Sunday, January 11, 2009

Day 4 - Made to Last Forever


This journey has not been easy. The questions are causing us to look deep within our hearts to find truth- about ourselves and about God. In the past several days we have come to understand God's unfailing love. He loves you so much that He created you. You are intentional in design- and He will never give up on you.

Please listen to this song by Chris Tomlin, titled "Unfailing Love". Meditate on the words. It's beautiful!








This is for those who don't have the capability to listen to this song.
Here are the verses and chorus:

You have my heart
And I am Yours forever
You are my strength
God of grace and power

And everything You hold in Your hand
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My unfailing love
Unfailing love

You are my rock
The one I hold on to
You are my song
And I sing for You
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DAY 4

Point to Ponder: There is more to life than just here and now.

Verse to Remember: "This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever." 1 John 2:17 (NLT)

Question to Consider: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?


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6 comments:

  1. This is a harder one, not chapter two hard, but hard. I could say smoking, but in eternity, will I have a body to smoke up anyhow? Right now, I can't wait to graduate, so that I can have the time to sit and meditate and reflect on nature and what God has given us.
    Today, I find that when my day is over (classes are out and I'm home from work) that it has only just begun. Going to class is the simple part. Once I get home I have to study and read and do homework and projects and prepare for the next day of work. I don't even have enough time for half of what is expected of me. I dream of the day when I have a "9-5" job that once I am gone -- I am gone. That I can come home and appreciate what God has given me instead of learn learn learn learn learn....Sure, If I take the time out now, my grades will suffer and they're not that high to begin with.
    I know that Lynn's could relate. Instead of a constant learning environment, she is constantly caring for her children. Do you find the time to sit with God, with your full attention, without feeling guilt about things that still need to be done?

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  2. Day 4's study reminds me of the movie, "The Matrix". You blindly live out your life, worrying about your job, wearing the best clothes, dealing with life's delusions and tempations- in reality, it's all a mirage. There's a whole new universe with deeper possibilities.

    It is very easy for me to obsess over never having enough money or dream about what it would be like to have lots of money, to have a bigger house, more exotic vacations, nicer cars(we truly do need a nicer car than what Lynn calls the Gold Hoopty.)

    I know I can get caught up in the gossip, the personal conflicts... politics of life, when I should be investing in harmony with one another.

    Having learned the truth that God wanting us to spend eternity with him should motivate me to share that with family, friends and those around me. I want them to have the same security and eternal relationship with God.

    I need to maintain my body better. Not be a muscle-head or a vegan, but to live a healthier lifestyle so I can live longer to see my kids grow up.

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  3. This chapter was great for me too. Even though I am a christian and know where I'm going when I die I still worry about death! I think it's the kids, husband, what will happen if I go, etc...... I really enjoyed reading this chapter and thinking about how even those moments spent worrying are just more moments I could be spending doing something great for God. I am not in control and I need to be at peace knowing where I'm going when I leave this Earth!

    The one thing I should stop doing today? Oh boy, how about the ten things! I think that the biggest thing I could do is start remembering that God loves ALL his children- which means my enemies (loosely- I should say people I have conflict with). They are wonderful and precious in his sight and who am I to dislike God's creation? Boy- can I hold a grudge! I think that it would be huge for me to let go of people hating and realize that they must be miserable and need God so badly to do things that hurt me- and that should make me sad for them and pray for them. He created all of us- none better than the other.

    The one thing I should start doing? Loving more! Loving my kids and husband and neighbors and friends to the best of my ability. I do love my husband and kids- but I can always love more. It's a daily choice to live for others and usually there are selfish decisions I make every day.

    In answer to Evie- we actually had a great message in church today that has an answer to your question (then I'll give my personal answer). Do everything you do to glorify God- even if it's washing dishes or studying or typing up an assignment. Do it to your best ability and keep a great attitude and know that your work and responsibility is pleasing to God. Wonderful things can happen even through the most mundane things. That's one way to spend time with God in a busy life.

    Myself personally? There are days I don't spend "time" with God until night- when I pray. I try and pray throughout the day when I need to- thankful prayers, requests, thoughts, whatever. Ideally we should try and set aside time to read the Bible- "be in God's word"- it's furthering our wisdom and always gives us more insight into ourselves. That requires a lot of sacrifice- and sometimes you just can't do it. Even reading a couple minutes a day or getting a daily devotional book would be pretty quick. I know you take long walks to class- prayer is a great way to connect with God and that might be a good time for you. Everyone's human and selfish- and it is easy in our lives to justify not doing it. This chapter was a great reminder to me that I will be held accountable for my deeds when I die- which means maybe I should be more diligent. I get overwhelmed about neglecting things every day when I choose to make time for myself and God. Don't fall into that trap. So your house is a mess, or you didn't do everything you aspired to that morning. Your time with God and giving yourself time to be at peace is more important. Jeff loves to quote the verse "Be still, and know that I am God". He wants us to do that. He wants us to have time to just sit in reverance and know that he loves and created us. Those are just my thoughts- Evie I hope they are encouraging to you.

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  4. This chapter was so nice to read, especially with Mike's father passing on Friday. I am so happy for him to be where he is at now. I just know he is in heaven! It helped reading our brain can't fathom eternity, "it would be like trying to describe eternity to an ant." The door to eternity will be the last hour of your time on earth, I believe this meant let go let God feel God and it's basically the most peaceful time of your life because you've finally let go which is what we should do now but most people don't do until that last hour. It's great to know of this and to know we have the opportunity to possibly live many more years realizing this and not just for the last hour. I've heard a lot lately about the last hour of peoples lives I just never knew of it as the door to eternity. I need to start reading the bible.

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  5. Colleen,

    Our family is truly sorry to hear about the loss of Mike's dad. We will be praying for Mike as he adjusts to not having his dad here on earth.

    May God give you both strength and peace.

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  6. Thank you very much.

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