Tithe? Pt.2

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all." 1 Chronicles 29:11-12

Some people seem to push everything else aside and dedicate their lives to getting more and more things. They want their possessions to grow bigger. Now, God doesn’t say that having things is bad. In fact, he wants us to experience the joy of our surroundings. But an extreme attitude towards accumulation of stuff is called greed. It’s this attitude that causes us to miss out on so much of the life God has in store for us.

But when we acknowledge the reality that God is the one who blesses us, it causes us to break free from the chains of greed and materialism.

To live the sweet life and be in God’s favor, you need to realize that you are a manager of what you have been given, not an owner. Every one of us is here to simply be good stewards of the things God has entrusted to us. Because when we realize that, we discover the freedom to let those things flow through us so that we can in turn be a blessing to others.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tithe?

"Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." Proverbs 3:9-10

God has given us a tool to help us understand that we are managers. This tool helps us better resist the temptation to think that we are the creators of what God blesses us with. That tool is the tithe. Very simply, the tithe is 10% of whatever comes into your household.

Satan knows that the tithe is a powerful tool in our lives. And he is a master in how he deceives us and convinces us to hoard this resource rather than bringing it back to God. Satan’s goal is to keep us living outside of God’s blessing by whispering excuses into our lives like: “You can’t afford it,” or “It’s ok to just give a little bit after you take care of everything else.”

Whenever you are tempted to play the role of owner instead of being a good steward; whenever you are tempted to keep the tithe for yourself rather than returning it to God, just remember the motives of Satan. He doesn’t want you to be blessed, and doesn’t want you to be a blessing to others. Take care of first things first and always bring God what is rightfully his. Because when you are faithful in the tithe, the blessings you will experience will always be worth it!

Rich?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Think of John Wayne, Martha Stewart and Hillary Clinton. Isn’t it interesting how a name can conjure up certain associations in our mind? Whether or not these associations are accurate will depend on our actual knowledge of that person. The more we know, the more accurate we will be.

When we think of God, we can come up with all kinds of traits that make up his character. But to be accurate, we really need to see God as he is, and then mimic those traits in our lives. One characteristic that is commonly overlooked is God’s generosity.

God’s giving nature is evident throughout the Bible. He illustrates his generosity with the ultimate act of giving, which was expressed through the generous gift of his Son for the forgiveness of mankind. And we need to mirror God’s generosity in our life so that by example, others can be brought closer to God's Son - Jesus Christ!.

Freedom

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.
James 2:12

If you are a Christian, how do other people know? If you boil it down, what evidence shows others that you have accepted Christ as your Savior? It all comes down to actions, how you behave and treat others.

We are saved because of our profession of faith in God and what his Son, Jesus, did for us on the cross. We do not receive our salvation because of good behavior. But our faith should be evident in the things that we do. In other words, our talk and our walk have to be in sync.

No matter who we are dealing with at the time, God expects us to reveal Christ to others. The greatest way to do that is through our actions. God wants us to speak and act in ways that reflect his mercy, his grace and his forgiveness.

As you go through each day, look for ways to mirror the compassion of God. Exhibit kindness in everything you do and say. And readily offer forgiveness to those who have hurt you. Treat everyone as Christ has treated you, and you will discover the life-change that comes from being “judged by the law that gives freedom.”

Spiritual Maturity

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. James 2:8
Isn’t it interesting that this verse assumes we already love ourselves? God doesn’t have to instruct us to love ourselves. He knew that we would do that naturally.

Yet, “the royal law” tells us to put our neighbor into the spot we usually reserve for ourselves; to treat our neighbor the way we want to be treated. This law reflects the nature and character of God.

And if you think about it, if we could just follow this one rule, we wouldn’t need any other laws. There would be no envy, lust, jealousy, anger, materialism. If we obeyed this royal law, we would be living like royalty—set apart.

When you are trying to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ, first make sure you’re doing all you can to follow the royal law. No book or Bible study will do more for your spiritual maturity than doing all you can to love your neighbor as yourself.

Instead of tugging, learn to ...

"...because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" James 2:13

One of the statements or criticisms made by people who don’t follow Christ is that Christianity is a crutch for the weak. But this verse shows that the Christian life is not for the timid. It takes incredible strength to stand up for mercy and to treat others the way God has commanded.

When we clock out of this life, every one of us will stand before God. And it’s then that he is going to judge us; he’s going to make us give an account of every word, thought and action we ever said, thought or did while we were here on earth. And he is going to show us the same kind of mercy that we showed to others.

That is actually a difficult reality to face. When we get cut off in traffic or someone jams us or talks about us behind our back, our instinct is to lash out and get them back, to hold a grudge or wish them harm. But that’s exactly when we need to remember this verse.

God is going to hold you to the same standard you use with others. So don’t judge, and don’t lash out or hold grudges. Instead, release that situation into God’s hands. Exhibit the strength of mercy, which triumphs over all, and then you can truly say you tried to reach people for Christ!

Christian?

The word "Christian" dates back to the early days of the Church, after the gospel had begun to spread throughout the world. The ironic thing is that, originally, the term was meant as an insult toward those who were walking in the footsteps of Jesus.

In today’s culture, the term Christian is one that those who accept Christ as Savior have chosen for themselves. But like then, many Christians still face ridicule.

If you find yourself being slandered because of your beliefs or ridiculed because of your faith, don’t give up hope. And don’t allow it to keep you from reaching out the way God wants you to.

Instead, use the opportunity to show people what it truly means to be a Christian. Let your reaction be to show them God’s love. And pray for them in the name above all other names, Jesus Christ.

Do you have LDD?

"My dear brothers, take note of this. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19

Did you catch the rhythm in those verses? One quick; two slows. Most of us go through life, though, with the order of this passage reversed. We’re quick to anger, faster still to speak and slow to listen. But James is telling us that effective communication doesn’t work that way.

A lot of people have LDD—Listening Deficit Disorder. We’re so busy trying to say what’s on our minds that we miss out on what others are saying. But by interrupting, over-talking and dominating every conversation, we’re missing out on what God wants us to experience; we’re missing opportunities to grow and learn.

It is virtually impossible to listen when you’re talking. When your mouth is running, the listening stops. And the same thing can happen when it comes to our relationship with God. Don’t get so busy telling God what you want him to do that you miss listening to what he’s trying to tell you.

What is...

"Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death." James 1:15

Temptation is deceptively disguised. Just like the bait used by fishermen to entice their catch, temptation looks good—at first.

When we’re lured in by sin, we don’t think about the sting of the hook. So often, we just take the bait because we don’t see where that temptation is leading us. Yet, in this verse, we are clearly cautioned about where this dangerous path leads.

Sin has its kicks. But it also has some serious kickbacks. Don’t allow yourself to fall for the enemies tricks and think that you’ve gotten away with something. Time always reveals the truth and brings sin and its consequences to light.

God wants you to avoid those consequences. But to do that, you need help in recognizing the bait Satan uses to try and lure you away from God’s plan. God is ready to help you identify the areas where sinful desires have started so you can eliminate them before they become full grown.

What does it all mean?

Sometimes, as we read the Bible, it’s hard to wrap our minds around it and make sense of it all. But as we look closely at the entirety of the Bible, we can see that God has a plan for our salvation throughout every page.

The book of Isaiah was penned hundreds of years before Jesus came to earth, and it stands as a testament to God’s overarching plan for our lives today. The arrival of Jesus was not a spur-of-the-moment decision; God had a plan for our salvation all along.

Isaiah prophesied Jesus’ death in graphic detail, hundreds of years before the actual crucifixion took place. He described Jesus as a lamb, which is exactly what Jesus became when He was sacrificed for our sins. God fulfilled His perfect plan at the perfect time.

Since God took such painstaking time to fulfill his plan, it must be a plan worth trusting. When you see the details in all that God has done and said, use that to build your trust in Him. Don’t miss the genius of his master plan. Instead, realize that God’s plan throughout Scripture continues in your life today. And in His perfect time, he will take you where he wants you to go.

Are you truly free?

Rules, by nature, are restrictive. But that can be a good thing in the right circumstances. Restrictions are the pathway to freedom. It may sound paradoxical, but if we look in the context of Scripture, we will see that it makes perfect sense.

God set Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and told them they were free, but they could not eat from one particular tree. God’s rules are designed to protect and empower us, and in that, we find our freedom to choose the best that God has for us.

The New Testament describes God’s rules as "the perfect law that gives freedom" (James 1:25). And in Adam and Eve’s case, the rule forbidding them to eat from the tree gave them freedom to choose a relationship with God.

God gives us the power to choose. We can either choose to enjoy the freedom of a relationship with him, or we can choose a life bound to the destructive ways of this world. The choice is yours—are you truly free?

"The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." Genesis 2:15-17

The Big Picture

One of the most surprising facts that people learn about the Christian faith, is that obedience to God does not equal a comfortable life. Jesus says in Matthew 10, that he did not come to bring peace. He came to bring a sword.

God never promised that we would have it easy in this world. Some of God’s most obedient followers have been imprisoned, tortured and have even forfeited their lives because of their allegiance to Christ.

Most Christ-followers today will not lose their life for faithful obedience. The costs are often more subtle. You may have to sacrifice some social events in order to attend church, or give of your time to volunteer serving others instead of serving your own wants and needs. But these are small inconveniences compared to the ultimate sacrifice that Christ made on the cross.

Don’t let minor sacrifices keep you from focusing on the bigger picture. Consider what the Bible says. "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus sacrificed his life because of the blessings on the other side of the cross. What are you holding on to, instead of sacrificing it so that you can experience the joy of a much bigger blessing? Come to life...

Jesus stated, "No servant is greater than his master." If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. John 15:20-21

Confrontations can be extremely uncomfortable. They are usually filled with a great deal of tension and anxiety for everyone involved. Emotions flare, voices raise and accusations fly. Whether you are confronting someone who wronged you or correcting someone who has chosen the wrong path, it is always one of the hardest things to do.

Jesus understood the importance of confrontation because it reveals the truth. He came to this earth from heaven as the truth to confront sin. He didn’t just quietly walk by people and let them make up their own moral code. He confronted sin in love with the truth of God’s Word.

Christ would not let sin reside in the Jerusalem temple and he will not let it stand in today’s temple. The Bible says that our bodies are modern day temples, and Christ will confront you when there is sin in your heart that is hindering your worship of him. Let him uncover the hidden sin in your heart so that you can enjoy freedom in him.

"So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!” John 2:15-16

Is there a good time to be alone?

What do you think would happen to your body if you only ate one meal per week? You would probably be very sick because your body would not get the nutrition it needs to keep its natural defense system in tact. Your body would be left vulnerable and the slightest germ could result in a total body breakdown.

Many of us suffer from spiritual malnutrition. We come to church once a week and think that we will be equipped to fight Satan’s daily schemes and tactics. But no matter how incredible impactful the message is, it will not sustain you. True spiritual health requires regular spiritual meals. You must spend time with God, regularly dining on His Word—the Bible—and enjoying His company through prayer.

Even Jesus spent time alone with God, His Father. Jesus spent most of His public ministry teaching and talking about God’s truth, letting God work through Him. But He knew that was not enough. Jesus knew he needed to spend regular time with God in order to stay energized and carry out his demanding schedule.

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." Mark 1:35

Are you...

Imagine you are the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, and you were invited to a world-class financial seminar. As the seminar host introduces the guest speaker, you realize they have the credentials of a small village farmer. You may appreciate what the speaker has accomplished in his village. And the speaker’s message may be valuable—it’s just not valuable to you. Because without identification, there is little value.

Jesus realized the connection between identification and value in his teachings. When Jesus taught, he identified with the needs of the crowd. He captivated the interests of the audience because they could identify with what he taught. His FOCUS was to give real answers that would meet the real needs of people.

Before Jesus went back to heaven, he put us in charge of his earthly ministry. He challenged us to share his life-changing love with others and the biblical principles that apply to people’s immediate needs. That doesn’t mean we have to bog people down with a bunch of Christian-ese and historical Bible facts. We just have to take our cue from Christ’s example and provide simple answers for the needs of those around us.

When God says NO!

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’” Luke 19:5-7

Usually when you hear the phrase, “for the greater good,” you know that someone is not about to get what they want. Parents tell their children “no” for the greater good. Leaders go against popular opinion for the greater good. Those are situations that we are more likely to accept. But what happens when God doesn’t answer a prayer for the greater good?

In the verses you read today, Jesus went against what most people thought was the greater good. His actions were always fueled by his desire to do what God wanted. Jesus declared that he “came to seek and to save what was lost.” And in some cases, that meant Jesus had to do something that made no sense to the onlookers.

The reality of a seemingly unanswered prayer can be overwhelming. Why would God not want to honor a good prayer request? The answer is very simple. God always passes over the “good” to make sure we have what’s “best.” The Bible says that God’s ways and thoughts are not like ours. He created us. So trust him as the Creator of your life to make decisions that will impact your life - for the greater good, and don't allow his silence to be mistaken for absence!

Are you on...

Do you find it hard to believe people who say they have the power to heal others? In a society where science is supreme, miraculous healings just don’t add up. Many find it hard enough to accept the healings written about in the Bible, let alone believe in miraculous healings today.

Although the power of God is hard to comprehend, he is just as strong today as he was when the Bible was written. He is still active in the world, healing his creation and empowering believers to carry out his plan. This includes working through the prayers of believers to heal the sick. But God is not a magic genie who is obligated to grant our wishes. He listens to our prayers and works on our behalf within the parameters of his plan.

Do you have doubts that God still heals? That’s okay. Just be sure to bring those doubts to God. Be honest with him while you talk about your belief or disbelief in miracles. God doesn’t want us to compartmentalize our faith. He wants us to have faith in him with all things and trust that he will work everything out for our good. Are you on faithbook?

Amazing Grace

No one is exempt from suffering. It's just a matter of when and how. But no other area of life causes us to cry out to God like suffering does. When we are in the midst of unbearable circumstances, it can seem like God is so far away. Yet, he is usually the first person we call on to relieve us from the hurt and the pain.

While suffering commonly causes us to look for someone greater, it can also cause us to retreat. We often withdraw from others and try to handle our suffering in isolation. But God never intended for us to go through that alone. God cares for us so much that he paid the ultimate price just so he could be here for us and help us work through our pain.

You may be experiencing physical or emotional pain right now. But nothing compares to the ultimate suffering that Jesus experienced on the cross. Jesus experienced pain like none of us can imagine. He actually became sin and had to endure being separated from God.

Jesus knows first-hand what it is like to suffer alone. And he does not want you to have to experience that kind of pain. He overcame death so that we will never have to be separated from God. If you are going through some type of despair, talk to Jesus. Speak honestly with him and allow him to heal you from the inside out. His grace is truly amazing!

"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not."
Isaiah 53:3

Beyond the walls

What motivates you to do what you do? What is your purpose in life? What drives you to serve in the areas that you serve?

There is no doubt that these questions cause you to engage in some serious thinking about your life. Many people tend to go through life without a purpose to drive them. In our society, we often hear phrases like, “Carpe diem” or “You only live once.” We think that serving ourselves is the key to living the best life ever. But we couldn’t be further from the truth.

While Jesus was here on earth, he was not interested in drawing attention to himself. He could have made himself the center of attention in a three-ring circus of miracles and amazement, but he didn’t. He could have leveraged his power for fame, fortune or power, but he didn’t. Jesus’ entire purpose was to point people to the greatness of God.

If we are not careful, the world’s motives will take over our life. When we make it our purpose to bring attention to our own greatness, and attempt to position ourselves in the spotlight, we will find ourselves on an endless search for fulfillment, remaining empty inside. But Jesus came to this earth to model how we can attain the fullness of life. He shows that we should have one purpose, one motivation, one reason for serving - and that is to bring glory to God beyond the walls.

Have you ever asked Why?

It is human nature for us to gravitate toward people we can relate to. Think about most of your friends. You all share the same perspective on life and can identify with each other's experiences. Whether it's connecting with the depths of our pain or celebrating in our successes, we value the ability of others to understand what we are going through.

But no matter how great our friends are, they may not always be available when we need them. And sometimes, even with our closest friends, we still tend to hold back because we're not sure if we can trust them with everything. We're afraid of being judged or think that if we confess a sin, they'll think less of us. But there is one person who we can always count on. Jesus is our most trustworthy friend. From our darkest secrets to our mountain-top experiences, we can share it all with Him.

Christ's time spent on earth allows us to share a deep connection with Him. He understands our battles with temptation as well as our frustrations with isolation. We don't have to deal with the issues of life alone because Jesus is able to sympathize and empathize with our weaknesses.

Don't get flustered about your flaws or hammered about your hang-ups. Why? When we confess our struggles to Jesus, He will unload his strength and grace in our lives. Our all-access connection with Him gives us the confidence we need to know that we can depend on Him. Whenever we need Him — He is there!

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16

Jesus the Carpenter

There is no doubt that Jesus was a phenomenal teacher. But sometimes it's overlooked that Jesus had a non-ministry job as well. He was a carpenter, working in the rough and tough world of construction.

Jesus spent a great deal of time in the workplace, and people were always watching him. Many tried to trip him up, and they would even get angry when he wouldn't buckle under the pressure. But Jesus was always able to handle the stress of the workplace without compromising his character.

Isn't it amazing how a person can be a compromising employee one minute and an angelic church attendee the next? Unlike Jesus, a lot of us cannot resist the urge to compartmentalize our lives. We pull into the parking lot at work and leave our biblical principles in the car. Meanwhile, we take part in unethical decisions and compromising choices, thinking that it is somehow unrelated to our spiritual relationship.

We think that we can have our faith world in one corner and our work world in another corner. We divide our lives into segments and then make choices in one area and think that it doesn't affect the other areas in our life. But God never intended for our lives to be fragmented. Life only works when we take our faith with us everywhere we go, so that no matter what, we can represent the good character of Christ.

"Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him." Mark 6:3

That three letter word...part 2

Shaquille O'Neal is one of the tallest, most powerful players in professional basketball. His 7-foot, 325 pound body overpowers the biggest and strongest professional athletes in the game. But imagine what would happen if Shaq took his game to a pee-wee basketball league. I think it's safe to say it would be a lopsided contest.

If you view Jesus as a Shaquille O'Neal presence in a pee-wee world, then you have the wrong idea of who our Savior was. Jesus did not face the challenges of this world as God. He faced them as a man. Some of you may be thinking, "Sure Jesus was sinless; he was God. If I were as powerful as God, I'd be able to resist sin, too!" But even though Jesus was God, he was also fully human. He was limited in his divinity, and he was not above everyday struggles.

The evil one tries to make us feel alone and isolated whenever we're going through difficult times so that we don't go to the one person who can help. But always remember that we can go to Jesus, because he's been there and has experienced our pain. Through him, we will find the guidance we need to navigate the obstacles in our lives.

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
Philippians 2:5-7

That three letter word...

We all struggle with sin in our lives. But some of us like to rename it as an error or mistake and think that it's no big deal. Others downplay the severity of it by saying that it's just a white lie, or a gray area. But no matter how we choose to label it, sin is sin, and it separates us from God.

We mess up when we try to handle sin on our own. Thinking that we have the power to control our sin and its consequences, will ultimately spin us out of control. God knew we would struggle with sin. So he sent his son to take away the sins of the world. It's a free gift from our Savior. And all we have to do is accept it.

Once we accept Christ, our sins are no longer a part of us; they no longer have the power to hold us down. As a result, God can once again look at us and welcome us into his presence.

Don't convince yourself that sin is no big deal or that you can handle it on your own. Instead, surrender your sin to the one who has the power to take it away forever.

"John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29

Encounters

Politicians want the public to believe that they are just like their constituents. But no matter how much they try, they will never truly understand the needs of their voters unless they actually share the same type of lifestyle and live in similar communities.

Unlike politicians, Jesus never gives us an illusion of identity. He knew that it would be hard to convince people that living a godly life was possible unless he became flesh and actually lived it himself. So that's exactly what he did.

Just as he physically connected with people over two thousand years ago, he spiritually connects with us today on a level that we can understand. Jesus knows the things we struggle with in this life because he faced the same issues. He dealt with relationships and temptations—the same as we do today.

There will be times when you feel alone, and that no one understands what you are going through. But take comfort in knowing that Jesus has walked in your shoes, and understands exactly where you are. Trust in God as you deal with your daily struggles and allow him to help you walk through the storms. You are not alone!

"The Word (Jesus)became flesh and made his dwelling among us."
John 1:14

Be...

When you think about division, you probably think about separation. So on the surface, it seems paradoxical to say that God is into division. After all, God is about unity and adding people to his kingdom.

But if we look closely at the Scriptures, we can see that God made the decision for division a long time ago.

Division is apparent in his very essence and being: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—three in one, one in three.

Division is also apparent in the local church: God has divided different gifts into people's lives to reflect his character and personality.

Each of us has been given specific talents and gifts for the purpose of spreading his Word. We have our gifts to help reach others for his glory.

Think about your life. What talents or gifts has God given to you? Use those gifts the way that he intended. Because after all, that is how his mathematical equation will ultimately be completed—through each of us using the gifts he has divided among us to reach people who count to God.

Be the church!

Just Lust?

Lust speaks different languages to men and women. Men are physical creatures, so tempting thoughts often begin with some form of visual stimulation. A woman, on the other hand, can find herself knocking at the door of lust's temptation when a man plays on her emotions.

No matter what language it uses, we are not to entertain the thoughts that lust is trying to speak into our mind. Scripture tells us to think on things that are pure, admirable, noble, right, and lovely so that we can steer clear of temptation. In other words, we should only think about things that will build us up. And lustful thoughts, if we entertain them at all, are sure to tear us down.

God has given us the beautiful gift of sexual desire with the intention of sharing it with only one person—our spouse. So before you allow a tempting thought to warp its way into a harmful action, take a step back. Recognize the lies of lust. And allow God to replace those lustful thoughts with thoughts that will bring you closer to him. Just a thought-:o)

ATH









Most people would say that math is no fun. We tend to think of it as the subject in school that was just there to bring down our GPAs or cause us unneeded stress.

But math is important—especially in God's supernatural equation. And God's math is much more exciting than anything we may have done in school. But his math also gives us reason to pause, because it may not be what we think.

For example, subtraction doesn't have the same meaning it did for us in school. We think of subtraction as a loss. But in God's equation, subtraction is the one thing that actually allows us to have a connection with him.

Jesus' sole purpose for coming to earth, living a perfect life, dying a sacrificial death and rising again was to subtract the sin from our lives. He came to take away those things that keep us from a relationship with God. And if we are going to grow as believers, it is vital that we understand God's subtraction equation.

Think about your life today. What is God telling you to subtract from your life? Whatever it is, he wants you to subtract it so that you can grow. Turn to him and allow him to take away the sins in your life so that you can enjoy the life that he intends.

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away (subtracts) the sin of the world!"John 1:29

Can we really know...

In America, we enjoy freedom that many people throughout the world don't have the opportunity to experience. We can drive across state lines or fly coast-to-coast without the restriction of checking with some government agency first. We have the ability to buy what we want, wear what we want and live where we want.

Yet, as great as the freedom in America is, there is an even greater freedom that every citizen of the world has the opportunity to know. It is the freedom that comes through a relationship with Christ.

Before knowing Jesus Christ, we're each restricted in life, bound by sin. Even if we don't realize it, our sin holds us back from experiencing all that God has in store for us. After beginning a relationship with Christ, though, that restriction is released, the binding is broken. And we can walk through each day and into forever, eternally free.

So as you celebrate the freedom you've been given by the sacrifice of thousands of Americans in the past, remember the ultimate sacrifice paid for you—the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Acknowledge his sacrifice, accept the fact that he is God's son, and begin to walk alongside him. Then you will begin to understand true freedom.

"Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." Revelation 22:17

The Grace of Giving

Everyone is susceptible to greed whether we make twenty-five thousand or twenty-five million dollars a year. We convince ourselves that we deserve a nicer car, bigger house, fancier clothes, and more money. But no matter what amount of money you have, God has blessed you with it so that you can bless others.

There's nothing wrong with excelling in our careers or enjoying nice things. But God also wants us to excel in giving. When we are more concerned with keeping up with the Joneses than living the life God has in store for us, those things become problems in our lives.

Are you caught in the grip of greed and materialism? If so, it will drag you out of the sweet spot of God's success. God wants you to enjoy life. Start today by realizing that everything is from God and life is not just about obtaining things. It's also about excelling in the grace of giving.

"But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."2 Corinthians 8:7

We live in a fast-paced, move-it-or-lose-it society. We don't like to slow down because we think we'll miss out on the next big thing or incredible opportunity. We always want to be on top and ahead of the game. But when we zip through life like that, we miss out on the most incredible opportunities of all time—to bless those around us.

God wants to bless you. And he wants you to use those blessings to bless others. And that's not something you can do if you're flying through life at breakneck speeds.

Don't go through life overlooking the people who God has placed in your path. Take some time to slow down and take note of those around you. Ask God to show you opportunities where you can share your blessings. Remember, God blesses us so that we can bless others. Because when we do, we will experience the true power and excitement of living in the zone and being an audience of one - the one that made us.

"Build houses and settle down... seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you... Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Jeremiah 29:5&7

Child's Play

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

For many of us, this verse brings to mind our children's gifts or abilities socially, athletically or artistically speaking. Parents, and in particular fathers, love to see their kids excel outwardly. We push them to learn more, run faster or perform better. But all too often, we tend to forget about the most important aspect of our children's growth—character.

True success in life starts as an inward thing. It emerges out of a personal relationship with Christ. We, as parents, should be in the business of character training by first introducing our children to Christ and living out our own relationship with him. And that is a value that is more caught than taught.

As you walk down the rugged path of reality, your children are watching the character that you display. They watch you in traffic, at the store and on the phone. They're watching as you interact with people in every situation and circumstance. So lead by example. Teach them about what truly matters. And train them to display the character that God has designed for them — a character of generosity, integrity, honesty and compassion.

Happy Father's Day!

It’s good to be a man, isn’t it, men? “Why?” you women may be asking?
1: Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
2: A 5-day holiday requires only one suitcase.
3: When clicking through the channels, you don’t have to stall at every shot of somebody crying.
4: Guys in hockey masks don’t attack you ... unless you’re playing hockey.
5: Michael Bolton doesn’t live in your universe.
6: Car mechanics tell you the truth.
7: You can admire Clint Eastwood without starving yourself to look like him.
8: Gray hair and wrinkles only add character to men.
9: If another guy shows up at the party in the same outfit, you just might become lifelong buddies.
10: The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
That’s why-:o)

Happy Father's Day!

God moments!

We've all had those moments when something in nature captivated our attention, whether it was a multi-colored sunset, a snow covered mountain or a rainbow peering through the clouds. We've all seen something in nature that has caused us to stop what we were doing and gaze at the beauty of God's creation.

Those moments are testimonies of God's existence. They let us know that something greater than ourselves exists. They are examples of the different ways that God chooses to reveal himself to us.

However, that doesn't mean we can look at a mountain and be saved. But it does mean that God has placed enough evidence in the world for us to consider his existence and seek him out.

Take some time today to seek God and thank him for his creative beauty. From the refreshing rain to the glow of the moon, God wants you to see his handiwork and know that he did that for you. He's put reminders everywhere, so that you will never forget that he loves you, hoping that you will find your way to him.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

"When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'" Luke 19:5-6

Zacchaeus was a tax collector, a career that was notorious for being crooked. Many tax collectors used their authority to take advantage of people and extort money from them. Jesus, though, didn't let that stop him from going to Zacchaeus's house for a meal. And it shocked the religious people of the day.

Zacchaeus had come to see Jesus. And Jesus revealed himself to Zacchaeus, despite the disapproval of the religious elite. And in doing so, Jesus mirrored God's desire to reveal himself to man.

God knows we aren't perfect. Yet, he still wants us to have an intimate relationship with him. And he provided the way for that to happen.

Jesus is the only way to God. God did not send Jesus to turn people away; he sent Jesus to draw people near. And God isn't the one hiding. It is us who thinks we can hide from him. But God knows right where you are and is waiting to reveal himself to you.

The light of the world!

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ." Galatians 1:6-7

The apostle Paul traveled throughout the area around the town of Galatia preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. But during his travels, he received news that another group had entered the Galatian church and was spreading false teachings. So he wrote a letter to warn the people about the danger of listening to that false teaching.

That same warning speaks to you and me today. There are so many other religions in the world that teach something other than the gospel of Jesus Christ. And there is danger in listening to those teachings, because they are not the true gospel. As Paul writes, they are really "no gospel at all."

How can we be sure? Because of the work that Jesus Christ did on the cross. Every other religion in the world can be spelled "d-o." They teach us that there is something that we can do to get into a relationship with God.

Christianity, though, is spelled "d-o-n-e." Jesus has already done the work to bring you into a relationship with God. All you have to "do" is believe in Him and receive Him into your heart. And then, continue to turn to Him for His truth and His light in your life.

Justified by faith

"For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law." Romans 3:28

When someone asks you the question, "How do you get to heaven?" What is your response? For many people, the answer is, "Just be a good person. Do the right thing. Keep your nose clean. And pay your taxes."

What they are trying to say, basically, is that you can earn your way into heaven. But that's the wrong answer - you can't earn your way in. Even on your best days, you will never be "good" enough to get into heaven on your own merit.

Thankfully, God has taken care of that for us. He knows that we've messed up. And that's why he sent his son, Jesus Christ, to come to earth to live a perfect life and die a sacrificial death, shedding his perfect blood for our sins. He then rose from the grave and conquered death for us, so that we could live in eternity with him.

The Bible gives us the one and only answer for getting into heaven. It says that when we place our faith in Jesus, our sins are wiped clean. Once we call on God's Son through faith, and put our life in his hands, all God sees is the perfect blood of Jesus on our lives. And that is the only way we will enter into our eternal home with God in heaven.

God's Help!

Imagine calling your doctor to schedule an appointment. You begin to explain your symptoms to the nurse, when she abruptly stops you and tells you that the doctor is no longer seeing sick patients, only healthy ones.

As ridiculous as that sounds, it is exactly what some religions have done to God. They have tried to make God the doctor who doesn't care for or heal the sick. Other religions teach that God will only accept those who live righteous and perfect lives. They talk about the illness we all have called sin, but they put the responsibility on us to cure ourselves. That is not God's plan.

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:17

Jesus came so all of us could be healed. He wants us to come to him just the way we are. You don't get well and then go to the doctor; you go to the doctor so you can get well.

We don't have to be righteous to come to Jesus. We come to him so he can make us righteous in His sight. Don't try to live a perfect life. You don't have the power or ability. Instead, recognize your need for a doctor and turn to the only one who can heal you. Turn to Jesus because God's help fits your needs!

Stained? pt.2

There are great products on the market for removing stains from just about any surface; like carpet, furniture, clothes and more. Even with all the advanced technology of today, most of the stain removers still have to display a simple but important warning: "Use a color safe sponge or cloth."

If you have ever ignored that warning and used a dyed sponge, you'll remember how your carpet turned the color of your sponge, resulting in a stain worse than what was originally there.

Our best actions are like a non-color safe sponge or cloth. When we try to clean up a mess we've made, we end up making a bigger mess than before. We think we can use good deeds to clean up the stains our sins have left behind. But no matter what we do within our own power, the stains still remain.

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." Isaiah 64:6

Isaiah compares our righteous acts to filthy rags. We think we can rely on our good works to clean up the messes we've made. But God says even our best actions are stained. Our pride, selfishness or ignorance gets in the way of our actions being pure and clean.

Remember that God is the only one who can clean up our mess. He offers unlimited forgiveness. And when we seek his righteousness, he cleans our lives with the most powerful agent known to man — the blood of his son, Jesus Christ.

Doing life together.

"The Lord had said to Abram (Abraham), "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing."
Genesis 12:1-2

Abraham was given a great promise in Genesis 12. God told Abraham that his descendants would become a blessed nation and live in a blessed land. And through Abrahams' son, Isaac, that promise was fulfilled.

However, Abraham had another son named Ishmael who was not an heir to that promise. One son benefited from the promise, the other did not. Needless to say, that caused some tension.

The conflict in Israel between the Arab nations and the Israelites has biblical origins. Ishmael's descendents became the Arab nations. Isaac's decedents became Israel. And just as prophesied in Genesis 25:18, the hostility continues today.

In today's world (especially in America), we have a hard time understanding why that conflict can't be resolved. For us, the solution is as easy as drawing a few lines on a map. But it's much deeper than that. It takes a much more thorough understanding of the origin of the conflict.

If we want to share the truth about Jesus Christ with others, especially where there is long-standing tension and hostility, it requires more than just drawing lines. It requires taking the step of understanding. Because for someone to hear you, they must first be willing to listen. And for them to be willing to listen, you and I must first show them that we are willing to understand where they come from.

God and You!

Have you ever created conflict by saying something you didn't really mean to say? It is easy to let an errant word or unintended comment slip. But even though they were not planned, they can still be destructive.

When you are around people who believe something different than you, are you aware of the power of your words? Jokes, insults or snide comments can create fires that burn bridges. And they can be destructive to the work God wants to do through you.

While our words can do a lot of damage, they can also do good. Wise words are described in the Bible as having the ability to heal. When we have conversations with people of other faiths, we have the opportunity to share God's love with them. The right words can actually help lead them to a decision to heal their relationship with God. But those words don't always come easily.

God does not expect you to have all the right words all the time. But if you seek him out, he will provide you with the right things to say (Matthew 10:19-20). And as you seek to reveal His power through your words, you can begin to make an impact on the world around you as you reach out to others for Him and then God can truly be revealed in your life.

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18

Embrace Grace

Verbally wounding someone is easy. Cutting them down with our words takes little effort on our part.

Being a friend, though, can be difficult. Friendship takes a commitment to honesty and communication. And based on Proverbs, being a friend requires telling the truth—even when it hurts and enables people the opportunity to embrace grace!

Sadly, though, Christians tend to have a reputation for wounding others rather than being a friend. They have the reputation of hurting others with words rather than telling the truth in a way that shows compassion and caring.

If we are going to reach the world for Christ, we need to realize the role that our words play. God wants us to speak the truth in love to everyone, not in a way that wounds the people around us. Because when we show others that we can be trusted, like a friend, we can make an indelible imprint on their lives today and for eternity.

When you are confronted with someone who doesn't understand God's love, talk to them in a way that makes them feel cared for, not criticized. Because the words you choose go a long way toward introducing that person to the truth of Jesus Christ.

"Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Proverbs 27:5-6

AM!

"When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home." John 19:26-27

Mothers hold a special place in our lives. We run to them for protection as children, rebel from their discipline as teenagers and convince ourselves that they know little about being a young adult in a modern world. But ultimately, as we grow, we discover that our mother's love is unmatched and unwavering.

Jesus experienced that very kind of love from his mother. She was there with him through every step of his life. She allowed him to grow and become the man God had designed him to be, but she was never far away—even at the foot of the cross. Her love for her son, and her Savior, was unmatched and unwavering.

This weekend, we celebrate mothers around the world. It's a time to reflect on all that they have done in our lives. It's a time to thank them for the protection and guidance they have provided. But more importantly, it's a time to thank God for sending someone into our lives who can see past our childishness, rebellion and self-importance; someone who loves us so much that the only title appropriate is, Mom.

Impossible?

"I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith."
Romans 1:11-12

There is something encouraging about looking to the example of someone who has been where you want to go or done what you want to do.

As children, we look to our older siblings or friends to let us know that we'll survive our freshman year. We look to couples who have children to help us feel a little more prepared for the difficulties of parenthood. And the same holds true in our spiritual walk.

During difficult times, there will be periods of doubt in your journey with God. But during those times, look to those who have gone before you and be encouraged by their stories of faith. No matter what you are facing, God can use the faith of others to encourage you - because impossible is nothing!

Did you forget?

Most people know the Bible story of David and Goliath. It's one of the most recognized and re-told stories in the Bible. It's a story of strength and determination. But most of all, it's a story of overcoming doubt.

Goliath, a Philistine giant, taunted, challenged and threatened the people of Israel for 40 days straight, morning and night. All the people of Israel, including King Saul and all his soldiers were afraid. They doubted their abilities and would not stand up to fight.

Yet David, a shepherd boy from Canaan, overcame all doubt. No matter how high the odds were stacked against him, David's faith in God's abilities gave him the courage to stand and fight. David trusted that God was bigger than anything or anyone he would face. And because of that, he defeated the giant.

You may be facing some insurmountable odds right now. You may be overwhelmed by your doubts. But no matter what the odds are or how big your giant seems, remember that God is bigger. And through your constant faith in him, you too, can overcome your doubts and fears to slay your giant. Never forget the wonders that occured all throughout the Bible when people put their trust in Jesus.

David said to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him... The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
1 Samuel 17:32, 37

Stained?

"From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him."John 6:66

Everyone knows the captain is supposed to go down with his ship. It is a sign of loyalty, a sign of courage. Many of Jesus' early followers later came to think that he was a sinking ship. And because Jesus challenged his followers and told them that they would face difficulties, even more of them abandoned the ship and doubted whether following him was the right thing to do.

Following Jesus was not easy back then, and it hasn't gotten any easier today. Jesus challenges us and tells us that we're going to face difficult times. The question is: are we willing to stand with him through it all?

The followers who left Jesus missed out on the amazing things he did while he was here on earth. But those who stayed with him had a front row seat to the greatest events in history. And they became part of the movement of Christ that literally changed the world through the blood stained cross!

So when you begin to doubt whether following Jesus is the right thing to do, think back to those first followers. Look to their example and remember that even when times get tough, Jesus is there to take you to places you have never gone before and he wants to show you things you have never seen. Follow him, trust in him, and let Jesus prove Himself to the world through you because, as His follower, you have been - stained clean.

The Point?

"You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
John 6:67-69

"To whom shall we go?" When you think about it, Peter's question here is more of a declaration. Peter knew Jesus was the only one who was able to give meaning to life. And he knew there was no better place for him to be.

Peter wasn't perfect. He had his shortcomings. But when it came down to it, Peter recognized that Jesus was greater than anything or anyone else. And he was willing to put aside all his doubts and continue following the one he had seen work miracles and change lives.

When you are faced with doubts in your life and think you may want to bail on Jesus, take a moment to ask yourself what Peter asked. "To whom shall I go?" Take inventory of what God has done in your life. And realize that no matter what circumstances or problems you may be facing, that Jesus is the only one who can help you overcome them - that's the point! www.get2thepointe.com

An Awesome Discovery!

"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish."
John 6:9 & 11

The crowd was gathered. They were tired, hungry and needed to eat. So the disciples suggest that Jesus send them home. But Jesus says something that seems odd, even impossible. He tells them to prepare for a meal. He plans on feeding the entire crowd with just five small loaves and two small fish!

Understandably, the disciples respond with doubt. The odds were stacked against them. But Jesus wasn't concerned with the odds. Instead, he overcame them.

There are times in our lives when the odds seem stacked against us. And it's during those times that our doubt can trump our understanding. The situation we are facing can seem insurmountable. But Jesus isn't concerned with the odds, because he can overcome any obstacle.

Whatever odds you are facing in your life, remember that through Jesus, anything is possible. Don't become frozen in your doubt. Instead, move forward in faith and discover all he can do in your life!

Many of Jesus' followers had a front row seat to the miracles he performed. They watched firsthand as he gave sight to a blind man, healed the lame and brought the dead back to life. Yet, when Jesus called for Lazarus to walk out from the tomb, one of his followers, Martha, doubted that he could perform such a miracle. Yet in the face of her doubt, Jesus called to Lazarus. And Lazarus walked out of the tomb.

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. "Take away the stone," he said."But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days."
John 11:38-39

Most of us today would probably look for the smoke and mirrors. We would have trouble believing that such a miracle could happen. But in the face of our doubts, no matter how strong or cynical, Jesus is still the miracle worker.

Don't let your doubt keep you from experiencing the life-changing power of Jesus. Instead, watch him work in your life and the lives of those around you. And trust that he can do anything, even the miraculous, in your life today.

I'll believe it when I see it!

"I'll believe it when I see it!" It is a common phrase of doubt, an expression we use when we really just want more proof. Thomas basically used the same expression in the upper room when it came to Jesus' resurrection. And here, we see that Jesus responded in a unique way. "...blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Then Jesus told him [Thomas], "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, said that believing without seeing is the lifestyle of all Christ-followers (2 Cor. 5:7). It is during those times when we can't see the whole picture that our faith has the opportunity to grow the most. That's also when doubt can come into play. And we have to choose whether or not we turn to Jesus and give him our full trust and faith.

If there's something in your life that's causing you to doubt, turn that over to Christ. Because it's during those times of doubt that we have the opportunity to turn to the One who can help us truly live by faith and not by sight.

Time to exercise

The diet industry is one of the most successful and prosperous industries in the world. From self-help books and tapes to meal supplements and plans, diet gurus feverishly promote their products and ideas. But no matter how much you tweak your diet, you will not see maximum results unless you exercise.

The same is true when it comes to our spiritual health. Yes, we must feed on the Word of God, and the church is the table where we come to be fed. But if all we do is eat and eat and eat, then eventually we'll get too heavy, unable to move about and exercise.

Feeding on the Word of God provides us with the fuel we need to get out and serve others. True spiritual maturity is all about pushing away from the table and exercising. It's about doing the will of God, not just hearing it. "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22

Don't grow complacent with simply feeding on the bread of life; take what you learn and use that fuel to serve others.