A Son and a Father - A Father and a Son

Proper leadership - Jesus using his power to call these men and bring out the best in their lives.
Contrary to popular belief prayer is not quiet meditation.  Matt. 26:36  Jesus prays in Gethsemane.
Matt 26:39 Jesus said sit here while I go over there to pray.  Praying to the Father , if it is possible let this cup of suffering be taken away from me.  But I want your will done, not mine.  He was not sitting quietly but wanted to be heard.
People, our children learn more from observation of our behavior than through some formal teaching.
We need to speak honestly to one another.
Live the word out before them. Talk about it.
Your relationship with your children is Important.

Christian, Are you ready to be a Christian?

But, but, but, they made excuses in Luke. So in ....
Luke 14:21  The poor, blind, and lame were invited. People who couldn't repay.  So the house would be full. Compel them. People that could not hang around normal folks.  Spiritually blind and lame.
Blessed people fail to recognize the hand of God! They become forgetful.
We need to put God first in our life.  Always have a dependence on God.  He needs to be formost in our life.  We die spiritually if we do not share our faith continuously.  No matter where we go bring flyers and give testimony about what he has done in your life.
Being involved with Christ is a lifestyle.  Drive of discipleship, man or woman that wants to be used. Its a Heart thing.  Having same passion, same spirit, like-minded. Be like Christ, but be you!,

Christian, Are you a Christian 2

Christians that say they are Christians, 94 per cent do not live Christian. We do not do Jesus really good.   We do church good.  But were not being changed. Healthy people never make excuses.  We need to take responsibility.  We are responsible for our own conduct.
Matt. 4:18-19  it was a radical decision, being sold out for Jesus.  They put Jesus first and left everything behind.  In that day and time they new what it meant.  That was in the beginning. Discipleship which is an invitation to participate.
Now in our lives it takes 20yrs to get to the starting point. Its always according to our terms.  We are not interested in the Kingdom of God.
What kind of Christian would I be if I didn't make excuses!

Are you really a Christian

James 1:22   Being doers of the word, not just hearers, deceiving yourselves.

We become transformed hopefully.

Rom. 12:1 Body as sacrifice, surrender holy and acceptable to God.

Jesus was a model of discipleship.  You have to get involved in peoples life.  We need to do what God is doing. He gives us an open invitation to participation. We can receive it or not.

1.  We have to have total surrender, leaving all material possessions
2.   Being taught by the master
3.   Totally available. Living life for yourself does not glorify God.
4.   Your occupation should not be your top priority.
5.   Relationship with Jesus is number one over family and friends.

Bullets or Blanks II

1Sam. 30:1-3 David lost everything.  Burden of leadership. After all the losses he finally learned dependence on God.  You have to get to a place where you let God guide your life.
Gal. 5:22 Walk by the spirit.

Prov. 29:18  When people do not accept divine guidance they run wild.
We have elevated emotions above God, God's will.  The truth about emotions, they can lie to us...they can deceive us.  Sometimes we put ourselves in places where we shouldn't be.

Get spiritual help, a pastor, a christian counselor, get a mature wise friend involved. You must have a working relationship.  You need to get help in the beginning of problems, instead of when you are on the bottom.
Heb. 13:17  Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel.  They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God
When we seek God's guidance for our lives in the daily routines, then it's easier to turn to Him in the real crises of life.
Matt. 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread...its seeking God...on a consistent basis.

Bullets or Blanks

Most men would die for their wives.  The bigger challenge is just living for her, day in day out!
Sacrificing your life for her is not easy to practice, because it requires us to try & put her BEFORE OURSELVES!
We must allow Jesus Christ to live thru us.... TO ENABLE US TO LOVE HER LIKE WE SHOULD.
Mystery...of unchanged men...spiritual stagnation?

Malachi 2:14   You cry out, " Why doesn't the Lord accept my worship?" I'll tell you why!  Because the Lord witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young.  But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows.

Malachi 2:15  didn't the Lord make you one with your wife?  In body and spirit you are His.  And what does he want?  Godly children from  your union.  So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth.

Is the Resurrection Enough?

You will face moments in your life, the most difficult, painful, confusing, heart-tearing, gut-wrenchinig, life-shattering moments....Where you will have to ask yourself, "Is Jesus going to be enough?  To see you through it all?  Because He's all you'll have.  Is the living God all you need?  Who lives in you?

We all have to face that moment.  The truth is, He is more than enough!!!

Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles.  They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.