Some nights I find myself waking up and the thoughts begin rolling through my mind. Thoughts of the coming day, things to do, places to go and accomplishments yet to be done. The worries of the world begin set in too. You could call it life in general or even the attack of the Evil One (Devil), but I call an opportunity to call on my God to rescue me and give me peace. Soon after I call on His name and begin to pray, I don’t realize that I have fallen fast asleep. Soon after the alarm clock is going off, calling me to welcome another day the Lord has made.

In short….Praying to God puts me to sleep!

Psalm 55: 22    Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

Scripture, Thoughts?

It seems like more and more people are worried about their well being, their health and wealth. Fighting and arguing about what the government is saying and doing about insurance overhauls and the economical state of our nation. People are speaking out at “Town Meetings” and in the media about their well being and concerns. That’s all understandable, right?

Why aren’t more people standing up and speaking out for our nations Spiritual well being? I’d say that Healthy Fruit versus Sinful Nature has far greater meaning and need in this world, both in our present needs and eternal future, wouldn’t you?

Today is the day to SPEAK UP and have some Fruit!

 

Living by the Spirit’s Power

Galatians 5: 16-26

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the Law of Moses.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

Scripture, Thoughts?

Sex, Drugs and Religion? Rock Stars on God is a collection of hard-hitting interviews about spirituality, the afterlife and our purpose here on earth with some of rock’s biggest names. Not only will you discover insights about each artist’s spirituality, you’ll find a training ground for engaging others in conversations about Jesus.  FEATURING: Metallica Rage Against The Machine Bad Religion Kiss Sammy Hagar The Misfits Godsmack Social Distortion A Perfect Circle Sunny Day Real Estate Nickelback The Get Up Kids Henry Rollins Alice Cooper Drowning Pool Static X Jesse Camp Skid Row Jethro Tull Blessid Union of Souls ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Doug Van Pelt is the founder and editor of HM (The Hard Music Magazine), a 19-year-old Christian hard music magazine that covers hardcore, metal, emo, rock, alternative, punk, ska and industrial music. He has also served as columnist for CCM and and Guitar World magazines. His band, Lust Control, has recorded for two major record labels, releasing two albums. He lives in Austin, Texas.

Books

This is one of those times I wish I could take credit for a great story.

If you don’t know who Christine Caine is, you need to get to know her and the mission that she is on. You can find her at http://www.equipandempower.org and see what she and her husband Nick are up to for the Kingdom of God.

The last time Christine was in Oklahoma City visiting Victory Church, www.vc.tv , she told the story of her daughter and her at at local store shopping for a few things when her daughter asked if she could get a flashlight. Of course that’s understandable, don’t you remember when you were a child how cool it was to shine a flashlight around outside or even in your bedroom after the sun went down? Good times!

Back to the story….. she got the flashlight and with it in hand and it still being daylight, the little girl made a great statement. This is where I’d love to take credit. She said “Mumm (said with an Australian accent) let’s go find some dark to shine the light into.”

Isn’t that what Jesus wants us to do? Find some dark to shine His light into?

Are you that shining light?

Being the light is good!

 

Genesis 1:2-4 

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

 

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.

 

John 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

 

Matthew 5: 13-16

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

 

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

 

Scripture