, I just don't think it's the most important thing. One day, sports will not be there and then that will be the day that you have to learn to define yourself because for so long that was how you were defined. Some people never get past this. I've seen numerous documentaries and people in real life who still cling to old trophies and old memories of "the good days."
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, this is not how we are called to live. He calls us to put His Kingdom first and then everything else follows. It's easy to put other things first and then fit God in when it is convenient, or when things aren't going great.
But in the end, the most important thing in our lives, should be our relationship with God and how we treat others. Whatever you are good and passionate at, work as hard as you can in that field and use it as a channel to give God glory and further His Kingdom. Be the best of whatever you do and do it in His name.
What defines you? Is it your job or the sport you play or the person you are married to? Do you believe that this will is something that is worth living for in the whole scheme of things? Do you believe that you are giving God glory in everything you do? Do you make the absolute most of the cards that you have been dealt in life?
I hope on judgement day, God says, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!"
Monday, February 28, 2011
Are you having a good day?
I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. There are so many factors that go into having a "good" day.
It might be the weather, how much sleep you got, or maybe it's how many things you have to do for that particular day. These are all very common factors on how people determine how good of a day they are going to have.
These are all very uncertain factors though wouldn't you say?
I have been in an unusually good mood lately and that is because of a few reasons. I choose to look at the good things in my life that stay constant. For instance, I have a God who know matter what happens, will love me and always be there for me. I have a family who is there for me and will always love me. I also have friends who are always looking out for the best for me. These things tend to stay constant in my life.
The one thing that always stays constant no matter what is my relationship with the LORD. I know that no matter what happens on this earth, His undying love for me will be there to pick me up in the "bad" times, and during the "good" times he will also be there for me.
I think far too often we only look to God when something bad is happening. We ask him why this is happening and we pray that these problems will go away. Maybe these problems are there for a reason. A lot of times, things that seem to be problems, are really disguised as opportunities for good. I tend to look at things negatively and although I am training myself otherwise I still slip up sometimes.
Look to Him for all your strength because He will never let you down. Train yourself to see problems in your life positively and look for ways to turn those negative situations into positive situations.
Read this scripture very carefully and think about it.. "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory." Psalm 118:14
Isn't that verse awesome!? It makes me feel so good to know that I don't have to do it all on my own. He is there to help me through all situations. He is my strength!
Psalm 118:29 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! He faithful love endures forever."
My prayer is that we all choose to look at the positives in our lives that stay constant and that this will create joy in our lives that spills over for others to see.
I am so thankful for every one of you. I believe that you are reading this for a reason and I want you to know that Jesus loves you and He wants you to enter into a life of devotion to Him. Thank you so much for even taking time to read this. God bless every single one of you!
It might be the weather, how much sleep you got, or maybe it's how many things you have to do for that particular day. These are all very common factors on how people determine how good of a day they are going to have.
These are all very uncertain factors though wouldn't you say?
I have been in an unusually good mood lately and that is because of a few reasons. I choose to look at the good things in my life that stay constant. For instance, I have a God who know matter what happens, will love me and always be there for me. I have a family who is there for me and will always love me. I also have friends who are always looking out for the best for me. These things tend to stay constant in my life.
The one thing that always stays constant no matter what is my relationship with the LORD. I know that no matter what happens on this earth, His undying love for me will be there to pick me up in the "bad" times, and during the "good" times he will also be there for me.
I think far too often we only look to God when something bad is happening. We ask him why this is happening and we pray that these problems will go away. Maybe these problems are there for a reason. A lot of times, things that seem to be problems, are really disguised as opportunities for good. I tend to look at things negatively and although I am training myself otherwise I still slip up sometimes.
Look to Him for all your strength because He will never let you down. Train yourself to see problems in your life positively and look for ways to turn those negative situations into positive situations.
Read this scripture very carefully and think about it.. "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory." Psalm 118:14
Isn't that verse awesome!? It makes me feel so good to know that I don't have to do it all on my own. He is there to help me through all situations. He is my strength!
Psalm 118:29 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! He faithful love endures forever."
My prayer is that we all choose to look at the positives in our lives that stay constant and that this will create joy in our lives that spills over for others to see.
I am so thankful for every one of you. I believe that you are reading this for a reason and I want you to know that Jesus loves you and He wants you to enter into a life of devotion to Him. Thank you so much for even taking time to read this. God bless every single one of you!
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