A metamorphosis!
"That's all I can stands...I can't stands no more!" - Popeye. A wise man. And hearing that quote got me thinking. What can I "stands no more"?
Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Church in suburban Chicago, used this quote as the basis for his message at their Leadership Summit. I was given the CD of this message by a good friend at Crown Financial Ministries. During a drive from ATL to Charlotte in July I listened to the CD. Over and over and over.
I do have a lot of things that I can't stand. (Do you?) First and foremost? People living without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I did it for 24 years. Why? I'm sure a lot of reasons why, not the least of which was stubbornness, self-righteousness, and a doggedly persistent desire to be right in my own mind. (still have that desire, working on taking it down some more notches)
This lens is a result of my desire to see YOU discover a personal relationship with the One I love. And from that relationship, take to heart God's admonition & promise in Isaiah 58... "Get rid of the chains you use to hold others down. Stop pointing your finger at others as if they had done something wrong. Stop saying harmful things about them. Work hard to feed hungry people. Satisfy the needs of those who are crushed. Then my blessing will light up your darkness. And the night of your suffering will become as bright as the noonday sun. I will always guide you. I will satisfy your needs in a land that is baked by the sun. I will make you stronger. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water. You will be like a spring whose water never runs dry..." (from my daughter's Bible, the New International Readers Version)
Once Jesus Christ is Lord of your life, all the other things on this lens will make a whole lot more sense. You'll want to explore these sites I've explored, you'll want to learn more...grow more...live more.
Success in life isn't what I originally thought it was. The other folks I link to here agree. They've got a lot to say on the subject. Some may not be Christians, but I know "everything works together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them" (Romans 8:28 NLB) So, I use them. Albeit cautiously.
Go ahead. Take the first step. You can argue with me, but the fact of the matter is that you do need a Savior. Who you choose to be that Savior means everything. For over two decades, I chose myself. Who do you choose? Open a Bible and read this passage from Isaiah. (pretty deep) Then hop over and read John. After that, take some time in Romans. Then come back here. I'd love to read your comments about your journey.
Work hard to feed the hungry
Satisfy the needs of those who are crushed
- A Call to Prayer on World AIDS Day
- This is not about the sin which resulted in the proliferation of this disease...the sins happened and there's no turning back. Rather, it's about the redemptive work of Jesus Christ in these peoples' lives as a result of trusting Him. We've all got disease in our lives, it's just that sometimes the disease isn't manifested outwardly. But it's disease nonetheless. And through Christ there's forgiveness...and healing.
- Physical and Spiritual Food
- Samaritan's Purse livestock and agricultural projects communicate God's concern and compassion to families in rural villages.
- Chickens for Church Planters
- Samaritan's Purse chicken projects provide nutritious food and a means of income for impoverished families.
- Atlanta's Hosea Feed The Hungry
- Hosea Williams was a man I respected. He had a great BIG heart. Most importantly, he knew Jesus Christ as His Savior. Yet, Hosea was forever getting into trouble for some irresponsible behavior or another. Did this cause him to lose his salvation? Absolutely not. Hosea is enjoying being in God's presence right now. He was a flawed man, like you and I are. But look at the legacy this flawed man left.
Then My blessing will light up your darkness
And the night of your suffering will become as bright as the noonday sun
- Springboard Forward
- Springboard Forward (Springboard) is an award winning on-the-job coaching and mentoring service. Springboard improves the lives of entry-level and low-wage earners and helps businesses enhance worker effectiveness and performance. At Springboard, a job is just the beginning.
- Barnabas Ministries in Georgia
- To help men upon their release from prison become productive citizens by developing a strong work ethic, necessary life skills, and a vital relationship with Jesus Christ.
- LifeChurch.tv
- Church On-Line. Great stuff.
- Ministry Watch
- Skeptical that a ministry is doing what they say they're doing? This website watches. It's nice to know when I give to a ministry, my money is actually going toward the things they said it would.
Jesus said "Feed my sheep..."
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAfter reading this lens or being linked to another site from here...
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Rebel with a Cause
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Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot
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When God Whispers Your Name
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Finding Peace: God's Promise of a Life Free from Regret, Anxiety, and Fear
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God is in Control
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Stop, drop, and roll doesn't work in hell
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